Captain Sandy's Cruise Holidays & Travel Ottawa West

14/08/2026

Here is an unforgettable lifetime that I can't wait to do again! Care to join me?

30/05/2026

20/05/2026

We invite you to explore our inaugural itineraries across Asia and Africa for 2028–2029, along with compelling offers, including Air Credit Savings of up to $9,000 per suite, Bonus Savings of up to 20%, and enhanced complimentary amenities with Explorer’s Choice. Exclusive early access to reserv...

17/12/2024

**Up to 40% Savings **

17/12/2024

Captain Sandy’s Cruise Holidays Ottawa presents…
Shades of Ireland
with Optional 3-Night Edinburgh Post Tour Extension
September 12 – 24, 2025
Hosted by Robin Averill, Ottawa’s Irish Entertainer
Robin will sing Irish songs as you tour the Irish countryside
Book Now & Save
$ 200 Per Person
For more information contact Carole Paleczny (613) 831-6150
[email protected]

13 Days ● 17 Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
HIGHLIGHTS… Dublin, Irish Evening, Kilkenny, Waterford,
Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford
Medieval Museum and W**e Vault, Blarney Castle, Boat Tour,
Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Farm Visit, Galway, Donegal
Town, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Belfast,
"Titanic Experience"

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Days 2, 3 Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin
Day 4 Granville Hotel, Waterford
Days 5, 6 The Heights Hotel Killarney, Killarney
Day 7 Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
Day 8 Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo
Days 9, 10 The Ebrington, Londonderry
Days 11, 12 Europa Hotel Belfast, Belfast
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Day 1: Friday, September 12, 2025 Overnight Flight
Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete
story of the shades of Ireland.

Day 2: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Dublin, Ireland - Tour
Begins
Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travellers
revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine. (D)

Day 3: Sunday, September 14, 2025 Dublin
Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix
Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on
your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness
Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant
showcasing Irish cuisine. (B)

Day 4: Monday, September 15, 2025 Dublin - Kilkenny -
Waterford
Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendour of
12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford,
embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city.
It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how
exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the
Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of w**e in the
15th-century Mayor’s W**e Vault. (B, D)

Day 5: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the
gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle
by navigating the 128 steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry
and continue on to charming Killarney, where you will board a
traditional boat* and sail through breathtaking lakes in the
company of an expert boatman. This evening, enjoy dinner at a
local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 6: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the
picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages,
and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local
artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the
day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture. (B)

Day 7: Thursday, September 18, 2025 Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis
Bid Killarney farewell and travel across the lovely Shannon River
into County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most
iconic sites. Walk along the rambling edge, soaking up
unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Complete
your day at the historic Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis
Town. This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet
dinner, hosted in a castle. (B)

Day 8: Friday, September 19, 2025 Ennis - Galway - Sligo
Experience the daily life of a traditional Irish family during a
memorable farm visit. Then continue on to Galway for a brief tour
that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Your day ends in the
northwest reaches of Eire. (B, D)

Day 9: Saturday, September 20, 2025 Sligo - Donegal Town -
Derry
Take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in
Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft
and woollen shops. Next, travel to Derry, known for its turbulent
political history. This afternoon, a local guide leads a walk through
the old city, including the Craft Village, a charming 19th century
Georgian square in the heart of the walled city. Tonight, it’s Diner’s
Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Derry’s
great restaurants. (B, D)

Day 10: Sunday, September 21, 2025 Derry - Inishowen
Peninsula - Derry
This morning, journey to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin
Head. Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Ireland's
northernmost point. Return to Derry and enjoy an afternoon at
leisure. Tonight, you may join an optional tour to discover the culture of Derry through storytelling, music and song, with dinner
at a restaurant serving pub style food. (B)

Day 11: Monday, September 22, 2025 Derry - Giant's Causeway -
Glens of Antrim - Belfast
See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit
the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity
millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road
leading into the sea. Then lose yourself in the natural beauty of
Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the
Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Top your day off with a visit to a
country inn, for some real Irish hospitality. (B, D)

Day 12: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 Belfast
Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast, the capital of
Northern Ireland, and hear of the struggles in this great city’s
history as you pass through the different neighbourhoods. See
“Samson” and “Goliath,” the cranes at the shipyard that built the
Titanic, before touring the “Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s
most visited attraction. This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast
further, as your Irish adventure comes to a close. (B)

Day 13: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Belfast - Tour Ends
Your tour ends in Belfast. (B)

Experience It! Northern Ireland
As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland offers a different experience than its namesake. From the stunning lakes of
Fermanagh to an overnight stay in a regal manor, Northern Ireland will feel otherworldly. Take in the lively city of Derry,
venturing within the towering stone walls that encircle centuries of history. Experience Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital. The
city is filled to the brim with local history – known to be the site where the infamous Titanic was built – and bustling with
modern energy. Marvel at a land of rolling hills and verdant green valleys at the Glens of Antrim, where the horizon stretches for
nine valleys. Stand in awe at Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 interlocking rocks form hexagonal footstones fit for a giant. The
hardened-lava structures reach a height of 39 feet in some places, providing an ethereal quality to the out-of-place landscape.

EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH
Optional 4 Days 3-Night Edinburgh Post Tour Extension
Per Person Rates: $1,950.00 CAD double, $2,730.00 CAD single, land & air inclusive

For more information on extensions and options for this tour visit
https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1272131

Book Now & Save $200 Per Person:
Double $7,499*
Single $8,899;
Triple $7,399
For bookings made after Mar 13, 2025 call for rates.

