Treasures of the West Country 2024

This morning, use your included rail pass to take the train deep in to the English West Country. Arriving in England’s sunniest city, your afternoon is free to relax or explore the charming city of Exeter. Perhaps visit the Royal Albert Museum, visit the historic quayside or simply take in the views on the green in front of the stunning Norman Cathedral which dates back more than 650 years. By evening, we get together to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meal.

Overnight: Exeter

Meals: Dinner included.

Today 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 traditional cream tea. By afternoon we enjoy a steam railway journey through the Devonshire countryside before returning to our overnight base in Exeter.

Overnight: Exeter

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning 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 quintessential 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.

Our day today takes us on an epic excursion to explore the farthest reaches of the Cornish Peninsula. We’ll navigate Cornwall’s dramatic coastlines, discover the historic mines of Poldark country, pause in cobbled fishing towns such as the bohemian artist retreat of St Ives and visit the most southerly point in Britain where only the Atlantic separates you from the Americas. We’ll spot 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 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.

Today we bid farewell to Cornwall but not before visiting one of the region’s opulent country estates to wander the historic house and manicured gardens. We’ll pause for lunch in a local town and head back over the Devonshire moors on route to rural Somerset; here we’ll pass through the picturesque Mendip Hills, an area of protected natural beauty. Our destination this evening is the Regency city of Bath, a city which enjoys UNESCO world heritage status owing to its unique history and architecture.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning we enjoy an excursion over the Salisbury Plain to visit the iconic English landmark of Stonehenge. Here we can lose ourselves in the state of the art visitor centre and immersive exhibition to try to unravel the mysteries of this ancient site before walking the perimeter of the colossal stone-circle itself, an enchanting experience. By afternoon you return to Bath where your afternoon is free to explore. You’ll have complimentary tickets to visit the ancient Roman Baths or wander the avenues and parades of the city at your leisure before we reconvene for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to your group and tour leader. After checking out from your hotel, you may choose to explore Bath – perhaps visiting the Jane Austen exhibition or the Georgian house at No. 1 Royal Crescent. Then you can board the train for your journey back to London or travel to Oxford where you can join our tour of central and Northern England, England’s Rustic Charm.

Meals: Breakfast included.