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Home » Exploring Ireland: The Best Week-Long Adventure from Dublin (includes map)

Exploring Ireland: The Best Week-Long Adventure from Dublin (includes map)

Last Updated: October 1, 2024

Table of Contents

Toggle
  8 Minutes Read
  • Day 1: Getting the Lay of the Land
    • Visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum 
    • Marvel at the Book of Kells
    • Take a Stroll Down Dublin’s Docklands
  • Day 2: Indulge in Dublin’s Fare
    • Visit the Guinness Storehouse
    • Have a Whisky Tasting
    • Explore Dublin’s Pub Culture
  • Day Trips from Dublin
  • Day 3: Galway and Cliffs of Moher
  • Day 4: Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry
  • Day 5: Adventure to the Edge of the World
  • Day 6: Castles and Stone Circles
  • Day 7: Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Ireland Attractions Map
  • Best Time to Visit Ireland
  • Posts from Ireland:
    • Visiting Amazing Ireland by Road and Rail on a Retirement Journey
    • Ultimate Northern Ireland Travel Guide: Belfast & More (includes map)
A beautiful red neighborhood bar in Dublin called Temple Bar.

We kicked off season 3 of our round-the-world trip in retirement travel with a week in Ireland. A country with rich history, vibrant culture, warm-hearted people, and breathtaking landscapes. It turns out, Ireland is the perfect country for a road trip!

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It takes less than 3 hours to get from one side of Ireland to the other, but you will be surprised to discover that for such a small country, Ireland has an overwhelming amount of sights and experiences. So to help you have the most unforgettable stay, we crafted this 7 day Ireland itinerary packed with must-see places around the country.

Day 1: Getting the Lay of the Land

To start your Dublin itinerary, get acquainted with the city by taking a walking tour. Joining one on the first days of arriving at our destination is our favorite way to set us up for an efficient adventure as we usually get to visit the most important landmarks, learn about history and culture, and consult our guide on places to eat! 

pedestrian bridge over a canal in Dublin Ireland at sunset with people walking along canal
We enjoyed walking in Dublin

We recommend this free walking tour that takes you around Dublin’s top attractions. History lovers will enjoy this 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour led by Lorcan Collins, an author, historian, and podcaster, recommended by the Dublin City Council. The tour dives deep into a significant period of Irish history that shapes the nation. Alternatively, you can take yourself on a self-guided tour by visiting the following sites. 

Visit the Kilmainham Gaol Museum 

Inside view of a large open space in a former prison in Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is actually a former prison that opened in 1796, closed in 1924, and became a museum in 1971. Taking a guided tour through its walls and cells is an educational and emotional experience as it gives insight into the leaders and citizens kept and executed there during Ireland’s struggle for independence.

Marvel at the Book of Kells

Thousands of books in an historic library with arched ceilings
Trinity College Library

With such a prominent literary heritage, it’s no wonder that Ireland is home to one of the most famous artifacts in the world – an illuminated manuscript that dates back to the 9th century. This ancient book is kept at Trinity College Library, ranked among the top 10 most beautiful libraries in the world, and located at the oldest college in Ireland. The rich wooden shelves stacked with books from floor to ceiling and spectacular building exteriors are attractions on their own. And as it usually goes with the most popular attractions in town, the line can get intense. So to avoid wasting your time standing in the queue, book your entry tickets in advance.

Take a Stroll Down Dublin’s Docklands

Statues and people along the river in Dublin as memorial to the famine
Famine Memorial

This side of Dublin, once derelict, is a palate refresher to the medieval look, featuring modern waterfront architecture. It’s where old meets new. The Docklands are home to cute cafes and restaurants, water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, and museums. We recommend taking a stroll at sunset and hunting for important landmarks like the haunting Famine Memorial, street art, and art installations that light up come nighttime.

Day 2: Indulge in Dublin’s Fare

Foodies will thrive in Ireland, the home of spirits and fresh local produce. During your stay, order meat, seafood, and dairy because Irish produce tastes sublime. And, of course, you can’t forgo trying a pint or two of Guinness, tasting Irish Whiskey, Irish Coffee, and Bailey’s – the local beverages of choice.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

Inside brick wall with writing at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Brewery equipment and piping in Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Statues and people along the river in Dublin as memorial to the famine

Guinness is the epitome of Ireland and for the ultimate experience of the decadent drink, we recommend visiting the Guinness Storehouse Factory. Beer fans will love learning about the brewing process and tasting the goods on the interactive tour and those into history will enjoy learning about the marketing secrets and the building, which also happens to offer the best views in town. When the tour is over, you get to climb up to Dublin’s tallest 360-rooftop Gravity bar and enjoy a glass of Guinness.

