Holiday highlights - Bakers Dolphin

Summer 

British & Continental Coaching Holidays 

2012 

Where can 

we take 

More destinations 

you 

this year? 

than ever before!

Welcome 

enjoy the 

widest choice 

of summer holidays and destinations 

2 3 

Welcome to our brand new look Summer brochure 

We may have changed our brochure to give 

it a fresh look but you can rest assured that 

the family values on which Bakers Dolphin 

have been founded, remain unchanged. 

These are not the easiest of times and that 

means decisions on taking a holiday have 

to be even more carefully considered. 

We have listened to your comments and 

observations and I believe that our brochure 

for 2012 has one of the best ever choices of 

excellent value tours and holidays. We realise 

that many of you do not actually need to 

travel too far to enjoy a holiday while for 

others, the excitement of discovering new 

and fascinating destinations is still the 

priority. So whether it is Devon or Dorset, the 

Scottish Isles or Canada this new brochure 

will surely have the answer. 

Wherever you choose, it is important to make 

your holiday budget stretch as far as it can. 

That’s why we always include many items for 

which other companies may charge extra. 

This is particularly important on European 

tours where the value of the pound has 

made many destinations appear expensive. 

With meals, excursions, train or boat trips 

already taken care of you can actually 

explore the delights of the Austrian Tyrol 

or the Norwegian Fjords at a very 

reasonable cost. 

The last 12 months have again seen travel 

companies going out of business 

- some very local. Don’t forget that Bakers 

Dolphin is one of the only companies 

in the West Country which is fully bonded 

with the Confederation of Passenger 

Transport to protect against such events. 

(Please see pg 106, section 4 - BCHG 

Consumer Guarantee). 

Happy reading and happy holidays 

Amanda Harrington F.inst.T.T. 

Sales & Marketing Director 

Tourism Director of the Year 2010 

We are extremely proud 

to be awarded the following 

Coach Tourism Awards: 

• UK Holiday Programme of the Year 2010 

• Coach Operator of the Year 2009 

3 easy ways 

1. Call our 

Reservations Team 

Based here in the South West, our 

friendly Reservations Team are happy 

to help with any enquiry you may 

have. Call us on 01934 415 000 

Book with us today 

To book a Summer holiday or for more 

information on our tours and services, 

call our friendly Reservations Team. 

to get your holiday on the go... 

2. Pop into our local 

travel shop 

Chat through your holiday plans 

with our in-store team at: 

Bakers Dolphin 

Unit K6, Sovereign Centre 

High Street 

Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HL 

3. Book online at 

bakersdolphin.com 

You are now able to book through 

our new secure website from 

the comfort of your home. 

Visit www.bakersdolphin.com 

01934 415 000 

bakersdolphin.com

Full service holidays 

we’re going the 

extra mile 

At Bakers Dolphin we know how important it is to feel comfortable 

when travelling and relaxed whilst on holiday. We go to great lengths 

to ensure you won’t have to worry about a thing, from booking 

your holiday and arriving at your hotel, to being driven safely 

back home again... it’s all been taken care of! 

hand-picked 

hotels 

The hotels on all of our tours are 

handpicked for their comfort and 

hospitality, and rest assured you will 

enjoy quality en suite accommodation 

at all hotels in this brochure. 

Ranging from small, family run 

hotels to larger international 

chains, they will all guarantee 

a truly memorable stay. 

4 5 

A history 

to be 

proud of 

Started in Weston-super-Mare during the 19th century 

by Charles Baker, Bakers Dolphin has been a family-run 

business up to this very day. From the early beginnings 

of a horse and cart, Bakers Dolphin has become the 

largest Tour Operator in the West Country. The Baker 

family sold its own travel agencies to First Choice Travel in 

1999 to concentrate on tours and its coaches and today 

boasts one of the largest and most modern fleets 

of coaches in the country with a successful holiday 

company offering luxury Gold coach tours, Days Out, 

Events and the popular London Flyer Daily coach service. 

Quality service 

Quality assured Consortium 

of Independent Tour Operators 

Bakers Dolphin has been a member of CITO 

for the last 5 years. It is comprised of regionally 

based coach and tour operators whose aim is 

to provide a higher standard of holiday through 

the CITO Quality Award. Tours have to meet 

certain criteria in order to qualify for the award. 

At Bakers Dolphin we fully endorse the aims of 

CITO and are delighted to confirm that a very 

high proportion of our holidays meet those 

criteria – as indicated by the CITO logo. 

CITO Criteria 

Accommodation 

• Minimum 3 star 

standard 

(national ratings) 

• Choice of dinner 

where included 

• Luggage handling 

• Cooked breakfast (UK) 

or Buffet breakfast 

(Continental) 

Coach 

• Non smoking coach 

• WC and washroom 

on board 

• Air conditioning 

• Adjustable seat backs 

• Seat belts 

Travel 

• Door to door service 

• All coach travel and 

excursions included 

• Entrance to places 

of interest featured 

• No overnight 

coach travel 

holidays that begin from your front door 

We want your holiday to be hassle-free, so we’ve created 

Home Link, a service that will pick you up from your front door 

and drop you safely home again on your return. Or, if you 

prefer, why not join us en route at a convenient pick-up point 

using our free Tour Link service. 

Pick-up options See pages 6-7 > 

Loyalty Discounts 

Many of our customers take more than 

one holiday each year, some as many 

as 4 or 5, and we wish to reward this loyalty 

by offering the following substantial 

savings on repeat bookings in 2012, for 

holidays of 5 days or more. 

friendly expertise 

Our friendly Reservations Team will guide you every step of the 

way – helping you choose the holiday that is right for you, securing 

your seats on board, sending you a departure pack and organising 

your pre-coach travel options. They are also there to provide you 

with added support should you need it whilst on holiday. 

How to claim your discount 

When you book your chosen 

holidays simply call us with the 

reference numbers of your previous 

holidays from this brochure and 

the appropriate amount will be 

deducted from the balance invoice 

due on each holiday booked. 

meet 

your driver 

Your experienced driver 

will look after you during 

your trip – a friendly face, 

always at hand to help with 

luggage, information 

and some cheeky 

banter! 

On your 2nd holiday 

Receive £10 OFF per person 

On your 3rd holiday 


On your 4th holiday 


On your 5th holiday 


Book online at www.bakersdolphin.com... ...or call our friendly Reservations Team on 01934 415 000

Pick-up options 

making your journey 

part of your holiday 

We want to make your holiday as effortless as possible, 

so it’s now even easier to get your holiday started with 

our free Home Link and Tour Link services. With the 

flexibility to choose where you want your holiday to 

begin, you’ll be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. 

Home Link 

Available on holidays of 5 days and more 

Get your holiday off to a flying start with 

our FREE Home Link service, where your journey 

begins and ends at your front door. There are no heavy 

suitcases to carry here – we’ll collect you and your 

luggage from your home and deliver you safely back 

at the end of a memorable tour. Easy! 

If you live within 10 miles of any of the 

towns listed on the map you can take full 

advantage of Free Home Link. Please Note: 

There is no Devon Home Link for tours to Cornwall, 

Devon, Dorset and Hampshire. 

Tour Link 

Available on holidays less than 5 days 

FREE local pick-up with our Tour Link service. 

Enjoy the convenience of meeting us at a local joining 

point en-route, and we’ll take you direct to the coach, 

hassle free. 

Join your nearest Tour Link route at one 

of its designated pick-up points shown 

on the map. Alternatively, head straight 

to Gordano Services in Bristol to board your coach 

ready for departure. 

Take advantage of our free Home Link service 

We’ll collect you and your luggage from your front door and 

your driver will drop you back home safely on your return. 

Available on all holidays of 5 days and more 

Pick-up points 

Book online at www.bakersdolphin.com... ...or call our friendly Reservations Team on 01934 415 000 

A 

B 

Junction 27 

Tiverton 

Home Link - If you live more than 

10 miles from the places listed... 

we may be able to collect you from your 

home but there will be a surcharge. Please 

enquire at the time of booking. 

6 7 

Gordano Services 

G F 

C 

D 

Tour Link routes 

A Plymouth - Gordano Services 

E 

Avon 

B Minehead - Gordano Services 

C Yeovil - Gordano Services 

D Shepton Mallet - Gordano Services 

E Cirencester - Gordano Services 

F 

Bristol 

• Anchor Road • Bedminster • Downend • Filton 

• Fishponds • Kingswood • Knowle • Redfield 

• Westbury on Trym 

G 

Gordano Services, M5 Motorway

Holidays by Gold Coach 

welcome aboard the 

Gold Coach 

Travelling by Gold Coach is not only a great way to explore 

a new destination, it’s an experience like no other. 

Complimentary 

refreshments 

Enjoy free tea and coffee on-board 

in the Gold Bistro with a separate 

lounge area. Many of our Gold Coach 

holidays also include a hostess service. 

Stretch out 

and relax 

Just 36 fully reclining, soft 

leather seats with over 50% 

more legroom than a standard 

coach, so you can really stretch 

out and relax. 

All the extras 

taken care of 

Unrestricted panoramic views, 

on-board DVDs, multi-track 

sound system with personal 

headphones, magazines, reading 

lights and toilet facilities. 

the No 1 

Gold Coach 

experience 

Treat 

yourself to this 

Gold Coach 

Tour 

Look out for 

the gold medals 

in this brochure 

Gold Coach Holidays 

08 Jul Loire Valley 5 p 75 

Our Gold Coach Service provides you with the ultimate experience 

in luxury coach travel. You’ll find added comfort and lots more facilities 

13 Jul Stunning Slovenia 11 p 100 

on-board to make your journey extra special, plus the same great Bakers to find your perfect 

8 16 Jul Houses & Gardens of Cheshire 5 p 43 

9 

Dolphin service you’ve come to expect. 

21 Jul Austria All Inclusive, 

8 p 85 

We now take you to more great destinations than ever before, gold holiday 

Brandenburg 

so look out for the Gold Coach holidays throughout this brochure. 

24 Jul Floriade 4 p 79 

Date Tour No of 

Days 

Page 

No 

30 Apr Picturesque Derbyshire 5 p 38 

30 Apr Castles of Kent 5 p 30 

05 May Lake Como 9 p 97 

05 May Lake Garda 9 p 96 

14 May Chester and Llangollen 5 p 49 

14 May Kendal and High Adventure 5 p 35 

20 May Swiss Alps and Bernina 8 p 91 

21 May Lake District & Burns 5 p 36 

26 May Passau and Bavarian Forest 8 p 95 

28 May Hidden Corners of Yorkshire 5 p 46 

02 Jun Austria Trains and Boats 8 p 83 

03 Jun Glaciers and Castles 8 p 88 

10 Jun Trains of Switzerland 8 p 90 

11 Jun Treasure of The Ardennes 5 p 78 

16 Jun Brittany and The Finistere 7 p 74 

18 Jun Sailing and Steaming 

in The Lakes 

5 p 34 

23 Jun Killarney 7 p 71 

24 Jun Irish Adventure 7 p 70 

30 Jun Secrets of Hidden France 8 p 76 

01 Jul Ayrshire Adventure 6 p 64 

08 Jul Northumbria & Scottish Borders 6 p 47 

28 Jul Black Forest & Lake Constance 8 p 92 

30 Jul Romantic Rhine 5 p 93 

06 Aug Edinburgh Tattoo 5 p 60 

06 Aug Grand Tour of Ireland 12 p 73 


18 Aug Killarney 7 p 71 


25 Aug Charms of County Cork 7 p 72 

25 Aug Leipzig, Dresden and Colditz 7 p 94 

01 Sep Switzerland All Inclusive 8 p 89 

01 Sep Blue Danube 8 p 87 

09 Sep Cote d’Azur 8 p 77 

10 Sep Perthshire Wildlife Adventure 5 p 61 

15 Sep Italian Dolomites 8 p 98 

17 Sep Yorkshire Delights 5 p 45 

22 Sep Austria, Vienna and 

Czech Republic 

8 p 84 

24 Sep Waterways of Scotland 5 p 62 

29 Sep Bohemian Prague 8 p 99 

30 Sep Killarney 7 p 71 

07 Oct Sunshine Escape, Spain 8 p 82 

08 Oct Barony Castle 5 p 63 

13 Oct Lake Garda 9 p 96 

15 Oct Orchards & Vineyards 5 p 41 

20 Oct Irish Adventure 7 p 70 

22 Oct Falmouth 6 p 23 

29 Oct Discovering Lincolnshire 5 p 31 

29 Oct Gems of The Shire Counties 5 p 48

Your guide to Summer Holidays 

there’s something to suit 

everyone! 

The UK has some of the most dramatic stretches of coastline, 

beautiful countryside and interesting cities in the world. 

England 

& Wales 

From £99 

3 

of the best... NEW tours! 

One of Spain’s most famous wine regions, 

and known for both its whites and reds. 

Rioja is spilt into upper and lower sections 

known as Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja with 

a third section in the Basque Country 

known as Rioja Alavesa. The regions 

hillsides and valleys are carpeted with 

emerald green vineyards. 

See page 80 > 

40 

NEW tours 

for 2012 

Why not see more of England and Wales with Bakers 

Dolphin this year? With a wide range of holidays to choose 

from, the only problem you’ll have is choosing your favourite! 

England and Wales holidays 

from only £99 See page 14-57 > 

The Vineyards of Rioja Leipzig, Dresden and Colditz Toronto and Niagara Falls 

8 Days £799 7 Days £559 7 Days, from £1,149 

The area of ‘Old East Germany’, 

with its exciting history, is both fascinating 

and charming. Our luxury 4 star hotel 

is in the centre of Leipzig, in the former 

East Germany. Famous names such as 

Bach, Schumann and Goethe are all 

associated with the city, indeed Bach 

spent most of his life here. 

See page 94 > 

Toronto is a city that holds all of the 

wonders of the world in one safe and 

friendly place with a theatre scene rivalled 

only by London and New York and other 

great attractions including the CN Tower. 

Niagara Falls can be viewed via several 

attractions such as ‘Maid of the Mist’ 

and ‘Journey Behind the Falls’. 

See page 105 > 

New for 2012 

Explore Ireland with our fantastic new tours 

including Charms of County Cork that includes 

a visit to Cobh which was the last port of call for 

the Titanic. Simply unmissable on our Galway 

Clare tour are the wonderful Aran Islands with 

desolate beauty and rugged charm. 

Ireland holidays from only 

£489 See pages 69-73 > 

New for 2012 

We have a wide range of Continental tours 

to choose from including new this year 

an all-inclusive break to the sunny coastal 

10 region of Costa Brava or the fantastic new tour 

11 

Ireland 

Continental 

There is so much choice with this year’s Continental 

holidays from exciting city breaks to relaxing 

countryside tours, breathtaking scenery and 

picturesque villages. 

Slovenia’s Stunning Coastline staying 

in Portoroz with wonderful hotels and a tranquil 

location in the Harbour of Piran. 

Continental holidays from only 

£369 See pages 74-105 > 

even 

more choice 

All our Summer Holidays 

have been created for you to have 

a wonderful experience. Historical 

tours, beautiful landscapes, delightful 

gardens and city shopping... 

Check full tour itineraries 

to find out what’s 

included 

Your guide to Summer Holidays 

New for 2012 

Scotland 

Join us this summer on our new Perthshire 

Wildlife Adventure tour, discover the area’s 

breathtaking scenery, heritage and wildlife. 

We are delighted to offer a new 5 day break 

staying at the lovely Barony Castle Hotel 

situated in the Royal Burgh of Peebles. This is 

an ideal break for those looking for something 

a little bit different. 

Scotland holidays from only 

£389 See page 58-68 >

Easter Breaks 

Easter Breaks 

Why wait until Summer to get away – shrug off your winter 

blues and escape on one of our superb Easter breaks. 

Lake Garda - Gold Service 

8 DAYS 

£559 

Brussels 

4 DAYS 

£229 

Departing 05 Apr 2012 

Staying at the Caravel Hotel, 

Torbole 5 nights with dinner, 

bed and breakfast 2 overnights 

with bed and breakfast. 

Excursions to Venice & Verona 


Staying at the Ibis off Grand 

Place 3 nights with bed and 

breakfast Excursion to Gent 

More great Easter Breaks! 

06 Apr Scotland’s Border Country 4 Days £219 

06 Apr Isle of Wight 4 Days £289 

06 Apr Bournemouth 4 Days £239 

06 Apr Eastbourne 4 Days £239 

06 Apr Isle of Man 4 Days £319 

06 Apr Yorkshire Railways 4 Days £249 

06 Apr Trains of Wales 4 Days £249 

06 Apr Treats of the Shires 4 Days £249 

06 Apr Llandudno & Snowdonia 4 Days £239 

06 Apr TV & Film Trails in Yorkshire 4 Days £239 


To book an Easter Break or for more 

information on our tours and services, 

call our friendly Reservations Team. 

Black Forest - Gold Service 

7 DAYS 

£499 

Floriade 

4 DAYS 

£329 


Staying at the Schloss Hotel, 

Hornberg 6 nights with dinner, 

bed and breakfast Excursions 

to Lake Constance & Triberg 


Staying at the Apollo Hotel, 

Breda 3 nights with dinner, 

bed and breakfast Full day at 

Floriade, excursion to Antwerp 

Callela All Inclusive 

8 DAYS 

£539 

Paris 

4 DAYS 

£239 

Treat 

yourself to a 

Gold Coach 

Tour 


Staying at the Callela 

Palace 5 nights all inclusive, 

2 overnights with bed and 

breakfast Excursions 

to Barcelona & Gerona 


Staying at the Novotel Rueil 

Malmaison Atria 3 nights stay 

with bed and buffet breakfast 

Sightseeing tour of the City, Visit 

to the beautiful Palace of Versailles 

06 Apr Scarborough 4 Days £249 

06 Apr Weymouth 4 Days £249 

06 Apr North Country Voyager 4 Days £249 

06 Apr Weardale and Wensleydale 4 Days £249 

06 Apr White Cliffs of Dover 4 Days £269 

06 Apr Shrewsbury and Ludlow 4 Days £239 

06 Apr Paignton 4 Days £259 

06 Apr Picturebook Devon 4 Days £229 

06 Apr Woburn 4 Days £259 

06 Apr Norfolk Coast and Country 4 Days £239 

01934 415 000 

bakersdolphin.com 

Contents 

More destinations, more adventures, even more fun! 

London Break 

Surprising London 18 

England & Wales 

Great Yarmouth and The Norfolk Broads 19 

Glorious Devon 20 

Newquay 21 

Sidmouth 22 

Falmouth 23 

Isle of Wight 24 

Eastbourne 25 

Delightful Dorset 26 

Scarborough and Historic York 27 

Bournemouth 28 

Margate and Cliftonville 29 

Castles of Kent 30 

Discovering Lincolnshire 31 

Nottingham - Robin Hood Country 32 

Enchanting Old England and the Cotswolds 33 

Lake District 34 

Kendal and High Adventure 35 

Lake District and Burns Country 36 

Dales Peaks and Wolds 37 

Picturesque Derbyshire 38 

Constable Country 39 

Woburn Abbey 40 

Orchards and Vineyards 41 

Manchester Ship Canal 42 

Cheshire 43 

Shropshire and the Marches 44 

Yorkshire Delights 45 

Hidden Corners of Yorkshire 46 

Northumbria and the Scottish Borders 47 

Gems of the Shire Counties 48 

Chester, Llangollen and the Journeys of Wales 49 

Isle of Man 50 

Snowdonia 51 

Pembrokeshire Pearls 52 

Llandudno 53 

The Greatest Trains of Wales 54 

Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire 55 

Romantic Journeys of Norfolk 56 

Romantic Journeys of Northumbria 57 

Summer Breaks 

14 

2 Day Breaks 

TV and Film 

Portmeirion and Llangollen 

14 

14 

Scotland 

Romantic Journeys of Scotland 

Great Highland Railways - Fort William 

58 

59 

Downton Abbey and Jane Austen Country 

Mystery Weekend 

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant 

Days of a Bygone Age 

15 

15 

16 

16 

Edinburgh Tattoo 

Perthshire Wildlife Adventure 

Waterways of Scotland 

Barony Castle 

Ayrshire Adventure 

60 

61 

62 

63 

64 

12 

England & Wales 

Channel Islands 

Jersey 

Guernsey 

17 

17 

Oban, Mull and Iona 

West Coast Adventure 

Scotland’s Far North 

The Outer Hebrides 

65 

66 

67 

68 

13 

page 

58 

page 

Scotland 

Ireland 

74 

page 

69 

page 

Continental 

Ireland 

Galway Clare and the Aran Islands 69 

Irish Adventure Donegal 70 

Killarney 71 

Charms of County Cork 72 

Grand Tour of Ireland 73 

Continental 

Brittany and the Finistère Coast 74 

Chateaux of the Loire Valley 75 

Secrets of Hidden France 76 

Cote d’Azur 77 

Hidden Treasures of the Ardennes 78 

Floriade 79 

The Vineyards of Rioja 80 

Northern Spain 81 

Sunshine Escape, Spain All Inclusive 82 

Austria Trains and Boats 83 

Austria, Vienna and Czech Republic 84 

Austria Brandenberg - All Inclusive 85 

Austria Landeck - All Inclusive 86 

The Magic of the Blue Danube 87 

Glaciers and Castles 88 

Switzerland - All Inclusive 89 

Trains of Switzerland 90 

Swiss Alps and The Bernina Express 91 

The Beautiful Black Forest and Lake Constance 92 

The Romantic Rhine 93 

Leipzig, Dresden and Colditz 94 

Passau and the Bavarian Forest 95 

Lake Garda, Venice and Verona 96 

Lake Como 97 

Italian Dolomites 98 

The Czech Republic - Bohemian Triangle 99 

Slovenia’s Stunning Coastline 100 

Lisbon, Porto and the Atlantic Coast 101 

Norway Highlights 102 

Malta by Air 103 

Dubrovnik and Montenegro by Air 103 

Home Cooking in Tuscany 104 

Rome and Amalfi Coast 104 

Toronto and Niagara Falls 105 

Important information 

Trading Charter/Booking Conditions 106 

Travel Insurance 107

2 Day Breaks 

TV and Film Portmeirion 

Downton Abbey & 

and Llangollen 

Jane Austen Country 

✓ 1 night with dinner, bed 

and breakfast ✓ Tour Link 

Saturday We depart from our 

local joining point and head north 

to Yorkshire and the market town 

of Skipton, Some scenes from the 

‘Calendar Girls’ film were shot here, 

and today is market day. Leaving 

mid afternoon we enjoy a lovely 

scenic drive through ‘Emmerdale 

Country’ to the village of Esholt, 

where the show was filmed for 

decades. We have arranged for a 

drink at the Woolpack and there is 

time to wander around the sleepy 

lanes known to many. Later we 

continue to the Ramada Hotel for 

our overnight stay with dinner, bed 

and breakfast. 

