How do your guides help travelers interpret historical landmarks , iconic sights , traditional lore or a display of typical culture ? In the Irish language , the word “ seanchai ” means storyteller , keepers of ancient folklore who have acted as custodians of history for centuries . We are passionate about preserving the rich tradition of stories passed from person to person . Whether we are taking our guests to Ireland , Scotland , England or other destinations , our friendly guides keep history alive through a spirit of storytelling , transforming travel into an unforgettable journey . Beyond our tour directors with deep destination knowledge , most CIE Tours vacations also include walking tours conducted by local experts in towns like Waterford and Derry in Ireland ; Windsor , England ; and Florence , Italy . Both our tour directors and local guides offer their personal experiences of the destination . While not on tour , our guides return to their local communities , often working at the family business or farm .
How can tour guests find unique excursions to get a real sense of place along their journey ? Our long-standing local relationships mean guests will have access to exclusive venues and authentic experiences . On each itinerary , we ’ ve selected excursions that give our guests a true sense of place . Some experiences unique to CIE Tours guided vacations include :
• An evening of traditional Irish music complete with a pint and BBQ dinner with the Hurl family , owners of The Crosskeys Inn in Antrim , the oldest thatched roof pub in Ireland dating back to 1654
• Irish language lesson and private dinner with entertainment at Muckross Schoolhouse
• Storytelling or trad ( traditional ) music evenings in historic Irish pubs
• Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge , England
• A private tour , tasting and music at Irish Whiskey Museum
• The chance to sip Irish Coffee atop Donegal ’ s spectacular Slieve League cliffs
Tell our readers about what travelers can expect from a culinary perspective . All our destinations have a robust farmto-table scene , so expect fresh food that ’ s locally sourced and follows the seasons . As part of our itineraries , guests will have delicious , hot breakfasts every morning . Many dinners are included with the group either in the hotel or at a local restaurant . All included dinners are three-course meals with a choice of appetizer , entrée and dessert , with tea or coffee included . Guests will also have free time to dine on their own and experience authentic pubs and restaurants . Our tour guides can recommend the best places to try , whether a particular cuisine or a genuine local experience . Many of the itineraries also have tasting and immersive dining experiences , including :
• Tea and scones at a local farmhouse after a sheepdog demonstration in rural Ireland
• Handmade ice cream made with milk from local Kerry cows at the original Murphy ’ s Ice Cream location in Dingle , Ireland
• A tomato-centric lunch among the plants in the greenhouse of Fridheimar Tomato Farm in Reykholt , Iceland
• Wine tasting in the scenic hill town of Orvieto , Italy
• Whisky tasting at a renowned Scottish distillery , Blair Athol
• A Sunday roast lunch in a local English pub ( a beloved British tradition )
• Dinner and beer tasting at familyowned Walled City Brewery , housed in a former army barracks in the heart of Derry
Highland cattle
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