Itinerary: 2 Test Tour –
Ireland & England
Friday 25 November 2016 – Reims to Paris / Paris to Dublin
After checking in at your Dublin hotel, the day is yours to explore this great city and to also soak up the fantastic atmosphere ahead of tomorrow’s third match of the Qantas Wallabies 2016 Spring Tour against Ireland.
We are located in the heart of the city, which is the perfect place to discover the history, culture and ambience unique to Dublin. Within walking distance of the hotel are some of Dublin’s top attractions – Trinity College, Dublin Castle, St Stephens Green and Grafton Street (Dublin’s principal shopping district). A wealth of museums, galleries and cultural centres are dotted around the city centre and are within easy reach from the Trinity Capital’s central location. Take a 5 minute walk to Temple Bar, to experience Dublin’s cultural quarter and the hub of Dublin’s nightlife - famous for its abundance of cafes, music bars and restaurants.
Overnight: Jurys Inn Parnell Street, Dublin or similar
Saturday 26 November 2016 – Dublin Sightseeing Tour + Ireland v Australia at Aviva Stadium
This morning after breakfast we will depart on a half day sightseeing tour of Dublin with a local guide.
As part of the tour, entrance to Trinity College/Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse is included.
The Book of Kells housed in Trinity College, is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.
We finish at the world famous Guinness Storehouse, set in the grounds of the Guinness Brewery. After seeing how Ireland’s most famous export is created and marketed on a self-led tour, we can sample a free pint of Guinness in the Skybar, offering incredible 360 degree views of Dublin.
This evening, it’s Game 4 for the Wallabies of their 2016 Spring Tour, as we head to the old Landsdowne Road Stadium for another great match against Ireland.
The Wallabies have a great history of defeating Ireland in Internationals, but the last few fixtures have seen both teams taste victory. Our most recent visit to Aviva Stadium was last year where Ireland defeated the Wallabies 26-23.
Kick Off: TBAVenue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Overnight: Jurys Inn Parnell Street, Dublin or similar
Sunday 27 November 2016 – Dublin Free Day
Today is at your leisure to explore Dublin. For those who are looking to just unwind simply venture into one of the many Irish pubs and help yourself to a famous Irish Stew, washed down with a smooth Guinness. While Dublin's history is as rich and colourful as any of its European neighbours, the city's greatest drawcard remains the Dubliners themselves. Garrulous, amiable and witty, they are the greatest of hosts, providing a life affirming experience that will restore your faith in human nature.
Overnight: Jurys Inn Parnell Street, Dublin or similar
Monday 28 November 2016 – Dublin to Galway
This morning we say farewell to Dublin and on our way to Galway. As we drive through the rolling hills of Ireland, we arrive in to Galway which is legendary for its bohemian traditions, brightly painted pubs, cobbled streets and eclectic entertainment scene.
Overnight: Radisson Blu, Galway or similar
Tuesday 29 November 2016 – Galway to Killarney via the Cliffs of Moher
Today we leave Galway and head south to visit the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. From the Cliffs you can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.
We then continue down Ireland’s west coast to County Kerry and the charismatic town of Killarney where you will experience some of the most picturesque scenery in the Emerald Isle and Mother Nature’s greatest work.
In town this evening we can explore Killarney’s fine restaurants and traditional pubs, and there’s every chance of catching some live Irish music!
Overnight: Randles Court, Killarney or similar
Wednesday 30 November 2016 – Ring of Kerry
Today is a full day tour of the spectacular region known as the ‘Ring of Kerry’. We will travel around and through the mountains that form the ‘Ring of Kerry’ – The Slieve Miskh Mountains, MacGillikuddy’s Reeks and the Caha Mountains, and you will have an opportunity to view some of the most stunning scenery that Ireland has to offer.
This evening we will return to Killarney.
Overnight: Randles Court, Killarney or similar
Thursday 1 December 2016 – Killarney to Cork
After breakfast today we depart for Blarney Castle where you will have the chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it all who kiss the stone are bestowed with verbal eloquence or “the gift of the gab.” You will never be lost for words again!
We then travel to the friendly Irish city of Cork. The city centre is an island surrounded by the River Lee and packed with Georgian parades, 17th century alleys and traditional snug pubs with a thriving live music scene most nights.
Enjoy your final Gunniness tonight in the homeland as we travel to London ready to witness another rugby spectacle at Twickenham.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork or similar
Friday 2 December 2016 – Cork to London + West End Theatre London
Following breakfast we depart Ireland and travel to London for what will be the final few nights of this year’s tour.
Upon arrival into this great city, you will have time to settle into your room, freshen up before we make our way to West End to enjoy one of London's best Musical Theatre shows.
Tonight is a great chance to sample the nightlife on offer from this city that never seems to sleep.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Westminster, London or similar
Saturday 3 November 2014 - City Tour London + England v Australia at Twickenham
This morning you will take in a half day sightseeing tour of everything that is London and view those famous landmarks you have heard so much about. From Trafalgar Square to Tower Bridge, Big Ben to Buckingham Palace – you can see them all up close.
The afternoon is yours to get into game mode and soak up the atmosphere around the city before tonight's match. Why not head to Convent Garden to have lunch and a pint before making your way to Twickenham for tonight's match.
Tonight’s match against the old enemy will close the chapter on the 2016 Spring Tour. We’ll make the trip to the spiritual home of Rugby – Twickenham Stadium, for what promises to be a spectacular finale.
Playing for the Cook Cup (and bragging rights) England will be in full force ready to reclaim their reputation on home soil following their shocking defeat by the Wallabies during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Regardless of the final score, with over 81,000 fans at Twickenham it is sure to be a exhilarating match and one that won't be forgotten.
Match: England v AustraliaKick Off: TBAVenue: Twickenham, London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Westminster, London or similar
Sunday 4 December, 2016 – Free day of London
After your orientation tour yesterday, today is yours to explore London and all it's famous attractions in depth. Cruise the Thames, see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, or visit the prime meridian and Greenwich Royal Observatory.
If museums are your thing, try the Tate Modern, the National History Museum, the Science Museum, or Churchill's War Rooms just for a start.
For sports fans, why not take a tour of Wimbledon, the London 2012 Olympic sites, or state of the art Premier League Football facilities at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge or Arsenal's Emirates Stadium?
For the more adventurous, there are also some great day trips from London, including Brighton and Windsor Castle.
Tonight you will be our guest at our Tour farewell dinner, where we can reminisce about the all the exciting times over the last 3 weeks.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Westminster, London or similar
Monday 5 December, 2016 - End of Tour
All good things must come to an end and today marks the end of your Spring Tour for 2016.