ESCORTED COACH HOLIDAYS 2018

Transcription

1 ESCORTED COACH HOLIDAYS

2 50 Fifty years of travelling with you time flies when you re enjoying yourself! It s hard to believe, but Ulsterbus Tours celebrates its 50th anniversary in It all started back in 1968, just one year after Ulsterbus was formed and our familiar blue livery became an everyday sight on the highways and byways of Northern Ireland. Things were simpler back then of course a handbill from August 1968 shows that we offered such delights as Evening Coach Tours from Great Victoria Street Bus Station in Belfast. For the princely sum of eight shillings (about 40p today) travellers could enjoy a three-hour trip to Lough Neagh, with a cruise onboard MV Maid of Antrim. Alternatively, a mere five shillings and sixpence (about 27 pence) would secure a leisurely evening drive around the delights of Whitehead and Brown s Bay, or indeed, to Millisle and Donaghadee. Times change and we have changed with them. Nowadays Ulsterbus Tours will whisk our discerning travellers in effortless comfort to just about any part of the UK and Ireland for a short break of their choice. France, Germany, Italy, Austria and even Norway are also within striking distance for our intrepid tourers, with the chance to savour the sights, sounds and flavours of these wonderful destinations in pleasant accommodation, handpicked by ourselves. So here s to our next 50 years. If you ve travelled with us before, welcome back. Or if this is your first time with Ulsterbus Tours, climb on board for a wonderful time. Cover image: Tuscany This page: Oxford Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 3

3 Top Picks Wild Atlantic Way Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland New for 2018 Delivering great experiences for fifty years Tours for Every Taste Whatever your particular passion may be, we ve probably got a tour that is right up your street. Whether it s the ancient, weathered landscapes of the UK, the highest Alpine passes or the deep, plunging fjords of Norway, we ll take you there. Or perhaps you prefer the faster pace of Formula 1 racing, the scented air of an exquisite flower show or the hustle and bustle of Europe s liveliest markets. There s a world of experiences on offer with us. Handpicked We like to think that our hotels offer each and every Ulsterbus Tour traveller a home-from-home experience. And given that many of them are family-run establishments, it s no surprise that this is most often the case! The point is that we have stringent accommodation standards and we handpick each hotel to make sure it meets or exceeds them in terms of service, quality and ambience. Exciting Excursions There is so much more to an Ulsterbus Tour than simply sitting in a coach. Travelling with us, you not only look at the landscape, you become part of it whether it s chugging through the Cairngorms on a steam train, or traversing an Italian lake by ferry. Moments like these create a frisson of excitement that stays long after the holiday is over. Taking care of you One of the most enjoyable aspects of taking a break with Ulsterbus Tours is that all you have to do is decide where you want to go. We take care of everything else. This means that as soon as you step on board the luxury coach to be greeted by your friendly driver, the pressure is off. No deadlines to meet, no luggage to haul, no hassle at all. Simply sit back and go with the flow. 8 Days June, August Wild Atlantic Way Take an exhilarating journey along Ireland s Atlantic coast. The Wild Atlantic Way follows Ireland s Atlantic coastline from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. This tour hugs the coastlines of seven counties along its route and delivers the best on offer from the West of Ireland and its people. It s an exhilarating journey, as we pass huge cliffs, windswept coastlines, romantic sweeping bays and lively sea ports. In fact, it s the only Way to go! See Page 61 7 Days August Buckingham Palace Guards Orkney & Shetland Mini-Cruise A memorable voyage of discovery. Travelling to the far north of Scotland via the spectacular Highlands, this voyage allows you a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic and beautiful scenery of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as the local lifestyles. You will uncover some of the Islands long 5,000-year-old history, which includes a number of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe and a rich Viking legacy. 10% Discount With early booking English Heritage Immerse yourself in London s history and culture. This tour takes us through the historic streets of London to explore some of the city s most significant and iconic cultural sites. There s Buckingham Palace, of course and Wren s masterpiece, St Paul s Cathedral. We also step back into the Tudor world at Hampton Court Palace but please don t get lost in the maze! Stenness, Ring of Brodgar 5 Days May, September Exclusions Apply: Discount excludes Cheltenham Festival, F1 British Grand Prix, Collette Worldwide Holidays and tours operated by the Gleneagle Group and Royal Hotel, Bray not available with any other offers. Available until 28th January See Page 15 See Page 78 Unforgettable Norway Be adventurous and explore the stunning sights of this unspoilt country. See Page 84 Geirangerfjord Norway has many beautiful natural wonders, but Geirangerfjord, arguably the most breathtaking of all Norway s fjords, forms a backdrop to this wonderful tour. Travelling by cruiser, train and coach, we will get up close to experience the towering mountains and gushing waterfalls of this unspoilt country and visit Borgund Stave Church, an exquisitely well-preserved 800-yearold place of worship, made entirely from wood. Borgund Stave Church 8 Days September 4 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 5

4 Stratford-Upon-Avon Contents 6 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre VisitBritain/LeeBeel Ireland 8 Irish Whiskey Experience in Co. Clare 10 Easter in Ennis 10 Westport Bargain Break 11 Galway Bargain Break 12 Co. Kerry Bargain Break 12 Waterford Bargain Break 13 Renvyle House Connemara Tranquility 14 Winter Weekend in Donegal 14 Wild Atlantic Way 15 Galway Garden Trail 16 Irish Midlands Garden Trail 17 Co. Cavan & Fermanagh Lakelands 18 Donegal Winter/Autumn Fireside Cheer 19 Summer in Donegal 20 Sligo & Co. Mayo 21 Co. Mayo with Afternoon Tea 22 Westport & Co. Mayo 23 Galway Bay & the Aran Islands 24 Connemara 25 Lisdoonvarna 26 Killaloe & Co. Clare 27 Waterford & the Ancient South East 28 Wexford & Kilkenny 29 Christmas in Galway 30 Christmas in Donegal 30 Winterval in Waterford 31 New Year in Sligo 31 The Gleneagle 32 The Maritime 34 Dublin & Bray Weekend 36 Getaway Breaks England & Wales 40 Manchester, Liverpool 40 & Chester Bargain Break Fizz & Fayre 41 Blackpool Tribute Weekends 41 Lake District & Yorkshire Dales 42 Peaks & Lakes 43 Ribble Valley & Haunted Lancashire 44 Staffordshire & Chester 45 Southport 46 Blackpool & Lake District 47 Northumbria s Gardens 48 Northumbria & Lincolnshire 49 All Things Emmerdale & Harrogate 50 Harrogate & Yorkshire 51 Stratford-upon-Avon & the Cotswolds 52 The West Country 53 Cornwall 54 Torquay & the English Riviera 55 Bournemouth & Dorset 56 Brighton & Sussex 57 Eastbourne 58 Kent 59 London Super Saver 60 London English Heritage 61 Caernarfon & North Wales 62 Experiences & Events 64 Cheltenham Festival 66 F1 British Grand Prix 66 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 67 Chelsea Flower Show 68 Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate 69 Scotland 70 Arrochar Bargain Break 72 Western Highlands & Loch Lomond 73 Highlands Railway Adventure 74 Great Highland Railways 75 Loch Lomond & The Highlands 76 Orkney & Shetland Mini-Cruise 78 Drams & Dances in Oban 79 Europe 80 Remembering the Somme 82 The Somme & the Armistice 83 Norway & the Western Fjords 84 Seine River Cruise 86 Valkenburg, Maastricht & Aachen 87 Romantic Rhine 88 The Rhine Ablaze 89 Italian Lakes & Mountains 90 Treasures of Tuscany & Florence 91 Italian Dolomites 92 Lake Maggiore, Switzerland & Germany 93 Germany & the Austrian Tyrol 94 Austria, Swiss Alps & the Glacier Express 95 German Christmas Markets 96 Valkenburg Christmas Market 96 Worldwide 98 America s Historic Mid-Atlantic 98 America s Music Cities 99 Northern National Parks 100 Spotlight on New York City 100 Colours of New England 100 The Best of Eastern Canada 100 Canadian Rockies 100 Spectacular South Africa 100 General Information 101 Hotel Directory 100 Fair Trade Agreement 103 Holiday Insurance 107 ure Calendar 108 Useful Information 110 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 7

5 Fanad Lighthouse, Co. Donegal Ireland The road ahead is empty. We re smiling. Well-kept hedgerows on either side as we drive through charming villages, tidy towns and compact cities. Glimpses of huge mounds, ancient castles show we re travelling through an ancient landscape, shaped by the elements and over 5,000 years of settlement, farming, war and faith. Let s take our time. Ireland is a place to relax, unwind and uncover at leisure. It has its must-see destinations to explore, and others less obvious, that our tour is quick to discover. And every time we get back on the coach, the adventure starts again. and the clouds have begun their slow, fat rolling journey across the sky, no land in the world can inspire such love in a common man. Frank Delaney, Ireland 8 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 9

6 Irish Whiskey Experience in Co. Clare 4 Days April, October Irish Whiskey Cheesecake Demonstration Galway City Irish Whiskey Tasting 229pps The picturesque and historic town of Ennis is characterised by its narrow, bustling streets and lanes, fine monuments and waterways, traditional Irish music and warm, friendly atmosphere. Our familyowned hotel is a short stroll from Ennis town centre and offers you a complimentary Whiskey Experience. Belfast to Ennis via Co. Dublin. There is a hot whiskey on arrival. Easter in Ennis 4 Days March Kilrush Kilkee Lahinch Burren Cliffs of Moher 279pps Situated on a bend in the River Fergus at the heart of Co. Clare sits Ennis, its capital. Ennis is one the county s most characterful and picturesque towns, with narrow, winding streets and historical buildings. It is the perfect base to explore one of Ireland s most beautiful counties. Good We leave Belfast and travel to Ennis via Co. Dublin. Today a circular tour of County Clare s dramatic coastline takes us through Doolin, Ballyvaghan (overlooking Galway Bay), Kinvarra, and back inland to Ennis. This evening you can enjoy an Irish Whiskey Cheesecake Demonstration. Today you are free to explore Galway City, one of Ireland s oldest cities with a lively and inviting atmosphere, plus historical sites such as the Spanish Arch and medieval walls. Get ready for an Irish Whiskey Tasting in the hotel tonight. We retrace our journey back to Belfast. Easter Saturday Today we take a scenic drive around Co. Clare, making short stops at Kilrush and Kilkee before continuing north along the coast to Lahinch. From there we turn inland and return to Ennis. Easter Morning is free to relax or to make use of the hotel s leisure facilities. Light Easter lunch in the hotel is followed by an afternoon drive through the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher. Dinner is served in the hotel tonight. Easter Ennis to the Europa Buscentre via Co. Dublin. Hotel: Treacy s Hotel, Ennis (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 9.30am Hotel: Treacy s Hotel, Ennis (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.00am Wednesday 4.30pm 4.30pm 30 Mar 2 Apr 279 Excludes Single Room Supplement Apr 2 May Oct 10 Oct 229 Excludes Single Room Supplement 50 Cliffs of Moher Tourism Ireland, Christopher Hill Photographic 2014 Westport Bargain Break Westport is one of the most popular short break destinations in Ireland. Compact and cosmopolitan, and set on the banks of the beautiful Carrabawn River, its busy shops, restaurants and bars are matched by its bustling Quay area on the shores of Clew Bay. Few towns in Ireland can match Westport s charisma and continental flavour. Europa Buscentre to Westport via Sligo. A full day excursion to Galway city. Today we cross over the bridge to Achill Island and follow the Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful views of steeply-sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. We return to Westport after lunchtime with the afternoon at leisure. We return to Belfast via Enniskillen. Hotel: Clew Bay Hotel Dates & s 10.00am 4 Days March, April, October, November Galway City Achill Island s From 229pps Wednesday 4.00pm (3 nights D, B&B) 11 Mar 14 Mar Apr 11 Apr Oct 17 Oct Nov 14 Nov 229 Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 Westport Achill Island Pawel Sadowski1 Failte Ireland 10 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 11

7 Galway Bargain Break Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland 4 Days February, March, October, November Lisdoonvarna Burren Galway City Blanchardstown Centre s From 219pps Galway City Discover one of the most beautiful areas of Ireland, a region renowned for its ancient Gaelic culture and for the charm and allure of its scenery a land of mountains, lakes and waterfalls, rocky coastlines, welcoming villages and verdant pastures. Belfast to Galway via Enniskillen and Sligo, arriving late afternoon. Change of county today as we venture into Clare and travel on part of the R477 as far as Lisdoonvarna, a truly spectacular drive through the Burren and along the Atlantic Ocean. Spine-tingling curves, impossibly steep drop-offs, and rocks and boulders of all sizes make this a memorable drive. We arrive back in Salthill in late afternoon. Today is a free day to explore Galway City. The coach drops you off in Eyre Square and will return you to the hotel in time for dinner. Our return journey to Belfast is via the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre on the edge of Dublin. We are expected back in Belfast at 5pm. Hotel: Salthill Hotel, Galway (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 9.30am Thursday 5.00pm 12 Feb 15 Feb Mar 22 Mar Oct 25 Oct Nov 22 Nov 239 Excludes Single Room Supplement 80 Co. Kerry Bargain Break 5 Days March, April, September, October Dingle Peninsula Listowel Tralee Ring of Kerry s From 279pps This new Bargain Break reveals some of Ireland s best and most awe-inspiring, coastlines with stunning scenery, jawdropping views and world-famous attractions. Based just outside Tralee, the Gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, we are perfectly situated to sit back and enjoy the views! Leaving Belfast, we travel direct to our hotel outside Tralee. Today s tour of the rugged Dingle Peninsula reveals its outstanding mountain and coastal scenery, the inspiration for such films as Ryan s Daughter and Far and Away. A shorter day, as we visit the heritage town of Listowel in the morning and Tralee in the afternoon. We travel the spectacular Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula, visiting some of the towns that dot the route, and witness its wonderful natural beauty. We retrace our outward journey back to Belfast Hotel: Earl of Desmond Hotel, Tralee (4 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 9.30am Wednesday 4.30pm 18 Mar 22 Mar Apr 19 Apr Sep 4 Oct Oct 25 Oct 289 Excludes Single Room Supplement 75 Dingle Peninsula Fáilte Ireland Waterford Bargain Break Co. Waterford is part of Ireland s Ancient East. The city itself was founded by Viking traders in 914 making it Ireland s oldest. With this bargain break we travel a little further afield to the other historic towns and cities and specular scenery of the area. We depart Belfast and travel to New Ross where we spend a couple of hours before arriving in Waterford in time for dinner. New Ross Kilkenny Copper Coast Comeragh Mountains Dungarvan Kildare Outlet Village s From 175pps After breakfast we travel directly to Kilkenny where we spend the day. Today we tour the Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains taking in Tramore and Dungarvan and past the Nire Valley. Our return journey to Belfast is interrupted with a visit to Kildare Outlet Village for some last minute shopping. Hotel: Dooley s Hotel 4 Days February, March, October, November (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 9.30am Wednesday 5.00pm 18 Feb 21 Feb Mar 28 Mar Oct 31 Oct Nov 28 Nov 219 Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 Kilkenny 12 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 13

8 Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland Fáilte Ireland Renvyle beach The Quiet Man Museum Renvyle House - Connemara Tranquility 4 Days April & September Lough Corrib History Cruise Cong Roundstone Westport s From 329pps Connemara is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt places it s possible to find. From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north, through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean. For this off-season break we are based in Renvyle House, a special place to stay, hidden in 200 acres on the edge of the Atlantic. Europa Buscentre to Connemara via Enniskillen. A bright start today as we head to Lough Corrib for a one-hour History Cruise there Winter Weekend in Donegal The laidback pace of County Donegal, coupled with miles and miles of unspoilt scenery, makes it the perfect place for a relaxing break. Its sweeping hills and rugged glens offer spectacular panoramas all year round, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In Donegal, you can sit back, slow down, admire the view and enjoy a gentler pace of life. Belfast to Ballybofey via the Maiden City, where we stop for a few hours exploration, are reputedly 365 islands, one for every day of the year. We spend some time in Cong, where you can visit The Quiet Man Museum, before returning to the hotel. Today we drive south to the Errismore Peninsula, admire the stunning Twelve Bens Mountain Range, view from the pier of Grace O Malley castle, all before reaching the village of Roundstone at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain. We return to our hotel via the beautiful clear waters and glistening white sands of Dog s Bay Beach. Tranquillity, like all good things, must come to an end. We call into Westport before returning to Belfast via Sligo. before arriving at our hotel. Entertainment follows dinner. Today we explore part of the Wild Atlantic Way (weather permitting) as we travel through the Fanad Head Peninsula, stopping first at Portsalon and then the Fanad Head Lighthouse (photo opportunity) before turning west to Sheephaven Bay and Dunfanaghy. We return via Letterkenny. Entertainment follows dinner. After a relaxing late breakfast we return home via Omagh. Hotel: Renyvle House Hotel (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.00am 3 Days January & February Wednesday 5.00pm 22 Apr 25 Apr Sep 3 Oct 329 Excludes Single Room Supplement Maiden City Portsalon Fanad Head Lighthouse Sheephaven Bay Dunfanaghy s From 139pps Hotel: Kee s Hotel, Ballybofey (2 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.00am 3.00pm 5 Jan 7 Jan Jan 21 Jan Feb 11 Feb 149 Excludes Single Room Supplement 30 Wild Atlantic Way 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 we cover just some of it taking in seven counties in total. The route itself comprises a central spine that navigates travellers along Ireland s Atlantic coast showcasing the diverse landscapes and the rugged coastline and provides us with the best experience that both the West of Ireland landscape and people have to offer. Belfast direct to the outskirts of Tralee. Out first experience of the Wild Atlantic Way is on the Dingle Peninsula out as far as Slea Head, with views out to the Blasket Islands. This morning we travel along the Kerry coast through Ballybunion and cross the Shannon into Co. Clare, stopping in Kilrush for lunch. We continue along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, before arriving at our overnight hotel. The awesome R477 coastal road is our starter today, passing Black Head to Salthill on 8 Days June & August Galway Bay. We continue through Connemara following the coastal route via Spiddal to Clifden and finally arriving in Westport. Today we travel through the breathtaking landscapes and fascinating countryside of Co. Mayo, passing Ballycroy National Park, through the Ceide Fields, to Enniscrone. Following the coast we arrive in Strandhill before overnighting in Sligo. Day 6 It s a short trip to view Rosses Point before we make a brief visit to Yeats grave at Drumcliffe Church. Our next stop is the small peninsula of Mullaghmore Head, where you can view Classiebawn Castle and Donegal Bay. Following the Wild Atlantic Way north we enter Co. Donegal and take a rest in Donegal Town, before finishing the day in Ardara. Day 7 This morning we visit Glencolumbkille, bounded by the mountains of Slieve League, Leahan and Tooey, and of course the restless Atlantic Ocean, before taking on Ireland s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League. We round off the day with a stop in Killybegs. Day 8 We return to Belfast today travelling through the Blue Stack Mountains to Ballybofey and then Letterkenny. We are expected home at 5pm. Dingle Peninsula West Kerry Coast Cliffs of Moher R477 Connemara Enniscrone Mullaghmore Head Slieve League s From 579pps Hotel days 1 2: Earl of Desmond Hotel, Tralee (2 nights D, B&B) Hotel day 3: Hydro or Imperial Hotel, Lisdoonvarna (1 night D, B&B) Hotel day 4: Mill Times Hotel, Westport (1 night D, B&B) Hotel day 5: Great Southern Hotel, Sligo (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 6 7: Nesbitt Arms Hotel, Ardara (2 nights D, B&B) We have selected a number of three-star hotels for this tour and they all offer en-suite bedrooms equipped with multi-channel TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Dates & s 9.30am 5.00pm 24 Jun 1 Jul 579 Wild Atlantic Way 26 Aug 2 Sep 589 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 130 Where possible this tour has been designed to take in much of the Atlantic coast as possible many areas will have uneven surfaces. 14 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 15

9 Tourism Ireland Brigit s Garden Fancroft Mill Galway Garden Trail 4 Days August Tullynally Castle Gardens Ardcarraig Garden Brigit s Garden Woodville Walled Garden Portumna Castle and Gardens Kildare Village Irish Midlands Garden Trail 4 Days July Belvedere House Gardens Birr Castle Demesne Bellefield House and Gardens Fancroft Mill Tyrreltown House Gardens 299pps 339pps There are some fascinating gardens in County Galway. Even non-gardeners will find something of interest, such as the gardens at old castles. This tour takes you on a journey of gardening exploration and discovery, as we travel east to west across Ireland. You will be amazed at the diversity of characteristics, features and settings we uncover to say nothing of the gardens owners! We drive from Belfast through Kells to Tullynally Castle Gardens where we explore its 12 acres of gardens and two ornamental lakes. We arrive in Athenry in time for dinner. This morning it s Ardcarraig Garden which specialises in primulas, poppies and hostas. Then we drive further into Connemara to Brigit s Garden where the four main gardens represent Celtic fire festivals. The first stop today is Woodville Walled Garden, where we enjoy tea/coffee and homemade cake. Next, at Lough Derg, we visit Portumna Castle and Gardens for a guided tour of the house with time to explore the gardens. We leave Athenry and visit the Kildare Outdoor Village for a few hours before returning to Belfast. Hotel: Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry (3 nights D, B&B) The four-star Raheen Woods Hotel, in the medieval town of Athenry, has 50 en-suite bedrooms each with satellite TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. There is an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. Dates & s 9.30am Wednesday 5.00pm 5 Aug 8 Aug 299 Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 Portumna Castle & Gardens This updated tour focuses on the Irish midlands with its beautiful scenery of fast-flowing rivers, mountains, lakes and a treasury of unique and fascinating gardens found in the Counties of Westmeath, Offaly and Laois. We have three new gardens for 2018 Belvedere House Gardens, Bellefield House and Gardens and Ballintubert Gardens each of which gives you a different theme and contrasting beauty of the Irish gardening world. On leaving Belfast we travel via Dundalk to Belvedere House Gardens and Park for a self-guided tour of the walled garden and the arboretum surrounding the House. We continue our journey to Birr arriving in time for dinner. This morning we make the short journey to Birr Castle Demesne to tour the gardens and arboretum, viewing Lord Rosse s remarkable collection of rare trees and shrubs. The rest of the day is free in Birr. Our first garden today is Angela Jupe s Bellefield House and Gardens with its beautifully restored walled garden. Our next visit is Fancroft Mill and Gardens where Marcus and Irene Sweeney have lovingly restored a magnificent mill that we are invited to view before a walk around their lovely garden. Our return journey home takes us to Tyrreltown House Gardens to discover its two walled gardens and arboretum with woodland walks. We are expected back in Belfast at 5pm. Hotel: County Arms Hotel, Birr (3 nights D, B&B) This County Arms Hotel sits on the edge of Birr, the historic centre of Ireland. All 70 en-suite bedrooms come with satellite TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. There is an indoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna, whirlpool and steam room. Dates & s 9.30am Thursday 5.00pm 23 Jul 26 Jul 339 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 17

