CIE Tours
Discover the UK and Europe with CIE on one of 68 guided vacations that balance authentic and exclusive experiences with plenty of down time to let you explore and enjoy on your own. When you book your CIE touring holiday with us you'll enjoy exclusive online savings and the support from your own dedicated travel advisor.
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CIE Tours Reviews View all
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If you’re looking for a great experience look no further than Global Journeys. Could not fault our experience. From the time of booking till we landed on Australian shores again,fabulous! Rachael McSorley our Travel Advisor looked after us so well. We were kept up to date evert step of the way. And CIE Classic Irish tour was all we hoped and more! ...read more
CIE are a great tourist organisation. All costs were in the price quoted , no added extras like some tourist organisations. The tour covered big and small venues, cities and towns whilst the places used for accommodation were of great value. I would recommend CIE.
Loved every minute of the trip. Sam our driver was amazing. Jaquie our guide was fabulous. Couldn't recommend them any more. Would do it again in a heartbeat. A must do trip to add to your bucket list.
Stunning scenery in the wilds of Scotland, with some logistical challenges. 3 Norm, VIC, Australia, Aug 2023
This was an excellent itinerary to see the stunning landscapes that Scotland offers. Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Orkney were standout locations, The trip also had a liberal dose of castles and stately homes, both functioning and derelict. The tour guide provided an immense amount of history and perspective, to bring locations alive with their significance. ...read more Overall a very worthwhile experience.
On the downside, the tour company, CIE, chose to deliver our 'welcome pack' to the first hotel, rather than to our home. This appears to be their practice for Australians. This was in the least inconvenient as it meant we would not have the benefit of the provided backpacks for our outward journey. All other participants, who were from the USA, had their packs delivered to their homes. The impact was exacerbated by the packs not being there when we arrived, so we were without backpacks, name-tags, maps etc for the whole trip. It was only after pestering our guide that we finally received our packs on the very last day of the trip.
Our other concern was that the the quality of some of the hotels was below our expectations, with cramped rooms and bathrooms lacking power outlets etc, This is understandable in small remote towns, but the worst examples were actually in Glasgow and Inverness. We shared those hotels with other tour companies, such as Trafalgar, so we were not alone in the experience. The multiple tour groups also made meals, especially breakfast, a bit of a bunfight and far exceeded lift capabilities. We chose to walk up 5 flights at one stage, Would we do it again? Probably not with CIE. Their offices are in Ireland and USA and they appear to be not well geared for Australian participation.
On the downside, the tour company, CIE, chose to deliver our 'welcome pack' to the first hotel, rather than to our home. This appears to be their practice for Australians. This was in the least inconvenient as it meant we would not have the benefit of the provided backpacks for our outward journey. All other participants, who were from the USA, had their packs delivered to their homes. The impact was exacerbated by the packs not being there when we arrived, so we were without backpacks, name-tags, maps etc for the whole trip. It was only after pestering our guide that we finally received our packs on the very last day of the trip.
Our other concern was that the the quality of some of the hotels was below our expectations, with cramped rooms and bathrooms lacking power outlets etc, This is understandable in small remote towns, but the worst examples were actually in Glasgow and Inverness. We shared those hotels with other tour companies, such as Trafalgar, so we were not alone in the experience. The multiple tour groups also made meals, especially breakfast, a bit of a bunfight and far exceeded lift capabilities. We chose to walk up 5 flights at one stage, Would we do it again? Probably not with CIE. Their offices are in Ireland and USA and they appear to be not well geared for Australian participation.
Very organised. tour. Excellent hotels. Would book with Global Journeys again. My travel advisor Jemma Rosen was excellent answering concerns I had.
Amazing journey through Scottish Highlands and Isles, getting to see parts of Scotland that I would normally not have considered going to. Went in May and weather was fantastic. The accommodations (with the exception for the Balmacara Hotel) were very ordinary and well below expectations. Whilst I would recommend this trip, I would hope that the tour ...read more operators review the accommodation options and provide better options in the future.
