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| The Northern Exposure |
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| Route Two Suggested Touring Itinerary |
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| Day 1 |
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Arrive into Belfast International Airport, where you will pick up your car at the hertz desk. You can take a brief introductory tour of Belfast before checking into your city centre hotel. |
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In the afternoon you may wish to visit the Ulster Museum, Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present Set in the delightful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens in south Belfast, next to Queen's University. |
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Its collections are comprehensive and fascinating, covering fine and applied art, archaeology and ethnography, local history and natural sciences. |
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In the evening enjoy time to stroll and acquaint yourself with Belfast City centre and perhaps dine in one of Belfast's many fine restaurants before retiring for the evening.
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Overnight in Belfast City at The Malone Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis. |
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Situated in the tranquil leafy suburbs of the historic university area of Belfast, discover one of the city's finest 4 star townhouse hotels. The centerpiece of a beautiful Victorian terrace, the Malone Lodge Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the delights of Belfast city.
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| Day 2 |
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Today you can start head off along the Coast of Antrim, passing through each of the beautiful Nine Glens of Antrim. You will have a chance to stop at the fabulous Carrick a Rede Bridge. Located just outside the seaside town of Ballycastle - the Rope Bridge is not for the faint hearted. The bridge is a working bridge to enable the local fishermen to reach the salmon fishery, which is on the tiny island connected to the mainland, by the bridge.
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You will also have the chance to explore the fabulous Giants Causeway - regarded as the "8th Wonder of the World". The audiovisual presentation in the excellent visitor center will recall all the legends surrounding the causeway and you will be able to explore the amazing stone structure. If you have the time visit Dunluce Castle - the ancient ruins provide a rewarding stop and fabulous views out over the sea.
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Overnight again in Belfast at The Malone Lodge on a Bed and breakfast basis. |
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| Day 3 |
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From Belfast today we head to Northern Ireland's second city - Derry. The historic city of Derry is the best example of a walled city in Ireland. The award winning Tower Museum recalls the turbulent history of the city and also provides you with a chance to walk the walls for yourself. Having explored the old city take the round along the Foyle to Strabane and on to Omagh. You may like to visit the Ulster American Folk Park Follow in the footsteps of the thousands of men and women who in the 18th and 19th centuries left Ulster to seek a new life in America. Here in contrasting Old World and New World settings you will see the types of dwellings, farm out-houses and craft workshops that the emigrants used on both sides of the Atlantic. Visit the authentically furnished thatched cottages of rural Ulster and the log cabins of frontier America. You can even travel with the emigrants on board the emigrant shop and experience the sounds, smells and dreadful conditions of life at sea.
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You move on from Omagh to the next county of the north - Co. Fermanagh, and the lovely Lakeland Town of Enniskillen. Enniskillen and the Fermanagh Lakeslands are perhaps best known for the excellent boating and fishing in the area. |
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Overnight in Enniskillen to stay at the Killyhevlin Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Situated only 1km from the handsome and historic town of Enniskillen, the Killyhevlin Hotel combines a warm welcome with modern comfortable facilities. The beautiful lakes and rivers of Fermanagh provide a backdrop for the hotel, which is on the banks of Lough Erne.
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| Day 4 |
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Up early today and off to Belleek to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory and visitor center. It is a magical tour around the home of one of Ireland's most famous exports. You can stand close enough to see every detail as the masters amaze you with their centuries-old art. Learn about the history that surrounds this unique Irish treasure. In addition to the tour itself, you'll find audio-visual presentations, a gallery featuring the finest Belleek pieces and a display of china guaranteed to quicken the pulse of even the most seasoned of collectors.
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In the afternoon a visit to the natural marvels of the underground will leave you equally as impressed. Visit the Marble Arch Caves near Florence Court and take the underground tour through these caves. Over the ages running water burrowing through the soft limestone of the area has created miles of dark caves and underground passages that offer a speleological playground to cavers and pot-holers. The less venturesome can savour a brief, less risky taste of underground life by visiting the Caves. This is one of Ireland's largest cave systems, oozing with stalagmites and stalactites, nowadays spectacularly lit up by arc lamps for the wonder of the modern visitors who descend into the underground labyrinth of caves.
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Return to Enniskillen and overnight at the Killyhelvin Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
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| Day 5 |
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Leave Enniskillen and head east the ancient city of Armagh. Armagh is the spiritual capital of Ireland, where St. Patrick built his stone church in AD445. Explore the city on foot: two cathedrals, museums, 18th century observatory, archbishops palace and stables. The prehistoric Navan Fort, capital of the Kings of Ulster is 2 miles west of the city and well worth a visit. From Armagh you head to Newry and then on to the scenic area of Co. Down and into the Kingdom of the Mournes. Visit the lovely seaside resort of Newcastle - where the song says - "the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea."
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Return to Belfast for your last night and enjoy the pleasant ambience of this revived city.
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Overnight in The Malone Lodge in Belfast for your last night on a bed and breakfast basis
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| Day 6 |
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Return to Belfast Airport for your return flight home. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight back to your homeland.
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Slan Abhaile - Safe Home! |
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Price: From $599 to $947
Available: Year-round |
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| INCLUSIONS |
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- 5 Nights Accommodation in 1st class hotels.
- Full Irish breakfast daily
- 6-Day Car Hire of a manual economy car.
- Touring Map with Suggested touring Itinerary.
- Heritage Island Discount Card
- All Taxes
- This Tour is also available with automatic upgrade or a private chauffeur driver.
NOTES Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and are quoted in Euro. |
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For booking and information please call Toll Free: 800-664-7474 |
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