10 Co. Cavan & Fermanagh Lakelands Co. Cavan is considered to be Ireland s Lake District and it shares a border with Northern Ireland s own Lake District, Co. Fermanagh. Our journey takes us through Co. Down, past the mighty Mourne Mountains and into Co. Louth, home to the rugged Cooley Mountains and beautiful Carlingford Lough, then on to Cavan town. Leaving Europa Buscentre, we drive south past the Mournes, through Newcastle to Carlingford where we stop for lunch. Travelling around the Cooley Peninsula we continue inland to our hotel in Cavan town. Today we drive to Fermanagh and visit Florence Court. Then we circumnavigate Lower Lough Erne and arrive in Enniskillen in time for lunch and leisure. 5 Days July, August, September Cooley Peninsula Florence Court River Shannon Cruise Cavan County Museum s From 339pps After breakfast we take the scenic route to Carrick-on-Shannon and board the Moon River for a one-hour cruise on the Shannon- Erne Waterway. There s time to explore the town before we return to our hotel in late afternoon. A relaxing morning in the award-winning Cavan County Museum, with artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Afternoon is spent in Cavan town, returning to the hotel at 4.30pm. We return to Belfast via Monaghan and Armagh. Hotel: Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan (4 nights D, B&B) The contemporary Cavan Crystal Hotel provides four-star luxury accommodation on the outskirts of Cavan town. All 85 en-suite rooms have multi-channel TV, iron, tea/coffeemaking facilities and WiFi. There is a swimming pool and full leisure facilities. Dates & s 9.30am Lough Key Castle, River Shannon 4.00pm 23 Jul 27 Jul Aug 17 Aug Sep 21 Sep 339 Excludes Single Room Supplement 75 Donegal Winter/ Autumn Fireside Cheer Experience all the beauty Ireland has to offer with seasonal getaways in glorious Donegal. This breathtaking county promises wild landscapes blanketed in bog and heather, isolated white sandy beaches and a roughly hewn coastline. Donegal is a county that will force you to kick back, slow down and admire the view. We depart Belfast travelling via the Glenshane Pass for a leisurely drive to Ballybofey where we are greeted with a roaring fire and afternoon tea. We drive through Glenties and Ardara and past the Blue Stack Mountains before reaching the fishing port of Killybegs, where you might just catch a sight of the seals. The afternoon takes us to Donegal Town, home of the O Donnell Clan and Donegal Castle, where we spend some time before returning to the hotel. This morning we venture south to Mullaghmore Head for a scenic drive before continuing onto Drumcliffe Churchyard, where Yeats is buried, returning via Lower Lough Erne and Belleek. Today we travel through the stunning Inishowen Peninsula to Fort Dunree, a true hidden gem. Our return journey takes us through Ballyliffin, Carndonagh and Quigley s Point. We return to Belfast via Omagh, arriving back in mid-afternoon. Hotel: Kee s Hotel, Ballybofey (4 nights D, B&B) This family-run hotel in Ballybofey is our base once again in All 53 en-suite bedrooms come with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. The hotel boosts a swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi and steam room. Entertainment is available most nights in the hotel. Dates & s 10.00am 3.00pm 12 Mar 16 Mar Nov 9 Nov Dec 7 Dec Days March, November, December Killybegs Donegal Town Mullaghmore Head Inishowen Peninsula Fort Dunree s From 259pps Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 There are no strangers here; only friends you haven t yet met. William Butler Yeats Drumcliffe High Cross Mullaghmore Head Fáilte Ireland Fáilte Ireland 18 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 19

11 Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland / Failte Ireland Malin Head Summer in Donegal 5 Days May, June, July, August Glenveagh National Park Inishowen Peninsula Doagh Famine Village Daniel O Donnell Visitor Centre s From 339pps Sligo & Co. Mayo 5 Days July & September Ben Bulben, Sligo Drumcliff Churchyard Lissadell House and Gardens Hennigan s Heritage Centre Parke s Castle Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre With a personality that is both rugged and awe-inspiring, Donegal seems more like a country than a county. Isolated wild landscapes give way to soaring sea cliffs and deserted white sandy beaches. Mount Errigal dominates the landscape of the far north-west of Donegal as it towers above the Poisoned Glen. To the north, the land sweeps down from Muckish towards Horn Head, Doe Castle and Sheephaven Bay. Donegal lets you to sit back, slow down, admire the view and recall a gentler pace of life the perfect escape. We travel over the Glenshane Pass stopping in Derry~Londonderry before arriving at the hotel in late afternoon where we enjoy some tea/coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival. We have a scenic drive this morning as we pass through Creeslough to Dunfanaghy overlooking Sheephaven Bay. We turn west to Falcarragh before arriving at the spectacular Glenveagh National Park, a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes and tumbling waterfalls. Glenveagh National Park Today we travel through the stunning Inishowen Peninsula to Malin Head, Ireland s most northerly point. We follow this with a guided tour of the fascinating Doagh Famine Village to learn the story of a family that lived on the edge from the 1840s. A memorable full-day circular tour taking us through Barnesmore Gap to Donegal Town, onward to Dungloe, the principal town of the Rosses and home of the Daniel O Donnell Visitor Centre, where we spend some time before returning to Ballybofey. Tourism Ireland We enjoy a final breakfast before travelling past Lower Lough Erne to Enniskillen, where we stop for a couple of hours before returning to Belfast. Hotel: Kee s Hotel, Ballybofey (4 nights D, B&B) The family-run Kee s Hotel in Ballybofey is our base once again in All 53 en-suite bedrooms come with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffeemaking facilities and free WiFi. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi and steam room. Entertainment is available most nights in the hotel. Dates & s 11.00am Thursday 4.00pm 6 May 10 May Jun 7 Jun Jul 19 Jul Aug 9 Aug Aug 30 Aug 369 Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 The town of Sligo, which straddles the Garavogue River where it meets Sligo Bay, boasts a fascinating history, most notably its association with Ireland s most celebrated poet, W.B. Yeats. On this tour we visit some of the local attractions, which include Lissadell House and Parke s Castle, and travel further afield into Co. Mayo enjoying some splendid scenery on the way, making Sligo a great base from which to explore. We leave the Europa Buscentre and break our journey in Enniskillen around lunchtime. We arrive at our hotel in late afternoon. Our first stop today is at Drumcliff Churchyard where W.B. Yeats, whose strong association with Sligo and the surrounding countryside inspired a lot of his writings, is buried. We continue on to Lissadell House and Gardens, s From 349pps possibly the jewel on the Wild Atlantic Way. Its 400 plus acres comprise the incredible neo-georgian house, magnificently restored gardens and specially assembled Countess Markievicz exhibition gallery. This morning we travel to Hennigan s Heritage Centre where we have a tour around this traditional rural cottage and enjoy tea with freshly baked scones. We continue north through Ballina to ever popular Enniscrone, where we spend the afternoon, before returning to Sligo via the coast road. We have a short trip to Parke s Castle, a 17th-century plantation castle picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill, where we have a guided tour. We return to Sligo around lunchtime and the rest of the day is at leisure. We retrace our journey back to Belfast but visit the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre just after lunchtime and arrive back in the Europa Buscentre at approximately 4pm. Hotel: Great Southern Hotel, Sligo (4 nights D, B&B) This family-owned hotel is located right in the heart of the city, next to the rail and bus stations. The hotel has 96 wellappointed bedrooms all en-suite, with direct dial telephone, multi-channel television, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and complimentary WiFi. The hotel also offers a pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Dates & s 10am 4pm 2 Jul 6 Jul Sep 14 Sep 349 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 21

12 Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland Strokestown Co. Mayo with Afternoon Tea 5 Days July & August Strokestown Park & Irish National Famine Museum Westport Westport House guided tour Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre 429pps Achill Island The scenery of Co. Mayo, on Ireland s west coast, ranges from rich, verdant countryside inland, to barren rocky cliffs at the Atlantic coast. You ll be amazed at the breathtaking landscapes, spectacular lakes and stunning stretches of coastline. It s hard not to fall in love with Mayo! We leave the Europa Buscentre, travelling west via Enniskillen and Sligo. It s a day of contrasts at Strokestown Park and the Irish National Famine Museum. We explore the Georgian Palladian mansion, preserved with its original furnishings and fabrics, followed by the Famine Museum, which commemorates the history of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s. After breakfast we travel to Westport to browse before enjoying a guided tour of Westport House, reputed to be the most beautiful house in Ireland. We finish our day with Afternoon Tea before returning to Ballina. Today we explore the remote west, travelling through Newport and Mulranny to Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre, with its stunning panoramic views of the park and Achill Island. We continue along the Wild Atlantic Way through Bangor Erris, returning to Ballina in the late afternoon. We retrace our journey, returning to Belfast around 5pm. Hotel: Twin Trees Hotel, Ballina (4 nights D, B&B) For 2018, our base is the three-star Twin Trees Hotel, situated just outside Ballina. Most of the 54 bedrooms command outstanding views of Westport Fáilte Ireland the beautifully landscaped gardens, and all are en suite with hairdryer, TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. There is an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness suite. Dates & s 10.00am Thursday 5.00pm 22 Jul 26 Jul Aug 23 Aug 429 Excludes Single Room Supplement 95 Strokestown Tourism Ireland Westport & Co. Mayo County Mayo has some of the most spectacular scenery in the west of Ireland. Our base in Westport is set against the majestic expanse of Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and Ireland s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. We visit rugged Achill Island, discover traditional ways of life at the National Museum of Country Life, step back to the 16th-century in Westport House and get a first-hand experience of sheepdog herding. Europa Buscentre to Westport via Sligo. This morning we drive around Clew Bay, across the Corraun Peninsula and Achill Sound to Achill Island. Following the Atlantic Drive we capture wonderful views of steeply-sloped 5 Days May, June, September Achill Island National Museum of Country Life Westport House Glen Keen Farm & Visitor Centre Aasleagh Falls s From 349pps mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. We spend the afternoon back in Westport. Our first stop today is the award-winning National Museum of Country Life which tells the story of Irish country life between 1850 and We return to Westport for a guided tour of Westport House, whose history dates back to the 1650s. After breakfast we drive to Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre for a short stop to discover more about the Holy Mountain. Next stop is Glen Keen Farm and Visitor Centre where we enjoy Sheepdog Herding and a light lunch. We return to Westport via the impressive Aasleagh Falls (photo opportunity). We return to Belfast via Enniskillen. Hotel: Clew Bay Hotel (4 nights D, B&B) Our base, the Clew Bay Hotel, is a comfortable, family-run three-star hotel in the town centre. The en-suite bedrooms are different in size and décor, and are equipped with a hairdryer, satellite TV, tea/coffee-making facilities. There is free WiFi in public areas and complimentary access to the Westport Leisure Park next door. Dates & s 10.00am Thursday 5.00pm 13 May 17 May Jun 21 Jun Sep 20 Sep 379 Excludes Single Room Supplement May & June 75, September Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 23

13 Galway Bay & the Aran Islands The harbour city of Galway is a fascinating place to visit. Sitting where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, at its heart is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs with live folk music. Remnants of the medieval town walls stand between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments. Europa Buscentre to Galway via Enniskillen. Today we take the ferry out into Galway Bay for a day on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Inishmore features the spectacular Dún Aengus Fort, one of the best-preserved stone forts in all of Europe. A free day to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or visit Galway city. 5 Days May, June, July, August, September Aran Islands Connemara Clifden Kylemore Abbey Clonmacnoise s From 439pps 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. Our journey home sees us stopping at Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century monastic settlement on the banks of the River Shannon, with round towers, elaborate Celtic crosses and church ruins. Clonmacnoise Fáilte Ireland Hotel: Salthill Hotel, Galway (4 nights D, B&B) The Salthill Hotel on Galway promenade gives panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Clare hills. The hotel has 161 tastefully designed en-suite bedrooms all with multi-channel TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. There s a swimming pool, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool and fully equipped gym. Dates & s 9.30am 5.00pm 7 May 11 May Jun 22 Jun Jul 20 Jul Aug 17 Aug Sep 28 Sep 439 Excludes Single Room Supplement 110 Inishmore Tourism Ireland Connemara Connemara s location on the very edge of Europe gives it some very special characteristics. It is a place of earthy colours, untamed wilderness and warm, hearty welcomes. From the bogs and lakes of the Gaelic-speaking south, to the mountain vistas of the north and west, the diversity of the landscapes and nature of its people offer much to the visitor. Europa Buscentre to Connemara via Sligo. Today our destination is the Twelve Pins. We drive via Ballyconneely, past Dog s Bay and on to Roundstone. At the Dan O Hara Homestead we have a guided tractor-drawn carriage tour to the hilltop overlooking the Roundstone Bog Complex. We re back in Clifden by mid-afternoon. This morning we turn north, following the Wild Atlantic Way via Louisburgh, for a day in Westport, one of Ireland s most beautiful towns. Killary Harbour beckons this morning! We take a 90-minute Killary Fjord Cruise and in the afternoon travel to Cong where The Quiet Man was filmed in Then home to Clifden. We return home via Dublin. 5 Days July, September Guided tractor-drawn carriage tour Westport Killary Fjord Cruise Cong s From 399pps Hotel: Clifden Station House Hotel, Clifden (4 nights D, B&B) The Clifden Station House Hotel, set around the old Clifden Railway Station in the town centre, offers 78 en-suite bedrooms all with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi in public areas. The hotel s leisure centre has an 18m pool, gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Roundstone Bog Tourism Ireland Dates & s 9.30am 5.00pm 2 Jul 6 Jul Sep 7 Sep 399 Excludes Single Room Supplement 75 Killary Fjord Dan O Hara s Cottage Cong Artur Ilkow Fáilte Ireland Fáilte Ireland 24 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 25

14 Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland The Burren Killaloe & Co. Clare 5 Days March, April, May, June, August, September, October Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum Lahinch Aillwee Cave Ennis River Shannon Cruise Adare s From 279pps Lisdoonvarna Nestled just between the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher and the wild, empty Burren National Park lies the beautiful spa town of Lisdoonvarna in Co. Clare. It became a popular health resort in the early 19th century and has hosted an annual matchmaking festival for over 150 years. Nowadays it is the ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty and rugged coastline of this area. We leave Belfast travelling south past Dublin, arriving in plenty of time to freshen up before dinner. Today, all of our senses are in for a treat as we journey on one of the ten best road trips in the world the spectacular R477 coastal road. After a lunch stop in Ballyvaughan we finish our journey at the picturesque fishing village of Kinvarra and return inland to our hotel. 5 Days July, August R477 Cliffs of Moher Ennis Caherconnell Fort Sheepdog Demonstration The Burren 339pps The Burren After breakfast it s a short trip to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, standing 702 feet at their highest point and stretching for five miles along the Atlantic coast. Afterwards, there are a few hours to explore Ennis. A less busy day with a visit to Caherconnell Fort, a well-preserved ring fort, followed by a Sheepdog Demonstration with dogs working with both sheep and cattle. A drive through the Burren takes us to the hotel in early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. Tourism Ireland We leave Lisdoonvarna and arrive back in Belfast around 5pm. Hotel: Hydro Hotel, Lisdoonvarna (4 nights D, B&B) The Hydro Hotel in the centre of Lisdoonvarna is a three-star family-run hotel. All 110 ensuite bedrooms come with multi-channel TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. There is live traditional music most nights in the hotel bar. Dates & s 9.30am 5.00pm 2 Jul 6 Jul Jul 3 Aug Aug 24 Aug 339 Excludes Single Room Supplement 75 Cliffs of Moher Ireland reveals one of her most stunning secrets when you visit Co. Clare. Set in the heart of the west coast, Clare combines the stunning beauty of its long, meandering coastline with unique windswept landscapes. Our base is the popular twin heritage towns of Ballina, Co. Tipperary and Killaloe, Co. Clare. Belfast to Killaloe direct. We have a welcome tea/coffee, a short historical talk followed by a cookery demonstration and a table quiz after dinner. After breakfast we travel to Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum before boarding the Shannon Ferry to travel part of the Wild Atlantic Way through Doonbeg to Lahinch, with time for lunch sightseeing. Join Irish Night entertainment this evening. Another full day as we travel to Kilcogan, then drive around Galway Bay to Aillwee Cave in the Burren for a guided tour. We return inland, stopping in Ennis for some sightseeing. Entertainment in the hotel tonight. A shorter day, as we enjoy a cruise on the mighty River Shannon on board the Spirit of Killaloe, followed by some time in Adare. Entertainment tonight. Time to return home. Hotel: Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe (4 nights D, B&B) The three-star Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre has 43 en-suite bedrooms, all with multi-channel TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. There is free WiFi in public areas. Relax in the lovely 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 but there are numerous ground floor rooms. Killaloe Fáilte Ireland Dates & s 10.00am 4.30pm 5 Mar 9 Mar Apr 13 Apr Apr 4 May May 18 May May 1 Jun Jun 15 Jun Jun 22 Jun Aug 31 Aug Sep 21 Sep Sep 28 Sep Oct 5 Oct 299 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 80 Foynes Flying Boat & MaritimeMuseum Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland 26 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 27

15 Waterford & the Ancient South East Waterford is part of Ireland s Ancient East and is recognised as Ireland s oldest city with the glittering House of Waterford Crystal as its centrepiece. The county of Waterford has some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in Ireland, filled with historic sites, lush green river valleys and a stunning coastline. We depart Belfast and travel south to Waterford in time for our evening meal. This morning we enjoy a relaxing awardwinning Walking Tour of Waterford to discover the historic core of the city. The rest of the day is free for you to explore and perhaps take in the House of Waterford Crystal. Today we drive along the scenic Copper Coast to the pretty coastal town of Dungarvan for a Meet and Greet before settling in for a couple of hours. In the afternoon we take a 40-minute return train journey on the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway, riding through the countryside enjoying panoramic views of the river, rolling farmland and hills of Waterford. We spend today at the Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle, where you can explore the spectacular ornamental grounds and gardens, and see comprehensive displays of farming and rural life from the turn of the 18th century. We return to Belfast today via the Irish National Stud and Gardens, to explore its two gardens and see some of Ireland s finest thoroughbreds. Hotel: Dooley s Hotel, Waterford (4 nights D, B&B) 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 the hotel is the first choice for a great holiday in Waterford city. All 112 en-suite bedrooms include a hairdryer, TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. Dates & s 10.00am Thursday 5.00pm 20 May 24 May Jun 21 Jun Jul 2 Aug Sep 13 Sep 349 Excludes Single Room Supplement 80 5 Days May, June, July, September Walking Tour of Waterford Copper Coast Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Irish Agricultural Museum Irish National Stud and Gardens s From 339pps Waterford Johnstown Castle National Stud Gardens National Stud Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland Wexford & Kilkenny Co. Wexford is the cornerstone of Ireland s Ancient East and pulsates with a vibrant history just waiting to be discovered. Next door is Kilkenny which has a strong connection with its Medieval past and is considered Ireland s Medieval capital. We base ourselves in Ennsicorthy, Wexford s second largest town, with its picturesque setting above the River Slaney and renowned for its friendly atmosphere and natural beauty. We travel south past Dublin to our hotel in Enniscorthy. Our first visit today is Kilkenny a wellpreserved ancient city followed by an afternoon visit to Dunbrody Famine Ship, where we get a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude of the Irish people faced with the great famine. 5 Days April October Kilkenny Dunbrody Famine Ship Wexford Wells House and Gardens Irish National Heritage Park s From 299pps Irish National Heritage Park This morning s journey takes us to the harbour town of Wexford. After lunch, we visit the lovely 300-year old Wells House and Gardens. Our guided tour of the house is followed by some free time to explore the Victorian garden. Tonight in the hotel, you can sit back and enjoy the Celtic Roots River Dance Show (this may take place in local hall). After breakfast we spend the majority of the day at the Irish National Heritage Park, where we journey through 9,000 years of Irish History. We return to Enniscorthy in mid-afternoon where you may like to explore some of the town s historical attractions. Time to return home. We are due back in Belfast at approximately 4pm. Hotel: Treacy s Hotel, Enniscorthy (4 nights D, B&B) Treacy s Hotel is perfectly located in the bustling town of Enniscorthy and offers 60 en-suite bedrooms all with LCD televisions, air-con, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe and free WiFi. Dates & s 10.00am Thursday 4.00pm 22 Apr 26 Apr May 17 May Jun 14 Jun Jul 12 Jul Aug 23 Aug Sep 6 Sep Oct 11 Oct 325 Excludes Single Room Supplement 80 Wells House & Gardens Dunbrody Famine Ship Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland 28 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 29

