escorted coach holidays and short breaks

Transcription

2015
ESCORTED COACH HOLIDAYS
AND SHORT BREAKS
www.ulsterbustours.com
10% OFF TOUR PRICE
Plus a free gift!
WHEN YOU BOOK AND PAY YOUR
DEPOSIT BY 30TH NOVEMBER 2014
10% Discount does not apply
to British F1 Grand Prix
WELCOME
A warm welcome to Ulsterbus Tours
Escorted Coach Holidays 2015. Inside
you will find 30 brand new tours and a
makeover of all your old favourites with
new itineraries and some new hotels.
At Ulsterbus Tours we create our holidays by listening closely to
both our passenger suggestions and those of our own team. In
2015, we are offering the modern coach traveller the opportunity
to visit new and exciting destinations throughout the UK, Ireland
and Continental Europe. To our Air Tours programme we are proud
to introduce both Spain and Poland, destinations which in the past
have proved very popular by coach.
Our new range of coach tours in 2015 includes the Wild Atlantic
Way in Ireland, a truly fantastic scenic tour of the West Coast of
Ireland. For the fans of TV favourites ‘Call the Midwife’, ‘Downton
Abbey’ and ‘Emmerdale’, we have you covered – look out for our
tours based around these popular shows. There are also new
themed tours covering anything from whiskey (and whisky!)
tasting in Ireland and Scotland to the great train journeys of the
Scottish Highlands. Our European tours now cover destinations
from the Champagne region of France to the ‘Footsteps of Luther’
in Germany.
Due to the success of our 2014 Family Tour programme, we have
expanded this in 2015 to include both Alton Towers, Drayton Manor
and even Dublin, as well as LEGOLAND®, Harry Potter and Cadbury
World – and there a few ‘wee’ extra attractions included!
For those of you with the specialist tour in mind there are the
Cheltenham Festival, F1 British Grand Prix plus the Techno Classica
show in Essen, a must for all lovers of motorised transport!
We haven’t forgotten about your many requests for gardening
tours either. As well as the old favourites of the Chelsea and
Hampton Court flower shows, we have introduced tours to
Northumbria, Yorkshire, Co Wicklow and to the Dutch Dahlias
Flower Parade.
We also feature our premium holidays, the Classic Coach Tours,
as well as regular, great value tours based at popular hotels –
usually family-run, such as Gleneagle and the Royal Hotel, Bray.
English Seaside Resort Holidays make an appearance alongside
the increasingly popular ‘Bargain Breaks’: off-season treats at
unbeatable value.
Our partners Collette Worldwide continue to feature in our
brochure, offering our customers a fantastic range of escorted
trips to far-flung destinations ranging from Canada to New Zealand.
Collette Worldwide holidays allow you the opportunity to steep
yourself in the culture of the chosen country – truly a once-in-alifetime holiday!
As your local Coach Holiday operator and an integral part of
Translink, you can rest assured that safety and security are our
prime concerns. We only use the very best value-for-money
suppliers in the travel and hospitality industry, adhering strictly
at all times to the regulations governing Coach Tourism. Indeed,
we are proud to be a part of the Bonded Coach Holidays
programme as provided by the Confederation of Passenger
Transport, giving you further assurance, if any were needed,
that you’re in safe hands.
We hope you enjoy reading this brochure and selecting your holiday
for the coming year, a holiday where there are new places to visit,
new sights to see and truly memorable experiences to share.
See you there!
Ulsterbus Tours are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday Group of the Confederation Of Passenger Transport
UK Ltd. This is a government approved consumer protection scheme. This ensures that in relation to the coach
package holidays described in this brochure (or website) that the clients’ monies are protected by a Bond which
may be called upon in the unlikely event of the Member’s Insolvency. Clients are recommended to inspect the
current membership certificate at our registered office or alternatively go to www.bch-uk.org or telephone
020 7240 3131 to confirm current membership. Your attention is also drawn to the Bonded Coach Holiday
Group Trading Charter that will apply to these coach package holidays.
4 CONTENTS
CONTENTS
COLLETTE WORLDWIDE
CONTINENTAL
EUROPE
Ulsterbus Worldwide Escorted Tours with Collette
European Tour Map
The Châteaux & Gardens of Paris
Dutch Dahlias on Parade
Holland & Belgium Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Luxembourg & Trier Christmas Markets
The Rhine Ablaze
The Rhine Valley
Valkenburg & Three Countries
Ypres, The Somme & The Armistice
Techno Classica Essen
Reims & Champagne Country
Mystery of the Dordogne Valley
Mont Blanc & the Three Lakes
The Italian Dolomites Merano, Caldaro & Riva del Garda
The Italian Adriatic Lido di Jesolo & Lake Garda
The Italian Lakes Lake Maggiore & the Borromeo Islands
Lake Maggiore & the Austrian Tyrol
The Austrian Tyrol
Black Forest & the Austrian Alps
Swiss Mountains & Lake Maggiore
Switzerland Alpine Serenity
In the Footsteps of Luther
Germany & the Baltic Coast
Air Tours Introduction
Basque Country
Poland
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IRELAND
Ireland Tour Map
Dublin Family Break Dublin Zoo & Tayto Park
Irish Whiskey Experience Ennis, Co. Clare
Westport Bargain Break
Waterford Bargain Break
A Taste of Ireland Co. Wexford
Renvyle House Pure Connemara Gold
Donegal
The Wild Atlantic Way
Westport, Achill Island & Co. Mayo
Galway Bay Connemara & Lough Corrib
Lisdoonvarna
Brian Boru Country The Lakeside Hotel
Cork City & the South Coast
Waterford & the Sunny South East
Co. Cavan & the Fermanagh Lakelands
Killarney – The Gleneagle Experience
Bantry Bay & West Cork at The Maritime
Dublin & Wicklow Garden Odyssey
Easter in Ennis Co. Clare & Cliffs of Moher
Athlone Weekend Getaway
Experience Dublin & Explore Wicklow
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CONTENTS 5
SCOTLAND
ENGLAND & WALES
England Tour Map
Manchester, Liverpool & Chester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne & Durham
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire & Staffordshire
The Midlands Birmingham & the Black Country
BBC Gardeners’ World Live
& BBC Good Food Show Summer
British F1 Grand Prix
Cheltenham Festival
Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate
Lincoln Christmas Market & Chatsworth House
Alton Towers Theme & Waterpark
Alton Towers Theme Park & Cadbury World
Alton Towers Theme Park & Drayton Manor
LEGOLAND® & Harry Potter Studio Tour
Irish Country Music Weekend
Gardens of Northumbria
Yorkshire Gardens
Chelsea Flower Show & The Garden of England
Hampton Court Flower Show
Lake District Ullswater Cruise, Kendal & Carlisle
Lytham St. Annes, Southport & Lancashire
Chester & North Wales
Cotswolds & Stratford-upon-Avon
Harrogate & Yorkshire
Peak District
London: Palaces & Parliament
Bristol, Bath & the West Country
Call the Midwife, Bletchley Park & Kent
Downton Abbey, Windsor & Jane Austen Country
Emmerdale, Last of the Summer Wine
& Heartbeat Country
Blackpool, Bury Market & Liverpool
Eastbourne & The South Coast
Bournemouth Dorset & the New Forest
Torquay & the Devon Explorer
Newquay
Cornwall at Portbyhan Hotel, Looe
Cardiff & South Wales
Criccieth & West Coast of Wales
Llandudno
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Scotland Tour Map
Burns Night at the Gretna Hall Hotel
Turkey & Tinsel in Dunoon
Royal Highland Show
Easter In Dunoon
Gretna Hall Bargain Break
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Historic Central Scotland
Gretna: Edinburgh & the Border Country
Great Train Journeys of Scotland
Loch Lomond & the Highlands
Highlands Whiskey Tasting
Carrbridge & the Cairngorms
Fort William & the Scottish Highlands
Outer Hebrides
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INFORMATION
Departure Calendar
About Us Useful Information
Hotel Directory
Fair Trade Agreement
Holiday Insurance
Booking Form 06 – 09
10 – 11
12 – 13
110 – 113
114 – 119
120
121 – 122
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6 DEPARTURE CALENDAR
DEPARTURE CALENDAR
JANUARY - FEBRUARY
MARCH - APRIL
12/01/2014
18/01/2014
19/01/2014
19/01/2014
The Midlands Birmingham & the Black Country 23/01/2014
Burns Night at the Gretna Hall Hotel
24/01/2014
25/01/2014
Loch Lomond & the Highlands –
All Inclusive Weekends
06/02/2014
09/02/2014
15/02/2014
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire & Staffordshire 16/02/2014
16/02/2014
The Midlands Birmingham & the Black Country 20/02/2014
20/02/2014
23/02/2014
23/02/2014
Highlands Whisky Tasting
Cheltenham Festival
The Midlands Birmingham & the Black Country
Brian Boru Country
Loch Lomond & the Highlands Scotland v Ireland 6 Nations
Highlands Whisky Tasting
Easter in Dunoon
Easter in Ennis Co. Clare & Cliffs of Moher
Eastbourne & the South Coast
& Heartbeat Country
Techno Classica Essen
Valkenburg & Three Countries
Outer Hebrides
©VisitBritain / Rod Edwards
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Newcastle, England
02/03/2014
06/03/2014
09/03/2014
13/03/2014
16/03/2014
16/03/2014
16/03/2014
20/03/2014
22/03/2014
23/03/2014
27/03/2014
29/03/2014
30/03/2014
30/03/2014
02/04/2014
03/04/2014
04/04/2014
06/04/2014
06/04/2014
12/04/2014
12/04/2014
13/04/2014
13/04/2014
13/04/2014
16/04/2014
19/04/2014
19/04/2014
23/04/2014
24/04/2014
26/04/2014
26/04/2014
26/04/2014
27/04/2014
Callanish Standing Stones, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
DEPARTURE CALENDAR 7
MAY - JUNE
Donegal – Castle & Gardens
Brian Boru Country
Peak District
Newquay
The Italian Adriatic Lido di Jesolo & Lake Garda
A Taste of Ireland Co. Wexford
The Austrian Tyrol
Chelsea Flower Show & the Garden of England
The Rhine Valley
Brian Boru Country
& Heartbeat Country
Castles & Gardens
Lisdoonvarna
Llandudno
Newquay
In the Footsteps of Luther
Brian Boru Country
Yorkshire Gardens
& BBC Good Food Show Summer
Lake Maggiore & the Austrian Tyrol
MAY - JUNE
03/05/2014
03/05/2014
04/05/2014
04/05/2014
04/05/2014
04/05/2014
09/05/2014
09/05/2014
10/05/2014
10/05/2014
10/05/2014
10/05/2014
11/05/2014
17/05/2014
17/05/2014
17/05/2014
18/05/2014
18/05/2014
18/05/2014
24/05/2014
24/05/2014
24/05/2014
25/05/2014
25/05/2014
25/05/2014
25/05/2014
Cricceth & the West Coast of Wales
Royal Highland Show
Germany & the Baltic Coast
Brian Boru Country
Cotswolds & Stratford-ipon-Avon
The Rhine Valley
The Italian Dolomites Merano, Caldaro
& Riva del Garda
15/06/2014
15/06/2014
19/06/2014
21/06/2014
21/06/2014
21/06/2014
21/06/2014
22/06/2014
22/06/2014
22/06/2014
22/06/2014
22/06/2014
28/06/2014
28/06/2014
28/06/2014
28/06/2014
29/06/2014
29/06/2014
25/05/2014
25/05/2014
25/05/2014
31/05/2014
31/05/2014
31/05/2014
31/05/2014
31/05/2014
01/06/2014
01/06/2014
06/06/2014
06/06/2014
07/06/2014
08/06/2014
08/06/2014
08/06/2014
08/06/2014
11/06/2014
13/06/2014
14/06/2014
14/06/2014
14/06/2014
15/06/2014
15/06/2014
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Yorkshire, England
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8 DEPARTURE CALENDAR
DEPARTURE CALENDAR
JULY - AUGUST
Basque Country
British F1 Grand Prix
Newquay
Switzerland Alpine Serenity
Hampton Court Flower Show
The Italian Lakes
Lake Maggiore & the Borromeo Islands
Peak District
Llandudno
The Rhine Valley
Lisdoonvarna
Alton Towers Theme & Water Park
Mystery of the Dordogne Valley
A Taste of Ireland
Downton Abbey, Windsor
& Jane Austen Country
Lake DistrictUllswater, Kendal & Carlisle
Mont Blanc & the Three Lakes
Llandudno
Black Forest & the Austrian Alps
The Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo
JULY - AUGUST
02/07/2014
03/07/2014
04/07/2014
05/07/2014
05/07/2014
05/07/2014
05/07/2014
06/07/2014
06/07/2014
06/07/2014
06/07/2014
06/07/2014
06/07/2014
12/07/2014
12/07/2014
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13/07/2014
13/07/2014
13/07/2014
13/07/2014
13/07/2014
15/07/2014
18/07/2014
19/07/2014
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20/07/2014
24/07/2014
25/07/2014
25/07/2014
26/07/2014
26/07/2014
26/07/2014
26/07/2014
27/07/2014
27/07/2014
02/08/2014
02/08/2014
02/08/2014
02/08/2014
02/08/2014
03/08/2014
03/08/2014
03/08/2014
03/08/2014
06/08/2014
07/08/2014
Newquay
Lisdoonvarna
Alton Towers & Drayton Manor
Peak District
The Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo
Lake District Ullswater, Kendal & Carlisle
Bournemouth, Dorset & the New Forest
The Rhine Valley
Swiss Mountains & Lake Maggiore
Downton Abbey, Windsor
& Jane Austen Country
Cricceth & the West Coast of Wales
& Heartbeat Country
Llandudno
Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta, Italy
08/08/2014
08/08/2014
09/08/2014
09/08/2014
09/08/2014
10/08/2014
10/08/2014
10/08/2014
14/08/2014
16/08/2014
16/08/2014
16/08/2014
16/08/2014
16/08/2014
17/08/2014
17/08/2014
17/08/2014
21/08/2014
22/08/2014
22/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
23/08/2014
24/08/2014
24/08/2014
24/08/2014
24/08/2014
30/08/2014
30/08/2014
30/08/2014
31/08/2014
31/08/2014
31/08/2014
31/08/2014
DEPARTURE CALENDAR 9
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
Dutch Dahlias on Parade
Poland
Brian Boru Country
Yorkshire Gardens
Great Train Journeys of Scotland
Valkenburg Three Countries
The Austrian Tyrol
Brian Boru Country
Lake District, Ullswater, Kendal & Carlisle
Newquay
Galway Bay
Taste of Ireland
The Italian Lakes
Brian Boru Country
Loch Lomond & the Highlands Castles & Gardens
The Rhine Ablaze
Valkenburg Three Countries
A Taste of Ireland
Brian Boru Country
Gretna Bargain Break
Highlands Whiskey Tasting
Clifden, Connemara, Ireland
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
03/09/2014
05/09/2014
06/09/2014
07/09/2014
07/09/2014
07/09/2014
07/09/2014
13/09/2014
13/09/2014
13/09/2014
14/09/2014
14/09/2014
14/09/2014
16/09/2014
17/09/2014
20/09/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
21/09/2014
26/09/2014
26/09/2014
27/09/2014
27/09/2014
28/09/2014
Newcastle -upon-Tyne & Durham
Ypres, The Somme & the Armistice
Irish Country Music Weekend
Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate
Turkey & Tinsel in Dunoon
Luxembourg & Trier Christmas Markets
German Christmas Markets
Holland & Belgium Christmas Markets
Lincoln Christmas Market
& Chatsworth House
Turkey & Tinsel
Donegal – Christmas Cheer
01/11/2014
02/11/2014
08/11/2014
09/11/2014
13/11/2014
15/11/2014
20/11/2014
23/11/2014
26/11/2014
29/11/2014
03/12/2014
03/12/2014
04/12/2014
07/12/2014
24/12/2014
30/09/2014
05/10/2014
05/10/2014
05/10/2014
08/10/2014
12/10/2014
15/10/2014
18/10/2014
18/10/2014
19/10/2014
19/10/2014
19/10/2014
19/10/2014
In Flanders Field Museum, Belgium
Bonn Christmas Market, Germany
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10 ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Publicly owned and trading since 1967, Ulsterbus Tours is the premier
coach holiday operator in Northern Ireland. Our expert team, some
with over 20 years’ experience in Ulsterbus Tours, plans and delivers
all aspects of our coach holiday packages with our customer needs
and expectations in mind at all times.
Ulsterbus Tours is recognised by the industry throughout Ireland,
United Kingdom and Mainland Europe, holds seats on the board
of the Coach Marque Committee, and is the only Northern Ireland
based member of the prestigious UK Coach Tourism Council
(CTC). We are recent winners of the coveted UK Coach Tour
Brochure of the Year, and finalists for Coach Operator of the
Year in 2013.
Our staff have also been recognised as the 2013 Coach Tourism
Professional of the Year and our drivers have been finalists in the
Coach Tourism Awards’ Coach Driver of the Year Award for the
past four years, winning the category in the Confederation of
Passenger Transport Awards in 2010 and 2011.
OUR DRIVERS
All drivers are of course the commanders of their respective
vehicles, but Ulsterbus Tours drivers are so much more. Only after
several years of experience in Ulsterbus or Metro are they selected
based on driving competence, personality and commitment to the
job. They receive ongoing training and directly inform planning and
development of future tours.
Our drivers are professional, courteous, helpful and knowledgeable
about areas of operation and will be your source of information
about your chosen destination, as well as the one who will address
any issues you may have while away. Many of our customers often
say that, when travelling with Ulsterbus Tours, they are ‘looked
after’. Nowhere is this more evident than in the approach of
our drivers.
OUR COACHES
If you haven’t been on a coach holiday in some time, you may
be pleasantly surprised to discover the level of quality offered
on our vehicles. We know that while on a coach holiday, the
coach and its comfort level is of paramount importance, which
is why we are careful to select only the best of what is on offer
each time we renew our fleet. Our fleet of full-size luxury coaches
is based at the Europa site and is maintained to the highest of
standards by Translink engineering and technical departments.
Indeed, we remain ahead of legislation regarding vehicle operation
and maintenance.
ABOUT US 11
Along with the industry standard 48 seat vehicles, our current
fleet includes nine 52-seat Scania-Irizar tri-axle coaches. These
impressive looking state-of-the-art vehicles include full leather
reclining seats, air conditioning, TV/DVD, CD/radio, PA system,
and on-board WC. We operate a no-smoking, ‘clean air’ policy,
and avoid night-time driving.
“We recently booked a trip to Blackpool and
just wanted to say what a great holiday! The
hotel was excellent and the driver was very
helpful and well organised.” - Mr SD Belfast
OUR SALES TEAM
Our knowledgeable sales team is your first point of contact,
providing friendly, useful advice, not just on which holiday
will suit your needs, but also on how to get the most out of it.
They will be only too happy to assist you with information on
our tours, hotels, itineraries, ferries and booking procedures.
OUR PLANNING TEAM
When not looking for new destinations to add to the programme,
our planning team are always searching for ways to develop,
improve and add value to your holiday. A key part of this is the
customer feedback that is collated and analysed for every tour.
The team has excellent relationships with hotels, suppliers and
industry specialists and use these points of contact to ensure
you get the best experience at the best possible price.
WHAT OUR
CUSTOMERS SAY
“For yet another year our church group
experienced a most enjoyable coach tour.
Whoever chooses the destinations and hotels
must be congratulated as yet again the journey
and accommodation were both excellent.”
- Mr IH Newtownards
CONTACT US
OPEN
With such care and attention paid to all aspects of the escorted
tours, it is clear why our passengers return again and again.
Our passenger comments on our tours say it all!
VISIT
The Travel Centre, Europa Bus Centre,
Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AH
PHONE
028 9033 7004
@
EMAIL
[email protected]
Email us with any request or queries
BOOK ONLINE
[email protected]
On our website you will find all the information contained
in this brochure and news of any new tours which have
become available since the brochure publication date.
“My husband and I were on our first Ulsterbus
Tour and I would just like to say how much we
enjoyed the experience.” - Mrs JS Portstewart
“To all the staff who arranged a very good
holiday to Chester – thank you for a job
well done.” - Ms CP Greyabbey
Complete your booking without leaving home. Search for
your holiday using the drop-down boxes at the right-hand
side of the screen. Alternatively, when you find the one
you want simply click the ‘Display all Dates’ button.
Follow the ‘Book Now’ buttons in order to set up your
‘New Client’ details, where we ask a few questions to
confirm your booking.
You can securely pay your deposit at the end of this simple
booking procedure.
You can also contact your local Ulsterbus Depot or any
of our approved Travel Agents.
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12 USEFUL INFORMATION
USEFUL INFORMATION
•
Free travel is available from major towns and cities in
Northern Ireland by scheduled Translink train or bus
service when joining or leaving a tour. Please enquire
at time of booking.
•
Special discounted rates are available at Days Hotel beside
the Europa Bus Centre for nights before and after tours –
no need to worry about early morning taxis or sleeping in. This accommodation must be booked through Ulsterbus
Tours booking office and paid direct to the hotel
on departure.
• Car park discount vouchers are available on request for all tours – please ask at time of booking. Car park open from 6am every day. Please check public holiday arrangements.
• Coach seat numbers are shown on your ticket. You retain
the same seat throughout the tour.
• Luggage – one medium-sized suitcase is permitted per passenger (max size 18 kg/40 lbs). Your driver will take
care of it. Porterage is included at most hotels.
• Accommodation in 2, 3 and 4 star hotels.
• Dinner, bed and breakfast is included (unless otherwise indicated – some city tours are bed and breakfast).
• Classic Coach Tours use 3 and 4 star hotels only.
• Charges for single occupancy in hotels vary and are indicated with tour price.
• Tipping is at your discretion.
• Coaches drive onboard all ferries.
• Overnight ferry crossings include outside, en-suite cabins
with side-by-side beds and all meals.
• All tours start and finish at the Europa Buscentre,
Glengall Street, Belfast. Please enquire about various en-route pick-ups.
• Departure times are shown clearly in the brochure and
on your tour ticket.
Please consult both, especially your ticket to be sure
as times can be subject to change after booking!
• Check in is 30 minutes before departure!
• All tours have a single room/cabin supplement. If it is not shown on the relevant tour page then please ask our reservation staff at time of booking.
• Children under 12 years at time of travel will be offered a discount when sharing a room with 2 adults – subject
to availability.
Small hand luggage is permitted on board, but remember that space is limited on the coach.
•
An overnight bag is essential for onward ferry crossings when
overnight accommodation on board ship is involved, and also for transit hotels used on European and English tours prior to arrival at main hotel.
• Valid passports are needed on all Continental tours.
Please bring photo ID, preferably current passport on all tours, in case of unforeseen emergency early return by air, when such ID is essential.
•
EHIC (European Health Insurance Cards) – this allows you
to get state-provided health care in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at reduced costs or sometimes free of charge. You can apply online free of charge at:
www.ehic.org.uk
Further information also available on 0845 606 2030.
• Currency when abroad – please check currency needed for your holiday. Some hotels do not accept credit cards as the norm. Please check with the reservation staff.
•
Holiday insurance – all passengers must have adequate insurance. A Special Holiday Travel Insurance Scheme is available – for details see page 120. If you choose not to take
our holiday insurance you must take alternative cover which
is as good or better than ours.
•
Hotels – carefully selected for their quality and location. Dinner, bed and breakfast included unless otherwise indicated. On Bargain Break tours menus tend to be set with no choice.
Most breakfasts, and increasingly evening meals, are buffet style. This is especially welcome on the Continent where set menus are still very much the norm and where meals are USEFUL INFORMATION 13
normally local, traditional and seasonal. It is quite normal for
the coach party to be seated together at meal times.
See hotel directory for brief hotel descriptions on pages 110 - 113. For further details please check individual websites as shown. Overnight hotels (i.e. used en-route to final destinations) are generally 3 star properties and chosen largely for their location and proximity to major routes. We reserve the right to
change such hotels when circumstances dictate. This is rare and we only accept transfers to similar or higher standard hotels.
•
Visits – admission to attractions included in tour itineraries and guide fees are included in the tour price. Some guided tours may involve walking, sometimes over uneven ground
or up flights of steps. Please enquire about suitability of
individual tours if you have any concerns regarding personal mobility. Reservations staff will be happy to advise.
•
Additional needs – we try to provide holidays that all customers can enjoy. However, if you do have a disability or additional requirements it would be helpful if you could furnish us with details at the time of booking your holiday so that full
consideration can be given to the suitability of the particular tour. Please ensure that you complete the additional requirement section in the booking form and advise our reservations
staff appropriately.
• Please take advantage of all comfort stops and ‘stretch your legs’ to help circulation – remaining seated without walking, or doing in-seat exercises may lead to discomfort.
UK COACH TOURISM AWARDS
DRIVER OF THE YEAR
2010/2011/2012
BROCHURE OF
THE YEAR 2010
COACH PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR 2012
DRIVER OF THE YEAR
2013
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14 CONTINENTAL EUROPE
E
P
O
R
U
E
POLAND
HOLLAND
BELGIUM
GERMANY
LUXEMBOURG
AUSTRIA
FRANCE
SWITZERLAND
ITALY
SPAIN
THE CHÂTEAUX &
GARDENS OF PARIS
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O
Ferry from Larne to Cairnryan.
Giverny
For 2015 our tour is based in
southern outskirts of Paris.
We visit the fabulous châteaux
and gardens of Versailles and
Vaux-le-Vicomte, and have
an afternoon at Monet’s
wonderful Giverny.
To give you more flexibility there will be
no dinners served in the hotel, meaning
you have extra free time to explore Paris.
Our hotel is the four-star Novotel Paris
Porte d’Orleans.
Overnight: P&O Cruiseferry
(outside en-suite cabin with side-by-side
beds – all meals included)
Day 2 > After breakfast on board we
proceed directly to Monet’s Gardens
at Giverny, where we see the wonderful
house and beautiful gardens, which
remain a magnet for art and garden
lovers throughout the world.
Novotel Paris Porte d’Orleans ****
(3 nights B&B)
Day 3 > We spend an unforgettable
day at Versailles Palace, one of the
France’s best known, and certainly
the most opulent.
Day 4 > Today we begin with a visit to
Vaux-le-Vicomte, a sumptuous château
©Maison de la France
CONTINENTAL EUROPE 15
Versailles
with a magnificent garden. In the afternoon
you can either be dropped in the centre of
Paris (no coach return to hotel) or return to
the hotel.
Day 5 > We depart the hotel and retrace
our outward route to Zeebrugge for the
overnight sailing to England.
Day 6 > Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Wednesday
6.00am
Return
Monday
10.15pm
Price
15 Jul
20 Jul
£599
16 Sep
21 Sep
£579
DUTCH DAHLIAS ON PARADE
Flower Parade
in the harbour district of Antwerp and
5 miles from the city centre.
the Flower Parade. There are music and
theatre performances throughout the
town. You have seated tickets for the parade.
ITINERARY
Day 4 > Today is a full day in Brussels.
On the first Sunday in September
Zundert is host to the annual
Flower Parade which attracts
tens of thousands of visitors
every year.
It is one of the most beautiful parades in
the Netherlands, and has been turning
heads since 1936. Around 20 hamlets
come together to use only dahlias to make
their amazing parade floats. We are based
in the three-star Novotel Antwerp, situated
Day 2 > After departing Zeebrugge we
travel directly to Antwerp where we start
with a guided walking tour. You will have
free time to explore at your leisure before
we check into our hotel.
Novotel Antwerp *** (3 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > We spend the day in Zundert
with the morning free to do as you
please. The afternoon is spent watching
Day 5 > We spend a few hours in Bruges
before catching the overnight ferry to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
3 Sep
8 Sep
£599
HOLLAND & BELGIUM
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Valkenburg Christmas Market
Valkenburg is a unique Dutch
city with cobblestone streets
with twinkling lights reflecting
off the soft marlstone walls of
the fascinating ‘velvet caves’.
Valkenburg shares a border with
Belgium and Germany which gives us
the opportunity to highlight the different
characteristics of this region and allows us
to visit the towns and Christmas Markets
of Liège, Monschau and Maastricht.
ITINERARY
Day 4 > Full day in Monschau.
Day 2 > From Zeebrugge we drive directly
to Valkenburg, arriving early afternoon,
with its famous underground caves and
grottos making it a unique setting for
their Christmas Markets. Explore at
your pleasure.
Best Western Hotel Walram ***
(3 nights B&B, 2 dinners)
Day 3 > First stop today is in Maastricht
where we spend a couple of hours
exploring the historic inner city. Next
comes the “Christmas Village” of Liège,
Belgium’s largest market. As dinner is not
GERMAN
CHRISTMAS
MARKETS
Bonn’s Christmas market
is set in the beautiful old
town where its town hall is
transformed into an enormous
Advent calendar with one
window lit up each day. Enjoy
the impressive illuminated
façades on Münsterplatz
and its neighbouring streets.
We also take in the multiple markets of
Cologne and the smaller picture postcard
card market of Cochem. We are based in
the modern two-star Ibis Bonn. Dinner is
not provided in this hotel.
served in the hotel tonight you are free to
explore at will in Liège. We will return to
our hotel for 9pm.
Day 5 > We spend a few hours in Bruges
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
3 Dec
8 Dec
£469
Bonn Christmas Market
ITINERARY
Day 2 > We drive through the Netherlands
and into Germany to our hotel in the centre
of Bonn (porterage is not provided). With an
arrival in mid-afternoon the rest of the day
is free to enjoy the Christmas markets of
the city.
Ibis Hotel, Bonn *** (3 nights B&B)
Day 3 > Morning free. After lunch
remainder of day in Cologne. Due back
in hotel at 9.30pm
Day 4 > Full day in Cochem. Due back in
hotel at 9pm.
Day 5 > We spend a few hours in
Eindhoven before catching the overnight
ferry to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
29 Nov
4 Dec
£439
LUXEMBOURG & TRIER
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Ferries from Larne to Cairnryan.
Luxembourg is without question
one of the most beautiful
countries in Europe and ideal
for a festive holiday.
By night you can experience the city’s
many fine restaurants and enjoy some
seasonal hospitality. We combine this
with visits across the borders to Trier
and Metz. We are based in the city centre
three-star Park Inn Luxembourg City
Hotel. Dinner is not provided in this hotel.
Day 2 > After disembarking we travel the
breadth of Belgium to our hotel. Feel free
to visit the markets and explore the city.
Park Inn by Radisson Luxembourg City
*** (3 nights B&B)
Day 3 > Our first stop today is Bernkastel
Kues. We then visit Trier where, every year
before Christmas, the main Market Square
in front of the imposing backdrop of the
Cathedral is transformed into a dazzling
paradise of lights and colours. You have
the rest of the day here as we are not due
back to our hotel until 9pm.
THE RHINE ABLAZE
During the autumn grape
harvest, there are celebrations
and fireworks displays to mark
the new wine season.
Celebrate the grape harvest in the Rhine
Gorge aboard a special evening boat cruise
which will sail down the romantic Rhine
from Boppard, past the Loreley Rock and
towards Bacharach, where the Rhine River
Lights firework display will illuminate the
night sky over the river. During the cruise
you will be entertained with music and
dancing with a rustic single course dinner
(drinks not included). We are based in the
three-star superior family run Hotel Ebertor,
which occupies a prime site in the town.
ITINERARY
Day 4 > Morning free in the city. Afternoon
in the French city of Metz. Due back in
hotel at 9pm.
Day 5 > We return to Zeebrugge for
overnight ferry to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
26 Nov
1 Dec
£479
©erman National Tourist Board
ITINERARY
Rhine Ablaze
Day 2 > Travelling through Holland and
into Germany, we follow the course of the
River Rhine upstream, to the small town
of Boppard arriving in mid-afternoon.
Hotel Ebertor ***
Day 3 > We have a free morning before
we take an afternoon visit to the pretty little
village of St. Goar, home to a stunning array
of cuckoo clocks.
This evening we make our own way to the
boat and look forward to the highlight of
the tour, the spectacular “Rhine Ablaze”.
Day 4 > After a leisurely breakfast we visit
Cochem, a traditional German town with
half-timbered houses, situated on the
Mosel River.
Day 5 > We leave Germany and stop in
Eindhoven for a few hours before catching
the evening sailing back to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
8 Oct
13 Oct
£539
THE RHINE VALLEY
The romantic Rhine Valley is
a place of myths and legends,
offering a dramatic and varied
landscape with historic towns,
pretty villages and terraced
vineyards lining its river banks,
and castles perched on virtually
every hilltop.
We are based once again in the Ebertor
Hotel in Boppard, which is a very pretty
little town on the banks of the Rhine, where
it surges through the spectacular Rhine
Gorge, just upstream from its confluence
with the Mosel.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > We drive directly to the small
town of Boppard, arriving in mid-afternoon.
Hotel Ebertor *** (3 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > We visit the Niederwald
Monument – built to commemorate the
foundation of the German Empire after
the end of Franco-Prussian War – before
proceeding to Rüdesheim. Its famous
Drosselgasse is packed with bars and
wine cellars.
Day 4 > Our first stop today is the
beautiful town of Wiesbaden, famous for
its magnificent architecture and Palace
Square, followed by the ancient city of
Mainz, the centre of which is a perfect
place to spend the rest of the day.
Day 5 > Morning free in Boppard. We
return to Europoort for the evening sailing
back to Hull.
VALKENBURG &
THREE COUNTRIES
Deep in the heart of southern
Holland, often referred to as the
“Dutch Alps”, is the pretty town
of Valkenburg. Its attractions
are numerous, including the
Subterranean Caves, the
Catacombs, the Chairlift for a
breathtaking view of the town
and South Limburg, the typical
village ‘pubs’ and the quaint old
streets with their cosy terraces.
We have an excursion into the Eifel
Mountains to the picturesque village of
Monschau and the ancient city of Aachen
before a final visit to medieval Ghent.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > From Europoort we proceed
directly to our centrally located hotel in
Valkenburg. Afternoon free to explore.
Boppard
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
24 May
29 May
£499
28 Jun
3 Jul
£529
19 Jul
24 Jul
£559
23 Aug
28 Aug
£559
Aachen
Day 5 > We spend a few hours in Ghent
Day 6> Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
(3 nights D, B&B)
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
Day 3 > We visit Monschau in the
stunning Eifel Mountains followed by
Aachen, one of Germany’s oldest cities.
23 Apr
28 Apr
£449
17 Sep
22 Sep
£469
15 Oct
20 Oct
£439
Day 4 > Full day in Eindhoven.
YPRES, THE SOMME
& THE ARMISTICE
Armistice Day in Ypres,
Flanders for the Last Post at
Menin Gate, Passchendaele,
Essex Farm, the German
Cemetery at Langemark
and a day at the Somme.
This six-day tour is based in Lille, the
capital of northern France, Gallic Flanders,
or as the sign at the railway station proudly
announces ‘Lille Flanders’.
ITINERARY
(outside en-suite cabins with side-by-side
beds, all meals included)
In Flanders Field Museum
Day 2 > From Zeebrugge we drive south
to Passchendaele. The visitor’s centre at
Tyne Cot Cemetery gives a panoramic
view over the actual battlefields of October
and November 1917. We continue via the
German Cemetery at Langemark, Essex
Farm and the Peace Tower at Messines,
before arriving at our hotel on the western
outskirts of Lille.
in wartime. In the afternoon we visit the
Newfoundland ‘Caribou’, the trenches at
Beaumont Hamel and Thiepval, with a
stop at the Lochnagar Crater at La Boiselle
before returning to our hotel at Lille
Mercure Lille Aeroport ***
(outside en-suite cabins with side-by-side
beds, all meals included)
Day 3 > We travel to Ypres this morning
for the Armistice ceremony. In the
afternoon we visit the In Flanders Fields
Museum in the centre of the town and at
8pm witness the moving Last Post at the
Menin Gate – dinner is not provided tonight.
Day 4 > We begin at Albert in the heart
of the Somme area, where the ‘Golden
Virgin’ statue still looks down as she did
Day 5 > We travel through the villages of
Flanders spending time in Bruges before
catching the overnight ferry to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
8 Nov
13 Nov
£459
TECHNO CLASSICA ESSEN
manufacturers such as Daimler and
Volkswagen, as well as many component
supply firms, were present in 2014 with
Daimler displaying 36 racing cars on three
storeys! 2015 is sure to be just as exciting.
We are based in the four-star Mercure
Hotel am Centro Oberhausen, situated
in the town centre and only 10 miles from
Essen. Dinner is not provided in the hotel.
Techno-Classica is the
centrepiece of the worldwide
classic car market. It is the
show stage for vintage, classic
and prestige automobiles,
motorsport, motorcycles,
spare parts and restoration
enthusiasts.
ITINERARY
This annual event attracts over
190,000 visitors and has approximately
1,250 exhibitors and dealers. Large
Mercure Hotel am Centro Oberhausen
**** (2 nights B&B)
Day 2 > We drive directly to our hotel in
the centre of Oberhausen (porterage is not
provided). The rest of the day is free.
Day 3 > After breakfast we make the short
journey to Essen for the main attraction of
our tour, the Techno Classica. We spend
the day here before departing at closing
time (approximately 6pm) to return to
our hotel.
Day 4 > We depart after breakfast,
stopping in Arnhem for a few hours.
We catch the evening sailing from
Europoort.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Monday
10.15pm
Price
16 Apr
20 Apr
£389
REIMS & CHAMPAGNE
COUNTRY
This new tour is based just
outside Reims, the capital of
Champagne. Known as Royal
Reims due to it being the place
of coronation for many French
monarchs, Reims is home to
one of France’s finest Gothic
Cathedrals and at least a dozen
Champagne Houses.
DATES & PRICES
Moët & Chandon Champagne House
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
31 May
5 Jun
£619
16 Aug
21 Aug
£659
PRICE INCLUDES/EXCLUDES
Price Includes
•5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast
•Return ferry crossings
•Through coaching
•Services of driver/courier
•Guided tour of Reims
•Tour and tasting in Moët & Chandon and Canard-Duchêne
•Visits to Châlons-en-Champagne, Épernay and Reims
As well as a guided tour of this historic
city, we visit both the Champagne Houses
of Moët & Chandon and Canard-Duchêne,
where we have guided tours and tasting.
Our hotel for this tour is the Mercure
Reims Parc des Expositions, which offers
100 comfortable en-suite bedrooms with
air conditioning and TV. It is located 4km
from the city centre and is the ideal location
from where to explore the Champagne
region. The hotel also has an outdoor
swimming pool.
Price Excludes
•Single room/cabin supplement
(£130/£145 extra)
•Obligatory holiday insurance
ITINERARY
Day 2 > From Zeebrugge we travel through
the battlefields of the Somme and onward
to Châlons-en-Champagne, which is
the capital of Champagne-Ardenne. The
Champagne House of Joseph Perrier was
founded here in 1825. We spend a few
hours here before arriving at our hotel in
plenty of time for dinner.
Mercure Reims Parc des Expositions ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > After a leisurely breakfast we have
a guided tour of Reims by coach and foot
revealing the many attractions of the city,
which includes the Gothic Cathedral of
Notre Dame, where all the kings of France
have been crowned since the 11th century.
This is followed by a visit to the Moët &
Chandon Champagne House, where we
have arranged a guided tour and tasting.
The cellars are located 10 to 30 metres
under the chalky soil and are the largest
within the Champagne region.
Day 4 > We start the day with a drive
along the Champagne route through
Hauvillers, where the monk Dom Perignon
is said to have created the first Champagne
bubbles around 1681. We stop in Épernay
where beneath the town there are 60
kilometres of cellars! On our return north
we visit our second Champagne House,
the Canard-Duchêne, where you can
discover the ancient cellars of the Château
de Ludes, which cover 6km. Once again we
have a guided tour and tasting. Weather
permitting there will be a tour of
the vineyard.
Day 5 > We spend a few hours in Reims
this morning before we retrace our journey
back to Zeebrugge where we catch the
evening sailing to Hull.
Stena Line.
Reims Cathedral
MYSTERY OF THE
DORDOGNE VALLEY
Day 7 > We travel to the nearby caves
of Gouffre de Padirac, an amazing
labyrinth of 40km of galleries including
an underground river. We visit the caves,
which are descended either by lift or
stairs, to enjoy a guided journey on foot
and by boat through its mystical world.