Sunday After breakfast we are on 

our way to Haworth, legendary 

home of the Bronte sisters and their 

notorious brother. Here you will find 

the Bronte Parsonage, visitor centre 

and gift shop. There is time for a 

brief stroll along the ancient cobbled 

street before we leave for Holmfirth, 

‘Last of the Summer Wine’ country, 

- see Sid’s Café and Nora’s steps. 

Here is the ‘Last of the Summer 

Wine’ exhibition (admission extra). 

This is in what was Compo’s house 

and contains memorabilia and items 

from the series. Late afternoon we 

make our journey home. 

Holiday highlights 

• Market town of Skipton 

• Esholt-Emmerdale Country’ 

• Drink at the Woolpack 

Your hotel 

The Ramada Bradford/Leeds 

Hotel, Bingley, An impressive 

Gothic mansion that would not look 

out of place on a film set. Located in 

private grounds with views over the 

Aire Valley. All rooms are en suite, 

and have television, telephone, 

hairdryer and tea/coffee making 

facilities. 

• ‘Last of the Summer 

Wine Country’ 

£109 

2 DAYS 

A fabulous opportunity to visit some of the loveliest 

TV and film locations in Yorkshire. In just a couple 

of days you will be able to have a drink in the Woolpack, 

visit the location where ‘Calendar Girls’ was filmed, 

plus much much more. 

Departures 

12 May £109 

02 Jun £109 

07 Jul £109 

11 Aug £109 

29 Sept £109 

13 Oct £109 

No single room supplement 



Saturday We depart from our local 

joining points and travel through mid 

Wales to Portmeirion, on the shores 

of Cardigan Bay. We visit this unique 

attraction, setting for the cult TV 

series ‘The Prisoner’, and later make 

our way across North Wales to our 

overnight stop, the Beaufort Park 

Hotel, for dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Sunday Leaving after breakfast we 

make our way over the spectacular 

Horseshoe Pass and descend into the 

pleasant town of Llangollen in the 

Dee Valley. Here we have a ride on 

the Llangollen Steam Railway with 

time in Llangollen for lunch before 

we make our way home. 


• Picturesque Snowdonia 

• Portmeirion Italianate Village 

• Horseshoe pass and 

Llangollen Railway 

£119 

2 DAYS 

The unique Italianate village on the shores of Cardigan 

Bay and a former British Railways line combine 

to make a great weekend, not forgetting the spectacular 

Welsh scenery. 

Your hotel 

The Beaufort Park Hotel is situated 

near the market town of Mold and 

is an ideal base for our tour. The 

Scandinavian style reception and 

mezzanine lounge provide an oasis of 

peace to relax, read or enjoy a drink. 

All bedrooms are en suite, and have 

colour TV, telephone, hairdryer, 

trouser press and tea & coffee 

making facilities. 

Departures 

05 May £119 

09 Jun £119 

14 Jul £119 

18 Aug £119 

08 Sept £119 

13 Oct £119 




Set in an Edwardian Country House from 1912 onwards, 

Downton Abbey was one of the most popular TV 

costume drama series portraying the lives of the Crawley 

family and the servants who worked for them. The series 

was filmed at Highclere Castle in Berkshire. 

Jane Austen, one of the world’s most 

famous authors spent most of her life 

in the historic and beautiful county 

of Hampshire and it was here that 

she found the inspiration to write 

such classics as Pride and Prejudice, 

Emma, Mansfield Park and Sense & 

Sensibility. 


joining point and make our way 

for our visit to historic Winchester 

Cathedral. Jane died in 1817 and is 

buried in the Cathedral where you 

will find her tomb and memorial 

window. From Winchester we make 

our way to visit Jane Austen’s house 

at Chawton, near Alton. Jane lived in 

the charming red brick 17th century 

house from 1809 to 1817. The house 

is now a museum and houses an 

extensive collection of her works and 

memorabilia. From here we make our 

way to the Hilton hotel for dinner, bed 


Sunday We enjoy a leisurely 

breakfast before leaving late morning 

for the short drive to Highclere Castle. 

The Castle is a country house in 

‘High Elizabethan’ style, and the 

estate covers some 6000 acres. It 

is the country seat of the Herbert 

Family, the Earls of Carnarvon with 

the parklands designed by Capability 


• Overnight stay at Hilton Hotel 

Newbury North with dinner, 

bed & breakfast 

• Admission to Highclere Castle 

Brown. The tea room is open and we 

have a chance to explore the castle, 

gardens and grounds, to see how 

life was around 100 years ago, as 

portrayed in ‘Downton Abbey’. Late 

afternoon we leave and begin our 

journey home. 

Your hotel 

The 4 star standard Hilton Hotel 

Newbury North stands close to 

Newbury racecourse and makes an 

ideal base for our visit to Highclere 

Castle. Hotel facilities include indoor 

leisure centre with swimming pool. 

All bedrooms are en suite and have 

television, telephone, hairdryer and 

tea/coffee making facilities. 

Departures 

05 May £129 

02 Jun £129 

07 Jul £129 

18 Aug £129 

01 Sept £129 

Single room supplement £24 

• Admission to Chawton 

- Jane Austen House 

Mystery Weekend 

If you like a pleasant surprise and a bit of a mystery why 

not join us on one of our popular Mystery breaks. During 

your two days you will enjoy beautiful scenic views and 

visits to popular tourist attractions. 

Your accommodation will be in a 

good quality hotel inclusive of bed, 

breakfast and evening meal, and all 

rooms will have private facilities and 

tea/coffee making facilities. 

A word of warning however – never 

take a bet with your driver about your 

destination – remember, he always 

wins! 

Departing on Saturday from 

local joining points we start our 

Mystery journey travelling by a 

scenic route and make our first stop 

around lunchtime. There is time for 

sightseeing before continuing our 

drive to our Mystery destination 

arriving late afternoon. We dine at 

our hotel and relax. 

On Sunday after breakfast we have 

some free time in our Mystery 

destination before continuing our 

tour through scenic countryside, 

stopping several times and we arrive 

home early evening. 


• Overnight accommodation 

with Dinner, bed & breakfast 

• Scenic route to destination 

• Free time for Sightseeing 

Departures 

12 May £99 

16 Jun £99 

14 Jul £99 

11 Aug £99 

15 Sept £99 

06 Oct £99 



£129 

2 DAYS 



14 15 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

£99 

2 DAYS 

2 Day Breaks

2 Day Breaks 

The Thames Diamond 

Jubilee Pageant 

✓ 2 nights with dinner, bed 

and full English breakfast ✓ Tour Link 

An aural spectacle as much as a visual 

one, the pageant will include music 

barges as well as a floating belfry. 

As the seven and a half mile 

flotilla travels on the ebbing tide 

downstream, it will be accompanied 

by music, fireworks and special 

effects. 

This is a superb opportunity to be in 

London to experience this spectacular 

event in British Royal History. It will be 

an historic day. 

Saturday We depart and make 

our way to London to arrive at the 

Holiday Inn Kensington for the next 

two nights stay with bed and full 

English breakfast included. 

Sunday Today is the highlight of this 

short break as we head off to the 

River Thames to see up to a thousand 

boats muster on the River Thames 

in preparation for Her Majesty the 

Queen to lead the Thames Diamond 

Jubilee Pageant. Rowed boats, 

working boats and pleasure vessels of 

all shapes and sizes will be beautifully 

dressed with streamers and Union 

Jacks, their crews and passengers 

turned out in their finest rig. This 

amazing sight will surely be a day to 

remember. 


• 2 nights bed and full English 

breakfast in a central 

London Hotel 

• Free time in London 

£239 

3 DAYS 

In what is guaranteed to be a magnificent spectacle, 

Her Majesty the Queen will lead a flotilla of 1000 boats 

(the largest ever to be assembled on the Thames 

in modern times), along the River Thames on Sunday 

3rd June as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. 

Monday Enjoy some free time in 

London, before we make our way 

back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Holiday Inn Kensington Forum 

is conveniently located for exploring 

all of London’s main attractions. All 

bedrooms are en suite with mini bar, 

air conditioning, satellite TV, hairdryer 

and tea/coffee making facilities. The 

hotel has 2 restaurants and bars and 

a lift to all floors. 

Departures 

2 Jun £239 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Flotilla of up to 1000 boats 

along the River Thames led by 

Her Majesty The Queen 

Days of a Bygone Age 




area and travel to Nottinghamshire 

and Southwell, with its tiny Minster. 

Here we visit The Workhouse, the 

most complete surviving example 

in existence today. We have an 

audio-guided tour and find out 

how the other half lived and count 

your blessings as you see how the 

paupers lived as you discover what 

life in the 19th century was like. From 

here we head for Nottingham with 

chance to take in some of the City’s 

history. Well worth a visit is reputedly 

England’s oldest inn, the ‘Trip to 

Jerusalem’. Carved into the rock and 

linked to the caves under the castle, 

the inn dates back to 1189 and is a 

fascinating place. We arrive at the 

Crowne Plaza Hotel for dinner, bed 


Sunday This morning we make for 

Loughborough where we join the 

Great Central Railway for a ride 

to Leicester, crossing picturesque 

Swithland Reservoir on the way. From 

here we drive to the little village of 

Foxton. 

Here we board ‘Vagabond’, an 

elegant vintage motor launch, for 

a trip on the Grand Union Canal, 

seeing the Foxton flight of 10 locks, 

and gently passing through peaceful 

countryside. At Foxton there is a canal 

side pub where refreshments are 

available. Later we head for home. 


• 4 star hotel with indoor 

swimming pool 

• Great central railway 

• Southwell workhouse 

£129 

2 DAYS 

Trams, Trains and Canals - a transport extravaganza 

bringing back memories of bygone days. We feature 

a ride on the preserved Great Central Railway, take 

a nostalgic tramcar ride at Crich and enjoy a canal trip. 

Your hotel 

The 4 star rated Crowne Plaza Hotel 

is located in the heart of the city 

centre. Spacious public areas uniquely 

centre on a tree-lined avenue and 

include a popular bar. Hotel facilities 

include leisure club with indoor 

swimming pool. All bedrooms are en 

suite and have television and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. The hotel 

has a lift. 

Departures 

5 May £129 

26 May £129 

23 Jun £129 

28 Jul £129 

25 Aug £129 

22 Sept £129 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Foxton locks ‘Vagabond’ 

canal cruise 

• City of Nottingham 

FROM 

Jersey Guernsey 

✓ Home Link 

✓ 6 nights with dinner, 

bed and breakfast 

We will collect you from your home and take you 

to your local airport for the one hour flight to Jersey. 

On arrival you will be met and taken to 

your chosen hotel. If you prefer travel 

by sea, experience the Wavepiercer 

catamaran journey from Poole to St 

Helier and enjoy a 6 night stay on the 

island. Either way, a Bakers Dolphin 

representative will see you off and 

another will be available during your 

stay to assist with arranging coach 

excursions or car hire. 

• The German Underground 

Hospital, a museum that gives a 

comprehensive insight into the 

five year Nazi occupation. 

• Take a half day tour of the 

island to see the picturesque 

Jersey countryside. 

• Jersey Pottery, one of the most 

popular attractions on the island, 

or travel the Bergerac Trail. 

Your hotel 

Norfolk Lodge Hotel A fine hotel 

on the outskirts of town. The main 

feature of this hotel is the superb 

indoor swimming complex and the 

excellent evening entertainment. 

All rooms are en suite with TV, 

tea/coffee making facilities. A lift 

serves all floors. 


• The German Underground 

Hospital 

• Take a half day tour of the island 

• Jersey Pottery 

Samares Coast Hotel Situated in a 

prime sea front location. You can dine 

with superb views over St. Clement’s 

Bay. A superbly appointed indoor 

leisure complex has recently been 

built and overlooks the outdoor pool. 

• Hotel transfers in Jersey 

• Half day coach tour 

• Services of a Local representative 

By Air 

• Return flights from 

• Bristol or Exeter Airports 

By Sea 

• Return transport from 

your home to Poole 

• Condor Wavepiercer 

return crossings 

We will collect you from your home and take you 

to your local airport for your flight to Guernsey. 

Or travel by sea aboard the 

Wavepiercer catamaran from Poole 

to St. Helier and onto Guernsey for 

your 6 night stay on the island. You 

will be met on arrival and taken to 

your chosen hotel. A Bakers Dolphin 

representative is available during your 

stay to assist with coach excursions 

or car hire. 

• Cliff Views Explore many of the 

delightful points including Icart 

Point, Pleinmont Point and the 

Guernsey Gold and Silversmiths 

• Herm Guernsey’s unspoilt 

island neighbour 

• Fortress Guernsey 

The authentic, all inclusive half 

day tour of Guernsey 

• South Tour and Little Chapel 

Visiting Jerbourg Point, the 

Strawberry Farm 

Your hotel 

Green Acres The Green Acres 

Guernsey is one of the most 

established Guernsey hotels and 

the perfect base in which to spend 

your holiday. All bedrooms have 

private bathrooms, television and 

tea/coffee making facillities. 


• Cliff Views 

• Herm 

• Fortress Guernsey 

• South Tour and Little Chapel 

Pandora Hotel The Pandora Hotel is 

conveniently situated in an elevated 

in an elevated position within a ten 

minute stroll of the centre of St Peter 

Port and its harbour. All bedrooms 

are en suite with colour TV, hairdryer, 

direct dial telephone and tea/coffee 


• Hotel transfers in Guernsey 

• Half day coach tour 

• Services of a Local representative 

By Air 

• Return flights from 

• Bristol or Exeter Airports 

By Sea 

• Return transport from your 

home to Poole 

• Condor Wavepiercer 

return crossings 


£479 

7 DAYS 

✓ Home Link 

✓ 6 nights with dinner, 


16 17 

Departures 

Norfolk Samares 

Air Sea Air Sea 

13 May £575 £479 £619 £499 

27 May £629 £539 £639 £569 

24 Jun £619 £519 £639 £565 

15 Jul £635 £539 £659 £565 

05 Aug £659 £569 £659 £599 

26 Aug £635 £529 £669 £569 

16 Sept £629 £509 £639 £549 

Single room available on request 

at extra charge 

Departures 

FROM 

£499 

7 DAYS 

Pandora Green Acres 

Air Sea Air Sea 

13 May £589 £499 £647 £539 

27 May £599 £509 £649 £565 

24 Jun £609 £519 £669 £565 

15 Jul £615 £529 £669 £585 

05 Aug £615 £549 £669 £585 

26 Aug £619 £529 £659 £599 

16 Sept £609 £529 £659 £565 

Single room available on request 

at extra charge 

Channel Islands

London Break 

Surprising London 

✓ 4 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ Home Link 


• Buckingham Palace 

• St. Paul’s Cathedral Guided Tour 

• Houses of Parliament Tour 

• Kew Gardens 

• ‘East End’ and ‘Jack the Rippers Haunts’ 

• River Thames Boat Trip 

Departures 

13 Aug £459 27 Aug £459 


Book online at www.bakersdolphin.com... 

An exciting and unique tour for 

2011 featuring various attractions 

in and around our Capital City, from 

the delights of Kew Gardens to 

majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral and the 

splendours of Buckingham Palace. 

A visit to the Houses of Parliament 

and a boat trip on the river Thames, 

as well a visit to some of the not so 

well known haunts of London’s east 

end, ‘Jack the Ripper’ territory! 

Monday We depart and make our way to 

Buckinghamshire to arrive at the Bull Hotel where 

we enjoy the next four night’s stay with dinner, 

bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday During your 

holiday the following attractions will be included: 

Buckingham Palace 

Buckingham Palace is the official London 

residence of the Queen and serves both as a 

home and as an office. Visit the magnificent 

State Rooms, lavishly furnished with some of the 

greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. 

Houses of Parliament 

A guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, the 

Chamber of the House of Lords, the House of 

Commons and Westminster Hall. 

River Thames Cruise 

From Westminster Pier for a delightful 90 minutes 

cruise heading west along the River Thames to 

Kew Gardens. 

£459 

5 DAYS 

Kew Gardens 

Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at the Royal 

Botanic Gardens. 

East End Sightseeing Tour 

We travel into London for a sightseeing tour of 

London’s East End, featuring the City of London 

and the Bank of England, Royal London Hospital 

(the Elephant Man), infamous Jack the Ripper’s 

haunts, the ‘Blind Beggar’ pub, which gave 

General Booth the idea for the Salvation Army 

and Captain James Cook’s house. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral 

A fascinating guided tour of historic St. Paul’s 

Cathedral, standing at the heart of the City of 

London - and of the British Nation. Created in 

the 17th Century by Sir Christopher Wren, the 

Cathedral is a landmark the world over, a place 

of celebration as well as remembrance. 

Friday After breakfast we must depart and begin 

our homeward journey. 

Your hotel 

Overlooking the picturesque village common in 

Gerrard’s Cross, to the west of London, the 3 star 

rated Bull Hotel was built as a coaching inn in 

1688 on the old London to Oxford road. Today 

the Bull maintains a charming period atmosphere 

and is a hotel where you can expect a warm and 

friendly welcome. The hotel’s beautiful gardens 

provide a place to relax and quietly unwind after 

your day out. Two bars, the traditional village bar 

or the quieter cocktail bar. All the bedrooms are well 

appointed and feature en suite bathroom, satellite 

television and in-room movies, radio, telephone, 

hairdryer and hospitality tray. 

Great Yarmouth and The Norfolk Broads 


NEW hotel 

including leisure 

facilities 

for 2012 

18 19 

A holiday of many contrasts, from 

the hustle and bustle of a busy 

seaside resort, to the relaxing calm 

of the Broads, to the historic City 

of Norwich and also the quieter 

resorts and towns of the region. 

Something for everyone. 

Sunday We depart in the morning and travel to 

Great Yarmouth arriving at the Burlington Palm 

Hotel in time for dinner. Enjoy the next 6 nights 

stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. There will be 

entertainment on some nights and an opportunity 

to visit a local theatre. 

Monday We begin the day with a visit to the 

charming Norfolk Broads where we enjoy a cruise 

on board the unique ‘Mississippi Paddle Boat’, a 

luxury double deck river boat. This afternoon we 

head west into Norwich. A visit to the Cathedral is 

a must, also cobbled Elm Hill and the Castle Mall 

shopping complex. 

Tuesday A free day to explore and discover the 

delights of Great Yarmouth and after an early 

dinner there will be the chance for an evening out 

at The Pavillion Theatre Gorleston (cost extra). 

Wednesday Today’s excursion takes us first 

along the coast and to Suffolk the timeless and 

delightful resort of Southwold, little changed since 

Victorian times. This afternoon we head inland to 

Diss and Blooms of Bressingham Garden Centre. 

Here you also have the opportunity to visit nearby 

Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum. The 

gardens are renowned the world over for their 

excellence. (entry extra) 

Thursday Free day in Great Yarmouth or there 

may be an opportunity to visit Royal Sandringham, 

subject to Royal residence (cost extra). 

Friday After breakfast we leave for a full day 

excursion into North Norfolk and the popular resort 

of Cromer, where we take a break. The church 

tower is the tallest in Norfolk at 160ft and is well 

worth seeing. From Cromer we continue on our way 

to Thursford where we visit the unique collection 

of organs, roundabouts and a mighty Wurlitzer 

cinema organ (Thursford visit will not be available 

on the October departure). 

Saturday After breakfast we leave and begin our 

homeward journey. 

Your hotel 

The 3 star rated family owned and run Burlington 

Palm Hotel stands in a quiet location on Great 

Yarmouth seafront overlooking the sea. Hotel 

facilities include heated indoor swimming pool or 

you may choose to relax in the old fashioned way 

cultivating new friends over a drink in one of our 

attractive lounges. The bedrooms are pleasantly 

decorated and well equipped – all are en suite and 

have television, telephone, hairdryer & tea/ coffee 

making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

FROM 

£449 

7 DAYS 


• Norfolk’s Premier Seaside Resort 

• Historic Cathedral City of Norwich 

• Norfolk Broads Cruise 

• North Norfolk Coast - Cromer 

• Thursford Collection 

• Timeless Southwold 

Departures 

20 May £449 17 Jun £459 

15 Jul £459 05 Aug £469 

09 Sept £459 07 Oct £449 


...or call our friendly Reservations Team on 01934 415 000 

England and Wales

England and Wales 

Glorious Devon 



• Free time in Babbacombe and Torquay 

• Steam Train ride 

• Free time in Plymouth 

• Visit to the historic city of Exeter 

Departures 

28 May £299 11 Jun* £335 

02 Jul £335 27 Aug £335 

24 Sept £329 15 Oct £299 



A few days in Devon on the English 

Riviera can be just the tonic! We’ve 

added some additional spice with 

our choice of fascinating excursions. 

