Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your Irish adventure begins.

Turas Ireland · Help Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your Irish adventure begins.

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Booking & Reservations

FAQ – Turas Ireland

What's Included

What is the best time to visit Europe?

Many people like to visit Europe in the summer when the weather tends to be warmer and drier and there is more daylight. However, prices are lower in the autumn, winter, and spring — airfares cost less and popular attractions are less crowded. Winter travel has its own delights: Christmas markets have been growing in popularity in Ireland and Britain, and holiday decorations make our destinations sparkle. If you'd like to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, late fall to early spring is the ideal time.

How can I book my Turas Ireland Tours vacation?

You can easily check dates, prices, and book on our website at www.turasireland.ie, or call our reservations team directly at +1 855-547-3854. We accept most major credit cards as well as debit cards. Your online transactions are secure, and all payment details are entered on a secure page and transmitted over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). As an additional security measure, we require CVV2/CVC2 verification on all credit card and debit card transactions.

What is included with the price of the tour shown online?

The price you see on the website is per person based on two guests sharing a room. Pricing for solo travelers can be found in the first step of the booking process, once you have selected your departure. Our All-In Inclusive Advantage means that we include all the necessary ingredients for a successful tour. Many competitors charge additional fees for sightseeing and dinner/shows which can add up. Great hotel accommodations, full breakfast every day, most dinners, some lunches, special evening entertainment, pre-paid admission fees to attractions and the services of an expert Tour Director are all included in the upfront price. Airfare, travel protection and pre-and post-nights are not included.

Are flights included in the price of the tour?

Airfare is not included in the price of the tour shown online but can be purchased though the CIE Tours air department.

Can I book extra hotel nights before or after my tour?

We encourage you to book extra nights before or after your tour and would be happy to assist. You can use the extra days to get settled in, explore more of the destination and provide a buffer for unexpected travel delays.

Payment

What type of deposit do I need to put down to reserve my trip?

A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required for all guided coach vacation packages, walking & hiking tours and all self-drive vacations. Deposits are required within 5 days of making the reservation or the quote will automatically expire. Certain exclusive promotions may require higher deposits or payment in full. Group and custom private driver deposits vary and are governed by individual contracts.

When is final payment due?

Full payment must be made no later than 70 days prior to departure date for vacation packages, self-drive trips and private driver vacations. If payment is not received as scheduled, the reservation will automatically cancel, and the land deposit payment will be forfeited. Final payment terms may vary for custom group tours.

What if I have to cancel or change my vacation?

CIE Tours must be notified of changes or cancellations either by phone or via email to [email protected] prior to tour departure. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that any notification of cancellation is received by CIE Tours and notification shall be deemed to have taken place on the date of receipt by CIE Tours. Minimum cancellation penalty is the deposit amount. See complete information on changes and cancellations here.

Special Tour Designations

What is a small group departure?

Small groups provide all the wonderful features of our regular guided vacations, with one key difference: we limit the trip to 26 guests. We use the same large luxury coach with panoramic views from every seat, the same expertly designed itineraries, and the same insider access, just with fewer people. The exception to this is our Walking & Hiking tours of Ireland, which are always limited to 16 guests and use smaller vehicles, perfectly suited for exploring the scenic trails and the landscapes.

What is a Tattoo departure?

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular pageant of musicians and performers held each August against the dramatic backdrop of the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. All tours that include an Edinburgh hotel stay during Tattoo season include tickets for reserved seating at this world-famous event.

Trip Protection

Should I consider travel protection?

We recommend guests purchase travel protection prior to your trip to safeguard your travel investment and your well‐being while on vacation. You can either include CIE Tours’ Travel Protection with your booking or purchase insurance independently. We recommend that any insurance purchased independently should cover Trip Interruption, Travel Delay and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation and Medical Expenses.

Can I purchase travel protection from CIE Tours?

CIE Tours’ Travel Protection Plan, offered through Trip Mate to U.S. guests, can be added during the online booking process, by a CIE Tours reservations agent or by your Travel Agent [email protected]. Plan coverage only becomes effective upon receipt by CIE Tours of the plan cost, which is required within 14 days of trip deposit. Your final documents will contain your plan number to reference at www.tripmate.com. For more information, visit TRIP PROTECTION | CIE Tours

What are the offerings of the CIE Tours Travel Protection plan?

The CIE Tours’ plan F429T permits you to cancel your trip up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure for a specified reason for cash reimbursement and up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise specified for reimbursement in the form of travel vouchers Part A. The plan also protects you and your belongings while on your trip Plan B. See more information here.

Do you offer a different travel protection plan for groups?

CIE Tours offers a custom insurance plan for groups of 10 or more. Please visit www.cietours.com/travel-protection for more information or contact your travel agent [email protected] or the CIE Tours Groups department at [email protected].

About Guided Coach Tours

FAQ – Turas Ireland

Coach Travel

Is tipping for tour staff included?

Tipping for tour staff is not included, but our tour crews go out of their way to make sure each experience during your vacation is nothing short of exceptional and appreciate recognition for their service. You are welcome to present individual tips to your tour staff in an envelope at the end of your vacation, payable in local currency.

Below are suggested minimum tipping amounts, per person/per day based on whether you are traveling on a standard motorcoach departure, small group departure or with a private driver.

Ireland:

Driver/Guide (1-person crew) €10 per person, per day; for small group departures, €13 per person, per day

Driver/Guide for Walking & Hiking (1-person crew) €20 per person, per day

Tour Director (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Driver (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Guide for walking or city tour €2 per person, per day

Private Driver for chauffeur vehicles €25 per person, per day

England, Scotland or Wales:

Tour Director (part of 2-person crew) £7 per person, per day; for small group departures, £8 per person, per day

Driver (part of 2-person crew) £7 per person, per day; for small group departures, £8 per person, per day

Guide for walking or city tour £2 per person, per day

Private Driver for chauffeur vehicles £20 per person, per day

Iceland:

Tour Director (part of 2-person crew) $7 per person, per day; for small group departures, $8 per person, per day

Driver (part of 2-person crew) $7 per person, per day; for small group departures, $8 per person, per day

Private Driver for chauffeur vehicles $25 per person, per day

Italy:

Tour Director (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Driver (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Guide for walking or city tour €2 per person, per day

Private Driver for chauffeur vehicles €25 per person, per day

Spain:

Tour Director (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Driver (part of 2-person crew) €7 per person, per day; for small group departures, €8 per person, per day

Guide for walking or city tour €2 per person, per day

What are the coaches like?

Our comfortable coaches feature oversized windows, reclining seats, overhead storage, USB charging ports and free Wi-Fi. You’ll have comfortable assigned seats which will rotate each day to give everyone a chance to sit towards the front of the motorcoach. Always wear your seat belts and stay seated while the motorcoach is moving; it’s the law. If you suffer from motion sickness, you should bring medication with you.

What can I bring on the coach with me?

In addition to your suitcase, which gets stored separately on the coach, you can bring a personal item such as a purse or your CIE Tours backpack and one piece of carry-on luggage onto the coach with you. The carry-on must be soft sided, without wheels, and must be small enough to fit under the coach seat.

Are there restrooms on the coaches?

Most of our coaches are equipped with emergency restrooms. However, for safety reasons they cannot be used when the coach is in motion. The coach makes frequent rest/bathroom stops at two-hour intervals or less, for the comfort of all passengers.

Are the tours handicap accessible?

Our coaches are not handicap accessible, so you must be able to get on and off the coach unaided by CIE Tours staff and be able to rotate seats on the coach. If you need extra walking assistance, you may bring a walker or a lightweight, fully collapsible wheelchair that can be stowed in the luggage compartment. You must advise us in advance during the booking process that you will be using a wheelchair or other medical equipment and must also travel with a companion who can push the wheelchair.

Would a coach tour be suitable for a honeymoon trip?

After the stress of organizing a wedding, many newly married couples choose our tours as they are happy to have their honeymoon planned for them. Some enjoy the camaraderie of a group trip, and those looking for a more romantic option might consider a self-drive trip or private driver tour.

On Tour

How many people will be on my tour?

Our standard tours have about 35 guests traveling on coaches that hold a maximum of 44. We also have Small Group Departures with no more than 26 guests on a full-sized coach. Look for the “SG” notation on the calendar page found on cietours.com after clicking “Dates & Prices” to find a departure date that works for you. If you are interested in a smaller group, you may be interested in our custom groups for 10 or more passengers or our private driver vacations for up to 9 travelers.

What is a day on a coach tour like?

Your Tour Director will provide you with a schedule for each day, but in general the tour day begins between 8:00 – 9:00am and arrival at the hotel for that evening is usually between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. We generally incorporate a sightseeing feature each morning and afternoon. There are breaks at two-hour intervals or less so that you get a chance to stretch your legs, purchase a snack or lunch, take photos, or use a restroom.

Will my Tour Director be a local guide?

CIE Tours could not exist without our great local Tour Directors – they are the envy of the travel industry. From the moment you land, your Tour Director is there to welcome you, handle your luggage, drive you from place to place and provide daily commentary. Tour Directors help make history and culture come alive and create a superb experience with daily doses of humor, information, and assistance.

How much walking is involved on the tour?

Many of our tours incorporate walking tours in interesting locations; most in Ireland and Britain are leisurely paced guided walks. Destinations such as Italy, Iceland & Spain are more active with itineraries that including walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, stairs and slopes. Some days involve three to four hours of walking and extended periods of standing. Due to driving regulations in certain historic cities, drop-off and pick-up points are set, necessitating additional walking to and from attractions. We recommend packing comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.

Are there any free days to pursue personal activities?

All our tours include some activities each day to maximize your touring time. However, on days when you are staying in the same hotel for two or more consecutive nights, if you want to take a day off from the scheduled itinerary to play golf, shop, explore or simply relax, just tell your Tour Director that you won’t be participating with the group that day.

How can I contact friends and family back home?

Free Wi-Fi aboard coaches* enables you to keep in contact and share your travels with friends and family back home. Most hotels will offer internet services, some in guest rooms and some in the lobby only. As some hotels charge for Wi-Fi, you should check rates with the front desk in your hotel. Check with your mobile carrier to understand your international calling and texting plan options and switch off roaming on your cell phone to avoid unnecessary charges. In Europe, pre-paid calling cards offer excellent rates and are on sale in many stores. You can also buy a simple mobile phone with pre-paid minutes. In some parts of Europe, you may experience poor mobile phone or Wi-Fi signals. *Note: Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed for custom group travel or Walking & Hiking tours that use smaller vehicles.

Walking & Hiking

What should I pack for a Walking & Hiking tour?

Our Walking & Hiking tours involve outdoor activity in a variety of weather conditions. We recommend dressing in layers with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and waterproof outer layers for comfort throughout the day. Waterproof light hikers or boots with ankle support are essential, along with a small daypack, water bottle and other outdoor essentials. Click here for a comprehensive list https://www.cietours.com/packing-checklist-wh .

Can children travel on Walking & Hiking tours?

For Walking & Hiking tours, the minimum age is 16, and all travelers pay the full adult rate.

How many people will be on my Walking & Hiking Tour?

Our Walking & Hiking tours of Ireland are limited to 16 guests and use smaller vehicles, perfectly suited for exploring the scenic trails and landscapes on foot.

How far can I expect to walk each day on our walking & hiking tour?

Our walking & hiking tours in Ireland are designed for active travelers, with up to 5 hours of scenic walking daily at a comfortable pace, covering 2-6 miles over well maintained paths and hill trails. Terrain is generally gentle with occasional muddy sections and ascents up to 1,500 feet.

Accommodations & Meals

FAQ – Turas Ireland

Hotels

Do you offer a room sharing service for solo passengers?

We do not offer the option of a sharing service for passengers traveling solo. Note that all prices on our website are per person, double occupancy. A single room supplement which affords you the privacy of your own room is clearly listed under the tour price listed on our website.

What types of hotels does CIE Tours use?

CIE Tours predominantly uses 4 or 5-star hotels, which include some castle properties. All hotels feature a dining room, lounge, bar, and comfortable guest rooms. Many have leisure and spa facilities, and some are in historic or unique settings. We choose hotels either in central locations or scenic regions, depending on location. We clearly identify all accommodations used on each tour and our website contains photos and detailed descriptions of all featured hotels.

What hotel room options are available?

You can request to have a Twin (two separate single beds) or a Double (usually one queen sized bed). Please note that room type assigned upon arrival is subject to each hotel’s discretion and availability. No more than three people can share a hotel room on our guided coach tours and these triples are limited to a maximum of one per departure and may not be available in all destinations. A triple room will usually have a double and one twin bed (two beds total). Please note there is no reduction in cost for a third person sharing a room with two others. For comfort, we suggest that three adults take two separate rooms.

Are the hotels air-conditioned?

Due to the cooler climate in Ireland, Britain and Iceland, most hotels do not have, or need, air-conditioning. In Italy and Spain, all hotels are air-conditioned.

How early can I check into the hotel on day of arrival?

Check-in time varies between noon and 3:00 pm, depending on the individual hotel. If you arrive in the early part of the day, this can mean a wait at the hotel. Many hotels offer a checked luggage area so you may enjoy this time by taking a walk, having a snack, or doing some exploring. Another option is to book a pre-night so that you can check into your room no matter how early you arrive and then rest prior to starting your day.

Do the hotels have leisure and spa facilities?

Many of the hotels on your tour have wonderful leisure facilities and spas. You have some free time most days so be sure to pack swimsuit and workout clothes.

Meals

Which meals are included in the price of the tour?

The CIE Tours All-In Inclusive Advantage means that all breakfast and most meals are included in the total cost of your tour and your itinerary will clearly note which meals are included on each day.

What type of meals should I expect?

A full hot breakfast with a wide variety of selections is included at your hotel each morning. Lunch is sometimes included, but more often you will be at leisure to go where you like. Many dinners are included where you will eat with your 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. Most hotels and restaurants feature a good assortment of poultry, meat, fish and vegetarian options and you will be given choices at all meals. Depending on your meal and the tour, wine or beer may be included or will be available for purchase. For lunches or dinners where you will be dining independently, your Tour Director can give you tips on options in your location.

Can you accommodate my special dietary requests?

If you have dietary restrictions, please notify us at least four weeks in advance of departure by sending an email to [email protected] or by contacting your travel agent. While hotels throughout Europe offer a wide variety of foods, we cannot guarantee all requests and it is a good idea to double check once you are in your tour hotel.

Should I tip in restaurants/bars?

Hotel meals and most restaurants include a service charge in your bill. Ask if it has been included and if not, it’s at your discretion with a suggested amount of 10% to 15%. Tipping is not common in pubs or bars; however, if you have been given great service, a tip is always a nice way to show your appreciation.

Air Travel

FAQ – Turas Ireland

Airline Reservations

Can I book my air through TURAS IRELAND?

We would be happy to help you with your flight arrangements, and when you book through Turas Ireland, you’ll enjoy negotiated rates, guaranteed pricing, assigned seats, included checked baggage and complimentary round-trip transfers between your airport and hotel.

Can I earn airline miles on my flights?

Most of CIE Tours' negotiated fares allow for mileage accrual.

Can I pay for my flights with airline miles?

CIE Tours' negotiated fares do not allow for payment with frequent flyer miles.

Can I request a special meal for my flight?

Special meals can be requested when making your reservation or by sending an email to[email protected] or your travel agent [email protected]

Can I request seats when I book airfare?

Most airlines offer reserved seat selection prior to departure, but seats are never guaranteed by the airline. Bulkheads seats (those that have a wall in front and usually separate the different cabins of the plane) cannot be assigned by the CIE Tours air department. Because airlines may reassign seats for operational reasons, passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline before departure. Passengers traveling with a group block will not have assigned seats until the day of departure.

What is a code share?

Code sharing is a marketing arrangement in which an airline places its designator code on a flight operated by another airline and sells tickets for that flight. When flights are code share, it may or may not be possible to assign seats.

Airport Transfers

Do you provide transfers between airports and hotels?

One of the benefits of booking airfare with CIE Tours is that complimentary group transfers are provided on the first and last day of all tours. Transfer information is provided with your tour itinerary. If you have booked your own flights, ask your travel agent or our contact center about airport transfers available through CIE Tours for an additional fee.

What should I do if I booked flights independently and purchased transfers through CIE Tours but then my flight times change?

Please contact us to let us know about the change. If this is a last-minute change, please ensure that you have received acknowledgement from CIE Tours reconfirming your transfers. We will do our best to accommodate your change in plans, however, if we are unable to confirm please make your own way to the first hotel on the itinerary.

Airport Check In

When can I check in online for my flights?

You may check in for your flight online 24 hours prior to your departure date. Online check-in typically closes 2 or 3 hours before the flight departs. For group travel, advance check-in is not available and instead all members of a group block will check in at the airport on the day of departure.

How early should I get to the airport to check in for my flight?

