Devon and Cornwall. a Magical Land of Legends 5 Day Tour

UNITED KINGDOM / IRELAND PACKAGES

2014- 2015

Devon and Cornwall. A Magical Land of Legends 5 Day Tour

Price starting from EUR 475,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights

~ Stonehenge ~ Durdle Door ~ Dartmoor ~ Exeter ~ Bodmin Moor ~ Tintagel Castle ~ Lands End & St. Ives ~ Eden Project Gardens

5 days to explore the extreme south west of England. Home to Arthurian legends, Celtic kingdoms, Roman towns, beautiful beaches, wild moorlands with legendary beasts, Norman cathedrals and extraordinary gardens.

Stay 2 nights in the historic Roman city of Exeter and 2 nights in the University town of Falmouth, on the Cornish coast.

Description:

Day 1 Leave the bustle of London behind and step back in time at the neolithic site of Stonehenge and enjoy an afternoon on the Jurassic coast of Devon, stopping at Durdle Door before staying in the Roman City of Exeter for 2 nights.

Day 2 explore the wilds of Dartmoor and the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge. Take time to visit the market town of Tavistock, birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, and spend the afternoon exploring the Roman town of Exeter, its cathedral, ancient walls and harbour.

Day 3 Follow in the footsteps of King Arthur exploring Bodmin moor, home to wild ponies, the resting place of Excalibur and the the pre-historic stones called the Hurlers and the Cheesewring. Other highlights include Golitha falls and the romantic Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur, before travelling south to the seaside University town of Falmouth for 2 nights.

Day 4 Explore the most westerly tip of England including St. Michael’s Mount, the stunning cliff top village of Mousehole, the incredible Minack theatre, the beaches around Land's End and the dramatic west coast with a visit to St. Ives.

Day 5 Take the morning to visit the incredible gardens of the Eden Project before returning back to London.

Return as above

Inclusions: Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour. We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip.

Exclusions: Meals and refreshments. All Visitor Attractions.

Accommodation Your tour does not include accommodation in the price. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain the communities you visit in the long term. Choose a hotel, B&B or a hostel and we will book it for you. For more information on accommodation and prices please contact us

*NB On occasions, when towns we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.

Important Information Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Exeter and Falmouth. If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking.

Heart of England and North Wales 3 Day Tour

Price starting from EUR 285,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights

~ Shakespeare country ~ Stratford on Avon ~ Ironbridge ~ Chester ~ Snowdonian Mountains in Wales ~ Conwy Castle ~ Peak District ~ Chatsworth House

3 Days exploring the heart of England, Shakespeare country, the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, the mountains and Crusader castles of northern Wales and the refined elegance of Chester and Chatsworth House in the heart of the Peak District.

Stay 2 nights in the historic medieval city of Chester.

Tour Description:

Day 1 Takes you to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. Following lunch in Stratford you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning gorge and World Heritage site of Ironbridge on the River Severn, before staying in the beautiful medieval/Roman town of Chester for 2 nights.

Day 2 is a day of contrasts as you are free to spend the morning exploring Chester's ancient walls and cathedral, before travelling west to the fairytale medieval Castle of Conwy for a visit and lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the wild mountains of Snowdonia in Wales's most beautiful National Park.

Day 3 takes you through the rolling hills of the Peak District and the Victorian Spa town of Buxton, before visiting UK's favourite country house, Chatsworth, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, and famous for its house and gardens. Your return to London takes you through Robin Hood country.

Return as above

Inclusions: Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.

Important Information Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Chester. If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking

Departing: Monday and Friday

London to Dublin. Luxury Rail Journey and

3 Day Cruise Package

Price starting from EUR 429,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights:

•Rail and sail from London to Dublin by the Classic route

•4 star standard Hotel accommodation Dublin City Centre (room only)

•Return to London via Classic route on day three

Description:

Travel to Ireland the classic route by rail through the heart of England, along the lovely North Wales Coast then on the world’s largest cruise ferry to Dublin City Centre - Spend two nights in a four star standard hotel in Dublin City Centre and return to London – All in three days!

