Treasures of Cornwall 2022

This morning we set out from London to gain a taste of English Aristocracy as we make our way to Wilton House, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke. This historic estate has been used in the filming of both The Crown and the acclaimed Netflix hit "Bridgerton". We’ll then traverse the Salisbury Plain pausing to visit the enigmatic Stone Circle at Stonehenge to try to unravel its secrets. Later, we arrive in the historic city of Salisbury where we enjoy free-time to explore; wander the cobbled streets to the impressive cathedral which boasts Europe’s oldest operating clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta.

Overnight: Milford Hall Hotel, Salisbury

Departing Salisbury, we’ll pause to visit one of England’s most photographed streets before continuing South to explore the bays and cliffs of the Dorset coast; this area is named the Jurassic Coast owing to its abundance of prehistoric fossils which can be found on the beaches. We’ll spot some of the impressive coastal geological features such as the sea arch at Durdle Door. Then we’ll follow the coast visiting one or more of Dorset’s elegant seaside resorts such as Dorchester or Lyme Regis – this charming region inspired literary works by Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. Later we cross the county border in to Devon before reaching our hotel in Dartmoor where we dine together as a group.

Overnight: Moorland Hotel, Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we’ll spot wild ponies and rocky tors as we take a leisurely journey across the eerie landscapes of the Dartmoor National Park. After pausing in one or two of the quaint moorland villages we’ll make our way to the seafaring city of Plymouth. Here we’ll take time to wander the famous Plymouth Hoe and see the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World. Then it’s onward to explore South Devon where we enjoy a steam railway journey along the scenic valley of the River Dart before returning to our overnight base on Dartmoor.

Overnight: Moorland Hotel, Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we cross the county border in to Cornwall. Arriving on the North Cornish coast, we’ll visit Tintagel Castle, a dramatic cliffside fort steeped in Arthurian Legend and reputedly home to Merlin’s cave beneath. Then we’ll pass South along the coast to visit the charming fishing village of Port Isaac, better known as Port Wen, the stomping ground of television’s "Doc Martin". Here we’ll enjoy a brief walk through the village before free-time to explore and take lunch. By afternoon, we’ll cross the Cornish Peninsula to the South heading for the seaside resort of Falmouth home to sweeping sandy bays and our overnight base for the next two nights.

Overnight: The Royal Duchy Hotel or St Michaels Hotel (or similar), Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we embark on an epic excursion to explore the farthest reaches of the Cornish Peninsula. We’ll explore craggy coastlines and fishing villages such as the charming seaside town of St Ives where we’ll enjoy free-time to wander the harbour or visit the renowned Tate Art Gallery. We’ll gain views of the island monastery of St Michaels Mount and visit the enchanting Minack Theatre – an amphitheatre carved in to the Cornish cliffs over-looking the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After our enjoyable day we’ll return to Falmouth where your evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Overnight: The Royal Duchy Hotel or St Michaels Hotel (or similar), Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing Falmouth, we’ll make our way to the magnificent Eden Project; set in the colossal crater of a former china clay pit the site consists of a collection of diverse contemporary gardens and tropical biodomes. Then it’s to nearby Charlestown for lunch; you may recognise this charming 18th century harbour town from the hit BBC show "Poldark". By afternoon, our journey takes us back through the Devonshire countryside to the county’s principal town of Exeter before we arrive in rural Somerset and our final hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Castle Hotel, Taunton

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Our final day takes us to the through the mellow landscapes of the Somerset hills. First stop will be Glastonbury whose historic Abbey and nearby hill-top tower are steeped in Arthurian legend. Then onwards to England’s smallest “city” Wells where we’ll have free-time to take lunch and explore the ancient Vicars Close and the elegant cathedral and green. The final leg of our journey takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath where our tour ends. Your afternoon is free to explore this Georgian city at your own pace before using your included rail passes to board the train back to London.

Meals: Breakfast included.