We continue through the lush landscape
to the stunning pilgrimage village of
Rocamadour, carved into the rock and
accessed by a combination of 216 steps,
known as the “The Way of the Cross”.
There are two lifts taking you between the
levels (please note that there is a charge for
these). We have free time to explore at will.
Rocamadour
Day 8 > Sadly we leave this beautiful
region to return home via Paris.
One of the most popular
locations in the whole of France,
the Dordogne is a world away
from city life. Dotted with
picturesque medieval villages,
ancient towns and beautiful
gardens set amongst a stunning
backdrop of rocky outcrops
and serene river views that
have changed little through
the centuries, it is clear why
it is so loved and much visited
by people from these islands.
Our base for five nights is the Le Relais de
Castelnau hotel. This small and friendly
three-star hotel has stunning panoramic
views overlooking the Dordogne Valley
and Castelnau Castle. It offers a colourful
setting, with modern comforts, regional
specialities, and a privileged location from
which to discover the beautiful MidiPyrénées region. There are 40 en-suite
bedrooms each with a hairdryer and TV.
The hotel does not have a lift.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > Travel from Zeebrugge to the
western outskirts of Paris.
Overnight: Novotel Paris Ouest
Rueil-Malmaison **** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 3 > Relax and enjoy the beautiful
scenery as we drive south to the hilltop
village of Loubressac and settle into our
hotel with its magnificent views over the
Dordogne Valley. There is a welcome glass
of wine on arrival.
Le Relais de Castelnau ***
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > This morning we travel to the
famous town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where
we take time to wander through its winding
streets. We continue to Jardins du Manoir
d’Eyrignac which offers an amazing feast
for the senses with something to delight
everyone amongst its seven gardens.
Day 5 > Today we follow the direction
of the majestic River Dordogne to the
picturesque riverside town of La Roque
Gageac. We enjoy a leisurely cruise
along the River Dordogne with some
fantastic photo opportunities including
the imposing Château de Castelnaud
perched high above the river. After our
cruise we continue to the medieval walled
city of Domme where you can wander
through the ancient town square and
marvel at the views across the valley
far below.
Day 6 > You have a free day to explore
the quaint village of Loubressac.
Overnight: Novotel Paris La Défense ****
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 9 > After checking out of our hotel we
have a few hours to spend in Paris before
catching the overnight ferry back to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
26 Jul
4 Aug
£879
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•River Dordogne cruise
•Visits to Sarlat-la-Canéda,
Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac,
La Roque-Gageac, Domme,
Gouffre de Padirac, Rocamadour
and Paris
Price Excludes
(£245 extra)
MONT BLANC
& THE THREE LAKES
Mont Blanc, the highest
mountain in the Alps, towers
over the Haute-Savoie region
of Eastern France. The land
descends from the snow-capped
peaks towards the stunning
crystal clear waters of Annecy,
“the Turquoise Lake”, and
Lake Bourget, France’s largest
natural inland sea. The third
lake is just across the border
in Switzerland at Geneva,
which is one of the largest
in Western Europe.
Our outward journey takes us through
the famous wine-growing province of
Burgundy, with an overnight in Auxerre
before entering the Rhône-Alpes. We enjoy
the relaxed atmosphere at the hotel in the
thermal spa centre, visit the pretty lakeside
towns of Chambéry and Annecy, and
venture into the mountains to Chamonix
which sits in a valley at the foot of Mont
Blanc, surrounded by the most spectacular
scenery in the French Alps.
The Mercure Aix-Bains-Ariana is situated
in Marlioz thermal spa centre in green,
natural surroundings. The spacious
guest rooms are all air-conditioned with
balconies. There is free access to the
swimming pool and buffet dinners are
served in the splendid 1930’s Grand
Café Adélaïde Restaurant.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > Travel from Zeebrugge to Auxerre.
Overnight: Mercure Auxerre Nord ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Mont Blanc
Montreux
Burgundy and the Rhône-Alpes to our
hotel near Lake Bourget in Aix-les-Bains.
Mercure Aix-les-Bains ****
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > A relaxing day today for you to
sample the resort’s facilities.
Day 5 > Well rested today we turn east
and head for the hills, travelling along
the edge of Lake Annecy to Chamonix
beneath Mont Blanc. Our return trip is via
Chambéry, a charming town that was the
capital of the Savoy region for more than
300 years and sits at the southern end of
our Lake Bourget.
Day 6 > The charming town of Annecy,
just 20 miles to the north, is set on the
banks of the famous Turquoise Lake and
is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
You have time at leisure to discover the
town’s ‘Little Venice’ canal quarter, where
small streams and canals cross the town,
or amble through the narrow, cobbled
streets and enjoy some retail therapy
in the various shops. We return to the
hotel late afternoon.
Day 7 > After breakfast we head to Lake
Geneva stopping at the picturesque walled
town of Yvoire, known as “the French
flower town” and classified as one of the
most beautiful villages in France, which
nestles on the banks of the French side
of the lake. Dating back some 700 years,
its attractive streets are home to medieval
buildings with stone walls, steep roofs
and wooden balconies.
Day 3 > Our route today takes us through
We follow the lake to the beautiful town
of Montreux where you can stroll along
the flower bordered lake promenade before
returning to our hotel.
Day 8 > Our journey today on leaving the
hotel takes us north through ChampagneArdenne to our final hotel in the cathedral
city of Reims.
Overnight: Mercure Reims Parc des
Expositions *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 9 > Reims to Zeebrugge for overnight
sailing to England.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
2 Aug
11 Aug
£999
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Chamonix, Chambéry, Annecy, Yvoire and Montreux
Price Excludes
(£280 extra)
THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES
Merano, Caldaro & Riva del Garda
Day 3 > Mannheim area to Munich.
Overnight: NH Munich Hotel ****
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 4 > After breakfast we enjoy a scenic
journey into Italy, arriving at our hotel
in time for dinner. A welcome glass of
Prosecco greets us on arrival. A fourcourse dinner is served tonight with
unlimited wine or water.
Hotel Paganella *** (5 nights D, B&B)
The Dolomites
The snow-capped peaks of
the awe-inspiring Dolomites
offer pretty Italian villages
with a Tyrolean Austrian feel
and spectacular scenery every
direction you turn.
Without doubt this spectacular mountain
range offers some of the most dramatic
peaks in the world, with awesome
shapes and colours to captivate your
imagination. Our holiday package offers
great excursions taking in the scenery
and mountain life along with a stay in a
lovely hotel.
The small and friendly Paganella Hotel is a
three-star family-run property designed in
a typical Austrian chalet style. There is a
free bar of local drinks each evening from
6pm to 10.30pm, with entertainment on
four nights. Bedrooms are well appointed
and all 26 have hairdryer and TV.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > Travel from Europoort to
Saarbrücken.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel Saarbrücken
Süd *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 5 > Today we enjoy a free day
getting to know the area. Join Fausto, the
hotel owner, for a mystery walk of the
surrounding area, taking in the spectacular
scenery, followed by a pizza/wine picnic.
Before dinner tonight there is a winetasting session.
Day 6 > We enjoy a full day tour of the
fabulous Brenta Dolomites. Driving up
the Val di Sole, we follow the scenic valley
and then over the pass at Madonna di
Campiglio, ‘The Pearl of the Dolomites’,
where we enjoy a stop before continuing
on our scenic excursion following the route
passing Lake Trenno.
Day 7 > Today we head for the beautiful
spa town of Merano. Sitting in its own
basin surrounded by a stunning backdrop
of mountains and meadows, the town
offers plenty of shops, bars and cafés
and a lovely flower-lined promenade. We
return to our hotel via the stunning wine
route, which winds its way along the Adige
Valley with a final stop in the charming
village of Caldaro. There is a Grolla evening
in the bar tonight.
Day 10 > We travel from to Switzerland to
western Germany.
Overnight: Mercure Metz Centre ***
(1 nights D, B&B)
Day 11 > Germany to Zeebrugge for
overnight sailing to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Thursday
10.15pm
Price
28 Jun
9 Jul
£989
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Free bar and entertainment in
Hotel Paganella
•Mystery walk of Paganella
•Pizza and wine picnic
•Visits to Brenta Dolomites, ‘The Pearl of the Dolomites’, Merano, Caldaro and Riva del Garda
Price Excludes
(£175 extra)
Day 8 > We descend from the mountains
to Lake Garda today and enjoy the scenery
as we reach the popular and pretty town of
Riva del Garda where we spend free time.
On our last night is a special farewell
candlelit Trentino dinner with music.
Day 9 > Time to leave Italy and return
via Switzerland.
Overnight: Jugendstil-Hotel
Paxmontana *** (1 night D, B&B)
Riva del Garda
THE ITALIAN ADRIATIC
Lido di Jesolo & Lake Garda
ITINERARY
Lake Garda
Day 2 > Travel from Europoort to
Heppenheim, Germany.
Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson
Heppenheim *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 3 > Heppenheim to the Munich area.
Overnight: NH Munich Neue Messe ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 4 > After breakfast we enjoy a scenic
journey into Italy, arriving at our hotel in
time for dinner.
With nine miles of golden,
sandy beaches and a lively
centre with plenty to see and do,
Lido di Jesolo is a stylish and
very Italian resort and a perfect
base to explore the highlights
of this region of northern Italy.
Along the sun lounger-filled sands you will
find inviting pavement cafés and tempting
ice cream parlours, while along the broad
avenues and around the tree-lined piazzas
there are fashionable shops and fabulous
restaurants perfect for savouring great
Italian food and the crisp white wines of
the region. With its close proximity to Lake
Garda, Verona and the Dolomites, Lido di
Jesolo has all the ingredients for a
perfect holiday.
The recently refurbished four-star Hotel
Cambridge in Lido di Jesolo is situated
close to the famous Piazza Mazzini and
is by the beach. There are 84 bedrooms
on five floors, all with balconies and sea
views furnished with taste in soft, refined
colours. All bedrooms are equipped with
all comforts: bathroom with WC, shower,
hairdryer, air conditioning, Satellite TV,
telephone, fridge and a safe. There is an
outdoor swimming pool with a hydro
massage area.
Hotel Cambridge, Lido di Jesolo ****
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 9 > We leave Italy and return
via Switzerland.
Overnight: Jugendstil-Hotel
Paxmontana *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 10 > We travel from to Switzerland to
western Germany.
Day 11 > We catch the overnight ferry from
Zeebrugge to Hull.
Stena Line.
Sirmione
Day 5 > We have a free day in the Adriatic
Riviera resort for you to explore the town
or just have a rest and enjoy the hotel’s
facilities.
Day 6 > We travel east for a day in Trieste,
the Italian port tucked inside the Slovenian
border. This frontier city has been owned
or occupied by the Romans, Habsburgs,
Mussolini’s regime, Germans and Allied
Forces, only finally returning to Italy in 1954.
Day 7 > Today we enjoy a visit to Bassano
del Grappa, a lovely scenic town set on
the Brenta river. The historic centre is very
compact with lots of piazzas and shops.
Must-see visits are the old grappa distillery
and the Ponte degli Alpini – a woodencovered bridge over the Brenta.
Day 8 > Verona, with its stunning Roman
amphitheatre, is one of the most historical
cities in Italy and is home to the story
of Romeo and Juliet. The ‘old town’ is
pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot.
We continue to Lake Garda with its palm
tree-lined promenades and lemon and
olive groves that have given the southern
shores a Mediterranean feel. We’ll visit
Sirmione, a delightful village which enjoys
a unique setting on a peninsula jutting
into the lake. There are cobbled streets,
tiny squares and an impressive castle all
waiting to be explored.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Thursday
10.15pm
Price
10 May
21 May
£979
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Trieste, Bassano del Grappa, Verona, Lake Garda, Sirmione
Price Excludes
(£180 extra)
THE ITALIAN LAKES
A diamond in the Italian
Lakeland crown, Lake Maggiore
boasts a majestic backdrop of
Alpine peaks, with the green,
wooded slopes tumbling to the
water’s edge.
Lake Maggiore
The shoreline is dotted with picturesque
little lakeside towns and villages, and
is an ideal centre for touring. Excursion
opportunities include visits to the beautiful
Borromeo Islands, the lakes of Mergozza
and Orta, and Milan, one of Europe’s most
cosmopolitan cities.
Our hotel, the four-star Astoria, is located
on the edge of Lake Maggiore, just a few
minutes’ walk from the centre of Stresa
and beside the boat terminal for trips to
the islands. It is a stylish modern building
with a fine dining room, a bar, outdoor
swimming pool and a garden. Most of the
guest bedrooms have balconies facing
either the garden or the lake and all are
en-suite with air-conditioning. They are all
fully equipped with satellite TV, internet
connection, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer
and fridge.
Please note single accommodation may be in
the hotel annex.
ITINERARY
Day 2 > Travel from Zeebrugge to Nancy.
Overnight: Park Inn *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 3 > We continue south into Italy
and our hotel in Stresa on the edge of
Lake Maggiore.
Hotel Astoria **** (5 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > A relaxing day today. The boat
terminal is just beside the hotel and tickets
are provided for trips to the famous Lake
Maggiore Islands – Isola Madre (the
Mother), Pescatori (the Fisherman)
and Isola Bella, the largest and most
spectacular. On your return you can enjoy
the pool, the garden or the town.
Day 5 > Today we make the short journey
north for a short visit Mergozza and its
crystal clear lake. Further north we find
the small alpine town of Domodossola
surrounded by picturesque mountains and
lies close to the border with Switzerland.
The charming medieval centre and the
attractive arcaded houses are a “must see”.
Orta San Giulio
Day 6 > Explore Lake Orta today and
its capital Orta San Giulio, a delightful
medieval centre and one of northern Italy’s
best kept secrets. Enjoy browsing the old
cobbled streets or take a boat over to the
island to visit the characterful monastery.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sun/Wed
6.00am
Return
Tue/Fri
10.15pm
Price
Day 7 > A full day trip to the city of Milan.
12 Jul
21 July
£949
Day 8 > Time to leave Italy and return
this time via Switzerland and France before
arriving in our hotel in the west
of Germany.
30 Sep
9 Oct
£899
Zeebrugge to Hull.
Stena Line.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Lake Maggiore Islands, Mergozza, Domodossola, Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta and Milan
Price Excludes
(£215/£205 extra)
LAKE MAGGIORE
& THE AUSTRIAN TYROL
Day 9 > Today is a relaxing day with visits
to some of the beautiful little towns and
villages in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains,
finishing in nearby Saint Johann before
returning to our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 10 > Time to leave Austria for our
overnight hotel in Germany.
Lake Maggiore
This grand 12-day, two-centred
tour is based first in the Astoria
Hotel on the shores of an
Italian lake and then moves
to the Hotel Tyrol Soll in the
Austrian Tyrol – two of your
favourite hotels. We choose the
most interesting routes for the
outward and return journeys
and mid-tour when we
change hotels.
Day 3 > Our route today takes us
through the Vosges Mountains and into
the province of Alsace. We cross into
Switzerland at Basel and continue south
past Lucerne and by the Saint Gotthard
Pass into Italy and our hotel in Stresa on
the shore of Lake Maggiore.
The Astoria Hotel occupies a prime garden
site in Stresa, overlooking the pier and out
at the beautiful Borromeo Islands. It has its
own outdoor swimming pool and all rooms
have views either over the garden or
the lake.
Day 5 > Travelling first along the shore
of Maggiore we cross the Swiss border
to Lugano. On our return to Italy we stop
for a coffee in Como, at the southern tip
of the lake.
Please note single accommodation may be in
the hotel annex.
The Hotel Tyrol Soll is situated in a quiet
position, just a few minutes’ walk from
the centre of the village, and is a very
traditional, family-run hotel offering
friendly service, excellent meals, wellappointed bedrooms and a leisure
complex, including a heated outdoor
swimming pool. Hotel rooms are spread
over two separate buildings.
ITINERARY
Day 4 > We have boat tickets for trips to
the offshore islands of Lake Maggiore –
go as you please in your own time. The
boats leave from and return to the jetty
just across the street.
Day 6 > This morning is market day in
Stresa where you will find a treasure
trove of produce, leather goods, shoes
and clothes! In the afternoon we travel
the short distance to the Villa Taranto,
a Scotsman’s vision of an English garden
in Italy. Here you can enjoy a botanical
experience with terraced gardens,
waterfalls, water lily and much more.
Day 7 > We leave Stresa and travel east
along the edge of Lake Garda into the
mountains. We see the Dolomites to our
right and make a stop at pretty Vipiteno
before crossing the Brenner Pass into
Austria and to our hotel in the Tyrol.
Hotel Tyrol Soll *** (3 nights D, B&B)
Day 8 > We start the day with a healthy
Austrian breakfast before meeting our
guide for a relaxed walking tour of the
village. In the afternoon we make a short
trip to visit a couple of other local towns,
Alpbachtal and Rattenberg. The latter is
officially a city, albeit Austria’s smallest,
with a population of just 600 inhabitants.
Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson
Heppenheim *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 11 > We catch the overnight ferry
from Europoort to Hull.
Stena Line.
Vipiteno
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Thursday
10.15pm
Price
14 Jun
25 Jun
£999
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Walking tour of Soll
•Visits to Lake Lake Maggiore Islands, Lugano, Como, Villa Taranto, Vipiteno, Alpbachtal, Rattenberg, Saint Johann
Price Excludes
(£205 extra)
THE AUSTRIAN TYROL
The spectacular mountain
scenery, clear, fresh air and
excellent accommodation
combine to draw people
back year after year to the
Austrian Tyrol.
We are once again based in the village
of Soll – ‘Europe’s loveliest village in
bloom’ – which is situated in a wide
valley between the Wilder Kaiser and
Hohe Salve Mountain. Soll provides us
with a marvellous base from which to
explore the region. We spend the day
in Salzburg*, marvel at the stunning
Achensee* and look in awe at the Wilder
Kaiser Mountains (Wild Emperor). New
Tyrolean villages are also explored in
2015 and these include Kufstein* and
Rattenberg* to name but a few.
The Hotel Tyrol Soll is situated in a quiet
position, just a few minutes’ walk from
the centre of the village, and is a very
traditional, family-run hotel offering
friendly service, excellent meals, wellappointed bedrooms and a leisure
complex, including a heated outdoor
swimming pool. Hotel rooms are spread
over two separate buildings and are
en-suite with hairdryer, Sat-TV, radio,
telephone and safe. Best of all you have
splendid views towards the Wilder Kaiser
Mountain! There is a lift to most floors.
Day 4 > We start the day with a healthy
Austrian breakfast before meeting our
guide for a relaxed walking tour of the
village. In the afternoon we make a short
trip to visit Kufstein, a picturesque
Tyrolean city located on the River Inn,
near the Bavarian border of Germany.
Day 5 > There is a full day’s travelling
ahead of us today taking in the views
of the mighty Wilder Kaiser Mountains
as we go. Travelling through the town of
Kufstein we make a stop at the lakeside
resort of Walchsee before moving
“around” the mountain to the market town
of Saint Johann where we stop for lunch.
Travelling west we arrive in the alpine town
of Kitzbühel. We return to Soll with a short
stop in Brixen im Thale, a village located
at the highest point of the beautiful
Brixental valley.
Alps. We then head on to the town of
Rattenberg. Built in the shadow of Rat
Mountain, it is the smallest town in Austria
and is known for its glass making and
abundance of crystal glass shops.
Day 8 > We commence our return journey
this morning travelling through southern
Germany to our last European hotel.
Zeebrugge to Hull.
Stena Line.
Salzburg
Lake Achensee
DATES & PRICES
* New visit/attraction for 2015.
ITINERARY
Depart
Monday
6.00am
Return
Wednesday
10.15pm
Price
18 May
27 May
£879
21 Sep
30 Sep
£899
Day 2 > Travel from Europoort to overnight
hotel in Kaiserslautern.
Overnight: Hotel-Restaurant
Barbarossa *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 3 > Our route today takes us through
Southern Germany, skirting around Munich
in Bavaria before crossing the border to our
hotel in the beautiful Austrian Tyrol.
Day 6 > We have full day in Saltzburg with
a guided city tour. The city’s Old Town is
renowned for being one of the most wellpreserved city centres north of the Alps.
Salzburg is famed for its incredible range
of architecture and links to its cultural
heritage, either as the birthplace of Mozart
or the many locations around the city that
were used in filming The Sound of Music.
Day 7 > Today we pay a visit to stunning
Achensee, the largest mountain lake in
Austria, set in panoramic surroundings
against the backdrop of Brandenberg
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Guided tours of Soll and Salzburg
•Visits to Kufstein, Lake Walchsee, Saint Johann, Kitzbühel,
Brixen im Thale, Salzburg, Achensee and Rattenberg
Price Excludes
(£135 extra)
•Obligatory Holiday Insurance
©Stadtmarketing Freiberg GmbH
BLACK FOREST
& THE AUSTRIAN ALPS
Day 6 > Sadly it’s time to leave the Black
Forest and travel further east into Austria.
Our journey takes us past Lake Constance
and Innsbruck to our home for the next
three nights in the beautiful Tyrol.
ITINERARY
Day 7 > After breakfast we have a relaxed
guided walking tour of the village with the
rest of the day free to enjoy the village and
the hotel’s leisure facilities.
Day 2 > Travel from Zeebrugge to
overnight hotel in Metz.
Overnight: Mercure Metz Centre ***
(1 nights D, B&B)
Day 8 > We have a full-day trip through
the Tyrol taking the famous High Alpine
Pass to see the majestic Grossglockner,
Austria’s highest mountain at over 12,000
feet, and its spectacular Pasterze Glacier.
Day 3 > We continue south this morning,
past Strasbourg on the French/German
border and into ‘Schwarzwald’ – the Black
Forest. Dinner is served shortly after
check-in.
©ZT/BSB
Freiberg
Day 9 > We leave Soll for our overnight
hotel in Germany.
Landhotel Rebstock ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
This new two-centred tour takes
in some of the most spectacular
scenery that both Germany
and Austria have to offer.
The Black Forest is arguably
Germany’s most popular
holiday destination. Schonach,
our base, lies at the very heart
of the region, allowing us the
opportunity to experience the
real ‘Schwarzwald’ with visits to
Freiberg, Triberg and the Black
Forest Museum.
The Landhotel Rebstock in Schonach is
a traditional family-run Black Forest hotel.
All 25 bedrooms are en-suite and the hotel
offers excellent German home cooking.
Being a typical Black Forest building there
are about 15 steps to the front door. There
is an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and
a sun terrace.
The family-run Hotel Tyrol Soll is a very
traditional hotel offering excellent meals
with well-appointed bedrooms and a
leisure complex, including a heated
outdoor swimming pool. Hotel rooms
are spread over two separate buildings.
Overnight: Mercure Bad Duerkheim ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 10 > Germany to Europoort for
Overnight:P&O Cruiseferry
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Black Forest
Day 4 > Well rested and refreshed, today
we enjoy an excursion to the region’s
capital, Freiberg. A magnificent Gothic
cathedral dominates the main square in
this, one of the most beautiful cities in
Europe. On our return journey we stop
at the fascinating Black Forest Museum
at Gutach where we are shown how the
traditions in the region have changed little
over the centuries.
Day 5 > This morning we travel to Triberg,
famous for having Germany’s highest
waterfalls and its love of the cuckoo clocks.
After lunch we visit Gengenbach, where on
our approach we are greeted from afar by
the church and watchtowers that invite us
into the historical town centre.
Depart
Thursday
6.00am
Return
Sunday
10.15pm
Price
6 Aug
16 Aug
£929
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Walking tour of Soll
•Visits to Black Forest, Freiberg,
Black Forest Museum, Triberg, Gengenbach and Grossglockner
Price Excludes
(£255 extra)
SWISS MOUNTAINS
& LAKE MAGGIORE
Bernese Oberland
Day 3 > We continue south along the
edge of the Alsace Region into Switzerland
at Basel and on to our hotel in the small
settlement of Flüeli-Ranft, high in the
mountains to the south of Lucerne.
Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana ***eq
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > Our destination today is Lucerne,
the gateway to central Switzerland and
sited on Lake Lucerne. The town is a
favourite destination of many a traveller.
Switzerland and Italy are two
very popular destinations
in their own right. This tour
spends time in both, exploring
the mountains of Switzerland
just south of Lake Lucerne
before crossing the border into
Northern Italy, to the Piedmont
and Lombardy region, famous
for its stunning lake scenery.
Our Swiss mountain hotel, the Paxmontana,
is designed in the Art Nouveau style and
all 83 en-suite bedrooms are equipped
with the latest amenities and a pair of
binoculars (no TV) to help you enjoy the
breathtaking views over the mountains
of Obwalden.
The Italian base for this tour is the Astoria
Hotel which overlooks the beautiful
Borromeo Islands. Most of the guest
bedrooms have balconies facing either the
garden or the lake and all are en-suite with
air-conditioning and all mod-cons. Please
note single accommodation may be in the
hotel annex.
Day 5 > Today we have an excursion to
the magnificent Bernese Oberland with
stops in Interlaken – as its name suggests
located between two stunning lakes –
Meiringen and Brienz.
Day 6 > We leave Flüeli this morning for an
exciting drive over the Susten Pass and into
Italy and our hotel in Stresa on the shore of
Lake Maggiore.
Day 7 > The Lake Maggiore Express is a
full day round trip by narrow gauge railway
and ferry. It is a wonderful opportunity to
see the valleys and towns surrounding Lake
Maggiore. You board the narrow gauge
train that travels to Locarno where there is
ample free time to have lunch and explore
the town centre. The return journey is by
a gentle cruise back down Lake Maggiore
to Stresa. Sit out on the top deck in the
sunshine and watch as you sail past the
pretty lakeside towns and Borromean
Islands. Late dinner tonight.
Day 8 > Today is a day to relax and enjoy
the views from the hotel.
Day 9 > Time to leave Italy and return via
Switzerland and France, arriving at our
hotel in the west of Germany.
Day 10 > We catch the overnight ferry
from Zeebrugge to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Wednesday
10.15pm
Price
23 Aug
2 Sep
£989
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Tickets on the Lake Maggiore Express
•Visits to Lucerne, Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, Meiringen, Brienz, Locarno
Price Excludes
(£235 extra)
ITINERARY
Lake Lucerne
SWITZERLAND
Andermatt
©swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger
Alpine Serenity
Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana
Switzerland is blessed with some of Europe’s most impressive
scenery and its Alpine ranges rise above lush green valleys
sprinkled with flower-decked villages. Plunging waterfalls and
mountain streams descend to the serenity and charm of the
Swiss Lakes.
Our Swiss hotel, the Paxmontana, is designed in the Art Nouveau style and stands high
in the mountains. The hotel has 83 en-suite bedrooms equipped with the latest amenities
and a pair of binoculars to help you enjoy the breathtaking views over the mountains of
Obwalden (there are no TVs). The restaurant “Veranda” with its picture window provides
a clear view of the Sarner Aa Valley and Glaubenberg (“faith mountain”).
ITINERARY
Day 3 > We follow the course of the Rhine
to the south, enter Switzerland at Basel
and drive directly to our hotel in the small
alpine village of Flüeli-Ranft, to the south
of Lucerne. We approach the hotel from
the coach park, along a vine-covered
walkway to reception.
Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana ***eq
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > We have a day to relax in this
idyllic location. Situated on a small plateau
overlooking the Sarnen Valley, the village is
very peaceful with some historic buildings,
a couple of shops and a few other small
hotels. If you wish to explore a little,
Sarnen is only a five-mile bus ride away.
Day 5 > A magnificent tour visiting four
of Switzerland’s alpine passes. The first
takes us over the Susten Pass to Wassen
and then on to the mountain town of
Andermatt. After free time, we continue
over the St. Gotthard Pass to Airolo and
return via the Nufenen and Grimsel Passes.
Day 6 > Our journey around the lakes
takes us to Altdorf, the home of William
Tell, commemorated by a statue which
marks the spot where William Tell shot the
apple off his son’s head. We continue to
Einsiedeln with its impressive Benedictine
Abbey and Zug, the richest place
in Switzerland.
Day 7 > Today we travel along the edge
of Lake Lucerne to the northern end
of the lake of Zurich to the largest city
in Switzerland – Zurich. Here in the
“metropolis of experiences” you have
the rest of the day free to experience
its many museums, art galleries and
fantastic shopping.
Day 8 > We leave Switzerland today and
travel through France before arriving in
our hotel in the west of Germany.
Zeebrugge to Hull.
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
5 Jul
14 Jul
£899
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Wassen, Andermatt, Airolo,
Altdorf, Einsiedeln, Zug and Zurich
Price Excludes
(£195 extra)
Luther Country is a beautiful
part of Germany. The region
includes rolling hills and fertile
farmland dotted with villages,
whose half-timbered houses
could be straight out of a
children’s picture book. History
lives in the romantic castles,
elegant palaces and formidable
fortresses.
Luther Country also encompasses a
wide range of fascinating churches and
museums that are perfect for anyone
interested in culture or history. With this
tour we aim to examine the various stages
of Luther’s life.
Day 2 > Travel from Europoort to Gotha.
Hotel am Schlosspark ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Stena Line.
Day 5 > We have a longer day today as we
travel to Luther’s birth town of Lutherstadt
Eisleben. Here you can visit the church
of St. Peter and St. Paul where Luther was
baptised on 11 November 1483, and the
Church of St. Anne, which was the first
protestant church to be built in the region
of Mansfeld.
Lutherstadt Wittenberg
The four-star Hotel am Schlosspark in
Gotha, which is situated in the town
centre, is our main base for this tour. The
hotel features a soothing elegance and
pleasant atmosphere with a view of the
magnificent palace garden of Gotha. Our
second hotel, the Maritim Rhein-Main
Hotel, Darmstadt, is again convenient to
the city centre and offers a comfortable
conclusion to the tour.
ITINERARY
Day 8 > We commence our journey
homeward today to catch the overnight
ferry from Europoort to Hull.
Day 4 > After breakfast we travel east to
Erfurt for a guided tour of the Evangelical
Monastery of St. Augustine’s. This is
where Luther lived when he was a student
and a monk. The afternoon is free for you
to explore the historical old city quarter
and follow Luther’s footsteps.
© DZT/Wartburg-Stiftung/ Bildarchiv Monheim GmbH
Worms: Luther statue
Day 7 > Today we travel the short distance
to Worms to see the Luther Monument,
the largest Reformation monument in the
world. The afternoon is free to explore
this, the oldest city in Germany and where
Luther experienced his Diet of Worms
in 1521.
Day 3 > We make the short journey
to Wartburg Castle where, during his
exile, Martin Luther translated the New
Testament into German. We return to
Gotha in the afternoon where you are free
to explore some of the many impressive
monuments and museums that the town
has to offer.
Wartburg Castle
© germany-images.de / Tourist-Information Lutherstadt Wittenberg
© Deutsche Zentrale Tourismus e.V.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS
OF LUTHER
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
8 June
16 June
£779
We continue our exploration to
Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the Birthplace
of the Reformation. It is said that Luther
nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church
door and, with that act, sparked the
Reformation.
Day 6 > We leave Gotha today and travel
to Darmstadt.
Maritim Rhein-Main Hotel Darmstadt
**** (2 nights D, B&B)
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Guided tour of the Evangelical Monastery of St Augustine’s
•Visits to Wartburg Castle, Erfurt, Lutherstadt Eisleben, Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Worms
Price Excludes
(£130 extra)
© Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e.V. / Krüger, Norbert
GERMANY &
THE BALTIC COAST
ITINERARY
Day 6 > You have a free day to explore
Rostock. Dinner is not served in the
hotel tonight.
Day 7 > Today we explore more of the rich
countryside of this area, travelling through
its “lake district”. Our destination today,
Neubrandenburg, the “Town of the Four
Gates”, where we have a guided tour
and free leisure time. We return to
Rostock by the westerly route passing
through Malcow.
Day 2 > Travel from Europoort to the
western edge of Hamburg.
Mercure Hamburg am Volkspark ****
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 8 > On leaving Rostock we stop in
Wismar, whose historic town centre is
well worth a stroll with its interesting
sights and ancient architectural heritage.
After lunch we continue to our
overnight hotel.
Holstentor, Lubeck
For this tour we are based in
the port town of Rostock, which
is renowned for its impressive
monuments, gorgeous gabled
houses, great churches with
more than 100 metre high
towers, enormous cellars,
impressive gates and massive
dams. The town celebrates
800 years of history in 2018.
We spend two nights in Hamburg before
our travels take us to Rügen Island,
where you will see the abandoned and
unfinished holiday resort of the Nazis
at Prora, through its “lake district”
to Neubrandenburg and finally to
the historic town of Wismar
Our main hotel for four nights is the fourstar Pentahotel, which is situated in the
heart of the historic centre of Rostock.
There are 152 en-suite bedrooms with a
relaxed, stylish ambience, furnished with
air conditioning, hairdryer, rainfall shower,
a 32-inch flat screen TV and free WiFi.
The city port with its unique Hanseatic
city style and wealth of restaurants and
theatres is right next door.
Hamburg
© Imagekontor Spahrbier, Christian
Day 3 > We have a guided tour of
Hamburg this morning with the afternoon
free to take time to explore. The coach
will return you back to the hotel in the
late afternoon.
Overnight: Mercure Hameln Hotel ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 9 > We return to Europoort for the
Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Day 4 > After breakfast we continue north
to Lubeck, the first western city on the
Baltic Sea coast and a shining example
of the character of the Hanseatic League
members in the Baltic region. You are free
to explore the narrow winding streets of
this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We
continue to Rostock to our hotel for the
next four nights in plenty of time for dinner.
Pentahotel Rostock ****
Day 5 > This morning we travel to Prora
Resort on Rügen Island, Germany’s largest
island. Prora Resort is an imposing, austere
row of buildings stretching for almost three
miles and were meant for leisure as part of
a purpose-built Nazi seaside resort.
On leaving the island we travel to
Strausland where you are free to explore.
Dinner is not served in the hotel tonight.
Depart
Sunday
6.00am
Return
Tuesday
10.15pm
Price
21 Jun
30 Jun
£829
Price Includes
•9 nights bed and breakfast, 7 dinners
•Through coaching
•Guided tours of Hamburg and Neubrandenburg
•Visits to Hamburg, Lubeck, Prora
Resort, Rügen Island, Stralsund, Neubrandenburg and Wismar
Price Excludes
(£180 extra)
AIR TOURS
In response to numerous requests we are delighted to
be bringing back a short series of new and exciting
Ulsterbus Tours involving flights.
Guggenheim, Bilbao
Warsaw
In 2015 we introduce two new air tours
which, as always, begin when you meet
your driver/courier at the Europa Buscentre
in Belfast and travel by coach to Dublin
Airport. We then fly you to your continental
destination where our European coaching
partner awaits and the tour proceeds
as normal.
The tour ends with a flight to Dublin and
an Ulsterbus Tours coach returns us to
the Europa Buscentre. All flights and
flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are
financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
When you pay you will be supplied with
an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and
check to ensure that everything you booked
(flights, hotels and other services) is listed
on it. Please see our booking conditions for
further information or for more information
about financial protection and the ATOL
Certificate go to:
www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
Ulsterbus Tours (ATOL 10596)
are the principal provider
on these air tours.
BASQUE
COUNTRY
•Return flights with Aer Lingus from
Dublin to Bilbao
•Ulsterbus Tours escort throughout
•5 nights half-board accommodation
in the Gran Hotel, Bilbao
•Half day guided tour of Bilbao by coach
and on foot
•Guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum
•Full day guided excursion to Biarritz, Hondarribia and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
•Full day guided excursion of the Coast
of Gipuzkoa and San Sebastián
•Guided tour, and tasting, of the “Txakoli” wine cellar
•Full day excursion to Sanctuary
of Arantzazu, Oñati and Sancti
Spiritus University
•All coach transfers by local company whilst in Spain
•All coach transfers to and from Dublin Airport by Ulsterbus Tours coach
and driver
•Porterage
POLAND
•Return flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin to Warsaw
•Ulsterbus Tours escort throughout
•4 nights half-board accommodation in the Mercure Centrum Warsaw
•3 nights half-board accommodation in the Wyspianski Hotel Kraków
•Half day guided tour of Warsaw
•Admissions to Warsaw Uprising Museum and Łazienki Palace and Park
•Guided excursion to Zelazowa Wola
•Half day guided tour of Kraków
•Admissions to Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Church and Schindler’s Factory
•Full day excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau
•Full day excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine
•Visit to Jasna Gora
•All coach transfers by local company whilst in Poland
•All coach transfers to and from Dublin Airport by Ulsterbus Tours coach
and driver
•Porterage
BASQUE COUNTRY
San Sebastián
Sanctuary
of Arantzazu
Day 2 > Today we have a guided walking
tour of Bilbao, exploring the Old Town
- better known as ”Siete Calles” (Seven
Streets) and sights such as the Cathedral
of Santiago, Plaza Nueva and the Market
of La Rivera. After lunchtime we have a
guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum,
a magnificent example of the most ground
breaking architecture of 20th century.
We base our tour in the city of
Bilbao, which has matured into
its role of a major European art
centre while at the same time
retaining its down-to-earth soul.
It is the perfect base to explore
the region and to visit those
other major Basque cities of
San Sebastián and Biarritz,
and to sample some of its
fabulous wines!
Our hotel for five nights is the Gran Hotel
Bilbao, situated on a hill just 15 minutes’
walk from the Old Town (there is a steep
incline). All 204 rooms in the hotel are
en-suite and are equipped with airconditioning, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio,
hairdryer and free WiFi. There is a modern
restaurant, a café-bar and an elegant
lounge area in the lobby.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave the Europa Buscentre
and travel south to Dublin Airport to catch
our Aer Lingus flight to Bilbao at 12.30pm*.
On arrival in Spain our local coach operator
transfers us directly to our hotel for the
next five nights.
Gran Hotel, Bilbao ****
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > Today’s guided tour is to the
French Basque Coast visiting Biarritz,
Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hondarribia.
Biarritz, one of Europe’s most beautiful
and stylish cities, rests on the French/
Spanish border and embraces the cultures
of France, Spain and the Basque Country.
We continue to Saint-Jean-de-Luz which
is one of the most beautiful and lively
cities on the coast.
In the afternoon we have our final visit
to Hondarribia with its many historic
treasures that give the village its special
charm, and it’s amazing view of
Txingudi Bay.
Day 4 > Our tour of the Coast of Gipuzkoa
to Getaria, which has some amazing views
surrounding the village, takes in the rolling
green hills of the getariako txakoli (white
wine) region. We have a guided tour of
a “Txakoli” wine cellar with wine tasting
accompanied with some “pintxos”.
In the afternoon we continue to San
Sebastián and enjoy a guided walking tour
through the Old Town.
Day 5 > We start with a guided visit to the
Sanctuary of Arantzazu, which is situated
on a cliff and was founded in 1493. We
continue down to the village of Oñati,
which lies at the foot of Aloña Mountain,
and is home to many notable buildings,
palaces and churches of great-value
in terms of architecture. We finish this
morning with a guided visit to the Sancti
Spiritus University, a gem of the civil
architecture of the Basque renaissance.
After lunch we return to Bilbao where
the afternoon is free.
Day 6 > Sadly we leave Spain today and
return to Bilbao International Airport for
our 4.15pm flight*. Our Ulsterbus Tours
coach will meet us at Dublin Airport
and we hope to be back in the Europa
Buscentre for approximately 8pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
9.00am
Return
Tuesday
8.00pm
Price
2 Jul
7 Jul
£849
Price Includes
•Return flights with Aer Lingus
Dublin/Bilbao
•Airport transfers
•Services of driver and guide
•Guided tours of Guggenheim Museum, a wine cellar with tasting,
Sancti Spiritus University in Oñati, Sanctuary of Arantzazu
•Tour of Igueldo Mountain and
Basque Coast
•Visits to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hondarribia, Biarritz and San Sebastián
Price Excludes
•Single room supplement £130
* All flight times subject to confirmation.
on this air tour.
POLAND
Warsaw
afternoon including a visit to the Warsaw
Uprising Museum.
