I briefly mentioned this in the Scottish Songs show of the latest Pub Songs Podcast.  I'm trying to decide where to go for next year's Celtic Invasion Vacations.

Are you able to go next year?

If so, where would you like to go?

Option 1 – Venice

I typically swap back and forth from Ireland and Scotland.  Next year, I would like to do something a wee bit different.  I have family in the Veneto in Italy.  They live about an hour from Venice.  I've made many trips to Venice in the past.  Yet, I always wanted to stay the night IN Venezia (Italian name for Venice).

My idea was we would stay two nights in Venice, and then 5 or 6 nights somewhere around Padova or maybe a wee bit closer to the mountains, like in Castelfranco, Bassano del Grappa, or maybe even Vicenza.   The Celts were one of the invading tribes of “barbarians” who passed through Italy.

While, at present, I'm not aware of any big Celtic sites in the area, my trips were never about that.  My Celtic Invasions are not about what you see as much as who you see it with.  Personally, I would LOVE to share some of my favorite places in Italy.  There are markets, mountains, and Venezia.  That's an adventure in itself!

Option 2 – Return to Ireland

I accept that most of my Gunn Runners are Irish and Scottish.  You may only get one vacation to Europe ever.  You want to see Ireland.  If that's you, I understand.  Post a comment below, but only if you definitely plan to go, please!

I have two options here.

My normal groups are small 8-15 people in cars, staying in two locations with lots of side trips.  It's very intimate, personal, and comfortable.  We eat together in our temporary homestead.  We get lots of time to share together.  I also focus on giving you good food, good drink, and good company.  The usual price is about $2395 for a week of travel (not including air fare).  If I do another small group, then my plan is to visit Northern Ireland and the Giant's Causeway.

However, I'm considering doing something a wee bit different if we return to Ireland next year.  There's a company called Hammond Tours.  They organize trips for a lot of Celtic bands.  It's a typical tour group in that you will see a lot more of the famous historical sites.  You'll get a lot more of the history and legends from a professional.  Groups sizes are usually about 20-50 people.  With that many people, the price is usually a lot less.  I'm not sure offhand, but I'd say under $2000 (maybe as low as $1800 for a week). 

The downside is there are a LOT of people.  You change hotels every night.  Food is about 50/50 good to mediocre.  It can also be a bit tiring.  And of course, the locations we'd visit are more touristy.  You don't quite get to live the lifestyle of a local, which is what I normally aim for.

Where would you like to go?

There ye have it.  Those are our options.  In fact, if you are more interested in the price, I bet I could find a company to do the same in Italy.  So lets go off to the polls:

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Thank you so much for responding to these polls.  If you plan to attend, then feel free to post comments below.

Slainte!