UKI 2023

UKI 2023

UK & IRELAND 2023 We do the hard work so you don’t have to....

www.albatrosstravel.com

Welcome to our UK & Ireland 2023 Brochure In the pages that follow I hope you will find some inspiration in the products and itineraries as you plan your next year’s programme of holidays. Despite the scale of the pain over the last two years, and the ongoing challenges of contracting hotels and changes at attractions and events, we have a fantastic range of 2023 tours for your consideration, with some new and refreshed itineraries alongside old favourites. We remain committed to providing you with wonderful holidays by coach, no matter the twists and turns on the way, putting you and your customers at the heart of everything we do. If you would like to find out more, about any of the products in this brochure, our Sales and Contracting teams are on hand and will be delighted to assist you.

Things to remember… Pricing The price you see includes the group admission rate for each attraction in the itinerary that is highlighted in bold. Suggested Itinerary This means that we are providing you with ideas for a tour that we would be happy to arrange for you if you wish. The Sales Team can provide you with a revised quotation price, based on any tour ideas that you feel would best suit your customer base. We would then arrange guided tours, purchase of tickets and payment of entrance fees on your behalf. What To Do All the attractions and hotels featured on the following pages can be mixed and matched according to your requirements. We are always happy to provide you with a bespoke solution for your tour programme. Additional Hotels We only have room in the brochure to feature some of our hotels. We have reserved space at many more. Please give our Sales Team a call. Overnight Hotels We understand that a successful tour is not just about the mainstay and that the hotels your passengers stay at along the way are a very important start and end to the tour. We have a great selection of hotels in excellent locations to suit all tastes and budgets. If you would like overnights adding to any of your tours, please give our Sales Team a call. Low Emissions Zones & Access Regulation Emission Zone (ULEZ) have expanded to create a single larger zone bounded by the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). The North and South Circular Roads themselves are not included in the zone. The ULEZ will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends (except Christmas day), with a daily charge for vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards. For more information please visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone Additionally Bath, Bristol & Birmingham have been mandated to implement Clean Air Zones (CAZ), however at the time of going to print, the dates appear to have been delayed due to Covid-19. Other cities will need to adopt CAZ, for further information visit: Drive in a clean air zone - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) We will not be held liable for any penalties, tickets or charges that result from entry into towns and cities with low emission zones and/or access regulations. New zones are regularly being introduced into towns and cities across the UK so please check before costing and operating your tour. Drivers Hours EU Regulation 561/2006 is transcribed into UK law and still applies. Our itineraries are created with drivers’ regulations in mind and we look to comply with daily driving, break and rest requirements.

Why book with us? No Currency Surcharge Guarantee  We offer a No Currency Surcharge Guarantee to protect your business from potentially expensive fluctuations in exchange rates. Free Single Room for your Driver * No matter how many passengers are booked on your tour! * Excludes London. We Go the Extra Mile We have dedicated sales and operations teams to support you and we take the time to understand your business. We tailor our products to match your requirements. 24 Hour Helpline Number  Our helpline is available for all drivers, should any element of the tour not go as planned. Visit, Inspect & Grade We visit, inspect and grade every hotel in our brochure to assess its suitability for coach tourism and to help you select the most appropriate hotel for your customers. Please note as we catch up after the Pandemic, some inspections have been delayed. Team of Contract Managers  Our team of Contract Managers are dedicated to specific geographical areas so our product knowledge is second to none! Your Money is Safe with us Even though it is not a legal requirement, Albatross Travel sets aside advance payments, made by you to us, until your tour is completed. This reflects the undertaking and protection that you must in turn, provide to your passengers. The only exceptions to this are prepayments that are made in advance to suppliers or have been received on a non-refundable basis.

THE SMALL PRINT • Every effort has been made to ensure all pricing and information provided in our brochure is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication in May 2022. However, details are subject to change and any typographical, clerical or other error or omission shall be subject to correction without any liability on the part of Albatross Travel. • Tours are priced on a minimum of 25 passengers. • Prices shown are 'from' prices based on the lowest rate we have from our suppliers, and are in £GBP per person for the stated duration of the tour. • All brochure prices are non-commissionable and quoted inclusive of VAT. • All brochure prices exclude public holidays and major local events unless otherwise stated. • All brochure pricing is correct at the time of going to print and is subject to change due to changes in VAT and other local/national taxation.

• All brochure pricing excludes the cost of overnight hotels unless otherwise stated. • All brochure pricing excludes road tolls, emission zone charges and permits. • All brochure pricing excludes peak date supplements on ferry crossings. • All products are subject to availability at the time of booking. • All itineraries are subject to change depending on the seasonal opening hours of attractions. • All itineraries are based on the most recent train timetables, sailing schedules and opening hours and are subject to change. • Event dates are subject to change year on year. Your tour has been based on this year's dates and times, where available. • Please be advised that details about some shows and events have not yet been finalised. We have therefore based the information on current shows, which may be

subject to change or cancellation. • Please note, on occasion some attractions require pre- payment upon confirmation and these charges will need to be passed on. • We cannot be held liable for any changes that may occur regarding a venue or an attraction that is beyond our control. However, we will aim to update you with details of any such changes as soon as possible. • All overnight sailings will be on a room only basis with inside, lower bed cabins. If meals are required, please advise at the time of quotation. • Dinner will always consist of at least 3 courses. Where a choice of menu is stated, there will be at least 2 dishes for each course unless stated otherwise. If a set menu is listed, this means that all passengers will have the same meal. Special dietary requirements will of course be catered for if we are advised in advance. • Please note that during weekend stays, other parties may be present and dining time options may be restricted.

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Put a face to the name! Our Sales Team… Each Account Manager below has a wealth of travel experience and is happy to share their knowledge with you. Please don’t hesitate to give them a call on 01732 879191.

Angela Cooper

Joanne Bennett Karina Laverick Louise Fitzpatrick

Grant Simmonds

Clare Costigan

Guy Fathers

Put a face to the name! Our Contracting Team… Each of our Contract Managers are destination specialists and have years of experience in finding and contracting hotels who welcome guests who arrive by coach in the UK & Europe. They are also destination specialists who live and breathe their own areas, taking great pride and delight in creating and developing new itineraries, with you and your customers in mind. Check out the country introductory pages to learn more about them and what makes them tick!

Anneka Board Contract Manager

Robert Ramsay Contract Manager

Mark Cocks Senior Contract Manager

Janine Cuff Head of Group Contracting

Scotland Wales Northeast England Isle of Man

Southern England Channel Islands Isle of Wight

London Southern England

Ireland Northern Ireland Nothern England

Our Products & Hotels All of our hotels are individually selected for their high standards of group-friendliness, cleanliness and quality of customer service. These attributes are essential requirements for all our products. The majority of our hotels also provide porterage and some provide a welcome drink as ‘standard’. In terms of access, the majority of our hotels also either have ground floor bedrooms or lift access. On the few occasions where this is not the case, we will make this clear in our hotel description.

Our Contract Managers don't sit on their laurels, they're always on the look out for new ideas or places to visit and how to enhance the excellent relationships we have built up with suppliers. To make it easier for you to find, we have devised some logos like the ones above. The first two speak for themselves, whilst ‘Once in a Lifetime’ signifies a longer tour, perhaps a multi-centre or one that ticks all touring boxes and 'Mix & Match' means that itineraries and hotels are inter-changeable, giving you flexibility and choice.

Contents - Quick Guide

SEASONAL PLANNER NORTHERN IRELAND

SCOTLAND

LONDON

Page 6

Page 36

Page 82

WALES

ENGLAND

Page 8

Page 64

Page 100

IRELAND

ISLANDS

WINTER COMBOS

Page 14

Page 76

Page 176

3

Northern Ireland - Pages 8-13 9

The Great Tapestry of Scotland Barony Castle Hotel

52

The Legenderry Giant’s Causeway & a Breathtaking Train Journey NEW Everglades Hotel NEW A Giant Dose of Houses & Gardens of Northern Ireland A Titanic Taste Sensation in Northern Ireland NEW Dunadry Hotel & Gardens Deluxe Cruise & Taste Tour of Fermanagh Lakelands Pottery Around Fermanagh’s Historic Houses & Castles Killyhevlin Hotel

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs packages The Winnock Hotel Buckle Up! Scotland’s Central Belt Awaits NEW King Robert Hotel

53

54

10-11

A Discovery of Bridges & Royal Houses Pitbauchlie House Hotel There’s A Lot to See in Dundee The Landmark Hotel & Leisure Club

55

12-13

56

Ireland - Pages 14-35

Highlands Wildlife & Mainline Views Distilled Fishers Hotel Cons & Queens in the Granite City NEW Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa NEW

57

Luxury Food & Drink Tours & Spring Breaks NEW Kenmare Bay Hotel NEW , Killarney Court Hotel NEW , Johnstown Estate NEW , Stormont Hotel NEW Ireland House Party Specials NEW Woodford Dolmen, Royal Hotel - Bray NEW , Clanree Hotel NEW

16

58

Scotland’s Beauty & the Beast Ben Wyvis Hotel Romantic Railways & Lochs NEW Highlander Hotel

59

17

Finest Flavours of Ireland Set Sail for Belfast & Dublin Ballymascanlon House Hotel

60

18

Highland Spirit! Grant Arms Hotel

61

Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way & The Mighty Causeway Coast Hotel Inishowen Gateway Peninsula NEW

19

Oban - Gateway to the Isles Royal Hotel Oban

62

Delights of Darling Donegal Great Northern Hotel

20

63 Steamed Up in Fort William Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club Wales - Pages 64-75

Exploring Galway & Ireland’s Secret Hidden Heartlands Shearwater Hotel & Spa Westport & Islands of the Wild Atlantic Way Go Wild for the Atlantic Way & Achill Island The Wyatt Hotel, Westport Woods Hotel & Spa A Luxurious Stay on Ireland’s West Coast NEW Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa NEW Loughs, Cruises & Castles in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands NEW Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre NEW Run Rings Around Kerry & Mingle in Dingle Leisurely Killarney on Your Doorstep NEW Killarney Court Hotel NEW , The Gleneagle Hotel, Innisfallen Hotel NEW Ring of Beara - Clearly Ireland’s Best Kept Secret Kenmare Bay Hotel NEW , The Maritime Hotel Stunning Scenery & Tempting Tastes of Coastal Cork Celtic Ross Hotel Corking Kinsale NEW Kinsale Hotel & Spa NEW , Vienna Woods Hotel NEW Waterford’s Crystal, Gardens & Suir Valley Rail Treacys Hotel Waterford Making a Spectacular Song & Dance of it Treasuring Irish History, Houses, Castles & Gardens Treacys Enniscorthy Hotel

21

22-23

Wales in a Nutshell The Royal Victoria Snowdonia, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

66-67

24

Welsh Whisky & Mint Parkway Hotel & Spa

68

25

Seaside, Steam & Glorious Gardens Ivy Bush Royal Hotel

69

26-27

Beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast, Castle & Cathedral The Cliff Hotel & Spa

70

28

Tasting the Scenic Rails of Mid Wales The Metropole Hotel Romantic Railways of North Wales Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia

71

29

72

30

Spectacular Snowdonia Celtic Royal Hotel

73

31

Legendary Vale of Llangollen Wrexham Llyndir Hall Hotel, BW Signature Collection

74

32-33

75 Riding High - the Stream in the Sky Beaufort Park Hotel Our Unique Islands - Pages 76-81

Heritage & History - It’s Epic! Hamlet Court Hotel

34

Ireland’s Grand Houses & Glorious Gardens NEW Parkview Hotel

35

A Wight Royal Island Royal Esplanade Hotel Guernsey - A Scented Isle Saints Bay Hotel NEW

Scotland - Pages 36-63 38-39 Royal Lowlands & Rugged Highlands

77

King Robert Hotel, Royal Hotel Ullapool, Fishers Hotel

A Journey Around Jersey The Beausite Hotel NEW , Runneymede Court Hotel NEW Magical TT & Tramways of the Isle of Man The Empress Hotel, Chesterhouse Hotel, The Rutland Hotel

78-79

East is East: The Best of Eastern Scotland NEW The Landmark Hotel & Leisure Club, Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa NEW Scotia’s Coast to Coast North West Castle Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen Reach for the Skye & the Outer Hebrides NEW Royal Hotel Oban, Alexandra Hotel, The Dunollie Hotel, Caladh Inn, Cabarfeidh Hotel NEW , Ben Wyvis Hotel

40

80-81

41

London - Pages 82-99 84-85 Our Hotels, including Wake up at the Waldorf 86-89 Seasonal Planners NEW

42

Isles of the West: Arran & Skye NEW Riverside Lodge, The Dunollie Hotel, Fishers Hotel

43

Scenic Scotland by Rail The Winnock, Ben Nevis Hotel, Fishers Hotel, Barony Castle Hotel Orkney & the North Coast Route Salutation Hotel, Castletown Hotel NEW , Pentland Hotel, Royal Hotel Ullapool, The Winnock Hotel Rugged Beauty of Shetland & Orkney NEW Salutation Hotel, Castletown Hotel NEW , Pentland Hotel Island Hopping in the Hebrides Alexandra Hotel, Dark Island Hotel, Caladh Inn, Ben Wyvis Hotel

44-45

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Holiday Inn London - Heathrow Bath Road NEW

90

46

Cruise Down the Thames The Tower Hotel, Holiday Inn London - Heathrow Bath Road NEW

91

47

An All Royal Tea & Tour Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington

92

48

Royal Connections Strand Palace Hotel NEW , Sheraton Heathrow Hotel NEW Kensington Palace with Afternoon Tea Holiday Inn Kensington High Street, Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington Hampton Court Palace with River Cruise Sheraton Heathrow Hotel NEW , Federation House

93

Majestic Isles of Harris & Lewis Alexandra Hotel, Caladh Inn, Fishers Hotel

49

Coos & Castles North West Castle Hotel

50

94

Scotland in Miniature South Beach Hotel, Riverside Lodge Hotel

51

4

Chiswick House & Kew Gardens Sheraton Heathrow Hotel NEW , Novotel London West NEW Summer Splendours of Kew & Buckingham Palace Holiday Inn London - Heathrow Bath Road NEW , Novotel London West NEW Windsor Castle & Tea on the Thames Heathrow Windsor Marriott Hotel NEW , Holiday Inn London - Heathrow Bath Road NEW A Day in Windsor, a Steam Train Ride and More! Heathrow Windsor Marriott Hotel NEW , Coppid Beech Hotel

A Tasty Tour with Pudding, Plants & a Playwright Three Ways House Hotel

133

95

Shakespeare Country Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon, Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel

134

Spend a Weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon

135

Motor, Steam & Cruise Around Worcester Stourport Manor Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by BW Paint a Picture in Constable Country Marks Tey Hotel SureStay Hotel Collection by Best Western

96

136

137

The Seat of Power Holiday Inn Kensington High Street Towers all the Way The Tower Hotel Greenwich Tea Time London Explorer, Greenwich & the O2 Novotel London Greenwich

Saintly Suffolk at a Canter NEW The Angel Hotel NEW

97

138

Hoo Fancies This Scenic Suffolk Tour? Salthouse Harbour Hotel Romantic Journeys of Norfolk Best Western Brook Hotel, Dunston Hall Hotel Giant Broads, Beaches & Shires Seaside Dreams & Garden Steams Prom Hotel Cambridge, Cromwell & a Cruise Holiday Inn Cambridge NEW Imperial & Imperious Code Cracking Cambridge Belfry Hotel NEW Stowe Away to Silverstone Wine & Dine in Historic Northamptonshire Northampton Marriott A Sovereign Discovery & Gardening Glory Hilton Leicester NEW A Weekend in Robin Hood Country Lincs to a TV Castle & Robin Hood NEW Mercure Nottingham Sherwood Getting Stoked in the Potteries NEW Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent NEW

