Belfast and Derry

From the birthplace of the Titanic to the iconic City Hall, you’ll find an abundance of historic landmarks and world-class visitor attractions in Northern Ireland’s largest city, Belfast.

Recently named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast is a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition where you can uncover the true story of the Titanic from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Since the political troubles that marred the latter half of the 20th Century, Belfast has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan and vibrant city with world class attractions, an excellent culinary scene teamed with a friendly Irish welcome!

The city of Londonderry has over 1,400 years of history, and much of it is still visible today at the city’s top attractions. Don’t miss the impressive city walls, which have been standing since 1618 despite several sieges. Wherever you are in Derry/Londonderry, you’ll never be far from a tune. The city is famous for live music, and its varied musical tastes are reflected in its most famous exports: the likes of punk band The Undertones, tenor Josef Locke and composer Phil Coulter.

Derry’s proximity to the North Atlantic and luscious green countryside means that when it comes to food, you’re guaranteed the freshest, local produce. The city is surrounded by stunning scenery, and there’s no better way to experience it than on the railway journey from Londonderry to Coleraine. This is no ordinary train ride – the 45 minute trip has been described as ‘one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world’.

One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023
Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale
Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir