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PortsmouthThe Island City of Seafarers, that has for centuries connected Britain to the World.
Quarr AbbeyMonks exiled from France to establish a monastery. Their traditions live on in this stunning abbey.
Yarborough MonumentLook up at the tallest monument on the Isle of Wight.
Osborne HouseQueen Victoria’s favourite holiday spot looks more like an Italian Renaissance palazzo than an English palace.
The NeedlesThese glorious white chalk eruptions from the ocean will keep your camera busy.
WinchesterStroll through winding streets and discover a city that contains artefacts from every era of English civilisation.
RunnymedeThe birthplace of Magna Carta, the cornerstone of modern democracy.
Queen Victoria loved her holidays.
She travelled to Scotland, France, and Italy and stayed at lavish palaces and princely courts.
But there’s nowhere she loved more than the Isle of Wight, a diamond-shaped pearl in the English Channel.
It’s not far from London and boasts beautiful beaches, epic white sea-cliffs, a warm climate, and remnants from the Romans, Normans, and two World Wars.
She inspired travellers from all around the world to visit this island; and after more than one-hundred years of holidays here, we think the place just gets better and better.
On this tour, you visit Queen Victoria’s Italian-inspired holiday home, Osborne House. You venture to the sea-shores and see gorgeous cliffs, barren bunkers and stunning white rock structures.
Join this trip, follow in the footsteps of royalty, and let your guide lead you through England’s favourite holiday island.
Itineraries
Day 1
Learn about the monastic life at quaint Quarr Abbey
Leave the mainland behind and travel by ferry to the Isle of Wight
Get your sunglasses and sun cream ready, you’re departing London and heading to the sunny, southern Isle of Wight.
First, you head to the ancient port-city of Portsmouth. This bustling spot blends modern marvels with centuries of sea-faring stories. Head to the top of the 170 metre high Spinnaker Tower for the best views of the City, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast. Follow the historic harbour trails or visit the remains of King Henry the VIII’s tragic warship Mary Rose before joining your guide for your ferry at Gunwharf Terminal.
Even if you’re not a sea-loving, fish-catching, ocean-dweller, you’ll still find this ferry enjoyable. It takes less than an hour and there’s plenty of onboard refreshments.
Your first stop on the Isle of Wight is the important religious site of Quarr Abbey. The building here is beautiful and combines French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs.
In the evening, you arrive at the unforgettably quaint village of Shanklin in time for an early dinner. Perhaps it’s time to try the seafood?
Day 2
Explore the epitome of elegance at Osborne House
Reflect upon the ocean’s power at the Needle sea stacks
Today, you’re going to discover the unmissable highlights of the Isle of Wight.
You eat breakfast and then venture to the Yarborough Monument. This is the tallest monument on the island and celebrates the life of a wealthy earl from the 19th century.
You continue to a photo-stop at the beautiful views of endless green fields at Brading Downs and then head to Osborne House.
Queen Victoria said, “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. And we agree. Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s holiday home and as you explore the Italian-style building, you discover pristine green gardens, ornate golden rooms, and historically fascinating artefacts.
And after that magnificent man-made marvel, it’s time to see the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful natural wonder, the Needles.
These sharp white stacks that stick out of the ocean are beautiful to behold. You can hop on a boat to get close to them and venture to an old defensive battery that’s nearby.
Your last stop today is at the cliffs of St. Catherine’s Down. As the sun starts to set, these epic cliffs and green valleys look stunning.
You travel back to Shanklin in time for dinner.
Day 3
Absorb all the history you can in the city of Winchester
It’s the final day. But cheer up, because we’ve saved some of the best sights for today.
In the morning, you say goodbye to Shanklin and head on the ferry back to Portsmouth.
Now that you’ve reacquainted yourself with the mainland, we take you to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester.
But visiting Winchester isn’t easy, because there’s almost too much to do. There’s a glorious cathedral, an ancient mill, cute cafes, and more than enough museums. Once you've had time to explore this wonderful city, it’s time to head home. You have a short stop at Runnymede; the home of the Magna Carta and the cornerstone of modern democracy, before arriving in London in the evening.
- Admission to Osborne House
- Accommodation and breakfast is included for the duration of the tour
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
Food and drinks unless specified
Tip
Starts
Check-in closes at 09:00 (tour departs at 09:15) - London Stance 3 Greenline Coach Terminal, London Stance 3 Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
Finishes (approx.)
19:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
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