139

98

140

99 Taking the Fizz at Hotel Chocolat NEW Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington London’s Water, Air & Earth Explorer NEW Ibis London Earls Court England - Pages 100-175 102 Paradise Lost & Refound in Cornwall

141

142

The Esplanade Hotel, Pentire Hotel, The Fistral Beach Hotel

143

Falmouth’s Flora & Cornish Coastline NEW Falmouth Hotel NEW

103

144

Devon Life on an Ocean Wave Duke of Cornwall NEW

104

145

Hitch a Lift in North Devon The Carlton Hotel, The Park Hotel NEW , Durrant House Hotel NEW

105

Cider, Heritage Railway & the Somerset Coast NEW Northfield Hotel NEW

146

106

Forge a Path in the Black Country Mercure Telford Centre Hotel

Lashings of Fun in the Devon Sun Best Western Tiverton Hotel

147

107

Gorge-ous Severn Valley & Olympian Shropshire Buckatree Hall Hotel

The Cream of Devon Langstone Cliff Hotel NEW Milling Around Devon NEW Devon Hotel NEW

148

108

Brewing up Peak Transport Treats Derby Mickleover, BW Signature Collection, Holiday Inn Derby Riverlights A Scenic & Stately Tour of the Peak District Best Western Plus Quay Hotel Sheffield NEW , Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa

149

109

Classic English Riviera NEW Livermead Cliff Hotel NEW , Headland Hotel NEW , Palace Hotel NEW , Queens Hotel NEW , Howden Court Hotel Bournemouth & the Beau-ties Beyond NEW Marsham Court Hotel NEW , Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa, Suncliff Hotel, Bournemouth Carlton Hotel, BW Signature Collection, The Riviera Hotel

150

110-111

The Quay to Three Counties Hollin House Hotel, Bredbury Hall Hotel NEW

151

112-113

Manchester, the Rolls Royce of Cities NEW Novotel Manchester Centre NEW , The Victoria Hotel NEW , Hotel Indigo Manchester NEW , AC Manchester Salford Quay NEW A Fab 4 Days in Liverpool Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, Pullman Hotel Liverpool All You Need is ... A Week Day Walking Liverpool Food Tour! NEW Aloft Hotel Liverpool NEW

152-153

A Jurassic Journey Crown Hotel

114

Gardens to Brighton Up Your Day The Old Ship Hotel The Beautiful South Downs Best Western Beachcroft Hotel The Rye Place at the Right Time Best Western York House Hotel A Novel Look at Hampshire’s History From a Lofty Height to the Isle of Wight Langstone Quays Resort A Cruise, a Steam & a Botanical Dream Beaulieu Hotel

154-155

115

Liverpool - There’s a Lorra Lorra Things To Do Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower, Indigo Liverpool NEW

156

116

Historic Sights & Animal Encounters in Cheshire Park Royal Hotel, The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection Speke of Fine Halls & Tudor Timber NEW Nostalgic Rails & a Boat with No Sails Mercure Haydock, Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel

157

117

158-159

118

Traditional Lancashire by Sail & Rail Bewitching Houses & Gardens of Lancashire Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa Blackpool - a Lancashire Coast Hotspot Imperial Hotel Blackpool, Carousel Hotel Embark on a Scenic Lake District Break Riverside Hotel A Journey Through Grand Cumbria Cumbria Grand Hotel

Serenity & Speed in Surrey Federation House A Fruity Bouquet in Kent Ashford International Hotel NEW

160-161

119

120

162

Canterbury & the Kent Coast NEW Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel NEW

121

163

Castles & Blooms Galore in the Garden of England A Shipful of Tea & History in Kent Bridgewood Manor Hotel French Frolics & the Garden of England Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel A Very Oxford Scandal NEW Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel NEW Milling Around Gardens & Heritage Havens NEW Elvetham Hotel NEW , Crowne Plaza Basingstoke NEW

164

122-123

A Riley Great Canal Cruise & Spectacular Train Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Gretna Hall Hotel, Holiday Inn Dumfries From Pretty Dales & Rails to Literary Trails Mercure Leeds Parkway, Best Western Plus Craiglands Hotel Skip to Yorkshire’s Steam & Summer Wine Cedar Court Hotel Bradford, Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield A Taste of Yorkshire’s Great Towns & Cities NEW Yorkshire’s Finest Houses & Gardens Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate, Crowne Plaza Harrogate, Old Swan Harrogate

165

124

166

125

167

126-127

Somerset Seaside & Medieval Delights Smith’s Hotel Whistledown to Regency Bath Doubletree by Hilton Bath City Centre NEW Wet Your Whistle in Bath & Bristol Bristol’s Ring of Sights & Senses NEW Mercure Bristol Holland House Discover the Charming Cotswolds Delta Hotels by Marriott Chelteham Chase

