UK ISLANDS
5 DAYS from £554
5 DAYS from £479
Isle of Man Steam Railway
Manx Electric Railway
Taste the Isle of Man A brilliant tour which gives a real flavour of the island’s heritage, rugged hills, craggy cliffs and unique attractions. Look out for Celtic traces, Viking legacies and Victorian
The Traditions of the Isle of Man
ALSO AVAILABLE BY AIR UPDATED TOUR
UPDATED TOUR ALSO AVAILABLE BY AIR
With its long Celtic heritage, gorgeous scenery, old towns and vintage attractions, the Isle of Man has plenty for everyone who loves history and natural beauty. This comprehensive tour focuses on the island’s rich traditions, with journeys on its famous Steam Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway, and visits to Cregneash Folk Park.
splendour as we explore the island and enjoy rides aboard celebrated small trains. We will also follow the iconic TT racetrack and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the famous Creg-Ny-Baa pub-restaurant.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 House of Manannan, Peel & Ballacosnahan Farm
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Manx Museum & Manx Electric & Snaefell Mountain Railways This morning, we make a short journey to visit the Manx Museum , where the Island’s 10,000-year history is presented through film, galleries and interactive displays. Where we will gain a better insight of the island and its Viking and Celtic past. After our introduction to the island, we take a journey on the Manx Electric Railway , a classic electric tramway that traces the island’s east coast to Laxey. Here, we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway for the scenic 5-mile climb to the summit of Snaefell Mountain. On a clear day, you can see, what the locals refer to as the Seven Kingdoms: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Heaven, and the sea. Dating back to 1895, this Victorian railway is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. We have time at the summit for lunch before taking the train down and driving back to Laxey. There is time here to visit The Great Laxey Wheel, the world’s largest working waterwheel before returning to our hotel. Please note we have not included admission to the Laxey Wheel as reaching it requires a steep 5–10-minute walk from the coach park. Day 3 Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway Today we explore the Isle of Man’s south coast, remembering to greet the fairies who promise good luck as we cross the famous Fairy Bridge and make our way to Cregneash Folk Park . Costumed guides show us around the cottages of this restored 19th-century crofting village. Next, we visit Castletown, the island’s ancient capital, where we have the option to visit the Old House of Keys, among other attractions such as Castle Rushen, or just enjoy free time before we embark on a one-way trip on the Isle of Man Steam Railway to Douglas . The rest of the day is at leisure in Douglas. Day 4 Tynwald, TT & Douglas We begin our morning with a tour the Isle of Man’s parliament current Chambers, Tynwald and its branch The House of Keys . Of Norse origin, the assembly is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. After a fascinating visit, we meet our guide who will join us on-board the coach, to give us further insight into the Isle of Man and its history whilst pointing out key locations as we make our way around the infamous TT circuit. We return to Douglas in the afternoon, where we can experience attractions such as the town’s iconic horse-drawn tramway, which trundles along the promenade. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.
This morning we travel by coach to Peel and the House of Manannan . Explore the Island’s rich maritime heritage and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the busy port of Peel in the 1800s. We have some free time here, be sure to head down to the quayside and visit the Fish Bar Delicatessen, and treat yourself to some Manx Queenies perhaps? Whatever you do, don’t miss out on a visit to the family-owned Davison’s Ice Cream Parlour, and try their multi-award-winning dairy ice cream. Early this afternoon we make our way to Ballacosnahan Farm . The farm is home to the Manx Loaghtan, which are said to be the sheep the Vikings left behind. Here we will have a talk on their history and survival and enjoy a charcuterie board and time to visit the shops on-site. Day 3 Manx Electric & Snaefell Mountain Railways After a leisurely breakfast, we ride the Manx Electric Railway , a classic electric tramway which runs along the island’s east coast, to Laxey. Here, we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway for a climb to the summit of Snaefell Mountain, where we can admire spectacular island views. After returning to Laxey, we make our way to The Laxey Glen for a Manx Lunch . After lunch, we have the option to visit The Great Laxey Wheel - nicknamed the ‘Lady Isabella’ - the world’s largest working waterwheel, before returning to our hotel. Please note: we have not included admission to the Laxey Wheel as reaching it requires a steep 5–10-minute walk from the coach parks, and admission is free for National Trust and English Heritage members. Day 4 Taste of the TT & Douglas Today we follow the Isle of Man’s iconic TT racecourse clockwise from Douglas via Kirk Michael and Ballaugh towards ‘Royal Ramsey’, where we visit the Fynoderee Distillery . After a refreshing ‘Fyn & Tonic’, we embark on a distillery tour. Next, we follow the mountain road to a racecourse landmark: The Famous Creg-Ny-Baa pub- restaurant, where we have afternoon tea before returning to Douglas. Why not make a quick detour to visit Robinson’s Food Hall. Robinson’s is one of the Isle of Man’s oldest family businesses, which began over 130 years ago as a market stall. Here you can pick up some delicious, locally made produce including Ballacosnahan Farm’s charcuterie and Fynodree’s liquors. With the remainder of the day at leisure, we may want to visit the Manx Museum or ride the horse-drawn tram along the promenade. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.
INCLUSIONS • Return ferry crossing Heysham-Douglas • Entrance to the Manx Museum
INCLUSIONS • Return ferry crossing Heysham-Douglas • Entrance to House of Manannan
• One-way journey Manx Electric Railway (Douglas-Laxey) • Return journey on Snaefell Mountain Railway (Laxey-Summit) • Entrance to National Folk Museum • One-way journey on Isle of Man Steam Railway (Castletown - Douglas) • Guided Tour of Tynwald • Full day step-on guide of the Isle of Man
• Visit to Ballacosnahan Farm including charcuterie board • One-way journey Manx Electric Railway (Douglas-Laxey) • Return journey on Snaefell Mountain Railway (Laxey-Summit-Laxey) • Manx Lunch at The Laxey Glen • Distillery tour at Fynoderee Distillery • Afternoon tea at Creg-Ny-Baa
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
82
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease