Kevin McKrell: Travel with Kevin

So why take a tour with me ? Tons of tours out there, some more expensive, some less. They all seem to offer pretty much the same things. Some hit all the tourist hot spots, Killarney to Galway to Dublin. Taking in all the shop stops, slurpin' down the free Irish coffees, buying up the sweaters, the crystal and the lace. Some smaller groups focus on some of the more out of the way places
Westport to Dingle to Ballinasloe. There are pub crawls with the lads all snozzled and legless from the time you leave the U.S. until they get back, God knows they may even offer a week stay in rehab upon return. There are new age tours on which you troop through the bogs with some smelly bearded fella channeling Brian Boru waving about a divining rod searching out the holy hot spots, vegan samichs, tin foil hats , after hours yoga classes and nightly cognitive behavioural therapy included. There are history tours and mystery tours, ghostie haunted castle tours. football tours, rugby tours, literary everybody's an Irish novelist tours.
There are even religious tours, dragging your jetlagged butt up the top of Croagh Patrick, packing you into Knock waiting for Mary to make a holy show, gulpin the blessed water and buying a piece of the true cross. Daily confessions and time off for good behavior all part of the package. And then there are the self drive tours where you fly into Shannon pick up your rental and spend 5 harrowing days with yourdear loved ones screaming bloody murder, LEFT LEFT ya damn fool LEFT!!!!! As you careen down the picturesque back roads of Donegal seeing nothing but hedgerows and sheep's arses. ( the only deadly weapon allowed on the streets of Erin's Green Isle is a Yank behindthe wheel of a rented Omni). This one may include your introductory visit to a divorce lawyer, check with your travel agent for details.
So with all these choices why would you choose to go to Ireland or Scotland or Italy with me . Don't know really. I can tell ya there will be tons of music, mine and any others we find along the way,music sessions every night. The company I work with Celtic International Tours are the best at what they do. In Ireland we try and focus on some of the out of the way spots with enough of the traditional touristy stops to keep the shoppers happy, but with plenty of off the beaten path bits of hidden ancient Ireland to remind you what was here long before us. In Scotland the focus is on history, castles and ghosts but still music is always on our minds, the folk clubs of Inverness and Edinburgh are some of the best in the world. In Italy it is the art, the food, the wine and the small medieval villages that make this tour so special. Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arrezo, and of course Firenza (Florence). And we do have quite a laugh. So check out the tours see what you like and come along for the ride.
Whirled peas and mushy carrots.
KM
Contact: Celtic International Tours 800-833-4373 or 518-862-0042