168-169

128

A Right Old Yorkshire Treat! Mercure York Fairfield Manor

170

129

It’s a Hull of a Catch Hull Humber View, BW Signature Collection, Holiday Inn Hull Marina

171

130

A Railway Revelation in Durham NEW Redworth Hall Hotel A Whistle-Stop Weekend in Durham NEW Radisson Blu Hotel Durham Newcastle’s Living History & Heritage NEW Copthorne Hotel Newcastle Wall-to-Wall History in Northumbria NEW Holiday Inn Newcastle Gosforth Park

172

Cotswold Gardens & Scenic Sights Bathe in the Southern Cotswolds Doubletree by Hilton Swindon

131

173

Cotswolds, Castles & The Wye Valley Gloucester Robinswood Hotel, BW Signature Collection Wye It’s Not All Black & White Bells Hotel & Country Club

174

132

175

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SEASONAL PLANNER

Here is a quick guide to key events we think will be of interest from March to October. These are just a guide and dates have not all yet been confirmed by the organisers.

St Patrick’s Day Mother’s Day RHS Garden Wisley Spring & Orchid Show

Harrogate Spring Flower Festival Tulips at Powerscourt Gardens, Ireland Pashley Manor Tulips Easter Packages available

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Carlow Garden Festival

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Kynren (to mid Sep) Carlow Garden Festival RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show

Note: The featured shows are for information and we cannot guarantee tickets for them all.

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SEASONAL PLANNER

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

Duxford Summer Airshow RHS Chatsworth Flower Show Arley Hall Garden Festival Blenheim Palace Flower Show RHS Harlow Carr Flower Show

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show Matlock Illuminations RHS Wisley Flower Show Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers Malvern Autumn Show

Enchanted Forest Pitlochry Matlock Illuminations Blackpool Illuminations start

For London Seasonal Planners, please see pages 86-89

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Welcome to Northern Ireland

Hotel Locations

Introducing Janine Cuff, Head of Contracting & Ireland Specialist Janine says… “We are looking forward to a successful season in Northern Ireland and with Tourism Ireland’s ‘Press the Green Button’ campaign hitting TV screens and showcasing the fabulous Causeway Coast,

MAP LOCATION NO

PAGE NO

1 The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine

9 9

2 Everglades Hotel, Derry NEW 3 Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, Dunadry

how could anyone resist a holiday over the Irish Sea! The magnificent new Game of Thrones Studio Tour is one to take notice of; recently opened, it offers a big warm Irish welcome to groups!” Janine recommends… “Our 2023 programme includes a new hotel in Derry, the Everglades Hotel, expertly run by the Hastings Hotels group (page 9), and we have tweaked a few tried and tested itineraries to include new products on the market. Having recently experienced the Belfast Food & Drink Tour , which includes a guided tour of the city with samples of the most delicious locally sourced food and drink along the way, I can confirm that this is an experience not to be missed! It is part of our new food and drink focussed tour on pages 10-11 and makes for an unforgettable Northern Ireland holiday!”

11

4 Kilyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen 5 Stormont Hotel, Belfast NEW

13 16

1

2

3

5

4

Ireland Common Travel Area Ireland is a ‘common travel area’ and following Brexit, there are no changes or restrictions for travelling in/out of the Emerald Isle, which means that this great country is open for business as usual!

8

NORTHERN IRELAND

Coleraine to Derry train, Downhill Beach

The Legenderry Giant’s Causeway & a Breathtaking Train Journey Based at our new hotel in the fabulous city of Derry, we visit the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway and Glenarm Castle and take in some of the area’s most spectacular scenery with a scenic Antrim Coast drive and a memorable train journey described as one of the most beautiful in the world. We also make the most of our fantastic base with a day well spent in Derry, “unlocking the walled city” and sampling the wares of a local brewery – cheers! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Derry & Beer Masterclass We spend today in Derry, starting with a fascinating 2 hour part step-on guide and walking tour “unlocking the walled City” as we discover tales of 400 years from past to present of the city. We then head to Derry’s Walled City Brewery , a family-run gastropub specialising in craft beer, where we tuck into a soup and stew lunch before getting stuck into a beer masterclass with tasting . We discover the extraordinary 9,000 year history of brewing from the talented brewers and sample some of the brewery’s ‘legenderry’ craft beers. We spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring this vibrant city – why not visit the Tower Museum of local history, located within a historic tower just inside the city walls, or admire the stunning Grade A listed Guildhall with its beautiful stained-glass windows. Day 3 Giant’s Causeway, Portrush & a ‘Beautiful Train Journey’ This morning we visit the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway and its award-winning Visitor Centre, where we learn about the mystery of this unique landscape. With dramatic cliffs and crashing waves, it is easy to fall under the spell of this legendary place. We then visit the beautiful seaside resort town of Portrush, before enjoying a train journey described by Michael Palin as being ‘one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world’. En route from Coleraine to Derry, the track runs alongside the sands of one of the most unspoilt beaches in Ireland, whilst on the opposite side of the track, we pass the cliffs of Downhill and the impressive Binevenagh Mountain. Currently tickets for this train have to be purchased at the train station on the day. Note: The Giant’s Causeway no longer offers a shuttle bus service for the less mobile. Instead there are just 3 places per group on a buggy for Blue Badge holders only. Day 4 Glenarm Castle & Antrim Coast Road This morning we visit one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle . We explore the beautiful walled garden in its incomparable setting by the sea (guided tours of the castle can also be arranged – entrance to the castle is by request only and additional costs apply), before we return to our hotel along the spectacular Antrim Coast. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Giant’s Causeway

