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Northern Ireland Showcase

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  • OVERVIEW
  • ITINERARY
  • HIGHLIGHTS


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Northern Ireland Showcase

8 Days

Northern Ireland might be the smallest constituent country in the UK but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its gigantic personality.

Beginning in the heart of Belfast, home to a turbulent and fascinating past, this destination showcase takes guests on a journey throughout Northern Ireland, from the otherworldly coastline of Giants Causeway to more off-the-beaten track experiences that allow you to learn from the locals to get a true, authentic flavour of life in this colourful country.

Lavish accommodations, exclusive visits with the locals and inspiring outdoor adventures will combine to ensure you will be truly enchanted by this captivating country. However, the highlight will perhaps be the good spirits of the people you meet along the way.

 

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ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS



Dream Escape’s recommended programme could include the following experiences:

  • Delve into Belfast’s stormy political past with a private walking tour telling the story of ‘the Troubles’; the people involved, how the conflict began and how peace was ultimately achieved.

 

  • Visit to an award-winning museum dedicated to uncovering the legend of the infamous RMS Titanic, the ill-fated luxury cruise liner born in the docks of Belfast.

 

  • Learn more about the Irish food scene in Co. Down with exclusive baking lessons from the locals as you learn how to make your own bread and sample a delicious barbecue lunch.

 

  • Enjoy an exclusive, privately guided tour of HM, The King’s official residence in Northern Ireland as well as the home of the Northern Irish Secretary of State.

 

  • Sample some authentic and flavoursome cider from a wonderful, family business that’s been producing cider for five generations.

 

  • Observe a very special, private demonstration from some hard-working, lively sheepdogs as they are put through their paces.
  • Enjoy a privately guided tour of the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ the spectacular Giants Causeway, followed by a nip of whiskey from reputedly the oldest whiskey distillery in the world.

 

  • Sail the Causeway Coast at sunrise to reel in your own catch which shall then be cooked by a professional chef and served as breakfast.

 

  • Meet the locals as you take to the streets of Portrush on a delightful and delicious foodie walking trail.

 

  • Embark on an interactive beer masterclass in the company of a talented brewer, allowing you to taste and sample 10 superb craft beers.

 

Your accommodation choice will be handpicked especially for you from the Dream Escape Accommodation Collection 

 

 

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

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HIGHLIGHTS

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THINGS TO DO

TITANIC BELFAST

This world-class modern museum is housed in a striking aluminium-clad building reminiscent of a ship’s hull. Here, you can walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of RMS Titanic in the city that built her. Don’t forget to step aboard Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic, which carried passengers to the mighty ship.

 

NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD TRAIL

Delve into the country’s food scene. Without question, this intimate, immersive and interactive day is a must for foodies but it is also a pleasure for those that are looking to meet local people. Travel to County Down, a region that lays claim to having more award-winning food producers and restaurants than anywhere else in the country. This claim will, in part, be tested today as you sample artisan food and drinks products plus get the wonderful opportunity to meet the producers themselves.

 

THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

Northern Ireland’s first and currently only World Heritage Site (awarded 1986) is the stunning Giant’s Causeway. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty frequently referred to as the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. Discover the lasting consequences a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, which created an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, not unlike a giant jigsaw puzzle.

DUNLUCE CASTLE

A short distance from the Giant’s Causeway are the roofless ruins of Dunluce Castle. It is a late medieval 17th century castle which was once the headquarters of the MacDonnell Clan, the chiefs of Antrim. Strikingly perched on rocky cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic, it has been constantly fought over and eventually succumbed to the power of nature when part of it fell into the sea, one stormy night in 1639.

 

 

OLD BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY

Old Bushmills Distillery, takes pride in being the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Its license to distil dates from 1608, though the spirit was likely made here at least 200 years before that. For generations, the distillery has kept its philosophy that hand-crafting small batches is the best way to produce the smoothest Irish whiskey. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery which will take you through the whiskey production floor, allowing you to see first-hand the whiskey making processes from start to finish.

 

HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens which has served as the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s.  It is also a working royal palace functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.

SUNRISE SEA FISHING

Experience the call to “cast-off” on a traditional working fishing boat. Sail past the islands and coastal features, and see sea-life up close, Watch the sunrise resplendent over Dunluce Castle with a fishing rod in your hands – perhaps for the first time.

THE DARK HEDGES

Planted by the Stuart family in the 1800s to impress visitors approaching their home, Gracehill House, this tunnelled row of gnarled beech trees certainly made an impression of Arya Stark as she left King’s Landing. The “Kingsroad”, as it is called in Game of Thrones, is the road that lead her away from the country’s capital in company of new Night’s Watch recruits.

PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF BELFAST

a privately reserved guide will take you on a specialist walking tour to learn more of the city’s turbulent history. The tour sets the scene and explains how The Troubles began, telling the stories of the people involved, their place in the conflict, and the effects these attacks and incidents had on the city, but also how far the city has progressed since the ceasefires and Peace Process. It delivers an objective and engaging insight into the conflict.

 

PLACES VISITED

BELFAST

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The 19th century was a golden age for the city; it experienced the full force of the Industrial Revolution and in 1888 was granted city status by Queen Victoria. Compact and intimate in size, it boasts a rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE

The Causeway Coastal Route is rated as one of the Top Five Road Trips worldwide.  In its entirety it stretches 120 miles and is an ever-changing tapestry of scenery and colours, set against a dramatic coastal backdrop that will take your breath away.

 

  • "Incredible service ! The BEST tour guides, tour options and always available to help smooth over any "snafus" that we ran across during our vacation. 5-star, A+ rating from us."

    Clients of Jessica Thompson, Fairway Travel, Virtuoso

  • "....their time in the U.K. was PERFECT – loved everything you guys did for them, and sang praises for everyone! Thank you!! "

    Connie Hanes, Herff Travel

  • "Everyone, from the Tour Guides to our excellent driver, were amazing. All aspects of the trip were beyond expectations. Even changing our day schedule for outside reasons (like the airline sending my bag to a city 120miles away) they were always happy to help and move the schedule around so we could keep enjoying our trip. Everyone made us feel at home and like family."

    Client of Leah Molinari, Molinari Travel, Gifted Travel Network

  • "Dream Escape was the trip of a lifetime. Excellent choice of hotels, tour guide was awesome, the planned tours were wonderful and very informative."

    Client of Trisha Rathke, VIP Travel Designs, Gifted Travel Network

  • "Dreamscape designed an itinerary that combined an exploration of Scottish history and culture and a visit to some of the filming locations for the hit TV show Outlander. The tour guides provided were personable and knowledgeable and responsive to our interests. Our driver who was with us for the entire trip was professional and pleasant and again, flexible and sensitive to our interests. The hotels were magnificent and the pacing of the trip, spending at least two nights in each hotel was perfect. The itinerary was everything we wanted!"

    Client of Susan Morley, Journeys around the World, Cadence

  • "Sally Strange was wonderful so knowledgable, friendly and fun. 100% would use her services again. We feel like we have a friend for life! We LOVED our tours, where we ate lunch, and spending the days with Sally......Thanks (once again!) for looking after our clients so well. We so appreciate you. "

    Lauren Ainsley, Black Tomato

  • "Rosie...thank you for giving us such a world-class experience in Scotland. Everyone had such a wonderful time and your presence was a large part of that. Your warmth and generosity in taking care of us on our little excursion is so beyond appreciated and I can’t wait to work with you again soon."

    Alex Martinetti

  • "Thank you so very much for the amazing trip to Scotland that you planned for us!! It was truly a once in a lifetime fabulous family trip!! Not only were the accommodations perfect, the activities were above expectations, given the people involved with so much knowledge and compassion for what they do....Many, many heartfelt thanks for making this trip so very special for our family. "

    Clients of Kristen Meckem, Kristen Meckem Travel, An Affiliate of Brownell

  • "I work regularly with Michael Davies, who I can not praise enough! Michael is a gem to work with and always delivers extraordinary client itineraries. "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "We cannot thank you enough for all you did for us during our stay in Scotland! We loved every minute of it....and we loved you teaching us the history of each town and visit. "

    The Pogue Family - Clients of Amy Spence, Strong Travel

  • "We are so grateful for professionalism, expertise, and purely fun personality to entertain and educate our clients in all things royal! I do believe it was a smashing success. 😊"

    Pat Bowden, Red Letter Travel, an independent affiliate of Brownell

  • "Michael does such an outstanding job with making sure every itinerary he works on with me is well thought out. He is attentive to detail and always allows for the clients interest to be reflected in their tours. He makes sure that the perfect tour operator and chauffeur is paired with each client. I wanted you to know what a pleasure it is working with Michael and knowing my clients will always be well cared for when traveling with Dream Escape! "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "Without a doubt, what made all of it so special and unforgettable was having the true pleasure of having Sally Strange as our guide. She was truly incredible..so full of life, energy, amazing historical knowledge anywhere we visited was extraordinary. Her sense of humor and fun personality made her extra special. Sally was a winner in every way."

    Clients of Betsy Talbot, Travel by Talbot (Brownell)

  • "Your team excelled on all levels! The execution of the itinerary was flawless!!! Well done. The clients LOVED Sally and this was just the second note from them about how exceptional she was. "

    Cathy Major, Cerulean World Travel

  • "I just wanted to send an e-mail to compliment the excellent service I have received with Susie Little. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with. She is quick to respond, easily answers all of our questions, and has had to be patient with my clients as we have made many changes and updates to the itinerary. I really appreciate all of her hard work and the beautiful itinerary she put together for my clients. They said they were in AWE and everything looked fabulous! Thank you for providing such excellent service and I look forward to working with you in the near future! Thank you so much!"

