Nothing complements travel more than the freedom to follow your itinerary. The Emerald Isle invites you on such a tour, promising an experience extending beyond picturesque landscapes, leading to an adventure of discovery.
 
Off the Beaten Path: Break away from traditional tours and delve into the heart of Ireland. Dictated by your curiosity. Maybe it's a quaint village tucked away from the main road, an intriguing flea market, or an inviting hiking trail - on an Expressly for You self-drive tour, your intrigue draws your route.
 
A Drive through Scenic Routes: The rustic charm of the Cliffs of Moher, the serene beauty of the Killarney National Park, and the coastal allure along the Ring of Kerry - the Irish landscapes are mesmerizing. With our Expressly for You self-drive tours, you can pause and enjoy as you please, navigating the landscapes at your own pace.
 
Flexibility and Freedom: You're the master of your day. Start early to witness the sunrise over Galway Bay, or sleep in after an invigorating night at a traditional pub in Kinsale or Cork. With a car, you can explore more, see more, and do more than you can experience with an escorted tour. With CK Tours Expressly for You, self-drive itineraries, you have the flexibility to escape at your own pace.
 
Culinary Delights: Make your gastronomical trail in Ireland, sampling the fresh catches along the coastal towns, discovering the local ale and liquors, and treating yourself to gourmet delights at Fire or Sole in Dublin.
 
Real Cultural Experience: Attend the Galway Arts Festival, strike up a chat with the friendly locals, soak in the history of charming towns, and get up close with Irish traditions at your speed.

Imagine meandering through the winding roads that reveal the timeless charm of the Irish countryside, lush landscapes, serene coastlines, and vibrant cities - all at your own pace. Take a break to capture the beauty of the landscape, relax by a secluded beach, or explore the local markets - the choices are endless with our Expressly for You self-drive tour. With CK Tours & Cruises, we can help you plan your perfect self-drive itinerary through Ireland, ensuring comfortable stays and a reliable vehicle for a smooth road trip.

let’s hit the road to explore Ireland like never before. At CK Tours & Cruises, we believe in not just reaching the destination but also in savoring every moment of the journey.

Now is the perfect time to switch up your European travel plans and take an off-beat excursion to the continent’s less-trodden paths in 2024. Every corner of Europe has unwritten stories waiting to be discovered by the discerning traveler. Here are our top five hidden gems you might consider for your itinerary.

·         Sibiu, Romania: Situated in the heart of Transylvania, Sibiu is pulsating with life, thanks to its array of cafes and restaurants in idyllic squares and streets lined with Gothic architecture. It's like a stroll through a fairytale and one that should not be missed.
 ·         Aeolian Islands, Italy: Beyond the bustling streets of Rome or the tourist-laden beaches of the Amalfi Coast, you'll find the Aeolian Islands. This archipelago is a tapestry of beautiful land and seascapes, offering a tranquil getaway for the avid wanderer.
 ·         Oulu, Finland: A nature lover's delight, Oulu boasts luscious forests and picturesque spots ideal for outdoor activities. The winter presents the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights, while the summer offers an unforgettable experience of the Finnish Midnight Sun.
 ·         Ghent, Belgium: Often overshadowed by Brussels or Bruges, Ghent hosts medieval architecture, vibrant eateries, and a bubbling cultural scene. With its canals and quirky art scene, this city offers a unique blend of history and modernity.
 ·         San Sebastian, Spain: An underrated coastal city, San Sebastián offers a fusion of scenic beaches, rich history, and culinary delights. Whether it's the classic pinxtos or the new-age fusion cuisine, foodies will revel in the city's gastronomy.
 2024 is the year to broaden your European horizons. Instead of retreading familiar grounds, dare to unearth the continent's lesser-known settlements and unique experiences. The world is opened up again, and now's the time to plan your next adventures.
CK Tours & Cruises is committed to helping you live out your wanderlust. With us, travel isn't mere movement; it's about experiences, about understanding cultures and communities, and about constructing memories that last a lifetime.
Embark on your 2024 European adventure with us because at CK Tours & Cruises, we don’t believe in just visiting a destination; we believe in experiencing it.

We had the opportunity to spend a week in my new favorite destination Madeira!
 
Why Madeira?
Madeira offers stunning vistas, B&B, Hotel and Apartment accommodations from Mountainside to Beachfront.
The main town of Funchal is vibrant with incredible restaurants offering excellent value, a stunning view from every corner. The city is walkable, but also offers an excellent public transport and taxi system. Keep in mind is Funchal is on the side of a mountain, and the walk to higher accommodations can be challenging, the walks down are a breeze 😀.

The true beauty and grandeur experienced when you venture up 6000’ from Funchal, and down to the east coast for incredible coastline with vistas of otherworldly rock formations. So otherworldly, the latest Disney+ Star Wars offering The Acolyte is shot from the upper reaches of Madeiras forest to the rugged eastern and western coastlines.
What we experienced in Madeira
We hit the ground running, after checking in to our accommodations. We were off to see the Saturday Farmer’s and Fish Markets, then wondered around old town, ending our first day with a wonderful dinner at Casa Velha.
After a much needed night of rest we spent the day exploring our surroundings via the local Hop on Hop off bus, with an extended visit to Farol de Câmara de Lobos, that is famous for Winston Churchill spending large chunks of time painting the vistas.
On Monday we started the day with a ride up the Funchal Gondola to ride a basket down the mountain, but first we visited the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Then it was the days main event, a wicker basket ride down the mountain roads guided by our basket wranglers. Yes it’s a touristy activity with a typically hour long wait to ride. And still it’s worth it for the fun you will have.
Tuesday was our day with Rico’s Off Road Adventures, and our guide Vitor. Taking a tour like this is a must do, you can take a true off road adventure with Rico’s, our you can take a more sedate tour via a Land Rover. Whichever option you take will provide an incredible experience. The diversity of ecological areas as you travel up from the coast to over 6000 ft is magical.
Wednesday we spent the afternoon with Claudio hiking along the Levadas a couple of thousand feet above the sea. Due to a heavy rainstorm we got a late start on our 5K hike. Near the end of the hike we had to don our headlamps to see our way out. Making the final more exciting than expected 😳 we followed the hike up with an unforgettable experience cooking our dinner over an open fire in a mountainside bbq restaurant. The beef, chicken and sausages were outstanding, and the interaction with the locals with even better.
On Thursday we hired a taxi for the day to take us to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. This is also a must do experience. Natural volcanic pools next to crashing waves provided an incredible experience. In addition to the pools you can stay in Porto Moniz for a night or two. Lots of good restaurants and cafes. Part of the intrigue of Porto Moniz is the drive across the island through deep valleys and numerous tunnels, that now bypass the harrowing single lane cliffs roads of 20 years ago.
We ended our night with an excellent dinner at Taberna Madeira.
Our last full day was a walking food tour through the Velha to experience excellent cuisine, snacks and drinks. Our guide was excellent, we ended the day with a glass of Puncha.