UK ISLANDS
5 DAYS from £311
5 DAYS from £311
Osborne House © English Heritage
Ventnor Botanic Garden
A Wight Royal Island & Cream Tea
NEW Hidden Isle of Wight Known for its award-winning beaches, spectacular scenery and a rich royal heritage, the Isle of Wight is a favourite for groups. Step back in time with visits to royal residences Carisbrooke Castle and Queen Victoria’s much-loved Osborne House. Or enjoy the stunning landscapes as much of the island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
UPDATED TOUR
More than half the Isle of Wight is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with award-winning beaches, spectacular scenery and a rich royal heritage, the island has plenty to offer groups.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We make our way to Portsmouth this morning for our ferry crossing to Fishbourne from where we continue to our hotel. Day 2 Osborne House This morning, we make our way to Queen Victoria’s much-loved seaside home, Osborne House. We visit the private apartments and state rooms as well as the beautiful gardens and beach, where there is a bathing machine in which the Queen used to get undressed! Tying in with the 2017 film “Victoria and Abdul”, a trail has been created, Victoria’s Island Trail, to celebrate the island’s royal connections, with Osborne House a key location. Day 3 Circular Island Tour and The Old World Tearooms Today, we take a circular tour of the island, which boasts 60 miles of spectacular coastline. We travel to the coastal town of Cowes for a 25-minute cruise of its harbour (May - Sep only). We continue to the Needles Park which boasts fabulous sea views and is home to the iconic chairlift, which operates from the clifftop at Alum Bay to the beach below where we can see the Needles Rocks and coloured sands. We then continue our journey to St Catherine’s Lighthouse—the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmark. Before ending the day with a cream tea at The Old World Tearooms in Godshill. Day 4 Isle of Wight Steam Railway This morning, we enjoy a journey on the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Settling back on our leisurely 5-mile journey start at Havenstreet Station from where we travel to Smallbrook Junction. From here, we enjoy a return trip to Havenstreet, where we embark on the next stage of our journey to Wootton, before returning again to Havenstreet. In the afternoon, we spend time at leisure in Sandown or Ryde, with time to explore all that these traditional seaside resorts have to offer. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home via our ferry crossing.
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Carisbrooke Castle and Mottistone Gardens & Estate
This morning, we make our way to Carisbrooke Castle, a mighty medieval fortress, a prison for a tragic king and the home of Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter. The castle was key to the Isle of Wight’s defence for over nine centuries. Nowadays, the most famous residents are the Carisbrooke donkeys. We then head to Mottistone Gardens & Estate where throughout the summer, the gardens provide a treat for the senses. From the heady scent of roses in June, to the eye-catching colours of the plants and flowers that fill the borders by August. Day 3 IOW Donkey Sanctuary and Ventnor Botanic Garden We spend this morning visiting the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary where donkeys in need are given a forever home. We will be given an introduction to the sanctuary. With so many donkeys to choose from, why not adopt a donkey each time you visit? Next, we head to Ventnor Botanic Gardens which lies in the remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous ‘Undercliff.’ This garden is protected from the northerly winds by chalk downs. Indeed, it holds the warmth from its southerly aspect so well that, combined with the moderating influence of the sea, frost is rarely known. The Garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors. Day 4 Osborne House This morning, we make our way to Queen Victoria’s much-loved seaside home, Osborne House. We visit the private apartments and state rooms as well as the beautiful gardens and beach, where there is a bathing machine in which the Queen used to get undressed! Tying in with the 2017 film “Victoria and Abdul”, a trail has been created, Victoria’s Island Trail, to celebrate the island’s royal connections, with Osborne House a key location. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. INCLUSIONS • Return ferry crossing Portsmouth - Fishbourne
INCLUSIONS • Return ferry crossing Portsmouth - Fishbourne
Royal Esplanade Hotel Ryde, Isle of Wight
The traditional, Victorian Royal Esplanade hotel enjoys a superb seaside location close to the promenade in the heart of the lively resort of Ryde, just a short walk from the centre of town. The 70 bedrooms are well-decorated and offer a mix of styles with excellent bathrooms. The restaurant and bar offer attractive decor and comfortable seating areas
and there is a large entertainment lounge and a small rear outdoor terrace. • Lift • Live entertainment on 2 nights • Coach parking is off-site & chargeable
A Wight Royal Island & Cream Tea 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £311pp No Single Supplement (max 10 incl driver)
Hidden Isle of Wight 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £311pp No Single Supplement (max 10 incl driver)
Dates are also available at The Channel View Hotel in Shanklin. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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