16 Christmas in Galway 4 Days December 629pps Winterval in Waterford 3 Days December Copper Coast Dungarvan Blanchardstown Centre 199pps Fáilte Ireland The renowned Salthill Hotel is one of Galway s premier getaways and provides the perfect venue for a Christmas break. Galway Bay, the Clare Hills and the famous Salthill Promenade provide a spectacular backdrop to the hotel. The city itself is a lively, cosmopolitan place, steeped in history and famous for its bridges, narrow streets, pubs, restaurants and of course, sunset on Galway Bay. Christmas Eve Belfast to Galway via Enniskillen. Time to relax in the hotel before a stylish Christmas Eve cocktail reception and gourmet dinner. Entertainment tonight. Christmas in Donegal Christmas Day Transport takes you to local church services this morning. Later, there s a morning champagne brunch and a visit from Santa. Build up your appetite with a walk along the promenade or just pamper yourself in the leisure centre before tucking into Christmas lunch. Light buffet supper and entertainment tonight. After our St Stephen s Day lunch, a complimentary coach trip takes you out to Connemara, returning in good time for dinner! Entertainment tonight. We return to Belfast via Dublin. Hotel: Salthill Hotel (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 9.30am Thursday 4.00pm 24 Dec 27 Dec 629 Excludes Single Room Supplement 140 Waterford, Ireland s oldest city, transforms into its Christmas capital! Throughout Winterval, the Viking Triangle and the retail heart of the city come alive with Christmas markets, Santa s Kingdom, a light show and so much more for young and old alike. We depart Belfast and travel south to Waterford in time for our evening meal. New Year in Sligo 4 Days December You can stay in Waterford today or join us for a scenic drive along the Copper Coast to the pretty coastal town of Dungarvan. After time for lunch we return directly to our hotel. We return to Belfast today via the Blanchardstown Centre where we stop for some Christmas retail therapy. Hotel: Dooley s Hotel, Waterford (2 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.00am 5.00pm 7 Dec 9 Dec 199 Excludes Single Room Supplement 40 4 Days December 489pps Drumcliff Churchyard Donegal Town New Year s Eve Big Band 325pps County Donegal is home to some of Ireland s most breathtakingly lovely scenery and beautiful, unspoilt beaches. The laidback pace of Donegal makes it the perfect place for a relaxing festive break. Christmas Eve We travel along the M1 and through Omagh to Ballybofey. There s a welcoming glass of mulled wine and mince pies to greet us when we arrive and a log fire blazing in the hearth. Tonight s dinner is followed by music and Christmas carols in Harry s Bar. Christmas Day The morning is free (there are several churches within walking distance for a Christmas service) but otherwise it s a busy day. Hot punch is served before a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, Santa calls in for a visit, there are prize competitions in the afternoon and this evening s full buffet is followed by a quiz in Harry s Bar. St Stephen s Day Relax in the hotel today or if you re feeling more energetic, take the morning coach trip through the mountains to the coast (weather permitting). Homemade soup, sandwiches and tea/coffee will be served in the afternoon. This evening s dinner is followed by live entertainment in the bar. After a late breakfast, we return to Belfast via the Glenshane Pass. Hotel: Kee s Hotel, Ballybofey (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 11.00am Thursday 4.00pm 24 Dec 27 Dec 489 Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 Make New Year s Eve truly memorable with this trip to Sligo, a place steeped in history and mythology, and made immortal in the poetry of W.B. Yeats. Set against a background of mountains, lakes and rivers, Sligo will stimulate all of your senses, whatever the weather. Belfast to Enniskillen stopping for lunch. We arrive at our hotel in mid-afternoon. New Year s Eve Our excursion along the coast stops at Drumcliff Churchyard where Yeats is buried, then continues through Mullaghmore to Donegal Town, where we stop over lunch. Our return journey takes us past Lower Lough Erne and through Belleek. We return to our hotel in time to freshen up before dinner. Tonight s New Year celebrations include a Buck s Fizz reception, evening meal, dancing to live music and a Big Band Sound (subject to confirmation in 2018). New Year s Day After last night s celebrations you may wish to relax in the hotel or enjoy its leisure facilities. Suitably refreshed, you can join our tour along the coast road to Enniscrone and on to Ballina. Evening entertainment in the hotel. We leave Sligo after lunchtime and arrive back in the Europa Buscentre at approximately 4pm. Hotel: Great Southern Hotel, Sligo (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.00am Wednesday 4.00pm 30 Dec 2 Jan 325 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 31

17 Christmas Craic-Ers Sightseeing Tours Dates & s Christmas Craic-Ers Dates & s 5-Day Tours (4 Nights) 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. This includes a Gala Christmas Banquet evening, which begins with a mulled wine reception. (Don t forget to bring your festive attire to celebrate our Gala banquet in style!) Live, festive entertainment each night. Highlights Tour of Killarney including a visit to Muckross Craft Centre, followed by an afternoon of shopping in Killarney with discount shopping vouchers for those last minute Christmas gifts. Shopping trip to Cork and Blarney Woollen Mills. Trip to Tralee, the capital of Kerry, including a stop off at Ballyseedy Garden Centre for refreshments. Afternoon sing-a-long in The Green Room Bar No. of Event nights Mon 29 Jan No. of nights Mon 12 Nov The Gleneagle Experience The Gleneagle Back by popular demand, The Gleneagle Experience in association with Ulsterbus Tours returns for its sixteenth consecutive year. The secret to this tour s success is undoubtedly the warm welcome, the true Irish hospitality and the calibre of live entertainment on offer at this legendary hotel. Expect to be greeted by all the familiar faces from the RTE TV series and be sure to pack your camera to capture the guaranteed fun, laughter and spectacular Killarney scenery. We are pleased to offer you a range of five and six-day tours with a variety of itineraries including sightseeing tours, country music festivals and of course the hugely popular Christmas Craic-er and Christmas Holiday breaks. Along with the popular Ring of Kerry and Dingle and Slea Head day trips, we are offering a day trip to Cork City as our optional day tour for The Gleneagle is renowned for its nightly live entertainment, so don t forget to bring your dancing shoes no matter which break you choose. The Gleneagle Hotel has all the facilities you could possibly wish for. Each guestroom has complimentary WiFi and tea/coffee-making facilities. Guests also have complimentary use of the 25m swimming pool and gym. Other onsite facilities include a hair and beauty 4 6 Days January December s From 229pps salon, ATM, gift shop and shuttle bus service to Killarney town centre. Special dietary requirements are catered for and Ulsterbus guests receive a complimentary drinks voucher on arrival. Additional tours may be introduced throughout the year, please contact Ulsterbus Tours for details. Sightseeing Tours 5-Day Tours (4 Nights) 4 nights bed and breakfast. 4 evening meals followed by live nightly entertainment. Welcome drinks voucher on arrival. Ring of Kerry Tour including a stop in Caherciveen and also a stop at O Carroll s Cove for photo opportunities. Ross Castle, Killarney Dingle and Slea Head Tour including stops at Inch Beach and Coumeenole Strand, of Ryan s Daughter fame, and also viewing time at Sybil Point to admire Clogher Strand, the location of the Star Wars set. New for 2018! Optional tour to Cork City enjoy free time to wander around Cork City, take in some shopping and enjoy the many coffee shops and restaurants Cork has to offer ( 20 per person). 6-Day Tours (5 Nights) This package includes all of the above as well as an additional night s accommodation including breakfast and dinner and a visit to Tralee town, the capital of Kerry, including a stop off at Ballyseedy Garden Centre for refreshments. Please note: these itineraries are subject to change without prior notice and are weather dependent. Sheeps Head Bantry 6-Day Tours (5 Nights) This package includes all of the above as well as an additional night s accommodation including breakfast and dinner and an optional trip to the Ring of Kerry ( 20 per person). Christmas in Killarney 5-Day Tour (4 Nights) We depart Belfast at 9am and travel south to Killarney. A welcoming hot punch and mince pie reception awaits us at The Gleneagle Hotel. Once we are settled in, dinner is served then there s live entertainment and dancing. Christmas Eve Spend a relaxing day in Killarney, where the locals have decorated the streets and shops and the atmosphere is simply magic. Upon returning to the hotel, savour some hot port or sparkling wine at the special pre-dinner reception where The Gleneagle Concert Band will perform a medley of Christmas favourites. This is followed by a celebratory Christmas Eve Banquet and an evening of dancing and singa-longs. Christmas Day Wake up to a festive breakfast in the Flesk Restaurant. Santa Claus pays a visit to the hotel with gifts for all the children. Buses will be on hand to take you to town to various mass services. Spend the afternoon enjoying Christmas Day Dinner complete with all the trimmings, followed by an evening of entertainment complete with servings of mulled wine and mince pies. St Stephen s Day Begin the day with a hearty breakfast in the Flesk Restaurant. Then there are lots of options to choose from: explore the National Park, take a day trip around the Ring of Kerry ( 20) or simply relax in front of one of the hotel s many open fires. Bid a fond farewell to everyone at The Gleneagle before returning to Belfast. Mon 26 Feb Sun 4 Mar 5 Country Music Week Mon 5 Mar 4 Country Music Week Mon 19 Mar Easter Sun 1 Apr Easter Mon 2 Apr Mon 9 Apr Mon 23 Apr Sun 29 Apr 5 Country Music Week Mon 30 Apr 4 Country Music Week Mon 21 May Mon 28 May Mon 4 Jun Mon 11 Jun Sun 17 Jun Sun 8 Jul Mon 9 Jul Sun 15 Jul Mon 16 Jul Sun 22 Jul Sun 29 Jul Sun 29 Jul Mon 6 Aug Mon 20 Aug Sun 26 Aug Mon 27 Aug Sun 2 Sep Mon 3 Sep Sun 9 Sep Mon 17 Sep Sun 23 Sep Sun 30 Sep Mon 1 Oct Mon 8 Oct Mon 15 Oct Sun 21 Oct 5 Country Music Week Mon 22 Oct 4 Country Music Week Mon 5 Nov 4 Mini Country Music Week Ulsterbus Tours act as agents for The Gleneagle Hotel. Itineraries, dates and prices are set by The Gleneagle Hotel Mon 19 Nov Mon 26 Nov Sun 2 Dec Mon 3 Dec Mon 10 Dec Christmas in Killarney Dates & s 2018 No. of nights Sun 23 Dec All Tours 9.30am 5.00pm Single Room Supplement 20 per night Killarney shop Gleneagle Gleneagle Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland 32 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 33

18 The Maritime Sheep s Head The Maritime The Maritime 5 Days January December s From 229pps All that is wonderful about West Cork blends together beautifully at The Maritime Hotel in Bantry world renowned scenery, delicious food crafted from locally-sourced produce and of course the friendliest Cork hospitality. The Maritime is a member of The Gleneagle Group and so offers similar great value packages to its sister hotel The Gleneagle. This modern and stylish hotel is scenically situated overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay. Its location, in the heart of West Cork, allows for exceptional day trips around the dramatic Beara Peninsula and to nearby Skibbereen taking in both Schull and Mizen Head. New to this year s itinerary is an optional day trip to Cork City. The Maritime Hotel offers luxurious fourstar accommodation, many rooms boast spectacular views across Bantry Bay and all have complimentary WiFi and tea/ coffee-making facilities. Guests also have complimentary use of Club Maritime which includes a 19m pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and hydro-pool facilities. Other onsite facilities include You Time Spa which offers a range of facials and massages. 5-Day Tours (4 Nights) Travel directly from Belfast to Bantry with comfort stops along the way. Enjoy dinner in the Ocean Restaurant this evening. Today we explore the Beara Peninsula, taking in the mountainous Healy Pass one of the most spectacular views in Ireland, before returning to our hotel for dinner. Today we visit Skibbereen, Schull and Mizen s Head (Ireland s most south-westerly point). We return to The Maritime for dinner which is followed by live entertainment. Relax in the hotel, explore Bantry town or avail of the optional day trip to Cork City enjoy free time to wander around Cork City, take in some shopping and enjoy the many coffee shops and restaurants Cork has to offer ( 20pp). Five-day tours retrace their outward journey today arriving back in Belfast around 5pm. Entertainment will be on at least two of the nights of your stay in The Maritime Bar. Dates & s Number of nights 12 Feb Mar Apr Apr May May Jun Jun Aug Sep Sep Sep Oct Oct Nov Dec All Tours 9.30am 5.00pm Single Room Supplement 20 per night Ulsterbus Tours act as agents for The Maritime Hotel. Itineraries, dates and prices are set by The Maritime Hotel. 34 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 35

19 Fáilte Ireland Fáilte Ireland Dublin Dublin & Bray Weekend Getaway Breaks Weekend Breaks 2 nights B&B, 1 dinner (served on night) Enjoy tea, coffee and homemade cookies on arrival with entertainment in McGettigan s Bar each night until late. Shopping in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. Relax and unwind in the Merrill Leisure Club with 10% discount offered to all guests (advanced booking essential). Dinner is not served on Saturday night but you could try our Table d hote dinner in Quin s Bistro or sample the food in McGettigan s Bar. s 11.00am s 5.00pm Hallowe en Ghost Tour 2 nights B&B, 1 dinner Get spooked this Hallowe en as we travel to Wicklow Historic Gaol (night to be confirmed) to experience the Gates of Hell Ghost Tour (strictly adults only). Enjoy a four-course evening meal served on one night and live music in McGettigan s Bar am 5.00pm Murder Mystery Weekend 2 nights D, B&B This weekend is full of surprises guaranteed to keep you on your toes, with suspense, murders, lots of laughter and entertainment. There is a buffet evening meal on, followed by live music in McGettigan s Bar. On Saturday have a relaxing day in Bray followed by a Gala Dinner where the story will unravel and the mystery will be solved. The night will finish with a presentation of the best dressed award. Theme to be confirmed am 5.00pm Dublin 2 & 3 Days January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November, December s From 109pps Christmas Breaks Shopping Break 2 nights B&B, 1 dinner (served on evening) Soak up the festive atmosphere in the hustle and bustle of Dublin City Centre. Your weekend break includes a day s shopping in Dublin. Enjoy a mulled wine reception followed by a scrumptious four-course evening meal. You can also attend the Christmas Party Night with live entertainment (supplement of 30 per person) advance booking essential. We stop in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre before returning to Belfast am 5.00pm Dates & s Tour 26 Jan 28 Jan Feb 18 Feb Murder Mystery Weekend Mar 25 Mar Apr 22 Apr May 13 May Jun 3 Jun Bloom in the Park 219 Leopardstown Christmas Racing 3 nights B&B, 2 dinners & Saturday Your midweek racing break includes a mulled wine reception each night, reserved enclosure tickets for two days (28 and 29 Dec) at Leopardstown Race Course (weather permitting), two Table d hote dinners with steak included and live entertainment in McGettigan s Bar. Dates & s Thursday 11.00am 5.00pm 27 Dec 30 Dec 279 New Year Package 3 nights D, B&B We arrive in Bray in mid-afternoon to be greeted with a Hot Punch Reception. Take time for a stroll around Bray or relax and unwind in the hotel s leisure facilities before dinner which is followed by live entertainment in McGettigan s Bar. New Year s Eve After a full Irish breakfast we spend the day in Dublin (coach transfer included). Tonight s festivities include a pre-dinner champagne reception and sumptuous gala dinner in the Powerscourt Suite, where you can dance in the New Year with our live band: Fancy Dress optional prize for the best costume on the night. New Year s Day A full day to recover with brunch served at leisure. Take time for a walk along the seafront or catch the Dart into the city centre. Dinner in the hotel tonight. After a full Irish breakfast we say goodbye to old friends and new before departing for Belfast. Dates & s 11.00am Wednesday 4.00pm 30 Dec 2 Jan 299 Excludes Single Supplement 20 per person per night. Ulsterbus Tours act as an agent for the Royal Hotel who set the itineraries, dates and prices. Special Theme Weekends Bloom in the Park 22 Jun 24 Jun Jul 8 Jul Sep 23 Sep Oct 14 Oct 119 Leopardstown 2 nights D, B&B Bloom is Ireland s largest gardening and food event, held at Phoenix Park Visitor s Centre. Your break includes a visit to the National Gardens Exhibition Centre on, a day at Bloom on Saturday and entrance to Powerscourt House and Gardens on. There is live music each night after dinner in McGettigan s Bar am 5.00pm 26 Oct 28 Oct 9 Nov 11 Nov Hallowe en Weekend Murder Mystery Weekend Nov 25 Nov Dec 9 Dec 14 Dec 16 Dec Christmas Shopping Christmas Shopping Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 37

20 England & Scotland Wales A cornucopia Ellia of dolorenet delights awaits dolupti us dolorem in England and Tur Wales. sit, optatibus Our travels repudia take autat us from the volum plunging simus heights apit optatur of the Lake mo District, esequo through ium the is dolupta awesome aut auta natural beauty omni of volupta Snowdonia, vendica to tionsequis the spectacular ipid coastline utem qui of the doloreic English temporum Riviera. We everit go up ata hill nullaudiatat and down (Emmer)dale occum, in ipsum Yorkshire, ent ex step etus. back to the Victorian vendem era in re Southport nos consequias and sample dolo some heady ciders in the West Country. et omnis alit lamus. Gendaep Et etur? Ma at magnien descimilia udantur mosamus, ut parum et, iunt. Lupicil min pro ea doloria And that s sequam only the anditatur tip of it. sitatum reiciis diam diatque sum simus. audaest runtia sapedit laciis pra sum quidem quataquis ipsum vent. Two hearts, one wish, two tongues but one language, two ropes that join connected, two souls but one journey. The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth; Dic Jones Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love Robert Burns 38 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 39

21 Fizz & Fayre 5 Days December German Christkindelmarkt, Leeds St Nicholas Fair, York 309pps Leeds Christmas Market VisitEngland/Marketing Manchester Liverpool Docks VisitEngland/Marketing Cheshire This Yorkshire twist on the Turkey and Tinsel is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. From the festive comfort of our Harrogate hotel, you can browse the stalls of the German market in Leeds and soak up the atmosphere of the traditional St Nicholas Fair in York. Each evening you can enjoy the hotel s three-course carvery dinner, followed by live entertainment. Belfast to Harrogate via Stena Line s early morning sailing to Cairnryan. We arrive in our hotel where we enjoy a pre-prandial mulled wine drinks reception. It is off to Leeds today for the German Christkindelmarkt, one of the best-established in the UK. After a free day exploring Harrogate, you can recharge your batteries at the hotel, with a festive-themed Mini Afternoon Tea, plus a glass of Festive Fizz. It s a full day in York to enjoy the St Nicholas Fair. We return to Belfast on the evening Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan. Hotel: Cairn Hotel, Harrogate (4 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 10.15pm 3 Dec 7 Dec 309 Excludes Single Room Supplement 65 Manchester, Liverpool & Chester Bargain Break Imperial War Museum North 5 Days March, April, September, October Imperial War Museum North Museum of Liverpool Guided Tour of Chester s From 339pps Chester Blackpool Tribute Weekends 4 Days April & October VisitBritain / Pawel Libera Diverse, energetic and bursting with character, Manchester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK. With a proud history in science, industry, music, arts and sport, the city is jampacked with attractions, museums and galleries. And there s more. This Bargain Break includes Liverpool, a city rich in maritime history, and Chester, known for its Roman walls and distinguished Tudor-style half-timbered buildings. Belfast to Manchester via Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. The day starts with a visit to the celebrated Imperial War Museum North a place shaped by war and conflict followed by an afternoon in Manchester. This morning we visit the Museum of Liverpool, an incredible storehouse for the industrial and cultural heritage of the city. Afterwards, you may choose to stay at the Albert Dock and visit the other museums, or stroll over to Liverpool ONE, an oasis of shopping! We re in the city of Chester today, with a guided tour of the city and some local villages. Afterwards, you are free to explore Chester on your own. We return to Belfast via the Stena Line sailing from Holyhead to Dublin. Hotel: Novotel Manchester West (4 nights D, B&B) Dates & s Thursday 7.30pm 11 Mar 15 Mar Apr 12 Apr Sep 27 Sep Oct 1 Nov 379 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 110 Music tribute night Liverpool s From 249pps When we think Blackpool, we think sand, sea and Strictly! Bold, brash and beautiful, Blackpool is the UK s very own playground by the sea. So join us for a fun-filled weekend break, as you enjoy superb tribute acts, explore the resort at leisure and shop til you drop in Liverpool. Belfast Blackpool via Cairnryan with Stena Line. You have a free day to enjoy the resort. Tonight is our tribute act: April Ultimate Elvis, October Rod Stewart Tribute. We spend the day in Liverpool. After tonight s dinner, entertainment is provided in the hotel. October departure includes an Illuminations tour on the promenade. We retrace our journey home via the afternoon Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan. Hotel: Elgin Hotel, Blackpool (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s 6.15pm 27 Apr 30 Apr Oct 15 Oct 285 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 35 Blackpool 40 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 41

22 VisitEngland/Chatsworth House Trust VisitEngland/CumbriaTourism Ullswater Chatsworth House Lake District & Yorkshire Dales 5 Days April, May, July, September Lake Windermere Cruise Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Journey Grasmere Settle Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre Levens Hall Peaks & Lakes 7 Days June & August Chatsworth House Bakewell Matlock Bath Buxton Castleton Harewood House Ullswater Steamer Boat Trip Bowness-on-Windermere s From 459pps 599pps The Lake District (or Lakeland, as it s known locally) is an area of outstanding natural beauty. You ll soon discover why, as we travel through its wild and unspoilt landscape. Our tour includes a cruise on Lake Windermere, a steam train journey through the Leven Valley, a drive over the spectacular Kirkstone Pass and a visit to Levens Hall. There s also a day in the Yorkshire Dales, renowned for its stone walls and rich, green countryside. We leave Belfast and travel to Keswick via the mid-morning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. It s a busy day exploring the Lakes. First we test our sea legs cruising on Lake Windermere from Bowness-on-Windermere to Lakeside. Then we catch the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to Haverthwaite (18min journey). Next, our coach takes us past Lake Windermere to Grasmere, made famous by William Wordsworth, before returning to Keswick over the Kirkstone Pass. We re off to the Yorkshire Dales today, travelling through Kirkby Lonsdale before arriving in Settle, one of the most picturesque towns in Ribblesdale. We continue through the heart of the Dales and watch a cheese-making demonstration at Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre (look out for Wallace and Gromit!) before returning to our hotel. We spend the morning in Keswick to enjoy its weekly market. In the afternoon we take a drive through the very scenic Kirkstone Pass before stopping in the vibrant town of Ambleside. We re homeward bound Keswick to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Hotel: Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick (4 nights D, B&B) The Skiddaw Hotel, in Keswick town square, is a family-run hotel combining traditional décor 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/coffeemaking facilities. Dates & s 10.30am 6.15pm 30 Apr 4 May May 1 Jun Jul 27 Jul Sep 21 Sep 475 Excludes Single Room Supplement I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o er vales and hills William Wordsworth Due to popular demand, our 2018 Peaks & Lakes tour combines two of England s most beautiful and diverse national parks the Peak District, where we start our tour, and the Lake District, where it concludes. We leave Belfast and travel to Sheffield on the early morning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. We start today with a visit to Chatsworth House in the heart of the Peak District. There s much to explore, including the magnificent Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sketch Galleries and Sculpture Gallery. ing to our hotel we go through Bakewell, home to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. VisitEngland/VisitPeakDistrict/LindaBussey Today we travel to Matlock Bath, famous for its warm springs. Next stop is Buxton, known as The Capital of the Peak District. After lunch we visit Castleton, an outstandingly pretty village at the head of the Vale of Hope. We arrive back in Sheffield in late afternoon. We head north to Cumbria, stopping at Harewood House, a wonderful building with an impressive art collection. Continuing along the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we arrive in Keswick in time to freshen up before dinner. After breakfast, we travel to Pooley Bridge at the northern end of Ullswater, where we board the Ullswater Steamer for an hour-long cruise. Our coach meets us at Glenridding and we continue our journey with a drive over the Kirkstone Pass to Bowness-on-Windermere. Day 6 Today we relax in Keswick and shop for bargains in the weekly market, located beside the hotel. Day 7 We return to Belfast on the mid-afternoon Stena Line ferry from Cairnryan. Hotel days 1 3: Jurys Inn, Sheffield (3 nights D, B&B) This three-star hotel is located in the centre of Sheffield and within easy walking distance of the Devonshire Quarter. It offers 259 stylish en-suite bedrooms, flatscreen TV, well-lit work areas, tea and coffee docks, hairdryers, free WiFi and lifts to all floors. Hotel days 4 6: Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick (3 nights D, B&B) The Skiddaw Hotel, in Keswick town square, is a family-run hotel combining traditional traditional décor 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. Dates & s 6.15pm 25 Jun 1 Jul Aug 19 Aug 599 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 43

23 Ribble Valley & Haunted Lancashire VisitEngland/Thomas Heaton 5 Days August & September Full day guided tour of the Ribble Valley Leeds-Liverpool Canal Cruise Skipton Grassington Guided tour of the Pendle Witches country Samlesbury Hall s From 429pps The soul-soothing countryside and idyllic villages of the Ribble Valley are home to some mysterious goingson. This tour explores eerie stories of horrible hauntings and ghostly apparitions in this part of Lancashire. Our guides (two days only) will reveal tales of textile riots, ghostly sightings, unsolved murders and grisly witch trials! Europa Buscentre to Samlesbury via Cairnryan with Stena Line. A welcome tea/ coffee on arrival. Staffordshire & Chester 5 Days May, July, August, September Shugborough Historic Estate World of Wedgwood Guided Coach Tour of Chester Stoke-on-Trent Potteries Museum and Art Gallery s From 419pps Chester Today s full day guided tour of the Ribble Valley includes, time permitting, visits to six inns. Hear stories of textile riots ghostly sightings and unsolved murders. We view the upstairs courtroom in the famous Hark to Bounty Inn (1693), before taking lunch at the Calf s Head, Worston. Next stop is the Sun Inn at Chipping Lancashire s most haunted public house then a visit to Whalley en-route to the hotel. We travel to Skipton for a one-hour cruise on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. After free time in Skipton, we continue into the Yorkshire Dales for a stop in Grassington, one of Yorkshire s prettiest villages. This morning brings a guided tour of the Pendle Witches country to learn about the infamous 15th-century witch trial. Afterwards we visit Samlesbury Hall, a beautiful halftimbered medieval house, one of the most haunted locations in Britain. We leave Samlesbury to catch the midafternoon Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast. Hotel: Best Western Plus Samlesbury (4 nights D, B&B) Our hotel, the four-star Best Western Plus Samlesbury Hotel, is in a pleasant location close to the M6. Recently refurbished, the hotel has an open plan bar/lounge/restaurant area and a fitness suite. Its 80 en-suite bedrooms are equipped with Freeview TV, safe, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. Dates & s 6.15pm 6 Aug 10 Aug Sep 21 Sep 429 Excludes Single Room Supplement 70 Staffordshire is sometimes overlooked as a touring destination, yet there is much to enjoy, as this tour will reveal. It covers some superb destinations, such as the 17th-century Shugborough Historic Estate and the brand new World of Wedgwood. Our visit to historic Chester will reveal the city s ancient Roman past, and we will explore the history of The Potteries, which includes the world s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics. Europa Buscentre to Cheshire on Stena Line s early morning ferry to Cairnryan. This morning we visit Shugborough Historic Estate for a guided tour of the Mansion House. After lunch, it s the new World of Wedgwood, a unique, interactive visitor centre that celebrates the very best of British craftsmanship. Our guided tour will no doubt leave you impressed by Wedgwood s 250 years heritage in the ceramics industry. Journeying through the beautiful Cheshire countryside we arrive in historic Chester, where a guided coach tour will tell you all about the city s Roman past and the history of its walls. Spend a few hours exploring at your pace before we return to our hotel. Today we journey into Stoke-on-Trent or The Potteries as it is affectionately known. We visit the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in the Cultural Quarter and see the famous Staffordshire Hoard, the world s largest find of Anglo Saxon gold. The rest of the day is at leisure. World of Wedgwood VisitBritain / Martin Brent Cheshire to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Hotel: Crewe Hall, Cheshire (4 nights D, B&B) Our tour is based in the Grade I listed four-star Crewe Hotel which stands proudly in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. The hotel has 117 contrasting bedrooms equipped with hairdryer, air-con, TV, tea/ coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. The health club boasts a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Dates & s Thursday 7.30pm 13 May 17 May Jul 12 Jul Aug 9 Aug Sep 13 Sep 419 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 45

24 VisitEngland/VisitBlackpool Southport Anderton Boat Lift VisitEngland/Yorkshire.com Blackpool & Lake District 5 Days May, June, July, August, September Bury Market Lake District s From Blackpool 289pps Pennines Southport This traditional Victorian seaside town combines the essence of a seaside holiday with fabulous attractions and shopping. Known as the Floral Capital of the North West, Southport is awash with beautifully preserved flowerbeds and gardens. For 2018 we have a scenic tour of Lancashire, taking in the Cathedral of the Canals and a river cruise. Europa Buscentre to Southport via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Today we explore the delightful scenery of Lancashire, passing through Clitheroe as we head to Settle in the foothills of the Pennines. 5 Days July & August Settle Kirkby Lonsdale Anderton Boat Lift River Cruise 429pps Then we continue to Kirkby Lonsdale situated at the gateway to the Lake District. We return to the hotel in time for dinner. You have a free day to enjoy the resort, taking in its beachfront, shops and gardens. After breakfast we embark on an aquatic adventure, travelling to Northwich to visit the Anderton Boat Lift, the so-called Cathedral of the Canals, and enjoying a river cruise along the picturesque River Weaver to Northwich and back (please note the site is sloped and there are 10 steps down to the boat). We return to Southport in mid-afternoon. Southport to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Hotel: Best Western Royal Clifton Hotel, Southport (4 nights D, B&B) The Royal Clifton is a great base from which to explore this part of England. It occupies a prime location on the seafront, and its 120 bedrooms are all en suite with flatscreen TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. Dates & s 6.15pm 2 Jul 6 Jul Jul 3 Aug Aug 31 Aug 429 Excludes Single Room Supplement Blackpool is the UK s most popular seaside resort. It s packed with entertainment for people of all ages and tastes from pier-end shows to West End musicals. For 2018 we return to the excellent Bury Market and travel north to the Lake District. Europa Buscentre to Blackpool via Cairnryan with Stena Line. You have a free day to enjoy the resort. We indulge in some serious retail therapy at the excellent Bury Market before returning to our hotel in late afternoon. A free day in Blackpool or a day trip to the Lake District to visit Grasmere, Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere. The choice is yours. Illuminations tours include a coach tour along the promenade this evening to see Blackpool s famous lights. We leave Blackpool this morning returning for the mid-afternoon Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast. Hotel: Elgin Hotel, Blackpool (4 nights D, B&B) We will be guaranteed a warm, friendly welcome at the Elgin Hotel, on the cliffs at Queen s Promenade. This family-run establishment, built in the 1930s, offers 89 en-suite bedrooms of various sizes with TV and tea/coffee-making facilities. It features a promenade patio with water feature, two lifts, bars and entertainment on three nights. Please note, during August the hotel is only available for adults. Lake District VisitEngland/Alex Hare Dates & s 6.15pm 14 May 18 May Jun 15 Jun Jul 6 Jul Jul 13 Jul Jul 20 Jul Jul 3 Aug Aug 17 Aug Aug 31 Aug Sep 7 Sep Sep 14 Sep Sep 21 Sep 349 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 30 Grasmere 46 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 47

25 VisitEngland/Visit County Durham/Beamish Museum VisitEngland/NewcastleGateshead Alnwick Castle Beamish Northumbria s Gardens 5 Days July & September Guided Introductory Tour of Newcastle National Trust s Cragside Whalton Manor Gardens Crook Hall Gardens Alnwick Castle and Garden Northumbria & Lincolnshire 7 Days May & August Ford Etal Holy Island (Lindisfarne) Beamish Open Air Museum Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre Lincoln Cathedral Tour Louth Stamford s From s From 369pps 649pps The north east of England holds an interesting mix of small, private gardens and larger, well-known formal gardens. Together, they create a distinct and fascinating garden experience. This tour is a must do for the gardening enthusiast, opening the gate to gorgeous gardens, large and small from one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, to an urban oasis full of colour and tranquillity. Taking the early Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan, we arrive in Newcastle in mid-afternoon for a guided introductory tour of the city, before settling into our hotel. Our first garden today is the National Trust s Cragside, a magnificent example of the formal Victorian garden. In the afternoon we visit Whalton Manor Gardens for a private guided tour of its three-acre garden. Driving south, we visit the six distinct gardens and maze that form Crook Hall Gardens in Durham City. The afternoon is at leisure in the city. We re in Alnwick today to explore the quirky wonderfulness of the Alnwick Garden. Afterwards, we visit Alnwick Castle, a magnificent example of Medieval architecture with sumptuous Italianate state rooms. We travel home on the afternoon Stena Line ferry to Belfast. Hotel: Jurys Inn, Newcastle (4 nights D, B&B) The Jurys Inn Newcastle is situated in the city centre. All 274 en-suite rooms come with Freeview TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. Dates & s Thursday 6.15pm 29 Jul 2 Aug Sep 13 Sep 369 Excludes Single Room Supplement 75 Crook Hall maze Alnwick Garden VisitEngland/Visit County Durham/ Allan McPhail Photography VisitBritain / Pawel Libera Northumbria s vast landscapes are full of historical sites just waiting to be explored. Lincolnshire also has much to enjoy, with some of England s most historic buildings and what may be the best-tasting sausage festival in the land. Leaving Belfast, we board the mid-morning Stena Line sailing, arriving in Newcastle in late afternoon. The day begins with a tour of Newcastle. Then we head for the Cheviot Hills, visiting the villages of Ford and Etal, before arriving at Holy Island (Lindisfarne). Island access is restricted by tidal conditions and will be at the discretion of the guide and driver. If access is not possible, we will visit nearby Berwickupon-Tweed instead. Today we get a flavour of working life in the north-east during Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times at Beamish Open Air Museum. We re in the cathedral city of Durham for the afternoon. We leave Newcastle and head to our second hotel in Louth, stopping en route at the Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre. Continuing south through Yorkshire, we cross the Humber Bridge into Lincolnshire and arrive at our hotel. Lindisfarne Priory We spend a full day in the city of Lincoln, taking a guided tour of the Cathedral and spending some free time exploring its historic streets. Day 6 After a short visit to the weekly market in Louth, we drive south to Stamford, the most complete stone-built town in England, unchanged for many centuries. Day 7 We return to Belfast on the evening Stena Line ferry from Cairnryan. VisitEngland/VisitNorthumberland.com Hotel days 1 3: Jurys Inn, Newcastle (3 nights D, B&B) The Jurys Inn Newcastle is situated in the city centre. All 274 en-suite rooms come with Freeview TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. Hotel days 4 6: Best Western Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth (3 nights D, B&B) The Best Western Kenwick Park Hotel, set in 320 acres of parkland, offers 34 en-suite bedrooms each with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffeemaking facilities and WiFi. The hotel also has a pool, spa and Hydrotherapy Pool. Dates & s 10.30am Saturday 10.15pm 27 May 2 Jun Aug 1 Sep 689 Excludes Single Room Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 49

26 All Things Emmerdale & Harrogate New for 2018, this tour takes us to the fashionable spa town of Harrogate, home to elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture, beautiful parks and handsome tree-lined boulevards. We explore Emmerdale Country taking in Beckindale, the original Woolpack and Hotton. And at the newly opened Emmerdale Studio Experience, we discover some behind-thescenes secrets. Europa Buscentre to Harrogate via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Enjoy a welcome tea/coffee on arrival. This is a free day to explore Harrogate. Why not visit the Royal Pump Rooms Museum and Mercer Art Gallery, and then enjoy lunch at Betty s Tea Room, home to Yorkshire tea. Today, on our guided tour of Emmerdale Country, we travel to Esholt, formally 5 Days June, July, August Emmerdale Studio Experience Leeds Guided Tour of Emmerdale Country s From 469pps Emmerdale s Beckindale, enjoy a visit to the original Woolpack and finish with a stop in Otley, known as Hotton in Emmerdale. In Leeds, we visit the Emmerdale Studio Experience for a guided tour of the interactive exact set reconstructions. You may even get to pull a pint in the Woolpack Bar. After some free time in Leeds, we return to Harrogate for dinner. Time to return home as we catch the evening Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan to Belfast. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harrogate (4 nights D, B&B) This four-star hotel was completely refurbished in 2017 and is a short walk from Harrogate town centre; it offers excellent service and comfort. All 214 bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffeemaking facilities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge, fitness centre and provides free WiFi. Dates & s Tuesday 10.15pm 29 Jun 3 Jul Jul 31 Jul Aug 4 Sep 489 Excludes Single Room Supplement Harrogate & Yorkshire 5 Days May, July, September RHS Garden Harlow Carr Saltaire Village Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Ripon Newby Hall s From 479pps Set at the heart of Yorkshire, the stylish spa town of Harrogate boasts elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture. Nearby, on the edge of town, is the superb Royal Horticultural Society Gardens at Harlow Carr. Belfast to Harrogate via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Enjoy a welcome tea/coffee on arrival. This morning is full of gardening delights as we visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr. The 58-acre garden offers many seasonal highlights including the UK s longest streamside garden and an extensive kitchen garden. Afterwards, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Harrogate. This morning we visit Saltaire Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 19thcentury model village was built to house the employees of Salts Textile Mill. Then, time permitting, we stop in Skipton before enjoying a 20-minute steam train journey through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. It s culture morning in the cathedral city of Ripon, a beautiful market town with many historic buildings and museums. After lunch we visit Newby Hall and Gardens, an 18thcentury country house with awardwinning gardens. We return home on the evening Stena Line sailing to Belfast. Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harrogate (4 nights D, B&B) This four-star hotel was completely refurbished in 2017 and is a short walk from Harrogate town centre; it offers excellent service and comfort. All 214 bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffeemaking facilities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar/lounge, fitness centre and provides free WiFi. Dates & s Thursday 10.15pm 6 May 10 May Jul 12 Jul Sep 6 Sep 489 Excludes Single Room Supplement RHS Garden Harlow Carr Saltaire Village Betty s Tea Rooms, Harrogate RHS / Lee Beel VisitEngland/Yorkshire.com VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis 50 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 51

27 Stratfordupon-Avon & the Cotswolds Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the UK s most popular destinations. Steeped in history and home to William Shakespeare, the town is renowned for its beautifully preserved half-timbered Tudor buildings and for the stunning Warwickshire countryside in which it is set. In the Cotswolds, sleepy, honeycoloured towns and villages, made famous in Laurie Lee s Cider with Rosie, lie hidden in secluded valleys, awaiting your discovery. Europa Buscentre to Stratford-upon-Avon via Cairnryan with Stena Line. We have a welcome tea/coffee on arrival Take time to relax and explore Stratford at your own pace. The town is synonymous with William Shakespeare so take a short stroll to his birthplace or visit Anne Hathaway s cottage. Today we explore the towns and villages of the northern Cotswolds. Our first stop is the delightful Bourton-on-the-Water, after which we continue to the market town of Stow-onthe-Wold, highest of the Cotswold towns. Our last stop is Broadway with its picturesque thatched-roofed houses. It is Blenheim Palace today, birthplace of Winston Churchill and one of England s most spectacular stately homes. This magnificent Grade I listed building has priceless collections for you to view and enjoy. After breakfast, we begin our homeward journey, driving to Cairnryan and taking the Stena Line ferry back to Belfast. Hotel: Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel (4 nights D, B&B) The Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel is set in the heart of Stratford. This hotel has 78 individually named bedrooms, each of which is equipped with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. Bedrooms vary in size, as befits this beautiful 17th-century building. Dates & s Thursday 10.15pm 27 May 31 May Jul 2 Aug Aug 23 Aug Sep 6 Sep Days May, July, August, September Bourton-on-the-Water Stow-on-the-Wold Broadway Blenheim Palace s From 439pps Excludes Single Room Supplement Anne Hathaway s Cottage Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry God for Harry, England, and Saint George! Henry V, William Shakespeare Shakespeare Memorial VisitEngland/Shakespeare s Birth Trust/Amy Murrell VisitEngland/jameskerr.co.uk The West Country The term West Country is often applied to the southwest counties of England. Our base for this tour is the lovely town of Weston-super-Mare on the Somerset seaboard. It offers wonderful views across the Bristol Channel to Wales and down to Exmoor. As well as exploring this beautiful coastline, we ll visit England s smallest city. Perhaps you ll sample some of the West Country s famous ciders and cheeses! Europa Buscentre to the Walsall via Stena Line Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Continuing south after breakfast, we stop for a few hours in the spa town of Cheltenham. A welcome tea/coffee awaits us when we arrive in Weston-super-Mare. A free day to explore Weston-super-Mare. Stroll along the newly rebuilt Grand Pier, visit the Seaquarium, or relax and enjoy the town s cafés, pubs and restaurants. Today we travel through the Mendip Hills to Wells, the smallest city in England, returning via Keynsham, where we have a short stop. Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare 7 Days May & July Cheltenham Wells Avon Gorge Clifton Suspension Bridge SS Great Britain Tewkesbury s From 539pps This morning we journey through the Avon Gorge to see two of Brunel s masterpieces: the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain, the world s first oceangoing, propeller-driven iron ship. Day 6 We leave Weston-super-Mare this morning, stopping in Medieval Tewkesbury before arriving at our overnight hotel. Day 7 We return to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel : Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 5: Smiths Hotel, Weston-super-Mare (4 nights D, B&B) Smiths Hotel is a family-run hotel conveniently situated on the promenade, lined with shops, and a mere 10-minute stroll into town. Its 50 en-suite bedrooms are attractively furnished, spacious and equipped with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffeemaking facilities and WiFi. The hotel has a restaurant with a bar, lounge area and a comfortable outside patio. VisitEngland/North Somerset Council Overnight hotel day 6, 20 May only: Novotel Wolverhampton (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 6, 8 July only: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday 7.30pm 20 May 26 May Jul 14 Jul 599 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 35 Tewkesbury Clifton Suspension Bridge VisitEngland/Cotswolds.com VisitEngland/Destination Bristol 52 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 53

28 Cornwall 8 Days July The Lost Gardens of Heligan Mevagissy Polperro Screech Owl Wildlife Park Truro 699pps Cornwall is famous for its maritime history, spectacular sandy beaches, dramatic coastline, busy fishing harbours and of course, its clotted cream. You ll experience most of these, if not all, from our base in the pretty Cornish fishing town of Looe, a truly delightful and picturesque place. Europa Buscentre to the Midlands via Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. We continue south through Somerset and Devon into Cornwall and on to our hotel in Looe. A free day for you to explore Looe s mazelike streets, discover its maritime history and browse its eclectic mix of shops. This morning it s The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a genuine secret garden, only rediscovered in the 1990s. We spend the afternoon in Mevagissy once the haunt of smugglers and a true Cornish Gem. Today we visit Fowey, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and then Polperro, a quintessential Cornish fishing village, with narrow, traffic-free streets and lanes. (There is a walk to/from coach park to the village.) Day 6 We start the day in Screech Owl Wildlife Park, where you may even get to touch the tame owls! Then we visit the cathedral city of Truro, packed with awe-inspiring architecture (and a shopper s delight!). Day 7 Leaving Portbyhan, we travel past Dartmoor National Park and continue north to our overnight hotel. Day 8 Walsall to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. The Lost Gardens of Heligan Overnight hotel day 1: Jurys Inn, Hinckley (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: The Portbyhan Hotel (5 nights D, B&B) This hotel is situated on the quayside and overlooks the harbour. All 44 bedrooms are en suite with a hairdryer, television and tea/coffee-making facilities. Most rooms have front or side views of the harbour and town. The restaurant uses seasonal local products, whenever possible, and there is a bar, a sun terrace and a lift to all floors. VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth Overnight hotel Day 7: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 7.30pm 15 Jul 22 Jul 699 Excludes Single Room Supplement 140 Cornwall Coastline Polperro VisitEngland/Andrew Boxall VisitBritain / Daniel Bosworth VisitEngland/Visit Cornwall/Adam Gibbard Torquay & the English Riviera The English Riviera boasts miles of spectacular coastline, picturesque villages and warm weather, making it one of the UK s top holiday destinations. Little wonder that the Victorian town of Torquay remains so popular! The waterfront is the focus of town life, with its palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, lively harbour and international marina. Belfast to the East Midlands with Stena Line ferry via Cairnryan. Hinckley to Torquay with a stop in the historical market town Tewkesbury. Today is free to relax, unwind and take a leisurely stroll through Torquay. Our first stop today is Buckfast Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine monks. After lunch we travel to Buckfastleigh for a 35min journey on the South Devon Steam Railway, hugging the beautiful River Dart, to the market town of Totnes where we spend an hour. Driving over remote and mysterious Dartmoor, we spend a day in Plymouth, a vibrant 8 Days June, July, August Tewkesbury Buckfast Abbey South Devon Steam Railway Totnes Plymouth Powderham Castle Sidmouth 699pps waterfront city with numerous attractions and a beautiful natural harbour. Day 6 This morning we have a guided tour of Powderham Castle where we discover secret doors and a haunted landing! Our journey home takes us through Sidmouth, nestled beneath majestic red cliffs and the glorious Sid Valley. Day 7 After breakfast, we drive to our overnight hotel in Shropshire. Day 8 We leave Telford this morning and return to Belfast via Holyhead with Stena Line. Overnight hotel day 1: Jurys Inn, Hinckley (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: Livermead House Hotel, Torquay (5 nights D, B&B) The elegant 1820 s Livermead House Hotel is situated on the seafront. All of the en-suite bedrooms, which come in various shapes and sizes, are equipped with TV, radio, tea/coffeemaking facilities, hairdryer, telephone and WiFi. There are two outdoor swimming pools, a relaxing bar and terraced garden. Overnight hotel day 7: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 7.30pm 17 Jun 24 Jun Jul 22 Jul Aug 26 Aug 699 Excludes Single Room Supplement 90 Torquay harbour Smeaton s Tower, Plymouth VisitBritain/ Adam Burton VisitEngland/Visit Plymouth/Guy Channing 54 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 55

29 Bournemouth & Dorset Bournemouth has everything you could wish for seven miles of glorious seafront edged with golden sands, a fabulous pier and award-winning public gardens, as well as wonderful shops, castles and museums. New for 2018 is a visit to the 15th-century Althelhampton House and a sea cruise along the worldfamous Jurassic Coast. Europa Buscentre to the Midlands via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. After breakfast we continue south through some of England s most picturesque counties to our hotel in Bournemouth. Today you are free to relax, unwind and get to know the hotel and Bournemouth. This morning we set off through the Dorset countryside, via the Georgian town of Blandford Forum, to arrive in Dorchester, a beautiful market town. Our afternoon visit is to Althelhampton House, a superb 15thcentury manor house. 8 Days June & August Dorchester Althelhampton House Portsmouth Jurassic Coast Boat Cruise s From 539pps Today we travel through the New Forest to Portsmouth to enjoy its history and heritage, shopping and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Historic Dockyard and the Spinnaker Tower. Day 6 Travelling to Poole, we take a relaxing twohour boat cruise (subject to weather conditions) along part of the famous Jurassic Coast. Then it s back to Bournemouth for a leisurely afternoon. Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast Day 7 Leaving Bournemouth, we head north to our overnight hotel in Shropshire. Day 8 Shropshire to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. VisitBritain / Adam Burton Overnight hotel day 1: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: The Trouville Hotel, Bournemouth (5 nights D, B&B) The Trouville Hotel is our home for this tour. It is a comfortable, family-run hotel in the heart of Bournemouth, just a few minutes stroll from the town centre. There are 80 en-suite bedrooms each with TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities, as well as anindoor leisure complex with heated swimming pool and sauna. Overnight hotel day 7: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday Saturday 7.30pm 30 Jun 7 Jul Aug 18 Aug 545 Excludes Single Room Supplement 100 Bournemouth Pier Brighton & Sussex 8 Days May & August Windsor Arundel Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre Oxford Beachy Head Eastbourne Worthing Chichester s From 579pps Surely one of the liveliest coastal towns in the UK, Brighton boasts a wonderful mix of seaside fun and superb regency architecture, chief among which is the Royal Pavilion. We journey east to explore elegant Eastbourne and heading west, we take in the historic towns of Arundel, Worthing and Chichester. Europe Buscentre to our overnight hotel in central England. On the second leg of our outward journey we stop for a few hours in Windsor. Enjoy a leisurely day in Brighton, exploring it at your own pace. This morning we visit the lovely market town of Arundel. The afternoon takes in Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, home to traditional craftspeople. We travel east to Beachy Head and to Eastbourne, famous for its seafront parades, parks and gardens. Day 6 We travel west this morning, stopping in the lovely seaside town of Worthing, then continue along the coast via Bognor Regis to the Roman town of Chichester. Day 7 Leaving Brighton, we start our return journey, stopping en-route in the beautiful city of Oxford. Day 8 We return to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin Hotel day 1, 19 May only: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 1, 4 August only: Novotel Wolverhampton (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: Old Ship Hotel (5 nights D, B&B) Our base for this tour is the wonderful Old Ship Hotel. Dating from 1559 and dripping in history, the hotel is conveniently located on Brighton s famous promenade. The restaurant offers stunning views out to sea and the informal bar is a great place to relax. All 154 bedrooms include Freeview TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, iron and free WiFi. Overnight hotel day 7, 19 May only: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 7, 4 August only: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday Saturday 7.30pm Windsor Castle guard 19 May 26 May Aug 11 Aug 599 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 160 VisitEngland/Doug Harding Brighton beach Arundel Castle Brighton Pier VisitEngland/VisitBrighton VisitEngland/Arundel VisitEngland/Andrew Marshall 56 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 57

30 Eastbourne Eastbourne boasts an enviable position on the Sussex coast, sheltered by the rolling South Downs and awe-inspiring Beachy Head. Its long promenade, gracious atmosphere and numerous seaside attractions make it a favourite holiday destination. For 2018, our tour includes the Bluebell Railway and the National Trust Sheffield Park Gardens. Europa Buscentre to the Midlands via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. On the second leg of our journey south, we stop a few hours in the beautiful city of Oxford. A leisurely day in Eastbourne, exploring the resort at your leisure. We start at Beachy Head where we enjoy the wonderful views of Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters. Then we continue west, spending the rest of the day in Brighton. DAY 5 Our first stop today is in the National Trust Sheffield Park Gardens, a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design. From here we take a steam train 8 Days July & September Kent Oxford Beachy Head Brighton National Trust Sheffield Park Gardens Bluebell Railway Windsor s From 585pps journey on the Bluebell Railway through the heart of the Sussex countryside. Day 6 Today you can explore more of Eastbourne s attractions. Day 7 Leaving Eastbourne, we begin our return journey, stopping en-route in Windsor. Day 8 Telford to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel day 1, 7 July only: Novotel Wolverhampton (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 1, 1 September only: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: Best Western York House, Eastbourne (5 nights D, B&B) The Best Western York House Hotel is an elegant Victorian hotel with a stunning seafront location, just a short walk from the town centre. The hotel has 85 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms, all with free WiFi. The indoor heated swimming pool and openair sun verandah make this a perfect getaway location. Overnight hotel day 7: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday Saturday 7.30pm Eastbourne beach 7 Jul 14 Jul Sep 8 Sep 585 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 110 Beachy Head VisitEngland/Visit Eastbourne VisitEngland/Visit Eastbourne 8 Days July & August Windsor Canterbury Rye Sissinghurst Castle Gardens Hever Castle and Gardens Royal Tunbridge Wells 649pps You re never stuck for things to do and see in Kent. Its beautiful shoreline is dotted with idyllic sand and shingle beaches and bustling seaside resorts. And its garden of England landscape is speckled with hop gardens and oast houses, orchards and farms, historic castles and towering cathedrals. Our tour takes us to the wonderful gardens at Sissinghurst and Hever, historic Royal Tunbridge Wells, the ancient cinque port of Rye and the stunning city of Canterbury. Europa Buscentre to the Midlands via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. We make a lunch stop in Windsor before continuing around London to our hotel in Ashford. Free day. Enjoy the hotel s leisure facilities or travel into Ashford. A full day in Canterbury, dominated by its beautiful, ancient cathedral. Take time to explore the city s historic architecture, browse its boutique shops or peruse a museum. After breakfast we visit the ancient cinque port of Rye, once a port but now some distance from the sea. After lunchtime we visit Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, designed as a series of rooms, each with a different character of colour and theme. Day 6 We travel to Hever Castle and Gardens, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Explore the romantic double-moated castle and the 125 acres of glorious gardens. In the afternoon, we stop at the charming historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. Day 7 We leave Ashford for a leisurely journey through the Chiltern Hills to our final hotel in Shropshire. Day 8 Telford to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel day 1: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 6: Ashford International Hotel, Ashford (5 nights D, B&B) Our four-star Ashford International Hotel is just outside the quintessential English village of Ashford. Its 179 contemporary en-suite bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, air-con and complimentary WiFi. The hotel also has a swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room. Overnight hotel day 7: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 7.30pm 15 Jul 22 Jul Aug 26 Aug 649 Excludes Single Room Supplement 165 Hever Castle Canterbury Cathedral VisitBritain/Pete Seaward VisitEngland/Diana Jarvis 58 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 59

31 London Super Saver London s infamous pea-soup fogs may have gone, but somehow its nickname The Big Smoke still seems apt. After all, it s one of the top visitor destinations in the world, with some of the most iconic and jaw-dropping attractions to be seen anywhere. And here s the good news we ll experience some of them on this tour. It s all here history, pageantry and tradition standing right alongside the ultra new, modern and contemporary. And we won t even begin to mention the shopping! Belfast to the Midlands via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. Continuing south we stop at Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the WWII Codebreakers, now a fascinating heritage attraction. Arrival at our hotel is late afternoon. Free day to explore at your own pace. You can walk to Underground tube stations. 7 Days July & August Bletchley Park Royal Observatory Greenwich Cutty Sark Imperial War Museum British Museum Oxford 599pps We start the day at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, home of GMT, Greenwich Mean Time. Straddle the meridian line demarcating east/west, with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and the other in the west! Also at Greenwich is the celebrated sailing ship Cutty Sark. Built in 1869 and now fully restored, you ll discover what life was like on board this true survivor of the seas. Our visit to the Imperial War Museum reveals stories of people s experiences of modern war, from WWI to conflicts today. Then it s the British Museum to see its remarkable collections spanning over two million years of human history. Day 6 We leave London, stopping in Oxford, before reaching our overnight hotel in Shropshire. Day 7 Shropshire to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel day 1: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 5: Ibis London Earls Court (4 nights D, B&B) The Ibis London Earls Court combines great value with easy access to the retail paradise of Kensington and the stylish cafés, bars and boutiques of Chelsea. The hotel has 504 en-suite bedrooms, each with TV, telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. Dinners are buffet style. Overnight hotel day 6: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday 7.30pm 22 Jul 28 Jul Aug 25 Aug 599 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 175 By seeing London, I have seen as much of life as the world can show. Samuel Johnson VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett London - English Heritage 7 Days August Thames River Sightseeing Cruise Buckingham Palace St Paul s Cathedral Hampton Court Palace Windsor 749pps This dynamic, cosmopolitan city is packed full of exciting things to see and do. Our tour focuses on London s cultural heritage and visits Buckingham Palace, St Paul s Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. There s also a River Thames cruise, plus time to check out your own favourite attractions. Europa Buscentre to Hinckley via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. We continue to London and take a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. After checking into our hotel the evening is free. Relax and explore London at your own pace today. The highlight of our tour the morning visit to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. After lunch, we visit Wren s iconic building, St Paul s Cathedral. Enjoy the Cathedral s awe-inspiring interior and uncover fascinating stories about its history. We spend the day at Hampton Court Palace, an awe-inspiring, flamboyant showcase for kingship, designed to truly impress. Day 6 We leave London, stopping mid-morning in Windsor, then continue through the Cotswolds to our final hotel, Day 7 We return to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel day 1: Jurys Inn, Hinckley Island (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 5: Double Tree by Hilton London-Kensington (4 nights B&B) Buckingham Palace The four-star Double Tree by Hilton London- Kensington has a prime location next to three of London s most famous museums. It has 203 en-suite bedrooms, each with air-con, TV, telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffeemaking facilities and WiFi. Rather than dine in the hotel, you will be able to enjoy the many fine restaurants in the surrounding area. Overnight hotel day 6, 12 August only: Village Urban Resort, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 6, 26 August only: Park Inn by Radisson, Telford (1 night D, B&B) VisitBritain / Pawel Libera St Paul s Cathedral Dates & s Saturday Buckingham Palace guards Saturday 7.30pm 12 Aug 18 Aug Aug 1 Sep 749 Excludes Single Room Supplement 160 Hampton Court Palace VisitBritain / Pawel Libera VisitEngland/City of London/Clive Totman VisitEngland/Historic Royal Palaces 60 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 61

32 Old land of the mountains, paradise of the poets, Every valley, every cliff a beauty guards Land of my Fathers Caernarfon & North Wales Dominated by its stunning Medieval castle and walls, the historic royal town of Caernarfon is the perfect base from which to explore North Wales. We visit our old favourites of Bodnant Gardens and Portmeirion and ride a steam train through Snowdonia National Park. We leave Belfast for the early afternoon Stena sailing from Dublin. We have a late dinner in the hotel tonight. This morning we board the narrow gauge, steam-hauled Ffestiniog Railway for the scenic 13½ mile journey from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog. Then it s a short coach ride to the magnificent Italianate village of Portmeirion. We enjoy a full day in Llandudno, a true seaside classic with the longest pier in Wales. Be sure to take the UK s only cable-operated tram to the summit of the Great Orme. 5 Days June, July, August, September Ffestiniog Railway Portmeirion Llandudno Betws-y-Coed Bodnant Gardens s From 479pps Today we explore the beautiful Snowdonia countryside, passing Llanberis before reaching Betws-y-Coed, then travelling north to the famous Bodnant Gardens with 80 acres of the finest gardens in the UK. After a leisurely breakfast, we return to Holyhead, catching the early afternoon ferry to Dublin port and arriving in Belfast at around 7.30pm. Hotel: Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon (4 nights D, B&B) The Celtic Royal Hotel is our home for this tour. Conveniently located within the town, all of its en-suite bedrooms offer TV, telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. The well-equipped leisure club has a gym, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room. The hotel lift serves all floors. Please note some of the rooms are accessed by steps. Dates & s 11.30am 7.30pm 4 Jun 8 Jun Jul 6 Jul Aug 10 Aug Sep 7 Sep 479 Excludes Single Room Supplement 80 Snowdonia Portmeirion VisitBritain / Joe Cornish VisitBritain / James McCormick Caernarfon Castle VisitBritain / James McCormick 62 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 63

33 Events & Experiences Are you drawn to the turf and the sound of pounding hooves? Are you deeply stirred the spectacle of an inspirational Flower Show, bursting with the highest quality floral displays and grow-your-own exhibits? Are you awed by amazing Conceptual Gardens and the chance to learn from the horticultural experts? Perhaps it s the pageantry, spectacle and excitement of Formula 1 that sets your heart racing? Or maybe you yearn for the chance to meet with likeminded yarn lovers at Knitting and Stitching Shows, definitive events for all lovers of textilebased crafts. Then again, it could be continental markets that ring your bell, those wonderfully atmospheric fairs, packed with sumptuous goodies and bursting with good cheer just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit! Whatever your passion, follow it with us. Chase down your passion like it s the last bus of the night. Terri Guillemets 64 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 65

34 Cheltenham Festival 6 Days March 849pps Experience all the drama and excitement of the National Hunt s Blue Riband, and its highlight event, the Gold Cup. The Cheltenham Festival is a place of pilgrimage for race goers and each year the Irish invade to take on the English on their own turf. Taking the early morning Cairnryan ferry, we drive through southern Scotland and onwards to our rural hotel, just under three miles outside Banbury. F1 British Grand Prix 4 Days July 499pps Experience all the excitement, action and glamour of motorsport when you join our Formula 1 British Grand Prix tour. Your weekend includes luxury coach transfers each day, with General Admission viewing from the banks on Saturday and.* Perhaps you have your own race weekend ticket? Why not travel in comfort with us and benefit from a reduction in the tour price! Belfast to Leicester via Cairnryan. Days 2 5 We leave the hotel immediately after breakfast each race day, arriving in good time for the first race. There is a daily super card including Champion Day, St Patrick s Thursday and, of course, the climax of the week, the Gold Cup on. Each evening, the coach returns to the hotel after the final race. Day 6 We leave the hotel immediately after breakfast and return to Scotland, arriving back in the Europa Buscentre at approximately 10.15pm. Practice Day After an early breakfast, we hot-foot it to Silverstone to experience the thrilling spectacle of the drivers fighting for pole position in the Qualifying Sessions. Race Day An early breakfast means an early arrival at the track and with General Admission tickets, you re able to soak up the atmosphere in different parts of the circuit. Then get ready for the highlight of the weekend the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. We return to Belfast via the Stena Line sailing from Cairnryan. Hotel: Best Western Plus Wroxton House Hotel, Wroxton (5 nights D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday 10.15pm 12 Mar 17 Mar 849 Excludes Single Room Supplement 150 Upgraded tickets can be organised with the relevant non-refundable supplement paid at the time of booking. Hotel: Hilton Leicester Dates & s 10.15pm (3 nights D, B&B) 6 Jul 9 Jul 499 Dates are determined by FIA and may be subject to change. Excludes Single Room Supplement 60 * Upgraded seating can be organised with the relevant non-refundable supplement paid at the time of booking. RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Held at the height of summer in the grounds of one of Britain s most historic estates, the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park combines inspirational gardening with all the grandeur of a garden party. Delicious artisan food from specialist producers and superb live entertainment add to this wonderful day out. Our visit to Cheshire includes a trip to Arley Hall, one of the great gardens of England, and to Mount Pleasant, a traditional mixed garden with impressive views over the Cheshire countryside. We leave Belfast on the early morning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. After breakfast we spend a full day at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. All the displays will delight and inspire, with spectacular garden designs and flower arrangements that will simply take your breath away. Today we visit the gardens of Arley Hall near Northwich to see its wonderful herbaceous 4 Days July RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Arley Hall Mount Pleasant 349pps borders from 1846 and charming old walled garden. In the afternoon we visit Mount Pleasant, 10 acres of landscaped garden and woodland with impressive views over the Cheshire countryside. We return to Belfast via the Stena Line sailing from Holyhead to Dublin. Hotel: Novotel Manchester West (3 nights D, B&B) The Novotel Manchester West is a three-star hotel near Manchester, with easy access to our gardens. The hotel has 119 spacious bedrooms, all with TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and free WiFi. A fitness suite is also onsite. Dates & s 7.30pm 20 Jul 23 Jul 349 Excludes Single Room Supplement 85 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Arley Hall VisitEngland/Marketing Cheshire VisitEngland/Marketing Cheshire 66 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 67

35 VisitEngland/James Kerr Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate 4 Days November Knitting & Stitching Show York 325pps Chelsea Flower Show This tour combines the all colour and excitement of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with some of your all-time favourite gardens, including Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and RHS Wisley. Europa Buscentre to Walsall via Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan. This morning we drive directly to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and spend all day exploring 130 hectares of landscapes and gardens. Stroll a soaring treetop walkway and wander through tropical glasshouses reaching up to 27 C. We re-assemble in late afternoon and return to our hotel in Kent. 6 Days May Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Sissinghurst Great Dixter RHS Chelsea Flower Show RHS Wisley s From 589pps Our first stop is the internationally renowned Sissinghurst, a large connoisseurs garden with a series of small romantic areas enclosed by the surviving parts of an Elizabethan mansion. We spend the afternoon browsing the widely varied gardens at Great Dixter. A full day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Leaving Maidstone, we enjoy a morning visit to RHS Headquarters at Wisley. Our afternoon drive takes us through the Cotswolds to our hotel in Walsall, checking in just before dinner. Day 6 Walsall to Belfast via Holyhead and Dublin with Stena Line. Overnight hotel days 1 & 5: Village Urban Resort Hotel, Walsall (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 2 4: Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Maidstone (3 nights D, B&B) The Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club is in the heart of picturesque Maidstone. Its 120 en-suite rooms all offer flatscreen TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. Enjoy complimentary use of the Fitness Club, indoor pool and sauna during your stay. Dates & s Saturday 7.30pm 21 May 26 May 589 Excludes Single Room Supplement 110 Based in Harrogate, the Knitting and Stitching Show is the definitive event for all who love textile-based crafts. It features hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, interactive features, professionally curated galleries, as well as over 200 exhibitors selling specialist craft supplies. We leave Belfast and travel to Harrogate via Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan. You can enjoy a full day at the Knitting and Stitching Show (tickets included). Enjoy a day trip to historic York, stay and explore Harrogate or spend a second day at the show (tickets not included). The choice is yours. Harrogate to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Harrogate (3 nights D, B&B) This recently refurbished four-star hotel is next to the International Centre. All 214 en-suite bedrooms come with TV, tea/coffeemaking facilities and hairdryer. Dates & s 10.15pm 30 Nov 3 Dec 325 Date subject to confirmation. Excludes Single Room Supplement The Translink Travel Centre Gift Card Looking for that perfect gift? Be it for a birthday or a special occasion, why not give that special person(s) a Translink Travel Centre Gift Card. Our gift cards can be purchased in any amount and are available online or at the Travel Centre Belfast. You can purchase your gift cards by the following means: Telephone: Online: ulsterbus.tours@translink.co.uk All cards are delivered free of charge. Please note that gift cards are redeemable at any Ulsterbus Station and the lucky recipient can then use the vouchers against any of the following products: Coach Holidays Day Tours Coach & Sail NIR Travel 68 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 69

36 Scotland Where s the best place you ve been? is something that s asked a lot on our tours. It s a tricky question, but the answer that often comes back is, My real favourite place is Scotland. And when you travel to Scotland with us, you ll understand why. Drive up the wild and craggy west coast, or sail to the pristine beaches of the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Marvel at the heather-bound hills of the Cairngorms, or soak up the panorama across Loch Aish to the Isle of Skye. You ll love it too. The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth; Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love Robert Burns It s just so achingly beautiful wild, empty, natural, and with those ever-changing skies, the colours altering with the seasons. It feels like our very own secret, right on our doorstep. 70 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 71

37 Western Highlands & Loch Lomond 5 Days July & August Inveraray Castle and Gardens Oban Aberfeldy Falls of Dochart Helensburgh Loch Lomond Cruise Riverside Museum Loch Lomond 399pps Arrochar Bargain Break Nestling at the head of Loch Long, the picturesque village of Arrochar offers wonderful views down this beautiful Clyde sea-loch, once the haunt of fearsome Vikings. Our tour uncovers some of Scotland s finest scenery and takes in the ancient city of Stirling and stylish Glasgow. All on board the mid-morning Stena ferry to Cairnryan and onward to Arrochar. Westbound, we hug the shorelines of Loch Long and Loch Fyne, stopping in the quaint, historic Inveraray. Then it s on to the pretty coastal resort of Oban, passing Loch Awe and Loch Etive. We return via Crainlarich and the northern shore of Loch Lomond. Be prepared for some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. This excursion to Perthshire takes us via Crieff to Aberfeldy, Scotland s first Fairtrade 5 Days February, March, April, October, November Inverary Oban Aberfeldy Falls of Dochart Glasgow Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum s From 209pps Town and onwards to the conservation village of Kenmore. Driving parallel to Loch Tay, we view the mighty Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin before returning to the hotel. Culture, art and shopping! Our full day in Glasgow combines a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to one of Europe s great art collections, with the opportunity to explore this intriguing city. We return to Belfast via Largs, catching the afternoon Stena Line ferry from Cairnryan. Hotel: Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar (4 nights D, B&B) The Arrochar Hotel dates from the 19th century. Situated at the very foot of the Arrochar Alps, it offers a tranquil hideaway to relax and unwind, with stunning views of Loch Long. All 76 bedrooms are en suite, with tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. There is lively entertainment two evenings per week. Dates & s 10.30am 6.15pm 12 Feb 16 Feb Mar 23 Mar Apr 20 Apr Oct 19 Oct Nov 16 Nov 249 Excludes Single Room Supplement from 30 Falls of Dochart Glasgow VisitBritain / Britain on View Sitting at the head of Loch Long, in the Western Highlands, sits the small village of Arrochar where you can admire the wonderful views down this Clyde sealoch and its surrounding mountains. The Trossachs National Park and the well known and spectacular waters of Loch Lomond, on which we have a cruise, are only a short journey from the hotel. We take the mid-morning Stena ferry to Cairnryan and onward to Arrochar. Travelling west we hug the shoreline of Loch Long and Loch Fyne to stop in the historical market town of Inveraray to visit the Castle and Gardens. Afterwards we head towards the pretty coastal resort of Oban passing Loch Awe and Loch Etive. We return via the northern shore of Loch Lomond. Witness some beautiful Scottish scenery today with an excursion to Perthshire. We travel via Crieff to Aberfeldy, Scotland s first Fairtrade Town, and onwards to the conservation village of Kenmore. Driving parallel to Loch Tay we view the mighty Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin before returning to the hotel. Today we head south towards the coastal town of Helensburgh. After a refreshing break, we continue on to Loch Lomond and Lomond Shores, a superb visitor destination with great shopping! After lunch, there s a one-hour cruise of Loch Lomond, before returning to the hotel for dinner. We return to Belfast via Glasgow s Riverside Museum and the afternoon Stena Line ferry from Cairnryan. Hotel: Arrochar Hotel, Arrochar (4 nights D, B&B) The 19th-century two-star Arrochar Hotel sits at the base of Arrochar Alps, on the shores of Loch Long, enjoying stunning views in what is one of the most enviable positions of any hotel in Argyll and Bute, making it an idyllic and tranquil hideaway. All 76 bedrooms are en suite, with tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. There is entertainment on two evenings. Dates & s 10.30am 6.15pm 23 Jul 27 Jul Aug 31 Aug 399 Excludes Single Room Supplement 40 Inverarary Castle Riverside Museum VisitBritain/VisitScotland 72 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 73