The trip commences at London Euston station, where you will be met by your Railtours Ireland host at the Network Rail Mobility Assistance reception near Boots in the main concourse and escorted into your reserved seats on your direct express train bound for Holyhead in Wales. Your train, complete with onboard toilets and a shop will speed through the beautiful countryside of England and Wales to reach Holyhead in just 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Upon arrival into Holyhead's port station you will immediately board the Ulysses cruiseferry for an invigorating 3 hours and 15 minute voyage across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Facilities on board ship include a range of restaurants and bars, a 2-screen cinema and a traditional promenade deck, from where you can enjoy the fresh sea air. The ship arrives into Dublin Port in the late afternoon and you will be transferred directly to your four star standard hotel in Dublin City Centre for a 2-night stay or longer depending on tour option selected. The evening and the next day(s) are yours to enjoy: why not visit the world-renown Guinness Storehouse, retrace the footsteps of Molly Malone, or even take a Railtours Ireland tour through the Irish countryside?

At the end of a memorable visit to Ireland you will be transferred back to Dublin Port for the return crossing to Holyhead, where your train will be waiting to transport you through Wales and back to London. A relaxed car free and carefree way to travel to Ireland that comes highly recommended

Schedule:

Monday to Saturday

Check-in time: 8.40am* Departure time: 9.10am *8.20am on Saturdays Departure location: London Euston Station at the Network Rail Mobility Assistance reception near Boots in the main concourse

Return hotel pick-up time: 7.00am Return time:4.38pm

Additional Information:

Inclusions

•Round trip train and ferry travel London Euston Station to Dublin City Centre (with reserved rail seat on outward journey), return portion valid 1 month

•Transfers from Dublin Ferryport to Dublin City Centre

•Two nights, 4 star standard Hotel accommodation Dublin City Centre (room only)

•Information Pack including itinerary

Exclusions

•Gratuities (optional)

•Food or beverages

Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge - 2 Day Tour

Price starting from EUR 248,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights:

Guided tour of Oxford Visit to Burford Visit to Stow-on-the-Wold - pretty Cotswolds market village Visit to Upper and Lower Slaughter Visit to Bibury – described as the most beautiful village in England!!! Bath – fully guided city tour plus entrance to the Roman Baths with audio guide Visit to Lacock and Castle Combe Entrance to Stonehenge with audio guided tour Optional evening visit to nearby pub (food/drink extra) Hotel accommodation in twin bedded room with private shower, toilet and TV Breakfast at hotel Return travel from your chosen departure location by luxury minibus

Description:

England's Green and Pleasant Land - Oxford, Cotswolds, Bath, Lacock & Stonehenge

Tour Highlights:

Fully Guided small group tour of Oxford, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, Bibury – described as the most beautiful village in England, – Guided tour of Bath, visit to beautiful villages of Castle Combe and Lacock, and entrance to Stonehenge included

Small Group Promise - No more than 16 clients per driver/guide

DAY 1 - After an early start we drive in a westerly direction, calling in at Oxford for a guided tour of the city. Next we travel a short distance to discover one of England's most beautiful regions – the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are full of colour all year round! Here you will find rolling hills and pretty villages and market towns full of character. Our journey this morning takes us to the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. In the early afternoon, we drive along one of the most charming narrow back-road routes in the Cotswolds, where large coaches are not allowed to visit in what has been described as England's most beautiful village - Bibury. This is in the heart of the Cotswolds and what we might consider to be the real England with its old country pubs, traditional village stores and well kept gardens.

DAY 2 - Today we visit Bath where we take a guided tour of the city centre. At the end of the walking tour of the city, we include your entrance into the Roman Baths. Bath, which is one of England's most popular tourist attractions. Bath is the most complete and best preserved Georgian city in Britain. The spa was used by the Romans, and the remains of the Roman baths are still there to be seen today, beside the 18th century Pump Room.

After Bath, we travel to Lacock, a small 13th century village which remains mostly untouched by modern development.

Then next we go to see another world famous site – Stonehenge. The construction of Stonehenge started around 3,000BC and the site was built over a 1500 year period. Your entrance fee to Stonehenge is included in the price. We return to London and Cambridge by mid evening.

