TOUR D - PANORAMIC BELFAST
Excursions
- £30 - £40
- Approx. 3 hours
- Panoramic tour by coach
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. Our panoramic tour of the city will introduce us to the many features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.
We shall see such sights as the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial, before passing Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Located in these gardens is the Palm House – a superb structure of cast iron and curved glass panels built even before Kew Gardens opened in London in 1839.
We will drive past Belfast City Hall – an impressive building with a 300-foot long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. Our guide will point out what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of "Thane" on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the Titanic, the ill fated Belfast built liner.
We will travel a short distance outside the city to see Stormont, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly. A symbol of progress to Northern Ireland’s troubled past, the power sharing executive with responsibility for northern affairs rule from this impressive building.
We will also journey to Cave Hill for a photo stop overlooking Belfast Castle. Cave Hill, with its familiar outline visible from many parts of the city, has captivated generation after generation. Indeed the hill is one of the most celebrated landmarks of the city. Belfast Castle, sited on the lower slopes beneath Cave Hill, is one of Belfast's most outstanding and historically significant buildings. There are beautiful gardens and an adjoining country park. Do not miss the splendid views of Belfast Lough and the city below. “Mac Art’s Fort”, a rock where United Irishmen planned the rebellion of 1795, overlooks the Castle.
We then return to Belfast Port and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This is a panoramic coach tour and, as such, is suitable for all (participants must be able to board the coach unaided). It should be noted that Stormont will be viewed from the gates – traffic is not permitted in the avenue leading to the building itself. The order of sights seen may vary.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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