The delightful 2-Day Giant's Causeway and Derry Tour From Belfast, gives you plenty of time to enjoy some of Northern Ireland’s greatest attractions. To join the tour, make your way to the rendezvous point in the tour office inside Belfast International Youth Hostel. Please reach the meeting point by 0920h (09.20 am) to allow time for check-in
Accompanied by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you will set off in a deluxe coach. The first stop of the day is at the magnificent Norman fortress of Carrickfergus Castle, which you can admire from the outside and photograph. Beside the Castle is a picturesque harbour.
You then travel on to the main highlight of the tour – the Giant's Causeway. This incredible feature consists of about 40,000 interlocking polygonal basalt columns. The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Geologists say the structure is a result of ancient volcanic eruptions but local legends about battles between giants provide more entertaining and colourful explanations! Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and is owned and managed by the National Trust.
Spend some time climbing over the stones and enjoying the glorious scenery before making a retreat to one of the tempting cafes or restaurants at the Causeway for lunch (payable direct).
After you re-fuel at the Causeway, you will re-board the luxury coach to visit the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle for a quick photo, before moving on to the world's oldest licensed whisky distillery at Bushmills. Here you can browse in the extensive gift shop, or make a visit to the bar to have a swift taste or two of the famous tipple (payable direct). After this, at around 1515h (03.15 pm), you will be dropped at the Everglades in Londonderry (Derry), where you will stay the night.
Overlooking the River Foyle, with views across the hills to Donegal, the 4-star Everglades Hotel provides a comfortable stay in Derry. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from Derry city centre and 2 minutes from the City of Derry golf course. You can enjoy dinner (payable direct) in the award-winning Satchmo's Restaurant, which provides the ultimate experience in culinary delights with its inspired menus made with fresh local ingredients.
Breakfast at the hotel is included in your package. You can then spend the morning at leisure.
At around 1445h (02.45 pm) you will be picked up from the hotel and taken into Derry where you will have the choice of either seeing this historic city on your own, or spending the afternoon with a local guide who will escort you on a walking tour of the city (extra charge approx £2 payable direct).
Derry lies on the banks of the River Foyle, close to the border with County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The city has a rich history and lots to see including the 17th-century walls and the Bogside murals. Don't miss the chance to visit one or more of the pubs where you will find a vibrant live music scene. In 2013, Derry will become the UK City of Culture, having been awarded the title in July 2010.
You have about 2 ½ hours in which to enjoy Derry before boarding the coach for the return journey. The tour will arrive back in Belfast at around 1700h (05.00 pm).
The tour ends back at the office inside Belfast International Youth Hostel.