Treasures of Cornwall 2023

This morning, using your included rail pass, depart London by train for the short journey to the historic city of Salisbury. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, your afternoon is free to explore this charming destination; wander the cobbled streets to the impressive cathedral which boasts Europe’s oldest operating clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta. By evening, we get together to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meal.

Overnight: Salisbury

Meals: Dinner included.

Departing Salisbury, we’ll make the short journey to nearby Stonehenge. Here we can visit the state of the art visitor centre and exhibition to try to unravel the mysteries of this ancient site before walking the perimeter of the stone-circle itself, an enchanting experience. We’ll then pass south passing in to the coastal county of Dorset whose historic towns have literary connections and whose coastline is renowned for its abundance of prehistoric fossils which can be found on the beaches. We’ll pause in one or more of the charming seaside towns before crossing the county border in to Devon.

Overnight: Exeter or Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we explore the rugged beauty of South Devon. Crossing the wilds of the Dartmoor National Park we’ll see desolate landscapes, rocky tors and wild ponies before pausing in one or more of the quaint moorland villages. The charming market town of Tavistock makes for the perfect spot for a Devonshire cream tea. 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.

Overnight: Exeter or Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast 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. 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: Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast and dinner 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: 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 and in to rural Somerset and our final hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Taunton

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to your group and tour leader. You may choose to explore the town of Taunton before using your included rail pass to make your onward journey by train. You can easily return to London on the direct service or head to the elegant Georgian City of Bath where you can explore independently or join the England’s Rustic Charm tour.

Meals: Breakfast included.