The Maiden City the Giant s Causeway and Donegal

Transcription

1 The Maiden City the Giant s Causeway and Donegal

2 Departing 5 th July and 30 th August nights from only 519 Dear Reader, We are delighted to be able to offer you this tremendous value 5 night The Maiden City The Giant s Causeway and Donegal holiday. On this holiday you will be able to enjoy 5 nights accommodation; one night (B&B) at the 4-star SAS Radisson Hotel in Belfast and 4 nights (HB) at the 3-star Best Western White Horse Hotel in Derry. Times have now changed and modern visitors are beginning to enjoy this stunning northern part of the Emerald Isle. The holiday is organised by Preferred Travel Services, a company specialising in unusual and interesting holidays from local airports at value for money prices and voted TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR 2007 & 2008 by the Association of Reader Travel. Our holiday includes return flights from conveniently situated local airports, airporthotel transfers and a friendly tour director who will be on hand to point you in the right direction. To add even more interest, and variety to your holiday, there is a programme of well-priced optional excursions, which can be booked and paid for in resort. We look forward to the pleasure of your company! Yours sincerely WHAT'S INCLUDED Return flights from local airports Return airport - hotel transfers 4 nights (HB) 3-star accommodation in Derry and 1 night (B&B) 4-star accommodation in Belfast Included visits to Belfast, the Giant s Causeway, the Inishowen Peninsula and Glenveagh National Park and a guided walk around the Walls of the Maiden City, Services of a tour director Julie Harrison Customer Services PREFERRED TRAVEL SERVICES PS : We aim to attract customers with similar tastes from all over the UK. This is why we show all available flights and not just those from your local area. And, of course, you may have friends in other parts of the country who wish to join you. On most holidays, customers will arrive on just a few of the flights shown as the maximum group size on any single departure date is around 50. On arrival, this does mean that in many cases we will provide a transfer by private car or minicoach to your hotel rather than you waiting for a tour bus to fill up. You will thus meet your fellow travellers at the hotel.

3 The Maiden City, the Giant s Causeway & Donegal Ireland s only walled city has two names and, for nearly 40 years, has been by-passed by travellers. The impressive 17th-century walls were never breached, despite long sieges hence the nickname, the Maiden City. But times have changed and modern visitors now enter with impunity! Derry Doire in the Gaelic means an oak forest: the city s name suggests the green nature of the surroundings of the northern part of the Emerald Isle. The walls of Derry were built by the City of London Livery Companies: financed as part of an economic development plan: at that same time Derry s name was changed by Royal Charter to Londonderry. Possibly it will change back again; but for now, it is Derry/ Londonderry or, as local celebrity Gerry Anderson calls it, Stroke City (from the stroke between the two names!). The BBC uses both names, but most of the locals call it Derry: so we shall do likewise from here on. One can now, once again, walk the whole circuit of the walls highly recommended! The modern history is, from headlines, familiar to us in part. Your tour guide on this holiday is hired by us from an award-winning local firm whose owner insists his guides present a balanced view after all, his own family comes from both sides of what was, until recently, a divided city. We found his guides fascinating; we are sure you will too. Derry enjoys a wonderful location - the walled city is surrounded on three sides by the River Foyle. One of the gates in the walls led directly to the river quay, and was the most important for the trade that made the city prosper. There are some interesting museums, including the Tower Museum, which has a replica of the plane flown to the area in 1932 by Amelia Earhart the first solo transatlantic flight by a woman. During the second world war, Derry was the westernmost city in the British War effort, and so of great strategic importance. At the end of the war, German U boats coming in to the River Foyle to surrender by the city s walls, must have been a sight to see! The city is quite lively in the evening, with live music frequently featured in the town s hostelries. Phil Coulter s The Town I Loved So Well, in which he prayed for a bright, brand new day that has now come to his home city is a particular favourite. The Giant s Causeway, the UNESCO World heritage site supposedly built by Irish Giant Finn McCool so he could walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart well, that is just one of the legends. Beyond doubt, however, it is a most impressive site! The Inishowen Peninsula of Donegal, a wonderful area they call Ireland in Miniature, including a visit to Malin Head, Ireland s northernmost point, and to the interesting and thought provoking Famine Village on the Isle of Doagh. You will see something of how Ireland lived in the days of the famine in the 1840 s through to today s Tiger Economy the Republic is now officially one of the richest countries in the world. Glenveagh National Park you will also spend a day at Glenveagh, where the lakeside location is the setting for the jewels that are the fine castle, the wonderful italianate gardens and above all the splendid landscapes of the National Park, where there are several lovely walks, both along the lake and up into the hills. Glenveagh is home to Ireland s largest herd of red deer. The park is in the Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) area of Donegal, and contains Donegal s two highest mountains, Mount Errigal and Slieve Snacht. Belfast the city where the Titanic was built is being reborn as a major tourist destination. Stroll through the bustling cathedral quarter, and see the impressive Victorian buildings of the streets and squares of C.S.Lewis home town. The botanic garden is also attractive. YOUR HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Day one: see YOUR FLIGHTS for flight details. You fly from your local area to Belfast for one night bed and breakfast in the 4 SAS Radisson Hotel. Your guide will be on hand to help you plan your visit to this fine city. Day two: after a short tour of Belfast, you head northwest into the stunning scenery of Northern Ireland. Our main stop today is at the Giant s Causeway. We have included entrance to the short audiovisual presentation, to give you an overview of the site: then it s a short 10 minute stroll or the shuttle bus down to the site itself. You will have time to walk and enjoy the strange basalt column, the result of volcanic activity eons ago.