I have been on to Kathy Gordon at Celtic Tours because some of you have expressed in interest in going to Tuscany. Well  truthfully I thought it would be just way to expensive. Here is what Kathy and the folks at Celtic have cooked up.Stick with me now
Nov 15-22nd
Weather in Tuscany in November is still quite mild, this year the weather for the 15th through the 20th was an average of 59 to 65 degrees.
Fly from Boston to Roma changing planes and arriving in Firenze. OK where are we going Firenze or Florence. There is Florence, and there is Firenze. Firenze is the place where the citizens of the capital of Tuscany live and work. Florence is the place the rest of us come to watch them do this. Go figure. So we land in Florence where we head for a short tour of Pisa and supposedly the famous leaning tower. Don’t be fooled There is more to see in The Piazza dei Miracoli  then the leaning tower and the tourists taking the “ Look I’m holding up the tower photo” There are four masterpieces of medieval architecture in the Piazza:
They are – the cathedral, the baptistry, the campanile (the 'Leaning Tower') and the cemetery. The one often missed but the best of the four is The Baptistry .Where  one may stand below the edge of the dome and sing a sustained note for several seconds, and the sound will travel around and around the dome for many more seconds. In this way it is possible to sing musical chords by oneself, simply by changing the tone every several seconds. If you are lucky enough and your timeing is good you can witness the canons of the Baptistery  sing in four parts that as it rises in the dome turns to eight to sixteen then to a choir of voices made by four individuals. So when visiting Pisa look and marvel at the leany thing then speed for the Baptistry. You won’t be disappointed.
After Pisa we head for our Villa, The Villa Casagrande in the wonderful town of Figeline Valdarno where we will enjoy a 6 night stay . Tonight a welcome Tuscan feast with local wines and traditional Tuscan fare.
The next morning after a breakfast of coffees espresso cappocino and Italian pastries ,cheeses and meats you have choices to make. Choice #1 Spend your day exploring the town of Figline Valdarno Choice #2 go with the group heading by train into Firenza for a day of exploration and adventure. Certainly we have a guided tour of Florence later in the week but this is a day to wander to find that sidewalk café to sample the wine the gelato the foods without being on someone else’s schedule. Dinner is on our own tonight maybe we could meet up in Florence for a lovely dinner and a couple of ten bottles of wine.
Now the next day you have three choices An optional trip to Rome. Explore Figline or after breakfast again board the train for a day in Siena. Coming back in time for our dinner at the Villa.
The next day again is choices, explore the villa, maybe some horseback riding, look about the town, do some shopping or, join the trek by train to Lucca . A magical walled medival city with dinner on our own tonight you are at your leisure to eat in Lucca or when we return to Figline.
The next day is our guided tour of Florence we will visit The Accademia home to Il Gigante better known as Michangelo’s David a sight I assure you will remain with you and part of you forever.
The next day is a free day perhaps a bunch of us willl gather for another train excursion maybe Arezzo ,maybe you felt you needed more time in Firenze. So here’s the dealeo
Six nights at Villa Casagrande built in 1392 for those who keep track of that sort of thing
Deluxe motor coach
English speaking guide throughout
Italian Buffet breakfast daily excluding day of arrival.
On welcome Tuscan feast at the villa with wine.
One farewell dinner at The Villa
One wine tasting with appitizers.
Optional Full day tour of Rome including local historian guide and admissions.
Local Tazes and tips excluding driver and guide gratuity.
3 music sessions with Kevin McKrell at the Villa

So Jaysus what would the price on that kind of thing be
$1,015.00 yup that’s what I said. Now there are fuel surcharges etc but if this kind of thing interests you call Kathy Gordon at Celtic 518-862-0042 or 1-800833-4373ext316 this one is going fast and there is limited seating.

So Italy is just not your thing, ya hear the sound of the ould sod calling out yer name. Try this on for size
November 3rd through November 10th.
Leaving out of Boston Aer Lingus, chicken or beef .Wheels down in Shannon were we are only a spit from our hotel , so we spend some of the day wandering the countryside Adare to Foynes maybe an afternoon session if we could by any chance find a pub.
Next day we leave our hotel in Limerick The George hotel and head for Donegal where we spend two days at the Great Northern Hotel and by Jaysus a Saturday night in Donegal town .
After we make our apologies for our wild carousing behavior to the lovely folks of Donegal we head for the plains of sweet Mayo and The town of Castlebar the stomping grounds of one of the best singers in Ireland Davy Mcdonnell who will be joining us for two nights ,mind yer heads boys.During the day we ride out to Achill Island one of the most beautiful spots in all the world.
After saying our farewells to Mayo, Castlebar and Davy M. we head through Connamara via Cong through Maams Cross along Galway Bay down to County Clare and the village of Killaloe and the Lakeside Hotel.
Now if that’s not a trip to remember I don’t know what to do with ye.So heres whats included
6 nights first Class hotel
The dreaded Full Irish breakfast.
Six Hotel Dinners
Visits to The Cliffs of Moher,Day tours of Donegal Mayo ,Achill island,Connamara, Tips and Taxes while in irerland except gratuity for Driver Guide.
And what does all this fancyness come to you may well ask.
$1308.00 with the usual fuel surcharge etc but give a call to Kathy Gordon and she will fill you in on all of this or email me at mckrells@nycap.rr.com
More to follow on these tours but call and get your name on the list . The last tour of Italy like this one sold out in two weeks.

Kathy Gordon at Celtic 518-862-0042 or 1-800833-4373ext316 
 Don’t forget to watch for Train of Fools debut April10th Café Lena.
Slainte
Buona fortuna

We had such a blast on the trip with you and all the other travelers a week or so back! Jim and I had not been on a plane in over 30 years but this trip was well worth facing our fears of flight! I cannot imagine a more wonderful place to be nor a more congenial group with whom to travel. You, Laz, Jeff and Dave were sensational every night! I cannot express how thrilled we were with all aspects of the trip! The hotels, the food, the scenery, the history, Dave Walden, and the music! Splendid!! I feel like we made 50+ new friends! Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime!

Dear Kevin,

Our recent trip to Ireland with you totally exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was exceptional, we had access to points of interest that independent travelers could never find. The driver and other guides and hosts were so knowledgeable and helpful. We learned about our heritage, had fun, and loved the nightly sessions with the band. Our McKrell tour belied a nagging perception that as members of a group tour we might feel herded. Rather we loved our group and were gently guided to explore what interested us. We highly recommend traveling on a McKrell tour to others.

We traveled to Ireland with Kevin McKrell in March of 2004.Having never traveled overseas we were a little apprehensive on our first trip.The pretrip meeting answered a lot of questions and the direct bus to the airport was just great.When we arrived in Ireland we were greeted by our driver and got settled into our hotel.Wow here we are in Ireland so whats next.Well we were about to find out.The next week was probably the most fun filled flat out best week of our lives .The driver was a gem with more knowledge of Ireland than in a whole encyclopedia and with a great sense ofhumor to boot.Kevin was just everywhere helping out answering questions and interjecting his unique Celtic take on the world.Great group of people,visits to the tourist stuff but also places not many people get to. But to spend most nights with Traditional Irish Music by Kevin and others .In a word "priceless" If you only get to go to Ireland once go with Kevin.

Hello Kevin, Our trip to Ireland with you March 2004 is still topic of many a conversation, and believe it will be until we return hopefully November/March 2006. We could not think of a better way to experience Ireland ! Every little detail was covered, and our only care was to make sure our bags were infront of our door every other day. The pints and the music were like others have mentioned most memorable, but all aspects made this a trip of a lifetime. From the time we hit Boston we felt like family, and were treated so until we said our goodbyes at the baggage claim in Logan. Anyone thinking of going on a Mckrell tour better do so before they are all booked up !

Wow, it's quite a challenge to summarize one superb week in a short e-mail. Our favorite things were: Climbing around on the Giant's Causeway; the spectacular views at the Cliffs of Moher; the music each evening with Kevin and Dave; the neat little towns like Westport (not yet spoiled by Walmarts); the "trad music" in the pubs; the REALLY OLD castles, abbeys and ruins (e.g. 6000 year old Court Cairn) all over the place; the nice people we met on the trip; the scenery in general (our lawn at home is nowhere near that green!)from the Burren to the coast; the cider and scones!

We were surprised that: the weather was as nice as it was; the country was as prosperous as it was; crossing in to Northern Ireland was like crossing a state line; our fellow travelers were from all over New York and several other states (and Canada), when we expected nearly everyone to be from the Capital District, and that they ranged in age from 16 to 70+; the topography of Ireland was as varied as it is, parts looking a lot like Scotland; Dave really was able to squeeze the bus through all those tight spots; the hotels were as nice as they were.

This was our first Kevin McKrell tip - but not our last!

My trip to Ireland was luvely. It is one of the best vacations of my life. Upon my return home, many commented I had a glow (perhaps a result of the sunburn received that beautiful day at The Giant’s Causeway).

IRELAND March 24-31 2010
$1400.00
departure tax $118.00
Day 01
Wednesday
March 24: USA – IRELAND: OPTIONAL: Local bus available to transport you from the Albany area to Boston’s Logan Airport. Depart Boston’s Logan Airport on your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland via Aer Lingus.
Dinner followed by in-flight entertainment shortly after take-off.

Day 02
Thursday
March 25:

SHANNON – DINGLE: Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, after clearing customs you’ll be met by your Celtic Tours driver/guide and escorted to your deluxe touring motor coach. As you drive past 15th Century Bunratty Castle and “Durty Nelly’s” tavern, you get your first glimpse of the Emerald Isle. On through historic Limerick City, along the Shannon Estuary, via Foynes, Glin and of Listowel to Tralee, known as the “Gateway to the Dingle Peninsula”, and into the town of Dingle. Check into your hotel, where you are free to rest, relax and independently explore this lovely town overlooking Dingle Bay. Dinner and overnight at the Dingle Benner’s Hotel.

