Travel companies connect to offer hassle-free coach holidays

TWO Northern Ireland travel specialists have teamed up to launch a bespoke range of coach packages that offer holidaymakers a stress-free way to travel.   

Leading ferry company Stena Line and tour operator Travel Solutions are bringing coach tours closer to people with an extensive selection of local pick up points across the Province.

The Coach Connect packages allow people to leave the car behind, hop on a luxury coach and travel in style with Stena Line before touring some of the most stunning locations across Britain.

Peter McMinn, Managing Director, Travel Solutions said:  “Coach Connect is a new product that we’ve put together in partnership with ferry company Stena Line whereby customers who don’t have a car or prefer to leave it at home can take advantage of our extended range of pick-up points which are conveniently located across Northern Ireland.  

“We offer four fantastic but distinctly different packages for people in Northern Ireland to choose from, including the enchanting Cotswolds, superb Chatsworth House and Peak District, Kendal and the magnificent English Lakes, or York and the Yorkshire countryside.  We’ve listened to feedback from our customers and believe that, in Coach Connect, we now have a product that offers choice, convenience, memorable moments and, importantly, excellent value for money,” he added.

Diane Poole OBE, Head of PR and Communications, Stena Line said:  “At Stena Line we are always looking for ways to take the stress out of holidaying, so we are delighted to be partnering with Travel Solutions to launch this wonderful collection of holidays.

“With all the Coach Connect pick-up points now available across Northern Ireland, it really couldn’t be easier to get to the Stena Line terminal and then onwards to one of the wonderful locations on offer. 

“Ferry travel is one of the most fun, relaxing and unique ways to holiday with no hanging around at check-in, which means there is more time to enjoy your trip.  Your holiday has already started when you board our ships which offer maximum passenger comfort with plenty of leg room and lots of places to explore, including our indulgent lounge areas to unwind in, delicious dining options, free movies, free WiFi and kids play areas.,” added Diane.

There are eight convenient pick-up points including the NIR station in Derry~Londonderry, the Owenbeg GAA Complex in Dungiven, the Park an d Ride at the Toome By-pass, the Stangmore Roundabout in Dungannon, Oxford Island M1 exit petrol station in Lurgan, the bus stop at M&S in Sprucefield, the Sheepbridge Park and Ride in Newry, and The Outlet slip road in Banbridge.

The four trips, which depart on Fridays (and return on Monday) on dates 26 July, 23 August and the 20 September, are:-

·  The Enchanting Cotswolds – meet your coach at your preferred location and visit one of the most charming areas in England and an area of outstanding natural beauty and see places like the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’ the village of Broadway. 

·  Chatsworth House and the beautiful English Peak District – visit some of England’s most magnificent scenery with its rugged moorland and wooded dales.  See the spa town of Buxton followed by a trip to the market town of Bakewell.

·  Kendal and the magnificent lakes – take in the breath-taking beauty of the lakes and visit the Georgian town of Whitehaven before travelling along the scenic Cumbrian coast.

·  Splendid York and Yorkshire countryside - travel to the historic town of Harrogate and discover the cobbled streets and exquisite architecture of York.  You can even take a steam train from the coastal town of Whitby to the market town of Pickering.

Prices start at £269pps and include coach and ferry travel, hotel accommodation, breakfast and evening meals and much more.  For further information and for prices log onto www.travel-solutions.co.uk or call 028 9045 5030.

[ends]

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For further information please contact Michael McCrory of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880, michaelm@duffyrafferty.com