4 From there it s down to Derry where you spend four nights, on a half board basis, in the 3 Best Western White Horse Hotel. Day three: today is spent in and around the Maiden City. You will walk around the walls with your local guide, and have the chance to shop, sightsee and visit the city museums. Transfers between your hotel and the city centre are included. Day four: today you visit the Inishowen Peninsula, including Malin Head and the Famine Village (entrance fee included). The scenery is stunning! Day five: today you visit Glenveagh National Park. We have included the shuttle bus up to the castle, around which the gardens are located, and which is the starting point for the best of the walks. You will be able to choose whether to take a guided tour of the castle (entrance fee applies); certainly you will want to explore the gardens; and walkers will wish to head up to the viewpoint above the gardens and lake at the very least. There is a tea-room at the castle, and a pleasant restaurant near the interesting exhibition at the entrance to the park. The park is once again home to Golden Eagles, who are being reintroduced to the area. Day six: free time until your departure to Belfast and your flight home. PLEASE NOTE: the order of the excursions described may be subject to change, although the content of the holiday will remain the same. Optional excursions are at extra cost and subject to minimum numbers. Radisson Hotel, on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is ideally located in the city centre, formally the Gasworks area; close to the city centre but out of the way of its hustle and bustle, allowing guests to have a good night s sleep and a good time. Rooms have private facilities, tv with satellite channels, direct dial phone. DERRY four nights are spent in the 3 Best Western White Horse Hotel. Beautifully situated in the townland of Campsie, minutes from Derry s City centre (limited bus service; taxi fare approx 5 per car), the Best Western White Horse Hotel is the ideal base to explore the delights of the North West. The hotel has 57 bedrooms, all of which are en suite, colour tv with satellite channels, direct dial phone, tea/coffee making facilities and wireless broadband. The hotel has a Health and Fitness Club with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Aerobics studio which is free to hotel guests and currently open till 10pm on midweek evenings. The hotel has a comfortable lounge area, bar (with live entertainment on one evening of your stay) and a pleasant restaurant where you will take full Irish breakfast and evening dinner each day. YOUR HOTELS Accommodation has been reserved in the hotels stated, but we do reserve the right to substitute similar hotels should circumstances dictate. BELFAST one night is spent in the room SAS

5 THE MAIDEN CITY, THE GIANT S CAUSEWAY & DONEGAL DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES (per person): Departure date: twin\double single supplement 5 Jul Aug Price Policy: Prices are per person sharing a twin/double room and subject to change Please see Clause 3 of the Booking Conditions Please note: optional excursions,porterage,drinks with main meals (unless stated) and holiday insurance are not included in the holiday price. HOLIDAY EXTRAS: *Please book the following Holiday Extras by writing your requirements in the price per Holiday Extras section on the attached booking form person *our recommended Travel Insurance for 5 nights Your Flights Carriers and timings subject to change (refer to Clause 6 of the Booking Conditions). (Our brochures are printed some time in advance and, in some cases, before the airline has published its timetable. In these cases timings shown are based on experience of previous years.) From To Dep UK approx Ret UK approx Carrier Dates Sundays Aberdeen Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 Birmingham Belfast International BmiBaby 05/07 & 30/08 Blackpool Belfast International Jet2 05/07 & 30/08 Bristol Belfast International Easyjet 05/07 & 30/08 Cardiff Belfast International BmiBaby 05/07 & 30/08 Dundee Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 Doncaster Sheffield Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 Edinburgh Belfast International Easyjet 05/07 & 30/08 East Midlands Belfast International BmiBaby 05/07 & 30/08 Exeter Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 Glasgow Intl Belfast International Easyjet 05/07 & 30/08 Glasgow Prestwick Belfast City Ryanair 05/07 & 30/08 Inverness Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 Leeds Bradford Belfast International Jet2 05/07 & 30/08 LONDON GATWICK BELFAST EASYJET 05/07 & 30/08 INTERNATIONAL London Heathrow Belfast City British Midland 05/07 & 30/08 Liverpool Belfast International Easyjet 05/07 & 30/08 LUTON BELFAST EASYJET 05/07 & 30/08 INTERNATIONAL Manchester Belfast International Bmi Baby 05/07 & 30/08 Newcastle Belfast International Easyjet 05/07 & 30/08 Southampton Belfast City Flybe 05/07 & 30/08 STANSTED BELFAST INTERNATIONAL EASYJET 05/07 & 30/08 In-flight meals are not included. Precise information for baggage allowances will be sent with your Travel documents days before departure. The Air Holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 5537.

6 HOW TO BOOK - MADE EASY! RESERVATIONS HOTLINE (Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri & 9am-1pm Sat) Telephone our Reservations Hotline on Fax or us at:mail@preferredts.com to check availability and make a provisional booking. Complete the booking form and return it with deposit payment per person of 125 plus the relevant insurance premium (or full payment plus insurance) if applicable to:- Preferred Travel Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth, Leicester, LE8 0HS. Please make cheques/po s payable to Preferred Travel Services. What happens after you've made your booking:- Upon receipt of your completed Booking Form, we will Send you a Confirmation/Invoice - please read through this document very carefully and advise us by return if you have any queries. Any special request that you have made should be stated on this invoice. Please note: this holiday is Group B - see clause 2 of the Booking Conditions. The BALANCE DUE date is stated on your Confirmation/Invoice - no further reminder will be sent to you. WE DO NOT ISSUE RECEIPTS FOR BALANCE PAYMENTS. You will receive your Holiday Itinerary and Joining Instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. Travel Insurance for bookings taken up to 31 October This information is subject to change without notice. Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged competitive travel insurance from Travel & General Insurance Company plc to specifically meet your needs on your holiday. Should you decide not to purchase our insurance, you must provide us with details of your alternative insurance with your final payment. The schedule of the cover below sets out a summary of the cover provided by our tailored insurance. The cover is underwritten by Travel & General Insurance Company plc, except for Section K (Legal expenses), which is underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited. Both insurers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. THIS SUMMARY APPLIES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTY YEARS AT THE DATE OF DEPARTURE. Single trip policy Schedule of cover Section Standard cover A Cancellation and curtailment charges B Emergency medical repatriation and Associated expenses abroad Hospital benefit Sum insured per person Excess per person Up to 5,000 Up to 5,000, for each 24 hour period to a maximum of 0 Nil C Emergency assistance in the UK Up to 2,000 D Personal accident Up to 25,000 (age limits apply) Nil E Travel delay Missed departure Missed connection 20 first 12 hours and 10 each subsequent 12 hours to maximum of 100 Up to 1,000 Up to 1,000 Nil F Personal possessions Delay baggage (after 12 hours) Travel documents Up to 2,500 Up to 100 Up to 0 Nil G Personal money Up to 250 H Hijack for each 24 hour period to a maximum of 0 Nil I Mugging for each 24 hour period to a maximum of 0 Nil J Personal liability Up to 2,000, K Legal expenses Up to 25,000 Nil Premiums for persons under the age of 80 years at the time of departure are shown elsewhere in the brochure. Persons between 80 and 85 years will be charged double the premium AND must contact Healthcheck on We regret cover is not available to persons aged over 85 years at the date of departure.

