Borders Country, Belfast & Giant's Causeway

From a morning pick up in your local area we travel by coach to our hotel.

This morning, we drive along part of Hadrian’s Wall, gateway to the Border lands and built by the Romans as a fortification across Britain some two thousand years ago, stretching 80 miles from coast to coast. Our destination is the Augustinian Lanercost Priory, founded in 1166, where the tranquil setting belies an often troubled history. Standing close to Hadrian’s Wall, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, including once by Robert the Bruce, and the mortally sick King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign. Although the chancel and transepts are in ruins, there is still plenty to see at one of Cumbria's best-preserved monasteries, including the beautiful cloisters, fine burial monuments to the Dacre family, a vicar's pele tower and Jacobean chimneypiece.

Next, we continue to Housesteads, Britain's most complete Roman fort, built in around AD 124. Look out for the remains of the barracks, gateways, granaries, turreted walls, the commandant's house, hospital and the famous multi-seater toilets! The interactive exhibition provides a fascinating chance to learn more, telling the the stories of those who once lived on this northern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Later, we head to Dumfries to check into our Holiday Inn, our base for the next three nights.

The romantic landscapes at the end of England and start of Scotland await as we embark on a guided tour to enjoy tales of the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders. We head to Peebles, historically a royal burgh along the River Tweed, and Melrose, home to the majestic Melrose Abbey, a masterpiece of medieval architecture dating back to 1136 and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Our next stop is the picturesque market town of Kelso, with its renowned ancient ruins, before concluding at the colourful town of Jedburgh, famous for its bustling market square, Romanesque abbey and its connections to Mary, Queen of Scots. Our Blue Badge guide illuminates the stories of each location, while the scenic drive is the perfect chance to soak up the picturesque scenery.

Our first stop today is the lovely town of Moffat, nestled in the pretty Annandale Valley. Take the chance to learn more about the town's story at the Moffat Museum, stroll along the River Annan, browse the independent shops such as Moffat Woollen Mill for a variety of quality textiles and souvenirs and don't miss the local toffee here!

The afternoon is then at your leisure, whether you'd like to relax at the hotel or explore Dumfries, known as the Queen of the South. Just a few highlights include the Robert Burns House Museum, where Scotland's National Bard wrote some of his most famous poems, the contemporary exhibitions at the Gracefield Arts Centre and Caerlaverock Castle plus its surrounding nature reserve, which offers stunning views and excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Or you may wish to simply enjoy a leisurely walk in the picturesque Dock Park before tucking into a treat at one of the cosy cafés.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey to Northern Ireland. Our ferry departs from Cairnryan to Belfast, where we continue onwards to Antrim for some free time. There is plenty to discover in this enchanting county town, from its quaint shops and cafés to the Antrim Castle Gardens, a beautiful historic site featuring formal gardens, woodland and riverside walks. You may also like to head to the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK, for a wonderful opportunity for some birdwatching. Afterwards, we check in to the Dunsilly Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

We take a guided tour of the vibrant city of Belfast with a local guide. Belfast is now a thriving, modern metropolis with a colourful history – as a key player in the Industrial Revolution; it was the centre for the Irish linen and tobacco industries. We also pay a visit to Titanic Belfast, a fantastic exhibition located on the site of the original shipyard in which the famous liner was built, that brings the maiden voyage of the Titanic to life.

Today we make our way to Derry~Londonderry to catch the train to Coleraine, described by Michael Palin as ‘one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world’. We sit back, relax and soak up the stunning views of lush green countryside, golden sands, rolling waves and striking cliffs before we disembark. There's time for lunch (not included) in the charming town of Coleraine, situated on the River Bann.

From here we head to the incredible Giant’s Causeway; the grand rock formation on everyone’s must-see list. Like a huge game of Jenga that got out of hand, these hexagonal volcanic columns are guarded by the foaming ocean and dramatic cliffs and were produced by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago. Interactive displays, exhibitions and audio guides in the state-of-the-art visitor centre unveil the stories and science that surround this natural phenomenon.

We take the early morning ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan and have breakfast on board the ship. Continuing our journey, we travel from Scotland through the stunning Lake District and stop for some free time in Bowness-on-Windermere. A charming enclave on the banks of famous Lake Windermere, soak up the lovely panoramic views of the lake here and enjoy the lakeside cafés, tea rooms and gift shops before we continue southwards to our overnight hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.