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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Ireland
Intro to Ireland
 Connemara/GalwayDonegal Kerry Kilkenny Monaghan Offaly Sligo
Scotland
England
Wales
Europe Overview
Add Ons:
Hiking
Cycling
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West Coast Walks
Western Ireland
Ireland
Enjoy hiking along the wide, sweeping expanses of Ireland’s beaches, her lonely mountain trails, and her windswept hills. Participants will be awed by the natural beauty, ancient architecture and charming towns along the way. West Coast Walks features gems of Connemara including mountains, preserved bog lands, national parks, ancient abbeys and forts, and almost 5,000 years of history.
Starting out in Clifden, this hike takes us through a varying landscape of lakes, green rolling hills, tidal islands, awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, patchwork fields, quiet beaches, and Ireland’s only fjord! Visit places of enchanting history like the Kylemore Abbey, originally built as a romantic gift, the Killary Fjord, intertwined with the 19th century famine relief effort and home to gregarious dolphins, or the fort of Dún Aonghasa, thought to date back to the Iron Age. Discover the strange geological patterns of the Burren region and its eroded limestone floors covering dozens of megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses.
Come and join our fully escorted West Coast Walk! Each day we are assisted by a minivan which allows us to cover more territory. This walk is suitable for participants of all ages. If discovering Ireland’s natural beauty (including sand dunes, forests, rugged hills, heather covered moors, quiet river valleys, endless beaches, and ancient trails) on foot appeals to you, then West Coast Walks is what you have been waiting for!
Trip Highlights
- Clifden, the jewel of Connemara
- Visit to the Killary Fjord
- Discover the charm of Kylemore Abbey
- Tour of Dun Aenghus
- Discovering of the Aran Islands
- Inismore, largest of the Aran Islands
- Accomodation in Lisdoonvarna
- Breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
+ Shannon Airport pick-up and drop-off;
+ All 3-4 star accommodation (en suite) x 6 nights;
+ All land transportation;
+ Return Ferry to the Aran Islands;
+ 6 guided walks;
+ Escort of full-time guide;
+ Escort of local guides;
+ Evening transportation to pubs / music;
+ 6 breakfasts;
+ 5 packed lunches;
+ 4 evening meals
| A | 2012 | 7 day trip from Shannon | 7d / 6n | €1599 | $2145 |
| Single room supplement | €240 | $325 |
Group Leader - FREE with group of 8+
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Shannon included at 1 PM - drop off Shannon 12 noon
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Arrival Shannon Airport 1pm
Return Shannon Airport 12 noon
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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04/25
- 05/01
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/01
- 05/07
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/07
- 05/13
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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05/26
- 06/01
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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07/29
- 08/04
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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08/20
- 08/26
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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08/27
- 09/02
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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09/18
- 09/24
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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10/02
- 10/08
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7d / 6n
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7 day trip from Shannon
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4
/12
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Reserve
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Day 1 Walking Distance 2 miles (3.2 km)
From Shannon we drive north to Clifden, County
Galway,a lovely little town known as the "Jewel of Connemara". We will
be accommodated at the lovely Dun Ri Guest House for the next two
nights. We will take our evening meal at one of Clifden's many fine
restaurants, and then there will be time for a stroll after dinner
before the music starts in the pubs.
Day 2 First stop today is Kylemore Abbey: western Ireland's most famous landmark. Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain on the shore of Lough Pollacappul, in the heart of the Connemara Mountains, Kylemore is regarded as one of Ireland?s most romantic buildings. Built in 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore Abbey and the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history. Today Kylemore Abbey and the estate are open to visitors and the main areas to be visited are the Abbey itself, the Gothic Church, the Victorian Walled Gardens, craft Shop, pottery studio, restaurant and tea Rooms as well as the lake and woodland walks.
Our walk then will be at Killary fjord. The fjord is 16 km long and forms the natural border between County Mayo in the north and County Galway to the south. Our route will take us along an old famine road (rough track built to give poor people work during the Great Famine of 1845-48). The view to the north looks out across the fjord to Mweelrea, western Ireland's highest mountain, and the views to the south are of the Maamturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens. This is one of the finest walks in Ireland! Breakfast and Lunch Included.