7 These details are correct as at 15/10/08 and are subject to change without notice. As cover under the Cancellation section commences immediately the holiday booking has been confirmed, no refund in premium can be allowed. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your holiday, any insurance premiums paid to Preferred Travel Services will automatically be refunded. However, we cannot refund premiums paid to other insurers. If you have arranged your own insurance please check that the premium will be refunded in the event of cancellation by us. Walking Holidays. Please check with your insurer if in doubt. Our recommended travel insurance covers you for group walks up to an altitude of 3000m. Some insurers have lower limits usually 2000m. Our "Walking in the Pyrenees" goes up to 2570m and Walking in Tenerife is up to 2300m. If you decide to walk separately from our group, or if you have not taken out our recommended insurance please ensure your cover is valid. Important declaration An insurance policy can only provide cover in respect of an event/occurrence which is sudden, unforeseen and beyond your reasonable control. Therefore any facts known to you, which could possibly result in you having to make a claim, must be disclosed otherwise you may not be covered. In addition, anyone named as insured under this policy must be able to make the following declaration (The legal guardian must make the declaration for anyone under the age of 18 years old): 1 I am not receiving treatment, including regular medication, within the last 12 months for any condition, nor at any time for any heart related or cancerous condition; 2 I have not been seen by a specialist nor been admitted to a hospital overnight in the last 12 months (other than for regular check ups); 3 I have not been diagnosed by a registered general practitioner as having a terminal condition; 4 I am not waiting for, nor have the knowledge of, the need for an operation, hospital consultation nor any other treatment (including regular medication) nor investigations including the results of a routine test; 5 I do not have any other pre-existing and on-going medical condition(s) that could reasonably be anticipated to give rise to a complication needing medical intervention prior to or during a journey (if in doubt check with your general practitioner); 6 I am not aware of anybody for whom I would be covered for cancellation and curtailment, such as immediate family or travelling companions, suffering from any pre-existing medical condition(s) that may cause me to cancel or cut short my journey; 7 I do not know of any circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim under this policy. If you cannot make this declaration when you take out the insurance, you must contact Healthcheck on A policy document that fully defines the cover, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you with your booking confirmation. When you receive your policy, please take the time to read it carefully to ensure you understand what is and what is not covered, and that all activities that you may wish to participate in are included. If it does not meet your requirements, please return the policy, proof of premium and any other relevant documents to us within 14 days of receipt and we will refund the premium in full, provided you have not travelled or made a claim. Failure to comply with the terms & conditions of the policy may result in cover being restricted. CONSUMER PROTECTION The air holiday and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at This holiday is operated by High Concepts Ltd t/a Preferred Travel Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth, Leicester. LE8 0HS. Tel: Fax: mail@preferredts.com. Registered in England No ABTA Membership No. W3692. Atol Protected Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible for 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 EAA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons.) Full details of our data protection policy are available upon request. ISSUED:- January NID.09

8 The Maiden City the Giant s Causeway and Donegal How to book Simply refer to the HOW TO BOOK - MADE EASY section on the enclosed sheet and call the telephone number shown to check that your holiday is available. Health Requirements None. For general health and travel advice please visit travellers ( ) or check with your GP for advice. Passports/Visas Official Photo ID is required for flights and to enter the Republic of Ireland (RoI) a passport is recommended. British citizens do not require visas for the RoI. Currency The Pound is the currency in Northern Ireland, the Euro in the RoI, but both currencies are accepted almost everywhere in this area. Financial Security The air holiday and flights in this brochure are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at org.uk. About Us Preferred Travel Services is an independently owned, friendly company whose two directors share more than 50 years of travel industry experience. Our main programmes feature interesting escorted two centre holidays by air, direct from regional airports all over the UK, to Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Southern France, among others. We also offer a programme of Walking Holidays in those countries, as well as a programme of holidays by coach from certain parts of the UK. Preferred Travel Services