Exploring the Emerald Isle
October 10 - 21, 2027
If you haven’t been to Ireland, you haven’t seen green! Referred to as The Emerald Isle because its lush, vibrant green landscape resembles the precious green gemstone. Aside from the natural charm of the people, Ireland and Northern Ireland are uniquely beautiful – lush pastures, rugged mountains, soaring cliffs and iconic history all combine in this special tour. Tailored to IAPAL alumni, escorted by Tour Leader Marie Hvidsten, our itinerary is based on multiple successful study and leadership tours, combining agriculture with history and the “most requested” sites. Strictly limited, this tour showcases an overview of the Emerald Isle and a must do for those who have been, and not been, to Ireland.
Tour costs:
-
Per person twin or double: U.S. $4,795
-
Single supplement (limited to 2): U.S. $1,250
To ensure the quality of the tour, we are strictly limited to a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 30-travelers.
​
-
Not included: UK eta / E-visa (mandatory) – GBP 20 (rate as of August 2026)*
-
Costs for individual passports
-
All items of a personal nature including (but not limited to) alcohol, laundry, independent tours
​
-
Deposit Requirement: $750 US per person
-
Final payment due: August 9, 2027
-
Cancellation penalties:
-
From date of booking to May 3, 2027: $250 per person
-
From May 4 to August 8, 2027: loss of deposit paid
-
From final payment date to departure: 100% non-refundable
-
Meet: Marie Hvidsten
Tour Leader for this special Alumni Project
Marie Hvidsten retired from North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension in August 2021 where she was the Rural Leadership Specialist and Rural Leadership North Dakota Program Director for 19 years. Marie is a lifelong learner whose mission in life is to help others become the best they can be. Marie enjoys gardening, especially flower gardening, reading, learning, and exploring nature.
​
In 2015, she was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Program Director Award by IAPAL. During her tenure as the RLND Program Director, Marie led tour to Brazil, Costa Rico and Panama, Thailand and Vietnam, Chile and has participated in a recent project to Ghana and, in 2027, Japan.