Metropol Hotel, Warsaw ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We have a full day’s guided tour
of Warsaw’s Old Town today where we
see many of its historic buildings and get
acquainted with its Jewish history. We will
visit the Łazienki Palace and Park, whose
origins date back to the 17th century and
now cover an area of nearly 80 hectares.
One of its most important attractions is
the Frederic Chopin Statue.
This new tour takes in two of
Poland’s most important and
culturally significant cities.
Warsaw, the capital city, and
Kraków, the main city of Lower
Silesia in the south-west Poland.
Due to its location, the history of Warsaw
is closely bound up with European history
in general and the fate of the Habsburgs,
Prussia and Germany in particular. Kraków
has also had a turbulent recent history
and it is from here we are able to explore
Auschwitz-Birkenau, Schindler’s Factory
and the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Day 3 > Today we celebrate the life and
work of Poland’s great composer Frederic
Chopin. We travel to elazowa Wola
where Frederic Chopin was born and
lived. The museum includes some original
furniture and other personal items. This
is followed by a visit to the village of
Brochów where Chopin’s birth certificate
is on display in the imposing brick
Parish Church.
Day 4 > This morning we leave Warsaw
and travel to our second city, Krakow. After
checking into our hotel we have a guided
walking tour of the Old Town which
includes admission to St. Mary’s Church
and Wawel Cathedral, where you can
touch the largest bell in Poland.
Polonia Hotel, Kraków ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 5 > Today we have a guided tour
to Auschwitz-Birkenau where you will
experience a moving testimony to the
number of lost lives as a result of Nazi
atrocities across occupied Europe.
Our Warsaw hotel, the Metropol, is in the
city centre and all rooms are en-suite and
come with satellite TV. The Polonia Hotel
is situated in the Old Town of Kraków, just
650 metres from main market square. All
rooms are en-suite and come with a TV
and complimentary bottle of water. Both
hotels serve traditional Polish cuisine.
On our return to Kraków we visit
Schindler’s Factory, situated in the
former administrative building of Oskar
Schindler’s Enamel Factory. Here we learn
about the fate of the Polish and Jewish
citizens of Kraków during WWII under
German occupation.
Day 7 > After an early breakfast we check
out of our hotel and return to Warsaw but
not before we visit Jasna Góra Monastery
along the way. This is a place of pilgrimage
for thousands every year and is the most
important Marian shrine in Poland.
Overnight: Metropol Hotel, Warsaw ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 8 > We leave Poland today and
return to Dublin Airport arriving back at
approximately 2pm* where our Ulsterbus
Tours coach will meet us. We are expected
in Belfast at approximately 5pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
4.00am
Return
Monday
5.00pm
Price
7 Sep
14 Sep
£1,099
Price Includes
•Return flights with Aer Lingus Dublin/
Warsaw
•Airport transfers
•Services of driver and guide
•Guided tours of Warsaw and Kraków
•Guided visits to Warsaw Uprising Museum, Łazienki Palace and Park,
Zelazowa Wola, Brochów, Wawel Cathedral, St Mary’s Church,
Auschwitz, Salt Mines, Schindler’s Factory and Jasna Gora Monastery
Price Excludes
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave the Europa Buscentre
and travel south to Dublin Airport to
catch our Aer Lingus flight to Warsaw
at 7.30am*. On arrival in Poland we will
be transferred to our hotel to freshen up.
We have a short orientation tour in the
Heritage Site and after our guided tour you
will have time to explore.
Day 6 > This morning we visit the
Wieliczka Salt Mine, once described as
being “as remarkable as the Pyramids and
more useful”! Today it is a UNESCO World
* All flight time subject to confirmation.
on this air tour.
36 WORLDWIDE
ULSTERBUS WORLDWIDE
ESCORTED TOURS
WITH COLLETTE
Ulsterbus Tours are proud to act as Northern
Ireland agents for Collette Worldwide Holidays.
We have always placed great importance on
looking after our customers, offering carefree trips
where you can be confident that everything has
been organised. Now, with the truly worldwide
expertise of Collette, we can extend our horizons
beyond Europe, to the four corners of the globe.
ALL WORLDWIDE TOURS INCLUDE
• Door-to-door transfer service from your home to the airport within 100 miles (see below for full details)
• Quality accommodation in carefully selected locations
• Many meals and dining experiences as outlined in your itinerary
• Must-see sights as outlined in your itinerary
• Transportation on tour by private, climate-controlled motorcoach
• Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout the
entire tour
• Expert local guides
• Local transfers from the airport to hotel on arrival and hotel to airport on departure on the first and last day of your tour
• Welcome and farewell dinners as outlined in your itinerary
• Admission charges as outlined in your itinerary
• Luggage handling
• Applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and waiting staff
• Applicable hotel taxes and service charges
Gratuities for cruise ship personnel, overnight passenger train
personnel, local sightseeing guides, hotel housekeepers, drivers
and Collette Tour Managers have not been included.
DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSFER SERVICE
Travelling with Collette Worldwide Holidays is all about comfort
and simplicity so you can spend time enjoying the cherished
moments of your escorted touring holiday with us.
Collette is a family-owned and operated American company,
founded in 1918 by Jack Collette. They offer the kind of oldfashioned customer service that instils confidence that your
holiday plans are in the safest of hands. Their team travels the
world, carefully selecting locations and activities in order to bring
to life the local flavours of the many exciting destinations featured
in their programmes. Tours incorporate history and culture,
relaxation and adventure, as well as magical sightseeing and
dining experiences.
Ulsterbus Tours booking staff now work closely with Collette and
receive detailed tour training and support, enabling us to answer
all the questions you may have about your holiday. Please feel
free to ask about any of the exciting list of destinations.
With this in mind, we are delighted to include a door-to-door
transfer service with every* booking. We will include a return
transfer on all individual bookings for distances of up to 100
miles from the point of collection to the departure airport and
return in Northern Ireland.
For those customers located outside of the 100-mile threshold,
a supplementary cost will be applicable and our Reservations
team will be happy to provide you with a quote.
Please book your door-to-door transfer at the time of booking.
* Please call us for full terms and conditions.
WORLDWIDE 37
QUALITY HOTELS
We have strict criteria when we search for hotels to include in
our tour itineraries. Our in-house team looks for hotels that are
reflective of the region and spirit of the destination. You can be
confident that your hotel stays will be just as much a highlight as
the rest of the tour. The location of every hotel is just as important
and we strive to use only hotels that are centrally located and close
to the top attractions.
AUTHENTIC DINING EXPEREINCES
We work diligently to create menus that typify the cuisine of the
destinations you are visiting. We research a wide range of dining
venues to find the right restaurants offering authentic local cuisine
and special dining experiences. All of the dinners included in our
itineraries are multi-course and offer a choice to cater for
most preferences.
anything including travel tips, restaurant recommendations and
on where to shop for those all important souvenirs, as well as
information on local traditions and historical anecdotes.
EXTENDED HOTEL STAYS
We are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity of extending
your stay before and/or after your chosen tour. Please call us for
availability and your personalised quotation.
TOUR EXTENSIONS
On several of our tours we offer tour extensions to lengthen
your touring holiday with Collette Worldwide. A Collette Tour
Manager will accompany customers on these tour extensions
in many instances.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS
SIGHTSEEING AND EXCURSIONS
Many of our excursions are once in a lifetime experiences or
the ‘must-sees’ of the region. We think it is important to embrace
the local customs and traditions of the destinations visited so
we include unique trips such as home hosted dinners in certain
regions. The character and charm of every destination is reflected
in the extras we include in our tours. These excursions are already
included in the holiday price quoted and are not offered as
expensive pre-bookable options as with other tour operators.
All of the included sightseeing arrangements and admission tickets
required are booked in advance to avoid unnecessary queues and
inconvenience. Please refer to the tour itineraries for the details of
the excursions included with each tour.
Our single travellers can relax in the company of friends and with
the assurance of knowing our Tour Manager is at hand if required.
For ease of reference you will find the single occupancy details on
every tour page featured in our brochure. We wish to encourage
you to compare our tours and inclusions to discover the value for
money we offer our single travellers.
GROUP BOOKINGS
We are experts in organising group travel, delivering wonderful
quality and excellent service. Our professional and personalised
service to groups includes a dedicated Sales Manager who will
provide advice, as well as support to you and your travel agent,
from the initial stages of selecting an escorted tour to your
return home. For further details please contact us today.
TOUR MANAGERS
Our Tour Managers are fully trained to ensure you get the
maximum satisfaction from your holiday. They accompany you
for the entire tour and will provide information on everything and
38 WORLDWIDE
USA
USA
USA
HERITAGE
OF AMERICA
SPOTLIGHT
ON NEW YORK
AMERICA’S
MUSIC CITIES
From £2,349.00 per person
TOUR INFORMATION: 11 Days, 14 Meals
(9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners).
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 6, 13, 20 Mar • 10, 17, 24 Apr
15, 29 May • 12, 19 Jun • 17 Jul
28 Aug • 4, 11, 18, 19, 25, 26 Sept
2, 3, 9, 16, 30 Oct • 6 Nov
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 14, 28 May • 11, 25 Jun • 9, 23 Jul
13, 27 Aug • 3, 10, 17, 24 Sept
1, 15, 22 Oct • 5, 30 Nov • 7, 14 Dec
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 25 Jan • 22 Feb • 15, 22 Mar
19, 26 Apr • 3, 10, 24 May • 12, 14 Jun
13, 18, 20, 27 Sept • 2, 4, 9, 23, 30 Oct
8 Nov
2016: 4, 12 Mar • 1, 8, 9 Apr
15, 16, 22, 23 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: New York City,
Philadelphia, Amish Country, Gettysburg,
Shenandoah Valley, Monticello,
Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon,
Washington D.C., Smithsonian Institution.
USA
2016: 18 Feb • 3, 10 Mar • 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: Two Broadway Shows,
Greenwich Village, Wall Street,
Empire State Building, Central Park,
Metropolitan Museum of Art ,
Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island.
SOUTH PACIFIC
2016: 4, 6, 11, 13 Mar • 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 Apr
17, 22, 24 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: French Quarter,
New Orleans School of Cooking,
Swamp Tour, Graceland,
Grand Ole Opry Show and Backstage Tour,
Historic RCA Studio B,
Country Music Hall of Fame,
Ryman Auditorium.
CANADA
ISLANDS OF
NEW ENGLAND
EXPLORING
NEW ZEALAND
CANADIAN ROCKIES
BY TRAIN
(7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners).
(18 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 10 Dinners).
(9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners).
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 18, 25, 29 May • 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun
10, 17, 24 Jul • 7, 14, 21, 24, 28 Aug
3, 11, 18, 25, 28 Sept • 2, 5, 12, 19 Oct
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 11, 25 Jan • 8, 15, 22 Feb
1, 8, 22, 29 Mar • 12, 26 Apr
16 May • 19 Sept • 3, 17, 31 Oct
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 15, 22, 26, 29 Apr
1, 8, 15, 22, 24, 29 May
12, 14, 19, 21, 26 Jun • 1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Jul
7, 14, 21, 28 Aug • 6, 11, 13, 18, 25 Sept
2, 11, 18, 25 Oct
HIGHLIGHTS: Providence, Newport,
Boston, Cranberry Bog, Plymouth Roc,
Plimoth Plantation, Cape Cod,
Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Hyannis,
Provincetown, Whale Watch or Sand Dunes,
Lobster Dinner.
2016: 2, 16 Jan • 6, 10, 27 Feb • 5 Mar
2, 16 Apr
2016: 3, 10, 17, 20, 24 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Bay of Islands,
Rotorua, Napier, Wellington,
Tranz Alpine Train, Franz Josef, Glacier Region,
Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau,
Dundedin, Mt Cook.
HIGHLIGHTS: British Columbia, Vancouver,
Butchart Gardens, Stanley Park, Victoria,
VIA Rail, Maligne Lake, Jasper, Columbia
Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary.
WORLDWIDE 39
SOUTH AMERICA
COSTA RICA –
WORLD OF NATURE
(11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 9 Dinners).
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 11, 18, 25 Jan • 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 26 Feb
8, 19 Mar • 9, 12 Apr • 17, 24 May • 7 Jun
12, 19 Jul • 2 Aug • 6, 13, 20 Sept
18, 25 Oct • 5, 8, 12 Nov • 3 Dec
2016: 10, 17, 24, 28 Jan
4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 Feb • 3, 6, 10, 13 Mar
3, 10, 17 Apr
USA
CALIFORNIA COAST
DISCOVER CROATIA
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 22 Feb • 8, 15 Mar • 12, 19, 26 Apr
16 May • 6, 13, 20 Jun • 4, 11, 18, 25 Jul
1, 8 Aug • 5, 19, 26 Sept • 3, 10, 17, 31 Oct
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 22 Mar • 2, 19, 26 Apr
10, 17, 24 May • 7 Jun • 12 Jul • 16 Aug
6, 13, 20, 27 Sept • 4, 11, 18 Oct
2016: 5, 12 Mar • 2, 16, 23 Apr
2016: 27 Mar • 10, 17, 24 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: San Francisco,
Yosemite National Park, Monterey,
17 Mile Drive, Big Sur, Hearst Castle,
Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego.
HIGHLIGHTS: Opatija, Plitvice Lakes,
National Park, Dubrovnik, Family Style
Dinner in Cilipi, Split, Diocletian’s Palace,
Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Pletna Boat Ride,
Wine Tasting.
HIGHLIGHTS: Totugero National Park,
Sarapiqui Rainforest, Pineapple Plantation,
Bat Presentation, Chocolate-Making
Demonstration, River Rafting,
Culinary Demonstration, Farm Tour,
Arenal, Volcano, Jungle Crocodile Safari
and Bird Watching, Manuel Antonio
National Park, Coffee Plantation.
RHS GARDEN HOLIDAY
ETERNAL GARDENS
OF ROME (RHS)
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 17 Apr • 8, 22 May • 12, 19 Jun
10 Jul 2016: 22 Apr
HIGHLIGHTS: Santa Croce in
Gerusalemme Gardens, Vatican Gardens,
Castel Gandolfo Gardens, Ninfa Gardens,
Villa D’Este, Hadrian’s Villa, Villa Lante,
Roseto Vacunae Rosae.
EUROPE
RHS GARDEN HOLIDAY
ANDALUCÍA:
LAND OF PALACES &
GARDENS (RHS) SPAIN
ATOL 4832
Adventures Unlimited
Inc. trading as Collette
Worldwide Holidays are
the principle provider on
these tours.
For further information call
Ulsterbus Tours on:
028 9033 7004
DEPARTURE DATES:
2015: 15 May, 12 Jun
2016: 18 Mar, 15 Apr, 22 Apr
40 IRELAND
D
N
A
L
E
IR
B al l y b o fey
DONEGAL
K i l l y b eg s
BELFAST
En n i s k i l l en
Mourne
M o u n tain s
C avan
We s p or t
Re nv yl e
Conne ma ra N a t i ona l Pa rk
Cl i fd e n
GALWAY
DUBLIN
L i s d oonva ra
B ray
E nni s
Wic k l ow
Killoe
K i l ken ny
Wexford
Water fo rd
Ki l l a rney
CORK
Cobh
Ba nt ry
K i ns a l e
Yo u g h al
IRELAND 41
DUBLIN FAMILY BREAK
Dublin Zoo & Tayto Park
Why not enjoy an overnight
break to the city of Dublin with
two fantastic attractions which
will be sure to warm the hearts
of every child.
This new family tour visits Dublin Zoo a
fun filled day out for everyone. On day two
we explore Tayto Park where you will find
bags of adventure and where the flavour
is always fun!
Our hotel for this overnight tour is Jurys
Inn Christchurch, situated in the city
centre opposite Christ Church Cathedral.
Family rooms will be a double bed with either
a second double or double sofa bed.
Day 2 > We leave Dublin after breakfast
and arrive at Tayto Park. There are plenty
of activities for the whole family (some
activities may incur an additional charge)
and of course you may have a chance of
seeing how the crisps are made on the
self-guided tour. We are expected back
in Belfast at 5pm.
Dublin Zoo
DATES & PRICES
FREE GIFT
FOR EVERY
CHILD
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We depart Belfast travelling
directly to Dublin Zoo. The rest of the
day is free for you to explore at your own
leisure. Dinner is not served in the hotel.
Jurys Inn Christchurch *** (1 night B&B)
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Monday
5.00pm
Price
12 Apr
13 Apr
£119
24 May
25 May
£119
12 Jul
13 Jul
£129
30 Aug
31 Aug
£129
Family Price: 2 adults 1 child £317,
2 adults 2 children £396
IRISH WHISKEY EXPERIENCE
Ennis, Co. Clare
On this ‘Irish Whiskey Experience’ you
will experience all things “whiskey”
from a tasting session to a cheesecake
demonstration.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Depart Belfast to arrive in our
hotel, just outside Ennis, by late afternoon
where we are greeted with a hot whiskey
on arrival (or voucher equivalent).
Entertainment tonight is in the Boru Bar.
Ennis is a picturesque
and historic market town,
characterised by its narrow
bustling streets and lanes, fine
monuments and waterways,
traditional Irish music heritage
and warm friendly atmosphere.
Treacys West County Hotel ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Free day in Ennis. This evening
there will be an Irish Whiskey Cheesecake
Demonstration followed by entertainment.
tonight followed by entertainment in the
Boru Bar.
Day 4 > Time to return home today but
not before we spend a couple of hours
outlet shopping at Kildare Village.
We are expected back in Belfast at
approximately 5pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
10.00am
Return
Wednesday
5.00pm
Price
18 Jan
21 Jan
£319
29 Mar
1 Apr
£349
1 Nov
4 Nov
£329
Day 3 > Full day to Limerick. There is a
Whiskey Tasting Session in the hotel
42 IRELAND
WESTPORT BARGAIN BREAK
Westport
which jostle for attention with
an attractive selection of shops,
pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Day 3 > A full day excursion to
Galway City.
Day 4 > We pass under Croagh Patrick this
morning and continue south into the heart
of Connemara, travelling as far as Clifden,
a lively fishing port set between the
Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Bens Mountains
and preserved boglands. Our return
journey takes us along the shore of Lough
Inagh between the Maumturk Mountains
and the Twelve Pins.
Our hotel, the Clew Bay, offers all the
facilities you would expect from a good,
family-run three-star hotel along with
a fascinating programme of evening
demonstrations to suit most tastes.
ITINERARY
County Mayo has some of the
most spectacular scenery in the
west of Ireland. Westport is still
one of Ireland’s most popular
and cosmopolitan holiday
destinations and is known for
its charisma and continental
flavour as well as the cheerful,
multi-coloured shop fronts
Day 5 > We return to Belfast via
Enniskillen.
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Westport
via Sligo.
Clew Bay Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
Day 2 > After breakfast we travel the
length of Achill Island as far as the roads
permit to see the Atlantic waves crashing
onto Achill’s rocky shores. We return to
Westport around lunchtime and have the
afternoon free to relax and get to know the
town better.
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
22 Mar
26 Mar
£259
18 Oct
22 Oct
£269
15 Nov
19 Nov
£259
©Tourism Ireland
WATERFORD BARGAIN BREAK
Waterford Harbour
Waterford is fast becoming one
of the most popular Irish cities to
visit, with attractions such as the
House of Waterford Crystal and
its historic city centre.
and cities of the area. We visit the once
walled medieval town of Wexford, the
still walled town of Youghal and the
historic city of Kilkenny. You will of
course have time to explore the centre
of Waterford.
At its heart lies Dooley’s Hotel, a modern,
family-run hotel and our base for the next
three nights.
ITINERARY
With this bargain break we travel a little
further afield to the other historic towns
Day 1 > We depart Belfast and travel
to Waterford.
Dooley’s Hotel *** (3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > A full day in Wexford.
Day 3 > Travelling west today, via
Dungarvan Bay, we arrive in the bustling
walled seaport of Youghal. Here you can
tread in the footsteps of Walter Raleigh
or take in the panorama of Youghal Bay
from the 12th century town walls.
Day 4 > After breakfast we travel north
to Kilkenny, with its linear streetscape
and attractive covered stepped slipways
making it truly the Medieval Capital of
Ireland. We continue north finishing our
tour back in the Europa Buscentre.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
10.00am
Return
Wednesday
5.00pm
Price
25 Jan
28 Jan
£189
15 Feb
18 Feb
£199
IRELAND 43
A TASTE OF IRELAND
Co. Wexford
Enjoy the craic with an Irish
house party in charming
Enniscorthy, which is well placed
for exploring this south-east
corner of Ireland with Kilkenny,
Arklow and Wexford all within
easy reach.
Day 2 > Guinness Day
A day in Kilkenny – visit the castle or just
enjoy the craft village. We return to the
hotel where it is Guinness Day. We learn
how to pour (and drink) the perfect pint.
Entertainment follows dinner tonight.
Day 5 > Sadly it is time to head home
– we are expected back in Belfast at
approximately 4pm.
This Taste of Ireland includes nightly
entertainment: a Celtic Roots Riverdance
Show, a cooking demonstration,
storytelling and how to pour the perfect
pint of Guinness!
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We travel south arriving in our
hotel in mid-afternoon. Tonight a local
storyteller will give a talk on the very
historic Enniscorthy
Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 4 > A day in Wexford – wander the
winding streets, the pretty quayside and
discover the array of pubs, cafés, fine
restaurants and shops. Back in the hotel
tonight we have a Traditional Irish
Buffet followed by the Celtic Roots
Riverdance Show.
DATES & PRICES
Day 3 > Jameson Day
A day in Arklow – a lively town and in its
day, one of the busiest ports in Ireland.
Tonight we celebrate Jameson Day with
a cookery demonstration on how to
make the perfect Jameson Soda Bread.
Entertainment is by “Whiskey in a Jar”.
Depart
Sunday
10.00am
Return
Thursday
4.00pm
Price
10 May
14 May
£289
26 Jul
30 Jul
£339
27 Sep
1 Oct
£329
18 Oct
22 Oct
£269
RENVYLE HOUSE
Pure Connemara Gold
Connemara, situated at the very
edge of Europe, is one of the most
beautiful, unspoilt places it’s
possible to find.
Renvyle House is a special place to stay,
hidden in 200 acres on the edge of the
Atlantic. The hotel’s grounds include a
private, well stocked fishing lake, a 9-hole
golf course, a beach, woodlands and a
fine garden.
Renyvle House Hotel ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Of course, its location offers an excellent
base from which to explore the real
Connemara, with visits to the National
Park*, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden and an
exploration of the Twelve Pins and Lough
Inagh areas.
Renvyle House
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Connemara
via Enniskillen.
Day 2 > Not too far to travel today as we
first stop in Connemara National Park,
which covers some 2,957 hectares of
scenic mountains, bogs and woodlands,
before proceeding to Kylemore Abbey,
where we spend a few hours exploring
the house and its extensive gardens.
Day 3 > Today we head towards the Twelve
Pins along the edge of Lough Inagh, coming
back by Roundstone and Clifden – pure
Connemara Gold.
Day 4 > Tranquillity, like all good things,
must come to an end. We call in Westport
before returning to Belfast via Sligo.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Wednesday
5.00pm
Price
31 May
3 Jun
£339
6 Sep
9 Sep
£349
44 IRELAND
DONEGAL
©Tourism Ireland
The laidback pace of Donegal coupled with miles and miles of unspoilt serene beauty makes the county
the perfect place for a relaxing coach holiday. Swamped by sweeping hills and rugged glens, the area
offers spectacular panoramic views in all directions that you will savour for a lifetime.
Donegal seems more like a country than a
county with isolated wild landscapes giving
way to soaring sea-cliffs and deserted white
sandy beaches. Stretching from Donegal
Town towards the Gaeltacht village of
Glencolmcille, you literally run out of road
at Slieve League where the cliffs plummet
600 metres into Donegal Bay. Donegal lets
you sit back, slow down, admire the view
and recall a gentler pace of life – the
perfect escape.
Once again we are based in Kee’s Hotel
in Ballybofey. This three-star property
retains the old world charm of a traditional
Irish coaching inn with a history dating
back to 1845. All 53 ensuite bedrooms
come with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee
making facilities. Each room is individually
decorated with some overlooking the hotel
gardens and others the village of Stranorlar.
WINTER FIRESIDE
CHEER
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We depart Belfast in the late
morning, travelling on the northern route
for a leisurely drive north to Ballybofey. On
arrival at the hotel we’ll be greeted with a
traditional afternoon tea, after which we
can settle down in front of a roaring fire for
some afternoon entertainment. A relaxed
dinner will feature three courses from the
seasonal menu.
Kee’s Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We drive through Glenties and
Ardara and past the Blue Stack Mountains
before reaching our destination at Killybegs
where you might just catch a sight of the
seals in Ireland’s premier fishing port.
The afternoon takes us to historic Donegal
Town. The centre of town, known locally
as ‘The Diamond’, is surrounded by
bustling cafés, shops and bars. We return
to the hotel in time for some afternoon
entertainment beside the fire, before
enjoying a relaxed dinner.
Day 3 > Enjoy a relaxing day at your leisure.
McElhinney’s famous department store is
just a stroll across the bridge, where a 10%
discount (Café excluded) has been specially
arranged, as well as complimentary tea or
coffee in the Old Finn Café. In the afternoon
we have a choice of activities, such as a
table quiz or ‘Take Your Pick’, followed by
dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 > Today we travel to Dungloe for the
highlight of the day, the Daniel O’Donnell
Visitor Centre to view his life’s story. Next
we stop in Letterkenny for a couple of hours
before we travel back to the hotel in plenty
of time relax before enjoying our
evening dinner.
Day 5 > Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast
before returning to Belfast via Co. Tyrone.
IRELAND 45
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
11.00am
Return
Friday
2.00pm
Price
9 Feb
13 Feb
£229
23 Mar
27 Mar
£239
Price Excludes
CASTLE & GARDENS
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We depart for Ballybofey via Co.
Tyrone, arriving in good time for a fivecourse Sunday Carvery Lunch, after which
the rest of the day is free. A high tea buffet
is served this evening, followed by live
music in Harry’s Bar.
Day 2 > Today we visit the spectacular
Glenveagh National Park, with its imposing
19th century Castle nestling beside the
lough. In its heyday it played host to such
Hollywood icons as Marilyn Monroe, Clark
Gable and Charlie Chaplin. We also visit
the nearby Glebe House and Gallery. We
return to hotel for dinner and entertainment.
Day 3 > After breakfast we proceed to
Donegal Town for a waterbus cruise
around Donegal Bay, with views of Seal
Island (and its 200-strong seal colony)
and the Bluestack Mountains. In the
afternoon we return via Ardara and
Glenties. Dinner in the hotel tonight is
followed by live music.
Day 4 > This morning we visit Oakfield
Park, which sits in a lush landscape with
100 acres of picturesque parkland and
mature woodlands. In the afternoon we
return to our hotel, however the coach
will drop you off at McElhinney’s famous
department store (just a stroll across the
bridge) if required. Dinner at the hotel is
followed by a final night of great music.
Day 5 > After breakfast we return home
via the northerly route and are expected
in Belfast in late afternoon.
Kee’s Hotel
Glenveagh
National Park
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
11.00am
Return
Friday
4.00pm
Price
3 May
7 May
£319
7 Jun
11 Jun
£339
5 Jul
9 Jul
£329
23 Aug
27 Aug
£339
20 Sep
24 Sep
£329
before a very traditional Christmas lunch
with all the trimmings. There is a visit
from Mr Claus, prize competitions in the
afternoon, a full dressed buffet in the
evening followed by a quiz in Harry’s Bar.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Sunday Carvery Lunch
•Waterbus cruise
•Admissions Glenveagh National Park, Glebe House and Gallery, and Oakfield
•Visit to Donegal Town
Day 3 > St Stephen’s Day
Join a coach trip through the mountains to
the coast today to blow away the cobwebs
(weather permitting) or relax by the pool.
Homemade soup, sandwiches and tea/
coffee will be served in the afternoon.
This evening, enjoy dinner followed by
live entertainment in the bar.
Price Excludes
Day 4 > After a late breakfast we return
home via the northerly route arriving back
in Belfast in late afternoon.
DATES & PRICES
CHRISTMAS CHEER
Depart
Thursday
11.00am
Return
Sunday
4.00pm
Price
ITINERARY
24 Dec
27 Dec
£479
Day 1 > Christmas Eve
We leave Belfast late morning and travel
to Donegal via Co. Tyrone. On arrival at the
hotel we have a mulled wine and mince
pie welcome by a roaring log fire. Dinner
tonight is followed by music and Christmas
carols in Harry’s Bar.
Day 2 > Christmas Day
The day starts with a full Irish breakfast
followed by free time (there are several
churches within walking distance for a
Christmas service). Hot punch is served
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Daniel O’Donnell Visitors Centre
•Homemade soup and sandwiches
on last morning
Price Excludes
©Tourism Ireland
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Daniel O’Donnell
•Visits to Killybegs, Donegal Town, Dungloe and Letterkenny
46 IRELAND
THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
©Tourism Ireland
Ring of Kerry
formations. We stop at Portsalon before
advancing to the Fanad Head Lighthouse,
which stands on a rocky outcrop blinking
out to sea. We continue through Carrigart
and Cresslough to Dunfanaghy for a late
lunch, with Sheephaven Bay well within
view. We return to Letterkenny via the
inland route.
Day 3 > We leave Donegal today and
travel to Sligo but first we stop in Donegal
Town. We cross the county border heading
southbound on the Wild Atlantic Way
when we travel around the length of the
small peninsula of Mullaghmore Head.
Here you can view Classiebawn Castle,
once the home of Lord Mountbatten, and
Donegal Bay. Before reaching our hotel in
Sligo we make a brief visit to Yeats grave
at Drumcliffe Church.
Sligo Southern Hotel ***
(1 night D, B&B)
It can be ranked alongside the great
driving routes of the world. The route itself
comprises a central spine that navigates
travellers along Ireland’s Atlantic coast,
showcasing the diverse landscapes and
rugged coastline and provides us with the
best experience that both the West of
Ireland landscape and people have to offer.
Where possible this tour has been designed to
take in much of the Atlantic coast as possible
– many areas will have uneven surfaces.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast at 9.30am
stopping first in the Maiden City. From
here we begin our Atlantic journey through
Muff and along the Inishowen Peninsula
with beauty spots at almost every turn.
We stop at Malin Head and the Doagh
Famine Museum, where we have tea/
coffee, wheaten bread and sandwiches.
Continuing south through Buncrana past
Lough Swilly we arrive at our hotel in time
for dinner.
Gallaghers Hotel, Letterkenny ***
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Today we explore the raw beauty
of Fanad Head Peninsula. Our route along
here is studded with incredible geological
Day 4 > This morning we continue west
and explore part the northern coast of Co.
Mayo with a stop in Enniscrone. Travelling
through Ballina we pass the Nephin Beg
Range and Blacksod Bay before reaching
Westport, a town with a very continental
and charismatic feel. We continue south
splitting the Loughs of Carra and Mask
before arriving in our hotel in late afternoon.
Day 8 > Today is our last day and we
return to Belfast where we are expected
home at 5pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Sunday
5.00pm
Price
21 Jun
28 Jun
£469
30 Aug
6 Sep
£439
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to Doagh Famine Museum and Cliffs of Moher
•Visits to Maiden City, Inishowen Peninsula, Main Head, Fanad Head
Peninsula, Portsalon, Fanad Head Lighthouse, Dunfanaghy,
Donegal Town, Mullaghmore Head,
Drumcliffe Church, Enniscrone, Westport, Roundstone, Clifden,
Ennis and Ring of Kerry
Price Excludes
Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry ***
(2 nights D, B&B)
©Tourism Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is an
exciting journey along the
Atlantic coast of Ireland from
the Inishowen Peninsula in
County Donegal to Kinsale in
County Cork, although on this
tour we travel as far as Killarney.
Day 5 > Today we travel into Connemara
following the coastal route to Roundstone,
which is a popular holiday resort with a
busy harbour. Following the coast, past
Ballyconneely Beach, we arrive in Clifden
the “capital of Connemara”. We return to
Athenry via Maan Cross.
Day 6 > We have a long day with our
journey taking us through Co. Clare
stopping first at Ballyvaughan. Continuing
along the coast to Black Head through the
Burren and past the Cliffs of Moher, this is
truly the Wild Atlantic Way! We refresh
ourselves with lunch in Ennis before
continuing south past Limerick to Killarney.
Hotel Killarney *** (2 nights D, B&B)
Day 7 > Today it is the Ring of Kerry –
a road that takes you through 10,000 years
of dramatic history, from deep forest to the
crashing waters of the Atlantic.
Fanad Head Lighthouse
IRELAND 47
©Tourism Ireland
WESTPORT, ACHILL ISLAND
& CO. MAYO
Achill Island
Day 5 > We return to Belfast via
Enniskillen.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
19 Apr
23 Apr
£299
17 May
21 May
£319
14 Jun
18 Jun
£329
23 Aug
27 Aug
£359
13 Sep
17 Sep
£319
County Mayo has some of the
most spectacular scenery in the
west of Ireland. For this tour we
are based in Westport, known
for its charisma and continental
flavour. The cheerful, multicoloured shop fronts jostle for
attention with an attractive
selection of shops, pubs, cafés
and restaurants. Little wonder
it has become one of Ireland’s
most popular and cosmopolitan
holiday destinations.
Our hotel, the Clew Bay, offers all the
facilities you would expect from a good,
family-run three-star hotel along with
a fascinating programme of evening
demonstrations. Its central location means
we have the opportunity to enjoy many of
the attractions on offer in this very popular
resort. Of course, its location offers an
excellent base from which to explore Achill
Island, Slievemore Deserted Village*, the
Céide Fields*, Ballina* and Galway.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Westport
via Sligo.
Clew Bay Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Travel around Clew Bay, which
is reputed to have 365 islands, to access
Achill Island by a bridge. Follow the
Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful views
of steeply-sloped mountains plunging
into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Near
Slievemore we stop briefly at the Deserted
Village, the remains of nearly 100 stone
cottages abandoned around the time of the
1840’s Famine. Tonight there is a Westport
History Presentation.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Evening demonstrations/
entertainment in hotel
•Visits to Achill Island, Deserted Village, Galway City, Céide Fields
and Ballina
Price Excludes
Day 3 > A full day excursion to the thriving,
bohemian, cultural city of Galway. Explore
with a walk along the Old Quays to visit
the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, which
pay testament to Galway’s maritime
history. After dinner tonight there will be
music and dancing.
Day 4 > Further afield today as we visit the
award-winning Céide Fields located beside
some of the most spectacular cliffs and
rock formations in Ireland. Try the viewing
platform positioned on the edge of the
110m high cliff! We spend some time in
Ballina before returning to Westport. Enjoy
an Irish baking demonstration this evening.
Traditional Irish Pub, Galway City
48 IRELAND
GALWAY BAY
©Tourism Ireland
Connemara & Lough Corrib
Clifden
Day 5 > We spend some time in Galway
city centre before returning to Belfast
via Dublin.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday/
Monday
9.30am
Return
Wednesday/
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
19 Apr
23 Apr
£399
10 May
14 May
£399
29 Jun
3 Jul
£409
19 Jul
23 Jul
£409
16 Aug
20 Aug
£409
27 Sep
1 Oct
£399
Situated in the heart of the Wild Atlantic
Way, the hotel offers a memorable
experience for all. With a reputation for
excellence and amazing views, the Galway
Bay Hotel in Salthill is the perfect retreat
for a relaxing break away.
There is a large conservatory and deck
to the front, taking full advantage of the
breathtaking view, a lounge area, state-of
the-art leisure centre with a pool, sauna
and steam room and a ‘Calmer Water’
Health and Beauty Room.
The Spanish Arch near the harbour in
Galway reminds us of the city’s strong
European links and the Claddagh area,
the birthplace of the famous Claddagh
Ring, of its place in traditional and cultural
Irish history. Galway does indeed provide
us with the ideal base to experience this
part of Ireland.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Galway
via Enniskillen.
Galway Bay Hotel ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > It is Connemara today, calling
at Clifden and Kylemore Abbey before
travelling along the edge of Lough
Inagh between the Twelve Bens and
the Maumturk Mountains.
Price Excludes
©Tourism Ireland
Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill
has 153 elegantly designed
bedrooms. The classical look
and comfort of the bedrooms
allows guests to relax and
unwind with all of the modern
amenities you would expect from
one of Galway’s renowned hotels.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Sheepdog demonstration
•Tea/scones on one day
•River Corrib Cruise
•Visits to Clifden, Kylemore Abbey
and Clonmacnoise
Day 3 > Today we travel inland to visit
Rathbaun Farm to see traditional farming
methods, vintage farm machinery and gasp
as Watching Ted, the sheep dog, rounds up
the sheep! After tea and scones (included)
we continue to Clonmacnoise, a monastic
settlement founded in 545 AD by St.
Ciaran. Here you can see round towers,
elaborate Celtic crosses and church ruins
picturesquely set on the banks of the
River Shannon.
Day 4 > Galway was built at the point
where the Corrib River enters the ocean
and it is from here that we take a boat
trip up as far as Lough Corrib. After
disembarkation you are free to spend
the rest of the day in the city.
Cliffs of Moher
IRELAND 49
LISDOONVARNA
Lisdoonvarna, in the county of Clare, is the premier spa town in
Ireland and provides a wonderful base to explore the county’s host
of scenic delights. The village became a popular health resort in
the early 19th century owning to its mineral wells. Co. Clare itself
is famous for its natural beauty and windswept rugged coastline.
Its many attractions include the spectacular sheer face of the Cliffs
of Moher and the mystical lunar landscape of the Burren.
Day 4 > We have a shorter day today
with a visit to Caherconnell Fort, not to
see this historical site, but to witness the
Sheepdog Demonstration. Here you will
see demonstrations of the dogs working
with both cattle and sheep, which put
the dogs through their paces with a wide
variety of tasks. We return to the hotel
in early afternoon via a drive through
the Burren. The rest of the day is free
in the village.
The Hydro Hotel, situated in the centre of Lisdoonvarna, is a three-star superior family-run
hotel and has been welcoming visitors for nearly 140 years. It was the first hotel in Ireland
to have hot and cold running water! All 110 en-suite bedrooms come with multi-channel
TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is live traditional music most nights
in the hotel bar.
Day 5 > Lisdoonvarna to Belfast via
Co. Dublin
©Tourism Ireland
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
10.00am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
31 May
4 Jun
£299
19 Jul
23 Jul
£329
9 Aug
13 Aug
£329
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Sheepdog demonstration
•Visits to Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Dunguaire Castle, Ennis and the Burren
Cliffs of Moher
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Belfast to Lisdoonvarna via
Co. Dublin
Hydro Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Lahinch and Ennistymon before arriving in
Ennis where we spend a few hours. Ennis is
the beating heart of Clare with its winding
medieval streets and home to the Friary,
Cathedral and the Clare Museum.
Price Excludes
Day 3 > We start the day with a visit to the
west coast of Clare. Our journey takes us
past the amazing Cliffs of Moher, which
give an excellent view, on a clear day, of
the far away Aran Islands and Galway
Bay. On turning inland we travel through
©Tourism Ireland
Day 2 > After breakfast we make the short
trip to the charming seaside village of
Doolin. Next our eyes and senses are in
for a treat as we take one of the 10 best
road trips in the world – from Doolin to
Ballyvaughan on the spectacular R479
coastal road. Cameras at the ready!! After
lunchtime in Ballyvaughan we finish our
costal journey at Dunguaire Castle, which
sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of
Galway Bay and whose architecture is
simple yet magnificent. We return inland
back to our hotel.
Dunguaire
50 IRELAND
BRIAN BORU COUNTRY
The Lakeside Hotel
The Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre, a firm favourite with
Ulsterbus Tours customers, is situated in a stunning location
on the banks at the southern end of Lough Derg.
Day 5 > After a final relaxing breakfast we
return to Belfast for approximately 5pm.
Cliffs of Moher
The hotel proudly overlooks the twin heritage towns of Ballina, Co. Tipperary and Killaloe,
Co. Clare. With the famous 13 arch bridge and 13th century St. Flannan’s Cathedral, it is
often described as one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Killaloe was once home to Brian Boru
who was High King of Ireland and this lovely town was the capital of Ireland during his
reign, up to his death in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.
©Tourism Ireland
This family-friendly hotel has 43 en-suite bedrooms all with multi-channel TV and tea/
coffee making facilities. You can relax in the spectacular award-winning landscaped
gardens or unwind in the leisure centre with its swimming pool, sauna, steam room and
jacuzzi. Please note the hotel does not have a lift.
Rock of Cashel
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast travelling south
to arrive in Killaloe in mid-afternoon to
a seasonal welcome taster as you step
off the coach. At 6pm the hotel chef will
perform a cookery demonstration showing
how to prepare an authentic Irish dish from
scratch. These dishes will be seasonal and
questions are welcome with advice freely
given. There will be a recipe card to take
home. This will be followed by evening
dinner, served in the Blair Suite Restaurant.
To round off the evening, you will be
treated to a talk by our local historian on
the birthplace of the last High King of
Ireland, Brian Boru.
Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > After a relaxing breakfast we travel
a little further south into the heartland
of Tipperary where we visit the Rock
of Cashel (please note there is a steep
hill up to the rock itself). From there we
travel through the Glen of Aherlow, the
heart of Tipperary, taking in the amazing
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
10.00am
Return
Friday
5.00pm
Price
23 Feb
27 Feb
£259
16 Mar
20 Mar
£299
30 Mar
3 Apr
£299
13 Apr
17 Apr
£319
4 May
8 May
£319
scenery. We will have an Irish Night in
the restaurant this evening with a themed
menu to include sumptuous Irish classics
such as Irish Stew and Beef and Guinness
Casserole. After dinner, there is a live
demonstration of Irish song and music
18 May
22 May
£319
25 May
29 May
£319
8 Jun
12 Jun
£319
22 Jun
26 Jun
£319
7 Sep
11 Sep
£299
Day 3 > Today we plan to visit the rustic
west coast of Clare, taking in the Cliffs of
Moher, with a few hours free in historic
Ennis, often described as the home of Irish
Traditional Music. Back at the hotel, after
dinner we retire to O’Hara’s Bar where
there will be live entertainment and sing
song for everyone to enjoy.
21 Sep
25 Sep
£299
5 Oct
9 Oct
£289
19 Oct
23 Oct
£289
Day 4 > This morning we have a River
Shannon cruise on board the Spirit of
Killaloe. After lunchtime we follow the
Lough Derg Drive taking in three counties.
We begin with the northward journey
through Co. Clare to its most northerly
point at Portumna in Co. Galway. The
return leg takes us through Co. Tipperary
to Nenagh where we have a short visit to
the Heritage Centre before returning to
the hotel.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•River Shannon cruise
•Visits to Rock of Cashel, Glen of Aherlow, Cliffs of Moher, Portumna and Nenagh
•Entertainment each night
Price Excludes
•Single room supplement £65/£75
IRELAND 51
©Tourism Ireland
CORK CITY
& THE SOUTH COAST
Day 4 > We start with a trip to Midleton,
where we discover the heritage at the
Jameson Distillery and get to sample one
of Ireland’s top tipples. Next we’re off to
the historic harbour town of Cobh, the last
port of call of the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
The town’s architecture and streetscape is
distinctly Victorian and is dominated by St.
Colman’s Cathedral whose 49-bell Carillon
is the only such instrument in Ireland and
is the largest in the British Isles.
Day 5 > We return to the Europa
Buscentre.
DATES & PRICES
Located in the heart of Cork City, the historic four-star Imperial Hotel
is less than a minute’s walk from the main shopping district, music
and cultural venues and the famous English Market.
Described as “salubrious without pretension”, the Imperial boasts 130 beautifully
appointed, fully equipped, en-suite guest rooms, each tastefully decorated in muted
relaxing colours with large comfortable beds, adorned with crisp white bed linen.
Feel free to explore Ireland’s second city, with a wealth of traditional pubs, elegant cafés
and great shops. Cork City is the perfect base to explore the beautiful south coast with
visits to the neighbouring Kinsale, Jameson’s Distillery* in Midleton, the historic harbour
town of Cobh*, formerly known as Queenstown, and to start it all off we travel along the
stunning coast of West Cork as far as Bantry Bay.
©Tourism Ireland
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Cork.
Imperial Hotel **** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Travel into West Cork calling at
Skibbereen before turning north to Bantry
Bay. We return to the ‘City on the Lee’
via mystical Gougane Barra in the Shehy
Mountains.
English Market, Cork City
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
12 Apr
16 Apr
£369
17 May
21 May
£369
14 Jun
18 Jun
£379
12 Jul
16 Jul
£369
16 Aug
20 Aug
£379
13 Sep
17 Sep
£369
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Jameson Distillery
•Visits to Skibbereen, Bantry Bay, Kinsale and Cobh
Price Excludes
©Tourism Ireland
Jameson Distillery
Cobh
Day 3 > We spend the morning in Kinsale,
one of the most fashionable resorts on the
west coast of Ireland, and known as the
gourmet capital of Ireland. Having retained
much of the flavour of its maritime history
it’s a great place to visit. We return to
our hotel in the afternoon to give you the
chance to explore this city.
52 IRELAND
WATERFORD &
THE SUNNY SOUTH EAST
We return to Waterford in time for our last
evening meal.
Day 5 > This morning we have a tour of the
House of Waterford Crystal to learn about
glass blowing and cutting and see one-ofa-kind masterpieces before we return
to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Waterford
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
26 Apr
30 Apr
£299
31 May
4 Jun
£309
Recognised as Ireland’s oldest
city, Waterford is fast becoming
one of the most popular Irish
cities to visit, with the glittering
House of Waterford Crystal as
its centrepiece.
ITINERARY
12 Jul
16 Jul
£329
directly to Glasnevin Cemetery, Ireland’s
national necropolis, which is a who’s who
of modern Irish history. We continue south
to Waterford in time for our evening meal.
2 Aug
6 Aug
£329
30 Aug
3 Sep
£329
The historic city centre is where you
can experience the elegance of the
magnificently restored 18th century
Bishop’s Palace, which houses the oldest
piece of Waterford Crystal in the world,
and the fascinating new Viking exhibition
at Reginald’s Tower.
Day 2 > After breakfast we take a gentle
walk with a local historian who will reveal
Waterford’s Viking and medieval past. The
rest of the day is free for you to explore
this historical city at your own pace.
The county of Waterford has some of
the most beautiful and varied scenery in
Ireland – we experience this with journeys
to the west to Youghal via Dungarvan
Bay and to the east at Hook of Head*
and Wexford*. We also visit the museum
at Glasnevin Cemetery* with a must see
experience at the House of Waterford
Crystal before we travel home.
Dooley’s Hotel is a modern, family-run
hotel, located just a few minutes’ walk
from the main shopping and cultural areas
of the city. Three generations of the Darrer
family have welcomed guests to the city
and their special brand of hospitality
means Dooley’s Hotel is the first choice
for a great holiday in Waterford city.
Dooley’s Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Walking tour of Waterford
•Visits to Glasnevin Cemetery, Dungarvan Bay, Youghal, Hook of Head Lighthouse, Wexford and House
of Waterford Crystal
Price Excludes
Viking Triangle, Waterford
Day 3 > Travelling west today, via
Dungarvan Bay, we arrive in the bustling
walled seaport of Youghal. Here you can
tread in the footsteps of Walter Raleigh or
take in the panorama of Youghal Bay from
the 12th century town walls.
Day 4 > Travelling east today takes us
to the Hook of Head Lighthouse and
Heritage Centre, the oldest operational
lighthouse in the world. We continue our
travels to Wexford town, a lively town with
winding streets, a pretty quayside and an
array of pubs, cafés and fine restaurants.
Waterford Crystal
IRELAND 53
©Tourism Ireland
CO. CAVAN & THE
FERMANAGH LAKELANDS
Lower Lough Erne, which cover one third
of the county. Our first stop is in Belleek
where you have the opportunity to do
some pottery shopping. Travelling through
Pettigo we turn south to Enniskillen,
which sits at the base of Lower Lough
Erne. After lunch we take in Upper Lough
Erne where our journey takes us through
Newtownbutler and Cloverhill.
Day 3 > We spend the morning in Cavan
town before we take the scenic journey
to Carrick-on-Shannon, situated on the
shores of the River Shannon and now
one of the most popular inland resorts in
Ireland. Carrick-on-Shannon is renowned
for its attractive streetscapes, bustling
marinas and traditional shop fronts, and
visitors are assured of a warm welcome.
Enniskillen
Navan Fort
Co. Cavan is situated just south
of the border and is considered
by many to be Ireland’s Lake
District. It shares a border with
the other “Lake District” of
Co. Fermanagh to the north and
Co. Leitrim to the North West.
Co. Cavan is popular amongst fisherman
and all kinds of water activity enthusiasts,
and this is where the great River Shannon
commences its long meandering journey
to the Atlantic Ocean. Our journey will
take us through Co. Down, past the mighty
Mourne Mountains, and Co. Louth,
home to the rugged terrain of the
Cooley Mountains and the beautiful
Carlingford Lough.
Cavan Crystal Hotel provides four-star
luxury accommodation on the outskirts
of Cavan town. One of the finest hotels
in Cavan, this hotel is very much
contemporary at first glance, but
traditional in its sense of warmth and
welcome. All 85 en-suite rooms come
with multi-channel TV, iron, tea/coffee
making facilities and a complimentary
morning newspaper.
Day 4 > Time to return to Belfast but our
journey has not ended just yet. We stop
off at the Navan Centre, which is one
of Ireland’s most famous and important
archaeological sites. We also have time
to explore Armagh City before returning
to the Europa Buscentre for 5pm.
DATES & PRICES
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave the Europa Buscentre at
9.30am and travel directly to Downpatrick
where we visit the St. Patrick’s Centre,
the only exhibition in the world about
Ireland’s patron saint. We travel onward to
Carlingford via Castlewellan and Newry,
where we stop for lunch. Travelling around
the Cooley Peninsula we continue inland
to Cavan to our hotel for the next three
nights.
Cavan Crystal Hotel ****
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We have an exploration of the
breathtaking scenery and landscapes of
Fermanagh Lakeland’s today. Our route
takes in the twin lakes of Upper and
Depart
Monday
10.00am
Return
Thursday
5.00pm
Price
13 Apr
16 Apr
£239
11 May
14 May
£249
8 Jun
11 Jun
£259
21 Sep
24 Sep
£249
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to St. Patrick’s Centre
and Navan Centre
•Visits to Carlingford, Cooley Peninsula, Fermanagh Lakes, Belleek, Enniskillen, and Carrick-on-Shannon
Price Excludes
54 IRELAND
KILLARNEY –
THE GLENEAGLE EXPERIENCE
©Tourism Ireland
The Gleneagle Experience is the “special one” that combines the
food, the company and the “craic” into one glorious tour based just
outside the vibrant “little” town of Killarney, where you will be greeted
by a very enthusiastic and welcoming people.
The Gleneagle Hotel, in association with Ulsterbus Tours, would like to say a big thank you
to everyone who has joined us over the last 13 years and to extend a very warm invitation
to return in 2015.
There are five and six-day tours on offer with a variety of exciting itineraries including
the immensely popular Sightseeing packages, which span the calendar year. These are
designed to highlight the best of Kerry and surrounding areas, all the while providing a
homely base to return to in the evening.
Killarney Lakes
There is a range of Country Music Festivals starting in March and continuing through to
October, so don’t forget your dancing shoes!. Of course you will still have the opportunity
to enjoy an early Christmas with the ‘Craic-ers’ running throughout the month of
November. These five and six-day tours are complemented by a very special tour which
takes place over the Christmas period itself.
As always with Gleneagle, additional tours will be introduced throughout the year so
please watch local press for details!
Ulsterbus Tours act as agents for the Gleneagle Hotel. Itineraries, dates and prices are set
by the Gleneagle Hotel.
Gleneagle Hotel
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
ITINERARY
6-Day tours (5 nights)
• 4 nights bed and breakfast.
• 4 evening meals followed by
nightly entertainment.
• Ring of Kerry tour offering breathtaking views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Tour the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head.
• Optional tour to Cork City for some
extra shopping. Why not drop by the
famous English Market and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the covered market? (¤15 per person)
• 5 nights bed and breakfast.
• 5 evening meals followed by entertainment nightly.
• Ring of Kerry tour offering breathtaking views out over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Tour the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head.
• Optional tour to Cork City. Enjoy a wander around the English Market at
your leisure (¤15 per person).
• Highlights tour of Killarney followed by an afternoon in Killarney town or take
a day to relax in the hotel’s superb
leisure centre.
Please note: all the above is subject
to change without prior notice and
is weather dependent.
Gleneagle Hotel
©Tourism Ireland
ITINERARY
Killarney
IRELAND 55
SIGHTSEEING DATES & PRICES
Depart
9.30am
Nights
Price
9 Feb
4 nts
£209
23 Feb
4 nts
£209
2 Mar
4 nts
£229
16 Mar
4 nts
£229
23 Mar
4 nts
£229
5 Apr
5 nts
£279
CHRISTMAS CRAIC-ERS
Tour
ITINERARY
Country
Music Festival
Easter
• 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast including a Gala Christmas Banquet
night with mulled wine and mince pies.
• Live entertainment each night.
• Highlights tour of Killarney including a visit to Muckross Gardens, followed by
an afternoon of shopping in Killarney town with discount shopping vouchers.
• Shopping trip to Cork and Blarney Woollen Mills.
• Visit Tralee town centre, the county
town of Kerry.
12 Apr
4 nts
£239
20 Apr
4 nts
£239
26 Apr
5 nts
£299
Irish Country
Music Week
27 Apr
4 nts
£259
Irish Country
Music Week
17 May
5 nts
£289
• 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast including a Gala Christmas Banquet
night with mulled wine and mince pies.
• Live entertainment each night.
• Highlights tour of Killarney including a visit to Muckross Gardens, followed by
an afternoon of shopping in Killarney town with discount shopping vouchers.
• Shopping trip to Cork and Blarney Woollen Mills.
• Visit Tralee town centre, the county
town of Kerry.
• Optional tour of the Ring of Kerry
(¤12 per person).
18 May
4 nts
£249
24 May
5 nts
£289
25 May
4 nts
£249
1 Jun
4 nts
£259
7 Jun
5 nts
£299
8 Jun
4 nts
£259
14 Jun
5 nts
£299
15 Jun
4 nts
£259
22 Jun
4 nts
£259
29 Jun
4 nts
£259
5 Jul
5 nts
£309
5 Jul
4 nts
£269
19 Jul
4 nts
£269
26 Jul
4 nts
£269
3 Aug
4 nts
£269
9 Aug
4 nts
£269
16 Aug
4 nts
£269
23 Aug
4 nts
£269
30 Aug
4 nts
£269
6 Sep
5 nts
£299
13 Sep
4 nts
£309
CHRISTMAS CRAIC-ERS
DATES & PRICES
Depart
9.30am
Nights
Price
16 Nov
4 nts
£239
23 Nov
4 nts
£239
29 Nov
5 nts
£279
30 Nov
4 nts
£239
7 Dec
4 nts
£239
Please note: all the above is subject to change
without prior notice and is weather dependent.
CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY
ITINERARY
UK Country
Music
Festival
14 Sep
4 nts
£309
UK Country
Music
Festival
20 Sep
4 nts
£259
27 Sep
4 nts
£249
4 Oct
4 nts
£249
12 Oct
4 nts
£249
18 Oct
5 nts
£299
Country Music
Festival Week
19 Oct
4 nts
£259
Country Music
Festival Week
2 Nov
4 nts
£229
9 Nov
4 nts
£229
Day 1 > We leave Belfast at 9am and
travel south to Killarney. On arrival at the
Gleneagle Hotel, enjoy hot punch and
mince pies. After settling in, dinner is
served followed by live entertainment.
Spend a relaxing day in Killarney town
followed by a hot port and sparkling wine
reception before dinner. The Gleneagle
Concert Band will entertain you prior to a
buffet dinner. Once again, we will have live
entertainment in the ballroom.
Wake up to a festive breakfast in The Flesk
Restaurant. Get a glimpse of Santa arriving
in style loaded with gifts for the children.
There is an option to attend mass/service
in the town centre. Enjoy a traditional
Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
followed by entertainment.
Day 4 > St. Stephen’s Day
A classic Gleneagle breakfast in The Flesk
Restaurant will be followed by a trip to
Killarney National Park for a leisurely
lakeside stroll (weather permitting).
Alternatively take an optional tour of
the Ring of Kerry (¤12 per person).
Day 5 > Bid a fond farewell to The
Gleneagle after breakfast and return
to Belfast.
CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY
DATES & PRICES
Depart
9.30am
Nights
Price
23 Dec
4 nts
£459
Please note: all the above is subject to change
without prior notice and is weather dependent.
56 IRELAND
BANTRY BAY & WEST CORK
AT THE MARITIME
Beara
Once again in 2015, The
Gleneagle Group introduce
the Maritime Hotel in Bantry.
The Maritime is an associated
four-star hotel offering similar
entertainment-based packages
at similarly unbeatable prices.
The numbers travelling to this
hotel continue to grow so if you
haven’t been then why not give
it a try?
Famous in song Bantry, in the heart of
West Cork, is a region of lush vegetation,
palm trees, semi-tropical flowers and of
legendary beauty. Today Bantry is still a
busy market town and fishing port and is
hemmed in by high mountain ridges, a blue
sea and cascading mountain streams – a
place where the landscape changes with
every mood of wind and sky.
The Maritime Hotel is a luxury four-star
hotel with superb facilities. Its location
opens up the beautiful West Cork area
with day trips around the dramatic Beara
Peninsula, more rugged and less wellknown than Killarney’s Ring of Kerry or
the Dingle Peninsula, Skibbereen, Schull,
Mizen Head and Cork City itself, just over
an hour’s drive away.
Ulsterbus Tours coaches have now
become as familiar in Bantry as they are in
Killarney. Past visitors to the Gleneagle will
be pleased to know that the Maritime staff
extend every bit as warm a welcome as
their contemporaries in Killarney.
Ulsterbus Tours act as agents for the
Gleneagle Hotel. Itineraries, dates and prices
are set by the Gleneagle Hotel.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Travel directly from Belfast to
Bantry with comfort stops. Enjoy dinner
in the Ocean Restaurant this evening.
Day 2 > Today we explore the Beara
Peninsula, passing over Healy Pass – one
of the most spectacular views in Ireland.
Spend a relaxing hour in the Maritime’s
leisure centre before dinner.
Day 3 > Today we visit Skibbereen, Schull
and Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point today. Dinner will again
be followed by live entertainment.
Day 4 > Relax and get to know Bantry
today or join an optional trip to Cork City
(¤15.00 per person). Enjoy your final
night dinner (for five-day tours) in the
Maritime Hotel.
Day 5 > Five-day tours retrace their
outward journey today, arriving back
in Belfast around 5pm; six-day tours
visit Clonakilty.
Day 6 > Return trip from Bantry to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
9.00am
Duration
Price
23 Feb
4 nts
£209
10 Mar
4 nts
£209
6 Apr
4 nts
£229
20 Apr
4 nts
£229
27 Apr
4 nts
£239
4 May
4 nts
£249
11 May
4 nts
£249
18 May
4 nts
£249
1 Jun
4 nts
£249
8 Jun
4 nts
£249
15 Jun
4 nts
£249
12 Jul
4 nts
£269
23 Aug
5 nts
£309
30 Aug
4 nts
£259
7 Sep
4 nts
£249
14 Sep
4 nts
£249
28 Sep
4 nts
£249
5 Oct
4 nts
£239
12 Oct
4 nts
£239
26 Oct
4 nts
£249
2 Nov
4 nts
£229
30 Nov
4 nts
£229
Entertainment will be on at least two of
the nights of your stay in the Maritime Bar.
Single room supplement: £15 per night
WATCH LOCAL
PRESS FOR MORE!
Please note that all the above is subject
to change without prior notice and is
weather dependent.
IRELAND 57
DUBLIN & WICKLOW
GARDEN ODYSSEY
It is a dynamic and innovative garden set
in 20 acres – a fusion of prairie, tropical,
woodland valley gardens with an eclectic
collection of plants, many from his plant
hunting expeditions, which are both
sensitively and imaginatively composed.
In the afternoon we visit June Blake’s
Garden surrounded by majestic old
beech and chestnut trees, and in this
sheltered environment grows a unique
mix of bamboos, ornamental grasses
and perennials. Many of these plants
are for sale in her nursery.
National Botanical Gardens, Dublin
A tour of Dublin can throw up
some unexpected surprises for
the garden enthusiast. Hidden
away behind unassuming
suburban houses are some
delightful gardens, brimmed
full with wonderful plants and
tended by enthusiastic owners
with emerald-green fingers
who have created exquisite
little gems.
Travel out into the countryside and there
are further jewels to be found, full of colour
and atmosphere, all of which adds up to
a revealing and rewarding garden tour.
This three-day tour includes dinner and
accommodation in the Wilton Hotel,
one of the finest in Bray. All rooms are
en-suite and come equipped with tea/
coffee making facilities, hairdryer,
multi-channel TV and free WiFi.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave the Europa Buscentre at
9.30am and travel directly to the National
Botanic Gardens, a premier scientific
institution containing the National
Herbarium and several historic wrought
iron glasshouses. The visitor centre
combines a restaurant and display area
with exhibits relating to the history and
purpose of the gardens.
28 Jun/26 Jul/13 Sep
In the afternoon we visit the Van der Lee
Gardens in Dublin, a haven for herbaceous
perennials. There are colour combined
borders of pink and purple, hot red and
orange and blue and yellow. There is also
a Woodland Walk, vegetables, a stepped
gravel garden and an enclosed leafy
courtyard round which the house is built.
We finish with a short drive to our hotel
in Bray where dinner awaits.
26 Apr/24 May/23 Aug
In the afternoon we visit Lamb’s Cross
Gardens in Dublin where many red flowers
flourish. There are lots of troughs, alpine
beds, woodland plants, roses, herbaceous
plants and a variety of shrubs and trees.
Emphasis is also placed on wildlife by
including plants that bees and other
pollinating insects are attracted to. We
finish with a short drive to our hotel in
Bray where dinner awaits.
Wilton Hotel, Bray ***
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We spend the morning at Hunting
Brook Gardens, a secluded botanical
paradise home to Jimi Blake, one of
Ireland’s most renowned plants men.
Day 3 > We round off our tour this morning
with a visit to the Dillon Garden, which is
widely acclaimed for its mix of startling
design and perfectly grown plants – many
of them rare and unusual. A dominant
feature in the garden is a canal set in Irish
limestone. A recent addition is a gravel
garden planted mainly with exoticallyleaved members of the Araliaceae family.
After a stop for lunch we travel directly
back to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Tuesday
5.00pm
Price
26 Apr
28 Apr
£189
24 May
26 May
£199
28 Jun
30 Jun
£209
26 Jul
28 Jul
£209
23 Aug
25 Aug
£209
13 Sep
15 Sep
£199
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to National Botanic Gardens, Hunting Brook Gardens, June Blake’s Garden, Dillon Garden plus either Van der Lee Gardens or Lamb’s
Cross Gardens
Price Excludes
58 IRELAND
EASTER IN ENNIS
Co. Clare & Cliffs of Moher
The ancient town of Ennis in
County Clare is one of Ireland’s
most picturesque towns. Its
history, combined with its
famous narrow streetscapes
and character buildings, gives
it an ambience that confirms
to visitors that this is somewhere
very special.
We are based in the three-star Treacy’s
West County Hotel, just outside the town,
and it is the perfect base for a short break
to explore the towns and attractions of this
part of Co. Clare.
ITINERARY
Cliffs of Moher
Day 1 > Good Friday
We depart Belfast and travel to Ennis via
Co. Dublin.
Treacy’s West County Hotel ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Easter Saturday
We have a scenic drive today around
Co. Clare. We make short stops at both
Kilrush and Kilkee before continuing north
along the coast to Lahinch where we turn
inland to return to Ennis.
Day 3 > Easter Sunday
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as your morning
is free to relax or to make use of the hotel’s
leisure facilities. Easter Sunday lunch in
the hotel is followed by an afternoon drive
through the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher.
A light dinner is served in the hotel tonight.
Day 4 > Easter Monday
Ennis to the Europa Buscentre via
Co. Dublin.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
10.00am
Return
Monday
5.00pm
Price
3 Apr
6 Apr
£249
ATHLONE WEEKEND
GETAWAY
Athlone is situated right in
the heart of Ireland giving it
easy access from all corners.
It is a historic town because
of its strategic location and
is commonly referred to as
“the gateway to the west”.
It is a busy and prosperous town and
has a wide range of tourist attractions
and excellent restaurants each with its
own distinctive character catering for all
the family. The town’s riverside location
opening on to Lough Ree is the cornerstone
of its attractions and the source of its
natural beauty. Our hotel is the iconic
12 storey Sheraton Athlone Hotel located
beside the town centre.
ITINERARY
DATES & PRICES
south to Athlone. Dinner is served in
the hotel tonight.
Depart
Friday
10.00am
Return
Sunday
5.00pm
Price
Sheraton Athlone Hotel ****
(2 nights B&B, 1 dinner)
24 Jul
26 Jul
£179
21 Aug
23 Aug
£179
Day 2 > We have a scenic drive today
around Counties Westmeath, Longford
and Roscommon. Our journey takes us
east past Lough Ennell to Mullingar, where
we make a stop, and west past Lough Owel
to Longford, before heading south through
Roscommon, skirting past Lough Ree, and
back to our hotel in mid-afternoon. You
have free time to do as you wish here as
dinner is not provided tonight.
Day 3 > Athlone to the Europa Buscentre
via Co. Dublin.
Roscommon
WiFi available
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60 IRELAND
EXPERIENCE DUBLIN
& EXPLORE WICKLOW
Easter Weekend
3 B&B, 2 dinners
Dinner is served on Friday and Saturday
in the Heritage Restaurant. There is a Quiz
Night on Good Friday and an evening of
live musical entertainment on Saturday
in Quinn’s Bar.
Bray Jazz
2 B&B, 1 dinner (served Friday evening)
Bray Jazz Festival welcomes some of the
world’s most renowned jazz musicians
for what is fast becoming recognised as
the East Coast’s answer to the Cork Jazz
Weekend. Swing into the groove with
a jazz trail throughout Bray’s pubs.
Bloom in the Park
2 B&B, 2 dinners
Weekend City Breaks
Weekend Theme Breaks
2 B&B, 1 dinner
All theme weekends include the itinerary
offered with our Weekend Breaks including
welcome tea/coffee arrival at the hotel,
live music in Quinn’s Bar each evening,
10% discount on beauty and massage
treatments in the Merrill Beauty Rooms
and full complimentary use of the Merrill
Leisure Club facilities. There is a Dublin
city day trip on Saturdays.
Day 1 > Depart at 11am. Welcome tea/
coffee and biscuits reception. Take time
to explore Bray with exclusive discounted
rates available in a number of local shops
and services. Guests are invited to unwind
in the hotel’s leisure club or pamper
themselves in the Merrill Beauty Rooms
with a 10% discount (advance booking
recommended). Dinner is served in the
Heritage Restaurant, thereafter guests can
avail of complimentary admission plus
concession to The Royal Bingo. There is
live entertainment in Quinn’s Bar.
Day 2 > After breakfast we depart for
Dublin at 9.30am where you can spend
the day shopping or just sightseeing.
The coach will depart Dublin again at
4pm. Dinner is not included this evening,
however an exclusive 10% off all menus
served in Quinn’s Bar and Heritage
Restaurant is available. Live music and
craic tonight in Quinn’s Bar.
Day 3 > Start the day with a refreshing
swim in Merrill Leisure Club or a soak
in the jacuzzi before enjoying full Irish
breakfast. We stop at Blanchardstown
Shopping Centre before arriving back in
Belfast at 5pm.
Valentine’s Weekend
Bloom in Ireland’s largest gardening and
food event, held each June Bank Holiday
weekend at the 70-acre site at Phoenix
Park Visitors’ Centre, Dublin.
Day 1 > We leave Belfast at 10am and drive
south to our hotel. In the afternoon we pay
a visit to the National Gardens Exhibition
Centre with its 20 separate gardens with
displays from leading designers. We return
to the hotel in time to try the pool
before dinner.
2 B&B, 1 dinner (served on one evening
of your choice)
Day 2 > A full day at Bloom in Phoenix
Park. We return in time to relax before
dinner, followed by musical entertainment
in the bar.
Enjoy chocolates and a bottle of the hotel’s
finest house wine in your room on arrival
and a romantically themed dinner served
on one evening of your choice in the
romantically themed Heritage Restaurant.
Day 3 > After leisurely breakfast we visit
the stunning Powerscourt House and
Gardens, before returning to Belfast for
around 6pm.
St. Patrick’s Break
Halloween Ghost Tour
3 B&B, 2 dinners (first two nights)
Dinner is served on two evenings in
the Heritage Restaurant. There is live
music every evening in Quinn’s Bar. On
St. Patrick’s Day guests are brought into
Dublin City where they can experience the
world-famous Dublin City Parade.
Dinner is served on Friday evening in
the Heritage Restaurant. On Saturday
we travel to (and hopefully back from!!)
Wicklow’s Historic Gaol where we
experience “The Gates of Hell Ghost Tour”
(strictly adults only).
IRELAND 61
Midweek Break
Murder Mystery Weekend
2 B&B, 2 dinners
3 B&B, 3 dinners
The Murder Mystery Weekend is full of
surprises, suspense and most of all fun.
Buffet style dinner is served on Friday
evening followed by live entertainment and
mystery. Saturday is a free day to explore
before even more high jinks with a gala
black and white themed dinner – guests
are invited to dress up with a prize for
the best costume and our super sleuth
detective. We urge you to “watch your
back” at all times! Murder mystery theme
to be confirmed.
Day 1 > Depart Belfast at 11am. Welcome
tea/coffee and biscuits reception.
A delicious evening meal is served in the
Heritage Restaurant
Christmas Shopping
and Party Weekend
Powerscourt Gardens before proceeding
to Glendalough. Dinner tonight is served
in the hotel’s Heritage Restaurant with
entertainment in Quinn’s Bar.
There is a Christmas Party night with a
mulled wine reception followed by a gala
dinner with party novelties, spot prizes, live
entertainment and dancing. (Please note
a supplement of £30pp is payable to the
hotel and advance reservations
are advised).
Day 3 > We depart after breakfast,
stopping at Blanchardstown Shopping
Centre. Arrive back in Belfast for
approx 5pm.
Single Supplement £12 per room per night.
©Tourism Ireland
Theme Breaks £15 per room per night.
Price
9 Jan
11 Jan
£79
23 Jan
25 Jan
£79
13 Feb
15 Feb
£109
27 Feb
1 Mar
£79
Sun
15 Mar
Wed
18 Mar
£159
Tour
Valentine’s
Day
St. Patrick’ s
Weekend
29 Mar
£89
Day 3 > Today we have a full day in Dublin.
Mon
6 Apr
£159
Day 4 > Enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities
this morning. We depart for Belfast late
morning, arriving back at the Travel Centre
at approx 3pm.
24 Apr
26 Apr
£89
1 May
3 May
£89
Bray Jazz
Weekend
29 May
31 May
£159
Bloom in
the Park
5 Jun
7 Jun
£99
26 Jun
28 Jun
£99
17 Jul
19 Jul
£119
31 Jul
2 Aug
£119
21 Aug
23 Aug
£119
4 Sep
6 Sep
£99
Easter
Weekend
August
Bank
Holidays
Leopardstown
Christmas Racing
25 Sep
27 Sep
£99
9 Oct
11 Oct
£89
30 Oct
1 Nov
£109
(weather permitting)
3 B&B, 2 dinners
Halloween
Weekend
13 Nov
15 Nov
£129
Day 1 > Depart Belfast at 11am. Mulled
wine and mince pies reception on arrival
at hotel. Relax and unwind in the hotel’s
leisure facilities or study odds for the
following day’s races. Live entertainment
will take place in Quinn’s Bar.
Murder
Mystery
Weekend
27 Nov
29 Nov
£79
4 Dec
6 Dec
£79
Christmas
Shopping
& Party
Weekend
11 Dec
13 Dec
£79
Christmas
Shopping
& Party
Weekend
Days 2 & 3 > After breakfast the coach
takes us to Leopardstown Races (reserved
enclosure tickets included). Return to the
hotel by coach and enjoy a complimentary
glass of mulled wine. Dinner is served in
the Heritage Restaurant, followed by live
entertainment in Quinn’s Bar.
Day 4 > After a hearty full Irish breakfast,
we depart for Belfast.
Single room supplement £20
Temple Bar, Dublin
Return
Sunday
27 Mar
£12 Single room supplement, charged
per night.
Day 2 > A full day’s shopping in Dublin.
Depart hotel at 9.30am and return at
4pm. Dinner is not included this evening
– exclusive 10% off all menus served in
hotel. Live music tonight in Quinn’s Bar.
Depart
Friday
Fri
3 Apr
Guests can avail of a 10% discount on
beauty treatments and massage in the
Merrill Beauty Rooms. Complimentary
passes with a €10.00 concession for each
guest at The Royal Bingo (Monday and
Wednesday evenings) and special rates
at the National Sealife Centre, Bray.
Day 1 > Dinner is served on Friday evening
in the Heritage Restaurant.
WEEKEND DATES & PRICES
MIDWEEK DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
1 Mar
Return
Price
Wednesday
4 Mar
£169
12 Apr
15 Apr
£169
17 May
20 May
£189
14 Jun
17 Jun
£219
12 Jul
15 Jul
£219
9 Aug
12 Aug
£219
13 Sep
16 Sep
£189
18 Oct
21 Oct
£169
27 Dec (Racing)
30 Dec
£219
62 ENGLAND & WALES
S
E
L
A
W
&
D
N
ENGLA
Al nw i c k
LAKE
DISTRICT
NEWCASTLE
UPON TYNE
Du r h am
R ip o n
Har ro gate
B lac k p o o l
Yo r k
S o u th p o r t
MANCHESTER
L l a nd ud no
Ca e rna rfon
Snowd oni a
Por t hma d og
Cri cci e t h
LIVERPOOL
C h es ter
Li n co l n
PEAK DISTRICT
No ttin g h am
Der by
BIRMINGHAM
Wales
COTSWOLDS
Coven tr y
S trafo rd - u p o n -Avo n
C am b r id ge
C h el ten h am
CARDIFF
Oxfo rd
BRISTOL
B ath
Da r t moor
N ewquay
Torquay
Pl ymout h
LONDON
S ali s b u r y
E xe te r
B o u r n em o u th
C an ter b u r y
Po r ts m o u th
Eas tb o u r n e
ENGLAND & WALES 63
MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL
& CHESTER
We have arranged visits in each city but
you are free to opt out of these and spend
more time exploring at your own leisure.
Our hotel is situated in Leigh Sports
Village, which is ideal for exploring the
local area.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Leigh via
Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Day 2 > Today we visit Liverpool and the
World Museum, which houses treasures
from around the world. The remainder of
the day is at your own leisure.
Day 3 > Turning south we visit Chester
where we a spend an hour in the morning
at The Grosvenor Museum, which houses
collections exploring the history of Chester,
its art and silver heritage, and its natural
history. The rest of the day is free to
explore this fascinating city.
Day 4 > We spend the morning in
Manchester city centre and visit the award
winning and very impressive Imperial War
Museum North in the early afternoon. In
late afternoon we make the short journey
to the Trafford Centre. As dinner is not
served in the hotel tonight you are free to dine
at will. The coach will leave for the hotel at
9pm tonight.
Holiday Inn Express Leigh ***
NEWCASTLE-UPONTYNE & DURHAM
United by seven bridges across
a spectacular riverscape,
Newcastle and Gateshead form
a single, diverse and extremely
vibrant visitor destination.
Day 2 > We visit the National Glass Centre
in Sunderland where you can experience
the heat of a 1,000 degree furnace and
watch the expert glass making team
craft stunning pieces before your eyes.
We continue to the ancient walled city of
Durham, a designated World Heritage Site.
With so many different areas each offering
new sights, sounds and experiences,
you’ll be amazed at how much is on offer
whatever your tastes.
Day 3 > This morning we visit the
Woodhorn Museum, which was a coal
mine for over 80 years. It is the best
surviving example of a late 19th/early
20th century colliery in the North East
tradition. The afternoon is free to enjoy
back in Newcastle.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Newcastleupon-Tyne via P&O Irish Sea Ferries from
Larne to Cairnryan.
Jurys Inn Newcastle-upon-Tyne ***
Day 4 > Free morning. After lunchtime we
travel to the Metro Centre. You can shop
until 9pm when the shops close and our
coach returns to the hotel or you can stay
on for a film or a game of 10-pin bowling
Day 5 > Leigh to Belfast via the Stena Line
sailing from Holyhead to Dublin Port.
Liverpool Docks
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Price
12 Jan
16 Jan
£219
9 Feb
13 Feb
£229
2 Mar
6 Mar
£239
30 Mar
3 Apr
£239
19 Oct
23 Oct
£229
9 Nov
13 Nov
£219
This super value bargain break
takes in three of the North West’s
most popular cities. We spend
full days in the rejuvenated port
city of Liverpool, the mighty city
of Manchester and the historical
city of Chester.
Newcastle
when the coach will make a second and
final return journey to the hotel at 11pm.
No dinner in hotel tonight.
Day 5 > Newcastle to Belfast via the P&O
Irish Sea Ferries from Cairnryan to Larne.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
9.00am
Return
Friday
7.00pm
Price
19 Jan
23 Jan
£229
16 Feb
20 Feb
£229
16 Mar
20 Mar
£229
12 Oct
16 Oct
£249
2 Nov
6 Nov
£229
7 Dec
11 Dec
£229
64 ENGLAND & WALES
DERBYSHIRE, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE & STAFFORDSHIRE
The three shires are all located within an
easy drive of the city and we have visits
to Nottingham, home of Robin Hood,
the southern edge of the Peak District
and to Burton-on-Trent, once a thriving
brewing town.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Derby via
Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Jurys Inn Derby ***
Day 2 > This morning we travel into the
Peak District to the spa town of Buxton,
followed by the small market town of
Bakewell, home to the Original Bakewell
Pudding Shop. We complete our day out
at the Masson-Mills Shopping Village,
with its five floors of retail therapy.
Day 3 > We have a full day in Nottingham
– home of Robin Hood!
Day 4 > We travel into Staffordshire
this morning with a drive to Burton-onTrent to visit the National Memorial
Arboretum, the UK’s year-round centre
of Remembrance. The afternoon is free
in Derby. Dinner is not served in the
hotel so try one of Derby’s fine eating
establishments and maybe follow this
with a movie. All this is at the “doorstep”
of the hotel!
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday/
Thursday
6.30am
Return
Friday/
Monday
10.15pm
Price
19 Jan
23 Jan
£249
16 Feb
20 Feb
£259
16 Mar
20 Mar
£269
29 Oct
2 Nov
£269
26 Nov
30 Nov
£249
This new Bargain Break is
based in Derby, a lively hub
of English history intertwined
with bustling modern life
and full of city excitement.
Nottingham
Day 5 > Derby to Belfast via the Stena Line
ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast.
THE MIDLANDS
Birmingham & the Black Country
RAF Cosford
This new English Midlands
Bargain Break explores the
Black Country, once the
industrial capital of England,
and Birmingham.
For a modern feel we visit RAF Museum
Gosford, with over 70 aircraft in three
hangers, and we have the necessary
shopping experience in the Boundary
Mill. There is an evening in Birmingham’s
premier entertainment complex, Star City.
The Park Inn Walsall is our base for three
nights. All 120 en-suite bedrooms are
designed in a modern minimalistic look.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Walsall with
Stena Line from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Park Inn Walsall ***
Day 2 > Today we explore the Black
Country which, despite its industrial
past, is a surprisingly beautiful breath
of fresh air to visit with towns such as
Wolverhampton, Dudley and Smethwick
as well as its surrounding countryside.
Instead of dinner in the hotel tonight we
travel directly to Star City Birmingham
where you will be spoilt for choice for food
and entertainment. The coach will return
back to the hotel for 10pm.
Day 3 > We make the short journey to
the Boundary Mill in Walsall. Here, with
everything you could want under one
roof, you will find the best brands and
top quality products at affordable prices.
After lunch time we visit the RAF
Museum Cosford.
Day 4 > Walsall to Belfast with Stena Line
from Holyhead to Dublin.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
6.30am
Return
Monday
7.15pm
Price
23 Jan
26 Jan
£219
20 Feb
23 Feb
£229
13 Mar
16 Mar
£239
ENGLAND & WALES 65
BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD
LIVE & BBC GOOD FOOD
SHOW SUMMER
at the NEC Birmingham is
a must see for all gardening
enthusiasts with expert advice,
hundreds of nursery growers,
and demonstrations and talks
from top gardening experts. We
also visit the BBC Good Food
Show Summer, which is packed
with speciality producers and
live demonstrations on stage
from top chefs and experts.
The tour is based in the Park Inn
Birmingham West, just outside West
Bromwich. The hotel has 168 en-suite
rooms, all with flat screen TV, hairdryer,
tea/coffee making facilities, free WiFi, a
swimming pool, fitness suite and sauna.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
7.15pm
Price
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to the Midlands
via Stena Line Ferry from Belfast to
Cairnryan.
11 Jun
14 Jun
£289
Park Inn Birmingham West ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Show Summer
ITINERARY
Days 2 & 3 > We spend the next two days
at the NEC and you have a choice of which
show you wish to visit on each day. Your
coach returns to the hotel in late afternoon
in time for dinner.
Day 4 > Birmingham to Belfast via
Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line.
Price Excludes
66 ENGLAND & WALES
BRITISH F1 GRAND PRIX
Silverstone
Platinum Grandstand on Sunday. For 2015
we return to the four-star Hilton Leicester
hotel for this action-packed trip.
Day 4 > Leicester to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast and travel to
Leicester via early morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan.
Hilton Leicester **** (3 nights D, B&B)
We return once again to the
Formula One Santander British
Grand Prix at Silverstone which
promises to be exciting
as ever.
Your weekend includes luxury coach
transfers each day, with roving seats on
Saturday and seats overlooking the new
International Pits Straight from the covered
Depart
Friday
6.30am
Return
Monday
10.15pm
Price
3 Jul
6 Jul
£649
Day 2 > Practice Day
After an early breakfast to set you up for
the day, we drive to Silverstone where our
‘Roving Tickets’ allow us to experience the
thrills of the time trial practice runs and the
magic of the Grand Prix circus. Our coach
transfers us back to the hotel in time
for dinner.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Practice Day Roving Ticket
•Reserved seats on race day
in International Pits Straight
Day 3 > Race Day
Another early breakfast and an early
arrival at the track with reserved seats
overlooking the International Pits
Straight. Sit back and soak up the unique
atmosphere as the countdown begins,
tension builds and the race gets underway.
Price Excludes
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
Cheltenham is a unique
pilgrimage for race goers.
An invasion when the Irish
take on the rest, especially
the English, on their own turf!
We are once again based in the four-star
Hilton Bromsgrove Hotel and have four
days of top class National Hunt horse
racing with Tattersall tickets each day,
and luxury coach transfers to and from
the course. What more could you ask for?
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast on the early
morning ferry to Cairnryan, on to Carlisle,
where we meet the motorway, all the way
to our hotel to the south of Birmingham.
Hilton Bromsgrove **** (5 nights D, B&B)
Days 2 – 5 > On each of the next four days,
we leave the hotel mid-morning and make
our way to the racecourse, arriving in good
time for the first race. Each day has a super
card, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother
Champion Chase, St Patrick’s Thursday
and of course, the climax of the week,
the Gold Cup.
The coach returns to the hotel each
evening after the final race.
Price Excludes
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Tattersall tickets for four days
Day 6> We leave the hotel straight
after breakfast and return home on the
Holyhead to Dublin ferry, arriving back
in Belfast around 7.15pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
9 Mar
14 Mar
£599
Racing at Cheltenham
ENGLAND & WALES 67
KNITTING & STITCHING
SHOW HARROGATE
If you are passionate about
knitting, stitching, quilting,
crafts and any other form of
textiles then Harrogate is the
place to be. Each year there
are over 100 workshops to
fire the imagination and
around 350 stand-holders
offering a fabulous range
of specialist products.
Our tour is based at the four-star
Kimberley Hotel Harrogate which is just
a five minute walk from the International
Centre and a short walk to the town centre
where you will find Betty’s famous Tea
Shop, historic houses, exquisite gardens
and much more! All 93 en-suite bedrooms
come with Freeview TV, tea/coffee making
facilities and free WiFi.
ITINERARY
Harrogate via Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
6.30am
Return
Monday
10.15pm
Price
20 Nov
23 Nov
£269
Dates subject to confirmation
Kimberley Hotel **** (3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > You have a full day at the Knitting
and Stitching Show (tickets included),
which is a short walk from the hotel.
Day 3 > Feel free to choose what you
would like to do today. Your coach will
take you to York after a leisurely breakfast
or you can stay in Harrogate and enjoy all
it has to offer.
Day 4 > Harrogate to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET
& CHATSWORTH HOUSE
This ever-popular festive tour
is a great way to usher in the
Yuletide season. Lincoln’s
traditional German-style
Christmas Market has grown
from just a few stalls in the
early 1980s to the hundreds
that line the streets today.
For 2015 we also visit Chatsworth
House in all its Christmas finery.
This long weekend away is based
in the three-star Park Inn Hotel
Nottingham and it just has to be the
ultimate pre-Christmas gift!
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast and travel
to Nottingham via Stena Line ferry
to Cairnryan.
Park Inn Nottingham ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > A full day at the famous Lincoln
Christmas Markets. The streets of this
wonderful city, dominated by its gothic
cathedral, are lined with stalls and carol
singers and dancers entertain, creating
a fabulous Christmas atmosphere.
Day 4 > Nottingham to Belfast via
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
10.15pm
Price
3 Dec
6 Dec
£259
Lincoln Christmas Market
Day 3 > A full day at Chatsworth House,
which is famed for its festive family
atmosphere, seasonal decorations and
garlanded rooms. Each year there is a
different decorating theme that takes
you on a magical journey.
68 ENGLAND & WALES
FREE GIFT
FOR EVERY
CHILD
©2014 Merlin Entertainments Group
ALTON TOWERS THEME
& WATERPARK
Day 4 > After a leisurely breakfast
we travel to the Museum of Science
& Industry in Manchester where the
kids, and adults, can enjoy five halls of
interactive fun. Before returning to catch
the overnight boat back to Belfast we
stop off at the Trafford Centre for dinner
(not provided).
Overnight: Stena Line Ferry (four-berth
inside cabins – no meals)
Day 5 > We arrive early in Belfast Port and
make the very short journey back to the
Europa Buscentre for approximately 7am.
DATES & PRICES
As one of the UK’s leading
theme parks, Alton Towers
Resort offers a wide range of
attractions for people of various
ages and of course families.
2014 saw the launch of the
world’s first CBeebies Land,
bringing some of the mostloved children’s characters to
Britain’s number one theme
park with a unique range of
themed rides, attractions and
live entertainment. There are
of course over 50 rides and
attractions to keep you all
occupied throughout the day.
The Waterpark boasts hundreds of
fantastic interactive water features,
from lazy rivers and crazy cannons,
to the sensational speed of the Master
Blaster water rollercoaster. The
Waterpark’s Caribbean lagoon offers
gallons of excitement for kids of all ages.
We are based in the Jurys Inn Derby
which is perfectly located in the town
centre. The hotel has 213 en-suite
bedrooms, which accommodate up to two
adults with two children under 12 years old.
All rooms come with Freeview TV, air-con,
tea/coffee making facilities and free WiFi.
Everything you need from a town centre is
within a 10 minute walk.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave from Glengall Street
and travel on the overnight Stena Line
ferry to Birkenhead.
Day 2 > We disembark around 6.30am
and drive to the Alton Towers Theme
Park, arriving for opening time at 10am.
After a full day’s entertainment we
proceed to our hotel in Derby arriving
at approximately 6.30pm. Dinner is
not provided.
Return
Wednesday
7.00am
Price
25 Jul
29 Jul
£289
Price Includes
•2 nights bed and breakfast
•Return ferry crossings with
inside cabins
•Through coaching
•Admission to Alton Towers Theme Park, Alton Towers Waterpark,
Museum of Science & Industry
Price Excludes
©2014 Merlin Entertainments Group
Alton Towers Resort, Ice Age 4D
Depart
Saturday
9.00pm
Jurys Inn Derby *** (2 nights B&B)
Day 3 > A full day in the Alton Towers
Waterpark (there must be one adult with
each child at all times – time restrictions may
be implemented at busy periods). We return
to Derby for approximately 6pm. Dinner
is not provided.
Alton Towers Resort, Oblivion,
ENGLAND & WALES 69
ALTON TOWERS THEME PARK
& CADBURY WORLD
CBeebies Land at Alton Park
brings some of the most-loved
children’s characters to Britain’s
number one theme park. There
are also over 50 rides and
attractions to keep all the
kids happy!
Cadbury World has 14 amazing zones
offering much to see and do for the
whole family. Learn how your favourite
confectionery is made and create your
own delicious taste sensation covered
in warm liquid Dairy Milk. We round off
this triple feast of fun with a visit to the
Birmingham’s Thinktank science museum
with its four floors of interactive fun for
the whole family.
ITINERARY
and travel on the early morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan. We arrive in Derby at
approximately 5pm. Dinner is not provided.
Day 2 > Today we travel south to
Birmingham stopping first in Cadbury
World. After lunch we proceed to
Thinktank with 10 world-class themed
hands-on galleries! We return to our hotel
in Derby arriving at approximately 6pm.
Dinner is not provided.
Day 4 > We retrace our steps back to
Cairnryan to catch the evening ferry back
to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Mon/Sun
6.30am
Return
Thu/Wed
10.15pm
Price
6 Apr
9 Apr
£289
23 Aug
26 Aug
£289
FREE GIFT
FOR EVERY
CHILD
Day 3 > We have a full day in Alton
Towers Theme Park. We return to Derby
for approximately 6.30pm. Dinner is
not provided.
ALTON TOWERS THEME PARK
& DRAYTON MANOR
Escape to the fantabulous
world of the Alton Towers
Resort – there’s so much
going on, the fun never stops!
Home to Britain’s most-loved theme park
and the world’s first CBeebies Land with
great kids attractions, white-knuckle roller
coaster rides, special events, and much,
much more, Alton Towers Resort is the
perfect destination for the whole family!
Drayton Manor as well as white knuckle
rides is home to Thomas Land where in
Thomas McColl’s Farm you will Discover
Thomas, explore Knapford Station, drive
your own Thomas plus much, much more!
ITINERARY
DATES & PRICES
and travel on the early morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan. We arrive in Derby at
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Wednesday
10.15pm
Price
9 Aug
12 Aug
£289
Day 2 > Today we travel to Tamworth
to Drayton Manor where, as well as the
thrill a minute rides there is Thomas Land,
which is suitable for all the family. We
return to our hotel in Derby arriving at
Drayton Manor
FREE GIFT
FOR EVERY
CHILD
Day 3 > We have a full day in Alton
Towers Theme Park. We return to Derby
for approximately 6.30pm. Dinner is
not provided.
Day 4 > We retrace our steps back to
Cairnryan to catch the evening ferry back
to Belfast.
70 ENGLAND & WALES
LEGOLAND® & HARRY POTTER
STUDIO TOUR
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is a theme park dedicated to children
aged from two to 12 years old. With over 55 interactive rides, live
shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set
in 150 acres of beautiful parkland, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is
a unique family theme park.
finish off the day with a visit to the
Trafford Centre before travelling to
catch the overnight boat back to Belfast.
©LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Day 5 > We arrive early in Belfast Port and
make the very short journey back to the
Europa Buscentre for approximately 7am.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Saturday
9.00pm
Return
Wednesday
7.30am
Price
18 Jul
22 Jul
£339
8 Aug
12 Aug
£339
We take the Harry Potter Studio Tour,
where you’ll have the chance to go behindthe-scenes and see many things the
camera never showed. From breathtakingly
detailed sets to stunning costumes, props
and animatronics providing a unique
showcase of the talent that went into
making the most successful film series
of all time.
We round off this year’s tour with a visit
to the Coventry Transport Museum*,
which tells the history of the British cycle
and motor industry. With thrills, nostalgia
and inspiration, travel on a surprising and
emotional journey through 150 years of
innovation and find out about the people
who made it happen. Suitable for all
the family.
We are based in the Jurys Inn Watford,
perfectly located in the city centre. The
hotel has 216 en-suite bedrooms for up
to two adults with two children under 12.
All rooms come with Freeview TV, air-con,
tea/coffee making facilities and free WiFi.
Within a 10 minute walking radius you will
find plenty of things to do and places to eat
and drink.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave from Glengall Street and
travel on the overnight Stena Line ferry to
Birkenhead.
Day 2 > We disembark around 6.30am and
drive directly to Warner Bros. Studio Tour
London, arriving around midday, where
you visit some of the most well-known
Harry Potter sets. You can walk the original
stone floor of the iconic Hogwarts Great
Hall, encounter animatronic creatures and
wander down Diagon Alley.
Jurys Inn Watford *** (2 nights B&B)
Day 3 > This morning we make the
short journey to LEGOLAND® Windsor
Resort. The kids have a full day to let
their imaginations run wild, exploring
LEGO®City, Pirate Shores and over 50
interactive rides and live shows.
Day 4 > After breakfast we travel to the
Coventry Transport Museum where you
travel through time, from 19th century
streets right up to the present day. We
Price Includes
inside cabins
•Through coaching
•Admission to Warner Bros.
Studio Tour London, LEGOLAND
and Transport Museum
•Visit to Trafford Centre
Price Excludes
©Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights©JKR
FREE GIFT
FOR EVERY
CHILD
Legoland
ENGLAND & WALES 71
IRISH COUNTRY MUSIC
WEEKEND
Due to the advanced notice of this tour,
artists mentioned may be changed or
cancelled without prior notice.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We travel to Blackpool via the
early Stena Line crossing from Belfast
to Cairnryan. After dinner tonight the
entertainment starts with Barry Doyle
and his Band, followed by Stephen
Smyth and his Band who will entertain
you with their superb vocal harmonies
and unrivalled instrumental prowess.
Join us for an exciting weekend
of live music and dancing from
a list that includes Barry Doyle,
Stephen Smyth, Farmer Dan
with their Bands, plus much
more, all compered by one of
Ireland’s favourite comedians,
Big O.
Hilton Hotel Blackpool ****
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > This morning you can stroll on
the seafront as in the afternoon there will
be a sing-a-long with Johnny Fingers who
will be playing a variety of songs that you
will know and love, so get ready to join
in! Tonight’s entertainment starts off with
Farmer Dan and his Band and is rounded
off by Caitlin and The Hot Country Band
with special guest Jason McGilligan,
who are sure to have you swinging and
singing along!
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
10.15pm
Price
13 Nov
15 Nov
£259
Price Includes
inside cabins
•Through coaching
Price Excludes
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Hotel in Blackpool, situated on the north
promenade. All 274 en-suite bedrooms
have TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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room and spa.
Day 3 > After breakfast we retrace our
steps back to Cairnryan for the return
sailing to Belfast.
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72 ENGLAND & WALES
©VisitBritain / Pawel Libera
GARDENS OF NORTHUMBRIA
Shakespeare Garden, devoted mainly
to plants from the Bard’s time, and
the Cathedral Garden, which takes its
inspiration from Durham’s show-stopping
skyline of castle and cathedral and has
flowerbeds designed to represent the
cathedral’s stained glass windows.
We have a few hours of leisure in the
cathedral city of Durham before returning
to our hotel.
Day 5 > Newcastle to Belfast via the P&O
Irish Sea Ferries from Cairnryan to Larne.
Alnwick Garden
This new gardening tour to
England’s north east combines
small, private gardens with the
larger, well-known gardens to
provide a distinctively different
garden experience.
In the pretty village of Whalton, the Manor
House has a history featuring contributions
from Jekyll and Lutyens. Over at Mindrum
the large and generous garden has colours
that are soft and subtle and the garden is
rich in roses, scented plants, wild flowers
and remarkable trees.
Crook Hall provides a little oasis of colour
and tranquillity in the heart of the city of
Durham, with a dozen different gardens
set around a medieval manor house, each
one imaginatively planted to reflect a
particular theme.
At Bide-a-Wee Cottage and Gardens you
will discover a ‘very special garden’ and
a ‘highlight of many visitors’ itinerary in
Northumberland’. Finally, we could not
organise a garden tour to this part of
the world without visiting the Alnwick
Garden, whose inspiration stems from
the unbridled passion of the Duchess of
Northumberland herself.
The Ramada Encore hotel is nestled in the
vibrant area of the Newcastle-Gateshead
Quayside on the banks of the Tyne and is
a short walk to popular restaurants, bars,
theatres, art galleries and attractions.
This contemporary hotel has 200 stylish
en-suite guestrooms with laminate wood
floors and modern furnishings. There is
an innovative pod style shower room,
comfortable lounge chair, flat screen TV
and WiFi access.
ITINERARY
DATES & PRICES
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Newcastleupon-Tyne via P&O Irish Sea Ferries from
Larne to Cairnryan.
Depart
Monday
9.00am
Return
Friday
7.00pm
Price
15 Jun
19 Jun
£349
6 Jul
10 Jul
£349
3 Aug
7 Aug
£349
Ramada Encore Newcastle-Gateshead
*** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We start the day with a visit
to Whalton Manor Gardens, a threeacre garden bursting with inspirational
planting and magnificent architectural
structures, such as the Lutyens designed
summerhouse, game larder, pergolas and
vast stone paved courtyard and steps.
Our second garden today is Bide-a-Wee
Cottage and Gardens. Created from a
disused quarry you will find plants and
trees ranging from primulas and rodgersias
to meconopsis and rhododendrons.
Day 3 > After breakfast we visit
Alnwick Garden. This unique garden
project was inspired by the Duchess of
Northumberland, whose vision was to
recall the spirit and glory of the original
gardens and at the same time create
a garden for the 21st century, with a
contemporary, ever-changing composition
of sights, sounds, smells and textures.
Later we travel through the wild and
rugged landscape of north Northumberland,
almost as far as the Scottish border, for
our visit to Mindrum Garden, a large and
generous garden cascading down a hillside.
Colours are soft and subtle and the garden
is rich in roses, scented plants, wild flowers
and remarkable trees.
Day 4 > We turn south today with a
visit to Crook Hall Gardens in Durham
city. The gardens include a Secret Walled
Garden with ancient fruit trees, the
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Whalton Manor Gardens,
Bide-a-Wee Cottage and Gardens,
Alnwick Garden, Mindrum Garden, Crook Hall Gardens and Durham
Price Excludes
Whalton Manor Gardens
ENGLAND & WALES 73
©RHS
YORKSHIRE GARDENS
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
of Contemplation. A clematis garden
showcases over 100 different clematis
varieties.
The afternoon is spent in the historic city
of York.
Day 4 > The first of our two visits today
is Harewood House and Gardens. The
100 acres of gardens at Harewood are full
of variety, with plants from all over the
world. Head Gardener, Trevor Nicholson,
oversees the award-winning landscape and
manages projects on all the dazzling range
of gardens, which include the Terrace, the
Lakeside Garden, the Himalayan Garden
and the Walled Garden.
A tour of the gardens of
Yorkshire has an added
attraction in that it takes place
against an ever-changing
backdrop of peaks and dales,
hidden wolds and peaceful
market towns.
We begin at the RHS Garden Harlow
Carr, with its wide variety of growing
landscapes, and travel a little further
afield to Hemsley Walled Garden, which
has been reconstructed from its decline
after WWII. To the south of Harrogate we
find Harewood House and Gardens and
Lotherton Hall and Gardens, a charming
Edwardian house and country estate.
Our base is the four-star Kimberley Hotel,
which is just a short walk from the town
centre. This boutique hotel was originally
a Victorian town house and retains many
of its original features, which have been
blended with a contemporary style and
state-of-the-art facilities to provide the
ideal base to explore Yorkshire. The
hotel offers 93 modern and individually
appointed en-suite bedrooms with
Freeview TV, tea/coffee making facilities,
hairdryer and complimentary WiFi.
ITINERARY
sailing to Cairnryan, before heading south,
touching the Dales before arriving in
Harrogate in late afternoon.
Day 2 > We spend the morning in
Harrogate giving you the opportunity to
get to know the town and perhaps visit
the award-winning Valley Garden.
After lunchtime we travel the short
distance to the RHS Garden Harlow Carr,
which covers 68 acres. Set in a valley
and very much a part of the Yorkshire
landscape, the garden has a wide variety
of growing landscapes, from running and
still water to woodland and wildflower
meadows.
Day 3 > Our first garden today is the
Hemsley Walled Garden, which sits on the
edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Built in
1759 this five-acre garden sits beneath the
imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle. Visitors
can now enjoy restored glasshouses full
of colour, a double herbaceous hot border
running the length of the garden, or sit
and enjoy the tranquillity of the Garden
The afternoon sees a visit to Lotherton
Hall and Gardens, an Edwardian country
house set amongst beautiful formal
gardens, parkland and woodland. The
gardens were designed in the fashionable
Edwardian style of linked but distinct
gardens that include beautiful herbaceous
borders and a walled rose garden. The
Bird Garden has over 200 species on
display, including the magnificent
Andean Condors.
Day 5 > Harrogate to Belfast via the
Stena Line crossing from Cairnryan to
Belfast Port.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
8 Jun
12 Jun
£389
7 Sep
11 Sep
£389
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to RHS Garden Harlow
Carr, Hemsley Walled Garden,
Harewood House and Gardens, Lotherton Hall and Gardens
•Visit to York
Price Excludes
74 ENGLAND & WALES
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW,
& THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
The Chelsea Flower Show is the
world’s leading horticultural
event and every year produces
gardens and exhibits of the
highest quality. The supporting
acts for 2015 are the Royal
Botanic Gardens at Kew, the
outstanding Pashley Manor,
the “World Garden of Plants”
at Lullingstone Castle and
World Garden* and the Oxford
Botanic Garden and Harcourt
Arboretum*.
This year the tour is based at the Marriott
Bexleyheath Hotel, inside the London
orbital, and is ideally located for exploring
the surrounding area. The hotel has 142
en-suite rooms, all with flat screen TV,
hairdryer, iron and board, air conditioning
and tea/coffee making facilities. There is
complimentary use of health club, pool,
steam rooms, cardio and resistance gym
during your stay.
Day 5 > We leave our hotel and travel to
the Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt
Arboretum, the oldest botanic garden in
Britain. In the gardens and the glasshouses
there are approx 5,000 different plant
species growing here, making it one of the
most bio diverse areas of land in the world.
We check into our hotel in the Midlands
just before dinner
Overnight: Park Inn Birmingham Walsall
*** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 6 > Walsall to Belfast via Holyhead
and Dublin with Stena Line.
Kew Gardens
Chelsea Flower Show
Lullingstone Garden
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Birmingham
Cairnryan.
Overnight: Park Inn Birmingham West
Day 2 > We continue south to West
London for a day at Kew Gardens, world
famous for its historic glasshouses,
magnificent vistas and precious specimen
trees, not to mention royal buildings, the
pagoda and beautiful woods. Explore the
Temperate House (the world’s largest
Victorian glasshouse) and the Princess of
Wales Conservatory to admire the giant
water lilies. Watch magnolias, tulips,
daffodils, bluebells and blossom trees
transform the gardens into a bold and
beautiful display of colour. We rejoin our
coach in late afternoon and continue to our
hotel in Bexleyheath, south-east London.
Marriott Bexleyheath ****
(3 nights D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
Day 3 > A full day at Chelsea Flower Show.
18 May
23 May
£529
Day 4 > This morning there is a short
drive to Lullingstone Castle and World
Garden, situated in the beautiful Darent
Valley, where we have a guided tour of the
UK’s first ever “World Garden of Plants”
containing plants from around the globe,
planted in their respective countries
of origin. The garden was designed by
horticulturist Tom Hart Dyke, a modern
day plant hunter!
We spend the afternoon in one of the
finest gardens in England, the awardwinning Pashley Manor Gardens, former
home of the Boleyns – “a sumptuous blend
of romantic landscaping, imaginative
plantings and fine old trees, fountains,
springs and large ponds, with exceptional
views over the surrounding countryside.”
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Kew Gardens, Lullingstone Castle and World Garden, Pashley Manor Gardens, Chelsea Flower Show, Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 75
HAMPTON COURT
FLOWER SHOW
We spend a fabulous week exploring the stunning Palace Gardens
of Blenheim and Hampton Court as well as The Savill Garden*
in Windsor. We visit Hampton Court Palace for the annual Flower
Show – the world’s biggest – where you enjoy around 50 display
gardens, giving you plenty of design ideas from the contemporary
to the traditional.
woodland. Every garden has its own unique
attraction, featuring a distinctive group
of plants that introduce a fresh burst of
vibrant colour throughout the seasons.
In the afternoon you are free explore the
town or just relax by the Thames.
Day 4 > The highlight of our exciting tour
for many is today’s visit to Hampton Court
for the annual Flower Show, set in 33 acres
of the Castle’s fabulous grounds. Entry to
the castle not included.
Day 5 > After a leisurely breakfast we
leave our hotel and travel north through
Northamptonshire to our overnight hotel
in the Midlands.
(1 night D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
29 Jun
4 Jul
£449
Hampton Court Palace
This year the tour is based in Jurys Inn
Watford, right in the town centre. The
hotel has 216 en-suite rooms, all with flat
screen TV, hairdryer, air conditioning, tea/
coffee making facilities and free WiFi.
ITINERARY
via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to
Cairnryan.
Overnight: Village Urban Resort,
Walsall *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 2 > We spend the morning at
Blenheim Palace, visiting both the house
and gardens and the afternoon in Oxford,
before completing our outward journey
to our main hotel in the centre of Watford
(porterage not provided).
Jurys Inn Watford ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Blenheim Palace, The Savill Garden and Hampton Court
Flower Show
Price Excludes
Savill Building, Windsor
Day 3 > We spend the day in Windsor with
a visit to The Savill Garden, Britain’s finest
ornamental garden. It’s a garden for all
seasons and a place of beauty and colour.
Here you can journey through 35 acres
of interconnecting gardens and exotic
76 ENGLAND & WALES
LAKE DISTRICT
Ullswater Cruise, Kendal & Carlisle
Ullswater
achievements. There are 10 wonderful
acres of gardens to be explored and
enjoyed and they include the unique
collection of ancient and extraordinary
topiary characters sculpted from box
and yew.
We spend the afternoon in Kendal, home
to a fine selection of shopping arcades,
two castles, two museums and a host
of historical buildings and bridges.
Ullswater Steamer
The Lake District’s natural and
diverse beauty has attracted
travellers of all sorts for many
years as folk have marvelled at
the highs and lows of the region;
the mountains and valleys such
as Scafell Pike and Borrowdale
respectively. We experience the
wild and unspoilt territory and
enjoy a boat trip on Ullswater,
regarded by many as the most
beautiful of the Lakes.
As well as a drive over the spectacular
Kirkstone Pass, we also visit Levens Hall
and Gardens and spend more time in
Kendal*. We journey to the historic city of
Carlisle*, the main shopping, commercial
and industrial centre in the northern half
of Cumbria and a fair amount of southern
Scotland!
The Skiddaw Hotel in the town square
combines the traditional décor and friendly
welcome of a family-run hotel with modern
facilities and efficient service. There is a
restaurant, lounge bar and all 43 en-suite
bedrooms have satellite TV, direct dial
telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee
making facilities.
Day 4 > We have a change of scenery
today when we head north to the historic
city of Carlisle, which lies at the heart
of a wealth of historic and modern
attractions. From Roman civitas to Norman
strongholds, medieval market town to
contemporary city, Carlisle offers a huge
choice of attractions to enjoy, including
museums, art galleries, award-winning
parks, nature reserves and relaxing open
spaces. Of course you could just stroll
around the shops or the fabulous
indoor market.
Day 5 > Keswick to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
ITINERARY
Keswick via the mid-morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
10.30am
Return
Friday
6.15pm
Price
Skiddaw Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
27 Apr
1 May
£429
Day 2 > After a relaxing breakfast this
morning we travel to the northern end
of Ullswater (the second largest lake in
the Lake District) at Pooley Bridge, where
we board the Ullswater Steamer for a
wonderful hour long cruise, taking in
the stunning scenery of the surrounding
mountains and clear waters. Our coach
meets us at Glenridding where we
continue our journey with a drive over
the Kirkstone Pass to Windermere.
25 May
29 May
£459
29 Jun
3 Jul
£469
27 Jul
31 Jul
£479
17 Aug
21 Aug
£479
21 Sep
25 Sep
£459
Day 3 > We travel along part of Lake
Windermere this morning as we spend
the morning at Levens Hall, which has
been occupied since about 1350. The
interior is of the Elizabethan period
with its fine oak panelling and ornate
plasterwork. See how the house is still
lived in and examine the fascinating
collection of contents that reflect the
changing owners and their personal
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Cruise on Ullswater
•Visits to Lake Windermere,
Levens Hall, Kendal and Carlisle
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 77
LYTHAM ST. ANNES,
SOUTHPORT & LANCASHIRE
Lytham St Annes, on
Lancashire’s Fylde Peninsula,
is only six miles from Blackpool
but the two are worlds apart in
both character and atmosphere.
Neighbouring Lytham and
St Anne’s-on-the-Sea have
grown together to form an
elegant town with tree-lined
streets, well-manicured lawns,
colourful gardens and miles
of unspoilt sandy beaches. A
short stroll inland and the town
is a haven of tranquillity and
calm – mixing the fabulous, oldfashioned holiday experience
with top-class modern shopping.
This year we are exploring
further inland to explore the
Lancashire countryside*.
The Glendower Promenade Hotel, which
occupies a prime location, is in the old
style successfully mixing traditional values
and service with modern facilities (please
note the hotel has many small staircases
and a small lift to most floors). There are
60 bedrooms all en-suite with flat screen
TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities
and free WiFI.
ITINERARY
to the historic market town of Kirkby
Lonsdale situated at the gateway to the
Lake District. We return to the hotel in
time for dinner.
Wayfarers Arcade, Southport
Day 4 > This morning after breakfast we
make the short trip to the southern side
of the Ribble Estuary to Southport, a very
similar resort. We return in mid-afternoon
with the evening free.
Day 5 > Lytham St Annes to Belfast via
Cairnryan and Larne with P&O Irish
Sea Ferries.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
9.00am
Return
Friday
7.00pm
Price
18 May
22 May
£379
22 Jun
26 Jun
£389
27 Jul
31 Jul
£389
31 Aug
4 Sep
£389
28 Sep
2 Oct
£379
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Settle, Kirkby Lonsdale
and Southport
Price Excludes
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Lytham
St Annes via Larne and Cairnryan with
P&O Irish Sea Ferries.
Best Western Glendower Hotel ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > You have a free day to enjoy
the resort.
Day 3 > Today we explore the delightful
scenery of Lancashire passing through
Clitheroe as we head to Settle, a bustling
market town in the foothills of the
Pennines. After free time we continue
Southport
Lytham St Annes
78 ENGLAND & WALES
CHESTER & NORTH WALES
Chester
Mount Snowdon
The walled city of Chester is rightly considered one of England’s
best-preserved medieval cities. The city still possesses much of
its Roman walls and “The Rows” were probably the world’s first
shopping mall! Set upon the beautiful River Dee, Chester makes the
perfect place for a relaxing holiday and just a short distance away
lies the many splendours of North Wales and majestic Snowdonia*.
The Queen Hotel is a four-star, premier
grade, Best Western hotel. It enjoys a
marvellous location in the centre of the city
and boasts ‘regal’ public areas, spectacular
staircases, a courtyard garden, charming
bars and lounges and over 200 fine, ensuite bedrooms all with tea/coffee making
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Chester
via Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead with
Stena Line.
Best Western Premier Queen ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > After a leisurely breakfast we meet
our local guide for an introductory tour of
the city. The afternoon is left free for you to
explore this beautiful city before returning
to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 3 > A full day excursion around north
east Wales stopping firstly in Llangollen,
which is renowned for the surrounding hills
and the River Dee. This small town also has
a wealth of independent shops to browse
and interesting places to visit. After lunch
we continue our travels stopping briefly
in both Denbigh and the tiny city of
St Asaph, which has the smallest ancient
cathedral in England and Wales. Our last
stop of the day is Prestatyn, famous for
its sunny sands and coastline with rolling
dunes.
Day 4 > Tatton Park Gardens (home of
the famous Tatton Park Flower Show) is
our first stop today. Shoppers can spend
the afternoon at Cheshire Oaks, just a few
miles from Chester, while others can return
to the hotel to enjoy a final few hours in the
charming city (coach returns to Cheshire
Oaks to collect shoppers).
Day 5 > Chester to Belfast via the Stena
Line crossing from Holyhead to Dublin Port.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Thursday
7.15pm
Price
17 May
21 May
£419
21 Jun
25 Jun
£429
5 Jul
9 Jul
£419
2 Aug
6 Aug
£429
6 Sep
10 Sep
£419
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Guided tour of Chester
•Visits to Llanberis, Llangollen, Denbigh, St Asaph, Prestatyn, Tatton Park Gardens and Cheshire Oaks
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 79
COTSWOLDS &
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Day 3 > We spend the day exploring the
heart of the Cotswolds. We spend time
in Bourton-on-the-Water, which straddles
the River Windrush with its series of
elegant low bridges beside neat treeshaded greens and tidy stone banks,
and Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest of the
Cotswold towns. The vast Market Square
testifies to the town’s former importance,
at one end stands the ancient cross, and
at the other the town stocks. Around the
square the visitor is faced with an elegant
array of Cotswold town houses and shops.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Bourton-on-the-Water
The Cotswolds, the area of
gently rolling hills between
Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath,
takes in Gloucestershire and
hundreds of small towns and
villages in the neighbouring
counties of Warwickshire,
Oxfordshire, Worcester and
Herefordshire – a truly picturepostcard interpretation of
‘Little England’.
Indeed, many of the local buildings and
structures are a marvel in themselves.
The handsome manor houses, with their
mullioned windows and ‘Farrow and Ball’
coloured woodwork, date from the Middle
Ages, when great wool fortunes
were made.
The beautiful market town of Stow-on-theWold remains a popular tourist destination
full of gift shops selling antiques and
crafts whilst Bourton-on-the-Water is a
picturesque little village where the River
Windrush runs through its centre. No
wonder it’s been labelled as ‘the Venice
of the Cotswolds’. With stunning scenery
and a typical English feel, it’s perhaps
not surprising that images portraying the
Cotswolds have become synonymous with
quintessential England.
Day 4 > After a leisurely breakfast we have
a guided tour of the Unknown Cotswolds.
All will be revealed on the day!
Day 5 > We begin our homeward journey
after breakfast, retracing our outward route
to Cairnryan and taking the ferry back
to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Our tour this year is based in the four-star
Holiday Inn in the heart of Kenilworth and
close to the region’s road network for easy
access to the Cotswolds. All 115 en-suite
bedrooms come with air-conditioning, flat
screen TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Kenilworth
via Stena Line’s early morning sailing from
Belfast to Cairnryan.
Holiday Inn Kenilworth-Warwick ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We spend a full day in Stratfordupon-Avon, the birthplace of William
Shakespeare. Characterised by its
beautifully preserved timbered Tudor
buildings, this medieval market town is
home to Shakespeare’s birthplace on
Henley Street and has a diverse range of
shops, restaurants and attractions to keep
you busy.
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Price
25 May
29 May
£459
22 Jun
26 Jun
£459
13 Jul
17 Jul
£459
24 Aug
28 Aug
£459
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Hill Close Gardens
•Guided tour of the Unknown Cotswolds
•Visits to Stratford-upon-Avon, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-
the-Wold
Price Excludes
80 ENGLAND & WALES
HARROGATE & YORKSHIRE
the multi-award-winning Yorkshire
Lavender Farm, set in a spectacular hillside
site of nearly 60 acres. Facilities include
a tea room and gift shop with an ultimate
collection of quality lavender products,
lavender bags and mementos.
Day 5 > Harrogate to Belfast via the
Stena Line crossing from Cairnryan to
Belfast Port.
DATES & PRICES
Harrogate
Set at the heart of England’s
largest county, Yorkshire, the
stylish spa town of Harrogate
is home to elegant Georgian
and Victorian architecture,
widespread Art Nouveau décor
and acres of colourful gardens.
This region is one of the most
spectacular areas of England
with attractive towns and
villages, historic houses, castles,
abbeys, exquisite gardens and
beautiful countryside. For 2015
we have included new visits
to the Wensleydale Creamery
Visitor Centre*, the WWII
Eden Camp* and the Yorkshire
Lavender Farm* as well as
previously unseen areas of
the Yorkshire Dales.
Our base this year is the four-star
Kimberley Hotel, just a few minutes’
walk from the town centre. This boutique
hotel was originally a Victorian town
house and retains many of its original
features, which have been blended
with a contemporary style and state-ofthe-art facilities to provide the ideal base
to explore Yorkshire. The hotel offers
93 modern and individually appointed
en-suite bedrooms with Freeview TV,
tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer
and complimentary WiFi.
ITINERARY
sailing to Cairnryan, before heading south,
touching the Dales before arriving in
Harrogate in late afternoon.
Day 2 > A half-day tour to the city of
Ripon, a beautiful market town where
monasteries have stood since the 7th
century. The old city of Ripon is filled
with shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs,
and also boasts many historical buildings
and museums, including Ripon Cathedral,
the Wakeman’s House, Studley Royal,
Fountains Abbey and Ripon Spa Gardens
where a Victorian bandstand is set.
Afternoon at leisure in Harrogate.
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
6 Jul
10 Jul
£369
10 Aug
14 Aug
£369
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre, Eden Camp and Yorkshire Lavender Farm
•Visits to Yorkshire Dales
and Terrington
Price Excludes
Day 3 > A full day Dales Explorer. We
travel via Leyburn to Wensleydale,
a beautiful valley set in the heart of
the Yorkshire Dales. Majestic castles,
waterfalls and picturesque villages
are just some of its many attractions.
We stop in Hawes and visit Wensleydale
Creamery Visitor Centre. An extraordinary
place to visit, full of history, heritage,
and heaps of Wensleydale cheesefuelled fun! Take a trip back in time
to where Wensleydale cheese making
began as you explore the museum before
we return via Kettlewell and Skipton.
Day 4 > We travel to Old Malton and
visit the Eden Camp, a modern history
museum based in the grounds of an
original WWII Prisoner of War camp.
Here you can experience the sights,
sounds and even smells of wartime
life. We continue to Terrington and
Ripon Cathedral
ENGLAND & WALES 81
PEAK DISTRICT
©VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth
This tour will take you through some of England’s most magnificent
scenery as you travel around the beautiful Peak District with its
rugged moorlands and wooded dales. The Peak District National
Park was the first National Park to be set up in Britain in 1951
and nowhere in Britain will you find an area with such varied
landscapes, richness of wildlife and wealth of cultural heritage.
The magic is just waiting to be discovered.
Day 3 > Today we explore another part of
the Peak District with our first stop being in
the small market town of Bakewell, home
to the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. We
continue the short distance to Chatsworth
House, home to the Duke and Duchess
of Devonshire and the Darcy family in the
film Pride and Prejudice! Known as the
‘Palace of the Peaks’ the interior rooms are
treasure troves of priceless furniture and
magnificent paintings. The landscaped
gardens feature sculptures, mazes and
waterworks including the famous cascade,
which falls 200 yards down the hillside.
Time permitting we will make a short stop
in Matlock before returning to our hotel
(porterage not provided).
Day 4 > We visit the historic market town
of Chesterfield today, famous for the
Crooked Spire Church of Saint Mary and
All Saints. Investigate the town’s past at
the Museum and Art Gallery through the
Industrial Revolution and the arrival of
the railways right up to the present day.
Discover some of the less well-known but
equally interesting places of interest in
the town centre, such as Secker’s House
and number 2 St. Mary’s Gate. There is
an ever-expanding flea market held every
Thursday in the town.
Day 5 > Derby to Belfast via the Stena Line
ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast.
Chatsworth House
We visit the delightful towns of Buxton
and Bakewell to explore the shops and
quaint streets, and visit Chatsworth House,
one of Britain’s best loved historic house
and gardens.
Our base for this tour is the three-star
Jurys Inn Derby, located in the Cathedral
Quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from
centre of the town with a wide range
of fantastic restaurants, bars and event
venues. There are 213 stylish en-suite
bedrooms perfectly designed for guests’
comfort with large soft beds and flat
screen TVs with Freeview. The rooms
are spacious enough to make families
feel welcome and include well-lit work
areas, tea and coffee docks, and hairdryers.
There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and
lifts to all floors (Porterage not provided).
DATES & PRICES
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
ITINERARY
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Derby via
4 May
8 May
£329
13 Jul
17 Jul
£349
10 Aug
14 Aug
£349
Jurys Inn Derby *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > On this our first full day we
travel along the southern edge of the
Peak District through Leek to the spa
town of Buxton, the second highest
town in England and known as “the
Capital of the Peak District”. Travelling
further through the picturesque
countryside of the Peak District we arrive
at the shores of Ladybower Reservoir
(photo opportunity), famed as the practice
area for the WWII Dambuster crews.
The return leg takes us to the popular
tourist centre of Castleton, known as
the “Gem of the Peaks”. Surrounded by
“showcaves”, this is where the famous
Blue John stone is mined.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Chatsworth House
•Visits to Buxton, Ladybower Reservoir, Castleton, Bakewell and Chesterfield
Price Excludes
82 ENGLAND & WALES
©VisitBritain/ Andrew Pickett
LONDON: PALACES
& PARLIAMENT
London
Day 5 > Free day to explore London.
Day 6 > We leave the hotel after breakfast
and travel out of the city, calling in Oxford
before continuing through the Cotswolds
to our final hotel back in the Midlands.
Overnight: Park Inn Walsall ***
(1 night D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
London is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city with an endless list of
exciting things to see and do. Our tour plan for 2015 is to get you
there in comfort and without hassle. We’ll introduce you to the city,
with must-see visits such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of
Parliament and the Tower of London*. Of course, we’ll also leave
time for you to check out your own favourite attractions.
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Walsall ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 2 > We proceed to London for our
introductory guided tour with a little free
time to explore before reaching our hotel.
Thistle Euston London ****
Day 3 > After an early breakfast we visit
the Houses of Parliament. The tour
includes various staterooms, the Lords and
Commons Chambers and the 900-yearold Westminster Hall. The Jubilee Café
and souvenir shop are close by at the end
of our tour
In the afternoon we follow the path of the
River Thames to the Tower of London,
a place with a grim reputation for torture
and death. Dinner is not served in the
hotel tonight.
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
2 Aug
8 Aug
£669
9 Aug
15 Aug
£669
16 Aug
22 Aug
£669
23 Aug
29 Aug
£669
Price Includes
•6 nights dinner, bed and breakfast,
4 dinners
•Through coaching
•Guided tour
•Admission to Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and
Buckingham Palace
•Visit to Oxford
Price Excludes
Day 4 > We travel to Buckingham Palace
this morning. The 19 lavishly furnished
State Rooms contain some of the greatest
treasures from the Royal Collection.
©VisitBritain/ Historic Royal Palaces
Our hotel is the four-star Thistle Euston
located near Regent’s Park, close to the
British Museum and just a short walk
away from Underground stations serving
the major Tube lines. There are 362 airconditioned, en-suite guest rooms, each
with tea and coffee making facilities, flat
screen TV, direct-dial telephone, WiFi,
iron and ironing board and safe. There is a
restaurant serving breakfast and evening
buffet meals.
Depart
Sunday
7.30am
The afternoon is free to explore this part
of the city, with the Mall, St. James’s Park,
Grosvenor Place, and Belgravia and even
Hyde Park all just a short stroll away. As
dinner is not served in the hotel tonight for
those wishing to return to the hotel the coach
will collect you at one agreed spot.
Tower of London
ENGLAND & WALES 83
BRISTOL, BATH
& THE WEST COUNTRY
Bristol is the unofficial capital of the West Country. Despite its
inland location on the River Avon, some ten miles from the Bristol
Channel, it was once one of the world’s great ports when its
merchants made fortunes from sugar, rum, tobacco and slaves.
This wealth laid the foundation for what is today a vibrant,
attractive city and the ideal base to explore that area where
the Cotswolds meets the West Country.
is dominated by the cathedral-like
Parish Church of St. John the Baptist,
often referred to as ‘the capital of
the Cotswolds’.
©VisitBritain/ Stephen Spraggon
Day 5 > We have a full day in the Roman
city of Bath. Nourished by natural hot
springs, Bath offers a unique experience
with stunning architecture, great shopping
and iconic attractions.
Bath
Day 6 > We leave Bristol mid-morning
and meander through the Cotswolds,
stopping occasionally en-route to our
overnight hotel, back in Walsall.
(1 night D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
Bath
Our hotel, the four-star Mercure Bristol
Holland House and Spa is close to
Bristol’s harbour-side district. There are
275 contemporary en-suite guest rooms
with air-conditioning and WiFi. The hotel
also has a stylish restaurant, a bar and a
spa with an indoor pool. The city centre
and harbour area are within easy walking
distance of the hotel.
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Walsall ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 2 > After a relaxing breakfast we
continue south to explore North Somerset.
We arrive at Cheddar village, drive through
the Cheddar Gorge and visit the cathedral
©VisitBritain / Simon Winnall
From our base in Bristol we travel a
little further south into Somerset. We
spend a day in the charming villages of
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at the
southern edge of the Cotswolds and
another in beautiful Bath.
‘city’ of Wells. We arrive at our hotel in
Bristol in late afternoon.
Mercure Bristol Holland House and Spa
**** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > A free day in Bristol – you can
choose to explore the city or visit some
of the many attractions on offer, which
include: SS Great Britain, Bristol Aquarium,
the Zoo or Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
3 May
9 May
£469
19 Jul
25 Jul
£489
23 Aug
29 Aug
£489
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Cheddar, Wells, Tetbury, Cirencester and Bath
Price Excludes
Day 4 > Today we visit Tetbury, a thriving
market town which was built around its
outstanding 17th century Market Hall. As
well as offering a unique retail experience
with many individually owned shops, it is
also a major centre for antiques.
After lunch we travel on 10 miles to
Cirencester, where the market square
Bristol
84 ENGLAND & WALES
CALL THE MIDWIFE,
BLETCHLEY PARK & KENT
The Historic Dockyard
Chatham is the location of
the film set for the “Call the
Midwife” series and is the
main focus of this tour. Two
series and the Christmas
Special have been filmed here
across the site and many of
the dockyard buildings can be
spotted in the series. Its many
other attractions include three
historic warships, the RNLI
lifeboat collection and much
more. We also visit Bletchley
Park, once Britain’s best kept
secret, the historic Kent city of
Canterbury and the spa town
of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The main hotel for this new tour is the
four-star Marriott Bexleyheath hotel
situated in the south-east of London.
The hotel has 142 en-suite rooms, all
with flat screen TV, hairdryer, iron and
board, air conditioning and tea/coffee
making facilities. There is complimentary
use of health club, pool, steam rooms,
cardio and resistance gym during
your stay.
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Day 2 > We continue south this morning
with a visit to Bletchley Park, where you
can explore some of the iconic WWII
code-breaking huts and blocks and marvel
at the astonishing achievements of the
code breakers, whose work is said to have
helped shorten the war by two years. We
arrive at our hotel in late afternoon with
time to spare to freshen up for dinner.
(4 nights D, B&B)
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Day 3 > We are free today to relax after
our travels of the last two days. You are
free to use the hotel gym and indoor
pool or you can take a walk around
the surrounding area. Both the Royal
Observatory Greenwich and the Bluewater
Shopping Centre are only a 20-minute taxi
journey away.
Day 4 > A full day excursion to Canterbury
and Tunbridge Wells. Canterbury is home
to England’s most famous Cathedral and
is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city welcomes visitors with its many
ancient buildings, bars, restaurants and a
labyrinth of medieval streets, quaint shops
and historic taverns.
We move on to the beautiful spa town
of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The heart of
the original town is the colonnaded and
paved tree-lined promenades, named
‘The Pantiles’, which house many pleasant
restaurants and shops.
Day 5 > Today we travel to Chatham to
the Historic Dockyard, where you will be
greeted by your very own ‘midwife’ next
to the WWII Destroyer HMS Cavalier
and be taken on a guided one and half
hour walking tour of the various filming
locations used for the popular television
drama series Call the Midwife. Trace the
bicycle tracks of Chummy, Jenny, Trixie
and friends along the cobbles. Hear stories
of what it was like to be an extra on the set
and learn interesting facts about how the
dockyard was magically transformed into
1950’s Poplar. We also include entry to the
dockyard with all its fabulous attractions.
Day 6 > Sadly it time to journey back north
only this time we travel to the university
city of Cambridge where we have a few
hours to spare. We arrive in our overnight
hotel in late afternoon.
*** (1 night D, B&B) 16th May only
(1 night D, B&B) 7th August only
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
10 May
16 May
£539
2 Aug
8 Aug
£559
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Call the Midwife guided tour
•Visits to Bletchley Park, Canterbury, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Cambridge and the Historic Dockyard Chatham
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 85
DOWNTON ABBEY, WINDSOR
& JANE AUSTEN COUNTRY
WiFi. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar
and a spa with an indoor pool. Swindon
Designer Outlet and town centre are only
two miles away.
ITINERARY
Highclere Castle
Cairnryan.
Day 2 > Today we amble through the
Cotswolds, arguably England’s prettiest
landscape, stopping in Broadway, perhaps
the most attractive town, and Stow-onthe-Wold before arriving at our hotel for
the next three nights.
Mercure Swindon East ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Highclere Castle
We return in 2015 to the ever
popular Highclere Castle, better
known today throughout the
TV viewing world as Downton
Abbey. As well as a visit to the
Royal Borough of Windsor, we
have added visits to Chawton*
to visit the Jane Austen House
Museum* and Winchester*,
where she is buried in the
cathedral. We spend time in
beautiful parts of England, in
Worcestershire*, Gloucester
and of course the outstanding
Cotswolds, making this a very
full and enjoyable itinerary.
Our hotel, the three-star Mercure Swindon
East, is situated in the village of South
Marsden surrounded by beautiful
countryside. There are 60 en-suite guest
rooms, each with a television, tea/coffee
making facilities, an iron, a hairdryer and
Day 3 > We spend the morning in the
Royal Borough of Windsor where you are
free to enjoy the very special atmosphere
of this splendid Borough on the banks of
the Thames.
After lunch we proceed to Jane Austen’s
House Museum at Chawton near Alton.
Jane lived in the charming red brick 17th
century house from 1809 to 1817. The
house is now a museum and holds an
extensive collection of her works and
memorabilia. Before returning to the
hotel we stop off in historic Winchester
(time permitting), where Jane Austen
died in 1817 and where she is buried in
the cathedral.
buildings, and an early English Gothic
Cathedral, home to the famous
Magna Carta.
Day 5 > Our route today allows a morning
visit to the riverside town of Tewkesbury,
popular for its medieval streets and
traditional high street full of independent
shops. After lunch we make a short stop
in the ancient city of Worcester before
arriving in our overnight hotel in the
Midlands in plenty of time for dinner.
Day 6 > Midlands to Belfast via Holyhead
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Price
26 Jul
31 Jul
£449
23 Aug
28 Aug
£449
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to Highclere Castle and Jane Austen’s House Museum
•Visits to Broadway, Stow-on-the-
Wold, Windsor, Winchester, Salisbury, Tewkesbury and Worcester
Price Excludes
Day 4 > The highlight of the day is
Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey to TV
viewers, where we see first-hand where
the drama was acted out. The Castle is a
country house in ‘High Elizabethan’ style.
The tour of the Castle’s public rooms
includes the magnificent public main hall,
the library and sitting rooms in addition to
other rooms featured in Downton Abbey.
We return to our hotel via the cathedral
city of Salisbury, famous for its timbered
Jane Austen’s House Museum
86 ENGLAND & WALES
©VisitBritain / James McCormick
©VisitBritain / James McCormick
EMMERDALE, LAST OF
THE SUMMER WINE
& HEARTBEAT COUNTRY
Yorkshire Moors
A real treat for TV soap fans
as we visit many of the muchloved locations featured in
our favourite television series
such as Emmerdale, Last of the
Summer Wine and Heartbeat.
We visit the original home of
Emmerdale, the pretty village
of Esholt, where you are
bound to instantly recognise
‘The Woolpack’. We also visit
Holmfirth, home of Sid’s Café
and Nora Batty’s House, set in
the heart of the breathtaking
scenery found in the Holme
Valley. Last of all we explore
the fictional locations of
Aidensfield where much of
Heartbeat was filmed.
Our base for this tour is the Kimberley
Hotel in the lovely old spa town of
Harrogate. The hotel has 168 en-suite
rooms, all with flat screen TV, hairdryer,
tea/coffee making facilities, free WiFi, a
swimming pool, fitness suite and sauna.
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Yorkshire Village
Day 2 > Today we travel to Esholt, formally
Emmerdale’s ‘Beckindale’, to enjoy a
visit to the original ‘Woolpack’, followed
by a stop in Otley, known as ‘Hotton’ in
Emmerdale. The afternoon is spent in the
market town of Holmfirth where we enjoy
a tour around the film locations used in
Last of the Summer Wine. There is an
opportunity for a “nice cuppa” in
Sid’s Café!
Day3 > Today we take you to some of the
key locations of Heartbeat including Bernie
Scripps Garage and Funeral Parlour and
the train station. There will of course be
time for a drink in the Aidensfield Arms.
The restored Goathland station features
as Aidensfield station. We continue our
journey through the North Yorkshire Moors
to Whitby before returning to our hotel
for dinner.
Day 4 > Harrogate to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Thursday
10.15pm
Price
6 Apr
9 Apr
£289
25 May
28 May
£299
31 Aug
3 Sep
£299
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Blue Badge guided tours
•Visits to Holmfirth, Goathland Station
and Whitby
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 87
BLACKPOOL, BURY MARKET
& LIVERPOOL
Day 5 > We leave Blackpool and travel
to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line.
Central Pier at dusk, Blackpool
DATES & PRICES
Whilst the promenade offers a lovely walk
along the famous Golden Mile and the
award-winning beaches there is more to
be found “just beyond”. For animal lovers
there is Blackpool Zoo and SEA LIFE and
those on a hunt for celebrities can check
out Madame Tussauds.
New for 2015 are day excursions to
the award winning Bury Market* and
the UNESCO World Heritage City
of Liverpool*.
The AA rated three-star Carousel Hotel
in Blackpool is located on the beautifully
renovated Promenade at South Beach
and is in walking distance of Blackpool
Pleasure Beach. The tram system allows
Return
Friday
6.15 pm
Price
4 May
8 May
£269
25 May
29 May
£289
for easy access to all the other Blackpool
attractions. All 92 en-suite bedrooms
have double and king size memory foam
mattresses and flat screen TVs. There is
complimentary WiFi and entertainment
most nights in the Café Bar 663.
15 Jun
19 Jun
£289
6 Jul
10Jul
£289
13 Jul
17 Jul
£289
20 Jul
24 Jul
£289
3 Aug
7 Aug
£299
24 Aug
28 Aug
£299
7 Sep*
11 Sep
£309
ITINERARY
14 Sep*
18 Sep
£309
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Blackpool via
21 Sep*
25 Sep
£309
5 Oct*
9 Oct
£309
Carousel Hotel, Blackpool ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > You have a free day to enjoy the
resort. There is entertainment in the hotel
tonight.
Day 3 > Today we turn south to Liverpool
a UNESCO World Heritage City. Liverpool
has a unique mix of contemporary and
classic architecture, two magnificently
different Cathedrals and of course, the
stunning Liverpool Waterfront plus the
largest collection of museums and galleries
anywhere outside of London.
We return to our hotel in Blackpool,
where there will be entertainment tonight.
Illuminations tours include a coach tour
along the promenade this evening to see
Blackpool’s famous lights. Entertainment
is not provided in the hotel tonight.
Day 4 > We travel to the award-winning
Bury Market today. Located in the heart
of Bury town centre Bury Market is a
traditional Lancashire market boasting
over 350 stalls offering the finest in local
and regional produce, fresh fruit and veg,
fish and meat, fashion, textiles and much,
much more. It is a bargain hunter’s dream!
* Illuminations Tours
Child price available for 1 or 2 children
sharing with 2 adults.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Bury Market and Liverpool
•3 nights entertainment
Price Excludes
Ballroom dancing at
Blackpool Tower Ballroom
©VisitBritain / Jason Knott. Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board
Britain’s favourite beach
resort offers something for
people of all ages. If you are
looking for a holiday filled with
entertainment, see one of the
many pier end shows, a hot ice
show at the Pleasure Beach
or try an evening of glitz and
glamour at the Alabama Show
Bar. The famous Tower is a
must see offering something for
all the family – Jungle Jims,
the fabulous Tower Circus and
Dungeons, and the beautiful
tower ballroom. Don’t forget the
Tower Top Ride where you can
enjoy the amazing views across
Lancashire and the Irish Sea
and test your nerve on the glass
floor walk!
Depart
Monday
6.30am
88 ENGLAND & WALES
EASTBOURNE
& THE SOUTH COAST
Eastbourne is one of England’s most elegant seaside resorts with a
wide promenade extending along the broad shingle beach sheltered
by the cliffs of Beachy Head. Beyond the town the cliff top rises to
the foothills of the South Downs, while the lower promenade leads
to gardens with fine views across the bay to Hastings. Night-time
Eastbourne entertains visitors with summer shows, concerts, ballet
and opera. Our itinerary this year adds Great Dixter House and
Gardens*, Brighton* and Lewes* as well as the old favourites
of Rye and Tenterden.
pilgrimage for horticulturists from across
the world. We continue our travels to
Rye, famous for its antique shops, and
Tenterden, the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ at the
heart of Darling Buds of May country. Our
return journey travels inland via Battle.
Day 6 > We enjoy a half day excursion
to the county town of Sussex – Lewes.
This lovely town is steeped in history and
offers pretty cobbled streets, interesting
shops and is dominated by the Norman
Cathedral. The afternoon is spent back in
Eastbourne.
Day 7 > We leave Eastbourne this morning
and commence our return journey, this
time stopping en-route for a few hours in
the beautiful city of Oxford.
DATES & PRICES
Carpet Gardens
Our hotel is the Best Western York House
Hotel, an elegant Victorian hotel boasting
a stunning seafront position just 400 yards
from Eastbourne pier, 20 yards from the
beach and 10 minutes walk from the town
centre. The hotel has 85 well-appointed
en-suite bedrooms, all with free WiFi. An
indoor heated swimming pool and a unique
open-air sun verandah with comfortable
and contemporary lounges make this a
perfect getaway location.
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Day 2 > We break the second leg of our
outward journey to the south coast with a
few hours around lunchtime in Windsor.
Best Western York House ***
(5 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > A free day to relax in Eastbourne.
There are plenty of things to see and do,
from the 1066 castles to the museums,
and from the parks and gardens to the
many shops.
Day 4 > After breakfast we travel a short
distance up to Beachy Head from where
we get a wonderful view of Eastbourne,
the famous Seven Sisters Cliffs and the
offshore lighthouse. We continue west to
Brighton were we spend the afternoon.
Day 5 > We travel inland this morning for
a full day’s exploration of Eastbourne’s
charming hinterland, calling at Great
Dixter House and Gardens, a place of
Depart
Saturday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
4 Apr
11 Apr
£499
9 May
16 May
£499
6 Jun
13 Jun
£529
11 Jul
18 Jul
£539
8 Aug
15 Aug
£539
5 Sep
12 Sep
£519
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Great Dixter House
and Gardens
•Visits to Oxford, Beachy Head,
Brighton, Rye, Tenterden, Lewes
and Windsor
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 89
BOURNEMOUTH
©Bournmouth Tourism
Dorset & the New Forest
Bournemouth Pier and Seafront
Day 6 > Today is day of leisure in
Portsmouth. Enjoy a mix of history and
heritage, shopping and great restaurants.
A must see attraction is the Historic
Dockyard.
Day 7 > We leave the coast today and
retrace our outward journey to our
overnight hotel in the Midlands.
(1 night D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
We return to the Trouville Hotel, a wellestablished, family-run base for our tour
in the heart of Bournemouth, and just a
few minutes stroll from the town centre
(please note that the hotel is on a hill).
There are 75 en-suite bedrooms each with
TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee
making facilities. There is an indoor leisure
complex that includes a heated indoor
swimming pool and sauna.
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
ITINERARY
13 Jun
20 Jun
£499
Cairnryan.
25 Jul
1 Aug
£499
22 Aug
29 Aug
£519
26 Sep
3 Oct
£499
Day 2 > After breakfast we continue south
at a more leisurely pace, through some of
England’s most picturesque counties, to
our hotel in the centre of Bournemouth.
Trouville Hotel *** (5 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > Today is free to relax, unwind
and get to know the hotel and resort.
Day 4 > We travel west today into Dorset.
Our first stop is Swanage, a traditional
Victorian seaside town set at the heart
of Purbeck and built around a beautiful
bay sheltered from the north by Ballard
Down. Further west is Weymouth, a classic
Victorian resort with an impressive sweep
of Georgian seafront buildings and
busy harbour.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Swanage, Weymouth, New Forest, Lyndhurst, Buckler’s Hard
and Portsmouth
Price Excludes
With seven miles of awardwinning beaches, ‘Britain in
Bloom’ winning gardens and
live evening entertainment,
Bournemouth is one of
England’s top seaside resorts.
Palm tree lined parks and a
compact town centre offer a
shopper’s paradise and you will
never be bored in Bournemouth.
The town is an excellent base to
explore the south coast and our
holiday also includes excursions
exploring the towns of Swanage,
Weymouth, Lyndhurst*, Buckler’s
Hard and Portsmouth and of
course the beautiful New Forest
National Park.
Depart
Saturday
6.30am
Day 5 > We take a delightful route through
the New Forest where, in the midst of
open heathland, we see Olde England
at its best. Our journey takes us to the
delightful village of Lyndhurst, which
was established as a royal hunting
ground in 1079.
The Arcade, Bournemouth
90 ENGLAND & WALES
TORQUAY & THE DEVON
EXPLORER
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to West
Bromwich in the Midlands via Stena Line
ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.
Day 2 > After breakfast we have a leisurely
drive, stopping off in the cathedral city
of Exeter before we reach our hotel in
Torquay in late afternoon.
Day 7 > We leave the Livermead this
morning after breakfast and retrace our
outward journey to our overnight hotel in
the Midlands.
©VisitBritain / David Clapp
ITINERARY
Livermead House Hotel ***
(5 nights D, B&B)
Torquay
This wonderful holiday explores
the very best of Devon, from
maritime cities to smuggler’s
haunts to historic towns,
and is based in the beautiful
resort of Torquay. The town’s
sophisticated style stems from a
period when it was developed as
a fashionable haven for visitors
in the last century.
We also explore outside of the town in all
directions (except south!) with visits to
places such as Dartmoor National Park*,
Buckfast Abbey* and Dartmouth* to name
a few.
Our base for this tour is the Livermead
House Hotel, an elegant hotel built in
1820 on the seafront. The hotel offers
breathtaking sea views and high standards
of service and cuisine, occupying a prime
position overlooking the bay. All rooms are
en-suite with TV, radio, tea/coffee making
facilities, hairdryer, telephones and free
WiFi in public areas. With two outdoor
swimming pools, a grand dining room with
relaxing bar and terraced garden this is the
place to be on a balmy summer evening on
the ‘English Riviera’.
Day 3 > Today is free to relax, unwind
and get to know the hotel and resort.
The hotel’s location allows for a level
walk to the town centre.
Day 4 > This morning we take the ferry
(weather permitting) to the bustling fishing
town of Brixham, where you can discover
its past history or just stroll around
its harbour where yachts and heritage
trawlers jostle for space. After lunch we
head to Totnes, a small market town with
a fascinating history and culture in the
heart of beautiful South Devon at the
head of the Dart Estuary. We arrive back
to Torquay in late afternoon.
Day 5 > We travel past Newton Abbot
and into the Dartmoor National Park
before reaching the National Park Visitor
Centre at Princetown. Newly refurbished
it features new and exciting exhibitions,
displays and discovery zones and a
stunning photography exhibition. After
lunch we continue through the Park to the
Benedictine monastery of Buckfast Abbey
where you will have time to explore at
your leisure.
Day 6 > This morning we travel to Dawlish
– home of the famous black swans. The
journey here will be just as delightful as
the visit following the River Exe we pass
Powderham Castle and Starcross. We
make the short journey to one of Devon’s
oldest resorts – Teignmouth, with an
elegant crescent of Georgian buildings
dating back to the early 1800s. The town
is steeped in maritime history and the
Grand Pier is a beautiful Victorian Pier
for you to relax.
Dartmoor
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
7.15pm
Price
21 Jun
28 Jun
£659
19 Jul
26 Jul
£689
16 Aug
23 Aug
£689
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre
•Visits to Exeter, Brixham, Totnes,
Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey, Dawlish and Teignmouth
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 91
NEWQUAY
land of pirates. From its historic port you
can gaze out to sea at the beauty that is
St. Michael’s Mount.
Day 6 > There is a short trip to the
neighbouring fishing village of Padstow
this morning, where watching the everyday
ebb and flow of harbour life is a perfect
way to spend a few wee hours. We return
to Newquay shortly after lunchtime.
Day 7 > On leaving Newquay, we travel
through Bodmin Moor and on to our
overnight hotel.
Newquay
The Sandy Lodge Hotel is a family-run,
two-star property with a reputation
for good food and a warm, fun-filled
atmosphere. All bedrooms are basic,
comfortable and en-suite. Please note
that some rooms do not have showers –
booking staff will be happy to assist if
you require a shower in your room.
DATES & PRICES
ITINERARY
Depart
Saturday
6.30am
Return
Saturday
7.15pm
Price
9 May
16 May
£449
(1 night D, B&B)
6 Jun
13 Jun
£489
4 Jul
11 Jul
£499
Day 2 > Our journey resumes today and
heads south, through Somerset and Devon,
into Cornwall and our hotel in Newquay.
8 Aug
15 Aug
£499
26 Sep
3 Oct
£459
Cairnryan.
Sandy Lodge ** (5 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > After two days travelling the
length of England, today is free to get to
know the resort.
Day 4 > We start the day with a visit to
the Trebah Garden near Falmouth. Here
you discover the magic of this beautiful
Cornish valley garden with over four
miles of footpath, with exotic blooms
and vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade
down to their own secluded beach on the
Helford River. After lunch we return north
stopping in the cathedral city of Truro, the
retail centre of Cornwall, which boasts an
enviable range of independent shops in a
compact city centre.
Day 5 > Travelling along the coast, we’ll
head first to St. Ives, a gorgeous awardwinning beach town, haven of artists and
creatives for centuries, where you can
wander the sands, browse the fantastic
shops, or pop in to the Barbara Hepworth
Museum and Sculpture Garden. Our final
visit today is at Penzance, famed as the
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Trebah Garden, Truro, St. Ives, Penzance and Padstow
Price Excludes
©VisitBritain / Britain on View
Newquay – the coast of
dreams – represents a rare
mix of wonderful coastlines;
spectacular beaches washed
clean by the Atlantic Ocean,
rock pools teeming with marine
life, crystal-clear sea for a
leisurely swim, soaring cliffs
with magnificent views, and
delightful gardens for tranquil
strolls. The town centre has a
full range of shops and leisure
facilities, a picturesque harbour
and plenty of street side cafés
and bars. We also explore
further afield with visits to the
Trebah Garden* near Falmouth,
Truro, St Ives and Penzance*.
St. Ives
92 ENGLAND & WALES
CORNWALL AT PORTBYHAN
HOTEL, LOOE
Cornwall has so much to offer. It is famous for its seafaring history,
spectacular sandy beaches, gorgeous gardens, dramatic coastline
and captivating fishing harbours. Our base is the bustling working
Cornish fishing port of Looe, which is separated into the two towns
of East and West Looe by the River Looe and is a truly delightful
and picturesque place.
Day 5 > A full day to Plymouth, a vibrant
waterfront city with plenty of attractions
and one of the most beautiful natural
harbours in the world. There is much to
explore here, with the cobbled streets
along the quayside, the merchant houses
and of course, the famous Hoe with its
memorials and memorable views.
Day 7 > On leaving Portbyhan, we travel
past Dartmoor National Park and continue
north to our overnight hotel.
Polperro
ITINERARY
Cairnryan.
Day 2 > Our journey resumes today and
heads south through Somerset and Devon
into Cornwall and our hotel in Portbyhan.
Portbyhan Hotel *** (5 nights D, B&B)
The harbour is steeped in history and
is a “must visit”, and if you are an early
riser you can watch the day’s catch being
auctioned on the quay. If it’s shopping and
dining that you want, the level streets offer
an interesting mix of traditional shops, bars
and restaurants, many of which are located
in buildings dating from the 16th century.
The recently refurbished Portbyhan Hotel,
situated on the quayside and overlooking
the harbour, is our base whilst in Cornwall.
All 44 bedrooms are en-suite with
hairdryer, television and tea/coffee-making
facilities. The majority of rooms have
front or lateral views of the harbour and
town. There is a bar, resident’s lounge,
sun terrace and a lift to all floors.
Day 6 > We have a half-day morning
visit to the fishing village of Polperro.
This traditional Cornish fishing village
enjoys traffic-free narrow winding streets
and lanes, tiny fisherman’s cottages,
a picturesque inner and outer harbour
plus an assorted mixture of quirky and
fascinating shops, cafés and restaurants
(there is a 20 minute walk to/from coach
park to the village).
Smeaton’s Tower,
Plymouth
Day 3 > After two days of travelling we
have a free day for you to get to know
this fishing port. Here you may want to
meander your way through the maze-like
streets and learn the town’s maritime
history.
Day 4 > Our first stop is the Charlestown
Shipwreck and Heritage Centre. The many
and varied exhibitions reflect village life in
Charlestown, its history, shipwrecks and
the once thriving China Clay industry.
In the afternoon we visit the Marsh Villa
Garden, a magical three-acre water
and woodland garden lying in a former
tidal creek. The garden boasts extensive
herbaceous borders and mixed beds,
amongst a charming network of waterways
that drain the Treesmill marsh levels.
*** (1 night D, B&B) 4 Jul only
(1 night D, B&B) 29 Aug only
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
7.15pm
Price
28 Jun
5 Jul
£649
23 Aug
30 Aug
£689
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre and Marsh
Villa Garden
•Visits to Plymouth and Polperro
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 93
CARDIFF & SOUTH WALES
Please note, all attractions are fully accessible
but there are areas of uneven surfaces.
Day 5 > We leave Cardiff this morning
and drive towards the English border. We
follow the Wye Valley passing Tintern
Abbey and cross from Monmouthshire in
Wales to Herefordshire in England, where
we stop around lunchtime in the cathedral
city of Hereford. In the afternoon we
continue through Elgar’s Malvern Hills,
with a short stop in Worcester before
arriving at our final hotel in the Midlands.
*** (1 night D, B&B) 31st May
(1 night D, B&B) 5th July
Blaenavon
There is a diversity of places and interests
just waiting for you to enjoy, all within
easy access of the hotel. Visit the modern
shopping centres next to the Victorian
arcades or even try out the regenerated
Dr Who Experience.
Our itinerary also explores the South
Wales coastline with a visit to pretty
Tenby en-route to Cardiff. We travel to
Blaenavon to visit its World Heritage
Centre, Ironworks and the Big Pit, and
finish off with visits through the Wye
Valley and the Malvern Hills.
The Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre Hotel
is situated next to the stunning Cardiff
Castle and Millennium Stadium. The hotel
has 157 en-suite bedrooms with flat screen
TV, air-conditioning, telephone, tea/coffee
making facilities, iron and hairdryer.
ITINERARY
Day 6 > The Midlands to Belfast via
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Wexford.
Overnight: Maldron Hotel & Leisure
Club, Wexford *** (1 night D, B&B)
Day 2 > We have an early start to catch
the Irish Ferries sailing from Rosslare to
Pembroke in south Wales. We spend the
middle of the day in the charming seaside
resort of Tenby before completing our
journey to Cardiff and our city centre
base for the next three nights.
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > We make the short journey to
St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life,
which is home to more than 40 original
buildings from all over Wales – they have
been carefully dismantled, re-erected and
conserved at this open-air museum. We
return to Cardiff in early afternoon where
you are free to explore some of its many
attractions.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
9.30am
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Price
31 May
5 Jun
£399
5 Jul
10 Jul
£419
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon Ironworks and
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
•Visits to Tenby and Hereford
Price Excludes
Day 4 > Turning north today we visit the
Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, where
there are many interactive exhibitions to
find out about the history and heritage
of the site. Next we visit the Blaenavon
Ironworks, built in 1789, where you can
view the extensive remains of the blast
furnaces, cast houses and water
balance tower.
The final visit today is the Big Pit: National
Coal Museum. Here we experience tours
with real miners and venture 300 feet
below ground.
©VisitBritain/ Simon Winnall
Cardiff is really a wonderful
place. It may be 2,000 years
old but it has, in many ways,
embraced its role as a truly
modern European city and
proud capital of Wales. From
the grandeur of the 19th century
Cardiff Castle to the renowned
Millennium Centre and the
vibrant waterfront development
of Cardiff Bay, there is something
to suit all tastes in this great city.
Cardiff Castle
94 ENGLAND & WALES
©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel
CRICCIETH & WEST COAST
OF WALES
Day 5 > We enjoy a leisurely breakfast
before commencing our return journey,
this time travelling through the Snowdonia
National Park and down the beautiful
Pass of Llanberis en-route to Holyhead,
where we catch the early afternoon ferry
to Dublin port. From there we take the
tunnel and motorway north to arrive back
in Belfast at around 7.15pm.
Harlech Castle
The charming, unspoiled resort
of Criccieth, ‘the Pearl of Wales’,
is located where the Snowdonia
National Park meets Cardigan
Bay on the sheltered southern
edge of the Lleyn Peninsula
– the boyhood home of David
Lloyd George. It lies just five
miles from the bustling town
of Porthmadog and a further
two miles from the outstanding
Portmeirion Italianate village.
Railway access made the scenic Welsh
coast a popular destination for Victorian
seaside holidaymakers and today Criccieth
retains much of the charm of that
elegant era.
The Lion Hotel is situated on the village
green overlooking the bay and today it
still enjoys a well-earned reputation for a
traditional warm welcome and personal
service, making it a great base for a restful
holiday in a particularly beautiful part
of North Wales. There is a comfortable
restaurant, a cocktail bar and a recently
refurbished lounge-bar with a little live
entertainment on selected evenings. All
bedrooms are en-suite with TV, direct-dial
telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making
facilities. There is a lift. (It is not a big hotel
and some guests may be accommodated in
the adjacent Castle View Cottage.)
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Criccieth
via Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead with
Stena Line.
Lion Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > The Lleyn Peninsula is an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
with numerous sandy bays, coves and
small harbours. It is also a region with a
strong cultural heritage where the Welsh
language is widely spoken and today
we explore both the landscape and the
heritage. We travel out to Abersoch
returning to Pwllheli around lunchtime.
We visit Lloyd George’s boyhood home
in Llanystumdwy on our return journey
to the hotel.
Day 3 > We visit stunning Harlech Castle
this morning. From its high vantage point
we can look back across the bay towards
our base in Criccieth and to Porthmadog,
where we spend a little time in the
afternoon.
Day 4 > This morning we visit Portmeirion,
a unique village on the shore, built by the
architect Clough Williams-Ellis as a ‘tribute
to the Mediterranean’. Today this Italianate
fantasy, best known as ‘The Village’ in the
1960’s cult TV series ‘The Prisoner’, is
one of Wales’ top tourist destinations.
Portmeirion is also home to the popular
pottery, with a seconds outlet shop.
We spend the afternoon relaxing back
in Criccieth.
Portmeirion
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
9.30am
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Price
15 Jun
19 Jun
£369
24 Aug
28 Aug
£379
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Lleyn Peninsula, Pwllheli, Llanystumdwy, Harlech Castle, Porthmadog, Portmeirion and Snowdonia National Park.
Price Excludes
ENGLAND & WALES 95
LLANDUDNO
DATES & PRICES
We are once again based in the four-star
St. George’s Hotel situated on the
promenade. All 76 bedrooms are en-suite
with LCD TVs, tea/coffee making facilities,
iron and ironing board with trouser press
and hairdryer. Free WiFi is available in
public areas.
Price
1 Jun
5 Jun
£479
13 Jul
17 Jul
£489
3 Aug
7 Aug
£489
31 Aug
4 Sep
£469
ITINERARY
Day 1 > Europa Buscentre to Llandudno via
Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead with
Stena Line.
St. George’s Hotel ****
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Today we head to the market town
of Conwy. The highlight of the town is the
imposing Conwy Castle with its impressive
battlement views and the circuit of walls
that feature no less than 22 guard towers.
We continue to the Isle of Anglesey and
Beaumaris. Beaumaris is a well-known
historic town on the Menai Strait with its
medieval castle dating back to the reign
of Edward I and its Victorian pier, gaol
and courthouse.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Conwy, Beaumaris, Bodnant Gardens, Llangollen, Llanberis Pass and Caernarfon
Price Excludes
Llandudno
Day 3 > We leave the coast today
and travel inland, stopping first at the
wonderful Bodnant Gardens, an aweinspiring collection of plants from all
over the world, set in 80 acres of
extensive lawns, impressive terraces
and wooded valleys, with spectacular
views over Snowdonia (please note some
areas of the gardens have steep inclines).
Afterwards we traverse the breathtaking
Horseshoe Pass stopping in Llangollen
before heading back towards the coast.
©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel
There’s so much to do in Llandudno.
Take a walk along the longest pier in
Wales, ride on Britain’s only cableoperated tram to the summit of the
Great Orme or explore the Bronze Age
copper mine. Llandudno Museum is well
worth a visit and shopaholics will love the
Victoria shopping centre and its Victorian
tea rooms. Itineraries include a return
to the ever popular Bodnant Gardens
and Llangollen, and the new additions
of Beaumaris* and Conwy*.
Return
Friday
7.15pm
Llandudno
Llandudno is Wales’s largest
seaside resort, yet retains
an air of elegance. The
impressive Promenade adds
to the Victorian charm of the
town. There are two beautiful
beaches, both set against the
picturesque backdrop of the
Snowdonia Mountains. Here
you will find all the traditional
seaside attractions you‘d
expect, like Punch and Judy
shows and fantastic fish
and chips.
Depart
Monday
9.00am
Day 4 > We have a short morning excursion
to Caernarfon via the spectacular
Llanberis Pass. You can spend your time
exploring the town walls or even take a
visit to the impressive castle or Segontium
Roman Fort. We return to the hotel just
after lunchtime.
Day 5 > Llandudno to Belfast via the
Stena Line crossing from Holyhead to
Dublin Port.
Caernarfon Castle
96 SCOTLAND
D
N
A
L
T
SCO
SKY E
Por t re e
I nver n ess
Av i em o re
BARRA
C ai r n go r m s
Natio n al Par k
ABERDEEN
Fo r tw i l l i am
To berm ory
Pi tl o c h r y
MULL
O ba n
I nve ra ry
Tro ss ac h s
Natio n al Par k
S ti r l i n g
D unoo n
Lar g s
Pai s l ey
EDINBURGH
GLASGOW
Tro o n
Ay r
Du m f r ies
Gretn a
SCOTLAND 97
BURNS NIGHT AT THE
GRETNA HALL HOTEL
Celebrate Burns Night in
the right place… Scotland.
January 25th marks the annual
celebration of Scotland’s
national poet Robert Burns.
The day also celebrates Burns’
contribution to Scottish culture;
his best known work is ‘Auld
Lang Syne’.
Our hotel is the Gretna Hall, set in 10
acres of beautiful gardens offering all
the character of a substantial historical
building with all the facilities you would
expect from a contemporary hotel. All
100 en-suite bedrooms have Freeview
and free WiFi. There are also two nights
in-house entertainment in the hotel.
ITINERARY
Gretna via the mid-morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan. A wee dram of whisky
awaits us on arrival.
Gretna Hall Hotel ***
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We spend the day in Glasgow,
Scotland’s second city. We return to the
hotel in plenty of time for the traditional
Burns supper, which includes the
“addressing of the haggis” and
Scottish speakers.
Day 3 > Today we depart after breakfast
and travel to Edinburgh for a free day in
the capital.
Day 4 > Gretna to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Saturday
10.30am
Return
Tuesday
6.15pm
Price
24 Jan
27 Jan
£259
TURKEY & TINSEL IN DUNOON
The town of Dunoon provides
the perfect base to discover the
beautiful scenery around the
Cowal Peninsula and the Argyll
Highlands. For the hearty souls
you can stroll the Promenade,
explore the historic pier and
gardens, or simply sit back,
relax and watch the stunning
seascapes. Dinner each evening
will have a Christmas theme
followed by entertainment
on three evenings.
to arrive at our hotel in Dunoon where
a welcome tea/coffee awaits us before
settling down for dinner.
ITINERARY
Day 4 > We visit Inveraray today whose
history goes back to when it was made a
Royal Burgh in 1638.
Day 1 > We leave Belfast and catch
the mid-morning sailing from Larne to
Cairnryan. We journey north turning inland
Best Western Argyll Hotel ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
9.00am
Return
Friday
6.15pm
Price
23 Nov
27 Nov
£289
Day 2 > A full day in Glasgow.
Day 3 > Today we take a scenic
meandering drive to Loch Lomond, passing
the famous ‘Rest and be Thankful’ summit
on our way to the small picturesque
village of Luss, once the set for the TV
programme “Take the High Road”. We
continue to Helensburgh before we make
our return journey back to Dunoon. Father
Christmas visits tonight after dinner!
Inverary Castle
Day 5 > We stop in Ayr before catching
the mid-afternoon sailing back to Belfast.
98 SCOTLAND
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast and travel on
the early morning Stena Line ferry to
Cairnryan. Our first stop today is at the
Visit Scotland four-star rated Summerlee
Museum of Scottish Industrial Life.
Here you discover Scotland’s mining past
through various displays, a reconstructed
mine and miner’s cottage. There is even
an historic working tramway.
Alona Hotel, Motherwell ****
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Today is a full day at the Royal
Highland Show. We will return to our
hotel in time for dinner.
One of the most popular events in the UK since 1822, Scotland’s
premier Agricultural Show attracts visitors from all over the world
to the show grounds at Ingliston, just to the west of Edinburgh.
Not one single thing makes this show popular as it offers an eclectic mix of the expected
and unexpected. ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ is also the UK’s best agricultural show with
a magnificent display of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, horses, poultry and much,
much more!
This year, our base is the Alona Hotel, set within the grounds of the idyllic Strathclyde
Country Park and on the banks of the loch, and just 45 minutes from the showgrounds.
All 51 en-suite bedrooms have Freeview TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and
free WiFi.
Day 3 > We leave our scenic location
today and make a stop at the Braehead
Shopping Centre where you will have a
couple of hours to do some last minute
shopping before we return to Cairnryan
for the mid-afternoon sailing back
to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
6.30am
Return
Sunday
6.15pm
Price
19 Jun
21 Jun
£259
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to the Royal Highland Show
•Visits to Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life and Braehead Shopping Centre
Price Excludes
SCOTLAND 99
EASTER IN DUNOON
Let us take you away from the
rigour and hassles of Easter
by enjoying this five-day break
to Dunoon which nestles
on the shores of the Firth of
Clyde amongst forests, lochs
and mountains. Our base, the
three-star Esplanade Hotel in
Dunoon, enjoys a lovely location
and is known as the ‘Gateway to
the Isles’. It is arguably the most
beautiful location in Scotland
with lochs, glens, and pretty
villages at every turn.
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast and catch
the mid-morning sailing from Larne to
Cairnryan. We journey north, hugging the
coast, stopping in Largs before arriving in
our hotel in Dunoon where a welcome tea/
coffee awaits us before settling down
for dinner.
Esplanade Hotel, Dunoon ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > After breakfast, we travel to
Glasgow where we make a short visit to
its impressive Cathedral before settling
into the city for a day of exploration at your
own pace. On our return to the hotel we
are greeted with hot cross buns and tea/
coffee before dinner.
Day 3 > Today we have a scenic drive past
Loch Eck to the shores of Loch Fyne to the
pretty white-walled town of Inveraray
followed by a visit to Oban – the principal
town on the west coast.
Day 4 > We have a day of leisure today in
Dunoon and enjoy a three-course Easter
lunch in the hotel.
Dinner tonight is a light buffet.
Day 5 > We return inland via Ayr to
Cairnryan for the mid-afternoon sailing
back to Belfast.
Dunollie Castle, Oban
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Thursday
9.00am
Return
Monday
6.15pm
Price
2 Apr
6 Apr
£349
Price Includes
•Easter Sunday lunch
•Through coaching
•Visits to Largs, Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow, Inveraray, Oban and Ayr
Price Excludes
•No single room supplement
GRETNA HALL
BARGAIN BREAK
Gretna, home of clandestine
marriages, is easily accessible
from Northern Ireland and is an
ideal location for this Bargain
Break. Scotland’s two main
cities are within easy reach and
the ancient town of Dumfries is
a short drive away.
For this tour we are based in the Gretna
Hall Hotel. All 100 en-suite bedrooms have
Freeview TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making
facilities and free WiFi. There is also two
nights’ in-house entertainment in the hotel.
ITINERARY
ferry to Cairnryan.
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > After a relaxing breakfast you
have a free morning to investigate the
town. After lunchtime we make the short
journey to Dumfries, an ancient town that
has a compact centre and has long been
the main centre of this region.
the capital.
Dumfries
Day 4 > A full day to explore Glasgow.
Day 5 > Gretna to Belfast via Cairnryan
with Stena Line.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
10.30am
Return
Friday
6.15pm
Price
30 Mar
3 Apr
£299
13 Apr
17 Apr
£319
19 Oct
23 Oct
£299
100 SCOTLAND
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH
MILITARY TATTOO
Each summer, the imposing
silhouette of Edinburgh
Castle provides a spectacular
backdrop as the world-famous
Edinburgh Royal Military
Tattoo gets underway on the
esplanade below.
Our tour this year is based in the Alona
Hotel, set within the grounds of the idyllic
Strathclyde Country Park and on the banks
of the loch. All 51 en-suite bedrooms have
DATES & PRICES
ITINERARY
Return
Sunday
6.15pm
Price
International performers mix with the
Depart
Friday
6.30am
7 Aug
9 Aug
£299
14 Aug
16 Aug
£299
more traditional favourites such as
Highland Dancing, the massed bands
of the Royal Marines and the Band of
the Royal Regiment of Scotland, in a
vibrant and action packed show like no
other. High on the ramparts of the Half
Moon Battery, the poignant lament of
the Lone Piper brings in the last duty
call of the day.
As well as the Tattoo we visit the
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum*
on day one. The museum is a Recognised
Collection of National Significance with
displays that are extensive and wideranging. On day three we have allowed
some shopping time in Braehead*
before catching the return ferry home.
morning Stena Line sailing to Cairnryan.
On arrival in Glasgow we visit the
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum,
which has 22 themed galleries displaying
an astonishing 8,000 objects. We will
arrive in our hotel in plenty of time
for dinner.
Day 2 > After breakfast we travel directly
to Edinburgh where you have the day free
to spend at your own leisure. The coach
will transfer you to the castle for the
Military Tattoo at 7.30pm (to be confirmed).
You will return back to our hotel straight
after the performance. Dinner is not
provided today.
Day 3 > We leave our scenic location
today and make a stop at the Braehead
Shopping Centre where you will have a
couple of hours to do some last minute
shopping before we return to Cairnryan for
the mid-afternoon sailing back to Belfast.
Price Includes
•2 nights bed and breakfast, 1 dinner
•Through coaching
•Admission to the Military Tattoo
•Visits to Kelvingrove Art Gallery
and Museum and Braehead
Shopping Centre
Price Excludes
SCOTLAND 101
HISTORIC CENTRAL
SCOTLAND
The tour is based in the Alona Hotel
set within the grounds of the idyllic
Strathclyde Country Park and on the banks
of the loch. All 51 en-suite bedrooms have
facilities and free WiFi. The Glasshouse
restaurant and bar has a laid-back
atmosphere with its unique architecture.
The hotel also has a custom-built atrium
overlooking the loch.
Day 3 > Today we visit ‘Auld Reekie’, an
affectionate local name for the beautiful
city of Edinburgh. On arrival we visit the
National Museum of Scotland where you
can explore the diversity of the natural
world, world cultures, art and design,
science and technology and Scottish
history, all in one amazing building.
The rest of the day is free to explore
Scotland’s capital city at your own leisure.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admission to Stirling Castle and National Museum of Scotland
•Visits to Paisley Abbey, Trossachs National Park, Aberfoyle, Callander and Edinburgh
Price Excludes
©Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT
We explore the Trossachs National Park,
otherwise known as “Rob Roy Country”,
stopping in Aberfoyle and also Stirling
Castle where Robert the Bruce held
parliament until 1326 with the castle as his
stronghold. Stirling was surpassed as the
capital to the east by Edinburgh in 1633,
and it is here where you can explore both
the city and Scotland’s historical past with
a visit to the National Museum of Scotland.
There is of course its outstanding selection
of shops!
We then continue past the National
Wallace Monument into ‘Rob Roy’ country
through the beautiful forest-covered
hills of the Trossachs National Park,
passing through Callander before calling
in to Aberfoyle, a charming village at
the gateway of the Trossachs. Our return
journey takes through the Strathblane Hills.
Day 4 > We leave our hotel after breakfast
to catch the afternoon sailing back to
Belfast from Cairnryan.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Thursday
6.15pm
Price
1 Jun
4 Jun
£349
6 Jul
9 Jul
£379
3 Aug
6 Aug
£379
31 Aug
3 Sep
£349
Trossachs National Park
©Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT
This tour follows in the footsteps
of Scotland’s greatest heroes
and explores its historic past
with visits to Paisley and two
of its most important cities
– Stirling and Edinburgh –
allowing you to experience the
history and natural splendour
of Central Scotland.
ITINERARY
On our way to Motherwell we visit Paisley
Abbey, cradle of the Royal House of
Stewart. It is believed that the monks of
the Abbey educated William Wallace,
who played a prominent part in the Wars
of Independence in the 13th century. We
continue onto our hotel in plenty of time
for dinner.
(3 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Our first stop today is Stirling
Castle which was the favourite residence
of the Stuart Kings and is where Mary
Queen of Scots was crowned in 1542.
Stirling Castle
102 SCOTLAND
©Britainonview / - Britain on View
GRETNA: EDINBURGH
& THE BORDER COUNTRY
Gretna Green
On this tour we explore the
south-east of Scotland where
you can fall under the spell
of the beauty and enthralling
history of the Scottish Borders.
Here we discover a gentler
pace of life amid the sweeping
valleys, emerald forests and
heather-clad moorlands of this
outstanding part of the world.
We are based in Gretna Green, which
for 250 years has been associated with
clandestine marriages and is still one of
the world’s most popular wedding
locations. No tour would be the same
without a visit to Edinburgh, the inspiring
capital of Scotland, where centuries of
history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city
in an unforgettable setting. To complete
our border experience we cross into
England and explore the neighbouring
Tyne Valley visiting both Carlisle
and Hexham.
From 1792, Gretna Hall was a coaching
inn and was the first stop coaches made
as they crossed the border. Built in 1710
as a manor house, the hotel is set in 10
acres of beautiful gardens offering all
the character of a substantial historical
building with all the facilities you would
expect from a contemporary hotel. All
100 en-suite bedrooms have Freeview
and free WiFi. There is also two nights’
in-house entertainment in the hotel.
ITINERARY
ferry to Cairnryan.
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > We take the scenic route today to
the border towns of Scotland. We journey
through the “Devil’s Beef Tub” to view
the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, the fifth
highest in the UK and romanticised by
Sir Walter Scott. We also pass St. Mary’s
Loch to Melrose boasting a fine Abbey
where the heart of Robert the Bruce is
said to be buried. From here we follow the
dramatic River Tweed to Dryburgh Abbey,
the burial site of Sir Walter Scott, and the
Tweed Valley to the Ancient and Royal
Burgh of Peebles. We continue through the
Southern Uplands to Moffat, an attractive
town and conservation area with a rich
heritage, history and thriving cultural
creative scene.
the capital.
Day 4 > We cross the border into England
with a morning visit to Carlisle where
you enjoy some free time visiting the
city centre and exploring perhaps the
Cathedral and the Castle.
We continue on to Hexham, an historic
town in the heart of the Tyne Valley. Here
you could visit Hexham Abbey, built
around 675 AD, and the 14th century
Hexham Old Gaol, the oldest purpose-
Edinburgh Castle
built prison in England, or enjoy the many
antique and curio shops that this modernday, bustling, market town has to offer.
Day 5 > We stop off at Devil’s Porridge,
a former WWI munitions factory, before
catching the return sailing to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
10.30am
Return
Friday
6.15pm
Price
25 May
29 May
£339
22 Jun
26 Jun
£349
13 Jul
17 Jul
£349
24 Aug
28 Aug
£349
21 Sep
25 Sep
£329
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Melrose, Dryburgh Abbey, Moffat, Edinburgh, Carlisle
and Hexham
Price Excludes
SCOTLAND 103
GREAT TRAIN JOURNEYS
OF SCOTLAND
The north of Scotland is blessed with some wonderfully scenic
railway lines. Visit the heart of the Highlands and ride the famous
West Highland line from Mallaig to Fort William, take a trip on the
charming Strathspey Steam Railway and enjoy a breathtaking run
from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh.
Our hotel on this railway journey is the three-star Victorian Nethybridge Hotel, which
is situated amidst the splendour of the Cairngorm Mountains and the lushly wooded
Strathspey. All 69 en-suite bedrooms have TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities.
There is a restaurant, bar and lift to all floors.
in Fort William for the return journey to
Nethy Bridge.
Day 5 > We leave our hotel today and
make a stop at the Braehead Shopping
Centre where you will have a couple of
hours to do some last minute shopping
before we return to Cairnryan for the
mid-afternoon sailing back to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
14 Sep
18 Sep
£499
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Railway journeys on the Kyle of Lochalsh, Strathspey Steam Railway and Jacobite Steam Train
Kinchurdy Bridge
Price Excludes
ITINERARY
We journey north past Glasgow and Perth,
skirting through the Cairngorms before
arriving in our hotel in plenty of time
for dinner.
Nethybridge Hotel ***
(4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Today we travel west to Inverness
to catch the train to the Kyle of Lochalsh,
one of the world’s most scenic rail
journeys. The views from the window
are worth the fare alone but no matter
where you are along its 80 miles, historic
Scotland is only a few metres away. On
arrival we have an hour to enjoy the views
across Loch Aish to the Isle of Skye before
boarding the train for the return journey.
Day 3 > We have a more relaxing day
today with a round trip on the wonderful
Strathspey Steam Railway, a throwback
to the days of steam from yesteryear.
We travel to Aviemore to catch our train
which steams it way through Boat of
Garten and on to Broomhill, a nostalgic
20 mile round trip along part of the original
Highland Railway. As the train passes over
moorland, through woodlands and by great
sweeps of the River Spey, the Cairngorm
Mountains provide a backcloth to the
fantastic scenery.
Day 4 > After breakfast we drive along the
shores of Loch Ness passing through and
onward to the charming fishing village of
Mallaig. We spend lunchtime here before
boarding the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort
William and travel on one of the most
spectacular railway journeys in the world,
where you’ll gaze at the stunning Highland
scenery and mountains. With a short stop
at Glenfinnan, we’ll travel over the 21-arch
Glenfinnan viaduct with stunning views
down Loch Shiel. Our coach meets us
Jacobite Steam Train
104 SCOTLAND
LOCH LOMOND
& THE HIGHLANDS
Drymen, just north of Glasgow
at the foot of Loch Lomond,
where the “high road meets the
low road”, makes it the perfect
base to explore Loch Lomond’s
shores, the Trossachs and the
historic cities of Stirling
and Edinburgh.
We offer a variety of itineraries throughout
the off-peak season, designed to show
both the natural beauty of the region and
the culture and hospitality of the people
RUGBY
INTERNATIONAL
SCOTLAND V
IRELAND
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave
Belfast on the
mid-morning Stena
Line ferry to Cairnryan
arriving in good time
for dinner.
The year at the Winnock ends on a high
note with a Turkey Tinsel tour in December.
The Winnock Hotel was originally an 18th
century inn and has successfully blended
old style with modern facilities. All 73
en-suite bedrooms come with TV and tea/
coffee facilities.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
LONG WEEKENDS
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast on the midmorning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan.
There is a welcome drink before dinner
tonight. There is a free bar* in the hotel
each night from 7.30pm until 10.30pm
(on selected brands in association
with Carlsberg). Tonight we welcome
a storytelling presentation including
weaponry display and highland dress.
Winnock Hotel *** (3 nights D, B&B)
Winnock Hotel ***
Day 2 > After a leisurely breakfast we
travel to Murrayfield Stadium arriving
around lunchtime. Kick-off is at 2.30pm
(match ticket included). After the
match there will be time to enjoy
dinner (not provided) in the city
before we return to the hotel.
Day 3 > The coach leaves Drymen
after a late breakfast and retraces
our outward journey.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
10.30am
Return
Sunday
6.15pm
Price
20 Mar
22 Mar
£249
who live there. There are gardening, castle
and a series of all-inclusive long weekend
breaks with a party atmosphere in late
winter and spring. We are also delighted
to be returning for the Scotland vs Ireland
6 Nations Rugby match in March.
Day 2 > Today we drive through the
beautiful Trossachs, which takes us
through Aberfoyle and then via Loch
Katrine to Callander for some time to
explore. Later we visit Stirling, the ancient
capital of Scotland. The old town is like
a walk through history with the castle,
church of the Holy Rude and so much
more. Entertainment follows
dinner tonight.
Day 3 > Enjoy spectacular scenery as we
make our way to the pretty white-walled
town of Inveraray on the shore of Loch
Fyne. After lunch we visit the pretty village
of Luss on the edge of Loch Lomond, the
setting of the TV soap ‘Take The High
Road’. There is entertainment tonight.
Glasgow where we spend a couple of
hours before taking the Stena Line ferry
from Cairnryan to Belfast.
* Disclaimer for all-inclusive free bar.
Under the terms of the Licensing (Scotland)
Act 2005, the supply of alcoholic drinks in the
hotel’s all-inclusive package is not unlimited.
Subject to the hotel’s discretion in the case
of drunkenness, patrons on an all-inclusive
package shall be permitted a maximum of
£15 worth of alcoholic drinks per day as part
of the package.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
10.30am
Return
Monday
6.15pm
Price
6 Feb
9 Feb
£239
20 Feb
23 Feb
£239
6 Mar
9 Mar
£249
27 Mar
30 Mar
£269
24 Apr
27 Apr
£299
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Free bar each evening from 7.30pm
to 10.30pm
•Visits to Trossachs, Callander, Glasgow Stirling, Inveraray and Luss
Price Excludes
SCOTLAND 105
CASTLE &
GARDENS TOUR
ITINERARY
Day 1 > We leave Belfast on the midmorning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan and
reach our hotel in time to freshen up before
dinner. There is a traditional Scottish
Céilidh tonight.
Day 2 > It is off to Edinburgh today
where we visit the Royal Botanic Garden.
With 70 acres of beautifully landscaped
grounds, the Botanics capture the
imagination of everyone who visits and
is world renowned for its horticultural
excellence (entrance to glasshouse is
extra). The afternoon is free to explore this
fine city. Following dinner there will be an
evening of Scottish entertainment.
Day 3 > After a full Scottish breakfast
we visit Stirling Castle followed by a
storytelling cruise, with lunch, on Loch
Katrine aboard the SS Sir Walter Scott.
Back in the hotel tonight the evening
dinner is followed by Scottish Folk Songs!
Day 4 > We have a beautiful scenic drive
and a ferry journey to the Isle of Bute. Here
we visit the dramatically gothic Mount
Stuart House and Gardens before making
our way back by ferry to the mainland.
We will arrive back at the hotel in plenty
of time for a mouth-watering dinner!
Day 5 > Time to leave Drymen. We stop
in Glasgow where we spend a couple of
hours before taking the Stena Line ferry
from Cairnryan to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
10.30am
Return
Friday
6.15pm
Price
25 May
29 May
£429
5 Oct
9 Oct
£439
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Cruise and lunch on Loch Katrine
•Admissions to Royal Botanic Garden, Stirling Castle, Mount Stuart House and Gardens
•Visits to Edinburgh, Trossachs, Callander, Stirling, Inveraray, Luss
and Glasgow
Price Excludes
Stirling Castle
TURKEY & TINSEL
ITINERARY
We leave Belfast on the mid-morning
Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. There is
a free bar in the hotel each night from
7.30pm to 10.30pm. Tonight there is an
evening of Song and Dance.
We have a full day in Edinburgh today
where you can visit the Christmas markets.
On arrival at the hotel there is a Christmas
Day Dinner with all the trimmings and
a visit from Santa Claus who’ll be
delivering presents!
Day 3 > Hogmanay
Enjoy spectacular scenery as we make
our way to the pretty white-walled town
of Inveraray on the shore of Loch Fyne.
After lunch we visit the pretty village of
Luss on the edge of Loch Lomond, the
setting of the TV soap ‘Take The High Road’.
This evening is the Hogmanay Dinner
featuring perfectly roasted local sirloin
of beef followed by a Scottish Night
with Auld Lang Syne and the pipes.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Friday
10.30am
Return
Monday
6.15pm
Price
Day 4 > After a leisurely breakfast
we return to Cairnryan for the sailing
to Belfast.
4 Dec
7 Dec
£269
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Free bar (see page 104)
•Visit to Edinburgh, Inveraray
and Luss
Price Excludes
106 SCOTLAND
HIGHLANDS WHISKY
TASTING
Day 4 > This excursion to Fort William
takes us along the shores of Loch Laggan,
famed as one of the locations used for the
filming of the television series Monarch of
the Glen. We continue on to Fort William
on the shore of Loch Linnhe and in the
shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest
mountain. This afternoon is at leisure to
explore at your own pace. There are a
number of excellent attractions within
the town including the West Highland
Museum and the Ben Nevis distillery.
There is entertainment in the hotel tonight.
Day 5 > We return to Cairnryan for the
evening sailing back to Belfast but we
make a welcome stop in Stirling on our
journey home.
The Highlands of Scotland
not only offer an amazing
landscape but they produce
a great many variations of
Scotch whisky. With this tour
we are exploring the Highlands
with visits to the “capital” at
Inverness, the spectacular
– no matter the time of year –
Cairngorm National Park and
Fort William. We have arranged
a tour of Dalwhinnie Distillery
where the tasting can consist of
both whisky and chocolates!
The Highlander Hotel is in the centre of the
Highlands in Scotland. The hotel consists
of two main areas, the recently refurbished
public areas with a reception, comfortable
lounge, bar and restaurant and the second
area where you will find the bedrooms.
All 85 bedrooms are located opposite
(externally) to the public areas and have
good amenities including hairdryer, TV
and tea/coffee making facilities. Although
the hotel does not have a lift, all of the
public areas and many of the bedrooms
are on the ground floor with the remaining
bedrooms on the first floor.
ITINERARY
Day 1 >We leave Belfast this morning
on the early morning Stena Line ferry
to Cairnryan. Travelling north we
proceed past Glasgow and Perth before
driving through the western edge of the
Cairngorms National Park. We are greeted
at the hotel with a welcome of tea
and biscuits.
Highlander Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > Today we travel through Aviemore
and onto the “Highland Capital” of
Inverness where we spend the day. The
city boasts a number of historic buildings
in the Old Town that can be appreciated
while browsing the shops. There is also a
great selection of places to eat and drink.
There is entertainment in the hotel tonight.
Day 3 > Our journey today takes us north
through the Cairngorms National Park
through Grantham-on-Spey to Tomintoul,
the highest village in the Highlands.
Turning south we pass by Braemar before
reaching Pitlochry, a popular town with
great scenery and home to Scotland’s
smallest distillery. Before we return to
our hotel we pay a visit to Dalwhinnie
Distillery for a tour and a taste! Light
entertainment follows dinner in the
hotel tonight.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
23 Feb
27 Feb
£319
23 Mar
27 Mar
£319
19 Oct
23 Oct
£329
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•3 free drink vouchers per night
•Visits to Inverness, Cairngorm National Park, Pitlochry, Tomintoul, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Fort William, Loch Laggan and Stirling
Price Excludes
•No single room supplement
SCOTLAND 107
CARRBRIDGE
& THE CAIRNGORMS
Carrbridge nestles in the very heart of the Scottish Highlands,
surrounded by beautiful mountain and moorland scenery, and is
the site of the oldest stone bridge in the area. This small community
is perfect for those wishing to experience a taste of the true
Highland atmosphere.
Carrbridge
This largely unspoilt upland boasts four of Britain’s five highest mountains and is home to
a quarter of the UK’s threatened wildlife. On this tour we explore both the highland’s past
and present, visiting the folk museum and Scotland’s only funicular railway, and some of its
historical towns and villages.
The family-owned Carrbridge Hotel is situated inside the Cairngorms National Park. All the
bedrooms are en-suite and come with TV and tea/coffee making facilities. As the main part
of the hotel was built in 1803 rooms vary in shape and size.
Day 5 > We say goodbye to the
Cairngorms today. We break our journey
en-route before catching the evening Stena
Line sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
4 May
8 May
£339
15 Jun
19 Jun
£359
13 Jul
17 Jul
£379
10 Aug
14 Aug
£379
Carrbridge
ITINERARY
Day 1 >We leave Belfast and travel to
Gretna via the early morning Stena Line
ferry to Cairnryan. A wee dram of whisky
awaits us on arrival.
Carrbridge Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > A day of wonderful views today!
We travel to the Black Isle for a spot
of dolphin watching (if our luck is in!).
We then spend the rest of the morning
exploring this scenic peninsula before
settling in for an afternoon of leisure in
Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands.
The city is small and compact and so easy
to explore, visit the Inverness Museum
and Art Gallery (not included) or shop
for gifts in the variety of shops in the
city centre.
Day 3 > Our first stop today is the
Speyside Cooperage, the only working
cooperage in the UK where you can
experience the ancient art of coopering.
We continue to Elgin, which lies on the
south coast of the Moray Firth and offers
breathtaking scenery. After lunch we
continue our journey parallel to the coast
before turning inland at Nairn, where we
make a brief stop.
Day 4 > We start the day with a visit to
the Highland Folk Museum where you
will discover the working conditions and
domestic life of days gone by. We move
on to Aviemore where we stop for lunch.
This afternoon we take the Cairngorm
Funicular Railway to the Top Station to
enjoy amazing panoramic views of the
Cairngorms from over 3,500ft.
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Admissions to Speyside Cooperage, Highland Folk Museum and Cairngorm Funicular Railway
•Visits to Black Isle, Inverness, Elgin, Nairn and Aviemore
Price Excludes
108 SCOTLAND
FORT WILLIAM &
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
at the small and attractive village of Spean
Bridge. Continuing north we pass along
Loch Lochy arriving for a brief stop at Fort
Augustus. We get our first sight of Loch
Ness as we turn west passing Loch Loyne
and Loch Garry where we stop for a photo
opportunity. We return to Fort William in
late afternoon.
Day 5 > We leave Fort William and stop in
Glasgow before catching the evening Stena
Line ferry to Belfast from Cairnryan.
DATES & PRICES
Glencoe
Located at the foot of Ben Nevis
and on the banks of Loch Linnhe
– where we enjoy a cruise* – Fort
William is the second largest
town in the area and the perfect
base to explore the stunning
scenery of the West Highlands.
With a bustling town centre, Fort William
has plenty to offer discerning coach
holidaymakers. In the town itself you can
browse the many shops, enjoy afternoon
tea or visit its many attractions including
the West Highland Museum, the Old Fort
or Inverlochy Castle, a ruined fortress with
an intriguing but bloody history.
We return once again to the Alexandra
Hotel, which has been part of the very
fabric of Fort William since 1876. It is a
very traditional building at the heart of the
town, situated between the pedestrianised
High Street and the railway station. There
are 93 en-suite guest rooms featuring TV,
hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
The hotel has a restaurant and a bar and
lounge area.
ITINERARY
morning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan
and proceed north, along the banks of
Loch Lomond before entering the
Highlands through mystic Glencoe.
We arrive at our hotel in Fort William
in late afternoon.
Alexandra Hotel *** (4 nights D, B&B)
Day 2 > You know you are in the true
heart of Scotland when you wake up to
the floating mists of Loch Linnhe and the
distant hills of Sunart. We take a cruise
this morning on the loch to give a unique
opportunity to view Scotland’s marine
life, glimpse the highest peak in Britain
and then explore the outdoor ‘capital’ of
Scotland, Fort William. The afternoon is
free back in Fort William.
Day 3 > Heading west this morning along
the “Romantic Road to the Isles” we stop
first at the Glenfinnan Monument before
reaching the very busy fishing port of
Mallaig. After lunch we return to Fort
William but this time travelling south
through the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to
cross Loch Linnhe on the Corren Ferry.
Day 4 > We start of the day with a short
visit to the historic Neptune Staircase
– the longest staircase lock in the UK.
Following the Caledonian Canal we arrive
Depart
Monday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
22 Jun
26 Jun
£439
6 Jul
10 Jul
£459
17 Aug
21 Aug
£479
14 Sep
18 Sep
£439
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Loch Linnhe cruise
•Visits to Glenfinnan Monument, Mallaig, Neptune Staircase, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus, Loch Garry
and Glasgow
Price Excludes
Caledonian Canal
SCOTLAND 109
OUTER HEBRIDES
Day 4 > We leave Stornoway and Lewis
this morning and travel by causeway and
local ferry to the most southerly island in
the chain, passing through Berneray, North
Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay
to reach our next hotel. Just 50 metres
from the North Atlantic, right on the white
sands beach at Tangasdale on the Isle of
Barra is the most westerly hotel in Britain,
where dinner in the aptly named ‘Seaview
Restaurant’ awaits you.
Isle of Barra Beach Hotel ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Tobermory
Callanish Standing Stones
Thirty miles off the northwest coast of Scotland lies
a beautiful set of 200 idyllic
islands known as the Outer
Hebrides – right at the edge
of Europe. Picture a paradise
of powder-white beaches and
Atlantic waves, dark moorland
and rugged mountains,
amazing wildlife and a rich
and vibrant culture.
This 130 mile long archipelago stretches
from the Butt of Lewis in the far north
through some 15 inhabited, individual
islands to Barra at the southern tip. When
you add time on Skye on the outward leg
and short stops at remote Coll and Tiree on
the final ferry trip back to Oban, we touch
a total of 11 islands on our epic journey.
ITINERARY
morning Stena Line sailing to Cairnryan
and proceed north, bypassing Glasgow and
travelling along the western edge of Loch
Lomond over Glencoe to Fort William.
From there we turn west to take the ‘Road
to the Isles’ through Glenfinnan to Mallaig.
West Highland Hotel, Mallaig ***
(1 night D, B&B)
Day 5 > We have literally come to the end
of the line and spend the morning relaxing
in this idyllic spot. We go on board our
final CalMac ferry in mid-afternoon at
Castlebay, just two miles from the hotel,
and commence our mini-cruise back to
the Scottish mainland, stopping, all be it
briefly, at Coll and Tiree, our final islands.
Dinner is served on board before we sail
past Tobermory on Mull to arrive at Oban
around 10pm, where we check into our
quayside hotel.
Royal Hotel, Oban *** (1 night B&B)
Day 2 > We have an early breakfast before
catching the CalMac ferry to Armadale
on Skye (60mins). From there we drive
further north, leaving the distinctive Cullen
Hills behind to arrive in Portree, the main
town on the Isle of Skye and a bustling port
with a thriving cultural centre. Half an hour
to the north of Portree at Uig we take our
second ferry for the slightly longer trip (1hr
40mins) to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris,
and from there we complete our outward
leg with a 40 mile drive to Stornoway
on Lewis, at the north end of the
Outer Hebrides.
Cabarfeidh Hotel, Stornoway, ***
(2 nights D, B&B)
Day 3 > Lewis and Harris together make
up the largest landmass in the group of
Outer Hebridean islands. They have a
long history of settlement dating back to
3,000 BC and today we see evidence of
that at the spectacular Callanish Standing
Stones and then take a leap forward in
time when we visit the fascinating Black
House Village.
Day 6 > After breakfast we have a little
time to look around Oban, ‘the Gateway
to the Isles’, before resuming our journey,
travelling south and retracing our outward
route back through Cairnryan to arrive in
Belfast around 10pm.
DATES & PRICES
Depart
Sunday
6.30am
Return
Friday
10.15pm
Price
26 Apr
1 May
£589
Price Includes
•Through coaching
•Visits to Fort William, Mallaig, Portree, Stornoway, Callanish Standing Stones, Black House Village, Isle of Barra, Coll, Tiree and Oban
Price Excludes
i
110 HOTEL DIRECTORY
HOTEL DIRECTORY
KEY TO FACILITIES
92
No. of guestrooms
Lift
Restaurant
Bar
Entertainment provided
Leisure Facilities
Swimming Pool
En-suite rooms
Television
Direct-dial telephone
Tea/coffee making facilities
Hairdryer
WiFi
EUROPE
Astoria Hotel ****
Tel: 0039 323 32566
www.hotelstresa.info
100
Hotel Restaurant
Barbarossahof ***
Tel: 0049 6314 1440
www.Barbarossahof.com
Mercure Aix-les-Bains ****
Tel: 0049 381 4970
www.mercure.com
60
Mercure Metz Centre ***
Tel: 0033 3 87 385050
www.mercure.com
112
250
Tel: 0031 43 601 3047
www.hotelwalram.nl
76
Hotel Tyrol Soll ****
Tel: 0043 5333 5273
www.hotel-tyrol.com
60
Gran Hotel Bilbao ***
Tel: 0034 944 328 575
www.hotelgranbilbao.com
204
Ibis Bonn ***
Tel: 0049 2287 2660
www.accorhotels.com
147
Hotel am Schlosspark ****
Tel: 0049 36214420
www.hotel-am-schlosspark.de
94
Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana ***
Tel: 0041 41 660 2233
www.paxmontana.ch
100
Hotel Cambridge ***
Tel: 0039 421 972 751
www.hotelcambridge.com
84
Landhotel Rebstock ***
Tel: 0049 7722 96160
www.landhotel-rebstock.com
24
Mercure am Centro
Oberhausen ****
Tel: 0049 2084 4410
www.mercure.com
94
Mercure Auxerre Nord ***
Tel: 0033 386 532 5000
www.mercure.com
77
Mercure Reims Parc des
Expositions ***
Tel: 0033 2605 0008
www.mercure.com
100
Mercure Saarbrücken Süd ***
Tel: 0049 681 58630
www.hotel-saarbruecken.org
100
Mercure Bad Duerkheim ***
Tel: 0049 6322 6010
www.mercure.com
Metropol Warsaw ***
Tel: 0048 2232 53100
www.hotelmetropol.com.pl
150
192
Mercure Hamburg
am Volkspark ****
Tel: 0049 4059 9520
www.mercure.com
NH München Neue Messe ****
Tel: 0049 89 665520
www.nh-hotels.com
253
140
Hotel Ebertor ***
Tel: 0049 6742 8070
www.ebertor.de
101
Le Relais de Castelnau ***
Tel: 0033 565 108 090
www.lerelaiscastelnau.com
40
Mercure Hameln ***
Tel: 0049 951 517 920
www.mercure.com
105
Hotel Paganella ***
Tel: 0039 461 583 116
www.hotelpagnella.it
26
Maritim Rhein-Main
Darmstadt ****
Tel: 0049 6151 3030
www.maritim.de
284
Mercure Lille Aeroport ***
Tel: 0033 320 874646
www.mercure.com
215
NH Munich Dornach ****
Tel: 0049 899 400 960
www.nh-hotels.com
223
Novotel Antwerp ***
Tel: 0032 3393 9004
www.novotel.com
120
HOTEL DIRECTORY 111
EUROPE
Novotel Paris La Défense****
Tel: 0033 141 452 323
www.novotel.com
Park Inn Heppenheim ***
Tel: 0049 962 529 390
www.parkinn.com
Pentahotel Rostock ****
Tel: 0033 479 617 979
www.pentahotels.com
280
111
152
Novotel Paris Ouest
Rueil-Malmaison ****
Tel: 0033 147 166 060
www.novotel.com
Park Inn Luxembourg ***
Tel: 0035 2268 9181
www.parkinn.com
Polonia Krakow ***
Tel: 0048 124 221 233
www.hotel-polonia.com
60
99
118
Novotel Paris Porte d’Orleans ****
Tel: 0033 144 117
www.novotel.com
Park Inn Nancy ***
Tel: 0033 383 397 575
www.parkinn.com
192
150
IRELAND
Cavan Crystal ****
Tel: 00353 49 436 0600
www.cavancrystalhotel.com
85
Clew Bay Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 98 28088
www.clewbayhotel.com
Gleneagle Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 64 667 1500
www.gleneaglehotel.com
250
Lakeside Hotel Killaloe ***
Tel: 00353 61 376 122
www.lakesidehotel.ie
46
Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy ***
Tel: 00353 53 923 7798
www.treacyshotel.com
48
Hydro Lisdoonvarna ***
Tel: 00353 65 707 4005
www.hydrohotel.ie
Maritime Hotel ****
Tel: 00353 27 54700
www.themaritime.ie
Treacys West County Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 65 682 8421
www.treacyswestcounty.com
110
114
152
Days Inn ***
Tel: 028 9024 2494
www.dayshotelbelfast.co.uk
Imperial Hotel ****
Tel: 00353 21 427 4040
www.flynnhotels.com
Raheen Woods ***
Tel: 00353 91 875 888
www.raheenwoodshotel.ie
Wilton Bray ***
Tel: 00353 1276 0258
www.wiltonhotelbray.com
250
125
Dooley’s Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 51 873 531
www.dooleys-hotel.ie
Jurys Inn Christchurch ***
Tel: 00353 1454 0000
www.jurysinn.com
113
182
Gallaghers Letterkenny ***
Tel: 00353 74 912 2066
www.gallaghershotel.com
Kee’s Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 74 913 1018
www.keeshotel.ie
48
92
53
Galway Bay ****
Tel: 00353 91 520520
www.galwaybayhotel.net
Killarney Hotel ***
Tel: 00353 64 662 6200
www.hotelkillarney.ie
153
188
50
86
Renvyle House ***
Tel: 00353 95 46100
www.renvyle.com
68
Sheraton Athlone ****
Tel: 00353 90 645 1000
www.sheratonathlonehotel.com
167
Sligo Southern ***
Tel: 00353 71 916 2101
www.sligosouthernhotel.com
98
i
i
112 HOTEL DIRECTORY
ENGLAND & WALES
Best Western Glendower
Promenade Hotel ***
Tel: 01253 723241
www.glendowerhotel.co.uk
60
Best Western Premier Queen Hotel
****
Tel: 0845 373 0964
www.bestwestern.co.uk
Holiday Inn Kenilworth-Warwick
****
Tel: 01926 855957
www.holidayinn.com
115
Holiday Inn Walsall ****
Tel: 01922 618800
www.holidayinn.com
156
131
Best Western York House Hotel ***
Tel: 01323 412918
www.bw-yorkhouse.co.uk
Jurys Inn Derby ***
Tel: 01332 621 000
www.jurysinn.com
213
66
Carousel Hotel ***
Tel: 01253 402642
www.blackpool-carousel-hotel.com
Jurys Inn Newcastle ***
Tel: 0191 201 4400
www.jurysinn.com
274
92
Hilton Blackpool ****
Tel: 01923 422 800
www.3hilton.com
Jurys Inn Watford ***
Tel: 01253 623434
www.jurysinn.com
216
Mercure Swindon East***
Tel: 01793 833700
www.mercure.com
60
Sandy Lodge **
Tel: 01637 872851
www.sandylodgehotel.co.uk
80
274
Hilton Bromsgrove ****
Tel: 0121 447 7888
www.hilton.com
Kimberley Hotel ****
Tel: 01423 506613
www.kimberleyharrogate.co.uk
93
Tel: 01332 621 000
www.parkinn.co.uk
168
Skiddaw Hotel ***
Tel: 01768 772071
www.lakedistricthotel.net
43
148
Hilton Leicester ****
Tel: 0116 263 0066
www.3hilton.com
Lion Hotel ***
Tel: 01766 522460
www.lionhotelcriccieth.co.uk
46
Park Inn Walsall ***
Tel: 01922 639100
www.parkinn.co.uk
120
St. George’s Hotel ****
Tel: 01492 877544
www.stgeorgeswales.co.uk
76
179
Holiday Inn Cardiff
City Centre ***
Tel: 0871 942 9240
www.ing.com
Livermead House Hotel ***
Tel: 01803 299666
www.livermead.com
64
Park Inn Nottingham ***
Tel: 0115 935 9988
www.parkinn.co.uk
Thistle Euston ****
Tel: 0871 376 9017
www.thistle.com
172
362
Portbyhan Hotel ***
Tel: 01503 262071
www.portbyhan.com
Trouville Hotel ***
Tel: 01202 552262
www.trouvillehotel.com
157
Holiday Inn Express Leigh ***
Tel: 0871 423 4896
www.ihg.com
Tel: 0117 968 9900
www.mercure.com
142
44
77
135
Mercure Bristol Holland House
****
Tel: 0117 968 9900
www.mercure.com
275
Ramada Encore
Newcastle-Gateshead ***
Tel: 0191 481 3600
www.ramada.co.uk
200
Village Urban Resort Walsall ***
Tel: 2871 322 4610
www.village-hotels.co.uk
125
HOTEL DIRECTORY 113
SCOTLAND
Alexandra Hotel ***
Tel: 01397 702 241
www.strathmorehotels.com
97
Alona Motherwell ****
Tel: 01698 333888
www.alonahotel.co.uk
51
Best Western Argyll ***
Tel: 01369 702059
www.argyllhoteldunoon.co.uk
33
Cabarfeidh Hotel ***
Tel: 01851 702604
www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk
46
Carrbridge Hotel ***
Tel: 01479 841202
www.carrbridgehotel.com
Isle of Barra Beach ***
Tel: 01871 810383
www.cisleofbarrahotel.co.uk
114
150
Esplanade Dunoon ***
Tel: 01369 704070
www.espanadehoteldunoon.co.uk
Nethybridge Hotel ***
Tel: 01479 821203
59
Tel: 01461 338257
www.gretnahallhotel.com
116
Highlander Hotel ***
Tel: 0843 178 7125
www.bespokehotels.com
85
Winnock Hotel ***
Tel: 01360 660245
www.winnockhotel.com
73
69
Royal Oban ***
Tel: 01631 563021
91
West Highland Hotel ***
Tel: 01687 462210
www.westhighlandhotel.co.uk
40
EDUCATIONAL
TOURS
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT SCHOOL TOUR
CALL US NOW ON:
028 9033 7018
i
i
114 FAIR TRADE AGREEMENT
FAIR TRADE AGREEMENT
Ulsterbus Tours of The Travel Centre, Europa Buscentre, Glengall St., Belfast
BT12 5AH (“we”, “us” and “our”).
1. Does this Fair Trade Agreement apply to my booking?
Yes, if you are booking a ‘package’ to which the Package Travel, Package
Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 apply and which does not
comprise a flight, but not otherwise.
In brief, those Regulations apply to a booking of at least two of the following
components when sold or offered for sale at an inclusive price and when the
service covers a period of more than twenty-four hours or includes overnight
accommodation:
•
•
•
transport,
accommodation,
other tourist services not ancillary to transport or accommodation and accounting for a significant proportion of the package.
2. Why should I read this page?
Because it is very important. Our Fair Trade Agreement forms a key part of
our agreement with you because it not only comprises the booking terms
and conditions for the booking of your package, but also the Consumer
Guarantee (described below) from The Bonded Coach Holidays Group
(“BCH Group”), part of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK,
providing protection for the money you pay to us for the booking should
we go out of business. Both the booking terms and conditions and the
Consumer Guarantee, together with the confirmation of booking we give
you at the time we commit to your booking for you, together make up the
legally binding contract between you as the lead name making the booking,
anyone else in your party and us.
When you make this booking as the lead name you undertake that you are
18 and have the authority to accept, and do accept, on behalf of your party
the terms of this Fair Trade Agreement. The contract is made subject to
the terms of these booking conditions which are governed by the law of
Northern Ireland.
Please ensure that you take a few moments to study them as they set out
what responsibility we each have under the contract. Reading it now may
help you avoid problems later.
This is possible because we subscribe to the Code of Conduct of the BCH
Group, which requires us to take out a bond from a financial entity in favour
of the BCH Group for it to use to provide protection for your package money
in the unlikely event that, for financial reasons, we can’t carry out our
booking obligations to you.
Financial Protection for Air Tours – When you buy an ATOL protected flight
or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This
lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what
this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you
with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In
some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons
of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services
you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You
agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder
will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding
to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder.
However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint
an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a
claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to
provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative
ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the
Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under
the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit
you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may
have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including
any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where
applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to
another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under
the ATOL scheme.
5. BCH Group Consumer Guarantee
The Bonded Coach Holiday Group guarantees to you that in the event of
our failure through insolvency to provide your package as booked, BCH
Group will:
• wherever possible, arrange for your package to be completed;
This Fair Trade Agreement and the Consumer Guarantee will not apply to
any booking involving any type of flight. Instead, if you are booking a holiday
which includes a flight, you will be supplied with the full booking conditions
of the ATOL holder arranging your holiday with whom you have a contract.
Your booking agent will have a copy or alternatively you can request one
prior to booking your holiday.
3. How and when do I make this contract with you?
You can make a contract in a number of ways. You can call into our office,
write to us, phone or email, use an approved travel agent or book online at
Whichever way you contact us the contract between us is made when your
booking is entered on our booking system and a booking reference number
is produced. At that moment the contract between us begins.
We will send you a confirmation booking within seven working days.
Please check this confirmation very carefully to ensure all the information
is correct and tell us, or your agent, immediately of any errors.
4. How is my money for the package I book protected?
Your money is protected by the Consumer Guarantee described below
and provided to you by the BCH Group.
• where failure occurs after your package has begun, arrange for you
and those in your party covered by the booking to be returned by
an appropriate means of transport to their UK area of departure;
•
if the package cannot be completed as booked, to reimburse your booking-payments received by us, provided that BCH Group will first
take in to account and withhold an appropriate amount if any part of the service has already been provided (including any substituted service).
If you have paid all or any part of the holiday with a credit card,
you should apply for a refund from your credit card provider.
In the event that you are to be reimbursed under the BCH Group consumer
guarantee, you will be asked to assign absolutely to BCH Group any right,
claim or cause of action which you may have arising out of or connected
with the subject matter and will be asked to assist BCH Group in any claim
brought by them connected with the subject matter.
6. Payments by credit card
If you made payment for the booking of any services using a credit card it is
likely in many circumstances that you have recourse against the credit card
company in the event of services not being supplied in whole or in part due
to the supplier’s financial failure. In those circumstances, you will be advised
to check that you have exhausted your remedies against the credit
card company.
FAIR TRADE AGREEMENT 115
7. When do I need to pay for my holiday and how much?
We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the packages that we
advertise. At the time of booking you will be told the current price of the
package. You can book by paying a deposit for each person named on the
booking. You will be told at what point in time you will become committed
to a booking, but we are not committed to the booking until such time
as we provide you with our confirmation of booking. Our commitment
is always conditional upon any balance being paid before the dates
listed below.
The balance must be paid to Ulsterbus Tours at least 4 weeks before the
holiday departure date (8 weeks for Continental Tours and 12 weeks for Air
Tours). If you use a Travel Agent they may require you to pay them earlier
than this date and they will advise you separately of their balance due date.
If you book within these times, you must pay the full holiday cost
at the time of booking.
If you do not pay the outstanding balance for your package on or before the
date when it is due we may cancel your booking and you will be required to
pay the cancellation charges detailed below. The date of cancellation will
normally be the date on which we receive your written confirmation that
you intend to cancel or 15 days after the balance due date, whichever
comes first.
Deposit per person £50 for UK and Ireland tours, £150 for Continental tours
and £250 for Air Tours.
Where optional items are purchased as part of the package, these are
payable on the balance due date except where items, such as theatre
tickets, have been specifically purchased for you. In this case the cost
will be payable at a separate date notified to you and will not normally
be refundable unless we obtain a refund from the supplier we use.
8. If I use a travel agent who does my money belong to?
Your travel agent will hold your deposit on your behalf until we issue a
confirmation of your booking. The agent then holds this money on our
behalf. The agent holds the balance you pay on our behalf until the date
the balance is due. The agent will then forward the balance to us.
9. Can you change the price of my holiday after you have issued the
booking confirmation?
Yes we can, but only in very limited circumstances and not within 30 days of
your departure. The price of your package can be varied due to changes in:
•
•
•
transportation costs such as fuel and/or fuel tax, ferry operator fares and tolls, embarkation or disembarkation fees at terminals;
exchange rates applied to the particular package booked; or
dues and taxes including changes in VAT or any other Government imposed charges.
In the case of any variation described above, any increase equivalent to
2% of the price of your package, which excludes insurance premiums and
any amendment charges, will be absorbed. An administration fee of £1 per
person will be paid by you. If this means that you would have to pay an
increase of more than 10% of the price of your package before increase,
you may cancel it and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any
amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance
premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your
policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your
right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your revised
invoice. Alternatively, you can accept an offer of an alternative comparable
package of equivalent or superior quality, if available, or an alternative
package of lower quality, if available. You may then transfer payment made
in respect of the original package to the alternative package. If the cost of
the alternative package is less than the original package, the difference in
price will be refunded. We will also pay compensation as set out below.
Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned
above, by more than 2% of your holiday cost, then any refund due will be
paid to you after deduction of an administration fee of £1 per person.
Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local
currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your
package due to contractual and other protection in place.
10. Can I change my holiday arrangements?
After we have issued our booking confirmation we will do our best to
accommodate any changes you may wish to make but we cannot guarantee
to do so.
Any changes must be notified to us in writing and signed by the person who
signed the booking form. If we are able to make the changes an amendment
fee of £25.00 will be payable plus any additional charges if you are buying a
more expensive holiday.
Some arrangements, like particular types of tickets, cannot be changed
without paying a cancellation charge of up to 100% of the cost of the ticket.
11. Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
You can transfer your booking to someone else provided you give us
reasonable notice. This person must be able to satisfy all the conditions
for the package and a change cannot normally be made later than seven
days prior to departure. We will make an administration charge of £25
per booking for every transfer we make plus any reasonable additional
costs caused by the transfer. You will remain responsible for ensuring
that the package is paid for by the balance due date. This is in addition
to (and does not affect) the separate liability of the transferee to us.
12. How can I cancel my holiday?
You, or any member of your party, may cancel at any time provided that
the cancellation is made by the person in whose name we issued the
confirmation of booking and is communicated to us in writing via the office
at which you made your original booking. You will have to pay cancellation
charges set out in the scale below to cover our estimated loss resulting
from the cancellation. If you are insured against cancellation you may
be able to recover the charges from your insurers. Your cancellation will
take effect from the date when either the travel agent or we receive your
written confirmation of your cancellation. You must also return any tickets
or vouchers that you have received. A reduction in room occupancy may
increase the charges for the remaining passengers by the application of
supplements for low occupancy of rooms.
13. Scale of cancellation charges
Period before departure
Cancellation charge
that cancellation
expressed as a percentage
is notified
of the total holiday cost
UK
Continental
43-days plus Loss of Loss of
Deposit
Deposit
only
only
42 to 28-days
30%
30%
50%
50%
27 to 14-days
13 to 7-days
60%
100%
6-days to day of
100%
100%
departure or later
14. What happens if you change my holiday?
The arrangements for your holiday have usually been made months in
advance. Sometimes changes are unavoidable and we reserve the right
to make them. Most of these changes are likely to be minor but where
they are significant we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible
before your departure date.
A significant change includes a change in departure date or return time
of more than 12 hours, a change of location or resort area, or reducing the
quality of your main hotel (excluding single overnight hotels on touring
holidays where the quality of the hotel is comparable) or a change of tour
itinerary which involves a destination being completely eliminated from
the revised itinerary.
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In the event of a significant change you may decide to:
(a) continue with the holiday as amended or
(b) accept an alternative holiday which we may offer to you or
(c) cancel your booking.
If you choose (a) or (b) we will pay you compensation on the scale below.
If you choose (c) we will refund all monies paid by you plus compensation
on the scale below. No other claims for compensation or expenses will
be considered.
When we have notified you of the changes and options available you must
tell us of your decision as soon as possible and within any timescale we may
need to set bearing in mind the need to safeguard the holiday arrangements
of other customers.
15. Scale of compensation
We will pay you compensation for significant changes made by us on the
following scale:
Period before departure within which significant change is notified to you
or your travel agent
Compensation
Per Person
More than 42 days
42 – 29 days
28 – 15 days
14 – 8 days
7 – 0 days
Nil
£10.00
£15.00
£20.00
£25.00
If, prior to departure, we make a significant change to your package
arrangements or cancel your package we will pay you compensation
on the above scale unless:
•
the package is cancelled because the number of persons who agreed to take it is less than the minimum number required, and you were informed of the cancellation in writing within the period indicated in the description of the package; or
•
the package is changed or cancelled by reason of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences
of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. These circumstances, which we call force majeure, include,
but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, fire, quarantine, epidemic or health risks, natural or nuclear disasters, port and terminal closures and adverse weather conditions.
Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above
will not affect your statutory right to claim further compensation
if, in all the circumstances, you remain dissatisfied.
If, after departure, we need to make a change to a significant proportion of
your package we will do our best to make suitable alternative arrangements
at no extra cost to you. If it proves impossible to make suitable alternative
arrangements, or if you have reasonable grounds for refusing the alternative
offered, we will arrange transport back to your point of departure, or to
an alternative location that we agree to. Unless the change is as a result
of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control (force
majeure as described above), you will also be entitled to compensation.
16. What is the extent of our liability?
Your package contract with us will be performed or provided with
reasonable skill and care. We accept responsibility if you or customers
named in the booking suffer death or personal injury, or the contractual
arrangements are not provided as promised, as a result of the failure of us
or our agents or suppliers or the employees of each whilst acting in the
course of their employment unless the failure or improper performance
is due to you, or any of the following:
• a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements, or
• unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control,
the consequences of which could not have been avoided even
if all due care had been exercised, or
• an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care,
could not foresee or forestall,
provided that in these 3 events we would still endeavour to give prompt
assistance if you are in difficulty and, if you inform us that you don’t believe
you have received the contracted service, we will make prompt efforts to
find appropriate solutions.
Except as specifically set out in these conditions, we will not accept any
further or different liability than the Package Travel, Package Tours and
Package Holidays Regulations impose. It is your responsibility to show that
reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a
claim against us.
For claims which involve death or personal injury we do not impose any
restriction upon our liability to the extent that it arises from our negligence.
For all other claims which do not involve personal injury or death:
• The most we will have to pay if we are liable to you is twice the price you’ve paid for your package (not including insurance premiums and amendment charges).
•
Our liability will also be limited in accordance with/or in line
with all relevant international convention. These include the Athens Convention (applies to transport by ship), the Berne Convention (applies to transport by rail), the Geneva Convention (applies to transport by road) and the Paris Convention (applies to accommodation). You can get copies of the relevant conventions from the Internet or from us. You should also note
that these conventions limit or remove the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We will apply the limits of these Conventions to any payments to you as if we were the carrier.
If we make any payment to you or any member of your party for death or
personal injury or illness, you will be asked to assign to us or our insurers
the rights you may have to take action against the person or organisation
responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness.
Please note that this clause does not apply to any separate contracts that
you enter into for excursions or activities during or outside of your package.
In the cases of Collette Worldwide Holidays, Gleneagle and Maritime Hotel,
and The Royal Hotel, Bray, and where noted, Ulsterbus Tours are agents of
the respective tour supplier. In all other products offered herein, Ulsterbus
Tours are the principal operator.
17. What do I need to do if I have to complain?
If you have a complaint during your holiday you should tell the driver/
courier/representative at the earliest opportunity so that they can do their
utmost to resolve the problem immediately.
If they are unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction you must
notify us in writing within 28 days after the end of the tour. Please address
your letter to The Manager, Ulsterbus Tours, The Travel Centre, Europa
Buscentre, Belfast, BT12 5AH and give the tour title and departure date.
If you do not tell us at the earliest opportunity about a problem giving rise
to your complaint we cannot take steps to investigate and rectify it.
In deciding how to respond to your complaint we will take into account the
date upon which you first drew the problem to our attention or that of our
representative or supplier. It may affect your rights under this Fair Trade
Agreement if we have not been able to investigate and remedy the situation
at the time.
18. Coach seating
We will always use our reasonable endeavours to provide a coach to the
specification as described in our brochure or advertisement but reserve the
right to substitute an alternative vehicle should unforeseen circumstances
arise. There is a seating plan of the coach for each package, but it is possible
that on occasions operational reasons will require a coach with a different
configuration to be used. We therefore reserve the right to alter a coachseating plan and allocate seats other than those you have booked.
Coach seat numbers are shown on your ticket and you retain the same seat
throughout the tour. Passengers occupying seats other than those assigned
to them may be asked to change seats. Requests for particular seats can be
made on most packages when booking but because allocations are made
on a first come, first served basis you are recommended to book early.
When your booking is confirmed you will be offered the best seats that are
available at that time. If you know someone who may want to book later but
sit near you please discuss this with the booking clerk at the time you make
your booking.
22. Is there anything I cannot bring on the coach?
You cannot bring a pet or other animal (other than a guide dog in the UK
and Ireland and then only by arrangement).
You must not play a radio or music player on a coach.
Consideration must be given to others in the use of mobile phones and
excessive use is prohibited.
23. Passenger behaviour
We want all our customers to have a happy and carefree holiday but you
must remember that you are responsible for your behaviour and the effect
which it may have upon others.
Ulsterbus reserves the unconditional right to refuse a booking or terminate
a person’s holiday in the event of either you or any member of your party
being abusive, disruptive or behaving in a way which in our reasonable
opinion, or in that of our suppliers, could cause damage or injury to others
or affect the enjoyment of their holiday, or which could cause damage
to property or to any Third Party. If this happens we will have no further
obligations or liability to you.
Our driver/courier or the authorised official of any accommodation, visit,
amenity or other means of transport used during a tour (eg ship) is entitled
to refuse you boarding if in their reasonable opinion you are unacceptably
under the influence of drink or drugs or are being violent, abusive or
disruptive. If this happens we will have no further obligations or liability
to you.
Specific seats will not be allocated on coaches which operate on feeder
services between joining points and main package departure points, on
coaches which carry out transfers to and from seaports or on Goldline or
Cross Channel Services.
If you are refused boarding on the outward journey we will regard it as
a cancellation and the full cancellation charges as set out in paragraph
9 will apply.
The seats on our coaches are approximately 450mm wide (17.71 inches).
If you are unable to sit within the space provided by a seat of the
above dimensions you must advise us at the time of booking. In these
circumstances you may, subject to availability, be allocated two adjoining
seats (subject to payment of any additional charge).
If the refusal is during the tour or upon the return journey, we have the right
to terminate the contract without any further obligation to you and you will
have to make your own arrangements thereafter. If this happens, Ulsterbus
will not be under any obligation to pay you any refund or to compensate you
for any loss which you may incur.
If you do not provide us with the information at the time of booking, it
may be that on arrival to commence your tour you will be unable to be
accommodated on the coach and we then reserve the right to cancel your
holiday with the application of full cancellation charges. No refund will
be made to you nor will any expenses be met and we will have no further
liability to you.
You should note that you are responsible for ensuring that you are at the
correct departure point at the correct time. We cannot be liable for any
loss or expense suffered by passengers because of their late arrival at any
departure point.
19. Hotel Facilities
Some hotel facilities, such as indoor or outdoor swimming pools
or leisure facilities, may from time to time be withdrawn for routine
maintenance or be subject to seasonal availability. The provision
of these facilities is therefore not guaranteed.
20. No smoking policy
We operate a strict No Smoking policy on all our coaches and in all our
buildings and terminals.
21. Conditions of carriage
When you are travelling on an Ulsterbus Coach you are carried under the
Ulsterbus Limited Conditions of Carriage, a copy of which can be provided
to you on request.
When travelling on a ferry or transport provided by any other courier, the
Conditions of Carriage of that carrier apply and are subject to any applicable
National Conditions or International Conventions which may limit or
exclude liability. The Public Service Vehicle (Conduct of Drivers, Conductors
and Passengers) Regulations 1990 as amended apply to all coaches
throughout any holiday in the UK.
All of the hotels and transport which we use have their own terms and
conditions relating to conduct and behaviour and responsibility for any
injury or damage caused to property, staff or customers. Copies of these
terms and conditions can be made available by us upon request.
In the event of any claim being made for personal injury, loss or damage
and any liability or obligation being imposed on us which arises as a result
of unreasonable behaviour or conduct by you or any member of your party,
we will require you to fully indemnify us in respect of all sums which we are
required to pay arising from your conduct.
When you have paid the balance, we will send you or your booking agent
all the necessary labels so that you receive them in good time for your
holiday. Certain travel documents may have to be retained by us and your
driver/courier will then issue them to you at the relevant time. If you lose a
travel document after it has been issued to you we will require you to meet
the direct cost charged by the carrier/supplier for the issue of a duplicate
or replacement. Ulsterbus Tours reserve the right to modify itineraries to
conform with requests from the competent authorities in the United
Kingdom and any other sovereign state through which the tour
will operate. We recommend that you read the British Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice about your holiday
at www.fco.gov.uk
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24. What happens if I am delayed?
Your travel insurance may cover you for some delays. In addition, where you
are delayed for more than six hours in any one day, we will seek to minimise
any discomfort and where possible, arrange for refreshments and meals.
25. Is the cost of excursions included in the price?
Excursions are included in the price of most holidays and refunds cannot be
made for passengers not wishing to go on these excursions. Admission fees
to buildings, grounds and use of guides, etc are included in the price of the
holiday unless otherwise stated in the brochure. Optional excursions may
be booked and paid for in resort but these will not form part of your booking.
26. Do I need a passport or travel documents?
You are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct travel documents.
We cannot be held liable for any loss or expense suffered by you or any
member of your party because of an incorrect passport.
If you are travelling on a Continental Holiday you will need to have a full 10
year British/Irish/EU Passport. We strongly recommend that you carry your
passport or other photographic identification when embarking on any of
our tours.
If you are not a resident British/Irish/EU citizen or do not hold a full
British/Irish/EU Passport you must seek passport and visa advice from the
consulates of the countries you plan to visit prior to making a booking on
one of our holidays.
You should note this application for a 10 year passport can take a matter of
months and you should ensure that you make any application for a passport
in sufficient time. Details can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk/passports or
www.dfa.ie/home
27. Do I need to take out travel insurance?
Our tours do not include insurance in the price but a Special Holiday Travel
Insurance Scheme is available – for details see ‘Holiday Insurance’.
If you choose not to take our holiday insurance for your Continental
European tour, you must take alternative cover, which is as good or better
than ours, and provide us with details.
We strongly advise all our customers to take out travel insurance for
all tours to cover medical and repatriation costs, personal injury, loss of
baggage and cancellation charges. You do not need to take out our travel
insurance but you should have insurance, which is at least as good as or
better than the insurance we offer. If you do not have adequate insurance
and require our assistance whilst on holiday, we reserve the right to reclaim
from you any medical repatriation or other expenses which we may incur on
your behalf which would otherwise have been met by insurers.
28. What assistance will you give me if things go wrong when it is not
your fault?
If you, or any member of your party, suffer death, illness or injury whilst
overseas arising out of any activity which does not form part of your
package travel arrangements or an excursion arranged through us in the
UK, we shall at our discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance. Where
legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance, you must obtain
our written consent prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent
will be given subject to you undertaking to assign any costs, and benefits
received under any relevant insurance policy to ourselves. We limit the cost
of our assistance to you and any member of your party to £5,000.00
per party.
29. Accommodation
Hotel accommodation varies across our programme and among the
geographical areas which we cover. We use hotels ranging from 4 stars to
small independent hotels. Customers’ attention is drawn to the star ratings
clearly marked beside each one, as these are the most widely recognised
indicator of accommodation standards.
30. Passengers with disabilities and health considerations
You confirm that you will notify us before you book if you or any member
of your party has a disability so that we may consider what reasonable
adjustments we or any relevant supplier should consider in the context of
your package.
We want to ensure the arrangements for your package are suitable and
appropriate. If you have specific needs for equipment (such as scooters) or
medication, or you will need assistance or particular facilities in the hotel,
port or train station, or may have difficulties in taking part in excursions or
boarding and travelling on the coach or other means of transport you must
let us know in advance. We always endeavour to assist if we reasonably
can where additional equipment needs to be transported in relation to a
disability or medical problem. However, please bear in mind that coaches
are subject to overall weight restrictions and have limited space to
accommodate the luggage of all passengers. Carriage of any equipment is
subject to its individual size, weight and other details, full details of which
must be provided at the time of booking.
Should you suffer from any disability or medical condition which may affect
your or other passengers’ holidays, you must provide full verbal and written
details at the time you book the holiday, including any specific requirements
you have. Additionally, at the time you book the holiday, you must provide
verbal and written confirmation that all assistance required will be provided
by your travelling companion(s). You must also notify us of any changes
or deterioration in the disability or medical condition, or development of
any disability or medical condition after booking. In view of the nature of
our holidays, we regret we must reserve the right to decline any booking
or cancel (in the event of the development, deterioration or change of any
disability or medical condition occurring after confirmation) whenever
we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the needs or restrictions of
any particular customer or where, in our reasonable opinion, the medical
condition or disability of the customer concerned is likely to have a
significant adverse effect on other customers taking the same holiday.
We further reserve the right to cancel any holiday and impose cancellation
charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability or medical
condition at the time the booking is made and/or promptly notified of
any development, change or deterioration occurring after booking. On
occasions, the decision to cancel can only be made at the time the person
concerned joins the coach/holiday for the first time as it may only be
apparent at this stage that their disability or medical condition cannot be
accommodated. Any customer affected by a disability or medical condition
must ensure they have notified this to their travel insurers, and that
their travel insurance will cover it. As it is a condition of booking that all
customers have adequate and appropriate travel insurance, we are entitled
to insist on evidence that the disability or medical condition is covered.
We want you to enjoy your package and will try to help you select an
appropriate trip. If you need advice or further information either you or your
booking agent should contact us and we will make arrangements to meet
our Accessibility Manager.
31. Special requests
If you require a special diet please tell us before booking, or as soon as you
are medically advised, and send us a copy of the diet. We will notify the
hotel or hotels identified in your booking but please note that some hotels
may not have facilities to provide special diets and we cannot be held liable
for their failure to do so unless the hotel has confirmed in writing that a
special diet will be catered for. Where we think that a hotel is likely to be
unable to cope with a special diet, we will tell you prior to your booking
confirmation being issued so that you can exercise your right to cancel your
package booking without charge. Any extra costs incurred by you during
your package must be paid to the hotel by you prior to departure from
the hotel.
You should also detail any other requests, for example, low floor rooms,
particular rooms or locations on the special requests section of the booking
form (or other method of confirming in writing that the request was
made.) We will pass your request to the relevant supplier but this does
not necessarily mean that your request will be fulfilled. If a request can be
fulfilled you may incur an extra charge payable either to us or direct to the
hotel. Please note that requests cannot be guaranteed unless we confirm
on your booking confirmation that this is a guaranteed requirement.
32. Single occupancy
Single occupancy of rooms when available may be subject to supplementary
charge as added by respective hotels, and this will be shown on the
brochure page.
33. Entertainment
Some of our hotels arrange additional entertainment. Where this is part of
the package, details are given on the respective brochure page. Where it is
not specified it may still be available but is at the discretion of the hotel and
is not guaranteed. It may be withdrawn if there is a lack of demand or for
operational reasons.
34. Data Protection Act
In order to process your booking and to ensure that your travel
arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we, and your travel
agent, need to use the information you provide such as name, address, any
special needs/dietary requirements, etc.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they remain immobile on a journey for a long
period of time. If you are planning to undertake a bus or coach journey of
more than 3 hours you should consult your doctor if you have ever had DVT
or pulmonary embolism, a family history of clotting conditions, cancer or
treatment for cancer, a stroke, heart or lung disease or if you have had major
surgery in the past 3 months. We reserve the right to refuse any booking
in the absence of a doctor’s certificate confirming that you are fit to travel.
During the journey we will provide comfort stops as frequently as possible.
During these stops you are encouraged to get off the coach and walk
around. Exercise reduces any discomfort which may be caused by periods of
immobility. During any journey you should drink alcohol only in moderation
as it leads to dehydration.
36. Health
Under normal circumstances most Western European countries do not
require visitors to be inoculated or vaccinated, and at the time of publication
of this brochure none were required for the countries visited in our
itineraries. However, we will indicate any known vaccination or other health
requirements where possible for each country to be visited, if the need
arises. If you are not sure of the health requirements of the country you are
visiting, you are advised to check with your own doctor before travelling.
38. European Health Insurance
All UK residents travelling to Mainland Europe need an E.H.I.C.
in order to receive necessary health care while visiting a European Union
Country or Switzerland. All UK residents are entitled to receive an E.H.I.C. –
you can apply online at www.ehic.org.uk, by phone on 0845 606 2030,
by post or pick up a form and pre-addressed envelope at the Post Office.
39. Publication date and details
This brochure was printed in the United Kingdom by Ulsterbus Tours
October 2014.
We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper measures are in place
to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the
relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as hotels, transport
companies, etc. The information may also be supplied to security or credit
checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if
required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your holiday
is outside the European Economic Areas (EEA) controls on data protection
in your destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in
this country. We will not, however, pass information on to any person
not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any
sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities
or dietary/religious requirements. If we cannot pass this information to
the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot provide your
booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being
passed on to the relevant persons. Please note that where information is
held by your travel agent, this is subject to your agent’s own data protection
policy. Your data controller is Mr Sean McGreevy. You are entitled to a copy
of your information held by us. If you would like to see this, please contact
us. We retain your full contact details and other information in secure files
and electronic storage facilities. We may use this information to contact you
by mail, telephone or electronic means. We may provide you with details of
other goods and services including those of selected third parties. If you do
not wish to receive further information about products and services from
either ourselves or third parties, please write to the data controller.
35. Health and Safety on holiday
In some foreign countries, standards of infrastructure, safety and hygiene
may be lower than those to which we are accustomed in the UK. You
should therefore exercise greater care for your own protection. Further
information can be obtained from your GP or from your travel agent, who
can provide you with the leaflet Health Advice for Travellers published by
the Department of Health. Some people may be at risk from discomfort or
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120 HOLIDAY INSURANCE
HOLIDAY INSURANCE
A Special Holiday Travel Insurance Scheme is available for all passengers
travelling on our holidays which is arranged with ETI – International Travel
Protection (ERV) - the UK branch of EuropäischeReiseverscherung AG)
who are licensed by the BundesanstaltfürFinanzdienstleistungsaufsicht
(BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA – www.fca.gov.uk) to undertake insurance business in the UK.
Should you wish to take advantage of our Coach Holiday Travel Insurance
please include the appropriate premium when booking your holiday.
This insurance policy will suit the Demands and Needs of an individual,
or group (where applicable) who have no excluded pre-existing medical
conditions, are travelling in countries included within the policy terms
and who wish to insure themselves against unforeseen events detailed in
the cover section below. Subject to the terms, conditions and maximum
specified claim limits.
Important
We will not provide you with advice about the suitability of this product
for your individual needs but will be happy to provide you with factual
information.
We summarise below the details of the insurance cover provided which
also includes SPECIALITY ASSISTANCE 24-hour emergency service. The
following is a brief summary of the cover available. Full details of Cover,
Policy Warranties and Exclusions will be forwarded with your confirmation
of booking. In any event you may ask for a specimen copy of the Policy
Wording before booking should you wish to examine this in advance.
Cancellation Missed Departure Travel Delay Personal Accident Medical and other Expenses
(including Curtailment) Medical Inconvenience Benefit Personal Property / Loss of Passport Personal Liability Delayed Baggage Legal Expenses 14 day Premium Refund Sum Insured Up To
£3,500
£600
£90 / £3,500
£15,000
£2,000,000
£450 (£15 per 24-hours)
£1,500 / £250
£2,000,000
£100
£25,000
Insurance Premium
Policy Excesses
Cancellation, Curtailment, Holiday Abandonment and Loss of Deposit for
holidays up to and including 3-days is Nil. For holidays over 3-days Loss of
Deposit Excess £10. For holidays over 3-days and with a holiday cost up to
£300 the excess is £35, increased to £50 for holidays £300 and over for
Cancellation, Curtailment and Holiday Abandonment. Medical and Other
Expenses Excess £25 for holidays up to £300, increased to £50 for holidays
£300 and over. The Personal Property and Money excess is £25. The
detailed excesses are on the basis of each and every loss per Insured Person.
Conditions
If you are travelling within England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the
Isles of Scilly or Eire you are not required to declare your medical conditions.
However, you must be able to comply with the following:
1. you are not aware of any reason why the trip could be cancelled
or cut short.
3. you are not receiving or awaiting treatment for any illness or injury as a hospital day case or inpatient as any claim arising from the illness or injury will not be covered.
4. if you are on medication at the time of travel your medical condition must be stable and well controlled.
Demands and Needs
Cover 2. you are not travelling
a. against the advise of a medical practitioner
b. for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment
c. if you have been given a terminal prognosis
If your medical condition(s) cannot comply with these terms then any claim
related to that condition or conditions will not be covered.
If you are travelling outside of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland,
the Isles of Scilly or Eire this insurance carries Health Conditions so you
need to inform the Towergate Medical Screening Department of any medical
condition(s) that may affect the Underwriters acceptance of your cover. If
anyone to be covered by this policy or anyone upon whose health the trip
depends:
1. Has an existing or on-going medical condition(s)
2. Is taking any prescribed medication
3. Has or has had any condition(s) still requiring periodic review
4. Is awaiting any tests, treatment, investigation, referral or the results
of these.
You must telephone the Towergate Medical Screening Department on 0844
892 1698 to inform them of your medical condition(s). Office hours are 9am
to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays. An increased excess
may be applied. Failure to notify them may cause your circumstances to fall
within a policy exclusion.
Cooling Off Period
You should read your policy immediately to ensure it meets with your
requirements. If for any reason it does not it must be returned to the issuer
of the policy within 14 days of the date of issue or prior to travel which ever
is the sooner. Your money will be refunded in full, provided no claims have
been made or incident likely to give rise to a claim has arisen. If you cancel
your policy after 14 days no refund will be given.
Insurance Premiums
1-3 days
4-7 days
8+ days
UK & ROI
£12.00
£15.00
£20.00
Europe
£21.00
£25.00
£32.00
Air Tours
£31.00
£40.00
All premiums include 20% Insurance Premium Tax.
Claims
Telephone Towergate Chapman Stevens on 01932 344300 for a claim form
(office hours).
If you have a query about this policy before you travel please call Towergate
Chapman Stevens insurance helpdesk during office hours on 01932 334140.
Please note our holiday travel insurance scheme is only available to
residents of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Ulsterbus Limited is an Appointed Representative of ITC Compliance
Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority (their firm reference is 313486) and which is permitted to
advise on and arrange general insurance contracts.
BOOKING FORM 121
BOOKING FORM
How to Book
1. There are a number of ways to book your holiday with
Ulsterbus Tours:
Visit us: at The Travel Centre, Europa Buscentre, Glengall Street, Belfast BT12 5AH. You can also contact
your local Ulsterbus Depot or any of our approved Travel Agents.
Call us: simply telephone 028 9033 7004
Email us: on [email protected] with any requests or queries.
2. Complete and sign the Booking Form accepting on behalf
of all persons listed on the form the terms and conditions in
the Fair Trading Agreement. Pay a deposit of £50 per person (£150 for Continental coach tours and F1 Grand Prix, and £250
for air tours) plus insurance, or full fare if booking within 42
days of departure, and return it to Ulsterbus Ltd, Europa Buscentre, Glengall Street, Belfast BT12 5AH.
3. Payment of the balance of the fare must be made no later than the date stipulated on your Confirmation/Invoice letter. You will not be sent a reminder by Ulsterbus Ltd and if the balance is not paid we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled (please see Fair Trading Agreement).
Payment can be made by cash at the Travel Centre or any Translink/Ulsterbus Depot (do not send cash by post!),
by cheque (payable to Translink) or by credit/debit card.
BOOKING FORM
Please reserve _________ seats on _________________________________________________________________________tour
leaving on ______________ 2015. In accordance with published conditions under which tickets are issued, for which I enclose
£_______ as deposit (£50 per seat for UK and Ireland tours, £150 per seat for Continental tours and £250 for air tours). I agree
to pay the balance of the fare no later than the date stipulated on my Confirmation/Invoice letter. Please make cheques payable
to Translink.
Name of passengers (PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS)
Mr, Mrs
or Miss
Initials/First Name
Surname
Hotel Accommodation*
* Please state the type of accommodation you require: Double Room (one double bed); Twin Room (two single beds); Single Room.
Additional Requirements e.g. impaired vision, hearing difficulties, special diet. Please state below:
Holiday Insurance – If you are not taking our holiday insurance on Continental Tours, you must take alternative cover which is as
good as or better than ours. We do also strongly recommend that you take out insurance for any tour. Complete details below:
Name of Insurer:
Policy Insurance No: Company Tel No:
i
i
122 BOOKING FORM
BOOKING FORM (continued)
Address:
Post Code:
Telephone No / Mobile No:
Email:
Date of Birth:
Passport Number (for European and Worldwide Tours):
Next of Kin contact number:
Signed:
Date:
Credit/Debit Card Details
If you wish to pay for your holiday by credit or debit card, please tick the appropriate box.
Visa
Mastercard
Maestro/Switch
Visa Debit
Cardholder Name:
Cardholder Number:
Expiry Date:
Valid From (if shown):
CV2 (last three digits printed on the signature strip on the back of your card):
Coach Seating Plan
NB: some coaches have toilet at rear. We reserve the right to use alternative seating orders without prior notice.
4
8
12
16
20
3
7
11
15
19
2
6
10
14
18
22
1
5
9
13
17
21
Return Address:
Ulsterbus Tours
The Travel Centre
Europa Buscentre
Glengall Street
Belfast BT12 5AH
28
32
36
40
44
48
27
31
35
39
43
47
24
26
30
34
38
42
46
23
25
29
33
37
41
45
Toilet
GROUP TRAVEL
BY COACH AND AIR
FOR CLUBS, SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS AND MORE…
Do you need to hire a coach for the day, or are you looking for
a tailor-made break for your Group? Do you want to have total
control over your itinerary and destinations? Our Group Travel
and Coach Hire departments are here to help!
provides advice on every aspect – all you have to do is relax and
enjoy yourself! Or if you simply need a coach to take you to and
from your destination, we can provide competitive prices and
the highest standards of coaches and drivers.
Listening to your choice of destinations and activities, we can
put together the perfect group tour at highly competitive prices.
Using the buying power that Ulsterbus Tours has built up over
the last 40 years, we ensure you get the best deal. Our team
Your travel arrangements can be by coach
or air. Just let us know your preference!
For further information contact:
Private Coach Hire: 028 9033 7006
Group Tours: 028 9033 7010
School Tours: 028 9033 7018
The Travel Centre
Europa Buscentre
Belfast, BT12 5AH
Tel: 028 9033 7004
Fax: 028 9024 6926
Email: [email protected]
Design: whitenoisestudios.com

escorted coach holidays and short breaks

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