Day 03
Friday
March 26:
DINGLE PENINSULA: This morning after breakfast, we depart on a tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Film goers will be reminded of scenes from the movie, “Ryan’s Daughter”, which was shot in this area, as we drive past little harbors and wide stretches of sandy beach, leading southward to Slea Head. This is the most westerly point in Europe, “the next parish to America” and off this coast many an Armada Galleon was list. Vistas of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Bay delight the eye and Gallarus Oratory, a little beehive stone structure, more than 1,000 years old conjures up visions of monks in early Christian times in this “land of saints and scholars”. Dinner on your own tonight. Join Kevin in a musical session this evening. Overnight at your Dingle hotel.

Day 04
Saturday
March 27:

DINGLE – KILLARNEY – BANTRY: This morning we board our coach and depart for Bantry Bay and the picturesque village of Glengarriff. Our route will take you through picturesque Killarney, over mountain roads and wide valleys to Kenmare. Approaching Glengarriff, do not be surprised when you see palm trees! This area enjoys a sub-tropical climate warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream Continue on to Bantry where you’ll enjoy a visit to the Bantry House and Gardens. Here you’ll do a self-guided tour through the stately house and then enjoy a walk through beautiful and historic gardens. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight at the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry.

Day 05
Sunday
March 28:

MIZEN HEAD: After breakfast, we will tour Mizen Peninsula. At the end of the peninsula, the cliffs of Mizen Head rise high above the Atlantic Here you’ll enjoy a visit to the Mizen Head Signal Station. A lighthouse station linked to the mainland by a suspension bridge. You will see on display the fascinating story of the building of the lighthouse plus the Keepers kitchen and bedroom which have been retained to recall the lifestyle of the men of the Irish Lights. Close to the Mizen are the beautiful sandy beaches of Barley Cove. On the return journey, you pass through the delightful village of Schull which nestles at the foot of Mount Gabriel which rises to just over 407 meters and has an aircraft tracking station on its summit. Finally, on to the brightly painted village of Ballydehob on the homeward journey to Bantry. Tonight, dinner on your own. Music session later with Kevin. Overnight at your Bantry hotel.

Day 06
Monday
March 29:

BANTRY – CORK: Leaving Bantry, we travel through the coastal towns of West Cork, Skibbereen, and Clonakilty to the sea-faring town of Kinsale. Kinsale has over the years, gained a wide reputation as the gourmet’s paradise, boasting some of the best seafood restaurants in Ireland. Enjoy some free time to explore the town, which has a strong Spanish flavor and its narrow winding streets have been compared to those of Toledo, Spain. Continue on to Cork City and check in to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at the Imperial Hotel, Cork.

Day 07
Tuesday
March 30: CORK – COBH – BLARNEY - CORK: Today after breakfast, we travel to the villager of Cobh; here we’ll visit the Cobh Heritage Center, which documents the history of Irish emigration and the story of the ill-fated super liners, the Lusitania and the Belfast-built Titanic. Continue on to the little village of Blarney, where you have the option of climbing the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the famed stone, said to bestow eloquence on all who date. Time to shop and explore the Blarney Woollen Mills. Return to Cork. Tonight dinner on your own, and then you’ll gather for a farewell music session with Kevin. Overnight at your Cork hotel.

Day 08
Wednesday
March 31: CORK – SHANNON AIRPORT – USA: Today, we will bid farewell to this Emerald Isle as we travel northwards via the bustling town of Mallow and Charleville and Limerick City to Shannon Airport. Here we’ll have ample time for last minute duty-free shopping before boarding our homebound flight. Arrive back into Boston the same day. Optional bus transportation available back to the Albany area.
Your Tour Will Include:
**Roundtrip airfare from Boston to Shannon, Ireland via Aer Lingus ** Six (6) Nights First Class Hotels, throughout, rooms with private facilities ** Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival ** Three (3) Hotel dinners ** All sightseeing and transportation via Deluxe Touring Motor Coach with the services of a professional Irish driver/guide throughout ** Visits/Admissions: Bantry House & Gardens, Mizen Head Signal Station, Cobh Heritage Centre and Blarney Woollen Mills ** Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person ** Tips and taxes in Ireland. NOTE: Final Gratuity to the driver/guide is NOT included ** Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents