Itinerary

Kuala Lumpur * Melbourne * Sydney * Singapore

27th October | We fly to Heathrow with Aer Lingus and onward to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines. There are only six 5 Star Airlines in the world and Malaysia Airlines is among them. In 2009 their cabin crew were voted number 1 in the world. The Irish Racegoers Club travelled with Malaysia Airlines before and were very impressed. We are delighted to have them once again as our main carrier on this tour.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

First stop on this 15 day racing holiday is Kuala Lumpur the capital of Malaysia. Over the last few decades, Kuala Lumpur (KL) has been transformed into a thriving metropolis with spectacular buildings like the Petronas Towers and mega-large shopping malls. Unlike many Asian cities, Kuala Lumpur still has historical buildings and a warm cultural heritage yet is modern while retaining its traditional charm. Kuala Lumpur - the gateway to a totally different experience.

We are based in a luxurious 5 Star downtown hotel. Facilities include 5 restaurants, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, gym, jacuzzi & hydro pool, plus steam & sauna rooms. Enjoy a drink at the English countryside style pub with entertainment every night. Relax with a cocktail in the opulent and grand lobby lounge with idyllic views of the scenic water gardens as you listen to a live band or simply chill out at the poolside terrace bar. Sights to see in KL are the impressive Petronas Twin Towers, the KL Tower with stunning views over the city and the recommended Pavilion Mall.

We arrive into Kuala Lumpur on Thursday 28th October morning giving you a full day to enjoy the wonders of the city.

Friday 29th October is another full day for sightseeing, and relaxing.

Saturday 30th October is for shopping or a dip in the pool before we head to Selangor Racecourse for an afternoon of flat racing. We have arranged a fine race day hospitality package for our travelling party. After racing we take you directly to the airport for our overnight flight to Melbourne Australia to attend the 150th Melbourne Cup. 

MELBOURNE

Welcome to Australia, a land of adventure and surprise, of the strange and the wonderful. Join the Irish Racegoers Club and all of Australia in celebrating the 150th running of the world famous Melbourne Cup. This fantastic race takes place at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November and we will be there.

We arrive into Melbourne at 8.15am on the Sunday 31st October and we have arranged a short sightseeing tour on route to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to try some of our suggested tips. Our 4.5 Star centrally located hotel boasts rooms with large screen TV’s, pay movies, DVD players, mini bar, microwave, safe and broadband internet. The hotel boasts a heated indoor relaxation pool and modern gym, two restaurants and a bar. We have included full breakfasts in all four hotels.

Monday 1st November is a full free day for enjoying all that this impressive city has to offer. Try a unique dining experience, The Tramcar Restaurant www.tramrestaurant.com.au booking is essential. Visit the Crown Entertainment Complex with its 22 restaurants, casino, shops, shows, bars. Other sightseeing attractions are the Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, the Southgate Precinct with its fantastic cafes and pubs. Take in Bourke Street Mall or famous Collins Street. Hop aboard the free City Circle Tram, visit St Patrick’s Cathedral for a quiet moment or go up Eureka Skydeck 88.

Melbourne Cup Race day is Tuesday 2nd November when over 100,000 racegoers and the members of the Irish Racegoers Club will attend Australia’s greatest sporting event. This race is the richest handicap in the world with a prize fund of over 6 million Aus Dollars. We include transfers, admission and racecards in our package. The local tip is for Faint Perfume and the chances of an Irish victory with the talented Profound Beauty are very strong. A truly great occasion to look forward to, on Melbourne Cup night the city is buzzing and we have you right in the heart of the action.

Wednesday 3rd November  Time for last minute shopping before our short lunchtime flight with Qantas Airways, the national carrier of Australia to colourful, vibrant, sophisticated Sydney.

SYDNEY

The largest city in Australia and probably the best in the World. From the moment you step outside the airport you can feel the buzz. The Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour, the Hunter Valley wine region, the Blue Mountains, The Harbour Bridge Climb, The Rocks area. We arrive into Sydney around 1pm on Wednesday and after a speedy check in you have all afternoon and evening to savour the many delights of this stunning city. We are based in a fine 4 star hotel housed in a landmark building right in the heart of Sydney. Club members should take advantage of the fully equipped rooftop fitness centre, sauna, steam room and heated indoor lap pool.                        

Other sights to see include the impressive Darling Harbour, Sydney Aquarium, the Powerhouse Museum, Manly Beach. Take a lunch or dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Do the Harbour Bridge Climb, and receive a certificate to prove you climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Thursday 4th November A full day in possibly the greatest city in the World. Check out the Darling Harbour area or Bourke Street Mall or fashionable Pitt Street. You could join us for an optional day out at the Races. We say optional but it is completely free. The reason we say optional is that there is so much to see and do in Sydney that you may wish to spend your time in the city rather than with us. We head to Hawkesbury Racecourse at the gateway to the magnificent Blue Mountains about 1 hour from Sydney. They are hosting their biggest raceday of the year featuring the Gold Cup.

Friday 5th November is a full free day and with so much to see and do you need all the time you have. Do a tour of the Opera House or The Rocks area where the first convicts landed. Today it is a heritage area and a bustling place with numerous restaurants, bars, Irish Pubs naturally, boutiques, markets and places of great historical significance. It is well worth visiting and easy to get to.

Saturday 6th November you have a full morning to say farewell to Sydney before we take our early evening flight to different and very exciting Singapore. Dinner, breakfast & complimentary bar included on all Malaysia Airlines Longhaul flights.

SINGAPORE

Singapore is in the heart of Southeast Asia between Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for its cleanliness and safety it has a lot going for it and is a destination you will really enjoy. Our Hotel is a fine modern 4 Star Hotel close to the popular tourist area of Clarke Quay on the historic Singapore River. Hotel rooms have air conditioning, hairdryer and iron, mini bar, tea/coffee and internet access. Our hotel boasts a spa/wellness centre, restaurant, bar, gym and an impressive outdoor swimming pool.

Sunday Morning 7th November Enjoy a dip in the pool or a stroll along Clarke Quay or take a bumboat tour along the historic Singapore River. Sunday afternoon we take you to the superb Kranji Racetrack. We include transfers, admission, racecard, reserved seats and a delicious lunch in delightful surroundings.  Sunday night go out and enjoy all that this friendly, vibrant, cosmopolitan city has to offer.     

Monday 8th November Free day to check out Orchard Road, a must for shoppers. Visit Suntec City shopping mall to see the superb Wealth Fountain with its laser shows. From Suntec you can explore Singapore with Hippo Tours hop on hop off Bus. The Night Safari at the impressive Singapore Zoo is recommended as is a visit to Chinatown. Spend a day on beautiful Sentosa Island, go by cable car.

Must do - Visit the world famous Raffles Hotel, honoured as Best Hotel in Asia & Australia for the fourth consecutive year in May 2010. Try either or both of the following. Treat yourself to High Tea in the delightful Tiffin Room then go upstairs to the world renowned Long Bar, the home of the gorgeous Singapore Sling Cocktail.

Tuesday 9th November is another full day for sightseeing, shopping, relaxing or a visit to Vivo City. Tuesday night we head the short distance to the airport for our overnight flight via Kuala Lumpur to Heathrow.

Wednesday 10th November we fly Heathrow to Dublin arriving at 10am.