Glenarm Castle

Antrim Coast Road

Everglades Hotel Derry, County Derry (predicted)

Situated on the banks of the River Foyle, just 5 minutes’ drive from the centre of Derry, the 4 star Everglades hotel, part of the Hastings Hotel Group, is the ideal base to discover the 17th century walled city of Derry. The hotel has a smart, traditional feel to it, with a warm, open library bar and comfy seating available in the lobby. The contemporary restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist, making the most of fresh, local ingredients. The 64 bedrooms are tastefully furnished and decorated in soothing tones, with each equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £442pp

Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Cairnryan - Belfast • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • 2 hour part step-on guide and walking tour of Derry • Soup & stew lunch & beer masterclass with tasting at Walled City Brewery

Limited dates available. Please note, we also have space at The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine – please call us for details.

• Entrance to Giant’s Causeway • Entrance to Glenarm Castle Walled Garden

Single Supplement from £178 Based on Thursday arrivals

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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NORTHERN IRELAND

Glenarm Castle

Titanic Belfast

A Giant Dose of Houses & Gardens of Northern Ireland Step into some of Northern Ireland’s finest properties and brush up on your knowledge of the patron saint of Ireland on this tour. We stroll through magnificent mansions and the gorgeous grounds that house them, set foot on the tremendous Giant’s Causeway, and take a tour of Saint Patrick’s country. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We start our day with a visit to the impressive Castle Ward . Impressive indeed, one decorative style wasn’t enough for this 18th century mansion – it is famed for its dual architecture, with one side of the building featuring a classical Palladian style and the other a Gothic theme. The grounds are just as grand, with wonderful wildlife and spectacular scenery to spot as we stroll. In the afternoon we tick off another of Northern Ireland’s fine properties, Mount Stewart . In addition to the majestic mansion with lavish interiors, we can wander around the world class landscaped gardens, which have been voted among the top 10 gardens in the world. Day 3 Saint Patrick Centre & Hillsborough Castle We spend our morning exploring Saint Patrick’s country with a guided tour . Starting at the Saint Patrick Centre , an exhibition detailing the life of the patron saint of Ireland, we also take in Saul Church, the site of Saint Patrick’s earliest place of Christian worship in Ireland and where he died, as well as the medieval Down Cathedral, Saint Patrick’s grave and Down County Museum. In the afternoon, we follow in the footsteps of royalty with a guided tour of Northern Ireland’s royal residence, Hillsborough Castle . As we move through the stunning State Rooms, we learn more about the history of this elegant Georgian home. Outside, we can stretch our legs in the 100 acres of beautiful gardens. Day 4 Giant’s Causeway, Antrim Coast & Glenarm Castle We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Castle Ward & Mount Stewart This morning, we visit the extraordinary natural wonder that is the Giant’s Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national nature reserve. Against a splendid backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the crashing North Atlantic Ocean, we get to grips with the world-famous basalt columns before travelling through more scenic landscape with a drive along the spectacular Antrim Coast. In the afternoon, we enjoy entrance to The Walled Garden at Glenarm Castle . One of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens, we spend some time strolling through the fabulous flowers and pretty plants dotted around. Note: The Giant’s Causeway no longer offers a shuttle bus service for the less mobile. Instead there are just 3 places per group on a buggy for Blue Badge holders only. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

A Titanic Taste Sensation in Northern Ireland This new tour is absolute foodie heaven! On the menu is a fantastic 4 hour tour of Belfast’s top food and drink spots, samples of Shorthorn Beef and Organic Salmon at Glenarm Castle, and a tasting and lunch including apple tart at Armagh Cider Company – what a treat! We also visit the famous Titanic Belfast exhibition, Ulster Folk and Transport Museums, and enjoy a beautiful Antrim coastal drive. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Titanic Belfast & Belfast Food Tour This morning we visit the world-famous Titanic Belfast , which tells the Titanic story though nine spectacular interactive galleries housed in its iconic building. We roam the shipyard and journey to the depths of the ocean while we immerse ourselves in all things Titanic. This afternoon we embark on the award-winning Belfast Food Tour . This cracking culinary experience promises to take us ‘off the eaten track’, with a 4-hour, fun and food filled guided walk around some of Belfast’s top food and drink spots and an enthusiastic local foodie to guide us. Starting in the historic St George’s Market, where we mingle with local traders and producers, we then go on a culinary journey of traditional bars and top-notch shops. With a flavour for the city and the produce of Northern Ireland well and truly under our belts (literally!), we finish in a smashing restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. We spend the rest of the day at leisure in Belfast. Day 3 Antrim Coastal Drive & Glenarm Castle Today we enjoy a scenic journey along the spectacular Antrim Coast en route to one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle , where we enjoy a Farm & Tasting Tour . During our informative guided tour of the great deer park, we go behind the scenes with the Estate Manager. We then enjoy a sample of the famous, award-winning Glenarm Shorthorn Beef and Glenarm Organic Salmon – delicious! Day 4 Armagh Cider & Ulster Folk and Transport Museums This morning we visit Armagh Cider Company for a tour and tasting at the family- run farm, which produces an artisan range of cider and pure apple juices. Taste buds tingling, we tuck into lunch during our visit, with soup and artisan breads on the menu as well as a delicious apple tart & cream with tea/coffee. This afternoon we make our way to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museums . At the Ulster Folk Museum we step back in time to experience life in Ulster more than a century ago, encountering costumed locals demonstrating traditional crafts along the way. Next door, at the Ulster Transport Museum, we browse one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe, including locomotives, horse-drawn carriages, vintage motorbikes and cars. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. Belfast Gin Jaunts (3.5 hrs), Belfast Bites (4 hrs), Belfast Whiskey Walk (3 hrs), Belfast Traditional Tastes (3.5 hrs), Belfast 5 Stop Brunch (3 hrs), Belfast City Cocktail Circuit (3 hrs) Please call us for more information! There are a number of different taste tours available, all sure to tempt you and leave your tastebuds tingling! Other indulgent options include:

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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded

NORTHERN IRELAND

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens © 2021 Fáilte Ireland Tourism Ireland

Antrim Coast Road

Ulster Transport Museum

Mix ‘n’ Match Choose either itinerary from your hotel, the choice is yours!

Dunadry Hotel & Gardens Dunadry, County Antrim

Castle Ward © Tourism Ireland

Part of the McKeever Hotel Group, this stunning 4 star hotel is built on the site of an ancient fort and, subsequently, a paper mill, and is set within beautiful gardens alongside the Six Mile Water trout river. All 80 spacious bedrooms are elegantly furnished and contain a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant provides a relaxed and modern dining experience while the bar has a cosy fireplace and embodies many of the old paper mill’s original features. Extensive leisure and spa facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa pool, steam room, beauty salon and gym. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge

Belfast Food Tour

A Giant Dose of Houses & Gardens of Northern Ireland 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £425pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £113 Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Cairnryan - Belfast • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee & shortbread • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner • Entrance to Castle Ward • Entrance to Mount Stewart House & Gardens • Guided tour of St Patricks Centre • Guided tour of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens • Entrance to The Giant’s Causeway • Entrance to Glenarm Castle

A Titanic Taste Sensation in Northern Ireland 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £539pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £113 Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Cairnryan - Belfast • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee & shortbread • Choice of menu & tea/coffee after dinner • Entrance to Titanic Belfast • 4 hour Belfast Food Tour • Farm & Tasting Tour at Glenarm Castle • Tour, tasting & lunch at Armagh Cider Company • Entrance to Ulster Folk & Transport Museums

Giant’s Causeway

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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NORTHERN IRELAND

Lough Erne

Castle Coole © Tourism Northern Ireland Pottery Around Fermanagh’s Historic Houses & Castles From our base in Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town, we explore Ireland’s oldest pottery producer, Belleek Pottery, and the fascinating museums at Enniskillen Castle. We also go behind the scenes of two magnificent 18th century mansions, Castle Coole and Florence Court, and step back in time at the brilliant Ulster American Folk Park. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Belleek Pottery & Enniskillen Castle This morning we make our way to Belleek Pottery , where we enjoy a 30 minute guided tour of Ireland’s oldest pottery producer, experiencing all the production areas with the chance to chat with the craftspeople along the way. We then enjoy some free time for lunch and a stroll around Enniskillen before embarking on a guided tour of Enniskillen Castle . Located beside the River Erne, the castle was built over 600 years ago and is home to two museums, the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum, which tell the story of the town’s two regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. Day 3 Castle Coole & Florence Court We spend our morning at National Trust’s Castle Coole , a magnificent 18th century mansion and landscape park in Enniskillen. One of Ireland’s finest Neo- classical houses, we get an insight into life in the home of the Earls of Belmore, discovering the stories of those who lived and worked ‘below stairs’ as we explore the suite of servants’ rooms and service quarters of this grand property. We can also enjoy a stroll around the beautiful grounds before visiting the nearby National Trust Florence Court , another stunning 18th century home. We enjoy a guided tour of the Georgian mansion, hearing stories about the Cole family and their staff who lived here for over 250 years along the way. Outside, there’s plenty of lush scenic park and woodland to explore complete with fascinating industrial heritage features – don’t miss the original Irish Yew Tree! Day 4 Ulster American Folk Park We spend today at the fascinating Ulster American Folk Park . We step back in time to follow in the footsteps of thousands of brave migrants who set sail for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. We first experience rural Ulster’s bustling street and welcoming farmhouses, before boarding the full-scale Brig Union emigrant ship and discovering the cramped quarters where hundreds lived during their 12-week Atlantic crossing. We emerge in the New World, where we get a taste of life on the American frontier. Demonstrations of traditional crafts – such as forge work, wool spinning, turf cutting, decorative straw work, American woodcraft and patchwork quilting – give us a fascinating insight into the ingenious solutions these resourceful newcomers created on the frontier. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Deluxe Cruise & Taste of Fermanagh Lakelands

