The Insider's Club

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The Insider’s Club December 2016

Hot Spot of the Month

The Causeway Coastal Route Ireland

Choose Your News Explore: The Causeway Coastal Route, Ireland 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-9 Where To Stay 10-11 Featured Experience: Game of Thrones Tour & Ireland’s Movies 12-13 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 14-25 Tech News: Travel Technology 27-28

A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter we are featuring the Causeway Coastal Route in Ireland as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our hot spot, and exclusive travel deals from around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter. Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature.

Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams.

I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.

-Tina

Explore: The Causeway Coastal Route Ireland

Explore: The Causeway Coastal Route, Ireland Written by Tourism Ireland The Causeway Coastal Route between the cities of Belfast and Derry is a kaleidoscope of natural landscapes, imposing cliffs, bubbling mountain streams and gushing waterfalls.

This stunning slow coastal route starts in Belfast and will take you to the remarkable Gobbins Cliff Path, through the gorgeous Glens of Antrim, towards the famous Giant’s Causeway and the magnificent Mussenden Temple.

Country Antrim’s lighthouses shine brightly along this rugged coastline.

Visit Rathlin West Light on stunning Rathlin Island or stay in one of the restored lightkeepers’ houses at Blackhead.

Head to the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery, where you can enjoy a tour or indulge in one of their tasting experiences of their range of different whiskies.

There are so many amazing landscapes along this Northern Ireland route that several places have been chosen as filming locations for the smash-hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

The Causeway Coastal Route What to do along the way

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island (home to a single building - a fisherman’s cottage) is the final destination.

Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago. Today it is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers and birdwatchers to the Ca useway Coast and Glens every year.

If you are bold enough to cross the bridge you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Rathlin Island, Scotland and the Causeway Coast. Get a bird’s eye view of the clear, green water flowing around the ancient caves and caverns far below - if you dare look down.

Torr Head Rugged coast, spectacular views over the Mull of Kintyre, crashing waves and historical intrigue are reasons why you should make this detour, on the Causeway Coastal Route. This headland was important in the 1800s for recording the passage of transatlantic ships, relaying the information back to Lloyds of London. It was often the last hope for Scottish clans beckoning aid from allies in Argyllshire. The walls and ruins of Altagore cashel date back to the sixth century.

The Glens of Antrim From the County Antrim town of Larne, rugged cliffs stretch north for 80 miles, broken only by nine deep green glens, each with its own unique character.

Dunluce Castle The romantic remains of Dunluce Castle lie teetering on a craggy headland.

This 14th-century stronghold was abandoned in 1641 after part of the kitchen collapsed into the sea during a storm. Small wonder this place is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis to create Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Causeway Coastal Route Where you should stay

Culloden Estate And Spa, Belfast The quietly imposing Culloden Estate & Spa sits atop the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline.

This is, quite simply, the most prestigious hotel in Northern Ireland.

After all, the house was originally built as the official palace for the Bishops of County Down; today, a decidedly regal atmosphere, brimming with antiques, original artworks and sumptuous accommodations, welcomes world travelers. Diversions include a fullservice ESPA spa, privileged tee times at Royal Belfast Golf Club (the oldest in Ireland) and gourmet dining in the award-winning Mitre Restaurant.

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Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry The exquisite Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building, whilst exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests.

In its reincarnation no detail has been left to chance; this iconic landmark is an intimate urban oasis featuring 30 luxurious guestrooms, including 2 suites, a residents lounge, restaurant, champagne and cocktail bar and a 90 person capacity ballroom.

Featured Experience: Game of Thrones Tour & Ireland’s Movies

Game Of Thrones Tour & Ireland’s Movies

by Moloney & Kelly Day 1 – Fáilte go hÉireann Arrive in Dublin Airport. Transfer to the city centre for a Dublin City tour. The North Side of the city offers striking monuments such as the General Post Office on O’Connell Street & Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The city’s south side appears more sophisticated with its Georgian squares & is home to Trinity College, Dublin Castle & two Anglican Cathedrals. Finally today you will enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse.

Overnight: Dublin Day 2 – Dublin to Belfast Depart Dublin and head northwards. Visit Trim Castle which was used to film the York and London scenes for Braveheart. Next you will visit the nearby Bru na Boinne.

The archaeological landscape within Brú na Bóinne is dominated by the three wellknown large passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built some 5000 years ago in the Neolithic or Late Stone Age. Head for Downpatrick, burial ground of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland & visit Castle Ward, to visit some of the set of Game of Thrones, series one. Continue on to Belfast for the night.

Overnight: Belfast area Day 3 – Belfast City & Game of Thrones Tour This morning enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast. See some of the landmark sites such as City Hall & Queens University. Visit The Titanic Belfast Experience; an innovative and exciting presentation of the real story of the Titanic. In the afternoon travel from Belfast to the north-east shores of Lough Neagh and Shane’s Castle. The castle ruins was the scene of extensive filming for the Game of Thrones series. Outside the village of Ballygally lies Cairncastle the location for many other scenes from Game of Thrones. Cairncastle has its own tale of the nobleman supposedly drowned along the coastline in 1588. Return to Belfast.

Overnight: Belfast area

Day 4 – Belfast to Ballycastle Leave Belfast and travel towards the picturesque town of Glenarm on the north Antrim coastline the setting of many Game of Thrones scenes. Pay a visit to Steensons Jewellers in the village, producer of many of the jewels featured in the hit TV Series. Continue on the Antrim coastline enjoying the spectacular views, rolling hills and scenic villages. Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

Overnight: Ballycastle or Bushmills areas Day 5 – Giants Causeway, Bushmills & Derry Call into the Giants Causeway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made up of a network of approximately 40,000 basalt columns projecting into the ocean, the Giant’s Causeway forms several miles of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal route.

Later visit Bushmills Distillery – one of the world’s oldest distilleries.

Overnight: Derry area Day 6 – Derry to Donegal This morning enjoy a walking tour of the walled city of Derry. Leaving Derry you will travel to Donegal, where you can visit Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle. Drive by the nearby Glenties, where Brian Friel’s play “Dancing at Lughnasa” was filmed.

Overnight: Donegal area Day 7 – Donegal to Dublin This morning commence your return journey to Dublin. Travelling south through the Fermanagh Lake District, visit Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classical houses, allowing visitors to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Next visit nearby Marble Arch Caves, one of Europe’s finest showcaves with a natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers.

Overnight: Dublin area Day 8 – Farewell Slán Abhaile. Transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight home.

T

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World Travel Experiences

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• Free unlimited Internet access.

• Resort credit of 2,387 CFP (Approx. $20 USD) per night. Applicable on Food and Beverage, no cash value, no transfer allowed. Resort Credit is not applicable to free nights when combining with stay pay offers. Only valid on paying nights.

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Stay 7/Pay 5 Or Stay 5/Pay 4

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Experience Includes: • • • • • •

Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, excludes Presidential Daily full English Breakfast, served in restaurant 1 1/2 Hour City Walk with a professional tour guide Wine Tasting for two guests in the Wine Gallery once during stay For stays of 4 nights or more guests will additionally receive: a ZAR500 food credit in either Mint restaurant or the Twankey Champagne & Tapas bar, once per stay • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests $100 USD Equivalent Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Complimentary WiFi • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

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Experience Includes: • Stay 4 nights and receive the 5th night complimentary • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests • Welcome note accompanied by fresh fruit bowl and mineral water • $100 USD Equivalent Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Tech News: Travel Tech

XE Currency XE is the go-to site for currency conversions on the web, so it’s no surprise that its app is so popular: with over 20 million downloads since launch. For the traveller it is most useful for the simple fact that it’s able to convert every world currency. It also functions offline by saving the last updated rates, which is great if you’re in a place with limited connectivity or trying to save on data.

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Splittr There is a selection of apps out there to help you split bills but Splittr is geared up for travelling, providing a simple platform to share costs between friends.

You can enter expenses as you go, including who paid what and the app will do the rest. A nice touch for longer, multi-destination trips is that all currencies are supported and you can mix currencies without having to do the conversion yourself.

Google Translate This translator can be a useful tool to support your own, more serious language learning, but realistically, it’s most useful on a practical level quickly translating day-to-day words you come across on your travels. For example, you can hold your camera up to text – such as a sign, or a menu – and Google will translate it for you instantly.