Your Accommodation

North Bristol Express By Holiday Inn - Your accommodation is included in the price of your tour on a bed and breakfast basis. The price you pay is based on 2 people sharing a twin or double bedded room. Twin rooms comprise of 2 single beds or 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed, depending on the hotel's room availability on the date of your tour.

Additional Information

Please note that as this tour is normally heavily subscribed, it may be necessary to make your reservation well in advance, especially if you are booking flights to or from the UK to coincide with a specific tour date.

South West Highlights 3 Day Small Group Tour

Price starting from EUR 248,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights:

~ Stonehenge ~ Durdle Door ~ Dartmoor ~ Exeter ~ Tavistock ~ Glastonbury ~ Bath

Day 1 Depart London and travel out through the old kingdom of Wessex to the most famous Neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to the dramatic south Devon Coast enjoying panoramic views over white sandy beaches and the natural rock arch of Durdle Door. An afternoon here to explore some of the coast before arriving at the historic city of Exeter, which was the most south westerly fortified settlement of the ancient roman empire. You are based here for 2 nights.

Day 2 Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore this Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial museum and its famous 12th century Norman Cathedral. Your second night is spent here.

Day 3 We are heading to Glastonbury this morning where we will visit Glastonbury Tor. The Tor has been associated with the name Avalon and identified with King Arthur. Climb the Tor for a spectacular view across three counties. In the afternoon we continue to Bath for lunch. Then there will be time for sightseeing in the town suffused with relics of its Roman past and of course its famous bath. Bath Cathedral is also recommended for a visit. Returning back to London early evening.

Accommodation

Your tour does not include accommodation in the price.

Please contact us for accomodation request!

Schedule

Departs:09.00

Returns: approx. 19.00

Departing: Saturday

Escape to the West 5 Day Tour of Ireland

Price starting from EUR 345,00 per person

Tour Information

Highlights:

~ Cliffs of Moher ~ Dingle Peninsula ~ Ring of Kerry ~ Torc Waterfall ~ The Burren ~ Clonmacnoise ~ Blarney Stone

Discover the scenic, historic and cultural highlights of South West Ireland. From dramatic sea cliffs to ancient monasteries and castles this is a tour that will bring the country to life. Meet the locals in a traditional pub, sample local seafood, walk on stunning Atlantic beaches or explore prehistoric ruins – Ireland has a lot to offer.

Stay 1 night in Galway and 3 nights in the lively little town of Killarney.

Tour Description:

Day 1

departs Dublin and travels west, stopping at Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan. Try the local whiskey then continue to Clonmacnoise on the banks of the Shannon River to explore one of the most important early Christian sites in Ireland. Afterwards visit a typical village pub before arriving in Galway

Day 2

explores County Clare starting with the scenic and historic highlights of The Burren. The afternoon is spent at the amazing Cliffs of Moher - over 700 feet high! Then you cross the Shannon estuary by ferry to arrive in Killarney for the next 3 nights.

Day 3

takes you to the Dingle Peninsula - an area famous for its scenery and Gaelic Culture. You will see ancient forts, early religious sites, Slea Head, Inch Beach and Dingle itself, surrounded by views to offshore islands and the mountains of Kerry.

Day 4

travels the famous Ring of Kerry - one of the world's classic touring routes. Discover the history and scenery of the area from ancient ring forts and historic houses to small fishing villages and beautiful beaches. This is a day packed full of interest and photo opportunities.

Day 5

starts with a walk to the Torc waterfall then continues east through the West Cork mountains to Blarney. Here you can visit the castle and gardens as well as explore the village. The afternoon stops include the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny City before arriving back in Dublin.

Inclusions

Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.

Services of a professional driver/guide

All road tolls and the Killimer - Tarbet ferry.

Exclusions

Meals and refreshments.

Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.

Accommodation

Your tour does not include accommodation in the price. Please contact us

Schedule:

Departs:09.00

Returns: 19.00 approx

Departing: Sundays (May to September)

Gems of Britain 4 Day Tour

Price starting from EUR 777,00 per person