My experience with Global Journeys was excellent along with my travel consultant Jemma Rosen. Very helpful in answering all my questions and I would definitely book with Global Journeys again in the future. Enjoyed my trip with CIE which I thought was good value.
From beginning to end we had great service from Global Journeys and then from CIE tours. Our consultant was easy to deal with and highly professional and personable responding quickly to our questions, CIE were also excellent. Our guide Brian was simply wonderful throughout. Thank you so much.
CIE Brochure Download the latest CIE brochure to read at your convenience.
Ireland & Britain (2025)
The warmest of welcomes, wide-open landscapes and incredible experiences await when you vacation with CIE Tours. Each day brims with the promise of fascinating history, enchanting locales, and unique adventures. In these pages, you’ll discover options for the vacation you’ve been dreaming about. If you’re looking forward to the camaraderie of making new friends on a guided tour visiting one of the...more world’s most beautiful destinations, it’s time to start planning.
The CIE Tour Experience Choose to travel with CIE Tours on your next adventure!
Over 80 Years' Experience Offering Excellence and Value
Founded in 1932, CIE Tours has over 80 years of experience in the travel industry. They continually work to develop their tours to deliver the highest quality holidays and offer the largest selection of trips across Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales and now with trips through Europe too!
Each escorted journey is curated with a commitment to quality and value, with a product range designed to suit a variety of traveller budgets. On a CIE tour daily sightseeing, most meals and unique experiences are included, so you get the most out of your time away and can simply relax and enjoy a holiday to remember.
Get to Know Destinations with Local Tour Directors
CIE’s local tour directors make the history and culture of their homelands come alive on tour. They share their insider knowledge, stories and passion with travellers so you can truly get to know the places you visit like a local. You’ll enjoy interesting narratives, commentary, and doses of humour delivered daily.
Your local tour director will also take care of all the finer details and be on hand to provide assistance during your journey, making for an enjoyable and worry free holiday. CIE Tours takes pride in the outstanding service provided by their local tour directors, which has earned them a 95%+ customer satisfaction rating.
No Hidden Extras to Worry About on Tour
When you travel with CIE Tours you can rest assured that there are no hidden extras. All guided holidays include daily sightseeing for which admission is included, as well as unique visits and admissions throughout the itinerary. There are no optional extras offered on CIE tours, so you don’t need to worry about paying for these while you are away.
On your guided holiday you will also enjoy full breakfasts, most dinners, and special evening shows/entertainment. With this all prepaid as part of your CIE tour, there is less you have to worry about budgeting for on your holiday.
Enjoy Unique and Authentic Experiences
CIE Tours strives to make every journey one that their guests will treasure forever. Their tour itineraries incorporate unique and authentic experiences, exclusive visits, and immerse travellers in the destinations they visit.
With such a rich history in Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours will share a historical perspective of the region with travellers, showcasing ancient cities, churches and castles. All CIE tour directors are well trained and well versed in the places and history you will encounter on tour and will impart their knowledge in a way that is fun and easy to digest.
Travel in Comfort Throughout Your Journey
CIE Tours' itineraries are curated by experts with traveller comfort in mind. Many tours include two-night stays giving guests more time to experience a destination and take it all in at a more leisurely pace. Itineraries include planned activities daily with a balance of free time for travellers to enjoy their way. Most hotels on tour feature leisure facilities and spas, so guests can enjoy these amenities onsite or head out exploring in their spare time.
On tour guests will travel on a modern, luxury coach and enjoy plenty of stops on travel days. With no more than two hours on the road without a break, travellers can look forward to photo opportunities and rest stops to truly enjoy the journey as well as each new and exciting destination.
