| Tour Status |
 |
Sorry this tour is fully booked
2007 Pictures
This is an
escorted Tour
which means that although the guide will be with you, you are responsible
for doing your own navigation.
With this in mind, you will find that your
tour pack includes the relevant maps, route directions and information
for you to find your destination.
This system suits many people, as it allows
them to ride at their own pace and style, either alone, in small groups,
or if you are new to touring with the guide
NW 200 and Donegal
Wed 14th May - Mon 19th May 2008
| Duration |
5 Nights / 6 Days |
| Tour Area |
Antrim Coast, County Donegal & NW 200 Road Races |
| Status |
Escorted Tour (E) |
| Accommodation |
3 Star Hotels - both with swimming pool and leisure facilities |
| Mileage |
150 - 200 miles per day |
| Approx Tour mileage |
750 miles |
| Roads |
Mixture of Motorway, A, B and Unfenced Roads |
| Skills |
Suitable for first-time tourer |
A great tour to the North West of Ireland, including opportunity to watch the world-famous Northwest 200 Motorcycle Races
This tour gives you the opportunity not only to watch one of the biggest sporting
events in Northern Ireland, but also ride some of its famous roads. From
our base close to the border with Southern Ireland, County Donegal with its
barren mountains, desolate moors and rugged coastline, is within easy riding
distance.
Tour Format
Day
1: Wednesday 14th May The tour will meet-up at a 3 star hotel set in its own grounds, overlooking the Solway Firth, arriving in time for a traditional evening meal and a get-to-know-you session with your fellow riders and Guide for the tour. If you prefer, or live locally, there is the option to travel directly to the ferry port on the Thursday.
Day 2: Thursday 15th May After a leisurely breakfast, we get to enjoy some of the scenic roads of Galloway and Dumfries as we make our way to Cairnryan, near Stranraer, to catch a mid-afternoon fastcat ferry to Larne. On arrival, we travel to the outskirts of the historic walled city of Derry, where a 3 star hotel complete with swimming pool is our base for the duration of the tour. For Race fans, we usually arrive in time for the evening practice session.
Day 3: Friday 16th May Today is our first opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Ireland. You can ride around the Circuit perhaps, before taking to the famous Antrim coastal road, where you will get to see the World Heritage ‘Giants Causeway’, walk the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, or even sample the wares of the Bushmills Distillery. There are also plenty of activities around the Grandstand, with vintage bike displays, mini motos, or just a walk around the pits.
Day 4: Saturday
17th May Saturday is Race Day, and the closing of the roads signifies an exciting day of racing. This event, like the IOM TT races, is run on normal roads and lets you witness at close hand the sheer speed of motorcycle road racing. The circuit is 11 miles long and triangular in shape, following the A2 from Coleraine to Portstewart, down the coast road to Portrush, and back on the A29 to Coleraine.
Day 5: Sunday 18th May After the excitement of Race Day, what better than a scenic guided tour of the area? For this tour, we have secured the services of Uel Irwin, a local bike Tour Operator, whose knowledge of this part of the world ensures we will have a great day out.
Day 6: Monday 19th May To avoid the crush of thousands of racing fans making their way home, we wait until Monday to depart. An early afternoon ferry gets us back to the mainland for mid-afternoon, from where we take our leave.
Accommodation
For those having to travel
some distance, we have arranged Wednesday night’s accommodation at one of our favourite hotels in Galloway and Dumfries. From here, it is an easy ride to the ferry port. An evening meal is included in your stay. (Should
you prefer, and live locally, you can join us at the ferry port on Thursday
- the ferry departs early afternoon.)
Your accommodation in Ireland is a 3 star hotel on the outskirts of Derry. You should be aware that this is some distance from the NW 200 circuit, so if you want to be in the centre of the action, this may not suit you. However, we have been using this hotel for many years and our customers tell us they prefer it, with its being ideally situated for not only getting to the NW 200 Road Races, but also touring the Northwest of Ireland. You may want to bring your swimming gear, has the hotel has a large swimming pool and leisure facilities, both of which are included in your stay. All rooms are en-suite with ‘phone, TV and drinks-making facilities.
VALUE TOUR - This tour is especially good value, as all evening meals are included - leaving you only to budget for lunch, petrol and drinks
| Tour prices are inclusive of the following |
| * return ferry Cairnryan to Larne |
| * 5 nights en-suite accommodation at 3 star hotels with
swimming pools and leisure facilities |
| * 5 evening
meals (vegetarian option available) |
| * 5 full regional breakfasts |
| * full use of the hotel's
leisure facilities |
| * live evening entertainment |
| * Sunday Guided tour |
| * maps and route notes as appropiate |
| * services of experienced Tour Guides |
| Tour Cost |
|
| Two persons, one bike, shared room |
£360 each |
| One person, one bike, shared room |
£395 each |
| One person, one bike, single room |
£454 |
| Deposit £50 per
person |
|
* If you do not need overnight accomodation on the Wednesday night (ferry
leaves Cairnryan 1500 hrs) please deduct £35 from the tour cost.
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