CIE Tours, a specialist in tours to Ireland and Scotland is rolling out a new luxury experience for travellers. Guests may now add a private chauffeur to any FIT itineraries created by CIE’s Luxury Program Executives.

The chauffeured option is available for any number of passengers, whether it is a romantic getaway for two people, or a small group celebration among family and friends. Packages are 100 per cent customizable and can include holiday stays in 4- or 5-star hotels or area castles, while also incorporating local cultural options.

"The deserving traveler wants every detail customized and we are now able to cater to these customers", stated Carol Doherty, Vice President of Sales at CIE Tours International.

All CIE drivers are experienced and familiar with area attractions and provide informal commentary on the local area. At the beginning of the trip travellers discuss their itinerary with the driver to ensure they see the places that are important to them.

Available chauffeur–drive vehicles include a sedan for two people, a multi-person vehicle (MPV) for four people or a minibus or small coach for groups of eight or more.

Also included are pick up and drop off at any international airport in Ireland or Britain; comprehensive insurance, gasoline, tolls and parking; pre-booked hotels as required; full breakfast daily, except on day of arrival; driver's accommodation, meals and expenses; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person; and concierge services of a dedicated CIE Tours’ travel expert to coordinate tour planning.

Suggested Itineraries

Although all itineraries are custom-created to meet the travellers' needs, CIE Tours has a number of suggested itineraries for first-time visitors:

Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Dublin

Meet your driver and travel to Kildare, about 30 miles. Rest and relax in your hotel, play a round of golf or use the extensive leisure facilities. Suggested stay: Kildare Country Club, Straffan

Day 2: Explore Kildare & Kilkenny

Visit the National Stud & Gardens to see thoroughbred horses and charming gardens. Drive to Kilkenny for a guided walking tour of the compact medieval center and visit the castle.

Day 3: Connemara Region

Drive to Galway and take a trip through the scenic Connemara region. Explore Galway city with its two cathedrals or take a boat ride on Lough Corrib. Suggested stay: The G Hotel, Galway

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney

Enjoy the magnificent views from the famed Cliffs of Moher. Stop at the Bunratty Folk Park or tour Limerick’s King John’s Castle. Drive to Killarney and take a jaunting car ride. Suggested stay: Sheen Falls Hotel, Kenmare

Day 5: Ring of Kerry or Beara Peninsula

Choose the popular Ring of Kerry route or the lesser-known Beara Peninsula, stopping in colorful villages and to admire panoramic views.

Day 6: Blarney & Rock of Cashel

Head to Dublin, traveling via Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone. Stop to view the awesome church ruins at the Rock of Cashel. Suggested stay: Merrion or Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin

Day 7: Explore Dublin

Tour Dublin’s principal sights such as Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Guinness Storehouse. Shop in the Grafton Street area and visit some of the famous old pubs.

Day 8: Depart Dublin Airport

Scotland

Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh

Meet your driver at the airport and drive to Pitlochry via St Andrews, or stop at Scone Palace, outside Perth. Suggested stay: Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry

Day 2: Royal Deeside

Journey north to explore Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle, Highland home of the Royal Family. Or visit Blair Castle and Blair Athol Distillery.

Day 3: Highlands & Whisky Triangle

Travel past the Cairngorms National Park, stopping to visit the Highland Folk Museum. Drive via Grantown-on-Spey in the heart of the Whisky Triangle and tour a distillery or two. Suggested stay: Rocpool Reserve Hotel, Inverness

Day 4: North Sea & Black Isle

Today visit sights along the North Sea coast such as Culloden Battlefield and Cawdor Castle. Or explore the Black Isle, a peninsula north of Inverness and discover the spa town of Strathpeffer.

Day 5: Loch Ness Exploration

Drive south along the shores of Loch Ness. Visit the huge ruins of Urquhart Castle and perhaps take a cruise on the lake to spot “Nessie” from Fort Augustus. Suggested stay: Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William

Day 6: Loch Lomond & Stirling

Travel through Glen Coe and part of the Loch Lomond National Park to reach the lovely scenery of the Trossachs region. Visit Stirling Castle on your way to Edinburgh. Suggested stay: Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh

Day 7: Edinburgh Tour

Explore Scotland’s capital with a drive through the New Town and the Royal Mile. Visit Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the National Museum of Scotland.

Day 8: Depart Edinburgh Airport 

CIE Tours recently announced the launch of all new website and brochure created for Canadian travellers.

For more information, visit www.cietours.com/Canada

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