OVERVIEW

The highlight of this tour is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Stop to photograph Dunluce Castle, built in the 14th century at the edge of a magnificent cliff with the fierce Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. Visit the Giants’ Causeway, where for centuries, visitors have marveled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along steppingstones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. The “Causeway Coaster” minibus will bring you directly to the causeway itself. A drive along the Antrim Coast to Ballycastle introduces you to some of the world’s most spectacular and unspoiled scenery. Here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. Discover the unrivalled seascape, towering cliffs and white sandy beaches as you wind your way to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island. Stop to photograph the famous bridge from a viewing point up above this spectacular bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stop and capture the 14th-century Dunluce Castle, dramatically perched on a cliff edge with the fierce Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop—truly a photographer’s dream.
• Hop aboard the Causeway Coaster minibus for a direct route to the heart of the Causeway, ensuring easy and convenient access to this spectacular natural wonder.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the magical beauty of the Glens, this leisurely and panoramic scenic drive is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. This tour is particularly suitable for guests not wishing to negotiate lengthy walking or internal venue visits. Travel via the coastal road to the beautiful Glenariff Forest Park. You’ll be delighted as you travel around each bend in the road as dramatic headlands and bays come into view. The park is situated amid the Glens of Antrim, an area which has attracted visitors for over a century. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is considered by many people to be the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens. Enjoy some free time in the park before proceeding to the famous Tea Rooms for morning tea or coffee with homemade scones.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a peaceful coastal journey showcasing Northern Ireland’s dramatic cliffs, headlands, and bays.
• Visit the “Queen of the Glens,” widely considered the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. A panoramic tour of the city introduces you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. Enjoy commentary as you see such sights as the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Drive past Belfast City Hall – an impressive building with a 300 ft long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. Travel a short distance outside the city to see Stormont, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. A symbol of progress to Northern Irelands troubled past. The power sharing executive with responsibility for Northern affairs rule from this impressive building. Journey to Cave Hill to view Belfast Castle. Cave Hill, its familiar outline visible from many parts of the city, has captivated generation after generation. Belfast Castle, sited on the lower slopes beneath Cave Hill, is one of Belfast's most outstanding and historically significant buildings. There are beautiful gardens and an adjoining country park. Don't miss the splendid views of Belfast Lough and sight of the city below you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy scenic views from Cave Hill and explore the historic Belfast Castle and its beautiful gardens.
• A well-rounded overview mixing history, politics, architecture, and scenic beauty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Combine an orientation drive through Belfast with a visit to its largest and most fascinating attraction – Titanic Belfast. Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. A panoramic tour of the city introduces you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You’ll see the Grand Opera House, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Drive past Belfast City Hall and stop for photos at the marble statue commemorating the sinking R.M.S. Titanic. Visit Titanic Belfast, with its stunning signature building and galleries that tell the story of Titanic, its passengers and crew in an exciting and modern way. The four hull shaped sections house the exhibits with special effects and full size replicas. A highlight of your visit is a ride through the Titanic under construction at the virtual shipyard.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a guided drive through Northern Ireland’s capital, showcasing its industrial heritage and elegant architecture.
• Pause for photos at the marble statue commemorating the R.M.S. Titanic.
• Explore the city’s largest and most famous attraction, located in the Titanic Quarter.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore two contemporary landmarks that have transformed Belfast with an Knowledgeable guide that will describe how the massive projects reflect the city’s history. Victoria Square is the largest shopping center in Northern Ireland and its construction exposed much about the city’s past. Your guide will explain how Belfast’s original docks and several prehistoric settlements were unearthed as the foundation for Victoria Square was dug. These underground discoveries reveal how Belfast developed over the centuries. Belfast’s maritime heritage will come to light in Titanic Belfast, an attraction built on the exact site where the ill-fated Titanic was designed, built and launched. While browsing the exhibits, you will also gain an appreciation for the building that houses them. The aluminum-clad structure looks like four ship hulls connected to an atrium lined with metal panels much like those that covered the Titanic. The guide will point out other similarities between the ship and the building, all of them fascinating.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two ultramodern buildings with a knowledgeable guide that will offer an insider’s view.
• Discover what was unearthed during the construction of Belfast’s largest shopping center.
• Be awed by the maritime-influenced design of Titanic Belfast and browse the exhibits inside.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the city center of Ireland’s capital on your own with no schedule to follow, which will allow you the freedom to visit the attractions that sound most intriguing. You will be dropped off in the heart of Dublin, a wonderfully compact and historical area where most of the buildings are a mix of 18th-century Georgian and 19th-century Victorian styles. You will be free to meander wherever you wish, but you might consider landmarks such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College, whose library holds the medieval Book of Kells, the hand-illuminated manuscript of the Gospels that is more than 1,000 years old. You may also wish to see Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland. It was constructed in the 13th century on a site where Saint Patrick supposedly baptized converts. Art lovers will surely be enamored by the extraordinary collection of works in the National Gallery of Ireland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours exploring Dublin independently and at your own pace.
• Maximize your time by focusing on the attractions most suited to your interests.
• Explore landmarks such as Dublin Castle and lesser-known attractions, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit some of the most visually dramatic settings in Northern Ireland where pivotal scenes from the blockbuster series “Game of Thrones” were shot. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to appreciate these destinations as they are spectacular on their own. Dark Hedges – a dirt-covered avenue lined with ancient eerie-looking trees – represented Kingsroad in the series. Even if you don’t recognize it from scenes such as Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing, you will want to snap a picture as it is incredibly photogenic. Dunluce Castle, is one of the most picturesque and historically significant castles in Northern Ireland. Served as the exterior of Pyke, the stronghold of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands. Continue the journey to Glenarm, a new location introduced in the world of Game of Thrones. It will feature prominently in the upcoming series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Visit Steenson's Jewelry Factory in Northern Ireland, where some of the jewelry from Game of Thrones was crafted. You will also stop at Carnlough, a coastal village that served as the backdrop for the city of Braavos in “Game of Thrones.” Arya Stark famously crawled up its harbor steps after being stabbed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See picturesque locations such as Carnlough, Dark Hedges, Glenarm, Steenson's Jewelry Factory, and Dunluce Castle where scenes from “Game of Thrones” were shot.
• Hear stories about the film production that make the settings even more captivating.
• Learn some of the real-life events that made these sites famous long before “GOT.”

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Combine the rugged cliffs of the Antrim coast with the highlights of the city of Belfast and you’ll get the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. A panoramic tour introduces you to the many varied features of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. Learn about its troubled history and enjoy commentary as you drive by the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Belfast City Hall, an impressive building with a 300ft long façade, dominates Donegall Square. Drive north with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. The ruins of the castle perched on the cliff produce a dramatic contrast against the Atlantic coast. Visit the Giants’ Causeway, a marvel of nature. The unique rock formations of rugged symmetry never fail to intrigue and inspire. Let your imagination travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. The “Causeway Coaster” minibus will bring you directly to the causeway itself. A drive along the Antrim Coast offers some of the world’s most spectacular and unspoiled scenery. Stop to photograph the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge, from a viewing point. During the day, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel or restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dive into the city’s fascinating and sometimes turbulent past as you explore Belfast’s streets and hear expert commentary along the way.