Double $7,699;
Single $9,099;
Triple $7,599
PLEASE NOTE:

Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Ottawa International Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $100 per
person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $599 per person
* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change, based on air inclusive package from YOW
Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare
Additional rate of: Premium Economy $2,990; Business Class $7,990
 * Elite Air pricing (Premium Economy, Business Class or First class) is valid until 8 months prior to departure, after which rates are subject to change
and will be quoted based upon availability.
† Refer to the reservation form to choose your upgrade option

Book Now rates valid until Mar 13, 2025, valid on air inclusive packages only.

The overall activity level of this tour is a level 2. This means you like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. Expect some full days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. You can handle
altitudes up to 6,000 feet. While this level is appropriate for travellers that require mobility assistance devices, there could be times when you may have to sit out on some of the included activities. To kiss the Blarney Stone, you will have to walk up 128 narrow steps to the top, and back down again. If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your
attention.

Days of features are interchangeable.
*A boat cruise is included, weather permitting.
The Cliffs of Moher can be very windy at the top.
Hotel rooms may be small by comparison to other countries and older properties may not have air conditioning.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.

To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.

Due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel.

For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.

Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.

Air passengers will arrive into Dublin airport and depart from Belfast or Dublin airport. Transfers will arrive into Dublin airport and will depart to Belfast or Dublin airport. Return flights from Dublin airport should not be booked before 10:00 a.m.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Documentation is required by foreign governments for all trips outside Canada. You should visit Global Affairs Canada at https://travel.gc.ca/ for general information about passports and visa requirements. Some countries require a visa in addition to a valid passport for entry, so it is important that you check with the appropriate foreign consulate or embassy for specific entry requirements and details you need to know regarding how and when to obtain the visa. Please remember the possession of valid passports and necessary visas are the responsibility of each client/passenger. If you would like assistance in ensuring you have
the proper visa(s) for your trip outside of Canada, we would be happy to refer you to a company that can assist you.

Government of Canada's official one-stop-shop for comprehensive international travel information.

26/10/2023

Don't miss out, only one stateroom left including Celebrity Classic Beverage Package, onboard wi-fi, and gratuities.

18/08/2023

DRESS FOR SUCCESS: How not to look or act like a tourist

Do you look and act like a tourist? If so, it can produce assumptions that you are inexperienced, naive, lacking cultural awareness, and wealthy. Standing out as a tourist can make you appear vulnerable and an easy target for scams, pickpockets, and other types of crime.

Making an international faux pas by not being aware of cultural differences and similarities in the country you’re visiting could ruin a trip.

By following a few simple guidelines, one can reduce the risk of being identified by local criminals or scam artists and being targeted for fraudulent schemes or petty crimes.

Here are some expert tips that will help travellers not look like a tourist, thereby increasing safety and, at the same time, getting closer to what Mark Twain calls a “bold, wholesome, charitable view” of the world we live in and share.

Behaviour

• Always look like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t. If you must look at a phone app, do it discreetly and in a way that others don’t think you’re looking at a map. Holding a map in the street is a tell-tale sign you are a tourist. Familiarize yourself with a local map before leaving your hotel room and plot your route ahead of time using Google Maps (or similar).

• If you use public transportation like the locals, be certain to read and understand the bus routes and metro train schedules before you go and have the correct currency or pass for the fare. Using public transportation is a great way to blend in with the locals and save money. It is also a fun and smart way to explore a city’s neighbourhoods and get a sense of the local way of life.

• Leave the selfie stick at home. Avoid taking selfies to reduce your “I’m a tourist” signature. Keep your voice down. Many tourists are noisy and often perceived as being loud and obnoxious. Be mindful of your volume and avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Appearance

• While travelling in conservative destinations, avoid revealing clothing and behave in a way that shows respect for the local culture and way of life. Don’t try to be what you’re not. If dressing like a local means wearing clothing that doesn’t fit your ethnicity, then don’t do it.

• Most countries are more formal than Canada and US, so avoid wearing gym clothes, yoga garb, sweats and anything that looks like you just rolled out of bed or came from a workout. Many other cultures may see that as offensive. Stay away from clothing that has religious or provocative imagery, curse words, profanity, sports teams, political brands, and national flags. These are potentially offensive, disrespectful, or confrontational.

• Jewellery, especially flashy jewellery for men or women, stands out wherever you’re travelling. Tone it down or, better yet, opt for costume jewellery, less showy watches, necklaces, and bracelets. Reconsider toting a flashy camera – not only does it provide a thief or mugger with a target, but also draws attention and signals that you’re not from the area and makes you an easy mark. Wearing a passport holder with a cord around your neck makes you easily identifiable as a tourist. If you do have one, wear it under your top layer.

Observe, Respect Local Customs

When you’re visiting a new country, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. Try to learn about local customs to show respect for the local culture. Here are a few examples of destinations’ customs that may seem unusual compared to your home country:

• Tipping in Japan is considered rude, and there’s no need to tip at restaurants in Denmark. Meanwhile, a 15-20% gratuity is expected in the US.

• While it’s normal, even required, to sit in the back of a cab in North America, it’s different in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands where it’s considered rude not to ride sh***un.

• If you’re trying to say, “awesome” with a thumbs-up hand sign, be careful in countries like the Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, Russia, and Greece where it has the same meaning as holding up your middle finger in the North America.

Self-awareness and destination research will protect your travel experience. By blending in with the locals and respecting the local culture, you can avoid looking and acting like a vulnerable traveller and have a more authentic and enjoyable travel experience.

(Dan Richards is CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, a leading provider of medical, security, evacuation, and travel risk management services. He currently serves on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce).

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