Enjoy days out with us or, if you 

prefer, explore the attractions of 

Babbacombe including the Model 

Village, Kent’s Cavern and Bygones 

whilst the palm-lined promenade of 

Torquay is just a short journey away. 

Monday We depart for the journey to Devon to 

arrive in Babbacombe in early afternoon for the 

next 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. After 

settling in to the hotel the rest of the day is free to 

enjoy the local area. 

Tuesday We drive to Paignton and board the steam 

train bound for Kingswear. Here we cross the Dart 

Estuary to the attractive port of Dartmouth. Many 

period dramas and films have been shot around the 

town’s old quays and narrow streets. After some 

free time here we board a river cruise for the journey 

up the beautiful Dart Valley as far as the market 

town of Totnes. We then return to Babbacombe by 

coach. 

Wednesday Enjoy a day at leisure. 

Thursday Today we head for the wild expanses 

of Dartmoor passing the market town of 

Moretonhampstead and Princetown, home to the 

infamous Dartmoor Prison. Finally we arrive at the 

maritime city of Plymouth where the rest of the 

FROM 

£299 

5 DAYS 

day is free for sightseeing. You can visit the striking 

Plymouth Hoe where Sir Francis Drake played bowls 

before defeating the Spanish Armada or wander 

around the Elizabethan Barbican from where the 

Pilgrim fathers set sail for America. Alternatively, the 

modern shopping centre is well worth a visit. 

Friday Our brief visit to Babbacombe is over too 

soon as we make our way along the coast to 

Dawlish and then to the historic city of Exeter for 

a visit. Departing in the afternoon we then travel 

home for an early evening meal. 

Your hotel 

The Anchorage Hotel is situated in a convenient 

location, just a short walk from the attractions 

and shops. All rooms are en suite with TV and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. The hotel has an outdoor 

swimming pool. 

Newquay includes the Eden Project 


20 21 

*This date will be accommodated at The Seabury Hotel, Babbacombe 

Magnificent windswept coastline, 

white stone villages and a history 

of shipwrecks and piracy make 

Cornwall an unspoilt and mysterious 

place. This very popular tour explores 

many of the fascinating places 

of interest in the county from our 

base in the well known north coast 

resort of Newquay. 

Sunday We travel to glorious Devon and across 

Bodmin Moor to reach Newquay during the 

afternoon, for the next 6 nights dinner, bed 

and breakfast 

Monday You have a full day to relax and explore 

Newquay with its beautiful sandy beaches and 

zoological gardens. 

Tuesday Our full day excursion starts with 

a visit as far as we can go in Cornwall, to Land’s 

End. There is free time before heading to the 

picturesque fishing village of St Ives where there 

is a myriad of little shops and galleries along its 

cobblestone streets and harbour side. 

Wednesday Our destination today is Padstow 

but you can take your pick on the best way 

to get there. For those who wish we will drive first 

to Wadebridge where you can walk or hire bicycles 

along the Camel Trail a former railway line which 

runs along the unspoilt river estuary, a mecca 

for wildlife, before arriving at the famous fishing 

port. Padstow has become a familiar sight on TV 

in recent years as the home of the popular chef, 

Rick Stein. 

Thursday A drive across the Duchy takes us to 

the lovely deep water port of Falmouth, steeped 

in military history. Perhaps take a short cruise on 

the River Fal or visit Pendennis Castle (entry extra). 

Next we travel to Truro, county town of Cornwall, 

dominated by its splendid Cathedral. 

Friday Today we have our excursion to the 

delightful Eden Project, here you will have time 

to marvel at the tropical vegetation inside the 

space age ‘biomes’. 

Saturday After breakfast we depart for the return 

journey arriving early evening. 

Your hotel 

Located in a quiet residential area of Newquay 

and a short walk from the beautiful beaches. All 

bedrooms are en suite with tea/coffee making 

facilities. The hotel California also has an indoor 

swimming pool and sauna. 

FROM 

£375 

7 DAYS 


• Fascinating local excursions on 4 days 

• Entry to Eden Project 

• A chance to cycle or walk the Camel 

Trail to Padstow 

Departures 

29 Apr £439 24 Jun £439 

26 Aug £519 30 Sept £439 

14 Oct £375 



England and Wales


Sidmouth 



• The Victorian resort of Sidmouth 

• Weymouth with its charming 17th 

century harbour 

• Donkey Sanctuary 

• The Roman orgins of Dorchester 

Departures 

29 Apr £399 03 Jun £465 

23 Jul £465 18 Aug £465 

10 Sept £465 



Sidmouth is a destination that over 

the years has certainly become 

a very popular place for a short 

holiday. Delightful scenery, both 

coastal and countryside coupled 

with a lovely hotel make for 

a delightful South Devon break. 

Day One We depart from our local area and make 

our way to Sidmouth arriving at the Royal York and 

Faulkner Hotel in the afternoon for the next four 

nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. Plenty of 

time to settle in before dinner this evening. 

Day Two After breakfast we enjoy a morning 

tour of the beautiful Devon countryside stopping 

in Seaton to enjoy some free time. We return to 

Sidmouth via the Donkey Sanctuary where you are 

free to spend as much time as you wish meeting 

the donkeys. These donkeys live in the main barn, 

some of them are over 40 years of age. They need 

plenty of extra attention and are kept here to be 

close to the veterinary hospital. We return to the 

hotel in the afternoon. 

Day Three Today we travel as far as Dorchester 

the county town of Dorset whose Roman origins 

are evident in the streets and architecture. We 

then head towards Weymouth with its charming 

17th century harbour, where we will spend the 

afternoon. 

FROM 

£399 

5 DAYS 

Day Four Enjoy a final day at leisure to enjoy this 

beautiful Victorian resort, why not take a stroll 

along the flat promenade or maybe visit the 

nearby shopping centre. 

Day Five We journey home today. 

Your hotel 

Royal York & Faulkner Hotel A lovely hotel 

situated on the seafront of the highest calibre. 

The hotel has a sauna, solarium and snooker. There 

is entertainment most evenings. All bedrooms have 

private bathroom, colour TV and tea/coffee making 

facilities. There is a lift at the hotel. 

Falmouth 


22 23 

Falmouth is Britain’s most southerly 

resort and the third largest natural 

harbour in the world. In the narrow 

streets of the bustling town centre 

you’ll find a wide selection of shops, 

art galleries and ancient inns. 

Day One We depart from our local area and make 

our way to Falmouth and the St Michael’s Hotel 

and Spa where we will enjoy the next 5 nights with 

dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Two Today we visit the ancient market town 

of Penzance, which has lovely views across to St 

Michael’s Mount. We stop during the afternoon at 

charming St Ives with its lovely harbour, cobbled 

streets and old fisherman’s cottages. 

Day Three A day at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s 

superb facilities or explore Falmouth. 

Day Four An excursion to Truro, Cornwall’s 

Cathedral City and then on to the picturesque 

village of Mevagissy, where tiny cottages cling to 

the hillside around the busy harbour. 

Day Five Today we will enjoy a full day exploring 

the Lizard Peninsula. We enjoy a scenic drive 

through Constantine and Gweek, past coastal coves 

and cliff scenery to visit Lizard village, Britain’s 

most southerly point, and return by way of pretty 

Porthleven. 

Day Six Today we must sadly depart and make our 

way home. 

Your hotel 

Falmouth Beach overlooks Gyllyngvase Beach. 

En-suite bedrooms, hairdryer, television, telephone 

and tea/coffee making facilities. Indoor swimming 

pool, steam room, sauna and spa bath. Please note 

the lifts do not service all rooms. 


• St Michael’s Hotel & Spa 

• Excursions to Penzance, St Ives, 

Truro and the Lizard Peninsula 

• The cottages and harbour 

of Mevagissy 

• Explore Falmouth at your leisure 

Departures 

FROM 

£449 

6 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

10 Jun £529 12 Aug £559 

03 Sept £549 22 Oct £449* 


* This is a Gold Service departure only, and will 

entail a supplement of £15 per day. See page 

8-9 for details 


England and Wales


Isle of Wight 



• ‘Victorian Ventnor’ with its lovely 

botanical gardens. 

• Osborne House, the island residence 

of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. 

• Cowes, perhaps best known as the world’s 

premier yachting centre. 

• Free time to enjoy Shanklin 

Departures 

13 May £459 10 Jun £495 

24 Jun £495 15 Jul £499 

05 Aug £499 26 Aug £499 

16 Sept £499 07 Oct £459 



The Isle of Wight is the ideal place 

for a tranquil and relaxing holiday. 

Its charm and beauty, golden 

beaches and cliff top scenery 

provide a variety of interesting places 

to see from our base in the pretty 

resort of Shanklin. 

Sunday We travel to Southampton and catch 

the ferry to Cowes and on to our hotel in Shanklin 

where we enjoy 6 nights evening meal, bed and 

breakfast. 

Monday Time to relax and explore Shanklin. You 

must visit its golden beach and seafront, the old 

village with its thatched cottages and olde worlde 

craft shops. 

Tuesday A morning excursion to ‘Victorian 

Ventnor’ with its lovely botanical gardens. Then on 

to Godshill, with a 14th century church, a delightful 

model village and famous thatched cottages. Time 

to take lunch and a leisurely stroll before returning 

to Shanklin. 

Wednesday Today we take you to Cowes, the 

principal port of the Island, perhaps best known as 

the world’s premier yachting centre. Ample time 

is allowed in Cowes for lunch and a wander along 

the famous Parade with its panoramic views of the 

Solent. We continue to Osborne House, the island 

residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The 

house has many of the original treasures, giving a 

vivid glimpse of the Royal Family’s life. We also see 

Whippingham Church, the place where the Royals 

worshipped. 

FROM 

£459 

7 DAYS 

Thursday Enjoy a full day island tour. The scenery 

is constantly changing as we visit Yarmouth, Alum 

Bay with its coloured sands, the Needles and 

Freshwater Bay. 

Friday This morning we drive to Ryde, another of 

the island’s pretty seaside towns, with six miles of 

beautiful sandy beach, a pier and some fascinating 

streets full of individual little shops. We return to 

Shanklin after lunch for some last minute shopping 

or sightseeing. 

Saturday Our return journey takes us back over 

the Solent to Southampton and onwards to arrive 

home in the early evening. 

Your hotel 

The Shanklin Hotel commands a premier position 

overlooking Sandown Bay and the surrounding 

downlands. The bars, lounges and Starlight 

Restaurant all enjoy panoramic views, making for 

the ideal place to relax. The bedrooms have private 

bathroom, direct dial telephone, television and 

hospitality tray and most are served by the lift. 

Has an indoor swimming pool. 

Eastbourne including the Bluebell Railway 


24 25 

From the chalk South Downs 

through the sleepy lanes of Wealden 

to historic 1066 country this corner 

of South East England is packed with 

fascinating things to see and do. 

We will be following in the footsteps 

of William the Conqueror, Sir Arthur 

Conan Doyle and A.A. Milne as well 

as enjoying a ride on the famous 

Bluebell Railway. 

Sunday A leisurely drive across southern England 

to arrive in Eastbourne where we spend the next 

6 nights with dinner bed and breakfast. Time to 

settle in before dinner. 

Monday Today we travel along the coast to 

Brighton, famous for its Regency Palace and the 

labyrinth of antiques shops in the Lanes. There 

will be plenty of time to discover Brighton before 

we travel on in the afternoon to historic Lewes. 

Dominated by its Norman Castle, the history of 

Lewes can be discovered in its medieval streets. 

The return journey to Eastbourne will take us 

across the magnificent South Downs. 

Tuesday Enjoy a day at leisure to sample the 

delights of Eastbourne. 

Wednesday Enjoy a scenic drive through the 

Sussex countryside to the stylish spa town of Royal 

Tunbridge Wells. There will be time to wander 

through the elegant Georgian streets and have 

lunch before we set off in the afternoon for Hever 

Castle (entrance included), a romantic 13th 

century moated castle. 

Thursday We are on the history trail today 

following in the footsteps of William the 

Conqueror. First stop is Battle Abbey on the site 

of the famous encounter with Harold in 1066. We 

then travel the short distance to Hastings itself 

before paying a visit in the afternoon to Rye. This 

lovely town was one of the original Cinque Ports 

but due to silting over the centuries, now finds 

itself some distance inland from the sea. 

Friday We travel inland to board the Bluebell 

Railway for the steam journey as far as Sheffield 

Park and the magnificent Capability Brown 

landscaped gardens. 

Saturday Homeward bound our route takes us 

along the South Coast via Chichester and over 

Salisbury Plain for an early evening arrival. 

Your hotel 

Oban Hotel Situated on the seafront in the 

fashionable West End area of Eastbourne and 

enjoys superb sea views. All bedrooms have private 

facilities, colour TV, telephone, radio and tea/coffee 

making facilities. There is a lift to all floors. 

FROM 

£449 

7 DAYS 


• Train ride on the Bluebell Express 

• Entrance to Sheffield Park Gardens 

• Entrance to romantic Hever Castle 

• A day at leisure in Eastbourne 

• Royal Tunbridge Wells 

Departures 

20 May £455 03 Jun £459 

01 Jul £469 29 Jul £469 

12 Aug £469 02 Sept £469 

07 Oct £449 



England and Wales


Delightful Dorset 



• Beautiful Devon and Dorset countryside 

• Visits to Lyme Regis, Dorchester 

and Bournemouth 

• Bournemouth’s gardens 

Departures 

14 May £385 18 Jun £389 

10 Sept £389 15 Oct £385 



King George III came to Weymouth 

in the late eighteenth century and 

the fine Georgian terraces still line 

the wide Esplanade today. Quaint 

little back streets wind around the 

old harbour, and the magnificent 

sweep of Weymouth Bay offers 

golden sands and fine, safe bathing. 

Traditional delights of the English 

seaside, award winning parks and 

gardens, fun craft and souvenir 

shops, regular entertainment in the 

Pavillion complex and the lovely 

Dorset countryside on the doorstep 

– this tour has it all! 

Monday We leave home to make our way to 

Weymouth where we spend the next 4 nights with 

dinner bed and breakfast. We arrive in time to 

explore this wonderful seaside town. 

Tuesday A full day scenic excursion along the 

Dorset coast to Devon. Stopping along the way 

at attractive Lyme Regis where Meryl Streep 

stood on the harbour pier in the film ‘The French 

Lieutenant’s Woman’. Lyme Regis is home to 

thousands of dinosaur fossils many easily spotted 

in its limestone cliffs. 

Onward to the lovely Devon countryside visiting 

the elegant resort of Sidmouth in the afternoon 

where the beach is set between spectacular cliffs. 

FROM 

£385 

5 DAYS 

Wednesday A full day out, first heading to 

Dorchester – Thomas Hardy’s ‘Casterbridge’ – 

where you can wander among the numerous 

historical buildings including the courtroom where 

the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, or 

perhaps take a browse around the market. In the 

afternoon we visit Bournemouth which is blessed 

with two thousand acres of parks and gardens, 

clean golden beaches, two piers and the famous 

wooded chines which lead down to the sea. 

Thursday A half day trip to the little resort of 

Swanage, set on a bay with a level promenade 

and renowned in Victorian times for its stone used 

for famous London Buildings. 

Friday Begin our way home arriving early 

evening. 

Your hotel 

The Crown Hotel In the centre of Weymouth, and 

is just a five minute walk to the beach and shops. 

Bedrooms have private bathroom, television and 

tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift to 

all floors. 

Scarborough and Historic York 


26 27 

Scarborough enjoys an unrivalled 

position as one of Britain’s 

premier coastal resorts yet also 

lies tantalisingly close to North 

Yorkshire’s rugged National Park. 

On this holiday you can enjoy 

the golden beaches, superb parks 

and gardens and wide range of 

leisure amenities which have given 

Scarborough its justifiable reputation, 

as well as the natural beauty and 

historical heritage of Yorkshire. 

Sunday We depart from our local area and travel 

north to Yorkshire arriving at the Esplanade Hotel, 

for the next 5 nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Monday This morning we head north following the 

coast road to Whitby, the famous fishing port which 

was once the home of Captain James Cook. High 

above the harbour stands the 7th century Whitby 

Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

We have time to wander around the narrow 

streets and busy harbourside before leaving for the 

picturesque village of Goathland. Here you have 

chance of an optional ride on the North Yorkshire 

Moors Railway, a scenic ride across the moors to 

Pickering. 

Tuesday A free day to discover the varied 

attractions of Scarborough. Enjoy the delightful 

promenade in the Belvedere Gardens, take a short 

walk to the town centre and shops, or amble down 

to the beaches of South Bay, or the busy little 

harbour. 

Wednesday This morning we leave for a day in the 

ancient and historic City of York. In York there are 

lots of things to see and do – The National Railway 

Museum, The Jorvik Centre, The Castle Museum, 

stroll around the City Walls, wander around 

the excellent shops, explore the many quaint 

little alleyways, and, of course, no visit to York is 

complete without seeing magnificent York Minster. 

Late afternoon we return to Scarborough. 

Thursday Today we have a sightseeing 

spectacular! Leaving Scarborough we head inland 

to lovely Hutton-le-Hole and up on to the moors, 

crossing Blakey Ridge with fantastic views on all 

sides. From Danby we continue via Guisborough 

and Great Ayton, with views of Roseberry Topping, 

to Bilsdale, known as ‘Little Switzerland’. Our final 

stop is in Helmsley, with its huge market square and 

interesting little shops to explore. 

Friday Regretfully we leave after breakfast and 

begin our journey home. 

Your hotel 

The 3 Star Esplanade Hotel enjoys a commanding 

position on Scarborough’s South Cliff, yet is just a 

short walk from the beach, the Spa and the town 

centre. Bedrooms are all en suite with TV and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. There is a lift to all floors 

and evening entertainment is planned on two 

evenings. 


• Historic Whitby and Captain Cook Country 

• North Yorkshire Moors 

• Ancient City of York 

• Hutton-Le-Hole and Blakey Ridge 

• Beautiful Bilsdale 

FROM 

£399 

6 DAYS 

• Delightful Yorkshire Wolds villages 

Departures 

06 May £399 10 Jun £449 

08 Jul £449 05 Aug £449 

16 Sept £449 07 Oct £449 



England and Wales


Bournemouth 



• Lulworth Cove & Isle of Purbeck 

• A drive to historic Poole 

• A magnificent drive through the New Forest 

Departures 

13 May £385 17 Jun £399 

08 July £409 05 Aug £409 

16 Sept £385 07 Oct £359 



The south coast of Bournemouth 

boasts golden sandy beaches, floral 

gardens, excellent shopping and 

year round entertainment. It is also 

perfectly positioned on the edge 

of the New Forest and close 

to many fascinating places of 

interest or historic significance. If 

you are looking for a varied and 

entertaining holiday but don’t 

want to travel too far, our tour to 

Bournemouth is just the answer. 

Sunday We depart for the south coast to arrive 

in Bournemouth during the afternoon where 

we spend the next 5 nights for dinner bed and 

breakfast. 

Monday A scenic day out travelling via Corfe 

Castle to Lulworth Cove and the Isle of Purbeck. 

Tuesday Today we enjoy a full day tour to 

Salisbury on market day. Enjoy the bustling 

market place or explore the historic buildings; 

the Guildhall, Gothic Cathedral, Deanery and the 

Wardrobe. 

Wednesday After a morning at leisure we have 

a short drive to Sandbanks and Poole with its 

historic quay. 

Thursday A complete contrast today as we 

head inland to the New Forest. We commence in 

Christchurch before heading to the lovely village 

of Burley in the heart of the New Forest and finally 

to Lyndhurst. 

FROM 

£359 

6 DAYS 

Friday Sadly after some final free time for 

last minute shopping, we must leave 

Bournemouth and make our way home for a late 

afternoon arrival. 

Your hotel 

The Balmoral Hotel A family run hotel offering 

home comforts and excellent cuisine. Ideally 

situated in a quiet central position overlooking 

Bournemouth’s beautiful sandy beach. All 

bedrooms have private bathroom, colour television, 

direct dial telephone and tea/coffee making 

facilities. There is a lift to all floors. 

Margate and Cliftonville 


28 29 

With its fertile soil and mild 

climate the Kentish countryside 

has flourished as a fruit growing 

region gaining its reputation as the 

‘Garden of England’. On the coast 

are the remains of sturdy castles 

built to deter invaders from across 

the Channel. However today the 

seashore is largely devoted 

to holidaymakers. Our base for this 

tour is the lovely seaside resort of 

Margate with its many attractions, 

including pleasant beaches, spacious 

lawns, flower garden and shopping 

centre. 

Monday We head eastwards across England, 

skirting South London and on to Margate and our 

hotel where we will enjoy four nights dinner, bed 

and breakfast. Time to settle in before dinner this 

evening. 

Tuesday Today we enjoy an excursion to the 

fascinating town of Rochester most famous for 

its association with Charles Dickens. The centre is 

dominated by the majestic Castle and dramatic 

Cathedral. The High Street is full of independent 

shops for you to browse. Time to explore here 

before we head off to the Historic Dockyard at 

Chatham which gives you a wonderful insight into 

the ships and vessels of the Royal Navy including 

a full sized submarine. Don’t forget to visit the 

Royal Dockyard Museum. 

Wednesday A trip inland to Canterbury, one 

of England’s loveliest Cathedral cities. The 

magnificent Cathedral has wonderful stained glass 

and the city is rich in history as well as having a fine 

shopping precinct. We return along the coast via 

Herne Bay and Whitstable. 

Thursday We take the road to Dover ‘Gateway 

to England’ with its mighty castle and on to 

Folkestone. The old town is especially picturesque 

and the fishing boats sail from the inner harbour. 

