Northern Ireland: Culture, Landscapes and Cuisine
About the tour
Northern Ireland now sits firmly at the table of cultural, stunningly beautiful and vibrant destinations. Explore Belfast, County Down and County Antrim, which encompass Titanic history, poignant murals, art deco elegance, clean modern lines, magnificent landscapes and old-world charm.
Drive on one of the world's great touring route, the Causeway Coastal Route, which hugs the road between Belfast and Derry, and visit the birthplace of Sir Hans Sloane. Learn more about the politics during and after the Troubles, reconciliation and the Good Friday Agreement and visit the Guild Hall in Derry, where the Agreement was signed. Hear stories of the history of Northern Ireland as you drive to Derry along the spectacular north Antrim coast from tour leaders who lived and worked in Northern Ireland. Along the way, meet and talk with fascinating locals, guides and academics and sample world-class local cuisine and whiskey.
We are arranging a pre-tour extension to Liverpool, which includes accommodation, dinner, a tour and visits. Please contact us for further details.
Download our brochure Northern Ireland: Culture, Landscapes and Cuisine
Your tour leader
John and Susi Richardson
Dr John Richardson is an Emeritus Professor of Primary Care and General Practice. He has led study tours worldwide and was a medical escort to parties of war widows and veterans on journeys of remembrance for the Royal British Legion. He has also run many history of medicine battlefield tours. He has visited more than 80 countries and worked in 41 of them as a doctor. John has previously led tours for Jon Baines to China, Central Asia, India, Turkey, Central America, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Namibia, Ethiopia, Indo-China and Burma. He has also given lectures on cruises. John has also acted as doctor to six sailing expeditions with service personnel and students in the Caribbean.
Susi Richardson has travelled widely across the world with John either as an expedition nurse, or as a nurse on war grave pilgrimages for the Royal British Legion, or as co-tour leader for Jon Baines Tours, or accompanying her husband on his British Army medical officer postings.
John and Susi Richardson were the doctor and nurse respectively on The British Trans Americas Expedition 1971-2; the first ever drive from Alaska to Cape Horn and the first crossing of the Darian Gap in Panama. Together, they have co-led Jon Baines Tours tours to Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to India, to Vietnam, to Malaysia and on cruises.
Need more information?
- Tel: (Toll Free) 1-8777-398-764
- Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Belfast (Sun, 4 Sept)
Arrive in Belfast and check into the Titanic Hotel. Take a short walking tour with a member of the Belfast Titanic Society around the site of the old Harland and Wolff ship yard, including the main parts of the slipways where Titanic was built. Continue inside the hotel (the old Harland and Wolff Offices) and visit the old drawing offices. In the evening enjoy drinks in the Drawing Rooms, followed by a welcome dinner in the Wolff Grill. - Day 2: Belfast (Mon, 5 Sept)
Take a bus tour of Belfast's historic city centre, including the Linen Hall. Continue to visit the Murals on Falls Road and visit Culturlann. Hear stories of Belfast during the Troubles. In the afternoon take part in a guided culinary tour. Visit a deli dating back to 1897 for a selection of Northern Irish artisan produce, including the hand rolled butter served in Claridges, smoked salmon from a local smoker who has been in business for over 100 years and more, with a small glass of wine. The next stop is for Northern Ireland’s first gin. Sit in a private mahogany carved booth in Belfast’s most famous pub, a Victorian gin palace. Then head underground to one of the world’s top chocolatiers for a ‘top ten in the world hot chocolate’ and brownie. Off to traditional bar dating back to 1720. Pour your own glass of stout (a glass of white wine or beer is also an option) and enjoy the best Irish stew in Belfast. In the evening walk down a narrow but atmospheric entry, steeped in Victorian history. Climb the stairs and imbibe in secret speakeasy style with a taste of Ireland’s most famous export in the form of an Irish coffee. Enjoy a whisky tasting and learn how to make Irish coffee. - Day 3: Belfast / Giants Causeway (Tue, 6 Sept)
Take a self-guided tour of the Titanic Experience Museum with commentary. Drive to Killyleagh for lunch at the Dufferin Arms, which is a James Joyce Award pub. See Killyleagh Castle and the Rectory, the home of the Assyriologist Reverend Edward Hincks, one of the decipherers of Mesopotamian cuneiform. See the memorial of Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Blackwood. Visit the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, meet the Director Elizabeth Crilly and hear of the life Sir Hans Sloane from Stanley Hawkins. Learn of the centre and of the Hamilton legacy. Return to Belfast via Stormont Parliament Buildings. Return to Belfast. - Day 4: Belfast / Derry (Wed, 7 Sept)
Drive along the north Antrim coast to the spectacular Giant's Causeway. See Dunluce Castle. Visit Derry, including the beautiful historic Guild Hall and People's Gallery, and walk along the city walls. Return to Belfast via the Bushmills Distillery and shop and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening. - Day 5: Belfast (Thur, 8 Sept)
Take a self-guided of the Titanic Experience with commentary.* Option to visit SS Nomadic. Depart Belfast.
* This is a self-guided tour with commentary so doesn't require a group booking. We will purchase the tickets on your behalf and you may choose to take the tour on either Day 3 or Day 5, as you prefer.