Explore More Your guide to travelling with CIE Tours
19 August, 2020
Travel Safely with CIE's On the Road ProtocolsCIE Tours want to get back on the road as much as anyone, but like others in the industry they want to do it in a way that is safe for all involved. Aside from the foremost question of when can we all travel again, CIE are also concerned with how their guests will travel safely. Much is...
31 May, 2019
Why you should consider CIE ToursCIE Tours are an Irish owned and operated tour operator, celebrating 87 years of travel excellence! During this time CIE Tours International has provided their guests with the highest quality touring holidays to Ireland and Britain. Over the years CIE have built up an enviable reputation...
31 May, 2019
Solo Travels in Ireland with CIE ToursDreaming of travelling through Ireland, but don’t want to go it alone? Solo travel can be challenging, particularly when you’d much prefer to be the passenger taking in the spectacular scenery of the Emerald Isle than be the researcher, planner, navigator, and driver all at once. Welcoming...
31 May, 2019
Irish Warmth on the Taste of IrelandTara and Sheila both had their individual connections to Ireland. Tara had grown up a competing in Irish dancing contests and later studied Irish history and literature. Throughout her childhood, Sheila had spent her August holidays in Ireland every year to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday...
FAQ's Frequently asked questions for those considering travelling with CIE Tours
How many people will be on my CIE 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...read more 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 CIE 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 – 9:00pm 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...read more 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...read more 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 and Iceland are more active with itineraries that including walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, stairs and slopes. Some days involve three...read more 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...read more won’t be participating with the group that day. Can children travel on CIE's coach tours?
CIE Tours guided coach vacations are recommended for ages 8 and older. Those aged 8 to 17 are charged 90% of the full adult rate and must travel with an adult. Unaccompanied travelers must be at least 18 years of age. 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 your vacation,...read more payable in local currency.You will have a 2-person crew of a Tour Director and a Driver, so suggested minimum tipping amounts are €7- €8 each, 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. If you suffer from motion sickness, you should bring...read more 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....read more 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. 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 able to be viewd by selecting the dropdown above the pricing table on each trip page...read more. 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,...read more depending on location. We clearly identify all accommodations used on each tour. 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. 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...read more 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. 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. 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...read more 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 your Global Journeys travel advisor. 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....read more Can I book my air through CIE Tours & Global Journeys?
We would be happy to help you with your flight arrangements, and when you book through CIE Tours, you’ll enjoy negotiated rates, guaranteed pricing, assigned seats, included checked baggage and complimentary round-trip transfers between your airport and hotel.Most airlines require tickets to be paid...read more in full at the time of final payment of your vacation. Occasionally, due to specially negotiated rates or airfare associated with a promotion, payment is required within 24 hours of making the reservation.
Can I pay for my flights with airline miles?
CIE Tours' negotiated fares do not allow for payment with frequent flyer miles. Most of CIE Tours' negotiated fares allow for mileage accrual. 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 Global Journeys travel advisor about airport transfers available...read more through CIE Tours for an additional fee. When will I get my trip information and travel documents?
Your deluxe travel pack, including documents, will be delivered to you 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....read more You will need to present the relevant voucher in return for services such as Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours. 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. 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. 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,...read more the dress code is "smart casual" (no jeans, leisure wear, or informal open-toed shoes). How much luggage can I bring?
On coach 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...read more 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.
What documentation do I need to travel?
You will need a valid passport with an expiration at least 6 months after your travel dates. For specific details by country on other travel documents needed, please reference the Go-to-Guide that will be sent to you in advance. 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...read more 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.
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. 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,...read more 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 in conjunction with your Global Journeys travel advisor. 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. 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. Certain exclusive promotions may require higher deposits or payment in full. Full payment must be made no later than 75 days prior to departure date. If payment is not received as scheduled, the reservation will...read more automatically cancel, and the land deposit payment will be forfeited. Terms & Conditions All the boring small print. We recommend you read them, as no one likes surprises!
- Please read CIE Tours Terms & Conditions
- Please also read Global Journeys' Terms & Conditions if you haven't already.