You should plan to arrive for your flight a minimum of 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This allows you time to check in and pass through security to the boarding area.

What is the difference between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

TSA Pre✓® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. airports. Global Entry provides the TSA Pre✓ benefits plus expedited US customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Travelers interested in Global Entry must apply through the Trusted Traveler Program website. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI are programs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These programs offer travel benefits to pre-screened members. If you join Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, use your membership number as a “known traveler number” in airline reservations to receive TSA Pre✓.

Travel Interruptions

What do I do if my luggage is lost?

Should your luggage be delayed by your airline, it is the airline’s responsibility to ensure that it is delivered to you while you are traveling. Please complete a claim form at the airline desk upon arrival. You may wish to provide a copy of your hotel list so the baggage will be delivered directly to you.

What happens if my flight is delayed, and I arrive late?

If the delay occurs while you are still in North America, call 1-800-243-8687 to advise us of your approximate time of arrival and we will alert our local team. Outside of North America, call 001-973-292-3899. If you are scheduled to take our group transfer and you miss it, we recommend that you take a cab from the airport to the first hotel where you will meet the tour. If you are delayed longer than a day, you should make your way to the relevant hotel on the tour. A cab or public transport may be the most suitable method of getting to the next hotel which may be a distance from your arrival airport. Any additional expenses for transportation or accommodation to catch up with the tour will be at your own expense but may be covered by travel protection. We regret that we cannot issue any refunds or credits for any missed portions of the tour.

Pre-Departure Information

FAQ – Turas Ireland

Documents

What is included in the CIE Tours deluxe travel pack?

CIE Tours' All-In Inclusive Advantage means that all travelers will receive a deluxe travel pack including a backpack, travel adapter, water bottle, Go-To-Guide booklet, luggage straps, and luggage tags approximately 3 weeks prior to departure.

When will I get my trip information and travel documents?

Your deluxe travel pack, including documents, will be delivered to you, your travel agent or group leader approximately 3 weeks before your departure. Your documents include the vouchers for the tour and other services, an itinerary, hotel list and our Go-To-Guide booklet. Treat your tour vouchers as you would money, as they are non-refundable. You will need to present the relevant voucher in return for services such as Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours. Note: By default, all group documents are shipped together and sent to one address.

Can I request my documents electronically?

To receive a copy of your documents via email, send a request to [email protected]

Can I have documents sent to multiple different addresses?

Yes, documents can be mailed to different addresses for a nominal fee of $25 for each additional address. To request this service, contact your travel agent [email protected] or send an email to [email protected] for individual bookings and to [email protected] for group bookings.

Packing Tips

What should I pack?

We suggest dressing in layers so you can add and subtract items as temperatures fluctuate and be sure to have comfortable walking shoes. Casual attire is appropriate for all instances with the exception of guests on our Irish Heritage tour who will enjoy a more formal evening at Dromoland Castle. For that event, the dress code is "smart casual" (no jeans, leisure wear, or informal open-toed shoes). For your convenience, we have created a printable packing checklist with our recommendations.Visit www.cietours.com/packing-checklist. .

How much luggage can I bring?

On guided coach tours including Walking & Hiking tours, you are permitted one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Luggage should not exceed 30 x 20 x 10 inches and weight should be under 50 lbs.; carry-on must be soft sided, without wheels, and must be small enough to fit under the coach seat. Porterage between the coach and your hotel room for one piece of luggage per person is included in the cost of all coach tours and these bags will be stored under the coach during transit. Travelers are responsible for transporting their carry-on bag between the coach and hotel each day. Self-drive clients need to consider the limited trunk capacity, and that soft-sided luggage is easier to stow in the car. Airlines have their own regulations, and some carriers charge for checked baggage.

What type of carry-on can a bring on the coach?

For safety reasons, small rolling suitcases are not permitted inside the coach. There is minimal space to store them securely overhead so carry-ons must be soft sided, without wheels, and must be small enough to fit under the coach seat.

Will I need electrical converters and adapters?

The appropriate plug adapter (3-prong for Ireland and Britain and 2-prong for Italy, Iceland and Spain) will be included in the CIE Tours travel pack that we send you before you depart. Hotels provide a shaver outlet in the bathroom and usually have a hair dryer and iron in the room (or will supply them on request). If your appliance needs a converter, you will need to bring your own. More information is in your Go-To Guide booklet, sent with your travel documents.

Should I be prepared to use cash or credit/debit cards?

Since most components of your guided vacation are included in one up-front price, your only out-of-pocket expenses will be for those meals that are not included on the daily itinerary, for wine or cocktails when they are not included, or for shopping. Also, it is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour (please see the question on tipping guidelines for more information). We recommend either bringing a small amount of local currency with you or using a cash machine/ATM once in country. Most stores and restaurants accept credit and debit cards but note that American Express and Discover are not widely accepted - - either VISA or Mastercard is best.

Do I need to get the local currency before I travel?

There is no need to buy foreign currency before your trip. It’s best to wait until you arrive to withdraw money from an ATM which are at all international airports and in most towns. If you can, avoid having to exchange your home currency for local currency at currency exchange shops, which can have poor exchange rates and high fees.

Travel Requirements

What documentation do I need to travel?

For travel with CIE Tours to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, Italy or Spain and Portugal, you will need a valid passport with an expiration at least 6 months after your travel dates. Additional documentation may also be required based on your destination.

England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland: You must apply online for a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Learn more at https://www.gov.uk/eta

Note: If your itinerary only includes the Republic of Ireland, does not visit Northern Ireland and you do not transit through the UK, a UK ETA is not required.

Italy, Iceland, Spain and Portugal: Starting in 2026, all non-EU nationals traveling to Italy, Iceland, Spain and Portugal including U.S. and Canadian citizens, must apply online for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Learn more at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en .

For Spain and Portugal itineraries only, passport information must be provided at time of booking. If passport information is not provided, reservations will be at risk of cancellation and guests may be unable to travel.

Do I need a UK ETA to travel to Europe?

Starting in 2025, if you are traveling or transiting through to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you must apply online for an UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). No ETA is needed if you transit airside, but if you pass through UK Border Control, one must be obtained before departure. Learn more at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta Note: if your Ireland itinerary only includes travel to the Republic of Ireland and you will not be visiting Northern Ireland, an UK ETA is not needed.

Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe?

Starting in Q4 2026, all non-EU nationals traveling to Italy, Iceland, Spain and Portugal including U.S. and Canadian citizens, must apply online for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). We recommend applying for the ETIAS travel authorization 30 days prior to your departure date. Learn more at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias

Other Ways to Travel

FAQ – Turas Ireland

Group Travel

How can I organize a group?

Many travelers realize that they have more fun with a group, especially when all arrangements are handled for them. Is there a special family event to celebrate? Are you a member of a church, club, pub, or sporting association? Once you get a core group, we will work with you on the travel program and assist with sales flyers and information.

What types of group travel are available?

Depending on your budget and your interests, any group of 10 or more travelers can take one of our pre-set itineraries either by joining a larger group on a scheduled coach tour (Shared Group Vacation) or by reserving a published date exclusively for your group (Private Group Vacation). For something more custom, we can craft the perfect itinerary to suit your needs, interests, and schedule. Our dedicated travel experts can ensure your planning goes smoothly, help answer questions from your group, and keep every detail organized.

Is there a minimum and maximum group size?

The minimum size for a group is 10 people and the sky is the limit when customizing a group. We primarily use 48-seat coaches. For comfort we prefer to operate with 40 to 44 passengers. If you want to reserve an exclusive departure at our published rates, we require 36 passengers. For fewer than 36 passengers, a supplement will apply to have an exclusive coach.

Are there benefits to being the tour organizer?

Depending on group size, a free spot or spots on the tour may be offered.

What if your existing itineraries do not suit my group?

Our highly trained custom group department is happy to tailor an itinerary to your specifications – taking budget, length of tour and inclusions into consideration.

Custom Group Vacations

What is a CIE Tours Custom Group Vacation?

With a CIE Tours custom group vacation, we’ll design the perfect itinerary for 10 or more people and provide you with a knowledgeable tour director who knows the local history and has plenty of insider stories to share. We can design a custom package for any of our destinations - - Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Iceland, Italy or Spain.

What's included in a custom tour?

All tours include coach transportation with a driver/guide throughout, hotels and breakfasts. Then you can choose whatever sightseeing, meals, and entertainment that appeal to you and your group.

Why should I select a CIE Tours custom tour?

Because you can –

Design any itinerary for any season

Benefit from CIE Tours’ competitive rates which are passed along to you

Include special interest features not offered on scheduled tours

Travel on your own exclusive coach

Offer the tour as a fundraiser for your local church or organization

What's the minimum group size?

Custom group tours must have a minimum of 10 passengers.

Can I get marketing support for my groups?

Yes, you'll have the support of a regional Business Development Manager as well as complimentary flyers.

How can I request a group flyer to help promote my group?

Once your group is confirmed, you will be sent a link for a flyer request form. Simply fill out the form and a flyer will be created and sent back to you for review. Turnaround time is typically 3 to 5 business days.

Can my group’s passengers make payment online directly?

We can provide a custom URL for group leaders to book passengers directly online or you may share this link with your group travelers to book it themselves. We find most agents and group leaders prefer to handle the bookings for all passengers.

How can I access my group passenger bookings?

From your group summary page, you will find a list of all the group passengers and can access them individually by clicking the link to their reservation.

Does CIE Tours provide child car seats or booster seats to be used on custom tours?

CIE Tours does not provide child car seats or booster seats. You are required to bring your own child car seat or booster seat when traveling with a child. Please be sure to check the local guidelines regarding age and weight requirements based on your destination.

Private Driver Vacations

What is a CIE Tours Private Driver Vacation?

With a CIE Tours private driver vacation, we’ll customize the perfect itinerary for up to 9 people complete with a knowledgeable driver who knows the local history and has plenty of insider stories to share. We can design a custom package for Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Iceland, or Italy or you can choose from one of our curated private driver itineraries and leave the details to us.

Why should I book a private driver vacation?

Our luxury specialists work with you to ensure a personally crafted vacation encompassing recommended routes, hotels, and activities to suit your personal tastes. This, accompanied by our long-standing relationships with valued partners, ensures a memorable and stress-free experience. Our driver/guides relish the opportunity to unfold the hidden beauties of their homeland, taking guests beyond the surface for a truly immersive experience.

Can I book an all-castle private driver vacation?

Absolutely! Our team regularly creates custom castle vacations and itineraries

What are the minimum requirements for a private driver tour?

We require a minimum of 3 consecutive days with a driver and 3 nights of accommodation per destination to be booked through CIE Tours.

Who is a Private Driver vacation for?

Private Driver vacations are for guests who are looking for a more personal experience and prefer a more customized itinerary. Some considerations include those who are hesitant about driving on the “wrong” side of the road on a self-drive tour, guests who are participating in ancestry searches, guests with mobility issues and leisure enthusiasts including golfers, foodies and much more!

For what destinations does CIE Tours offer Private Driver vacations?

Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland and Iceland and Italy.

Independent Adventures

What is an Independent Adventure?

Independent Adventures are for those traveling to Ireland who’d like to have the full CIE Tours experience from the privacy of their own car. With our Classic Itineraries collection, you can follow one of our pre-set tours in your own rental car. Or we can help you plan a custom self-drive trip complete with rental car, accommodations, and attractions. Whatever you choose, you’ll be treated like a CIE Tours guest, and have the advantage of getting the competitive pricing we can access thanks to our long-established relationships with hospitality providers. For details on self-drive vacations, please call us at +1 855-547-3854.

Is an Independent Adventure suitable for children?

A self-drive or private driver vacation is perfect for families with children! We are happy to request car seats and boosters for you from the car rental company. You will pay for these extras when you pick up the car.

Are Independent Adventures available in countries other than Ireland?

At this time independent vacations are only available in Ireland; however, we offer custom private driver options that can take you throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, Italy and Spain in addition to Ireland.

How many people can go on a self-drive vacation?

As many or as few as you would like; you can rent a minivan to accommodate up to 7 people or book multiple cars to accommodate your party size.

Do you offer pre-planned independent vacations?

Through our Classic Itineraries collection, several of our Ireland tours have been turned into self-drive vacations with all the planning done for you.

What type of accommodations can I book?

Depending on your travel style, you’ll stay in either pre-selected hotels or stay in your choice of accommodations including hotels, B&Bs, castles and manors.

Quick Answers

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Passport Required?

Yes — valid for 6+ months from departure.

Travel Insurance?

Strongly recommended — comprehensive coverage.

Airport Transfers?

Included on all signature tours.

Dietary Requirements?

Catered for — just let us know in advance.

Solo Travelers?

Welcome — single supplements available.

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