2023 - Belfast & A Beautiful Railway Journey
- Duration: 7 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU8854
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
7 days
7 day tour
Cosmopolitan Belfast has undergone a remarkable transformation into a hip and happening city with a glittering waterfront lined with modern art, a fabulous foodie scene and magnificent Victorian architecture. From your Belfast base you will discover Northern Ireland's beauty, intertwined with its tragic history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people. One of the tour highlights for 2023 is the spectacular rail journey from Coleraine to Derry. Northern Ireland is wild craggy mountains, magical lakes and a sweeping coastline, unspoilt by the passage of time. The scenic Causeway Coastal Route, snakes along through glens, waterfalls and small villages, with the sea on one side and towering cliffs on the other. A visit to the Giant's Causeway, the mysterious geological formation is included.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel northwards, with ample stops for refreshments and lunch, before arriving at your overnight hotel in the Borders / Cumbria region for dinner, bed and breakfast
DAY 2 - After breakfast, continue to the Dumfries and Galloway coast to Cairnryan and Loch Ryan Port for the early afternoon sailing aboard the P&O Superferry to Larne. The crossing takes two hours and on arrival drive straight to your main holiday hotel in Belfast, arriving late afternoon. 4 nights with breakfast and dinner.
DAY 3 - 5 - At leisure in Belfast with three included excursions.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS:
The Spectacular Antrim Coast & Giants Causeway
Take a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road passing through the spectacular scenery centred around The Glens of Antrim. The Glens are an area of outstanding natural beauty and are a major tourist attraction in north Antrim. Much of this area has been used in filming the TV series 'The Game of Thrones'. Follow the coast road, through Larne, Carnlough, Cushendall and onto the National Trust village of Cushendun.
A highlight today is the mighty Giant's Causeway, created by volcanic activity. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway is a magnificent, mysterious geological formation on the North East coast of Co Antrim steeped in myth and legend. There is a shuttle bus service from the visitor centre down to the shore for those who do not wish to walk (small fee applies).
Guided Tour of Belfast & Titanic
Enjoy a guided tour aboard an open top bus starting and finishing at your hotel, with free time to explore. Tour the city's sights including the Queen's University and the Waterfront Hall, with the opportunity to visit the Falls or Shankill Roads where politically inspired murals can be seen. Maybe enjoy a drink in the Crown Bar opposite the Grand Opera House, the only pub owned by the National Trust. Enjoy Belfast's thriving, cosmopolitan scene with its many bars and restaurants.
A visit to Titanic Belfast is included as it is a "must see" on any tour of Belfast. It is located in the heart of the city, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship's construction. A city full of heart, Belfast is one of the easiest cities to navigate as it is split into quarters - The Titanic Quarter, The Cathedral Quarter, Queen's Quarter and The Gaeltacht Quarter.
A Beautiful Rail Journey to City of Derry / Londonderry
Enjoy the train journey from Coleraine to Derry described by Michael Palin as 'one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world'. The track runs alongside stunning, unspoilt beaches and through Ireland's longest railway tunnels, passed the cliffs of Downhill and the impressive Binevenagh Mountain to arrive in Derry / Londonderry. Dominating the north-western landscapes of Ireland, astride the flowing waters of the Foyle, is 6th Century Derry that today resonates to the sounds of the 21st Century. Long an undiscovered gem, the city is emerging from a long and colourful history. Meander through the bustling streets of the only completely Walled City left in Ireland or the British Isles, and listen to the echoes of 1450 years of history. Stroll along its 17th century walls which are over 400 years old, and marvel at the ever-changing skyline of a city which is constant only in the warmth of its welcome. There will be the opportunity of a guided tour here. Full details from your driver.
DAY 6 - Dublin
After breakfast depart Belfast for Dublin for a short orientation of the sights including Christ Church Cathedral, Phoenix Park and Customs House. There will be some free time before taking the mid-afternoon sailing back to Holyhead. Head on to Mold for bed and breakfast at 3* Beaufort Park Hotel.
NB: It is recommended to have a meal on board the ferry as it will be a mid-evening arrival for your overnight hotel.
DAY 7 - After a leisurely breakfast retrace your steps, with ample stops for refreshments. Continue via interchange back to your local joining points arriving home mid/late evening.
Back to topAccommodation
Stormont Hotel, Belfast
This smart 4* hotel is located on the outskirts of Belfast centre, adjacent to the Stormont Estate overlooking immaculately maintained wooded landscape.he superb facilities include a refurbished lounge and stylish, cosmopolitan restaurant. Bright, spacious guestrooms are tastefully decorated and offer all
mod cons and singles are double/twin for sole use.
There is a lift.
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