Day 1: Following your home taxi service we join our luxury tour coach and head North for our overnight stay on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: This morning we head for Cairnryan where we board the ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival we make our way to our hotel for the next 4 nights, the fabulous four-star Stormont Hotel on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Today we begin with a guided coach tour of Belfast through the city’s four quarters. Due to drivers rest periods, this will be undertaken on a locally provided open top bus. In the event of bad weather, this vehicle may be substituted for an alternative. We will hear about the city's turbulent past, thriving present and hopes for the future. Highlights will include major landmarks such as City Hall. Queens University, the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. During the tour you'll also see West Belfast's celebrated Peace Wall, the political murals of the Shankhill and Falls roads, and the ultra-modern developments of the regenerated docks area, crowned by the breathtaking Titanic Quarter. The afternoon is then at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. You may wish to visit Titanic Belfast which stands on the site where RMS Titanic was constructed over a century ago. (entry not included)
Day 4: This morning we enjoy one of the finest marine drives in Europe, the Antrim Coast Road, with its spectacular scenery centered round the nine Glens of Antrim. We follow the coast road, through to Carnlough via Cushendall and the National Trust village of Cushendun, before heading up to Bushmills town where we stop for lunch. We then continue onto the World-Heritage listed Giants Causeway. Long associated with legendary Irish hero Finn McCool, this astonishing collection of closely packed basalt columns, which rise like stepping stones from the Atlantic to the wild, windswept cliffs above, was formed after a volcanic eruption 60-million years ago. Your visit will include entry to the Visitor Centre, where you'll receive a free audio-guide to take to the stones, and have the chance to explore the exhibits in the active interpretation area. Take the short minibus trip from the visitor centre to the Causeway or walk the mile or so along the cliff path to take in the breathtaking views and sea air. (The shuttle bus is subject to a small fee of approximately £1.50 each way, which is not included in the cost of your holiday).
Day 5: A rare treat today with a visit to the King’s official residence in Northern Ireland, Hillsborough Castle. After a guided tour of this elegant mansion, morning tea and scones will be served, after which there will be time to enjoy the stunning gardens and grounds. This beautiful late Georgian mansion was built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire and was later remodelled in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a working royal palace functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland, and it has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s. A tour of the house will guide you through the elegant State Rooms, including the majestic Throne Room and graceful State Drawing Room. Each room is unique and visitors will learn not only about the paintings, furnishings and curiosities that grace the walls and floors, but also about the historical use and significance of these rooms, which have welcomed a long list of VIPs, including the Dalai Lama, the Crown Prince of Japan, Princess Diana, Hilary Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt. Some have also been host to historic meetings between British and Irish politicians, resulting in the castle playing an important role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Wander through 100 acres of beautiful gardens developed from the 1760s onwards, offering a contrast of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways, and trimmed lawns. Look out for the statue of Ossian, the striking Lady Alice’s Temple, the Quaker Burial ground and the Ice House. After you visit, there will be free time to explore Hillborough town before we make our way back to the hotel. (Please note, if Hillsborough Castle is unavailable due to a scheduled state occasion, we will endeavour to amend our visit day, or find an alternative attraction)
Day 6: Sadly this morning we leave our hotel and head to Dublin Port where we board our ferry for the return crossing to Holyhead. Upon our arrival we continue to North Wales and our overnight hotel.
Day 7: This morning we depart our hotel and continue our journey back to Norfolk where our taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
6 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evening meal at main hotel will be table service, overnight tbc)
Price: £1155pp
Single Supplement: £240 (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy at main hotel, overnights tbc)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE5073
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weeks prior to departure