Isle of Wight

Day 1

We depart the local area and travel to the south coast to catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight, arriving at the 3* Royal Esplanade Hotel with time to settle in before dinner. The Victorian grade II listed hotel is located in the prime position along the esplanade at the foot of the pier and is within walking distance of beautiful sandy beaches, Ryde's pretty little Harbour, and the towns' many boutique shops and eateries.

Day 2

Today we visit one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Isle of Wight, Queen Victoria's family home: Osborne House. After first visiting Osborne, Queen Victoria wrote: 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot'. Ornate furnishings and artefacts from The Royal Collection fill rooms and corridors where Victoria entertained heads of state, inventors, princes and princesses, and ruled the vast British Empire.

Day 3

This morning, we enjoy a scenic drive around the Island, journey along the coast to the Needles, followed by time at leisure in Yarmouth.

Day 4

Today we board the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a nostalgic trip through the countryside. On our return to the hotel we visit Quarr Abbey, home to Benedictine Monks. The Abbey is situated within 200 beautiful acres of pasture, woodlands, coastline and formal gardens, with a visitor centre, tea room and medieval ruins to explore.

Day 5

Today we visit the yachting town of Cowes. We enjoy a 2 ½ hour Cruise through Cowes Harbour, world famous for yachting out into the Solent with fantastic views of the island coastline, Osborne House and Norris Castle. We then cruise on across the eastern Solent with views of the massive sea forts and into the Portsmouth Naval Base, home of the Royal Navy, past and present.

Day 6

We catch the ferry and make our way home, arriving back late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast