Ireland - Discover the Coastline of Northern Ireland by Boat & Bike Tour 2018 Guided or Individual Self-Guided 8 days / 7 nights Rarely is any other region subjected to the forces of Mother Nature as the green island of Ireland. Nevertheless, this small and rugged isle, engulfed by the surges of the Atlantic swell, is a place of natural beauty and diversity. While the Western side of the island is commonly frequented by tourists, the controversial Northern regions remain dormant due to their volatile past. Join us on our tour along the exceptional and dramatic coastline of Northern Ireland. Visitations to important, historical and future orientated cities such as Bangor and (London) Derry are combined with a unique sailing experience and the discovery of scenic landscapes and natural wonders by bike. The tour itinerary includes a visit to Rathlin Island, among additional highlights such as the Giants Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede-Bridge. Your floating accommodation for the week on board the Thalassa also offers a hands-on experience for all who are interested in learning what it means to bring a tall ship into motion.
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Bangor Embarkation Arrival to Belfast is organised individually, followed by a taxi ride to the boat in Bangor. An early arrival will give you time to visit the lively harbor town. The first evening meal will give you the opportunity to get to know your travel group and guides, who will accompany you for the duration of the week. Day 2: Bangor Glenarm - Cushendall 9 + 21 km; +40 m + 200 m After breakfast we will take a guided tour around multifaceted Bangor on our bikes. Afterwards we leave the harbour of Bangor on board the Thalassa. The first crossing by boat will bring us to Glenarm, the oldest town in the region. We have the opportunity to cycle along one of the most scenic coastal stretches in Northern Ireland on our way to Cushendall, where we spend the night on anchor. Pinterest.com Day 3: Cushendall Cushendun - Rathlin Island Ballycastle (morning: 8 km; afternoon: 15 km; +260 m + 9 km; +70 m In the morning a short first bike ride leads us from Cushendall to the nearby little coastal town of Cushendun. Here, we will pass by a cave, which was once a filming spot in the popular series Game of Thrones. After a coffee break we board the boat and take a majestic crossing to the nearby nature reserve, Rathlin Island. The small, rugged island is well known for its picturesque coastal landscapes as well as it s extraordinary birdlife in the Kebble Cliffs National Nature Reserve on the western point of the island; our first stop on today s island cycle tour. Thousands of brooding birds of all varieties settle here, amongst them the guillmots, kittiwakes, razorbills and puffins. Those who wish can also explore the southern point of the island by bike, inhabited by hundreds of seals. We cross over to the mainland and enjoy the evening in one of the cozy pubs of Ballycastle. Day 4: Ballycastle - Londonderry (Sailing day) Today we enjoy a day sailing on the Thalassa. Enthusiasts can seize their chance to hoist the sails, and tie the knots, whilst those looking to relax can find a quite space to read a book or gaze dreamily over the horizon.. Discoveringplaces.co.uk
Day 5: Londonderry (Round tour by bicycle) Greencastle 66 km +900 m On today s cycle tour we will leave Northern Ireland behind and will explore a small part of Donegal County. Numerous migratory and endemic bird species share this peninsula as a place of refuge and living space. Enjoy a marvelous 360 degree view from an old fortress, where you can look until Derry on one side and far up to Ireland and Northern Ireland on the other one. Back in Derry we go for a stroll on the well maintained city wall of the old town and visit some of the most important places of the long-lasting conflict in Northern Ireland. After an eventful day we board the Thalassa for a crossing to Greencastle. With a bit of luck we will have the chance to witness members of the local seal colony as they poke their heads out from under the water close to Greencastle. Day 6: Portstewart Ballycastle 48 km +400 m Crossing to Portstewart, where we start our bike tour to Ballycastle. A couple of great highlights await us on today s tour. A visit to the Bushmills distillery, Ireland s oldest licensed distillery, gives us the chance to taste the famous whiskey produced here, as well as an education of the various whiskey types of Northern Island. After our visit we immerse ourselves in Irish mythology on a stroll to the Giant's Causeway, following in the footsteps of the giant, Fionn Mac- Cumhaill. This UNSECO World Heritage site features 37,000 fascinating basalt columns thought to have been formed by lava flows more than 60 million years ago. Our cycling tour continues along rolling hills all the way to Ballycastle, where the Thalassa is already waiting. Day 7: Ballycastle Cushendun Bangor 22 km + 400 m Today we take part on our last bike tour along the Torr Head Scenic Road which offers incredible views along the way. Once more we find ourselves in Cushendun, the small holiday destination. A short stroll leads us past impressive caves and looming cliffs, along small coastal walkways to an idyllic sandy beach. Afterwards we board the Thalassa which takes us back to Bangor, where we spend a celebrative last evening meal on board together with guests, crew and guides. Day 8: Bangor Disembarkation After breakfast disembarkation and individual trip home or extended stay.
Route Technical Characteristics: Route Profile: Moderately difficult tours in mostly hilly landscapes with stages of 6 66 km on usually quiet asphalt roads. In some instances, field paths are used as well. Main roads without separate bike paths are used only exceptionally for short stretches. This tour includes some longer and steeper ascents along which bicycles may be pushed at any time. Strong headwinds may also be encountered. Helmet use is mandatory and you are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet. A limited number of rental helmets are available (reservation necessary). Our tours are dependent on local weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike tour. Distance: 190 km Travel Season: Departures July 1; July 8; July 15 and July 22, 2018
Price per Person: Basic price double occupancy 1390.00 Surcharge for Double Cabin for Single Use 300.00 Bike rental 21 gear hybrid Ortlieb with pannier 80.00 E-bike 8 hub gear with Ortlieb pannier (booked in advance) 160.00 Insurance against theft and damage for 21 gear bike 10.00 Insurance against theft and damage for 21 E-bike 20.00 Reductions: Children up to age 16 (not combinable with the 50 % discount) 25% off basic price Services Included: 8 day trip on a tall ship with crew 7 nights on a tall ship in a standard double cabin with shower 4 x half board, 3 x full board, Tea and Coffee Guided cycling tours as described in itinerary Guided city tour on bikes in Bangor Overview-maps for the daily tours (on board) Bed linen and towels English speaking tour guide Not Included: Journey to Bangor Beverages on board (tally sheet; to be paid to the captain) Bottled Water (1 euro per 0.5 l bottle) Meals and beverages ashore Entrance fees to museums and sights Tips for crew and tour guides
Tallship THALASSA At 47m long, 8m wide and a mast height of 35m this three mast tall ship is an eye catcher in every harbour, only outdone by itself when the 800m² of sails are hoisted out at sea. The hull of the Thalassa was built in the Netherlands in 1980. Originally named, Relinguenda, she operated as a fishing vessel until 1984 before running aground in Holland. In 1994 the hull of the boat was rebuilt, transforming the trawler into a barkentine. With the installation of modern safety equipment she checks all regulations, and is recognised internationally, enabling you to feel safe and well cared for on board. The Thalassa is fitted with 15 functional double cabins with bunk beds. The cabins are fitted with a private shower and wash basin. Toilets are found in the hallway. The salon is tastefully decorated and offers a comfortable place for people to get together in, as well as a large dining area where meals on board can be enjoyed. The covered deck area offers a great space to relax on in good weather, catching the sea breeze while reading a book or looking through a telescope for signs of rare birds, seals or dolphins. Even the meals can be enjoyed on-deck with a quiet sea, and a pleasant sunset. The accommodating and friendly crew consist of a captain, the first mate, a cook and two sailors. It is of importance to the crew on board the Thalassa that the team consists of both male and female workers. Years of experience have proven this system to provide the best atmosphere on board.
Bikes Four frame sizes insure optimum riding comfort for all of our guests between 1.50m 1.90m. Our women s bikes are available in 46 or 52cm frame sizes, the men s bikes are available in 56 and 60cm frame sizes. 21 Gears. Ladies Hybrid Men s Hybrid E-Bike 28 Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848