You can take the lift from the seafront up to the 

Leas for a breathtaking walk along the cliff top and 

views of the Channel. 

Friday Sadly we must leave the hotel after 

breakfast for our drive westwards. 

Your hotel 

The Smiths Court has recently undergone an 

extensive refurbishment by the current owners who 

feel they have now created the finest boutique 

hotel in East Kent. The hotel enjoys a lovely 

position on the seafront in Cliftonville (Margate). 

All bedrooms have private bathroom, satellite TV, 

direct dial telephones, tea/coffee making facilities. 

FROM 

£345 

5 DAYS 


• Visit to Rochester, Canterbury and Dover 

• Visit to the Historic Dockyard at Chatham 

including the Royal Dockyard Museum 

Departures 

28 May £345 02 Jul £369 

23 Jul £369 27 Aug £369 

01 Oct £345 22 Oct £345 



England and Wales


Castles of Kent 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Leeds Castle 

• Hever Castle 

• Dover Castle and wartime tunnels tour 

• Romney Hythe and Dymchurch railway 

• Kent Battle of Britain museum 


The delightful county of Kent is 

blessed with charming English 

countryside and is within easy reach 

for this short break. We feature a 

visit to ‘The most beautiful castle 

in the world’ – as Leeds Castle is 

known, Hever Castle with its Tudor 

connections, and Dover Castle with 

its colourful and turbulent history. 

A famous narrow gauge railway 

and the Battle of Britain museum 

complete the tour. 

Monday We depart from our local area in the 

morning travelling east to Kent. This afternoon we 

visit Hever Castle, former childhood home of Anne 

Boleyn. The story of the Tudors at Hever is depicted 

in the many portraits around the castle. From here 

we make our way to our hotel for the next 4 nights 

stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday Today we visit historic Canterbury, with 

its famous Cathedral. The town centre is very 

compact and is best explored on foot or by horse 

drawn carriage. We have a chance to obtain lunch 

here and this afternoon we visit Leeds Castle 

set on two islands on the River Len and home to 

generations of Lords and Ladies for over 1000 

years. We are transported through around 900 

years of the castle’s history a sumptuous mix of 

period architecture, impressive interiors and family 

treasures. 

FROM 

£409 

5 DAYS 

Wednesday We begin with a drive to Hawkinge, 

not far from Folkestone. Here we visit the Kent 

Battle of Britain Museum, a superb collection of 

Battle of Briatin artefacts, with aircraft, vehicles, 

weapons, prints, relics and much more. From here 

we make our way into the coastal town of Hythe 

where we join the world famous Romney Hythe 

and Dymchurch narrow gauge railway for a ride 

along the coast to New Romney. Afterwards 

we take a break in delightful Tenterden before 

returning through the picturesque countryside. 

Thursday This morning we travel to Dover to visit 

the most iconic of all English fortresses. Dover 

castle has commanded the gateway to the realm 

for nine centuries. We explore the many different 

layers of Dover Castle’s colourful and turbulent 

history. We see the medieval defence systems and 

have a tour of the Secret Wartime Tunnels used as 

a strategic stronghold during WWII. The tour also 

features the Underground Hospital. 

Friday after breakfast we leave and make our way 

home. 

Your hotel 

The 3 star Best Western Manor Hotel is located 

on the outskirts of Gravesend. Hotel facilities 

include a smart restaurant, bar and well equipped 

fitness centre. All the bedrooms are en suite 

with digital television, telephone, hairdryer and 

hospitality tray. 

Discovering Lincolnshire 


30 31 

Departures 

30 Apr £409* 21 May £419 

11 Jun £419 02 Jul £419 

20 Aug £419 03 Sept £419 

22 Oct £419 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

The County of Lincolnshire is an 

inspiring holiday destination and 

offers much variety for the visitor, 

from beautiful unspoilt countryside 

and thriving market towns to the 

historic charm and heritage of the 

City of Lincoln itself. 

Dominated by the magnificent 

Cathedral and the surrounding 

narrow streets and alleyways of the 

old town, there is a marked contrast 

with the bustling Brayford Pool. 

Our tour features the stunning Belton 

House and the old town of Stamford. 


morning and travel to Lincolnshire arriving late 

afternoon at Olde Barn Hotel for the next 4 nights 

stay with dinner, bed and breakfast 

Tuesday We drive to the historic City of Lincoln 

with its magnificent Cathedral, and next to it 

the Norman Castle. First we meet our guide for 

a familiarisation tour of the city on the coach, 

and later in the day we enjoy a guided tour of 

the Cathedral. The old town is a labyrinth of little 

alleyways and interesting shops to explore - there 

are plenty of tea rooms to keep you going. 

Wednesday Our day begins with a drive to 

Hansen’s Chocolate House at Folkingham. Here 

we see the master chocolatier making delicious 

treats, followed by the master discussing the history 

of chocolate and the art of chocolate making, 

followed by tea/coffee and cakes. This afternoon 

we visit Belton House, near Grantham which is the 

perfect English country house, set in its own deer 

park, Belton was built in the 17th century and offers 

delightful gardens, orangery and lakeside walks. 

The house featured in BBC’s TV adaptation of Pride 

and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth. 

Thursday This morning we call at Stamford Garden 

Centre, Casterton, where you can enjoy a coffee in 

the Country Kitchen and browse around before we 

make our way to the beautiful town of Stamford. 

Stamford is packed full of art and craft shops and 

after lunch we have time to discover the town. 

This afternoon we visit Woolsthorpe Manor, with 

the famous apple tree, and birthplace of Sir Isaac 

Newton, who made most of his discoveries here 

about light and gravity. 

Friday After breakfast we leave and begin our 

journey home. 

Your hotel 

The Olde Barn Hotel is a delightful tranquil retreat 

set in beautiful Lincolnshire countryside near the 

village of Marston, not far from Grantham. The 

hotel prides itself on the quality of its food and 

the hotel facilities include Health Club & Spa 

with indoor swimming pool and Sauna & Spa. 

All bedrooms are en suite and have television, 

telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making 

facilities. The hotel has a lift. 


• Lincoln Cathedral guided tour 

• Guided tour of Lincoln 

• Hansen’s Chocolate House 

• Belton House 

• Historic Stamford 

FROM 

£369 

5 DAYS 

• Woolsthorpe Manor 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Departures 

21 May £369 18 Jun £389 

23 Jul £389 13 Aug £389 

17 Sept £389 01 Oct £389 

29 Oct £369* 






England and Wales


Nottingham - Robin Hood Country 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Discover one of England’s hidden 

treasures Lincolns historic city 

• Free time to explore the delights 

of Nottingham 

• Melton Mowbray and Rutland Water, the 

largest man-made lake in Western Europe 

Departures 

21 May £329 25 Jun £339 

30 Jul £339 27 Aug £339 

24 Sept £339 15 Oct £339 



The legend of the infamous outlaw 

Robin Hood, the saga of the Pilgrim 

Fathers, the vibrant verse of Lord 

Byron and the literacy legacy of DH 

Lawrence – no wonder the county 

of Nottinghamshire is so proud 

of its contribution to world heritage. 

The dynamic city of Nottingham 

has a colourful and intriguing past, 

encompassing the dramatic history 

of the imposing castle. 

Monday We depart and make our way 

to Nottingham to arrive at the Hilton Hotel where 

we enjoy the next four nights stay with dinner, 

bed and breakfast. Time to settle in before dinner 

this evening, maybe enjoy a swim. 

Tuesday Today we take an excursion to discover 

one of England’s hidden treasures. Lincoln 

is a fine historic city, with a magnificent tripletowered 

hilltop Cathedral that dominates the 

skyline. The original old Walls line many of the 

historic streets, where medieval houses are still 

preserved. 

Wednesday Today you can enjoy a free day 

to explore Nottingham. The hotel is located very 

near to the excellent Victoria Shopping Centre 

or you may want to visit the lovely Castle, once 

home to the legendary Sheriff of Nottingham. 

There is no shortage of things to see and do in the 

vibrant city of Nottingham. 

FROM 

£329 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Today we have a lovely excursion, 

experiencing the beauty of Melton Mowbray 

and Rutland Water, the largest man-made lake 

in Western Europe. The reservoir set in 3,100 acres 

is ideal for sport, leisure and wildlife conservation. 

We then continue to Stamford a beautifully 

preserved stone town that features historic 

buildings and churches. 

Friday Today we must sadly depart after 

breakfast and make our way back to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

The 4 star Hilton Hotel is located in the centre 

of Nottingham and is a firm favourite with Bakers 

Dolphin. Facilities include a fabulous Living Well 

Health Centre with swimming pool, sauna and 

gym. All bedrooms are en suite with satellite 

TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making 


Enchanting Old England and the Cotswolds 


32 33 

This new five day holiday takes 

us into the heart of England. 

Our itinerary takes us back in time 

as we head to the birthplace 

of William Shakespeare - Stratford 

upon Avon, Britain’s ultimate castle 

- Warwick Castle, where entrance 

is included and the beautiful towns, 

villages and scenery of the Cotswolds. 

Monday We depart and make our way to Warwick 

to arrive at the Hilton Hotel where we will enjoy 

the next four nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. Time to settle in and maybe take 

a swim before dinner this evening. 

Tuesday After a leisurely breakfast we make 

the short journey to Warwick. Enjoy a few hours 

free time to explore the town before visiting the 

medieval Warwick Castle to immerse yourself in 

over 1000 years of history myths and tales. 

Wednesday Today we enjoy a scenic drive 

through Shakespeare Country to reach Stratford 

Upon Avon for some free time to explore the town 

before enjoying a tour of the Birthplace of William 

Shakespeare - see where the world’s most famous 

playwright was born and grew up all brought to 

life by costumed guides. 

Thursday Today we enjoy a Cotswolds tour 

stopping in Moreton in the Marsh before 

continuing to Broadway for another stop. 

You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Vale 

of Evesham en-route for a stop Evesham before 

continuing to the Roman town of Alcester on our 

way back to our hotel. 

Friday Today we must sadly depart and make 

our way back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Hilton Warwick is perfectly situated for 

exploring the local area. All bedrooms are en suite 

with satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. 

The hotel has swimming pool and gym and there 

is a lift to all floors. 


• Visit to Warwick Town 

• Warwick Castle 

£369 

5 DAYS 

• Shakespeare Country Stratford upon Avon 

• A scenic tour visiting, Morton on the Marsh, 

Evesham & Alcester 

Departures 

14 May £369 11 Jun £369 

16 Jul £369 24 Sept £369 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


England and Wales


Lake District Sailing, Steaming and Dreaming 



• Mountain Goat minibus tour 

• Hill Top House – Beatrix Potter House 

• Hawkshead and Tarn Hows 

• Coniston Water Gondola Cruise 

• Lake Ullswater Cruise 

• Keswick 

• Bowness and Lake Windermere Cruise 

• Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway 


The sheer beauty the Lake District 

has inspired poets and artists for 

centuries, and on this holiday we 

will paint a picture that will last in 

your memory for years to come. 

From our base we can explore the 

dramatic landscapes of the Lakes 

on this unique holiday. One of our 

excursions is taken in mini buses 

which reach the parts where others 

can not go! 

Monday we depart from our local area in the 

morning travelling to Cumbria and Shap Wells 

Hotel for the next 4 nights stay with dinner, bed 


Tuesday This morning we head first for Ambleside 

where we join the comfortable services of 

Mountain Goat. A fleet of mini coaches takes us 

first to Wray Castle for a brief stop before arriving 

at Hill Top. This 17th century farmhouse was 

where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her children’s 

stories and it remains exactly as she left it. From 

here we move on to the little village of Hawkshead 

where we take a break. This afternoon we halt 

a while at beautiful Tarn Hows before we make 

for Coniston Water where we enjoy a cruise on 

board the ‘Gondola’. The boat now in the care 

of the National Trust, has opulently upholstered 

saloons providing a perfect place from which to 

enjoy Coniston’s spectacular scenery. We return to 

Ambleside through the Yewdale Valley. 

FROM 

£419 

5 DAYS 

Wednesday Our day begins with a ride over the 

rugged Shap Fells to Tebay and Kendal, continuing 

to Bowness-on-Windermere. Here we spend the 

morning with a chance to look around the town 

and shops, maybe visit the World of Beatrix Potter 

Exhibition. This afternoon we enjoy a delightful 

sail along Lake Windermere to Lakeside, at the 

southern end of the lake. Here we join the Lakeside 

and Haverthwaite Railway for a nostalgic steam 

train ride to Haverthwaite. 

Thursday Today we make our way to Ullswater 

and Pooley Bridge, where we sail on board the 

lake ‘steamer’ across the water to Glenridding. 

We continue to Keswick where you have some 

free time. We return alongside picturesque 

Bassenthwaite Lake to Caldbeck and through 

pleasant Cumbria countryside. 



Your hotel 

The Shap Wells Hotel is set in tranquil 

surroundings amongst the Lakeland fells and is 

an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful 

corner of England. Set in 30 acres of grounds, the 

hotel offers well stocked bar, lounges and spacious 

restaurant. All bedrooms are en suite and have 

television, radio, hairdryer and tea/coffee making 

facilities. 

Kendal and High Adventure 


34 35 

Departures 

30 Apr £419 14 May £419 

04 Jun £419 18 Jun £419* 

02 Jul £419 06 Aug £419 

03 Sept £419 08 Oct £419 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

The sheer beauty of the Lake District 

has inspired poets and artists for 

centuries, and the area needs little 

introduction. We feature a variety 

of interesting excursions, in particular 

a fantastic ‘Mountain Goat’ tour 

taken in small coaches which reach 

the parts where others can not go! 


morning arriving late afternoon at Riverside Hotel 


breakfast. 

Tuesday Today we drive to Bowness, delightfully 

located on the shores of Lake Windermere. We 

have time to look around and you have opportunity 

to visit ‘The World of Beatrix Potter’, a delightful 

discovery of childhood memories. Later we go 

to Bowness Pier and catch the ‘steamer’ for the 

relaxing sail to the southern tip of the lake at 

Lakeside 

Wednesday Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring 

Kendal, with its variety of shops and cafes, 

before we leave and drive around the top of Lake 

Windermere on the way to Hawkshead in time 

for lunch. This popular little village has lots of 

interest, with little alleyways and interesting shops 

to explore. Later we continue through Coniston, 

with its associations with Donald Campbell, 

to the ancient village of Cartmel, famous for 

the 12th Century Cartmel Priory. From here we 

return to Kendal, enjoying sweeping views across 

Morecambe Bay. 

Thursday ‘High Adventure’! The ‘Mountain Goat’ 

minibuses take us where large coaches cannot go. 

This is a wonderful day, taking in the mountain 

passes of the Western Fells – Wrynose Pass, the 

desolate Duddon Valley, awesome Hardknott Pass. 

See the lonely Roman Fort as we descend into 

Eskdale for a ride on L’al Ratty – The Ravenglass 

and Eskdake Miniature Railway, before seeing 

Wastwater, Britain’s favourite view. Our return 

takes us over Cold Fell, alongside Loweswater, 

through the Lorton Valley and over Whinlatter Pass 

for a break at the Visitor Centre, continuing past 

Thirlmere, Grasmere and Rydal Water to Bowness 

where we rejoin our coach to Kendal. 


journey home. 

Your hotel 

Overlooking the pretty River Kent in the heart 

of Kendal, the Riverside Hotel is perfectly placed 

for our tour of Cumbria. The bedrooms are 

comfortable and tastefully furnished, all are en suite 

and have satellite television, telephone, hairdryer 

and tea/coffee making facilities. 

FROM 

£435 

5 DAYS 


• Hardknott and Wrynose Passes 

• Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway 

• The Roman Fort, with views of Eskdale 

and Scafell Pike 

• Wastwater, Britain’s favourite view 

• Cold Fell and Loweswater 

• Whinlatter Pass Visitor Centre 

• Thirlmere, Grasmere and Rydal Water 

• Lake Windermere Cruise 

• Bowness and Lakeside 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Kendal, Hawkshead and Coniston 

• Cartmel, with its 12th Century Priory 

Departures 

14 May £435* 18 Jun £435 

16 Jul £435 13 Aug £435 

10 Sept £435 08 Oct £435 

22 Oct £435 






England and Wales


Lake District and Burns Country 


Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


Lake District 

• Keswick 

• Grasmere, Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater 

Scotland’s Undiscovered Southwest 

• Dumfries and Galloway Robert Burns Tour 

• The smugglers coast 

North Pennines 

• Hadrian’s Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort 

• Hexham 

• Alston and Upper Weardale 


From our base in romantic Gretna 

the highlight of the tour is a 

fascinating day out by ‘Mountain 

Goat’ minibus. These small coaches 

take us where the large coaches 

cannot and we cover the interesting 

region east of Gretna. Burns Country 

is covered with a visit to southwest 

Scotland featuring the smugglers 

coast. The majestic Lake District is 

covered, including the lake said by 

many to be the most beautiful of all 

the lakes, Ullswater. 


morning and make our way to Gretna arriving at 

the Gretna Hall Hotel late afternoon for the next 

4 nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday Today we head east from Carlisle along 

the path of Hadrian’s Wall, which stretched some 

76 miles from the Tyne to the Solway. We take 

a break at Birdoswald Roman Fort, well preserved 

and standing high above the River Irthing in one 

of the most picturesque settings on Hadrians Wall. 

From here we continue to Hexham, dominated by 

the Abbey overlooking the market square. In the 

afternoon we enjoy some superb scenery as we 

head into Upper Weardale and the market town 

of Alston before returning to Carlisle. 

Wednesday Leaving after breakfast we travel to 

the Lake District, along Bassenthwaite Lake to the 

town of Keswick, where we take a break and have 

chance to look around. Continuing past Thirlmere 

FROM 

£359 

5 DAYS 

and over Dunmail Raise we stop in Wordsworth’s 

Grasmere for a while before we return via 

Ambleside, Windermere, the spectacular Kirkstone 

Pass and beautiful Ullswater to Penrith and 

to the hotel. 

Thursday This morning we cross into Scotland and 

head into the undiscovered Southwest – Dumfries 

and Galloway. We take the Solway Heritage Route 

to Dumfries where Scotland’s national poet spent 

the last years of his life. There will be opportunity 

to visit Robert Burns House and the Burns 

Mausoleum as well as time for lunch and shopping. 

We continue along the coastal smugglers route well 

known to Burns in his capacity as an exciseman, 

to New Abbey for an afternoon tea stop. 

Friday After breakfast we leave and begin 

our homeward journey. 

Your hotel 

Nestling in ten acres of landscaped grounds and 

situated midway between the Borders Region and 

Scotland’s southwest, the Gretna Hall Hotel is 

located in the centre of Gretna Green. All bedrooms 

are en suite and have TV, telephone, hairdryer and 

tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

Dales Peaks and Wolds 


36 37 

Departures 

30 Apr £359 21 May £359* 

25 Jun £359 23 Jul £359 

20 Aug £359 03 Sept £359 

01 Oct £359 





This tour offers a really nice contrast 

between spectacular Derbyshire 

scenery and the rolling Lincolnshire 

countryside and the Yorkshire coast. 

Lincolnshire is well known for its 

antiques and we visit the largest 

centre in Europe, as well as enjoying 

a boat trip and a visit to one of the 

country’s best loved stately houses. 

Monday We depart and make our way to South 

Yorkshire arriving late afternoon at the Hellaby 

Hall Hotel for the next 4 nights stay with dinner, 


Tuesday Lincolnshire is our destination today. 

We begin with a visit to Europe’s largest antique 

centres, in the village of Hemswell. Here you will 

discover a wide range of antiques and collectables 

to suit all tastes. We continue to historic Lincoln 

with its magnificent Cathedral, and next to it the 

Norman Castle. The old town is a labyrinth of little 

alleyways and interesting shops to explore - there 

are plenty of tea rooms to keep you going. During 

the afternoon we enjoy a cruise from Lincoln’s 

Brayford Wharf along the Fossdyke Navigation. 

Wednesday Our jaunt today takes us over the 

Humber Bridge to Yorkshire with its scenic Wolds. 

First we take in Beverley, one of the most beautiful 

county market towns of England. Its magnificent 

Minster dates from the 12th century and St Marys 

church is famous for its carving of a rabbit which 

inspired Lewis Carroll to create the March hare. 

In the afternoon we visit the Elizabethan house 

of Burton Agnes Hall, with its beautiful gardens, 

more than a stately house, it is a much loved 

family home. 

Thursday Today we start with a pleasant drive 

into the Peak District National Park, through 

lovely scenery and delightful Dales to the town 

of Bakewell. Bakewell is the home of the ‘Tart’ 

- or Pudding, to give it its proper name, and you 

have the opportunity to sample some at the 

‘Original Pudding Shop’. We continue to spend 

the afternoon at Chatsworth House, home of the 

Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. We visit the 

house, gardens, and after looking in the shop, you 

can enjoy a well earned cuppa. 


journey home. 

Your hotel 

Our base for this tour is the 4 star Hellaby Hall 

Hotel in South Yorkshire. The commanding 17th 

century building is steeped in history and proudly 

combines period charm with every modern 

convenience. Facilities include Bodyscene leisure, 

with heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and 

fitness centre. All bedrooms are en suite with 

satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer, iron/trouser press 

and tea & coffee making facilities. 