38 Strathspey Steam Railway Cairngorms Highlands Railway Adventure Great Highland Railways 5 Days September 5 Days June Journeys on the Strathspey Steam Railway and Cairngorm Funicular Railway Glenlivet Distillery Black Isle Peninsula Inverness Cairngorms National Park Aviemore 539pps Journeys on the Strathspey Steam Railway, Far North Line and Kyle of Lochlash Thurso Inverness 559pps Two spectacular railway journeys let you explore some of the most beautiful countryside in the Scottish Highlands. We also visit the spectacular Cairngorm National Park and if you re fond of a dram, there s a tour of the Glenlivet Distillery! So relax, sit back and soak up the Highland atmosphere. Catch the early morning ferry to Cairnryan and travel on to Grantown-on-Spey for a welcome tea/coffee with biscuits. Our day starts in Aviemore on the Strathspey Steam Railway. The 10-mile journey begins against the stunning backdrop of the Cairngorms mountain range and takes us through heather-clad moors, ancient Caledonian forests and fast flowing rivers before we reach Broomhill. Then it s a coach trip to the Glenlivet Distillery for a guided tour. Get ready for some wonderful sights today! We explore the scenic Black Isle peninsula and try a spot of dolphin watching (if our luck is in!). Then it s an afternoon of leisure in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. A scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park takes us to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. After a lunch stop in Aviemore, we board the Funicular Railway for a spectacular 2km journey up the slopes of Cairn Gorm mountain. Back to Belfast on the evening Stena Line ferry. Hotel: Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey (4 nights D, B&B) This recently refurbished hotel is situated in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey and combines modern comforts with traditional character. The 50 en-suite bedrooms provide TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and WiFi. Dates & s 10.15pm 24 Sep 28 Sep 539 Excludes Single Room Supplement 120 Grant Arms Hotel Bring out your inner Casey Jones on these wonderfully scenic railway lines through the north of Scotland. Step back in time on the charming Strathspey Steam Railway, glide through the Highlands on the famous Kyle of Lochalsh train and trace the North Sea coast along the Far North Line. Travelling via Cairnryan with Stena Line, we expect a late afternoon arrival at our hotel. An early start through gorgeous Highland scenery brings us to the remote but beautiful old town of Thurso. Here we start today s journey on the Far North Line, the northernmost railway in the UK. Watch as the wildness of the moors gives way to low-lying farmland on the eastern coast. Boarding our coach at Dingwall, we return to our hotel, tired perhaps, but invigorated. It s back to Dingwall this morning to join the Kyle of Lochalsh for one of the world s finest coast-to-coast railway journeys. The views from the window are utterly compelling and there s time to soak up the panorama across Loch Aish to the Isle of Skye before we drive back to Strathpeffer. This morning we clamber onboard the wonderful Strathspey Steam Railway for the breathtaking 10-mile journey through the Cairngorms to Broomhill. Our coach then takes us for a leisurely afternoon in Inverness. We re homeward bound to Belfast on the evening Stena ferry from Cairnryan. Hotel: Ben Wyvis Hotel, Strathpeffer (4 nights D, B&B) The Ben Wyvis Hotel is a mansion nestling in romantic woodland beneath Ben Wyvis, near the spa town of Strathpeffer. Full of character (and characters), the hotel s traditional Scottish hospitality is complemented by the unspoilt nature and the adventures that lie beyond its doors. Each of the 92 traditional en-suite bedrooms offers Freeview TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities plus WiFi. Please note: the lift does not serve all floors. Dates & s Thursday 10.15pm 28 Jun 2 Jul 559 Excludes Single Room Supplement 65 Ben Wyvis Hotel 74 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 75

39 Easter All Inclusive House Party We travel to Drymen on the mid-morning Cairnryan ferry. The hotel offers a welcome drink before dinner tonight and there is a free bar* each evening from 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Entertainment is provided after dinner. A relaxing morning offers time to visit a local church. Then we drive along Loch Lomond to Inveraray, at the edge of Loch Fyne, where we visit the castle and garden before returning to Drymen. Entertainment follows dinner tonight. Winnock Hotel This morning we drive through the beautiful Trossachs and Aberfoyle and on via Loch Katrine to Callander, stopping to explore the town. Later we visit Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland. Dinner is followed by a traditional Scottish evening. Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen (4 nights D, B&B) On Days 2-5 the hotel will supply a packed lunch. Loch Lomond Loch Lomond Buckets and spades at the ready! Today we re off to the seaside town of Oban, with a stop en-route at the quaint Royal Burgh town of Inveraray. Dates & s Thursday 10.30am 6.15pm 29 Mar 2 Apr 399 Loch Lomond & The Highlands Drymen, just north of Glasgow and nestling at the foot of Loch Lomond, is the perfect base for our all-inclusive breaks with a party bias. Say hello to the Michael Buble Tribute (twice!) and enjoy both Mother s Day and the Edinburgh Christmas markets. The Winnock Hotel was originally an 18th-century inn and has successfully blended old style with modern facilities. Michael Buble Tribute & All Inclusive House Party Catching the mid-morning Stena Line ferry, we reach our hotel in good time. The hotel offers a free bar* each evening from 7.30pm until 10.30pm, with entertainment after dinner. We spend the day in Edinburgh (Christmas Market on November departure). After dinner we enjoy our Michael Buble Tribute Night (day subject to change). This morning we drive through the beautiful Trossachs and Aberfoyle and on via Loch Katrine to Callander, stopping to explore the town. March tour returns to our hotel for a Mother s Day Lunch. November tour travels onward for an afternoon in Stirling. Leaving Drymen, we stop briefly in Glasgow before taking the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast. Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen (3 nights D, B&B) 4 and 5 Day Tours March, November, December s From 235pps All 73 en-suite bedrooms come with TV and tea/coffee facilities. On Days 2-4 the hotel will supply a packed lunch. November Tour will have a Turkey & Tinsel Theme. Dates & s 10.30am 6.15pm 9 Mar 12 Mar Nov 26 Nov 279 Excludes Single Room Supplement 55 After breakfast we depart for Ayr before boarding the Stena Line ferry to Belfast. All Inclusive Turkey & Tinsel Christmas Eve We take the mid-morning Stena Line ferry to Cairnryan, arriving in late afternoon. Entertainment follows dinner tonight. Christmas Day We spend a full day in Edinburgh exploring the Christmas Markets. Back in the hotel, Christmas Day Dinner with all the trimmings includes a visit from Santa Claus with presents! Hogmanay A beautiful drive takes us to the pretty town of Inveraray on the shore of Loch Fyne, then on to Luss beside Loch Lomond. This evening, Hogmanay Dinner is followed by a Scottish Night, with Auld Lang Syne and the pipes. After a leisurely breakfast and a Farewell Hot Toddy, we return to Cairnryan for the sailing to Belfast. Hotel: Winnock Hotel, Drymen (3 nights D, B&B) Excludes Single Room Supplement 70 On Days 2-5 the hotel will supply a packed lunch. Dates & s Wednesday 10.30am Saturday 6.15pm 19 Dec 22 Dec 235 Excludes Single Room Supplement 45 Inveraray Castle * Disclaimer for All Inclusive with 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 18 worth of alcoholic drinks per day as part of the package. 76 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 77

40 Drams & Dances in Oban 5 Days November Tobermory Highland Banquet Fort William Inveraray Stenness, Ring of Brodgar 299pps Orkney & Shetland Mini-Cruise We follow the banks of Loch Lomond and Loch Ness up to the northern tip of the Highlands. Then, boarding the Northlink Ferry, we enjoy a mini-cruise to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Both have amazing prehistoric remains and a rich Viking legacy. Our circular route opens up a wide variety of beautiful Scottish landscapes. Arriving early morning in Cairnryan, we drive north along the western edge of Loch Lomond, then through Glencoe and follow the shoreline of Loch Ness to our hotel near Inverness. After an early breakfast, we drive north to Scrabster where we take a 90min cruise past the Old Man of Hoy to Orkney. Disembarking at Stromness, a guided tour takes us to various important cultural sites, including Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, Churchill s Barriers, the Italian Chapel and Scapa Flow. After dinner in Kirkwall, we board the late overnight sailing to Shetland. After breakfast on the ferry, we join the coach in Lerwick for a day-long guided tour of Shetland. We visit Jarlshof in the south, see Shetland s famous ponies and explore Scalloway Castle and Museum, before re-boarding the ferry for dinner and the overnight sailing to Aberdeen. After an early arrival in Aberdeen, we travel west through the Cairngorms National Park before reaching Dundee around lunch time. We experience life in the Antarctic with Captain Scott and his crew on the RRS Discovery before checking into our hotel with a welcome tea/coffee. We stop in Glasgow for a few hours of shopping and sightseeing before we catch the evening ferry back to Belfast. Hotel day 1: Lovat Arms Hotel, Beauly (1 night D, B&B) Some rooms in Gladstone House annex. Overnight ferry days 2 & 3: Northlink Ferry (en-suite cabin, lunch and breakfast included) Overnight bag recommended. Hotel day 4: Best Western Queens Hotel, Dundee (1 night D, B&B) 5 Days May & September Guided tours of Orkney and Shetland Jarlshof Scalloway Castle and Museum RRS Discovery Glasgow 739pps Jarlshof Dates & s / / Tuesday 10.15pm 28 May 1 Jun Sep 11 Sep 739 Excludes Single Room Supplement 135 Viking plaque, Kirkwall Orkney Did you know that Oban is Gaelic for little bay? One glimpse of the town s dramatic coastal setting will explain why. With this five-day break, the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, with nightly entertainment, delicious meals, two drinks receptions and an afternoon tea. You will even have the chance to wear your own tartan! Trips include a crossing to the Isle of Mull, taking in picturesque Tobermory, and visits to Fort William and Inveraray. After an early Stena Line crossing, we drive through the Trossachs National Park to Oban. There a welcoming drinks reception awaits, with a selection of fine local malts to wash down some exquisite Scottish canapés. The fun continues after dinner with an evening of Scottish entertainment. Today the ferry takes us to the Isle of Mull where we visit brightly-painted Tobermory. This evening, after a drinks reception of mulled wine, we enjoy a delicious threecourse carvery dinner followed by lively Scottish entertainment. The route along Loch Linnhe takes us to Fort William where you can spend the morning strolling along High Street, visiting the West Highland Museum, or simply relaxing in a café. After lunch we return to the hotel for a scrumptious Afternoon Tea of tea/coffee, a glass of fizz and fresh home baking. Why not try your luck at the Whisky Galore Bingo and Quiz! After dinner, you can burn off some calories, dancing and singing along to a top musical act. Today the emphasis is on relaxation, so after a hearty breakfast, set out and explore Oban at your own pace. Why not visit Oban Distillery or Dunollie Museum? The evening s entertainment includes a full Highland Banquet followed by dancing to the Strathmore Ceilidh Band, with the legendary Torquil Telfer on the bagpipes. Today s home journey includes a visit to beautiful Inveraray where we break for lunch. Continuing south along the Ayrshire coast, we catch the evening Stena ferry to Belfast. Hotel: Royal Hotel, Oban (4 nights D, B&B) The old-world charm of the Royal Hotel is sure to delight. Conveniently located in the town centre, each of the 91 en-suite rooms are unique in size and shape, but still offer such modern conveniences as TV, hairdryer, tea/ coffee-making facilities and WiFi. Full entertainment package subject to change in Dates & s 10.15pm 5 Nov 9 Nov Nov 30 Nov 299 Excludes Single Room Supplement 65 Tobermory 78 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 79

41 Europe Travelling to Europe is such an adventure! Once there, nothing compares with the variety of its landscapes and its fascinating cultural wealth. Watch the Rhine light up at the end of the autumn harvest, travel along precipitous alpine passes, take a lazy cruise along the Seine, sampling the culinary delights of France, or experience a Christmas market in a Christmas grotto unlike any other you ve ever seen. A world of adventure awaits you in Europe and it starts with our coach journey there. For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel s sake. The great affair is to move. Robert Louis Stevenson 80 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 81

42 Essex Farm Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres Remembering the Somme The Somme is a byword for British and Irish sacrifice in the Great War, from the deadly summer s day on which it commenced the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army to the snow-flecked day which ended the fighting. Europa Buscentre to Hull via Larne. Driving south to Passchendaele we visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the German Cemetery at Langemark, followed by Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62), before finishing at the Peace Tower at Messines. Included today are the communal graveyard at Bailleul, the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres and the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate. Dinner is not provided tonight. Today we follow that terrible first day of the Somme, starting at Gommecourt, then Serre, where the Northern Pals battalions fought. Following lunch we visit Thiepval and the 6 Days July, August Passchendaele Tyne Cot Cemetery Langemark Sanctuary Wood Peace Tower at Messines Bailleul Brandhoek New Military Cemetery In Flanders Fields Museum Last Post Ceremony Gommecourt Serre Thiepval Ulster Tower 555pps Ulster Tower, the memorial to all who died in the Great War. We travel through the villages of Flanders before catching the overnight ferry to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Park Inn Lille Grand Stade, Villeneuve d Ascq (3 nights B&B, 2D) Dates & s 6.15am 10.15pm 15 Jul 20 Jul Aug 24 Aug 555 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 130 The Last Post ceremony At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. For the Fallen, Robert Laurence Binyon The Somme & the Armistice We return to Flanders this year to commemorate Armistice Day at the Menin Gate ceremony. We also include visits to the In Flanders Fields museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ulster Tower, Langemark and other less well-known sites with memories of both the 16th Irish and 36th Ulster Divisions. Belfast to Hull via Larne. We drive south to Passchendaele and Tyne Cot Cemetery, before arriving Langemark. We finish the day at Essex Farm and the Peace Tower at Messines. Passchendaele Tyne Cot Cemetery Langemark Essex Farm Peace Tower at Messines Albert Newfoundland Caribou Beaumont Hamel Thiepval Ulster Tower Ypres Last Post at Menin Gate In Flanders Fields Museum In Flanders Fields Museum 6 Days November 509pps A full day exploring the Somme area taking in Albert, the Newfoundland Caribou, the trenches at Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval and the Ulster Tower. We travel to Ypres to witness the moving Last Post at Menin Gate. We also visit the In Flanders Fields Museum. Dinner is not provided tonight. We travel through the villages of Flanders, catching the overnight ferry to England. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Park Inn Lille Grand Stade, Villeneuve d Ascq (3 nights B&B, 2D) Dates & s Thursday 6.15am Tuesday 10.15pm 8 Nov 13 Nov 509 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 115 Ulster Tower 82 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 83

43 Norway & the Western Fjords 8 Days Septemeber Norway s Golden Route Geirangerfjord Cruise Norway in a Nutshell Sognefjord 1,899pps Each of Norway s spectacular, icehewn fjords has its own unique characteristics, but the most breathtaking of all, Geirangerfjord, forms a backdrop to this wonderful air and coach tour. Offered in conjunction with Scandinavian specialists, Norman Allen Group Travel, and travelling with our specialist Norwegian coach operator (our courier on board throughout), we will experience the fjords, lakes, glaciers, towering mountains and rushing waterfalls of this beautiful country. The tour culminates with the fabulous Norway in a Nutshell excursion and includes hotels in Geiranger, Stalheim and overnights in Oslo, with return fights via Dublin. This tour is arranged by Norman Allen Group Travel (ATOL3683) for whom we act as agents. All bookings are subject to their booking conditions which we will supply upon request. Belfast to Dublin Airport for fights direct to Oslo. We transfer north to our overnight hotel. Eagle Road and crossing a fjord to climb the mighty Troll Road. We ll experience Norwegian nature at its most powerful, with dizzying views of cascading waterfalls and deep fjords, encircled by sheer, lofty mountains. After breakfast the fjord ferry cruiser sails us along Geirangerfjord, past the famous Seven Sisters waterfall, on our way to Hellesylt. Our coach then takes us on the scenic journey to Stalheim, crossing the Nordflord at Mannheller (full day travel). Today it s the Norway in a Nutshell excursion. Boarding the fjord cruiser, we sail down the narrow Naeroyfjord, hemmed in by steep cliffs, to Flam. Then we board the train for an unforgettable ascent through the mountains to Myrdal, for the coach journey back to Stalheim. Day 6 Today we explore the stunning Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. We visit the Wild Salmon Visitor Centre and a typical Norwegian all-wood church. Hotel days 2 & 3: Union Hotel, Geiranger (2 nights D, B&B) Hotel days 4 6: Stalheim Hotel, Stalheim (3 nights D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 7: Scandic Holmenkollen Park, Oslo (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday TBC Saturday TBC 8 Sep 15 Sep 1,899 Excludes Single Room Supplement 160 Day 7 Sadly, it s time to leave the fjords and return to Oslo to our overnight hotel (full day travel). We travel west to our hotel which overlooks the fabulous Geirangerfjord (full day travel). Day 8 After seven much-travelled days, we fly to Dublin and return to Belfast. This full day takes us across the high mountain ranges of Norway s Golden Route and features two superb scenic highlights ascending the Overnight hotel day 1: Scandic Hotel, Hamar (1 night D, B&B) Borgund Stave Church Geirangerfjord 84 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 85

44 Seine River Cruise 8 Days August Paris is always a good idea. Audrey Hepburn Les Andelys Pont l Evêque Honfleur Rouen Paris Night-time Cruise Gala Dinner 1,479pps We are proud to introduce this new tour a River Cruise along the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and Rouen. This river voyage will let you sample some of France s most beautiful countryside, with frequent optional explorations ashore and opportunities to visit some of its most famous sites. There is nightly onboard entertainment, plus complimentary drinks throughout the cruise. Eiffel Tower Aachen Belfast to Hull via Larne with P&O Irish Sea. After leaving Zeebrugge and driving to Paris, you board ship, settle into your cabin, then meet the crew at a welcome cocktail. The evening s entertainment has a Titi Parisien (Parisian street kid) theme. The ship sets sail during the night. Late dinner tonight. As we cruise towards Les Andelys, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Roche Guyon. There are excursions to Château de Martainville, which houses an art museum, or a walk to the Château Gaillard, a ruined medieval castle. Once onboard, we continue cruising to Honfleur. Today s excursion is a guided tour to the Norman city of Pont l Evêque, where you can taste the similarly named square-shaped cheese. An afternoon stroll along La Côte d Albâtre ends with a tasting of Benedictine liqueur. Yum! We have two excursions today. In the morning, there s a guided trip along the Norman Abbey Circuit. The afternoon excursion is a guided tour of Rouen. Enjoy an evening gala dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night. Day 6 This morning takes us past the towns of Poissy, Conflans Sainte Honorine and Chatou. Arriving in Paris, we cruise past the futuristic district of La Défense. The afternoon excursions include a panoramic tour through Paris, or a stroll on the banks of the Seine. Tonight, we cruise through Paris (water levels permitting). Day 7 A last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 9am. We board our coach and retrace our journey to Zeebrugge, stopping in Bruges for a few hours. Day 8 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 7: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin all meals included) Cruise days 2 6: MS Renoir (5 nights full board and all-inclusive drinks package) The MS Renoir is a 110m long cruiser with 78 cabins, all of which come equipped with Rouen shower, toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe and free WiFi. Cabins are on the main and upper deck. Disabled-friendly cabins are not available. The ship has a lounge bar, dining room and large sundeck with deckchairs. Dates & s Wednesday 6.15am Château-Gaillard, Les Andelys Wednesday 10.15pm 29 Aug 5 Sep 1,479 Excludes Daily excursions payable locally Tips and gratuities Single Cabin Supplements 450 MS Renior Upper Deck supplement 130 Please note: Itinerary is correct at time of publication if required, the cruise company reserves the right to alter this nearer the time. Shore excursions are payable locally and not included in tour price. Valkenburg, Maastricht & Aachen Our base for this tour is Valkenburg, famous for its castle and the elaborate system of Roman caves and tunnels that run beneath it. The town is surrounded by beautiful undulating scenery and pretty villages. We also visit the old city of Aachen and historic Maastricht, which we explore by boat and on foot. Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan. Zeebrugge to Liege, where we spend the afternoon before arriving at our hotel in Valkenburg. It s a short trip to Maastricht, one of Holland s oldest cities. We take a two-hour boat trip through the old harbour, with a light lunch provided. Back on dry land you re free to explore the city at your leisure. 6 Days July, August Liege Maastricht Boat Trip Aachen Drielandenpunt (Three Country Point) Antwerp s From 525pps Crossing into Germany, we drive to Aachen, famous for its magnificent cathedral and the Elisenbrunnen fountain. Later, we return to Valkenburg, stopping at the Drielandenpunt (Three Country Point), where the borders of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet. After breakfast we leave our hotel and spend a few hours in Antwerp before catching the overnight sailing to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Best Western Hotel Walram (3 nights D, B&B) This three-star superior hotel sits beside the river in the centre of Valkenburg, close to cafés, bars and restaurants. All 105 bedrooms are en suite and come with TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and free WiFi. The hotel has a cosy bar, a restaurant and indoor heated swimming pool. Dates & s 6.15am 10.15pm 8 Jul 13 Jul Aug 10 Aug 559 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement from Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 87

45 The Rhine Ablaze 6 Days October Koblenz Rhine River Firework Lights Rhine Valley Rüdesheim Eindhoven 579pps The Rhine Valley is truly beautiful. Grand castles and sprawling vineyards cling to its slopes and charming towns and villages wait round each bend. This idyllic destination also showcases a unique annual event each autumn: celebrations and firework displays erupt when the wine harvest is over and it s time to try the new wines. Romantic Rhine 6 Days July, September Hunsrück Mountain Railway Koblenz Sankt Goar Bacharach Bingen-am-Rhein Bacharach Staying in the delightful spa town of Boppard, the highlight of this holiday will be the Rhine River Lights Spectacular, when we celebrate the Golden Wine Festival in the Rhine Gorge with a special evening boat cruise. Join us as we discover the heart and soul of this special region of Germany. Rhine Ablaze s From Travel with us to enjoy the spectacular scenery and warm welcome of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys. You ll be charmed by the vine-clad slopes, wonderful wines, picturesque towns and ancient castles. Our base is Boppard, which sits on the banks of the river, in the heart of the Rhine gorge. Boppard is a fascinating town with Roman and Medieval remains, half-timbered houses and narrow alleyways. Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan. Disembarking, we drive through Holland into Germany and follow the course of the River Rhine upstream to the small town of Boppard. We arrive mid-afternoon, in time to settle in before dinner. Today we travel on the Hunsrück Mountain Railway from Boppard to Emmelshausen, 539pps crossing two viaducts, traversing five tunnels and rising to over 300m. Wonderful views are guaranteed! We then take the coach to Koblenz, one of Germany s oldest and most beautiful towns. Today we focus on the river, with a 90-minute panoramic cruise from Boppard to Sankt Goar. From there we drive to Bacharach to see its beautiful market square and half-timbered houses. Our final stop is Bingen-am-Rhein, which overlooks the legendary stone Mouse Tower in the middle of the Rhine. We leave Boppard and return to Europoort for the evening sailing back to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Hotel Ebertor, Boppard (3 nights D, B&B) The family-run Ebertor Hotel, has an outdoor terrace overlooking the Rhine River. There are 101 en-suite bedrooms, each with hairdryer, TV and WiFi. Dates & s 6.15am 10.15pm 1 Jul 6 Jul Sep 7 Sep 539 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 80 Boppard Belfast to Hull via Larne. Travelling through Germany we follow the course of the River Rhine to Boppard, where we are greeted with a welcome drink. Relax this morning and explore Boppard. After lunchtime we follow the Rhine River to Koblenz, one of Germany s oldest and most beautiful towns. We return to Boppard in time for the highlight of the tour, the spectacular Rhine River Firework Lights. We sail from Boppard along the brightly lit route to Castle Pfalzgrafenstein in Kaub. Sit down to a single course dinner (drinks excluded) as you marvel at the spectacular display. We return to Boppard at around 11pm. After a leisurely breakfast, we take a scenic drive along the Rhine Valley, passing the famous Loreley Rock and St Goar. Stopping in Rüdesheim, there s time to explore the lively Drosselgasse or visit Siegfried s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. We leave Germany and stop in Eindhoven for a few hours before catching the evening sailing back to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Hotel Ebertor, Boppard (3 nights D, B&B) The family-run Ebertor Hotel located in the town, has an outdoor terrace overlooking the mighty Rhine River. There are 101 en-suite bedrooms, each with hairdryer, TV and WiFi. Dates & s Thursday 6.15am Tuesday 10.15pm 4 Oct 9 Oct 579 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 45 Rüdesheim 88 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 89

46 Treasures of Tuscany & Florence 12 Days August September Guided tour of Florence San Gimignano Greve Pisa Casale di Valle Wine Tour & Tasting Bruges 1,155pps Italian Lakes & Mountains 11 Days July Lake Maggiore Islands Aosta Lake Orta Orta San Giulio Lake Lugano Lake Como Lake Orta Set in a valley of olive groves and surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan landscape is the elegant thermal spa town of Montecatini Terme. From here we explore the rolling Tuscan countryside with daily excursions to some of Italy s most famous cities. Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan. Florence 1,099pps Travel from Zeebrugge to Forbach. Due to popular demand and as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, we have added an extra night to this 2018 tour. Italy s Lake Maggiore is an idyllic retreat and a true diamond in the Italian Lakeland crown. We visit two other lakes as well and explore the ancient Roman city of Aosta all picture postcard perfect! Europa Buscentre to Hull via Larne. Travel from Zeebrugge to Saarbrücken. We continue south into Italy and our hotel in Stresa, on the edge of Lake Maggiore, with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Relax today with tickets to the famous Lake Maggiore Islands. The boat terminal is just beside the hotel. Today we travel to Aosta, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Day 6 A morning to enjoy market day in Stresa. In the afternoon we head to Lake Orta, where we take the ferry from Pella to Orta San Giulio to explore its narrow, cobbled streets. Day 7 Switzerland bound, we travel to Lugano, on beautiful Lake Lugano, to enjoy the town s wonderful setting. Then back in Italy it is Lake Como with time to relax in the historic town. Day 8 Our last day in Stresa, so sit back and chill out! Day 9 Time to leave Italy. We return via Switzerland and France. 0 We catch the overnight ferry from Zeebrugge to Hull. 1 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 10: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Overnight hotel day 2: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 3 8: Hotel Astoria (6 nights D, B&B) The four-star Astoria Hotel, is located on the edge of Lake Maggiore, just a few minutes walk from the centre of Stresa. All en-suite bedrooms in the main building have balconies and come equipped with air-con, satellite TV, WiFi, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and fridge. There is a fine dining room, a bar, outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Please note: single accommodation may be in the hotel annex which does not have a lift. Overnight hotel day 9: Mercure Forbach Centre (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 6.15am Wednesday 10.15pm 15 Jul 25 Jul 1,099 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 305 We continue south through the Swiss Alps to the Italian town of Varese. The scenery changes again as we complete our outward journey, travelling through northern Italy into Tuscany and our hotel, in Montecatini Terme, where we enjoy a welcome drink. A relaxing day in Montecatini exploring its shops and cafés, thermal baths and gardens. Day 6 This morning we take the train (400 metre walk from hotel) into the heart of Florence. A guided walking tour introduces us to this wonderful Renaissance city, with free time afterwards to explore. to Montecatini Terme by train at any time today. Day 7 A morning visit to the Medieval hill town of San Gimignano, instantly recognisable by its encircling walls and 14 towers. Next stop is picturesque Greve, gateway to the Chianti wine region. Day 8 First stop today is Pisa famous for its leaning tower one of Italy s most recognisable buildings. After lunch we travel to Casale di Valle where we experience a guided tour of the wine cellar, vineyard and wine tasting. Pisa Day 9 Sadly it is time to leave Italy. We stay overnight in Mulhouse, France. 0 France to Charleroi, Belgium, overnight. 1 We stop in Bruges before catching the overnight ferry to Hull. 2 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 11: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Overnight hotel day 2: Mercure Forbach (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 3: Palace Hotel, Varese (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 4 8: Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme (5 nights D, B&B) Montecatini The family-owned hotel stands in the town centre. It retains the style and elegance of a grand past, while offering all the amenities of a thoroughly modern hotel. All 81 en-suite bedrooms have air-con, satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and free WiFi. Overnight hotel day 9: Holiday Inn, Mulhouse (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 10: Leonardo Hotel Charleroi City Centre (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 6.15am Thursday 10.15pm 26 Aug 6 Sep 1,155 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 91

47 The Dolomites Lake Maggiore Italian Dolomites 11 Days July Lake Toblino Pinzolo Brenta Peaks Pearl of the Dolomites Merano Mezzolombardo Riva del Garda 1,049pps Lake Maggiore, Switzerland & Germany 11 Days August Lake Maggiore Express Railway and Ferry Simplon Pass Zermatt Guided Introductory Walking Tour of Mannheim Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle 1,099pps This tour reveals the stunning scenery of the Italian Süd Tirol and offers you a unique mix of Italian and Austrian cultures. It s all within a spectacular Alpine setting, with jagged, soaring peaks and steeply carved valleys. The tour includes wonderful excursions that embrace both the scenery and mountain life. Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan. Zeebrugge to Saarbrücken in France. Saarbrücken to overnight hotel in Munich. After breakfast we enjoy a scenic drive into Italy, arriving at our hotel in time for dinner. A welcome glass of Prosecco preceeds the fourcourse dinner. Today we get to know where we are staying. Join Fausto, the hotel owner, for a mystery walk through the area, followed by a pizza/ wine picnic. Day 6 Our guided tour of the Dolomites begins at romantic Lake Toblino. Next stop is Pinzolo, a tiny jewel nestled amongst the Dolomites. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Brenta Peaks before we return to our hotel via Madonna di Campiglio ( Pearl of the Dolomites ), descending through the Val di Sole. Day 7 The beautiful spa town of Merano is today s destination. We return via the stunning wine route through the Adige Valley to Mezzolombardo. Grolla evening tonight. Day 8 We descend to Lake Garda and Riva del Garda with its pretty lakeside walks and charming Medieval centre. A candlelit Trentino dinner with music marks our last evening. Day 9 We leave Italy and return via Austria to our overnight hotel in Germany. 0 We catch the overnight ferry from Europoort to Hull. 1 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 10: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin all meals included) Overnight hotel day 2: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd (1 night D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 3: NH Munchen Messe (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 4 8: Hotel Paganella (5 nights D, B&B) Hotel Paganella is a friendly three-star familyrun hotel and an ideal base from which to explore this area. All 26 en-suite bedrooms are well appointed, with a hairdryer and TV. Fausto and his family ensure a warm welcome. There is unlimited wine with your dinner and a free bar of local drinks each evening from 6pm to 10.30pm. Entertainment is provided on three nights. Overnight hotel day 9: ACHAT Plaza Karlsruhe (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Saturday 6.15am Tuesday 10.15pm 28 Jul 7 Aug 1,049 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 195 We start this two-centre tour by exploring Italy s second largest lake, Lake Maggiore, which is situated in one of the most graceful parts of Europe. We visit Zermatt, lying in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and sail along Lake Maggiore. Then we cross through to Mannheim in the west of Germany, with guided tours of two of Germany s most beguiling cities. Belfast to Hull via Larne. Travel from Zeebrugge to Saarbrücken. We travel through the Vosges Mountains into Alsace, then cross into Switzerland, past Lucerne and into Italy, to our hotel in Stresa. A day to relax and enjoy market day in Stresa. A full day round trip on the Lake Maggiore Express railway and ferry. We board the narrow gauge train to Locarno where we have lunch and explore. A gentle cruise takes us back down Lake Maggiore to Stresa. Late dinner tonight. Day 6 Today we travel by train along a sinuous route that takes around mountains, past gorges and over the Simplon Pass to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Day 7 We leave Stresa and return back through Switzerland to our next hotel in the west of Germany. Day 8 After breakfast a guided introductory walking tour takes us through Mannheim, or Grid-City its nickname comes from the checkerboard layout of its buildings. Day 9 It s a short trip to the famous Medieval city of Heidelberg for a guided tour of its ruined castle, towering above the old quarter. 0 We catch the overnight ferry from Europoort to Hull. 1 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 10: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Overnight hotel day 2: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 3 6: Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac, Stresa (4 nights D, B&B) Our four-star Italian hotel located right in the centre of Stresa overlooking the lake. All 164 en-suite rooms come with air-con, satellite TV, safe and free WiFi. There is an outdoor pool and roof terrace. Hotel days 7 9: Maritim Parkhotel, Mannheim (3 nights D, B&B) We experience true German hospitality at our four-star hotel in the heart of Mannheim. All 173 en-suite bedrooms are equipped with air-con, international digital TV channels, safe and hairdryer. Dates & s Tuesday 6.15am 10.15pm 7 Aug 17 Aug 1,099 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 93

48 Germany & the Austrian Tyrol Swiss Travel System 11 Days July Heidelberg River Necker Cruise Guided Introductory Walking Tour of Mannheim Guided Walking Tour of Soll Alpbachtal Rattenberg Ziller Valley Train Mayrhofen Wilder Kaiser Mountains Saint Johann Appenzell 989pps This new tour showcases two of the best cities to visit in Germany, plus the Austrian Tyrol. Heidelberg is known as the Romantic Town on account of its castle ruins and red sandstone buildings, and culturepacked Mannheim which straddles the rivers Rhine and Neckar. Our base in Austria is the village of Soll, Europe s loveliest village in bloom, located in a wide valley between the Wilder Kaiser and Hohe Salve Mountains. It is a marvellous base from which to explore the region. Europa Buscentre to Hull via Larne with P&O Irish Sea. Leaving Europoort, we travel through Holland and western Germany before arriving in Mannheim in mid-afternoon. We spend the day exploring Heidelberg, including a panoramic river cruise on the River Necker and self exploration of this fine city. After a guided introductory walking tour of Mannheim, you explore the city on your own. Sights to see include the city s trademark Wasserturm, the Art Nouveau gardens and Baroque palace. Mannheim s checkerboard building layout accounts for its nickname Grid-City. Time to head for the Alps. Travelling south around Munich we arrive in our hotel late afternoon. Heidelberg Day 6 Morning brings a guided walking tour of the village. In the afternoon we visit Alpbachtal and Rattenberg Austria s smallest city with a population of just 600. Day 7 Today starts with a ride on the Ziller Valley narrow gauge train, boarding at Janbach in the Ziller Valley, arriving at Mayrhofen for lunch. Our return journey to Söll takes in Mittersill and Kirchberg in Tyrol, completing a scenic circular day out. Day 8 We relax today, visiting some beautiful small towns and villages in the Wilder Kaiser Mountains, finishing in nearby Saint Johann. Day 9 Sadly, it is time to leave the Alps and return through Germany to our overnight hotel. 0 We catch the overnight ferry from Zeebrugge to England. 1 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 10: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Maritim Parkhotel, Mannheim (3 nights D, B&B) Hotel days 5 8: Hotel Tyrol Soll (4 nights D, B&B) Overnight hotel day 9: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s Thursday 6.15am 10.15pm Wilder Kaiser mountains 5 Jul 15 Jul 989 Austrian Tyrol Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 165 Austria, Swiss Alps & the Glacier Express The mountainous Bregenzerwald area is one of Austria s best kept secrets. It is perfectly framed by Lake Constance and by the lush Alpine valleys of both Austria and Switzerland. This tour takes us off the beaten track to discover some wonderful hidden Alpine attractions. Belfast to Hull via Larne with P&O Irish Sea. Zeebrugge to Saarbrücken in Germany. We continue south this morning, crossing the mighty Rhine River, to our hotel in Austria where a welcome drink awaits us. A busy day lies ahead as we enter Switzerland and board the mountain railway train at Rheineck to Walzenhausen. Our coach takes us to the charming town of Appenzell. Our second train journey is to Altstatten, then a road trip to Fenkart for some chocolate tasting before returning to our hotel. 10 Days July All aboard the Glacier Express Railway today! We travel to Chur for the mid-morning train to Andermatt, with awe-inspiring Alpine views all the way. Our return to Austria is by coach. Day 6 Today a local guide takes us into the centre of Feldkirch for a guided walking tour. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Day 7 We re in the old city of Constance this morning. We take the ferry to Meersburgh and travel on to Salem Castle, an important cultural heritage site. ing via Hagnau, we taste the delicious wines of this region. Day 8 We start our homeward journey through Switzerland and the Black Forest to France. Day 9 We catch the overnight ferry from Zeebrugge to Hull. 0 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Rheineck to Walzenhausen Mountain Train Journey Appenzell to Altstatten Train Journey Chocolate Tasting in Fenkart Glacier Express Railway Train Journey Guided Walking Tour of Feldkirch Constance Salem Castle Wine Tasting Black Forest Glacier Express 1,099pps Overnight ferry days 1 & 9: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin all meals included) Overnight hotel day 2: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd (1 night D, B&B) Hotel days 3 7: Weisses Kreuz, Feldkirch (5 nights D, B&B) Family owned since 1852, the four-star Weisses Kreuz Hotel sits on the edge of Feldkirch. The hotel s 106 en-suite bedrooms have flatscreen TV, safe, hairdryer and WiFi. There is a cosy bar, restaurant, fitness room and garden. Overnight hotel day 8: Mercure Forbach (1 night D, B&B) Dates & s 6.15am Tuesday 10.15pm 22 Jul 31 Jul 1,099 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 210 Lake Lucerne 94 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 95

49 German Christmas Markets Heidelberg Christmas market 6 Days November Koblenz Wiesbaden Rüdesheim Bruges s From 459pps Wiesbaden Christmas market The towns and cities of Germany provide an idyllic setting for a romantic Christmas Market break. Half-timbered buildings are festively lit and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon scents the air at traditional Christmas markets. Our base in Boppard, overlooking the Rhine, is the perfect place from which to explore these festive scenes. Belfast to Hull via Larne. Leaving Europoort, we visit the market at Koblenz for a couple of hours before continuing to Boppard, arriving late afternoon. A full day in the wonderful city of Heidelberg, visiting its famous Christmas Market. Today we visit the spa-town of Wiesbaden and Rüdesheim, with time at the Christmas market which is set in the town s chocolatebox old quarter. There are a few hours in Bruges before catching the overnight sailing to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Ebertor Hotel, Boppard (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s / Thursday 6.15am / Tuesday 10.15pm 25 Nov 30 Nov Nov 4 Dec 475 Excludes Single Room/Cabin Supplement 25 November 80, 29 November 85 Valkenburg Christmas Market 6 Days December Valkenburg Christmas Markets Monschau Aachen Bruges 469pps Valkenburg s annual Christmas Market is unlike any other set inside caves under the city, it is protected from the elements and opens late into the evening. The ancient galleries provide an atmospheric setting for this wonderful event and the Christmas market is alive with song and music. So as you wander through the grotto, you will surely be tempted by the seasonal items on offer. Europa Buscentre to Hull via P&O ferry from Larne to Cairnryan. Zeebrugge to Valkenburg, arriving early afternoon with the rest of day free to explore the Christmas markets. Into Belgium today to Monschau, where we spend most of the day among the wonderful selection of restaurants, quaint shops and cafés housed in half-timbered buildings. We return to Valkenburg in late afternoon don t miss the Christmas Fairytales Parade this evening. It s Germany today as we visit Aachen and sample Christmas Markets German style in this ancient, picturesque city. We spend some time in Bruges before catching our overnight sailing to Hull. Day 6 Hull to Belfast via Cairnryan with Stena Line. Overnight ferry days 1 & 5: P&O Cruiseferry (outside en-suite cabin, all meals included) Hotel days 2 4: Best Western Hotel Walram (3 nights D, B&B) Dates & s Thursday 6.15am Tuesday 10.15pm 6 Dec 11 Dec 469 Excludes Single Room Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 97

50 Collette Worldwide Northern National Parks Featuring Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park 8 Days from 1, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners Salt Lake City Jackson Hole Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful Grand Teton National Park Park City Spotlight on New York City 5 Days from 1,379 5 Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners Greenwich Village Wall Street 9/11 Memorial 9/11 Museum Two Broadway Shows Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Colours of New England 8 Days from 2, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners Boston Woodstock Quechee Gorge Stowe Ben & Jerry s Ice Cream Factory Rocks Estate North Conway Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise Kancamagus Highway Boothbay Harbour Lobster Dinner Collette is proud to be in partnership with Ulsterbus Tours again for This year we have more tours than ever before to choose from including 15 brand new itineraries travelling across the world. With many meals, excursions and amazing hotels included, our very own tour managers make your holiday as easy as possible. What s Included A professionally planned itinerary Unparalleled sightseeing Enriching cultural experiences Private door-to-door transfer service, conditions apply Carefully selected hotels The services of a professional tour manager Expert local guides who provide inside knowledge Many meals included Comfortable on-tour transportation Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling Attraction and museum access (as per itinerary) WiFi available on tour America s Historic Mid-Atlantic Featuring the Omni Bedford Springs, Omni Homestead & The Jefferson 6 Days from 2, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners Washington, D.C. Gettysburg Omni Bedford Springs Resort Frank Lloyd Wright s Fallingwater Omni Homestead Resort Jefferson s Monticello Shenandoah Valley The Jefferson Richmond America s Music Cities Featuring New Orleans, Memphis & Nashville 7 Days from 1, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners French Quarter Choice of French Quarter Walking Tour or Panoramic Coach Tour of New Orleans New Orleans School of Cooking Jazz Revue Swamp Tour Graceland Belle Meade Plantation Grand Ole Opry Show Country Music Hall of Fame Ryman Auditorium Historic RCA Studio B The Best of Eastern Canada Featuring Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa, Niagara Falls & Toronto 8 Days from 1, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners Montreal Quebec City Ottawa 1000 Islands Toronto Niagara Falls Canadian Rockies Featuring Rocky Mountaineer Train 8 Days from 3, Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners Vancouver Victoria Rocky Mountaineer Train Kamloops Banff Spectacular South Africa Culture & Nature in Harmony 12 Days from 1, Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners Johannesburg Soweto Panoramic Route Kruger National Park Safari Game Drive Garden Route Knysna Ostrich Farm Visit Winery Lunch & Tasting Cape Town Table Mountain 98 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 99