Terrain: waterside paths, rocky tracks. Elev Gain: 100 ft. Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Day 3 This morning after breakfast we will take a guided walk at Omey Island (5 miles). This is a beautiful little island located just off the Connemara shore and we can reach it by walking across the sand at low tide. We will take a circular walk around the island travelling by ancient tracks beside a lake and then out across lovely quiet sandy beaches. In the evening we will take the ferry out to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. We will be accommodated at a beautiful guest house at the foot of the fort of Dun Aenghus. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Terrain: coastal sandy track, quiet lanes and beach. Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Day 4 Walking Distance 10 miles option of 7 miles(16.1 km/11.3km)
The first part of our walk today takes us up to visit Dun Aenghus, a massive semi-circular ring fort lodged on the edge of cliffs that drop 300 ft into the Atlantic. Gaze out from the cliff tops across the wild Atlantic Ocean (next stop Newfoundland!). Our walk consists of much varied terrain, beginning with a fabulous trek across the rocky flagstones of the northwestern shore of the island. We then travel on along quiet grassy tracks with fine views lined with endless stretches of dry stone walls. If you are taking this tour in springtime, you will be delighted at the sight of magnificent "carpets" of sea pinks (or thrift) found along the flaggy shore.
Inismore (trans "the big island") is the largest of the three Aran Islands and the most remote. The name Aran is from the Irish Arainn which translates as "the long ride". An appropriate name for an island 9 miles long by 3 miles wide. Although commonly known as Inishmore, Aran is still the official title. There is no place like Arainn, an island covered in a myriad of dry stone walls, colourful wild flowers, tiny fertile meadows and endless Pre-Christian and Christian sites of interest. All with a boundary of wild Atlantic waves. You will find the whole place absolutely enchanting! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Terrain: quiet lanes, grassy tracks, rocky shore. Walking Distance 12 miles (19.3 km)
Note: this walk is 12 miles long, but there is an opportunity, if you wish, to take a shorter option of 7 miles).
Day 5 This morning, we will take the morning ferry back to Rossaveal and then head on to Slieve Elva in the Burren region of County Clare. The Burren ("a stoney place") is a strange, lunar-like region of bare carboniferous limestone which occupies around one hundred square miles of County Clare. Below the surface of the Burren is the most remarkable assemblage of spectacular caves, streams, potholes and "turloughs"(vanishing lakes)
After our walk, which takes in wonderful views of Galway Bay, we will make our way to the coastal village of Ballyvaughan where we spend our final two nights. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Terrain: grassy track, country lanes, green road. Elev 400ft. Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Day 6 A wonderful day exploring and walking the Burren! The word "Burren" comes from the Irish "Boireann" which means "great rock". And it is truly an immensely rocky place. The hills of the Burren are made up of limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks called "grikes", between isolated rocks called "clints". The area supports arctic, alpine and Mediterranean flora side-by-side, and the mild winter temperatues ensure a long growing season. The blue flower of the Spring Gentian, an alpine plant, is the region's best-loved flower. For our walk today we will be escorted today by a Burren expert. He will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest.This will include walking in two separate parts of the Burren with a break for lunch.
In Springtime you will never see anything like the carpets of primroses, or the white flower of the blackthorn cascading over all the hedgerows. Rare and spectacular plants occur in abundance. Nowhere else in Ireland, Britain or even north west Europe can such quantities of the blue Spring Gentian, cream Mountain Avens or yellow Shrubby Cinquefoil be encountered. Orchids grow everywhere in the Burren and 23 out of the 27 Irish species are to be found here. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Terrain: old green road, rocky tracks. Elev Gain 400 ft. Walking Distance 11 miles (17.7 km)
Day 7 Our last walk will be at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Leaving the bustling car park behind, we can enjoy relative solitude walking along the cliffs towards Hag's Head. On the grassy bank at the lower cliff look out for puffins: they make their nests on the grass. We can also hope to see and hear fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, and if we're really lucky, peregrine falcons. Then it's Goodbye to Ireland after our drive back to Shannon Airport. Breakfast Included.
Terrain: cliff path. Walking Distance 1 mile (1.6 km)
NOTE: The above scheduled itinerary is subject to change in the interest
of all parties, and for varying reasons. Some tours may run in reverse.
