At first they refused to give my travel agent a reason.  They offered to put us on a "Pub Tour."  This didn't work for us since I'm asthmatic and Irish pubs are very smoky.

I finally called and after many long waits got to talk to a representative.  She offered another tour which was acceptable.  After we had changed our schedules our travel agent told CIE she could not get airfare for that date.

She was also told by the CIE representative that they would not pay for the difference (about 100 dollars).

We were offered no other recompense and have lost our travel insurance to the tune of 200 dollars.  Now we have not been able to find a suitable replacement tour on such notice.

I would recommend that anyone thinking about using CIE tours be very cautious as they no longer are concerned about repeat customers.

Ed Stellfox, stellfox@wam.umd.edu