51 Hotel Directory Hotel Directory KEY TO FACILITIES Lift Restaurant Bar Leisure Facilities Pool En-suite rooms Television Direct-dial telephone Tea/coffee-making facilities Hairdryer Iron WiFi Air-con Livermead House Hotel *** Tel: Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare **** Tel: Ben Wyvis Hotel *** Tel: Grant Arms Hotel *** Tel: Hotel Tyrol Soll *** Tel: Hotel Walram *** Tel: Union Hotel Geiranger *** Tel: Weisses Kreuz **** Tel: Ireland Cavan Crystal Hotel **** Tel: Clew Bay Hotel *** Tel: Clifden Station House Hotel *** Tel: Lakeside Hotel Killaloe *** Tel: Mill Times Hotel *** Tel: Nesbitt Arms Hotel *** Tel: England & Wales Ashford International Hotel **** Tel: Best Western Kenwick Park *** Tel: Crewe Hall **** Tel: Crowne Plaza **** Tel: Double Tree by Hilton Kensington**** Tel: Novotel Manchester West *** Tel: Novotel Wolverhampton *** Tel: Park Inn Telford *** Tel: Lovat Arms Hotel *** Tel: Royal Hotel Oban *** Tel: Winnock Hotel *** Tel: Maritim Parkhotel **** Tel: Mercure Forbach *** Tel: Mercure Saarbrücken Süd *** Tel: details are correct at time of publication. See Point 19 of the Fair Trade Agreement. 78 County Arms Hotel **** Tel: Dooley s Hotel *** Tel: Earl of Desmond Hotel *** Tel: Great Southern Sligo *** Tel: Hydro Hotel *** Tel: Kee s Hotel *** Tel: Raheen Woods *** Tel: Renvyle Hotel *** Tel: Salthill Hotel **** Tel: Treacy s Hotel Ennis *** Treacy s Hotel Enniscorthy *** Tel: Twin Trees Hotel *** Tel: Best Western Plus Samlesbury **** Tel: Best Western Plus Wroxton House **** Tel: Best Western Royal Clifton *** Tel: Best Western York House Hotel *** Tel: Cairn Hotel *** Tel: Celtic Royal Hotel *** Tel: Elgin Hotel ** Tel: Hilton Leicester **** Tel: Ibis London Earls Court *** Tel: Jurys Inn Newcastle *** Tel: Jurys Inn Sheffield*** Tel: Jurys Inn Hinckley Island *** Tel: Old Ship Hotel **** Tel: Portbyhan Hotel *** Tel: Skiddaw Hotel *** Tel: Smiths Hotel *** Tel: Scotland Arrochor Hotel ** Tel: Best Western Queens Hotel *** Tel: Europe ACHAT Plaza Karlsruhe **** Tel: Astoria Hotel **** Tel: Ercolini & Savi **** Tel: Hotel Ebetor *** Tel: Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac **** Tel: Hotel Paganella *** Tel: NH Munich Messe **** Tel: Palace Hotel *** Tel: Park Inn by Radisson Lille Grand Stade *** Tel: Scandic Hamar *** Tel: Scanic Holmenkollen Park **** Tel: Stalheim Hotel *** Tel: Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 101

52 Fair Trade Agreement Florence Ulsterbus Tours of 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 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 , 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. 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; 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. 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. Deposits for Sports Breaks are variable and will be notified at the time of booking. 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. Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 103

53 Fair Trade Agreement Fair Trade Agreement 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 10 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 10 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 only Deposit only 42 to 28-days 30% 30% 27 to 14-days 50% 50% 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. 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 Compensation within which significant Per Person change is notified to you or your travel agent More than 42 days Nil days days days days 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 or where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected (for example but not limited to delay, cancellations, change of itinerary, change of accommodation, change of transport) by Force Majeure. Force Majeure means an event which we or the supplier(s) of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid and is therefore an event beyond our or the supplier s reasonable control. These events include but are not limited to strikes, riots, political/civil unrest, government acts, hostilities, war, threat of war, terrorist activity or threat of terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, tornadoes, hurricanes, transportation problems, airport closures, and severe weather conditions. We suggest that you take out adequate travel insurance to cover such eventualities. [In the unlikely event that the performance of our contractual obligations are prevented or affected due to Force Majeure after departure, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any from our suppliers)] Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Force Majeure. We will follow the advice given by the Foreign Office. 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 conventions. 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 at the time. We will take into account the date you first drew the problem to the attention of our driver/representative or supplier when responding to your complaint and it may affect your rights under this Trading Charter if we have not been able to investigate and remedy the situation at the time. The Confederation of Passenger Transport UK has an Alternative Disputes Resolution scheme (ADR) and full details are available from them. This scheme does not apply to claims that arise mainly in respect of physical injury or illness or the consequences of any illness or injury. It can only be used if all avenues of resolution have failed. 18. Our Coaches/Seating Arrangements 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 coach-seating 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. If you feel that you require two seats, then these must be booked and paid for in advance, at the time of booking. If you fail to do this and it transpires that the seat allocated to you is insufficient for your needs and there is no alternative seating available then you will be refused access to the coach and any payments made will be liable to forfeiture. 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. 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 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. 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, which includes E-Cigarettes, 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. 22. Is there anything I cannot bring on the coach? We do not allow pets to taken on our tours. Registered Assistance Dogs will normally be accommodated on UK packages but not on overseas packages. 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 Conduct We want all our customers to have a happy and carefree holiday but you must remember that you are responsible for your behaviour and hygiene and the effect which it may have upon others. Ulsterbus Tours reserve 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. 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 13 will apply. 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. 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. 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 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 which must have a full UK passport valid for a minimum of three months. 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 or 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. Ulsterbus Limited trading as Ulsterbus Tours is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is ) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. 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 per party. 29. 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 We want to ensure the arrangements for your package are suitable and appropriate. Not all the packages in this brochure may be suitable for you and if we reasonably consider we cannot provide what is required, we will not accept the booking. Should you or a member of your party have any medical condition or disability that may affect your/their holiday or that of other passengers, you must provide full written details to us at the time of booking so that we can advise you of the suitability of the holiday. This applies whether the booking is made on-line, in person, in writing, or by telephone. If a particular issue is identified, we reserve the right to request a doctor s certificate confirming that the passenger is fit for travel and reserve the right to refuse any booking in the absence of such doctor s certificate being produced upon request. If a passenger requires personal assistance (for example but not limited to assistance with feeding/dressing/ toileting/mobilising) then this passenger must travel with an able bodied companion/carer and written confirmation that such assistance will be provided for the entirety of the holiday is required at the time of booking. Coach drivers/ tour managers are unable to offer such assistance. Whilst we will make every reasonable adjustment to do so, if we are unable to accommodate the needs of a passenger or believe that the medical condition or disability of a passenger is likely to adversely affect other passengers, we reserve the right to decline the booking. We also 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 subsequently decide that we are unable to accommodate 104 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 105

54 Fair Trade Agreement Holiday Insurance this passenger. This applies whether we advise that we are unable to accommodate a passenger either before departure or during the holiday and if this occurs during the holiday then we will seek the additional costs of returning the passenger home. 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, when possible, 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. 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 ment of Health. Some people may be at risk from discomfort or 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 by phone on , 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 November Holiday Insurance A holiday insurance scheme is available for all passengers travelling on our holidays. This scheme is arranged by Towergate Chapman Stevens and is underwritten by ETI International Travel Protection (ERV), the UK branch of Europäische Reiseverscherung AG, who are authorised by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BAFIN and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA to undertake insurance business in the UK. Should you wish to take out this holiday insurance, please include the appropriate premium when booking your holiday. Demands and Needs This insurance policy will suit the demands and needs of an individual or group (where applicable) who have no excluded medical condition(s), are travelling in countries included within the policy terms and who wish to insure themselves against unforeseen circumstances/events detailed in the cover section below. Subject to the terms, conditions and maximum specified sums insured. 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 in the table below the details of the insurance cover provided which also includes 24-hour emergency service from Towergate Assistance. The following is a brief summary of the cover available. Full details of the cover, conditions 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. Significant or Unusual Limitations or What is Not Covered 1. Cover is only available for the whole duration of a booked trip to a maximum 70-consecutive days and cover cannot be purchased once a trip has already begun. 2. The excess amount deductible from a claim applies to each and every claim, per incident claimed for, under certain sections by each insured person. 3. If your money, valuables, any items of baggage, your passport or visa are lost or stolen, you must notify the local police within 24-hours of discovery or as soon as possible thereafter. Please make sure you get a copy of the police report. Failure to comply may result in your claim being rejected or the amount of any relevant claim reduced. 4. You are not covered for valuables, your passport or visa if left unattended at any time (including in a vehicle, in checked-in luggage or while in the custody of a carrier, tour operator or public transport operator) unless deposited in a hotel safe, safety deposit box or left in your locked accommodation. 5. Stolen property: You are not covered for baggage stolen from: a) an unattended coach/bus unless it was locked in the luggage compartment of the coach/bus and evidence of force or violent entry to the vehicle is available, or b) the passenger compartment of any unattended vehicle. Residency This policy is only available to residents of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, defined as staying in or has lived in the United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland for more than 12-months or is studying or working in the United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland for more than six months. Health Conditions You must be able to comply with the following conditions to have the full protection of your policy. If you do not comply we may refuse to deal with any relevant claim or reduce the amount of any relevant claim payment. If you are travelling within the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, you are not required to declare your medical conditions. However, to be covered for any medical conditions you have or have had, you must be able to answer NO to questions 1 to 3 and YES to questions 4 and 5a and 5b below: 1. Are you aware of any reason why the trip could be cancelled or cut short (such as the health of a close relative)? 2. Are you travelling: a) against the advice of a medical practitioner, or b) for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment? 3. Have you been given a terminal prognosis? 4. Are you receiving or awaiting treatment for any bodily injury, illness or disease as a hospital day case or in-patient? 5. If you are on prescribed medication, are your medical condition(s) stable and well controlled? 6. If you suffer from stress, anxiety, depression or any other mental or nervous disorder, have you received written confirmation (at your cost) that you are fit enough to take this trip by either: a) a registered mental health professional (if you are under the care of a Community Mental Health Team), or b) a consultant specialising in the relevant field? If you are travelling outside of the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland you must telephone MediScreen on if anyone to be covered by this policy, or any person upon whose health the trip depends: 1. Has or has had a medical condition (excluding childhood and minor ailments not requiring treatment). 2. Is taking prescribed medication. 3. Has or has had any medical condition still requiring periodic review. 4. Is awaiting any tests, treatment, investigation, referral or the results of these. Mediscreen s office hours are 9am to 5pm to excluding Bank Holidays. If You Have a Change of Health Between Booking and ure You must notify Mediscreen immediately of any changes in medical circumstances arising between the date the policy is issued and the time of departure for the trip. You may have to pay an additional premium to cover your medical conditions. This applies to all destinations including trips solely within the United Kingdom (being defined as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isles of Scilly). Examples of these and other conditions and exclusions are contained within the policy wording, a specimen copy of which is available upon request. If after purchasing a policy from us should you find it does not meet your requirements, you have 14 days from the date of receipt of the policy documents to cancel the policy and receive a full refund of your premium. Travel Insurance Premiums Trip UK & ROI Europe Air Tours Duration 1-3 Days days days All premiums include 20% Insurance Premium Tax. Ulsterbus Tours Limited t/a Ulsterbus Tours is an Appointed Representative of ITC Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their firm reference is ) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts. Section Of Cover Maximum Sum Insured / Benefits Per Person Excess Per Person Cancellation Travel Delay (Northern Ireland, Scilly Isles, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, Europe & Worldwide) Missed ure 1,500 United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic or Ireland & Europe / 3,500 Worldwide 90 Travel Delay Holiday Abandonment as per the Cancellation sums insured above 100 England, Scotland & Wales 300 Northern Ireland, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland & Europe 600 Worldwide Nil trips up to 3-days 10 Loss of Deposit / 75 Cancellation trips 4-days plus Nil Travel Delay Nil trips up to 3-days / 75 trips 4-days plus Holiday Abandonment Nil Personal Accident 15,000 (Subject to age) Nil Medical & Other Expenses (including Curtailment) Hospital Benefit Baggage (including Personal Money) 2,000,000 ( 1,000 UK Additional & Repatriation Expenses / 1,500 United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland & Europe Curtailment / 3,500 Worldwide Curtailment) 100 United Kingdom / 500 Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, Europe & Worldwide 2,000 Baggage / 2,000 Money in Group Leader s Possession / 250 Personal Money (subject to age) / 100 Delayed Baggage 75 Medical & Other Expenses Nil trips up to 3-days / 75 trips 4-days plus Curtailment Nil 75 Baggage & Personal Money Nil Delayed Baggage Loss of Passport and / or Visa Expenses 200 Nil Personal Liability 2,000, Legal Expenses 25,000 Nil 106 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 107

55 ure Calendar ure Calendar January February Winter Weekend in Donegal Winter Weekend in Donegal Winter Weekend in Donegal Arrochar Bargain Break Galway Bargain Break Waterford Bargain Break March April Killaloe & Co. Clare Loch Lomond & the Highlands Michael Buble Tribute & All Inclusive House Party Manchester, Liverpool & Chester Bargain Break Westport Bargain Break Cheltenham Festival Donegal Winter/Autumn Fireside Cheer Co. Kerry Bargain Break Arrochar Bargain Break Galway Bargain Break Waterford Bargain Break Loch Lomond & the Highlands Easter All Inclusive House Party Easter in Ennis Manchester, Liverpool & Chester Bargain Break Westport Bargain Break Killaloe & Co. Clare Co. Kerry Bargain Break Arrochar Bargain Break Renvyle House Connemara Tranquility Wexford & Kilkenny Blackpool Tribute Weekends Irish Whiskey Experience in Co. Clare Lake District & Yorkshire Dales Killaloe & Co. Clare May June Harrogate & Yorkshire Summer in Donegal Galway Bay & the Aran Islands Staffordshire & Chester Wexford & Kilkenny Westport & Co. Mayo Blackpool & Lake District Killaloe & Co. Clare Brighton & Sussex The West Country Waterford & the Ancient South East Chelsea Flower Show Stratford upon Avon & the Cotswolds Northumbria & Lincolnshire Lake District & Yorkshire Dales 5 Jan 19 Jan 9 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 18 Feb 5 Mar 9 Mar 11 Mar 11 Mar 12 Mar 12 Mar 18 Mar 19 Mar 19 Mar 25 Mar 29 Mar 30 Mar 8 Apr 8 Apr 9 Apr 15 Apr 16 Apr 22 Apr 22 Apr 27 Apr 29 Apr 30 Apr 30 Apr 6 May 6 May 7 May 13 May 13 May 13 May 14 May 14 May 19 May 20 May 20 May 21 May 27 May 27 May 28 May Orkney & Shetland Mini-Cruise Killaloe & Co. Clare Summer in Donegal Caernarfon & North Wales Wexford & Kilkenny Blackpool, & Lake District Killaloe & Co. Clare Torquay & the English Riviera Westport & Co. Mayo Waterford & the Ancient South East Killaloe & Co. Clare Galway Bay & the Aran Islands Wild Atlantic Way Peaks & Lakes Great Highland Railways All Things Emmerdale & Harrogate Bournemouth & Dorset July August Romantic Rhine Blackpool & Lake District Caernarfon & North Wales Southport Connemara Lisdoonvarna Sligo & Co. Mayo Germany & the Austrian Tyrol F1 British Grand Prix Eastbourne Wexford & Kilkenny The West Country Staffordshire & Chester Harrogate & Yorkshire Valkenburg, Maastricht & Aachen Blackpool & Lake District Cornwall Kent Torquay & the English Riviera Remembering the Somme Italian Lakes & Mountains Summer in Donegal Blackpool & Lake District Galway Bay & the Aran Islands RHS Flower Show Tatton Park London Super Saver Austria, Swiss Alps & the Glacier Express Co. Mayo with Afternoon Tea Lake District & Yorkshire Dales Western Highlands & Loch Lomond Co. Cavan & Fermanagh Lakelands Irish Midlands Garden Trail All Things Emmerdale & Harrogate Italian Dolomites 28 May 28 May 3 Jun 4 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 11 Jun 17 Jun 17 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 28 Jun 29 Jun 30 Jun 1 Jul 2 Jul 2 Jul 2 Jul 2 Jul 2 Jul 2 Jul 5 Jul 6 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul 8 Jul 8 Jul 8 Jul 8 Jul 9 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 16 Jul 16 Jul 20 Jul 22 Jul 22 Jul 22 Jul 23 Jul 23 Jul 23 Jul 23 Jul 27 Jul 28 Jul Northumbria s Gardens Stratford upon Avon & the Cotswolds Waterford & the Ancient South East Blackpool & Lake District Southport Lisdoonvarna Brighton & Sussex Staffordshire & Chester Valkenburg, Maastricht & Aachen Summer in Donegal Galway Garden Trail Ribble Valley & Haunted Lancashire Caernarfon & North Wales Lake Maggiore, Switzerland & Germany Bournemouth & Dorset London English Heritage Blackpool & Lake District Peaks & Lakes Co. Cavan & Fermanagh Lakelands Galway Bay & the Aran Islands Kent London Super Saver Torquay & the English Riviera Stratford upon Avon & the Cotswolds Remembering the Somme Co. Mayo with Afternoon Tea Wexford & Kilkenny Lisdoonvarna London English Heritage Northumbria & Lincolnshire Treasures of Tuscany & Florence Summer in Donegal Wild Atlantic Way Blackpool & Lake District Southport Western Highlands & Loch Lomond Killaloe & Co. Clare Seine River Cruise All Things Emmerdale & Harrogate September October Eastbourne Stratford upon Avon & the Cotswolds Harrogate & Yorkshire Romantic Rhine Wexford & Kilkenny Caernarfon & North Wales Connemara Blackpool & Lake District Orkney & Shetland Mini-Cruise Norway & the Western Fjords Staffordshire & Chester Northumbria s Gardens 29 Jul 29 Jul 29 Jul 30 Jul 30 Jul 30 Jul 4 Aug 5 Aug 5 Aug 5 Aug 5 Aug 6 Aug 6 Aug 7 Aug 11 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug 13 Aug 13 Aug 13 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 19 Aug 20 Aug 26 Aug 26 Aug 26 Aug 26 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 27 Aug 27 Aug 27 Aug 29 Aug 31 Aug 1 Sep 2 Sep 2 Sep 2 Sep 2 Sep 3 Sep 3 Sep 3 Sep 7 Sep 8 Sep 9 Sep 9 Sep Blackpool & Lake District Waterford & the Ancient South East Sligo & Co. Mayo Westport & Co. Mayo Blackpool & Lake District Ribble Valley & Haunted Lancashire Lake District & Yorkshire Dales Killaloe & Co. Clare Co. Cavan & Fermanagh Lakelands Manchester, Liverpool & Chester Bargain Break Highlands Railway Adventure Killaloe & Co. Clare Galway Bay & the Aran Islands Renvyle House Connemara Tranquility Co. Kerry Bargain Break Killaloe & Co. Clare The Rhine Ablaze Irish Whiskey Experience in Co. Clare Wexford & Kilkenny Blackpool Tribute Weekends Westport Bargain Break Arrochar Bargain Break Co. Kerry Bargain Break Galway Bargain Break Manchester, Liverpool & Chester Bargain Break Waterford Bargain Break November December Drams & Dances in Oban Donegal Winter/Autumn Fireside Cheer The Somme & the Armistice Westport Bargain Break Arrochar Bargain Break Galway Bargain Break Loch Lomond & the Highlands Michael Buble Tribute & All Inclusive House Party German Christmas Markets Waterford Bargain Break Drams & Dances in Oban German Christmas Markets Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate Fizz and Fayre Donegal Winter/Autumn Fireside Cheer Valkenburg Christmas Market Winterval in Waterford Loch Lomond & the Highlands All Inclusive Turkey & Tinsel Christmas in Donegal Christmas in Galway New Year in Sligo 10 Sep 9 Sep 10 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 17 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep 24 Sep 24 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 1 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 7 Oct 12 Oct 14 Oct 15 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 28 Oct 28 Oct 5 Nov 5 Nov 8 Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 25 Nov 25 Nov 26 Nov 29 Nov 30 Nov 3 Dec 3 Dec 6 Dec 7 Dec 19 Dec 24 Dec 24 Dec 30 Dec 108 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre 109

56 Useful Information Hotels are two, three and four-star standard and are carefully selected for their quality and location, particularly when selecting overnight hotels. Dinner, bed and breakfast is included unless otherwise indicated. On Bargain Break tours menus tend to be set with no choice. Some hotels may only offer two courses, particularly on overnight hotels. Occasionally hotels will require you to select your evening meal up to 24 hours in advance. 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 normally local, traditional and seasonal. It is quite normal for the coach party to be seated together at meal times. Individual seating can never be guaranteed. See hotel directory for brief hotel descriptions on pages 100 to 101. For further details please check individual websites as shown. We reserve the right to change hotels when circumstances dictate. This is rare and we only accept transfers to similar or higher standard hotels. City centre hotel bedrooms tend to be more compact in size. Coaches drive on-board all ferries. Overnight ferry crossings include outside, en-suite cabins with a combination of side-by-side and bunkstyle beds. Dinner and breakfast is included. All tours start and finish at the Europa Buscentre, Glengall Street, Belfast. Please enquire about various en-route pick ups. ure times are shown clearly in the brochure and on your tour ticket. Please consult your ticket as departure times and itineraries can be subject to change after booking. Check in is 20 minutes before departure. All tours have a single room/cabin supplement. If it is not shown on the relevant tour page, 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 two adults, subject to availability. 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 18kg/40lb). Porterage is included at most hotels not all hotels provide this service. If you need assistance just ask the driver. 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 a ship is involved, and also for transit hotels used on European and English tours prior to arrival at main hotel. Overnight hotels do not provide porterage. Valid passports are needed on all Continental tours. Please bring photo ID, preferably current passport on all tours, in case of unforeseen emergency return by air. 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: 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 107. If you choose not to take our holiday insurance you must take alternative cover which is as good or better than ours. We reserve the right to use third party coaches. 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 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. All information in this brochure is correct at a time of going to print. Ulsterbus Tours cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, and are not liable for the accuracy of information provided by third parties. For up-to-date details, please contact the Travel Centre or visit our website Free travel is available 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 the Holiday Inn beside the Europa Buscentre for nights before and after tours. This accommodation must be booked through the Ulsterbus Tours booking office with a valid credit/ debit card. Full balance is 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 opens from 6am to Saturday and 8am on a. For earlier entry please ring the telephone number displayed at the entrance. Please check public holiday arrangements. Tipping is at your discretion. Deposits for tours are as follows: UK and Ireland: Europe: Air Tours: Cheltenham Festival: * F1 British Grand Prix: * * Upgraded ticket requests are payable at time of booking and are non-refundable. Entrance Driver A I L S E Toilet Exit NB: Some coaches have a toilet at the rear. We reserve the right to use coaches with an alternative seating plan. 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 or telephone 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. Design: whitenoisestudios.com 110 Call Book online ulsterbustours.com Visit the Translink Travel Centre

57 Italian Dolomites