Meeting:
Shannon airport
Airport:
Shannon
Transfer:
Shannon airport
Arrival Shannon Airport 1pm
Return Shannon Airport 12 noon
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Easy
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
12 riders
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This holiday, guided by someone who really knows and cares for Ireland,
is the best way to see this enchanting country; imagine yourself hiking
(or walking) over Irish mountains, pausing by Irish lakes, drinking in
Irish pubs and listening to traditional Irish music.
These
hiking trips show you the best of Ireland, its picturesque scenery, the
grandeur of its mountains, the warmth and hospitality of its people and
the magic of their music. Call it an Irish walking holiday; a hiking
vacation in Ireland; even a sabbatical - maybe you're researching
Ireland, perhaps for a thesis or book; or perhaps you want to see the
Ireland of your Irish ancestors. Call it any or all of these, but treat
yourself to a tour of Erin's Isle anyway.
Our hiking tours of Ireland are fully escorted by experienced,
professional guides. We travel through Ireland in groups of no more than
twelve people. We will escort you on hikes through Ireland's most
scenic trails, walk through undiscovered routes lined with extraordinary
vistas.
Ireland
has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain
ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and
moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy
villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling
brooks.
Ireland's
climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to
be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the
interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands
are known for magnificent sunsets.
Don't
be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after
all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million!
Ireland is a birdwatcher's paradise with many rarities such as the
corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area
of the Burren, Co. Clare.
Maybe
the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another
place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humor,
love of life and love of the land.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except: (a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holde. more
The following items are essential:
- Good strong waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking trousers (jeans are not recommended at all as
they are too hot in fine weather and too heavy if they get wet)
- Small day rucksack for lunch, drinks, coat etc.
- Water Bottle
- Gloves (even in summer it can get really cool in some hilly and coastal areas)
- Warm Hat
- Personal toiletries and medication
- General warm clothing such as sweaters, track suit bottoms (sweat pants), fleece jacket, etc.
- Sun cream / sun block / after sun cream
- Spending money in Euros (due to the remote nature of our
accommodations, it is sometimes difficult to get to banks and cash
machines).
- Credit cards are accepted everywhere.
The following items are suggestions:
- Shorts
- Waterproof trousers
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Flask (Thermos)
- Walking pole / stick
- Torch (flashlight)
- Book
- Alarm clock
- Drawing / painting equipment
- Swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Your favourite remedy for blisters. (I highly recommend a product
called “Compeed” which is available in most pharmacists. In the USA and
Canada it may be sold under a different brand name. It is manufactured
by Johnson and Johnson)
(Note: Only one suitcase per person please)
Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com
If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or www.bilemo.com/unlock
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
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..view other reports for different trips
All 3-4 star accommodation (en suite) x 6 nights
+ 2-night stay in Lisdoonvarna, the Matchmaker Town
+ 2-night stay in Clifden, the Jewel in Connemara
+ 2 nights on Inismore, Aran Islands
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Easy
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Level:
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|
(2
to
2
out of 5)
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
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|
This holiday, guided by someone who really knows and cares for Ireland,
is the best way to see this enchanting country; imagine yourself hiking
(or walking) over Irish mountains, pausing by Irish lakes, drinking in
Irish pubs and listening to traditional Irish music.
These
hiking trips show you the best of Ireland, its picturesque scenery, the
grandeur of its mountains, the warmth and hospitality of its people and
the magic of their music. Call it an Irish walking holiday; a hiking
vacation in Ireland; even a sabbatical - maybe you're researching
Ireland, perhaps for a thesis or book; or perhaps you want to see the
Ireland of your Irish ancestors. Call it any or all of these, but treat
yourself to a tour of Erin's Isle anyway.
Our hiking tours of Ireland are fully escorted by experienced,
professional guides. We travel through Ireland in groups of no more than
twelve people. We will escort you on hikes through Ireland's most
scenic trails, walk through undiscovered routes lined with extraordinary
vistas.
Ireland
has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain
ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and
moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy
villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling
brooks.
Ireland's
climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to
be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the
interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands
are known for magnificent sunsets.
Don't
be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after
all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million!
Ireland is a birdwatcher's paradise with many rarities such as the
corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area
of the Burren, Co. Clare.
Maybe
the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another
place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humor,
love of life and love of the land.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
1 |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
2 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
3 |
| Canadian |
3 |
| USA |
3 |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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