Day 1: Following your home collection with our convenient door-to-door taxi service, you will board our luxury touring coach and travel south to the historic port city of Portsmouth. Here we board the ferry for a scenic crossing to the Isle of Wight. Disembarking at Fishbourne, we continue by coach to our base for the next four nights, the welcoming Trouville Hotel in Sandown, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Today we are joined by a professional local guide for a full-day coach tour of the beautiful Isle of Wight. As we journey across the island, you will be treated to a captivating mix of scenery and history, from rolling countryside and dramatic coastal views to charming villages and bustling market towns. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the island’s rich heritage, including its royal connections, historic buildings, and traditional industries. Along the way, there will be opportunities to pause and admire key landmarks, take photographs, and soak in the unique character of this picturesque island. This full-day excursion offers an ideal combination of sightseeing, culture, and history, giving you a thorough appreciation of the Isle of Wight’s many treasures.
Day 3: This morning our first visit is to the peaceful Quarr Abbey, a stunning monastery set amidst tranquil countryside near the coast. Founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the early 20th century, Quarr Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks and is renowned for its beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and intricate craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the abbey church, wander the peaceful grounds, and enjoy a moment of calm reflection in this inspiring spiritual setting.
This afternoon we travel to the lively seaside town of Ryde, where you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the famous pier, browse the independent shops, or enjoy a coffee with views over the Solent. Ryde’s charming seafront and bustling town centre provide the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon of leisure.
Day 4: This morning our first destination is the magnificent Osborne House, the former summer home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Built in the mid-19th century, Osborne House was designed as a private family retreat and reflects Prince Albert’s love of Italianate architecture. Visitors can explore the opulent state rooms, the private apartments of the royal family, and the beautifully landscaped gardens, which include sweeping terraces and a private beach on the Solent.
After our visit, we continue to Carisbrooke Castle, a fortress steeped in over a thousand years of history. The castle played a key role in the island’s defence and was once the prison of King Charles I during the English Civil War. You can wander the impressive battlements, explore the historic buildings within the walls, and see the famous donkey-powered water wheel that once supplied the castle with fresh water. Together, these sites provide a fascinating insight into the Isle of Wight’s royal connections and rich historical heritage.
Day 5: Sadly, this morning we bid farewell to the Isle of Wight as we leave our hotel and travel to Fishbourne to board the ferry back to Portsmouth. Upon arrival on the mainland we continue our journey back to Norfolk, where our convenient door-to-door taxi service will ensure you are safely returned to your own home, bringing a relaxing and memorable holiday to a comfortable close.
Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Dinner will be table service)
Price: £599pp
Single Supplement: £Nil (Limited Availability)
Tour Reference: AWE5372
Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure