A wonderful opportunity to explore lesser known Dumfries and Galloway and Northern Ireland. Discover the "Rhins of Galloway", known for its dramatic coastline and Scotland's southernmost point. A UNESCO Biosphere site, encompassing significant natural beauty, local wildlife and rich maritime history. Then it’s a quick hop over to Northern Ireland. Here, we venture into scenic County Antrim and the Walled City of Derry-Londonderry, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern charm.
Travel to your hotel in Dumfries and Galloway for a two night stay. A leisurely day to survey this lovely peninsula on the south-western tip of Scotland which enjoys an almost subtropical climate. The Logan Botanic Garden, part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's Living Collection, is warmed by the Gulf Stream enabling plants from warmer climes to thrive. Time to head for Portpatrick to wander at your own pace. A picturesque seaside village, once a busy port to Northern Ireland, now a holiday resort with pastel-coloured houses and a stunning bay. You can see Ireland on a clear day!
Time to leave Scotland and take the mid-morning ferry from Cairnryan over Northern Ireland. Why not enjoy time at leisure in the city of Belfast or perhaps choose to visit Titanic Belfast (please ask for details), before heading to the hotel, your home for three nights.
Today we meet our guide and head to the dramatic Co. Antrim Coast, well-known for its stunning scenery. Travel the coastal road, winding between the sea and the nine Glens of Antrim, where forest-covered hills swoop down into deep valleys. With admission to the legendary Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre included before venturing along the coast to Ballycastle, with views to Rathlin Island, Cushendun and all in between to Larne, before back across country to our hotel.
History is all around you in Derry~Londonderry. Joined by a guide for an introductory tour of the city before enjoying time at leisure, where traditional music spills out onto the streets from cosy pubs and museums tell stories of times past. In the afternoon, there is a tour and tasting included at the Walled City Brewery to savour.
Staying two nights at the 3 star North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer. Comfortable and welcoming with 72 bedrooms, the majority accessed by lift. We then head to the 3 star Lodge Hotel in Coleraine. Featuring 56 spacious double/twin rooms, 40 of which are in a modern wing situated on the ground and first floor. 16 rooms have walk in shower rooms and 24 have shower over the bath and, subject to availability, are allocated to groups. There is a lift. With a welcoming lounge bar, foyer seating and groups dine in the restaurant for full Irish breakfast and three course, three choice dinner with tea and coffee.
Your tour includes:
2 nights half board in Dumfries and Galloway with full Scottish breakfast and three course, three choice dinner with tea and coffee.
Porter service. On-site Coach Parking.
Admission to Logan Botanical Garden
3 nights half board in Coleraine with full Irish breakfast and three choice. three course dinner with tea and coffee.
Porter service. On-site coach parking.
Guide for the day for the Antrim Coast
Guide for an introductory tour of Derry-Londonderry
Walled City Brewery tour and tasting.
Return ferry