Have a Whisky Tasting

Whisky connoisseurs will be delighted to find that the world’s leading Irish Whiskey producer, Jameson, has a distillery located in a historic building that has become a popular tourist attraction in Dublin, offering guided tours and tastings. But should you crave a more off-the-beaten-path experience, we recommend heading to the Teeling Distillery, which also happens to serve some of the best Irish Coffee in Dublin.

Explore Dublin’s Pub Culture

Joining a pub crawl is an iconic experience to have in Ireland. You’ll find plenty of pre-organized ones that are a bunch of fun and a great way to meet people. But if you prefer taking the lead, here are some recommendations. 

Outside courtyard area of an old pub in Dublin Ireland
Irish meal on a plate with potatoes, peas and chicken
Irish meal on a plate with bacon, gravy, and cabbage
The outside building of the oldest pub in Ireland
The Brazen Head

Temple Bar is continuously highly ranked. And while it is the most popular bar in Dublin, it is also among the most crowded and overpriced. But it’s located in a beautiful neighborhood, it’s stunningly decorated, and features great live music, so it’s up to you if it’s worth it. The Brazen Head is another hit for being the oldest pub in Ireland, founded in 1198! But our favorite was The Stag’s Head. Bev had already been there with her mom, and their Evening of Irish Folklore and Storytelling experience was a big highlight. So much so that we had to do it again during this visit.

man inside an Irish pub telling folklore stories
Folklore and Fairies Story Evening

For more traditional eats, Spitalfields came in highly recommended. A typical Irish pub set in a historic area of Dublin which has earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand. And to excite our palates, we love trying modern takes on traditional cuisine, which in Dublin, you can do at Orwell Road restaurant, offering modern Irish cuisine.

Day Trips from Dublin

map of ireland

When planning a trip to Ireland, make sure you venture outside of Dublin to experience all of the beauty the countryside has to offer. We did so by taking day trips from Dublin. You can do the same or embark on an epic road trip around Ireland.

Getting around Ireland is fairly simple thanks to the comforts and convenience of their train system. The Irish Rail is the fastest way to get around the country. Alternatively, you can use the public bus network or rent a car, which is the option that allows the most flexibility and lets you access remote tourist attractions in Ireland easily.

Day 3: Galway and Cliffs of Moher

man and woman standing at the cliffs of Moher in Ireland

Start your Ireland itinerary off on a day of adventure with a journey westward to Galway, a lively city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore the medieval Galway Cathedral, stroll through colorful streets filled with shops, pubs, and street performers, and savor delicious seafood at the bustling Galway Market.

Cliffs of Moher with green grass above and ocean below
So much raw beauty at the Cliffs of Moher

In the afternoon, tick off one of the best things to do in Ireland by venturing out to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. They are one of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, so if there is one day trip from Dublin that you must prioritize – it’s this one! Gaze at the sheer cliffs and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the stateliness of which is challenging to capture on camera. To get a fascinating perspective of the cliffs, we recommend taking a boat to Aran Islands, a group of three islands offering dramatic landscapes, ruins, and clear waters too.

Day 4: Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry

beautiful Irish countryside with lakes and hills
Beautiful drive in Ireland

Charge your camera because this day of your Ireland itinerary has a lot of epic scenery in store! The Ring of Kerry is a famous 111-mile-long circular route that features some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. It takes you through rugged mountains, quaint villages, and along the stunning coastline. If you rent a car, you have the flexibility to stop at picturesque spots like Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfalls. The experience reminded us of our road trip through New Zealand. But NZ is really another kind of special!

homes with green landscape in Ireland countryside
Ireland is so beautiful

Killarney National Park sits at the entry to the Ring of Kerry. If you are pressed for time, skip the Ring drive and stroll around the park instead, take in the mountain views, and visit the Ross castle. It’s truly a beautiful place that has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Day 5: Adventure to the Edge of the World

Hilly Irish countryside near the shoreline on Dursey Island
At the tip of Ireland

Dursey Island has only a handful of permanent inhabitants. There are no pubs, shops, or restaurants, and getting there is an adventure in itself – you have to take a cable car built in 1969. So why is it worth traveling all the way to Dursey Island? The scenery, of course. Those who visit often say that being on Dursey Island feels like standing on the edge of the world. The vastness, the historic ruins, and the lack of human life almost feel eerie. That’s if you come early and avoid the growing crowds since Dursey Island is a popular place to visit in Ireland. The island is also a great place for birdwatching, dolphin, and whale spotting.