From our hotel in Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town, we take in the beautiful sights and delicious tastes of this stunning region with a scenic, tranquil cruise and a visit to the award-winning Boatyard Distillery. We also feature Enniskillen Castle, US Grant Ancestral Homestead and a fabulous vintage afternoon tea experience at Blessingbourne Estate along with a good dose of history. PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We start our day at Enniskillen Castle . Located beside the River Erne, the castle was built over 600 years ago and is home to two museums, the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum, which tell the story of the town’s two regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. We have free time in Enniskillen to sample lunch at one of the many eateries offering locally sourced food, with their farm to table cuisine. We return to our fabulous hotel in the early afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure before dinner; we can soak up the views, use the leisure facilities including the outdoor whirlpool or maybe take a wander around the spectacular Lough. Day 3 Lough Erne Cruise & Boatyard Distillery This morning we enjoy a scenic cruise on tranquil Lough Erne onboard the Lady of the Lake. We make a pitstop at Devenish Island Monastic Site, which was founded in the 6th century and boasts a fascinating history, including being raided by Vikings (837AD), burned (1157AD) and flourishing (Middle Ages) as a parish church site. We discover the ruins from different time periods on site before continuing our cruise. In the afternoon, we visit the Boatyard Distillery , an award- winning farm-to-bottle distillery located on the banks of Lough Erne. We see how the spirits are produced using the highest quality botanicals and ingredients, discover the secret behind ‘Érainn’, the copper still, and enjoy a taste of the neat spirits to appreciate their full flavour. Day 4 US Grant Ancestral Homestead & Blessingbourne Estate We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Enniskillen Castle & Enniskillen Today we visit the US Grant Ancestral Homestead , the farmhouse where John Simpson, great grandfather of Ulysses Simpson Grant, was born. Born in 1822, US Grant was an American soldier and 18th President of the United States. During his two-year world tour, he was the first US President to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland. The farmhouse has been restored to a style typical of Grant’s presidency with the farm outbuildings containing exhibits on local history, famine and emigration and the American Civil War. We enjoy a tour followed by tea/ coffee and shortbread here before visiting the lovely Blessingbourne Estate , a fabulous historic country house full of character. We embark on a tour of the estate with the owner, Colleen, and admire the tranquil gardens, fishing lakes and Carriage and Costume Museum. We also tuck into a vintage style, scrumptious afternoon tea while we’re here. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded

NORTHERN IRELAND

Janine says… “Back in September 2020, I was lucky to stay at the lovely Killyhevlin, an excellent hotel, positioned directly overlooking the stunning lake and serving superb food. This is an excellent base for 4 nights to discover and explore the fabulous Fermanagh region. There was so much to do I had no choice but to create 2 fantastic itineraries!”

Enniskillen Castle ©Tourism Ireland

Ulster American Folk Park

Mix ‘n’ Match Choose either itinerary from your hotel, the choice is yours!

Belleek Pottery Tour

Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Located just 1km from the historic town of Enniskillen, surrounded by lakeside gardens and with wonderful views over the scenic Lough Erne, the family-run, 4 star Killyhevlin Hotel is a fabulous base from which to explore the Fermanagh region. The 71 rooms feature elegant décor and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/ coffee making facilities. The stylish Kove Restaurant comes with contemporary décor and lovely Lough Erne views, whilst the welcoming, informal ambience at Lakeside Grill & Bar is perfect for relaxing with good food, drink and views. Guests enjoy complimentary use of the Killyhevlin Health Deluxe Cruise & Taste of Fermanagh 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £509pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119 Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Cairnryan – Belfast • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Entrance to Enniskillen Castle • 2 hour Lough Erne Cruise • Boatyard Distillery tour & tasting • US Grant Homestead tour, tea/coffee & shortbread • Entrance to Blessingbourne Estate, tour & afternoon tea

The Boatyard Distillery

Club, complete with indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and gym. There is also a spa. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge

Pottery Around Fermanagh’s Historic Houses & Castles 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £399pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119 Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Cairnryan – Belfast • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Guided tour of Belleek Pottery • Guided tour of Enniskillen Castle • Entrance to Castle Coole • Guided tour of Florence Court • Entrance to Ulster American Folk Park

Blessingbourne Estate © Emma McArdle

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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Welcome to Ireland

Hotel Locations

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1 Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare NEW 2 Killarney Court Hotel, Killarney NEW 3 Johnstown Estate, Enfield NEW 4 Stormont Hotel, Belfast NEW 5 Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow 6 Royal Hotel - Bray, Bray NEW 7 Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny NEW 8 Ballymascanlon House Hotel, Dundalk

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9 Hotel Inishowen Gateway Peninsula, County Donegal NEW

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10 Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran 11 Shearwater Hotel & Spa, Ballinasloe

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12 The Wyatt Hotel, Westport

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13 Westport Woods Hotel & Spa, Westport

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14 Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Adare NEW 15 Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre, Ballina, Killaloe NEW

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16 The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney 17 Innisfallen Hotel, Killarney NEW 18 The Maritime Hotel, Bantry 19 Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery 20 Kinsale Hotel & Spa, Kinsale NEW 21 Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire NEW 22 Treacys Hotel Waterford, Waterford 23 Treacys Enniscorthy Hotel, Enniscorthy

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Ireland Common Travel Area

24 Hamlet Court Hotel, Enfield

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25 Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy

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Ireland is a ‘common travel area’ and following Brexit, there are no changes or restrictions for travelling in/out of the Emerald Isle, which means that this great country is open for business as usual!

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