• Drive north and stop for a photographic moment at Dunluce Castle, its ancient ruins perched dramatically on a cliff edge, overlooking the fierce Atlantic Ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a unique look at Belfast City and its buildings, arts and culture that will present a lesser-known side of the historic capital city that reveals the hidden gems of its incredible culture and traditions through its history, murals, song and dance. Your expert guide will lead you through the city’s past and its amazing journey from a site of intercommunal conflict to a beautiful city of culture and shared history. At the city’s heart is its baroque revival-style city hall is complete with beautiful sculptures of its famous citizens including a Queen of England and the man who was behind the building of the Titanic Viscount Pirrie You’ll find his memorial In an exceptional memorial garden that honors all 1,512 victims of the Titanic, the only one of its type in the world. You’ll visit Stormont the Greek inspired classical Parliament building set in the once ancient lands of the founding family of Ireland, the O’Neills. Then travel through their lands of Castlereagh passing political artworks and over the river Lagan to West Belfast once the scene of the infamous ‘Troubles’ and now the location of huge 60 ft walls that still separate the different traditions in Belfast. Passing by beautiful yet haunting murals that depict the story of the Troubles. Your expert guide describe their meaning and purpose in the modern world. Your Belfast experience is completed with a fantastic traditional Irish taste and dance show that showcases the Rhythms and Tales of Belfast where you will experience traditional singing and a real Irish Cèilidh (party.)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover little-known facts about Belfast landmarks that will add unique insights.
• Discover the historic grounds of city hall, whose memorial gardens honor victims of the Titanic.
• See the Peace Walls that depict the past conflict between the Catholics and Protestants that has now resulted in the famous historic peace accord the ‘Good Friday Agreement.’
• Watch an entertaining Irish dance performance while dining on a traditional Irish taste at a unique cultural center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

The Ards Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty, unspoiled, uncrowded and the perfect setting for a magical coastal drive. Here you’ll find a rural way of life and a genuine Irish welcome combined with a haunting landscape, history, and tranquility. The coastal road along the southern shore of Belfast Lough plays hide and seek with the sea, like the railway that runs alongside it, it darts in and out of the hills giving glimpses of sandy beaches, yacht clubs and busy harbors. Away from the coast are the beginnings of the rounded drumlin hills of the Ards Peninsula, unexpectedly rural so near to Belfast. Stop to photograph Stormont, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Drive to Greyabbey and visit the Cistercian Abbey from which the village takes its name. Follow the coastal route through the town of Millisle to Donaghadee, with its long seagoing history and still popular today with water enthusiasts. From Donaghadee you’ll enjoy spectacular views across the Irish Sea -and see the impressive lighthouse, built in 1836 and the first lighthouse in Ireland to be lit by electricity. Stop at a local hostelry for Irish coffee. Afterwards, enjoy some free to explore this pretty little hamlet.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through an area of outstanding natural beauty, filled with rural charm and dramatic coastal views.
• Follow the southern shore of Belfast Lough, with glimpses of beaches, harbors, and yacht clubs.
• See and snap photos of the Northern Ireland Assembly's iconic seat of government.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Belfast, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks and digital selfie photo frames are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Belfast, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Anne’s Cathedral.
• Albert Memorial Clock.
• Belfast City Hall.
• Botanic Gardens.
• SS Nomadic cruise ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Belfast.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• See architectural treasures such as Anne’s Cathedral and Albert Memorial Clock.
• Enjoy the serenity of the Botanic Gardens and free time around the SS Normadic.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain a greater understanding of Northern Ireland and its culture by following a foodie guide through Belfast and sampling classic dishes and delicacies. The exact locations to be visited will be determined the day of the excursion, but they will definitely be establishments that best represent the cuisine of Northern Ireland. They will be the markets, restaurants and cafés that the locals frequent, rather than those typically found in guidebooks. Tastings are frequent and generous! Along the way you will encounter the places the locals like to frequent for lunch or dinner or for a cup of coffee. You will visit a variety of eating establishments in the city center, each specifically chosen to highlight the unique foods of Northern Ireland. The best way to get to know a city is through its food, and this tour highlights what makes Belfast so appealing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a local foodie around Belfast and sample a variety of classic dishes.
• Stop in the markets, restaurants and cafés that the locals frequent.
• Expect to taste favorites such as Belfast bap, colcannon and boxty, a potato pancake.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.