Day 6: Castles and Stone Circles

Man playing bagpipes outside Blarney Castle in Ireland
Outside view of the Blarney Castle tower in Ireland
Inside look of Blarney Castle in Ireland

On day six of your Ireland itinerary, it’s time to head south to County Tipperary and visit the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress perched on a limestone outcrop. Explore the intricate Celtic architecture of this iconic site and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. But Ireland is just getting warmed up because further south, you will arrive at Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone, kissing which is said to give the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness. The stone has been kissed by many notable figures, including Winston Churchill; hence, we didn’t hesitate to do the same. 

River with a stone bridge in an Irish town
Another great walkable city in Ireland

A short drive even further south will take you to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Stroll along the charming streets, visit the famous English Market, the mecca of good Irish food, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub before heading towards the coast in search of stone circles. You will find many located west of Cork, the most famous one of all being the Drombeg Stone Circle, protected under the National Monuments Act. 

large stones in the ground in the shape of a circle
Drombeg Stone Circle near Cork

Day 7: Wicklow Mountains National Park

mountain stream with yellow bushes and rocks in Irish countryside
Wicklow Mountains National Park

On the last day of your 7 day Ireland itinerary, as you are winding down your journey and preparing for departure, we suggest taking a short escape on a day trip to the picturesque Wicklow Mountains. Grab a picnic and take a hike through the enchanting woodland trails that hold rich mining history. Don’t miss your last opportunity to capture Ireland’s stunning scenery.

Craft beer selections at an Irish pub
So many great beer choices!

Then, before you go, return to your favorite pub for one last round. It’s a common practice among loyal customers in Ireland to buy a bottle of whiskey at their favorite joint, store it there, and sip at it each time they come. If you loved your stay in Dublin and wish to send a signal to the Universe for a prompt return, we invite you to buy a bottle too. You know, like the coin toss at the Trevi Fountain in Rome?

Ireland Attractions Map

HOW TO SAVE THIS MAP:

Each icon has embedded information in the map, so click to review. To the right of the title of the map, click the ⭐️ STAR to save to your Google Map Account. To view it on your computer or phone, open Google Maps, click the three lines on the upper left, select “Saved,” select “Maps,” and this map will be listed below.

Best Time to Visit Ireland

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

Posts from Ireland:

bagpipe player by blarney castle in Ireland

Visiting Amazing Ireland by Road and Rail on a Retirement Journey

bev sitting on rocks at giant's causeway in northern ireland

Ultimate Northern Ireland Travel Guide: Belfast & More (includes map)

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A picture of John & Bev celebrating 100 countries with balloons and champaign.

We’re John & Bev a married, American couple who decided to sell our home and give away our stuff so we could explore the world. Having traveled to over 100 countries, we create travel guides to help show you the way. We hope our tips, maps, details, stories, and recommendations help you travel with confidence and plan a grand adventure of your own. Reach out if you have a question, we’re happy to share our thoughts. Happy Journeys!

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📍 104 Countries - Cruising the Panama Canal 🗺 Traveling the world full-time 🎥 Community of 138K+ on YouTube ⬇️ Watch and read latest content ⬇️
  • We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
  • One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
  • Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
  • We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
  • We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
  • In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
  • A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
  • Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
  • The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
  • We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
  • Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
  • Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
View on Instagram
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so! #korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/12
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/12
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/12
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife #bambooforest
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/12
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/12
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/12
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/12
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/12
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
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The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼 The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. #pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/12
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We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
10/12
Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
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Just zipping around China by train, We think it’s much better than a plane. A rail network so vast, And speeds that are fast, There is nary a thing to complain. Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev #china #trains #traintravel
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/12
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
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Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area. #china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/12

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