GCT

I think the Cliffs of Moher are being loved to death and recommend finding other stunning views or geological wonders to explore. I hated being participant as the battalions of tourist coaches disgorged their multitudes on a single place that is being totally overrun. Seeing the Dingle Peninsula was a highlight for me, as were the home visit in Cobh, the visit with the master hurley maker and the evenings with music and dance. If they exist, I would recommend including a visit to sites that recreate life in the iron age, or small village or monastic life.

We liked it all! Recommend putting more hangers in each closet.

Spectacular scenery, wonderful pacing, many scenic stops and visits, great heritage centers, and the best guide possible for the tour.

First, the guide makes the trip; Don Lynch was very knowledgeable about all the areas we travelled and took into consideration everyone who was travelling, their personal limitations thus giving down time for those who needed it, while offering an excursion for those more active. I was on the pre-trip to Quebec City and Montreal. Both cities had different aspects to enjoy; Quebec the 'Old City' and the French and English battles for control and Montreal the big city offerings of galleries, and museums. Onward to Halifax for a night to visit the Loyalist House and learn the history. Driving by bus to our other destinations; my favorites being St. Andrew's, Prince Edward Island where we visited the family farm where the author, Anne of Green Gables lived and took a carriage ride around the farm that grows potatoes. Ate my fill of oysters while listening to how their grown and harvested. In Pictou I learned the story of the Hector who brought the Scottish to Nova Scotia in the late 1700's and traced Jane Forbes' name if the manifest in hopes she was an ancestor. In Baddeck we visited the Celtic College where I learned more about my Scot ancestors. Living in California I don't see the older architecture from the 15th through 17th century and it was a joy to take pictures and walk through these preserved homes. My favorite dinner was in St. John where I ate haddock and discovered Dirty Blond lager! Least favorite was the touted scallops, which I found tasteless and over-cooked. Scallops should be quickly seared in butter, herbs and finished with a bit of white wine poured over them for a few seconds before serving. I truly enjoyed the people, places and hotels we stayed in and highly recommend this trip to everyone. Be the first "Robin's" as we were, as there are no crowds.

The Canadian Rockies are a background to an incredible adventure. Lovely vistas, great experiences (walking on a glacier in a blizzard in mid June!), fascinating educational experiences (first hand learning from First Nation people), and just plain FUN! Emily, our tour director was the best - very knowledgeable, kind, caring, organized and also FUN!