• Visit to Chatsworth House 

• Lincoln Boat trip 

• Visit to Burton Agnes Hall 

• Visit to Beverley 

£369 

5 DAYS 

Departures 

07 May £369 04 Jun £369 

23 Jul £369 13 Aug £369 

03 Sept £369 01 Oct £369 

22 Oct £369 



England and Wales


Picturesque Derbyshire 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


• 4 star Country Mansion 

• Heights of Abraham 

• Belper to Matlock Bath train 

• Peak rail train ride 

• Sudbury Hall 

• National Museum of Childhood 

• Cathedral City of Derby 

• Darley Abbey historic village 


We are delighted to introduce this 

new tour for 2012. From our stylish 

base near Belper we feature a host 

of interesting attractions, with 

a cable car ride, two train rides 

and a visit to Sudbury Hall and the 

National Museum of Childhood. 


morning and make our way to Derbyshire arriving 

late afternoon for the next 4 nights stay with 

dinner, bed and breakfast 

Tuesday This morning we head for Belper station 

to catch to train along the Derwent Valley to 

Matlock Bath, set in a steep sided gorge. Here 

we have a ride on the cable car taking us to the 

Heights of Abraham, with spectacular and stunning 

views across the Derwent Gorge. In the afternoon 

we ride to Rowsley where we catch the Peak Rail 

train to Matlock. (Not October) 

Wednesday Our day begins with a ride to nearby 

Belper and Strutt’s North Mill. We enjoy a tour of 

the mill and learn all about the mill settlement of 

Belper. This afternoon we head for Sudbury Hall 

and the National Trust Museum of Childhood. This 

is two totally different experiences sitting side by 

side. The Hall is a country home and a delight of 

17th century craftsmanship, with the grandeur 

of the Great Staircase and the Long Gallery. The 

Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages with 

something for everyone. 

FROM 

£419 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Today we drive to the little village of 

Crich, home of the National Tramway Museum. 

Take a nostalgic ride on an old fashioned tram and 

be amazed at how public transport has evolved 

since the days of the trams. From here we head for 

Denby Pottery. We enjoy a Craftroom Tour and find 

out how Denby is made. Leaving Denby we head 

towards Derby for a brief look at the historic village 

of Darley Abbey. This is a haven of peace and 

tranquillity with delightfully restored mill cottages. 

Originally an Augustinian Priory, the Abbey was 

one of the most important in Derbyshire. Today the 

only remaining original building is the Abbey pub, 

thought to have been a guest house for visitors to 

the Abbey, now carefully restored. 

Friday After breakfast we leave for home. 

Your hotel 

The 4 star rated Makeney Hall Hotel is a 

magnificent Victorian country mansion set in 

six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens with 

breathtaking views across the Amber Valley. 

Facilities include informal Cocktail Bar and oak 

panelled dining room with impressive oak fireplace. 




Constable Country 


38 39 

Departures 

30 Apr £419* 28 May £419 

18 Jun £419 02 Jul £419 

23 Jul £419 20 Aug £419 

17 Sept £419 08 Oct £419 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded 

town, is where the Romans set up 

their base in England. Rural villages, 

lush green meadows, rich farmlands 

and sandy heathlands depicted 

by the famous painters Constable 

and Gainsborough. We visit historic 

Bury St Edmunds, with its Dickens 

connections, and the delightful 

Suffolk countryside and peaceful 

coastline. All this combines to give 

a holiday of particular charm and 

nostalgia. 

Monday We depart from our local area travelling 

to East Anglia arriving late afternoon at Holiday 

Inn Ipswich for the next 4 nights stay with dinner, 


Tuesday We begin our day with an insight into 

Constable including the birthplace of the famous 

artist at East Bergholt, an unspoilt village with 

many fine old houses and cottages. We also take 

in the little hamlet of Flatford Mill, a favourite 

landscape subject and soak up the scenes of rural 

England at first hand. Afterwards we visit Roman 

Colchester, the oldest town in England. The town 

boasts a wide “boulevard” as a main street, with 

many interesting pedestrian shopping malls and 

lanes with specialist shops. At one end of the street 

is beautiful Castle Park, complete with the largest 

Norman Keep ever constructed, riverside walks and 

glorious floral displays. On our way back to the 

hotel we call in at Dedham, with its 131ft tower, 

and more Constable links. 

Wednesday This morning we have a ride to historic 

Bury St.Edmunds, famous for its Abbey Gardens 

and the Angel Hotel, where Dickens had Mrs 

Pickwick stay. Today is market day and we have 

time to browse around the stalls and obtain lunch. 

On the way back we can also linger in Lavenham, 

one of our best preserved medieval villages with its 

many colourful and half timbered houses. 

Thursday Today’s jaunt takes us into the rural 

north of Suffolk to the time warp seaside town of 

Aldeburgh, little changed for many years. Later we 

visit Woodbridge, a beautiful ancient East Suffolk 

market town on the River Deben, a town combining 

a long and rich history with modern day boutiques, 

shops, restaurants and more. We end the day 

with a visit to the Museum of East Anglia Life in 

Stowmarket. 



Your hotel 

The Holiday Inn Hotel is set just to the south 

of Ipswich, on the edge of Constable Country, 

and is an ideal base for visiting all the attractions 

on this tour. Hotel facilities include leisure and 

fitness centre with indoor swimming pool. All 

the bedrooms are en suite, and have television, 

telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. 


• Historic Colchester 

£369 

5 DAYS 

• Bury St. Edmunds and Lavenham 

• Flatford Mill and Vale of Dedham 

• Aldeburgh and Woodbridge 

• Museum of East Anglia Life, Stowmarket 

Departures 

07 May £369 04 Jun £369 

09 Jul £369 06 Aug £369 

03 Sept £369 22 Oct £369 



England and Wales


Woburn Abbey, Hatfield House 

and the Chiltern Hills 



• Woburn Abbey and Safari Park 

• The Chiltern Open Air Skanzen 

• Hatfield House 

• Cruise & Tea on the Grand Union Canal 

• Bedford, Aylesbury and Bishop Stortford 

Departures 

30 Apr £389 21 May £389 

18 Jun £389 16 July £389 

20 Aug £389 03 Sept £389 


The hidden gems of England keep 

opening up to us and this new tour 

takes in some diminutive beauty 

spots, monumental historic buildings 

and parklands plus the Grand 

Union Canal. 

Monday We depart and make our way to Bedford 

to arrive at the Radisson Park Inn Hotel where we 

enjoy the next 4 nights stay with dinner bed and 

breakfast. 

Tuesday After breakfast we travel to the home 

of the Duke of Bedford, Woburn Abbey. Steeped 

in history there is an array of antique furniture 

and art but you can also learn of the extremely 

interesting and colourful pasts of, for example 

the flying Duchess. We also take in Woburn Safari 

park which opened in 1970 and you have the 

opportunity to see White Rhino, Congo Buffalo, 

Zebra, Antelope and many more species. 

Wednesday Our day begins with a visit to the 

Chiltern Open Air Skanzen, set in 45 acres of 

countryside where you can recall days gone by 

with a relaxing stroll around the historic buildings 

nestled within the parkland and woodland. 

Aylesbury is our next stop where we have free time 

in this quaint market town famous for its ducks! 

Later we take to the water ourselves for a serene 

canal cruise on the Grand Union Canal on the 

edge of the beautiful rolling Chiltern Hills. 

£389 

5 DAYS 

Thursday This morning we have time to explore 

Bedford with its scenic riverside setting and wide 

range of shops. Later we take in Market Day at 

Bishop Stortford before our afternoon visit to 

Hatfield House where Queen Elizabeth I learnt 

of her accession to the throne. Completed in 1611 

the house, deer park and the older buildings were 

owned by Henry VIII. The house and grounds are 

stunning and unforgettable. 



Your hotel 

The Radisson Park Inn stands alongside the River 

Great Ouse in the centre of Bedford. Bedrooms 

are comfortable and contemporary in style, all are 

en suite and have television, telephone and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

Orchards and Vineyards Castles and Steam 


40 41 

A new tour for 2012 visiting the 

lovely County of Kent. From our ideal 

base near Maidstone we cover many 

interesting attractions to make 

this a tour with something 

to suit everyone. 


morning and travel to Kent arriving late afternoon 

at Village Hotel Maidstone for the next 4 nights 


Tuesday Our day begins with a ride to historic 

Faversham. Nestling between the gently sloping 

Downs and the austere north Kent marshes, 

Faversham is one of southern England’s most 

charming towns. It now has over 475 listed 

buildings and a good selection of independent 

shops. We have time for lunch here before we leave 

for Brogdale, home of the National Fruit Collection. 

Here we enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the 

orchards, with tasting opportunities, and afterwards 

time to relax in the shop and tea room. This is a 

delightful afternoon, not to be missed. 

Wednesday Today’s excursion takes us first to 

delightful Tenterden, with its antique shops and tea 

rooms, where we enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride. 

Afterwards we have time for a look round and to 

obtain lunch. Leaving Tenterden we visit Biddenden 

Vineyards for a tasting, and from here we return 

to the hotel. 

ThursdayThis morning we have a short drive into 

Maidstone, the county town of Kent. We have time 

to explore, have lunch and whilst here we enjoy 

a sail along the River Medway. In the afternoon 

we visit nearby Leeds Castle, said to be ‘The most 

beautiful castle in the world’. Set in 500 acres of 

parkland with woodland walks and formal gardens 

our visit takes us on a journey through the castle’s 

1000 years history. 

Friday After breakfast we leave and begin 

our journey home. 

Your hotel 

The excellent Village Hotel is located not far from 

Kent’s county town. Maidstone. Hotel facilities 

include Village Pub and an indoor swimming pool. 

All the superbly appointed bedrooms are en suite, 

and all have television and tea/coffee making 



• Brogdale - National Fruit Collection 

• Kent and East Sussex Railway 

• Tenterden 

• Biddenden Vineyards 

• Leeds Castle 

• River Medway Cruise 


• Faversham 

FROM 

£375 

5 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Departures 

07 May £375 11 Jun £375 

09 Jul £375 06 Aug £375 

10 Sept £375 15 Oct £375* 





England and Wales


Manchester Ship Canal 



• Manchester Ship Canal Cruise 

• Visit the Roman City of Chester 

• Visit to the Seaside – Floral Southport 

Departures 

21 May £349 18 Jun £349 

06 Aug £349 20 Aug £349 

17 Sept £349 


Opened in 1894 and stretching for 

36 miles, the legendary Manchester 

Ship Canal is a mighty feat of 

Victorian engineering endeavour. 

You’ll gain a fascinating insight into 

the facts, history and dramas of this 

man-made masterpiece, as well as 

enjoying visits to the Roman City 

of Chester and the delightful seaside 

town of Southport. 


morning to arrive late afternoon at the Holiday Inn 

where we enjoy 4 nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Tuesday to Thursday During your holiday the 

following excursions are included 

• We join the Mersey Ferries ship for a fascinating 

6 hours leisurely cruise the whole length of 

the Manchester Ship Canal. The cruise takes in 

spectacular scenery leaving passengers with 

an awe-inspiring sense of how its construction 

shaped forever the City of Manchester and 

the North West of England. The 35 mile cruise 

includes a live commentary and provides 

a revealing insight into the history of one 

of Britain’s most important waterways. 

Refreshments and snacks are available on board. 

On arrival at Liverpool Pier Head our coach is 

waiting to collect us and return to the hotel. 

£349 

5 DAYS 

• We make our way to the historic City of Chester, 

where we spend the day. There are lots of things 

to see and do – explore the unique ‘Rows’ of 

two tiered shops, enjoy a stroll around the City 

Walls, meander down to the River Dee and maybe 

take a boat trip. Enjoy lunch in one of the many 

restaurants, tea rooms and pubs. 

• Today we are off to the seaside! Our destination 

is popular Southport, with beautiful gardens, 

sandy beaches, famous Lord Street and the 

shopping arcades of the elegant Victorian town 

centre and the seafront is home to one of the 

country’s largest marine lakes 



Your hotel 

The Holiday Inn Bolton Centre is located in 

the heart of the Lancashire town and is an ideal 

base for our tour. Hotel facilities include indoor 

swimming pool and gym. All bedrooms are 

comfortable and well equipped, all en suite and 

have television, telephone, hairdryer and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

Cheshire Great Houses and Gardens 


42 43 

Following the success of our Norfolk 

Houses and Gardens tour we are 

pleased to introduce this new tour 

covering some well known, and 

some not so well known, houses and 

gardens of the delightful county 

of Cheshire. 

Monday We depart and make our way north 

arriving late afternoon at St. David’s Park Hotel 


breakfast 

Tuesday We begin with a visit to Dunham Massey. 

Dating from 1732, the house has fine collections 

of furniture, paintings and silver. The gardens 

are stunning with a moat and orangery. This 

afternoon we are at Arley Gardens, amongst the 

finest in the country, created over 250 years ago 

and maintained by successive generations. The 

result is gardens and walks rich in atmosphere 

and interest. One of Cheshire’s ‘Gardens of 

Distinction’. 

Wednesday Our first stop today is Ness Botanic 

Gardens, on the Wirral peninsula. Part of Liverpool 

University, the gardens offer much to admire, with 

an abundance of flowering plants and shrubs and 

much more. This afternoon we are off to Chester 

and the superb Zoo Gardens. With over 110 acres 

of award winning landscapes and 10 feature 

gardens – wildlife, rock, fountains, sunken and 

many more – there is plenty to see and enjoy. 

Thursday This morning we make our way south 

to Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, home to the 

Cholmondeley family since the 12th century. 

The vast gardens create a romantic setting, 

with stunning views. There are also lakeside and 

woodland walks. In the afternoon we have our 

final visit, to magnificent Tatton Park, a stunning 

historic estate set in over 1000 acres of Cheshire 

Parkland, with a classical Mansion and 50 acres 

of Garden, including Japanese, Walled and Formal 

Gardens. 

Friday Sadly we must depart and make our way 


Your hotel 

The 4 Star De Vere St Davids Park Situated 

to the west of Chester within easy reach of the 

city and the attractions and stunning scenery of 

North Wales. Hotel facilities include superb leisure 

and fitness complex with indoor swimming pool, 

sauna, solarium, beauty therapist and gym. 

All bedrooms are en suite and have television. 

The hotel has a lift. 


• Dunham Massey 

• Tatton park 

FROM 

£389 

5 DAYS 

• Chester Zoo Gardens 

• Arley Hall and Gardens 

• Cholmondeley Castle Gardens 

• Ness Botanic Gardens 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Departures 

30 Apr £389 21 May £399 

18 Jun £399 16 Jul £399* 

27 Aug £399 17 Sep £399 

22 Oct £399 






England and Wales


Shropshire & the Marches 



• Severn Valley Railway 

• Shrewsbury 

• Cathedral City of Worcester 

• Opportunity to visit Ironbridge Gorge 

Departures 

28 May £369 25 Jun £369 

30 Jul £369 27 Aug £369 

24 Sept £369 


Along the upper reaches of the River 

Severn and the borders between 

England and Wales, the countryside 

of Shropshire shelters some of the 

most beautiful landscapes and 

unspoilt towns and villages that you 

can imagine. From traditional market 

towns with timber fronted houses 

to preserved heritage sites from the 

industrial revolution, Shropshire is 

a treasure trove just waiting to be 

discovered and set against rolling 

green pastures and river valleys. 

Monday We depart from our local area heading 

northwards up the Wye Valley to visit the 

delightful town of Hereford before continuing 

through the Marches to Ludlow and our hotel 

for the next 4 nights stay with dinner bed and 

breakfast. 

Tuesday Enjoy a morning at leisure in the old 

market town of Ludlow, once the capital of Wales, 

before moving on to Kidderminster. Here we board 

the Severn Valley Railway for the scenic journey 

to Bewdley. After some free time in the old river 

port of Bewdley we again board the Severn Valley 

Railway which takes us back to Bewdley before 

returning on the coach to Ludlow. 

Wednesday Today our first stop is Shrewsbury 

with some of the finest examples of medieval 

architecture in the region. We will then visit the 

market town of Church Stretton before we drive 

through the border country via old villages such 

as Clungford and Clun, which have known more 

£369 

5 DAYS 

turbulent times in the past. Finally we return to 

Ludlow and our hotel. 

Thursday Today we visit the impressive Iron 

Bridge Gorge with its bridge designed by 

Thomas Telford. You will have plenty of time 

here to witness life at the dawn of the Industrial 

Revolution, and also the chance to visit the 

excellent open air museum (entry extra). 

Friday Leaving Ludlow behind, we travel to the 

Cathedral city of Worcester on the banks of the 

Severn for a visit before making our way back to 

the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Feathers Hotel Situated at the heart 

of the ancient market town of Ludlow. The Feathers 

Hotel is internationally recognised for its beautiful 

Jacobean architecture and medieval heritage. 

All bedrooms have private bathroom, colour 

television, direct dial telephone and tea/coffee 


Yorkshire Delights 


44 45 

There is so much to see and do 

in Yorkshire it is difficult to know 

where to start. Centuries of history 

can be witnessed in the formidable 

Abbeys and ancient towns while the 

scenery is as striking as it is varied. 

The county is also a frequent visitor 

to our homes through the many 

popular TV programmes that are 

filmed on location here. This short 

holiday is a delightful blend of the 

very best of Yorkshire. 

Monday We depart from our local area travelling 

to Yorkshire and arriving late afternoon at Ramada 

Wetherby Hotel for the next 4 nights stay with 

dinner, bed and breakfast 

Tuesday The ancient city of York is our destination 

today. The day is free to wander the old streets of 

‘The Shambles’, travel back to Viking times at the 

Jorvik Centre, visit the National Railway Museum, 

enjoy lunch in an old world pub, stroll the city walls, 

and of course pay a visit to the magnificent York 

Minster - and no visit to York is complete without 

a treat at Betty’s famous tearooms. 

Wednesday We begin with a short journey to the 

attractive Spa town of Harrogate. There are acres 

of immaculate gardens and a wonderful range of 

quality shops and tearooms. Take a stroll through 

delightful Valley Gardens and relax with a drink. 

This afternoon we make the short journey to the 

village of Ripley and historic Ripley Castle, where we 

enjoy a guided tour and time for a ‘cuppa’ in the 

castle tearoom. 

Thursday Our scenic tour of the Dales begins 

at Ripon, dominated by its Cathedral, before 

continuing to Pateley Bridge, on the banks of the 

River Nidd. We continue through the landscapes 

more familiar as ‘Emmerdale Country’ to the sleepy 

little village of Esholt, where we enjoy a drink at 

‘The Woolpack’, the pub used for exterior scenes for 

many years. 

Friday We leave the hotel after breakfast and 

begin our homeward journey. 

Your hotel 

The 3 star Ramada Jarvis Wetherby is to be 

found in a peaceful setting amid the Yorkshire 

countryside midway between York and Harrogate. 

This modern hotel with comfortable facilities is 

just minutes from the market town of Wetherby. 

All bedrooms are en suite and have TV, telephone, 

hairdryer and tea/coffee facilities. 


• The ancient and historic City of York 

• The elegant spa town of Harrogate 

• Ripley Castle 

FROM 

£349 

5 DAYS 

• Cathedral City of Ripon 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale 

• A drink at Emmerdale’s ‘The Woolpack’ 

• Beautiful Yorkshire Dales scenery 

Departures 

14 May £349 04 Jun £349 

09 Jul £349 13 Aug £349 

17 Sept £349* 08 Oct £349 






England and Wales


Hidden Corners of Yorkshire 


Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Historic Maritime Whitby 

• Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway 

• Wensleydale Railway 

• Swaledale – Historic Richmond 

• Captains Cook’s Endeavour 

• ‘Teeside Princess’ River Cruise 

• ‘Little Switzerland’ – Beautiful Bilsdale 

This tour covers a splendid variety of 

magnificent scenery and contrasting 

countryside, with quaint Yorkshire 

towns and villages. We also feature 

a ride on the Wensleydale Railway, 

reopened after 50 years, re-living 

rural railway travel as it used to be all 

those years ago, as well as a boat trip 

on the River Tees to Yarm. 

Monday We depart and make our way north to 

arrive at the Sporting Lodge Hotel where we enjoy 

next 4 nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

TuesdayToday we visit Thirsk, home of James 

Herriot, and a chance to visit the acclaimed World 

of James Herriot Centre. Afterwards we take in a 

piece of history as we ride on the ‘Wensleydale 

Railway’, newly opened after sleeping for over 

fifty years. Later we end the day with a visit to 

Richmond, high above the River Swale. 

Wednesday Our first visit of the day takes us 

to Stockton-on-Tees to where the Northern 

Hemisphere’s only full-size replica of the worldrenowned 

HM Bark Endeavour lays at berth in the 

quayside. Making our way through the historic 

Castlegate quayside complete with street traders 

and sailors of the period we board the Endeavour 

for a fascinating insight into what life at sea was 

like in the 18th Century. We then join the ‘Teesside 

Princess’ to take a gentle cruise up the River Tees 

through beautiful countryside to the cobbled town 

of Yarm, famous for its location on the River and 

the awe inspiring railway viaduct. In the afternoon 

FROM 

£355 

5 DAYS 

we drive through Bilsdale - “Little Switzerland”, and 

past the Sun Inn, which has had the same landlord 

for 200 years! 

Thursday After breakfast we travel over the moors, 

across Blakey Ridge, through picturesque Hutton-le- 

Hole to Pickering, where we join the North Yorkshire 

Moors Railway for a steam train journey through 

rugged moorland to Whitby – passing through 

Goathland (‘Aidensfield’ in TV’s ‘Heartbeat’) on 

the way. Whitby is a maritime town, fishing port 

and seafarer’s haven, bursting with character and 

quite unique – little has changed since the times of 

Captain James Cook. 



Your hotel 

The Sporting Lodge Hotel is located on the 

outskirts of Middlesborough on the edge of the 

North Yorkshire Moors and is ideally situated for 

the Moors and Dales. This traditional hotel has 

been recently refurbished and offers a full range 

of comforts, with en suite bathrooms, television and 

tea/coffee making facilities. Hotel facilities include 

leisure centre with indoor swimming pool. 

Northumbria and the Scottish Borders 


46 47 

Departures 

30 Apr £355 28 May £355* 

25 Jun £355 16 Jul £355 

13 Aug £355 17 Sept £355 

22 Oct £355 





This tour covers a variety of splendid 

scenery, contrasting countryside, 

historic towns, rugged coastlines, 

rolling hills and quaint northern 

villages. The ancient Kingdom of 

Northumbria offers some of the most 

striking unspoilt beauty in England. 


to Northumberland arriving late afternoon at the 

Victoria Hotel for the next 5 nights stay with dinner, 


Monday Our jaunt today is a Northumbrian 

Coastal Tour. From Bamburgh we head south 

through Seahouses to make a brief stop at Craster, 

home of the famous kippers. We continue south via 

Amble to visit Woodhorn, a superb development 

of a former colliery site into the Northumberland 

Museum and Country Park, featuring Coal Town 

and much more. Later we make our way to Alnwick, 

with its mighty castle, for a short break before 

returning to Bamburgh. 

Tuesday Leaving after breakfast our day begins 

with a visit to the villages of Ford and Etal, a vast 

rural estate with Visitor Centre, steam railway, 

castles, paintings, cafe, tea rooms, craft workshops 

and the Black Bull, Northumberland’s only thatched 

roof pub. From here we head for the Scottish 

Borders region at Coldstream and continue along 

the Tweed Valley to Kelso the home of Floors Castle, 

the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. 

Wednesday Today’s excursion takes us across 

the causeway to Holy Island and the mysterious 

Lindisfarne Castle – visible in the distance from 

Bamburgh. We return to Bamburgh for free time, 

maybe to visit the majestic castle on the beach, or 

the Grace Darling Museum. 

Note: The crossing of the causeway to Holy Island 

is governed by tide times. It may be necessary to 

amend this excursion. 

Thursday We journey through beautiful 

countryside to the capital of Coquetdale, Rothbury, 

which was once a popular health resort where 

people came to take the air in its riverside setting of 

wide open spaces and delightful scenery. From here 

we then continue through stunning countryside to 

Northern Europe’s largest man made lake set in 

Europe’s largest man made forest - Kielder Water. 

Friday after breakfast we leave and begin our 

journey home. 

Your hotel 

The Victoria Hotel is situated at the top of 

Main Street in the coastal village of Bamburgh, 

overlooking the village green, just up the street 

from the magnificent castle on the beach. Recently 

renovated and upgraded, the hotel offers a genuine 

warm and friendly welcome. All rooms are en suite, 

well equipped and comfortably furnished. Evening 

entertainment is planned on at least one evening 

during your stay. 


• Holy Island and Lindisfarne 

• Beautiful Bamburgh 

• Coldstream, Kelso and Tweed Valley 

• Ford and Etal Villages and Estates 

• Seahouses, Craster and Warkworth 

• Kielder water cruise 

• Historic Alnwick 

FROM 

£489 

6 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Woodhorn Northumbria Museum 

and Country Park 

Departures 

13 May £529 08 July £529* 

02 Sept £529 14 Oct £489 






England and Wales


Gems of the Shire Counties 



• Cambridge 

• Cathedral City of Ely 

• Burghley House 

• Historic Stamford 

• Kings Lynn 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Norfolk Lavender and Hunstanton 


We are pleased to offer this tour 

featuring many of the interesting 

towns and cities of the region. 

From our base in Northamptonshire 

the tour offers an opportunity 

to discover something of the Shire 

Counties of Eastern England. 


morning travelling to Northamptonshire and 

arriving late afternoon at Holiday Inn Hotel for the 


Tuesday This morning we head for Oakham and 

Rutland Water on the way to historic Stamford. 

Take a walk around the historic town – there is 

much to admire, from the beautiful architecture 

to the delightful shops, with an abundance of 

coffee shops and pubs to keep you going. In the 

afternoon we have a short drive to Burghley House 

where we have a guided tour. This is a real treasure 

house dating back to the time of Queen Elizabeth 

I and the tour offers a great insight into life in a 

stately home over the centuries. From here we 

return to the hotel. 

Wednesday Today we are off to the University 

City of Cambridge and we can explore the famous 

colleges and the ‘Backs’ as well as the contrasting 

city centre with its modern day shops. This 

afternoon we continue to the Cathedral City of Ely, 

with its lovely waterside, antique shops and cafes, 

the Palace Green area – the centre of Ely, is well 

worth a visit. We depart late afternoon and return 

to our hotel. 

FROM 

£329 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Norfolk is our destination today as we 

head east to Kings Lynn, a historic medieval port 

situated on the River Great Ouse, near the Wash. 

We have time to explore before moving on to 

Norfolk Lavender at Heacham for a short break. We 

end the day with a visit to delightful Hunstanton, 

a popular small resort overlooking the Wash. The 

beaches are superb and quaint Old Hunstanton 

offers lots of opportunity for exploration and 

refreshments. 


journey home. 

Your hotel 

The Holiday Inn stands in Northamptonshire not 

far from Corby, and makes an ideal base for this 

tour. Hotel facilities include swimming pool, sauna 

and gym. All bedrooms are en suite and have 

television, and tea/ coffee making facilities. The 

hotel has a lift. 

Chester, Llangollen and 

the Journeys of Wales 


48 49 

Departures 

07 May £329 04 Jun £329 

02 Jul £329 06 Aug £329 

03 Sept £329 01 Oct £329 

29 Oct £329* 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

For this tour we are based not far 

from Chester, with three contrasting 

days out. A visit to scenic Conwy 

Valley and Llangollen – A day in 

historic Chester itself, and a day out 

discovering the Wirral Peninsula. 


morning for Cheshire to arrive late afternoon at 

Beaufort Park Hotel for the next 4 nights stay with 


Tuesday This morning we drive through the 

pleasant Cheshire countryside which brings us to 

Chester for the day. The historic city offers lots to 

see and do. Explore the unique ‘Rows’ of two-tiered 

shops and maybe do some Christmas shopping, 

take a stroll around the City Walls, meander down 

to the River Dee and you may wish to have lunch 

in a riverside pub, or just relax and watch the world 

go by. 

Wednesday This morning we head for the Wirral 

and follow the coast road to West Kirby. This 

small coastal town was the setting for the BBC TV 

comedy series ‘Candy Cabs’, with an all star cast, 

about the setting up of an all-female taxi company. 

Continuing via Hoylake, with its famous golf 

courses, we head for Sunlight Vision and enjoy a 

guided tour of Port Sunlight Village, built by William 

Hesketh Lever for his factory workers and named 

after his famous Sunlight soap. 

Thursday Today’s excursion takes us through some 

lovely Welsh scenery, including the spectacular 

Horseshoe Pass, to the Dee Valley where we join 

the Rheilfford Llangollen Railway for a journey on 

a nostalgic steam train and also take a ride on the 

‘Stream in the Sky’- the Llangollen Canal - gliding 

gently along over the country’s biggest navigable 

viaduct. 


journey home. 

Your hotel 

The Beaufort Park Hotel is situated near the 

market town of Mold and is an ideal base for 

our tour. You are assured of a warm and friendly 

welcome.. The Scandinavian style reception and 

mezzanine lounge provide an oasis of peace to 

relax, read or enjoy a drink. All bedrooms are en 

suite, and have colour TV, telephone, hairdryer, 

trouser press and tea/coffee making facilities. 

FROM 

£389 

5 DAYS 


• Historic Roman city of Chester 

• Horseshoe Pass and Llangollen Railway 

• Pontcysyllte Aquaduct Canal Trip 

• ‘Sunlight Vision’ - Port Sunlight 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

• The Wirral and West Kirby, Home of BBC 

TV’s Comedy Series ‘Candy Cabs’ 

Departures 

30 Apr £389 14 May £389* 

25 Jun £389 30 Jul £389 

20 Aug £389 10 Sept £389 

22 Oct £389 






England and Wales


Isle of Man 



• Heysham-Isle of Man sailing 

• Sea front hotel in Douglas 

• Castletown and Cregneash 

• Port Erin and Peel 

• Laxey and Ramsey 

Departures 

30 Apr £399 07 May £449 

28 May £449 11 Jun £459 

09 Jul £469 13 Aug £485 

24 Sept £469 15 Oct £399 



The fascinating Isle of Man has 

over 200 square miles of beautiful 

unspoilt countryside and a coastline 

with little coves and superb beaches. 

Our base is the island capital, 

Douglas, with its horse drawn trams, 

Victorian pier and little specialist 

shops. With excursions to both north 

and south of the island, we feel 

this will be a very enjoyable and 

relaxing holiday. 

Monday We depart and make our way travelling 

to Heysham to connect with the afternoon sailing 

to the Isle of Man. On arrival we continue to our 

hotel for the next 4 nights stay with dinner, bed 


Tuesday Our excursion today takes us first to 

Laxey, home of the famous ‘Lady Isabella’ water 

wheel, and the Laxey Woollen Mill. We continue to 

the north of the island to Ramsey and later return 

to Douglas following part of the TT races course 

along the slopes of Snaefell. 

Wednesday A free day in Douglas to relax and 

explore the town. Take a ride on a horse drawn 

tram along the prom, browse through the shops or 

just sit and watch the world go by. 

Thursday We visit the south of the island today – 

first stop is Castletown, the island’s former capital, 

and then on to Cregneash, with stunning views 

of the Calf of Man. Port Erin, its beautiful bay 

FROM 

£399 

5 DAYS 

guarded by the bulk of Bradda Head, is our next 

stop and we end the day with a visit to Peel before 

returning across the island via Union Mills, another 

famous TT landmark, to Douglas. 

Friday After breakfast we return to the harbour 

for the crossing to Heysham, continuing on the 

way to our home area and arriving in the evening. 

Your hotel 

Sleepwell Hotels have a number of locations 

around Douglas The Rutland or Chesterhouse 

have a welcoming atmosphere that will help you 

escape and relax. The well appointed bedrooms 

will guarantee a great night sleep and make 

you feel at home. All rooms are en suite with 

televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Snowdonia 


50 51 

The Snowdonia National Park covers 

an area of outstanding natural 

beauty abutting the North Wales 

coastline. History, heritage and 

fabulous sightseeing are assured 

during our time in Llanberis with 

a new experience every day. 

Monday Settle back for the scenic journey 

through the Welsh Borders and Llangollen and 

to the foot of mighty Mount Snowdon to arrive 

in the town of Llanberis for the next 4 nights with 


Tuesday We begin our tour in the historic city 

of Caernarfon, dominated by its castle and 

overlooking the Menai Straits. We then cross over 

to the Isle of Anglesey and spend some time in 

the lovely town of Beaumaris. 

Wednesday This morning we visit Bettws-y- 

Coed before we set off for a ride on the Blaenau 

Ffestiniog Railway which used to carry slate from 

the foothills of Snowdon to the coast 

at Porthmadog. 

Thursday A real treat lies in store today as we visit 

Portmeirion. The unique Itallanate style houses 

and pavilions were the dream of architect William 

Ellis who designed his model village early in the 

20th century. Now a National Trust managed site, 

Portmeirion still enjoys worldwide renown as the 

location for the TV series ‘The Prisoner’. 

Friday Sadly we must bid farewell to Snowdonia 

and make our way back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Royal Victoria Hotel A comfortable hotel in 

a delightful setting in its own grounds at the foot 

of the Llanberis Pass. The bedrooms are en suite 

with TV, tea/coffee making facilities. There is a lift 

to all floors. 

FROM 

£349 

5 DAYS 


• A magical day out to Caernarfon 

and Anglesey 

• A ride on the Ffestiniog 

Mountain Railway 

• A visit to the unique site of Portmeirion 

Departures 

07 May £359 11 Jun £379 

02 Jul £379 20 Aug £379 

24 Sept £379 15 Oct £349 



England and Wales


Pembrokeshire Pearls 



• Tenby and Saundersfoot 

• St. David’s and St. Bride’s Bay 

• Mumbles and The Gower Peninsula 

• Carmarthen 

Departures 

30 Apr £359 28 May £359 

25 Jun £359 16 Jul £359 

06 Aug £359 03 Sept £359 

01 Oct £359 29 Oct £359 



The natural beauty of the 

Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower 

peninsula are famed all over the 

world. Glorious sandy beaches and 

seemingly endless rugged coastline 

give way to the Preseli Hills, historic 

towns and little villages. We stay 

in Carmarthen for our tour, ideal for 

visiting this delightful corner 

of Wales. 


morning travelling to Carmarthen and arriving late 

afternoon at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel for the next 4 

nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. Hotel 

entertainment is provided on two evenings. 

Tuesday This morning we travel west to the 

popular small seaside resort of Saundersfoot, 

where we stay awhile with time to explore the 

little harbour, before leaving for the short ride to 

Tenby. With its old town walls, interesting little 

side streets and alleyways to explore and superb 

beaches, Tenby is South West Wales’s main holiday 

resort and is always a pleasant and friendly place 

to visit. Our return takes us via Pendine Sands and 

Laugharne, former home of Dylan Thomas. 

Wednesday Our excursion today takes us to the 

beautiful unspoilt scenery of the Gower Peninsula, 

designated an ‘Area of outstanding natural 

beauty’. We also visit the picture postcard resort of 

Mumbles, delightfully located on Swansea Bay 

£359 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Today our excursion takes us to St 

Bride’s Bay and Newgale Sands to the magical 

place of St. David’s, birthplace of the patron saint 

of Wales. St. David’s has a beautiful Cathedral, the 

smallest in Great Britain, well worth a visit. From St. 

David’s we head around the Preseli Mountains and 

make our way back to Carmarthen 



Your hotel 

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel is within walking 

distance of Carmarthen town centre and was 

once a favourite retreat for Lord Nelson and Lady 

Hamilton, Sympathetically modernised, the hotel 

retains its old world charm blended with modern 

day facilities. All bedrooms are en suite, and all 

have television, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee 

making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 

Llandudno 


52 53 

Llandudno is a classic seaside 

resort with a unique combination 

of Victorian style and Edwardian 

elegance. The long crescent shaped 

promenade, pleasant shopping 

streets and wealth of attractions 

make it an ideal holiday destination. 

Sheltered by the Great Orme, with its 

tramway to the summit, Llandudno 

is only a short drive away from the 

scenic splendours of the Snowdonia 

National Park. 


to Llandudno arriving late afternoon for the next 6 

nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday Today’s excursion takes us first to Conwy, 

with its mighty castle, town walls and three 

bridges over the river making it one of the finest 

townscapes in the country. This afternoon we ride 

down the Vale of Conwy to Betws-y-Coed and the 

famous Swallow Falls, returning later to Llandudno. 

Tuesday A free day for you to explore and enjoy 

the delights of Llandudno - don’t miss the chance 

to take a tram ride up to the top of the Great Orme, 

the views are tremendous! 

Wednesday After breakfast we leave for a full 

day tour of Snowdonia, our first visit being to the 

famous Llechwedd Slate Caverns, near Blaenau 

Ffestiniog, where we have the opportunity to 

enjoy a ride on the ‘Miner’s Tramway’ - a very 

interesting and awe-inspiring tour through 

Cathedral-like caverns. We continue on our way 

through spectacular scenery to Porthmadog, where 

we take a break. Our return to Llandudno takes us 

via Beddgelert and the Pass of Llanberis, passing 

Mount Snowdon 

Thursday This morning we head along the coast 

to cross the bridge over the Menai Straits to visit 

Beaumaris, the Isle of Anglesey’s most popular 

resort. Before leaving Anglesey we visit the 

James Pringle complex at Llanfairpwllgwyn 

gyllgogerychwyrnd robwllllantysiliogogogoch. 

Take your camera for a photo by the name. We 

continue our day with a visit to Caernarfon, where 

you have chance to visit the magnificent castle. 

Friday Our final excursion takes us along the North 

Wales coast to the ancient Roman City of Chester. 

You have chance to explore the famous ‘Rows’ of 

two tiered shops, take a stroll around the City Walls, 

maybe wander down to the River Dee and enjoy 

lunch in a riverside pub, or just sit and watch the 

world go by. 

Saturday Regretfully we return home. 

Your hotel 

Situated in the centre of Llandudno’s crescent 

shaped promenade, the family run Kinmel 

Hotel offers a home from home atmosphere 

with a friendly personal touch. Facilities include 

comfortable lounge bar, attractive restaurant 

offering a tempting selection of freshly prepared 

dishes. All bedrooms are en suite and have 

television, radio, hairdryer and tea/coffee 



• Snowdonia National Park 

• North Wales Premier Resort 

• Isle of Anglesey and Caernarfon 

• Betws-Y-Coed and Vale of Conwy 

• Porthmadog, Beddgelert and Llanberis Pass 

• Historic Chester 

FROM 

£479 

7 DAYS 

Departures 

13 May £489 17 Jun £479 

15 Jul £479 05 Aug £479 

02 Sept £479 30 Sept £479 



England and Wales


The Greatest Trains of Wales 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Ffestiniog railway 

• Bala Lake railway 

• Welsh Highland railway 

• Vale of Conwy train journey 

• Portmeirion Italianate Village 

• Visit to Caernarfon 

Departures 

25 Jun £429 23 Jul £429 

13 Aug £429 10 Sept £429 



The Greatest Little Trains of Wales 

are a very special way of seeing 

some of the best scenery in the 

British Isles. All are narrow gauge 

steam railways, some over 100 

years old. All have in common the 

charm of steam trains with polished 

paintwork and brass. 


morning and travel to North Wales arriving late 

afternoon for the next 4 nights stay with dinner, 

bed & breakfast. 

Tuesday We visit Betws-Y-Coed before we head 

for Bala and a ride on the diminutive Bala Lake 

Railway. Afterwards we have time for lunch in 

Bala before we are on our way to Portmeirion, on 

the shores of Cardigan Bay, setting for to cult TV 

series ‘The Prisoner’. Afterwards we head north to 

Caernarfon. 

Wednesday This morning we have a ride to 

the village of Llanberis, in the shadow of Mount 

Snowdon. Here we join the Llanberis Lake Railway 

for a delightful ride along the lake shore. We have 

time to explore and obtain lunch in Llanberis. This 

afternoon we will visit Caernarfon for free time, 

maybe visit the historic castle (entry extra) 

£429 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Featured on radio and television we 

celebrate the link of some of the best Welsh 

scenery by this newly restored route for 2012. The 

day starts at Llandudno Junction for a journey on 

the main line along the Vale of Conwy to Blaenau 

Ffestiniog. Here we catch the Ffestiniog Railway 

for an exhilarating ride across the mountains, 

descending to the sea at Porthmadog. The 

fascinating changing of the trains takes place here 

with various kinds of steam and diesel engines 

vying for attention. There is time to explore 

Portmadog before our final train takes us through 

the scenically spectacular Aberglaslyn Pass. 

Friday After breakfast we leave for home. 

Your hotel 

The privately owned Celtic Royal Hotel stands in 

the centre of Caernarfon. Hotel facilities include 

bar, lounge and restaurant, leisure facilities 

including indoor swimming pool. The hotel has a 

lift. All bedrooms are en suite and have television, 

telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire 


54 55 

For those who yearn for an era 

of leisurely pace, of times gone 

by, dramatic, romantic landscapes 

broken by the familiar sound of 

a steam train making its way through 

a backdrop of rolling countryside, 

this is a tour not to be missed. 

Thursday We depart from our local area in the 

morning travelling to West Yorkshire and arriving at 

the Ramada Bradford/Leeds Hotel, near Bingley, in 

time for dinner. We will enjoy the next 4 nights stay 


Friday This morning we begin with a drive to the 

pleasant North Yorkshire market town of Settle, 

where we have a break and chance to look round 

the interesting little town before we enjoy a ride 

on the Settle and Carlisle Railway, considered to be 

one of England’s most scenic rail journeys. We join 

the diesel train for the journey to Garsdale, passing 

through spectacular scenery, crossing the famous 

Ribblehead viaduct and stopping at Dent, the 

highest mainline station in England. At Garsdale 

we rejoin the coach for the short journey into 

Hawes, main town of the dale. In the afternoon 

we continue along Wensleydale past Aysgarth to 

Leyburn. Here we join the Wensleydale Railway 

from Leyburn to Leeming Bar, a journey of about 

40 minutes. On arrival at Leeming Bar we return to 

the hotel. 

Saturday Today we head off along the Aire Valley 

to Skipton – ‘Gateway to the Dales’. The main 

street houses the well known market, and Skipton 

Castle stands proudly at the top of the street. Take 

a stroll around the town and explore some of the 

interesting little alleyways and shops. Whilst in 

Skipton we enjoy a cruise on one of the country’s 

best known inland waterways. From Skipton we 

make our way to Haworth, home of the famous 

Bronte sisters and their notorious brother. Little 

has changed in the village since they lived at the 

Parsonage. Later we enjoy a steam train ride along 

the delightful Worth Valley, following the locations 

used in the film ‘The Railway Children’. and 

afterwards we return to the hotel in time for a drink 

before dinner. 

Sunday Our journey today begins with a visit to 

Bolton Abbey. The Abbey and ruined Priory are set 

in a beautiful and tranquil location alongside the 

River Wharfe, surrounded by moorland, woodland 

and riverside - a truly inspirational setting for many. 

We have time for a stroll through this beautiful 

landscape, part of the Duke of Devonshire’s estate, 

before we make the short journey to Bolton Abbey 

station for a ride on the steam train to Embsay. 

Continuing through beautiful Dales scenery we 

visit the Dales village of Grassington - its cobbled 

street, diminutive market place and its many quaint 

byways and alleyways make it a place in which to 

linger. Later we return to the hotel for our last night. 

