Anyone have any experience with "Exploring Ireland" Tour group?

Ian · Member

Anyone have any experience with "Exploring Ireland" Tour group?

Maggie117 · Guru

Hello, Michele referred me to CIE Tours International. Last time in Ireland I drove my parents everywhere! This time I wanted someone else to do the driving (full escorted bus tour). CIE offers both...they've been around a long time and have great reviews. This is the only knowledge I have of Ireland tours...

-- Edited by Maggie117 on Friday 26th of March 2010 07:05:09 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ian,

I had a look at exploringireland.net. I think that is the one you are looking at? Basically they are a travel agent who is reselling CIE tours and CIE "go as you please" fly/drive/voucher packages.

We have had many, many discussions on the forum in the past of the pros and cons of using vouchers in Ireland. The general consensus is that unless the package deal is an absolutely fantastic value that you cannot turn down, it is best not to get it. Vouchers for B&Bs and hotels greatly reduce the number of places you can stay in Ireland. Perhaps 1/4 to 1/3 of accommodations in Ireland accept them. That leaves 3/4 to 2/3 where you cannot stay with vouchers. Also, with that plan your car rental will most likely have lots of "extras" that you must pay for on top of the price paid for the car to the travel agency.

Before purchasing you must read all the fine print and know exactly what you are getting into.

In order to put together your own package you need airfare, car and B&B or hotel reservations. Most of us prefer a DIY approach to putting the pieces together ourselves.

Let me know if you need more feedback on the issue.

Michele

Michele Erdvig · Host

Ian,

Did you know that I do custom itineraries? I am not a travel agent and don't book reservations for flights, cars or accommodations. But I do tell you:

Where to go & overnight stops
What to see and do every day
Where to stay

Plus a lot more depending on the plan you choose: http://www.irelandyes.com/itinerary.html Note that I do charge for that personalized service. But everything on the forum is free.

Michele