    Krista Boyles, Unique Romance Travel

  • "I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible work on this project, we really could not have gotten it across the finish line without you and your team 😊"

    Marieta Carrrero, Boost Journeys

  • "I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at Dream Escape who helped in making the Gialamas' visit to London special. I know Dream Escape has many people behind the scenes that work on making an itinerary such as this flow seamlessly and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your hard work! "

    Jennifer McCrea, Boutique Travel Advisors

  • "Activities & Tours - All the events and guides were outstanding.- Guides - Simply the best. All of them. All outstanding! "

    Black Tomato Clients

  • "Thank you for everything you did to make the entire trip, special presentations and events so special. It has added a sparkle in my life!"

    Gretchen Ashworth Stewart, Client

  • "Dream Escape, to no one’s surprise, is the best in the business. I cannot begin to thank you for crafting a perfect vacation for these clients. They had nothing but fabulous things to say about each and every event."

    Nancy Ebel, Virtuoso Travel Advisor

  • "Couldn’t have asked for a better 1st trip to London!......The sites we saw were the best & Sally, you went above & beyond to make it memorable"

    Shannon Marie Long - Reed and Mackay

  • "Delightful to spend time and see the incredible city of London with you all. Dream Escape for a flawless job in seeing the best bespoke sites, Sally you are amazing. Thank you again as this was amazing"

    Josh Whitaker - Owner, Rudi Steele Travel

  • "Probably the best of the best in the UK and Ireland for organising amazing trips. They know their stuff, have fantastic relationships with suppliers and always go the extra mile."

    Rob Arrow, Al Tayyar Group

  • "Lovely suite. Fabulous private tours. Everything has exceeded our expectations. "

    William A Heim, Client

  • "I had the most wonderful time with you and learned so much...What you offer is rare and much needed in the truly exclusive travel world. "

    Jean Newman-Glock, Signature Travel Network

  • "You were the heart and soul of the trip….I truly admired your sunny personality, sense of humor, organization and professionalism.  You also demonstrated  that a guide’s work is never done as you were constantly researching….. Did you ever rest??? "

    Sharon Delano, Frosch

  • "We want to thank you and the team from Dream Escape.  All six of us in our group had a wonderful time, and we all agreed we owed that in large measure to the work of Dream Escape. From the onset of working with you, you demonstrated a tremendous knowledge about all the activities we wished to pursue —from playing golf to dining at excellent restaurants to seeing historical sites and the Tattoo and Fringe Festival.  And, then you executed "

    Thomas Cohen, Client

  • "THANK YOU a zillion times over for choosing/assigning Rosie to be with this family.  She MADE the trip for them – there’s no other way to put it! "

    Jill Jergel, Frontiers International Travel

  • "Our holiday in Scotland now tops their lists of best trips…… To their growing list of amazing and memorable first-time experiences, our sons may add fishing for trout and salmon on the River Tay; steering a motor boat on Loch Ness; and taking private guided tours on Culloden Moor Of the eight full days we were in Scotland, Alex and Mattie thought each and every day was the best"

    Michael Guadarrama & Trammi Nguyen, clients of Peter Carideo. CRC Travel

  • "All six of us were deeply moved by the whole experience. Bravo Dream Escape "

    Max Levy, Direct client

  • "Thank you Karen and all of the staff and guides affiliated with Dream Escape…..the Flemings are having an awesome tour of Scotland. You all have made me look like a star! "

    Joni Gerace, The Travel Society, LLC

  • "Thanks for all your help and we can chalk this one up as a big success!   Our anniversary celebration was all we could have hoped for "

    Clients of Courtney Regan, Affiliate of Brownell Travel

  • "Rosie was MORE than outstanding – she went out of her way to help us in every regard...She was so knowledgeable – we all loved her"

    Jill A. Jergel, Frontiers International Travel

  • "I cannot thank you, Nicola and all the Dream Escape “clan” for the wonderful care & attention you have provided, and are providing for my clients"

    Cindy Evans, Travel Consultant

  • "I hope I have another opportunity to work with Dream Escape in the near future. The company is so professional, yet approachable and easy to work with. It has been a pleasure!"

    Carole McFarland, Universal Travel

  • "Dream Escape is delivering in a superb manner. Jim Johnston is a great driver and one of the best guides we've had - I wish to very much thank the Dream Escape Team for fulfilling a Dream…"

    Donald M. Davis, President, Luxury Travel, Inc.

  • "Thank you all so much it's great to have trusted friends on the ground to take care of our clients!"

    Peter Carideo, CRC Travel

  • "The trip was great.... Dream Escape is the name of the game"

    Ann Lipschitz, Worldview Travel

  • "Your level of service is just outstanding"

    Debra Fini, VWTI

  • "Dream Escape don’t just organise trips – they create adventures"

    Financial Times, How to Spend it

  • "It was, without doubt, one of the most spectacular weekends I have ever had"

    Country Life

  • "David Tobin’s an ace at getting inside private castles and estates and he’s well connected.... "

    Conde Nast Traveller Magazine

  • "The level of service they provide is outstanding. They truly care about every aspect of the trip to ensure you have a fantastic stay. Rosie is a hidden gem of a tour guide. Just fabulous."

    Yvonne Malka, Signature Travel Network, April 2018

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