Monday After breakfast we leave Yorkshire and 

begin our journey home. 

Your hotel 

The Ramada Bradford/Leeds Hotel, Bingley, 

is an impressive Gothic mansion located in private 

grounds. All rooms are en suite, and have television, 


facilities. 


• The ‘Railway Children’ line 

• Brontes Haworth 

• Beautiful Bolton Abbey and Wharfedale 

• Nostalgic Ride on Embsay and Bolton Abbey 

• Steam Railway 

£379 

5 DAYS 

• Spectacular Settle and Carlisle Railway 

• Wensleydale Railway 

• Skipton and Canal Cruise 

• Yorkshire’s Magnificent Scenery 

Departures 

17 May £379 07 Jun £379 

12 Jul £379 16 Aug £379 

20 Sept £379 04 Oct £379 



England and Wales


Romantic Journeys of Norfolk 



• Cathedral City of Norwich 

• Wroxham Broads Cruise 

• Bure Valley Railway 

• North Norfolk Railway 

• Cromer and Sheringham 

Departures 

07 May £399 04 Jun £399 

09 Jul £399 20 Aug £399 

17 Sept £399 08 Oct £399 



Norwich is one of the loveliest cities 

in the country, with its beautiful 

Cathedral, and the cobbled Elm Hill. 

Our journeys feature a miniature 

railway, preserved main line railway 

and with a boat trip, this is a holiday 

for everyone. 


morning and make our way to Norwich arriving at 

Holiday Inn Hotel for the next 4 nights with dinner, 


Tuesday Today we combine a nostalgic steam 

train ride with a cruise on the Norfolk Broads. 

We begin at Aylsham where we join the Bure 

Valley Railway for the 9 miles ride to Wroxham. 

At Wroxham we join the boat for a cruise around 

the Broads, and we then then travel through 

some of the delightful Broads villages, such as 

Woodbastwick, with its diminutive green and 

thatched cottages 

Wednesday This morning we head into Norwich. 

The day is free for you to explore the city. A visit 

to the Cathedral is a must, also the Norman Castle 

and cobbled Elm Hill, or you may fancy a cruise on 

the River Wensum. The shopping is excellent with 

lots of opportunities for lunch and to just relax and 

watch the world go by. 

£399 

5 DAYS 

Thursday We travel to the resort of Cromer, on the 

north coast of Norfolk. After a break we continue to 

Sheringham, where we enjoy the sea air and a train 

ride, this time a steam train on the Poppy Line, 

from Sheringham to Holt, a pretty Georgian market 

town with lots of little alleyways to explore. 



Your hotel 

Our base for this tour is the Holiday Inn Norwich. 

Set on the outskirts of the city, the hotel facilities 

include indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. 

All bedrooms have private facilities, TV, telephone, 

hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Romantic Journeys of Northumbria 


56 57 

England’s North East is steeped 

in history and tradition. A visit to 

Beamish Open Air Museum will bring 

back many memories and as a nice 

contrast we feature three train rides, 

including the Weardale Railway 

together with a superb River Tyne 

cruise, making an excellent tour with 

something for all. 

Thursday We depart from our local area and travel 

north arriving late afternoon for the next 4 nights 

stay with dinner, bed and breakfast 

Friday Today we visit the famous Beamish North 

of England Open Air Museum, capturing the 

spirit of the North East in the 1800’s and 1900’s. 

Attractions include restored tram and replica bus 

rides, authentic town street, colliery village and the 

opportunity to ‘go down the mine’, old fashioned 

sweet shop, working farm, steam locomotives 

and much more. We spend the day here and late 

afternoon we make our way back to the hotel. 

Saturday Our first visit today is to Locomotion at 

Shildon. Locomotion is an outpost of the National 

Railway Museum in York and contains locomotives, 

artefacts and memorabilia dating back to the 

birth of the railways. In 1825 Shildon was home to 

the first ever steam-hauled passenger train. Next 

we are on our way to Weardale, in the heart of 

the Pennines. We join the Weardale Railway for a 

delightful ride to Wolsingham and Stanhope, part 

of the ride being alongside the beautiful and gentle 

River Wear. At Stanhope station we take a break 

before we continue along the dale and across the 

moors to Alston, here we find England’s highest 

narrow-gauge railway, the South Tynedale, and we 

enjoy a trip on the line. Later we return along the 

Tyne Valley. 

Sunday This morning we travel to Gateshead, take 

a walk across the Millennium ‘Winking Eye’ bridge 

into Newcastle’s famous Sunday Quayside Market. 

We have lots of time to browse around the stalls 

and look for that elusive bargain. In the afternoon 

we enjoy a fabulous cruise on the River Tyne, with 

expert commentary. The cruise takes you under 

many of the Tyne bridges. 

To round off the day we take a ride on the world’s 

oldest existing railway – The Tanfield Railway – part 

of which was built over 300 years ago to transport 

coal to the ships on the River Tyne. 

Monday After breakfast we leave and begin our 


Your hotel 

The Blackwell Grange Hotel is a beautiful 17th 

century mansion peacefully situated in nine acres 

of its own grounds. Hotel facilities include leisure 

club with heated indoor swimming pool, spa 

and saunas. All bedrooms are en suite and have 

television, radio, telephone, hairdryer and tea/ 

coffee making facilities. 


• River Tyne Cruise 

• Newcastle’s Famous Quayside Market 

• Beamish 

• South Tynedale Railway 

• Weardale Railway 

£399 

5 DAYS 

• Locomotion at Shildon 

• Spectacular Dales and Moorland Scenery 

Departures 

10 May £399 14 Jun £399 

05 Jul £399 09 Aug £399 

06 Sept £399 27 Sept £399 

18 Oct £399 



England and Wales

Scotland 

FROM 

Romantic Journeys of Scotland Great Highland Railways - Fort William 



• The Kyle Line - Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh 

• West Highland Line - Fort William to Mallaig 

• ‘Royal Scot’ Cruise on Loch Ness 

• Cairngorm Mountains 

Departures 

05 May £589 02 Jun £599 

14 July £599 18 Aug £599 

08 Sept £599 06 Oct £599 


Following the successes of our English 

‘Romantic Journeys’ holidays, we now 

present the Scottish version, featuring 

two scenically superb Scotrail lines and 

a cruise on Loch Ness. We also have 

the opportunity to ride on the fastest 

mountain railway in the country, in the 

Cairngorms. Based in the Highlands 

village of Newtonmore this is a tour 

not to be missed. 

Saturday Depart in the morning and head for the 

Carlisle area for our overnight stay with dinner, 


Sunday We continue north through the Lowland 

Hills past Glasgow to Stirling, Perth and Pitlochry, 

arriving late afternoon at the Highlander Hotel 


breakfast 

Monday A free day in Newtonmore for you to 

relax & settle in. 

Tuesday to Thursday During your stay in 

Newtonmore the following excursions are 

included: 

Kyle of Lochalsh We travel to Inverness, here we 

join the Scotrail train for one of the Great Railway 

Journeys of the World - the line to Kyle of Lochalsh, 

taking in some of the best scenery in the country. 

After a break in Kyle of Lochalsh we return this 

time by road, around Beauly Firth to the hotel 

Fort William and Mallaig This excursion takes 

us along the shore of Loch Laggan and through 

Glen Spean to Fort William. Here we have another 

£589 

8 DAYS 

train journey, this time on the celebrated West 

Highland Line to Mallaig. This spectacular line 

passes hidden lochs and inlets, silver sands and 

crosses the magnificent Glenfinnan viaduct on 

its way west. Mallaig is a major fishing port and 

we have time to wander around the harbour and 

explore before we catch the train for the return 

journey to Fort William, where we rejoin the coach 

for the ride back to Newtonmore. 

Loch Ness Cruise Loch Ness is our destination 

today. We travel through unspoilt scenery to Fort 

Augustus. Whilst here we have time to obtain 

lunch before we enjoy a cruise on board ‘The 

Royal Scot’ from the Caledonian Canal with 

commentary on Loch Ness. Later we head back 

to Newtonmore by coach. 

Friday We leave Newtonmore and the Highlands 

and retrace our steps south towards Perth, 

before heading across the Forth Bridge. We 

skirt Edinburgh on our way towards the Carlisle 

region for our overnight stop with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Saturday After breakfast we leave and continue 

homeward. 

Your hotel 

The Highlander Hotel is a delightful hotel where 

the restaurant, bar and lounge are warm and 

welcoming. During your stay entertainment 

is provided in the function suite on two evenings. 

All bedrooms are en suite, have television, hairdryer 

and hospitality tray. 

✓ 4 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 Overnights with dinner, bed and breakfast 

✓ Home Link 

58 59 

A fabulous blend of mountain scenery 

and tiny island communities awaits 

on this very special holiday. 

Day One We travel north along the motorway 

system to reach the Scottish Lowlands and our 

first night inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Two Today we move on towards Glasgow 

and then the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond. 

The journey continues via Crianlarich before we 

pass through the eerie Glencoe to reach Loch 

Linnie and Fort William. The next four nights are 

spent here with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Three Enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy the 

delights of Fort William. 

Day Four After breakfast we take a leisurely tour 

through some glorious scenery to arrive at the 

Highland capital of Inverness. This is a fascinating 

old town with many interesting buildings and 

landmarks. We return through the Great Glen 

along the banks of Loch Ness, driving very slowly 

just in case something appears in the water! 

Day Five Today we board the West Highland Line 

train for the journey to Mallaig passing Glenfinnan 

and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery. 

At the port we board the ferry for the journey to 

the Inner Hebrides. Eigg is known for its deserted 

beaches, high cliff walks and abundant bird life. 

You may go ashore at Eigg and await the ship’s 

return or stay on board as far as the tiny island 

of Muck. Returning to Mallaig our coach will be 

waiting to return to Fort William along the famous 

‘Road to the Isles’. 

Day Six We leave Fort William and commence the 

scenic journey through Glencoe and Crianlarich 

to Callander in the Trossachs before arriving in 

Edinburgh at lunchtime. After a chance to explore 

the capital city we then head back through the 

borders to Dumfries to spend the night at the 

Cairndale Hotel. 

Day Seven We continue the journey south and 

make our way home for an evening arrival. 

Your hotel 

The West End Hotel Situated at the west end 

of Fort William High Street and has an excellent 

position looking out over Loch Linnhe and to the 

hills beyond. All rooms are en suite with central 

heating and TV. Tea/coffee making facilities as 

well as direct dial telephone. 


• A tour along the shores of 

Loch Ness from Inverness 

• Visit Loch Linnie and Fort William 

• Journey on the West Highland 

Line to Mallaig 

• A fabulous day out by coach, train and ferry 

visiting the islands of Eigg and Muck 

Departures 

12 May £539 28 May £539 

10 Jun £549 24 Jul £579 

16 Sept £579 



FROM 

£539 

7 DAYS 

Scotland

Scotland 

FROM 

Edinburgh Tattoo Perthshire Wildlife Adventure 

✓ 4 nights with bed and breakfast ✓ 3 nights with evening meal ✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 

• Visit to Falkirk Wheel Visitors Centre 

• Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh 

The colour, pomp and pageantry 

of the Military Tattoo is always the 

highlight of Edinburgh’s world famous 

Festival season. You too can enjoy the 

skirl of the pipes and the magnificent 

military displays in the grounds 

of Edinburgh Castle. 

Monday Depart from your home town and travel 

north to arrive at the Gleddoch House Hotel where 

we enjoy the next four nights. 

Tuesday Today we travel over the Irskine Bridge 

over the Trossachs to Callander and Stirling with 

an optional visit to Stirling Castle. 

Wednesday Late morning we travel to Edinburgh 

where we will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful 

city to see the historical sights. Some free time 

for exploring the Royal Mile and shopping on 

Princes Street. This evening enjoy your visit to 

the spectacular Royal Military Tattoo – a musical 

extravaganza featuring massed pipes and drums, 

Highland dancers and the Lone Piper. A very late 

return to the hotel. 

Thursday A leisurely morning is followed by a 

visit to the Falkirk Wheel, named after the nearby 

town of Falkirk in central Scotland. The wheel is a 

rotating boatlift connecting the Forth and Clyde 

Canal with the Union Canal. You will enjoy some 

free time in the visitors centre before returning to 

our hotel. 



£459 

5 DAYS 

Your hotel 

Gleddoch House Hotel A 4 star hotel that stands 

in 300 acres, with dramatic views across the River 

Clyde to Ben Lomond and the hills beyond. All 

bedrooms are en suite with tea/coffee making 

facilities. 


60 61 

Departures 

06 Aug £459* 

20 Aug £459* 

13 Aug £459* 

Single room supplement £103.50 




Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Escape to the stunning Perthshire 

Highlands and your luxury hotel 

and leisure centre overlooking 

Loch Rannoch. Discover the area’s 

breathtaking scenery, heritage and 

wildlife, culminating in the highlight 

of the tour when you experience 

an Award Winning Land Rover 

Safari including typically Scottish 

refreshments along the way! Explore 

the magnificent views and untouched 

wilderness in 250,000 acres 

of Highland Perthshire Estates. 


arrive at the MacDonald Loch Rannoch Hotel 

where we enjoy the next four nights stay with 


Tuesday After a restoring Scottish breakfast, we 

spend a relaxing day exploring the countryside of 

the area with so much on our doorstep: Blair Atholl 

with its Castle and Distillery; the delightful town of 

Pitlochry, also the smaller villages of Blairgowrie, 

Dunkeld with its historic Cathedral. Then onto 

Killin returning by Lochearnhead and back to our 

hotel perhaps to relax in the leisure centre before 

dinner. 

Wednesday We enjoy the highlight of our holiday 

today: a two and a half hour Mountain Safari in 

the Perthshire countryside: reaching heights of 

nearly 3000ft, we explore one of Europe’s last 

wilderness on this awe inspiring Land Rover Safari. 

With a kilted Safari Ranger, search for rare wildlife 

& marvel at the scenery; breath taking views & 

no shortage of photo opportunities. Experience 

the ‘Red Deer Encounter’ and access the Deer 

enclosure with a Safari Ranger to feed & learn 

about these magnificent animals - a unique 

experience! 

Thursday Today we explore the larger town 

of Perth, then we head further along the coast 

to see the town of Dundee and the attractive 

coastal towns to the north such as Carnoustie 

and Arbroath, famous for its Smokies (Smoked 

Haddock). We return to the hotel for our final 

dinner at this lovely hotel. 

Friday We bid farewell to our Perthshire home 

after a truly memorable holiday in Scotland, 

capturing many of the highlights that make this 

area such a perfect holiday destination. “Haste 

Ye Back!” 

Your hotel 

Set deep in the Perthshire Highlands, the 

MacDonald Loch Rannoch Hotel, a former 

Victorian shooting lodge overlooks Loch Rannoch 

and the towering peak of Schiehallion. It provides 

a combination of magnificent scenery, supremely 

comfortable accommodation and an unrivalled 

range of leisure pursuits. All bedrooms are 

individually styled and are en suite with TV and tea/ 

coffee making facilities, most enjoy stunning views 

over the Loch. There is also a health centre which 

includes a swimming pool, sauna and steamroom. 


• Explore the delights of Perthshire with 

a visit to Blair Atholl with its Castle 

and Distillery 

• Visit Pitlochry & Dunkeld with its historic 

Cathedral. 

• Mountain Safari in the Perthshire 

countryside 

• Visits to Perth and the town of Dundee 


FROM 

£459 

5 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Departures 

21 May £459 25 Jun £459 

09 Jul £459 20 Aug £459 

10 Sept £459* 

15 Oct £459 





Scotland

Scotland 

Waterways of Scotland 


Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Loch Katrine Cruise 

• Loch Lomond Cruise 

• ‘Maid Of The Forth’ Cruise 

• Falkirk Wheel 

• Beautiful Trossachs 

• Riverside Museum of Transport 

We are delighted to offer again 

this fantastic unique sightseeing 

and sailing holiday, with amongst 

its highlights a sail on board the Sir 

Walter Scott, still plying its way on 

Loch Katrine. We take you under the 

famous Forth Railway Bridge and 

embark on the boat and the sail takes 

us to Inchcolm Island. Later in the 

week we also cruise Loch Lomond, 

visit the Falkirk Wheel as well as the 

Riverside Museum in Glasgow. 


Scotland to arrive late afternoon at the Erskine 

Bridge Hotel for the next four nights stay with 


Tuesday This morning we head to Aberfoyle and 

the Trossachs. Here we enjoy a sail on board the 

Sir Walter Scott along beautiful Loch Katrine. Later 

we make our way via Lochearnhead to Killin. We 

continue along Glen Dochart to Crianlarich and 

follow the shore of Loch Lomond as we return to 

the hotel. 

Wednesday Our day begins with a drive east 

to Falkirk. Here we enjoy a ride on the recently 

restored Falkirk Wheel, used to transport canal 

barges from one level to another. From Falkirk 

we continue to the Firth of Forth and from under 

the famous railway bridge we take a ‘Maid of 

the Forth’ sail out past Inchcolm Island, with its 

Abbey and collection of wildlife. 

FROM 

£439 

5 DAYS 

Thursday A short drives takes us into Glasgow 

and the River Clyde. We visit the newly opened 

Riverside Museum, Scotland’s museum of Travel 

and Transport. This stunning new museum 

links industrial heritage, the River Clyde 

and the Tall Ship moored alongside creating 

a unique atmosphere. Other forms of transport 

are featured, with displays of railway and buses 

of times past. This afternoon we head north 

to Balloch at the southern end of Loch Lomond. 

Here we enjoy a delightful afternoon sail through 

the islands with panoramic views of Ben Lomond 



Your hotel 

The Erskine Bridge Hotel is set in 18 acres 

of parkland overlooking the Clyde estuary to the 

west of Glasgow. Hotel features includes health 

spa with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna 

and steam room, and the Epicure health and 

beauty centre offering a full range of treatments. 




Barony Castle 


62 63 

Departures 

21 May £439 18 Jun £439 

23 July £439 24 Sept £439* 

22 Oct £439 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

We are delighted to offer this lovely 

new 5 day break staying at the lovely 

Barony Castle Hotel situated in the 

Royal Burgh of Peebles. This is an ideal 

break for those looking for something 

a little bit different. 


arrive at Barony Castle for the next four nights 


Tuesday After a leisurely breakfast we make our 

way to Edinburgh where we enjoy a guided tour 

of this beautiful city to see the historical sights. 

Some free time for exploring the Royal Mile and 

shopping on Princes Street before returning to the 

hotel in time for dinner. 

Wednesday Today we visit Traquir House. Dating 

back to 1107, a refuge for Catholic Priests during 

the centuries of terror, and a hunting lodge for 

Kings and Queens. Traquir is a unique piece of 

living history and one of the highlights of this 

break. 

Thursday Today we travel to the nearby ancient 

market town of Biggar. Wander around the 

many locally run shops which makes browsing 

a more interesting experience than in the identikit 

high streets all too common elsewhere. On our 

return we make a visit to Dryburgh Abbey, a most 

magnificent sight and the burial place of many 

famous people including Sir Walter Scott. 

Friday Sadly we must depart and make our way 

back home. 

Your hotel 

Barony Castle Hotel Behind the impressive 

stone facade of Barony Castle lies a modern hotel 

offering all the comforts of a welcoming stay. 

Set in 25 idyllic acres of gardens and mature 

woodland, the castle offers magnificent views over 

the surrounding countryside Refresh your body and 

mind with some pure Scottish air and a walk in the 

gardens, relax with a sauna or a dip in the pool. 

All bedrooms are en suite with TV and tea/coffee 



• 4 nights stay in the beautiful 

Barony Castle Hotel 

• Guided tour of Edinburgh 

• Free time to explore Edinburgh 


• Traquir House 

FROM 

£389 

5 DAYS 

• Visit to the ancient market town of Biggar 

• Dryburgh Abbey – Burial place 

of Sir Walter Scott 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Departures 

18 Jun £489 09 Jul £399 

13 Aug £469 03 Sept £399 

08 Oct £389* 





Scotland

Scotland 

Ayrshire Adventure 



• Galloway Forest Park 

• Visit to Glasgow 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Ayr, Largs and the Ayrshire Coast 

• Trip on the Ayrshire Nith Valley 

Train to Gretna 

This area of Scotland is not so well 

known but no less beautiful or 

fascinating. The Ayrshire Coast 

is known for its long sandy beaches 

and was also the birthplace 

of Robbie Burns. 

Sunday Today we travel north on the first day 

of our Ayrshire Adventure, arriving at our hotel late 

afternoon for the next five nights stay with dinner, 


Monday A gentle day after our journey with 

a pleasant drive north up the Ayrshire coast 

enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Arran. We 

continue to the seaside town of Largs with some 

free time, before we head back via the inland 

route past Lochwinnoch to Troon with its world 

famous golf course, large marina and beautiful 

beaches. 

Tuesday Today we venture south towards 

Dumfries and Galloway through the Galloway 

Forest Park, renowned by astronomers for its 

perfect night time visibility for star and planet 

spotting due to the lack of light pollution from the 

cities. We pass Loch Ken then onto the delightful 

coastal town of Kirkcudbright with its harbour 

and castle. Our return takes us via Girvan then 

Maidens and Turnberry with its famous landmark 

lighthouse. 

Wednesday After breakfast we make the short 

journey to Glasgow former city of Culture. Our tour 

includes its Cathedral, nearby Provand’s Lordship, 

(the oldest house in Glasgow dating back to the 

15th century), the University quarter and West End 

with the recently refurbished and award winning 

Kelvingrove Museum & Art Galleries. 

FROM 

£459 

6 DAYS 

Thursday A quieter day today with a short trip 

south along the coast towards Dunure driving 

along the strange anomaly that is the “Electric 

Brae” where downhill seems to be uphill! From 

here we can glimpse superb Culzean Castle 

perched on the cliffs. We return via the parallel 

inland route and Kirkoswald. 

Friday We bid farewell to the delights of the 

Ayrshire Coast, but our holiday is far from over yet: 

after breakfast we head inland a short distance 

to Kilmarnock station where we pick up the Nith 

Valley train to Gretna. Here we re-join our coach 

for the final leg of our homeward journey, over the 

border into England with fond memories of our 

Scottish holiday - “Haste Ye Back!” 

Your hotel 

Menzies Irvine Hotel Located on the outskirts 

of Irvine, one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas, 

the four star Menzies Hotel offers a superb range 

of facilities. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, 

telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. You can 

also practice your swing on the hotels very own 9 

hole golf course. 

Oban, Mull and Iona 


64 65 

Departures 

06 May £459 10 Jun £469 

01 Jul £469* 19 Aug £469 

23 Sept £469 





A new tour staying in the coastal 

town of Oban in the West Highlands 

and the main ferry point to many 

of the Hebridean Isles. On this holiday 

you will experience many aspects 

of Highland life. There is beautiful 

countryside and you will see sights 

you have never seen before from 

the mountain cable car beside Ben 

Nevis. The culmination of the holiday 

is a cruise to the Isle of Mull and the 

ancient island of Iona. 

Sunday We depart and make our way to the 

Scottish borders to arrive at our overnight hotel 

with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday We depart after breakfast, travelling 

past Stirling and into the glorious Highland 

countryside before reaching your waterfront hotel 

in Oban where we enjoy the next four nights stay 


Tuesday After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a 

morning free to explore Oban. This afternoon 

we have a half day tour to Seil Island, made 

famous for the film “Ring of Brightwater.” Enjoy 

the quaint village of Easdale with its whitewashed 

fisherman’s cottages and microbrewery for those 

wishing to sample the local brew. 

Wednesday Today you will travel across to Mull 

on the ferry and on arrival you will be met by a 

local coach and driver. We will then travel south 

taking in the scenery sighting the imposing Duart 

Castle, reaching the most westerly point of the 

island, Fionnphort. Here you board the short ferry 

journey on foot to the small island of Iona to visit 

the abbey. Many easy walks in the area and plenty 

of time to enjoy the island & its beach before 

heading back to catch your ferry back to Oban. 

Thursday A scenic coastal drive along the 

shoreline of the loch takes you to Fort William at 

the foot of Ben Nevis. Free time to explore the 

main town of the West Highlands. A short drive 

takes us to Nevis Range and the cable car ride into 

the mountains with its walks, magnificent views 

of Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and on a clear day you can 

see the Isle of Skye. There is a comfortable bistro 

& observation balcony. 

Friday After breakfast it is time to head back to 

the borders to arrive at our final overnight stay 


Saturday We depart after breakfast and make our 

way back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Columba Hotel is situated in a prime spot on 

the seafront and is a much loved Oban landmark. 

A striking Victorian building, its handsome exterior 

is home to a wealth of modern facilities, including 

bars, restaurants and cafes. All bedrooms are en 

suite with satellite TV, trouser press, hairdryer and 

tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. 


• Ferry to the Isles of Mull & Iona 

• Entrance to Iona Abbey 

• Visit to Seil Island 

• Free time in Oban 

• Mountain Cable Car ride 

at the Ben Nevis Range 

Departures 

06 May £569 23 Sept £599 

07 Oct £569 



FROM 

£569 

7 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Scotland

Scotland 

West Coast Adventure - Ullapool & the Isle of Skye 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Free time to explore and relax in Morar 

with its famous Silver Sands 

• Tour of the Isle of Skye 

• Beautiful Ullapool 

• Visit to Inverewe Gardens 

• Cairngorm Mountains 

Departures 

16 May £569 20 Jun £589 

11 Jul £609 08 Aug £609 

12 Sept £599 


A new tour taking in the beautiful 

Isle of Skye and colourful Ullapool. 

Wednesday Today we set off on our North West 

adventure, travelling up past the Lake District then 

into the Scottish Borders for our first overnight 

with dinner bed and breakfast. 

Thursday After breakfast we continue onto the 

Western Highlands, glimpsing perhaps Britain’s 

highest mountain, Ben Nevis before reaching the 

White Sands of Morar and our hotel for the next 

two nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Friday Today we enjoy a day at leisure in this 

beautiful setting. The hotel overlooks the white 

sands and turquoise waters and out to stunning 

views of the Small Isles and Skye. 

Saturday We bid farewell to Morar and its white 

sands today and take a short ferry journey over 

the sea to Skye, visiting Sleat where we dock at 

Armadale, the Red and Black Cuillin Hills and 

hopefully time permitting the fishing village of 

Portree. We then cross the impressive bridge back 

to the mainland. The loch scenery opens up in 

front of us once again as we reach picturesque 

Ullapool, our base for the next two nights stay 


Sunday After breakfast, we trace the sea lochs 

south along the coast to Poolewe where we visit 

the gulf stream gardens of Inverewe - One of the 

world’s greatest gardens. In the afternoon, we 

continue our exploration of the coastal road past 

Gairloch and Torridon, marvelling all the while at 

the impressive mountainscape which borders this 

north west coast of Scotland. 

FROM 

£569 

7 DAYS 

Monday After a hearty breakfast, we begin 

our journey south travelling down to Inverness, 

on through Cairngorm mountain country and 

Aviemore and into the Scottish Borders for the last 

overnight stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday Restored from our travels, and refreshed 

from our adventure in the North West of Scotland, 

we head for home! “Haste Ye Back” 

Your hotels 

The Morar Hotel is a friendly, family run hotel 

on the romantic “Road to the Isles”. The hotel 

commands breathtaking views of the famous Silver 

Sands of Morar and the Inner Hebridean islands of 

Rum and Eigg. All bedrooms are en suite with TV 

and tea/coffee making facilities. 

The Caledonian Hotel overlooks Ullapool harbour 

and the colourful fishing boats on Loch Broom. The 

Caledonian is one of the oldest hotels in Ullapool 

but offers a very modern feel and high standards of 

comfort. All the well-appointed bedrooms are ensuite 

with TV and tea/coffee making facilities and 

most having magnificent views of the Assynt and 

Sutherland Mountains. 

Scotland’s Far North 


66 67 

Her Majesty the Queen Mother left 

her precious Castle of Mey to the 

people of Scotland when she died 

in 2002. We visit the house and 

garden combined with a tour 

of Northern Scotland. 

Sunday We depart and make our way north to 

Scotland for our first overnight stop inclusive of 


Monday We continue our journey to arrive in 

Thurso and the Norseman Hotel where we will 

enjoy the next four night’s with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Tuesday Enjoy a day of leisure to explore the 

delights of Thurso. 

Wednesday An opportunity to visit Her Majesty 

the Queen Mother’s favourite haunt, the remote 

castle of Mey with its ‘secret garden’. 

Thursday Today we enjoy the Orkney Highlights 

excursion. Travel to the famous John O Groats 

for a ferry crossing to Burwick from where a local 

coach company and driver/guide meets the group 

for a tour of Orkney. 

Friday We depart Thurso and travel back through 

Scotland stopping first in the Highland capital 

of Inverness and then Dundee before continuing 

to Perth where we enjoy the next two night’s with 


Saturday Today we enjoy an excursion travelling 

via Crieff and Loch Earn to Killin to view the 

beautiful Falls of Dochart. We continue along the 

banks of Loch Tay via Kenmore and Aberfeldy 

for a stop at Pitlochry with its Woollen Mill and 

fascinating Salmon Ladder. 

Sunday We must sadly depart from Scotland 

after breakfast and make our way back to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Norseman Hotel is located overlooking the 

River Wick in the small picturesque Viking town 

of Wick where the Norseman offers visitors the 

chance to witness this untouched paradise. Miles 

of white sandy beaches contrast with the craggy 

headlands and the dramatic cliffs. All bedrooms 

are en suite with TV, telephone and tea/coffee 



• Free time to enjoy Thurso 

• Visit to the Castle of Mey 

• Orkney highlights excursion 

• Inverness 

• Perth 

• Crieff & Killin 

Departures 

27 May £639 24 Jun £659 

22 July £669 16 Sept £659 



FROM 

£639 

8 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Scotland

Scotland 

The Outer Hebrides and Island Hopping 



• Lewis 

• North and South Uist 

• Benbecula 

• Barra 

• Oban 

• Ullapool 

Departures 

06 May £1,139 23 Sept £1,149 



Come with us on an adventure 

to the Outer Hebrides. Incredible 

sandy beaches, mountains and peat 

moors fringe this 130-mile stretch of 

Atlantic Islands. These are also Gaelic 

speaking islands where language and 

tradition have been passed down 

in the local communities. 

Sunday We depart and make our way north as we 

head to the Glasgow area for our first over night 


Monday We continue our journey and our first 

stop today is Loch Lomond and the town of Luss. 

We reach Oban, our base for the next 2 nights 


Tuesday Today we cross the Firth of Lorne and 

enjoy a tour of the Isle of Mull before returning 

back to Oban. 

Wednesday After a leisurely morning in Oban 

we take the early afternoon ferry from Oban 

to Castlebay arriving early evening. We then 

continue on to the Isle of Barra Beach Hotel, our 

base for the next two nights stay with dinner, bed 


Thursday A free day to relax. Barra has a 

fascinating mix of craggy cliff faces on the East 

Coast and superb sandy bays on the west. 

Friday Today we depart and make our way via 

the ferry from Barra to Lochboisdale and continue 

through South Uist onto Benbecula to arrive at 

the Dark Island Hotel for an overnight stay with 


FROM 

£1,139 

12 DAYS 

Saturday Today we travel up through North Uist 

for the ferry crossing to the wild landscapes of 

Harris. From here we travel up to Stornoway to 

arrive at the Caladh Inn Hotel where we will stay 

for the next three nights with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Sunday A day at leisure in bustling Stornoway. 

Monday Today we have a spectacular tour 

around the Isle of Lewis including the incredible 

Callanish Standing Stones, the Dun Carloway 

Broch and the tip of the island, the Butt of Lewis. 

Tuesday An early start today as we make our 

way to the port for the ferry crossing to Ullapool. 

Enjoy some free time in the charming fishing port 

of Ullapool, before heading to Inverness for our 

overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Wednesday We leave Inverness today and 

travel through Newtonmore back to the Glasgow 

area for our final overnight with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Thursday We return home at the end of an 

unforgettable holiday experience. 

Your hotel 

We use a range of hotels on this tour, all of which 

have en suite bedrooms and provide dinner, bed 


Galway Clare and the Aran Islands 


✓ Home Link 

68 69 

Simply unmissable on any tour 

to the west of Ireland, the wonderful 

Aran Islands have a desolate beauty 

and rugged charm. All three islands 

- Inishmor, Inisheer and Inishman 

- share a limestone landscape 

similar to the Burren. The friendly 

islanders have maintained 

a traditional lifestyle, speaking 

Gaelic in everyday conversation, 

and are best known for their Aran 

sweaters and quality knitwear. 

Sunday We make our way to North Wales and 

over the Menai Bridge to Holyhead where we 

board the ferry and cross the Irish Sea. On arrival 

we continue to the Aspect Park Hotel in Dublin for 

our overnight stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday We head for Dublin where we have 

a short tour before continuing our journey across 

country to arrive in Athenry and the Raheen 

Woods Hotel for the next four nights stay with 


Tuesday Today is the highlight of the holiday 

with a 40 minute jaunt across Galway Bay from 

the mainland. On arrival on the sleepy island 

of Inishmor you will enjoy a minibus tour of the 

island including the spectacular 2,000 year old 

fort of Dun Aengus, plus time at leisure to explore 

the shops and pubs in Kilronan. We return to the 

mainland in the late afternoon. 

Wednesday Today enjoy a day at leisure 

to explore the surrounding area or make use 

of the facilities at the hotel. 

Thursday Today we have a full day tour 

of Connemara National Park, one of the wildest 

and most beautiful regions in the whole of Ireland, 

incorporating a visit to magnificent Kylemore 

Abbey and the Victorian town of Clifden. 

Friday This morning we will enjoy a visit 

to Galway, where you can browse the shops 

in Eyre Square or take a stroll along the banks 

of the River Corrib to the Salmon Weir. We then 

continue our journey back to Dublin and our final 

overnight stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Saturday After an early breakfast we depart 

for the port where we board the ferry back 

to Holyhead. On arrival we journey home arriving 

in the evening. 

Your hotel 

Raheen Woods Hotel This modern 3 star hotel 

combines contemporary styling with a homely and 

welcoming feel. It is set amidst well-established 

trees and pleasant gardens. All bedrooms are en 

suite with hairdryer, satellite TV and tea/coffee 

making facilities. The leisure centre includes 

a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. 


• Short tour of Dublin 

• Visit to the beautiful Aran Islands 

• Tour of the Connemara Coast 

• Visit to Kylemore Abbey 

• Free time in Galway 

FROM 

£569 

7 DAYS 

Departures 

06 May £569 02 Sept £589 


NEW tour 

for 2012 


Ireland

Ireland 

Irish Adventure Donegal 


✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Time to explore Ballyshannon and Sligo 

• Lovely Donegal scenery 

• Trip to Giants Causeway 

• Short tour of Dublin 

Donegal is in the North West corner 

of Ireland, a long deeply indented 

coast that is still relatively unspoilt. 

Our tour will be centred in the pretty 

little town of Ballyshannon in 

a region where many old customs 

and traditions live on and the Irish 

language can still be heard. At the 

northernmost tip of Ireland we will 

see the uncanny rock formations 

which legend tells was once the 

‘Giants Causeway’ linking Scotland 

and Ireland. 

Day One We make our way to North Wales and 

over the Menai Bridge to Holyhead where we 

board the ferry and cross the Irish Sea. On arrival 

in Ireland we journey to our overnight hotel with 


Day Two We head for Dublin where we have a 

short tour before continuing on through Kinnegad 

to Athlone. We then travel across the county 

of Rosscommon to Ballyshannon and our hotel 

for the next four nights with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Three Today enjoy a day at leisure with time 

to relax in this friendly little town. 

FROM 

£489 

7 DAYS 

Day Four We depart after breakfast for a 

spectacular tour of the Giants Causeway. Here 

we will visit the Causeway visitors centre to 

investigate the magical legends of Finn MacCoul. 

Day Five Today we take a tour of the stunning 

Donegal Bay travelling first to Rossnowlagh, the 

‘Heavenly Cove’ before taking the coastal route 

to the port of Killybegs, a major centre for the 

Irish fishing industry. We continue through Slieve 

League where we reach Glencoltimbkille with its 

folk village where the lifestyle of three centuries 

of Irish cottage life may be seen. Climbing into 

the Donegal Highlands we drive through the 

spectacular 900ft Glengash Pass to Ardara, 

a tweed and hand knitting centre. 

Day Six We bid farewell to Ballyshannon and 

travel through Carrick-on-Shannon, Longford and 

Mullinger to reach Enniskerry during the afternoon 

and then on to the Dublin area for our overnight, 

dinner bed and breakfast. 

Day Seven After an early breakfast we depart 

for the port where we board the ferry back to 

Holyhead. On arrival we journey home arriving in 

the evening. 

Your hotel 

Dorrians Imperial Hotel The Hotel in 

Ballyshannon is probably Ireland’s oldest purpose 

built hotel. Family run and totally refurbished to 

provide spacious modern accommodation but 

it still retains its period style. All bedrooms have 

private facilities, TV and tea/ coffee making 

facilities. 

Killarney and the Ring of Kerry 


✓ Home Link 

70 71 

Departures 

20 May £489 24 Jun £489* 

25 Aug £489 

20 Oct £489* 

09 Sept £489 





This tour is a perennial favourite and 

it is not difficult to see why with such 

an array of scenery, historic sites and 

places of interest. The lovely lakeside 

town of Killarney is a natural base 

for exploring the splendid landscapes 

of the south west corner of Ireland, 

most notably the Ring of Kerry. 

The town itself has plenty to keep 

you occupied from fishing, walking, 

‘jaunting car’ rides and of course 

the lively social life of Killarney’s 

famous pubs. 

Day One We drive through South Wales to 

Pembroke to catch the ferry to Rosslare. From here 

we travel to Waterford where we enjoy overnight 


Day Two Today we make our way to the lively 

harbour town of Cork, the Republic’s second 

largest city and busy seaport, where we have 

some free time. Continuing westwards we arrive at 

the spectacular lakeside town of Killarney where 

the next four nights are spent at the Eviston House 

Hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Three Enjoy a day at leisure or join us as we 

travel to Tulle, home of the Rose Festival, with an 

opportunity to visit the folk museum. We continue 

on to the Dingle Peninsula, where the rugged 

coastline and wide sandy beaches were the 

natural setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. 

Day Four A day to take it easy and explore the 

delights of Killarney Town. Perhaps enjoy a cruise 

on the lake or sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn 

“jaunting car” ride around Killarney (not included). 

Day Five Today our leisurely excursion takes us 

around the Ring of Kerry, one of the most famous 

coastal drives in the world. The breathtaking 

mountain and coastal scenery changes around 

each bend in the road and there will be plenty 

of opportunity along the way for photographs, 

sightseeing and of course to sample the local 

hospitality. 

Day Six Farewell to Killarney as we drive via the 

Lee Valley to Blarney with an opportunity to visit 

the Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. We then 

continue on to Waterford, home of Waterford 

Glass. Perhaps visit the factory before we travel 

on to our final overnight stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Seven An early start from Waterford as we 

travel to Rosslare for the return sailing back to 

Pembroke, arriving home early evening. 

Your hotel 

The Eviston House Hotel This hotel occupies an 

excellent position in the very heart of Killarney. 

All rooms have private facilities, and the hotel 

itself enjoys a well deserved reputation for a high 

standard of cuisine. 


• Free time in Killarney 

• Excursion around Ring of Kerry 

• Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone 

• Visit to Waterford Glass 

• Visit to the lively harbour of Cork 


FROM 

£519 

7 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Departures 

06 May £549 03 Jun £559 

23 Jun £559* 01 Jul £559 

18 Aug £559* 09 Sept £559 

30 Sept £559* 

21 Oct £519 





Ireland

Ireland 

Charms of County Cork 


✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Visit to the harbour town of Kinsale 

• The vibrant city of Cork 

• Free time in Blarney 

• Visit to Cobh Heritage Centre 

• Jameson Heritage Centre 

• Whisky tasting session 

A new tour staying in picturesque 

Blarney with visits to vibrant Cork 

and the Cobh Heritage Centre, 

Cobh was the last port of call 

for the Titanic. 

Day One We make our way through South Wales 

to Pembroke to catch the ferry to Rosslare. From 

here we travel to Waterford where we enjoy 

overnight dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Two We continue our journey to arrive at 

the Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel where we enjoy 

the next four nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Three Today we enjoy a visit to Kinsale for 

some free time in this charming harbour town. 

Kinsale is awash with culture and history, and 

deserves its reputation as the gourmet capital 

of Ireland. We then head off to Ireland’s second 

city, Cork. The city offers great shopping, the 

spectacular St Finbarre’s Cathedral and the 

Victorian-style English Market. 

Day Four Today enjoy a day at leisure 

to explore the delights of Blarney. 

Day Five Today we head to Cork Harbour and 

the brightly coloured houses of Cobh. From the 

‘Great Famine’ of 1848 right up until 1950, some 

2.5 million Irish emigrants passed through the 

port of Cobh on their way to a new life. The Cobh 

Heritage Centre, also known as the Queenstown 

Story allows you to experience tales of life on 

board the so-called ‘coffin ships’. Cobh was 

also the last port of call for the Titanic, and the 

FROM 

£499 

7 DAYS 

museum tells her story alongside an exhibition 

of artefacts from the ship. From here we head 

for Midleton and a visit to the Jameson Heritage 

Centre and the tour concludes in the Jameson Bar, 

with time to enjoy a Whisky tasting session. 

Day Six We must depart today and make our way 

back to Waterford and our final overnight stay 


Day Seven An early start from Waterford as we 

travel to Rosslare for the sailing back to Pembroke, 

arriving home early evening. 

Your hotel 

Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel Situated close 

to the village square in picturesque Blarney, this 

welcoming 3 star hotel provides an ideal place 

to relax and unwind. All bedrooms are en suite 

with hairdryer, satellite TV and tea/coffee making 


Grand Tour of Ireland 


72 73 

Departures 

03 Jun £499 29 Jul £529 

25 Aug £529* 30 Sept £529 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

From the Hills of Donegal to the 

Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, 

this holiday really is the last word 

on Ireland. You will observe some 

of the fine old traditions and crafts 

from weaving to pottery and glass 

cutting. Also admire the contrasting 

landscapes of the coast and 

the countryside. 

Monday We depart for the north of England and 

cross over the border into Scotland for our first 

night in Dumfries with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Tuesday Continuing to the west coast of Galloway 

we take the short ferry crossing from Cairnryan 

to Larne. Our first stop in Ireland is the Giants 

Causeway. This volcanic outcrop of perfectly 

formed ‘stepping stones’ is surrounded by 

Gaelic legend. We continue to Donegal Bay and 

Ballyshannon where we spend the next four nights 

at Dorrians Imperial Hotel with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Wednesday A day of breathtaking scenery as we 

travel around Donegal Bay to the fishing port of 

Killybegs. We then continue to Adara in the wide 

valley of the Owentocher River. The ancient skills 

of hand embroidery and homespun tweed are still 

alive. 

Thursday Enjoy a free day to explore Donegal. 

Friday A free morning to relax in Ballyshannon. 

In the afternoon we have a short tour to the 

resort of Bundoran and a visit to the Beleek China 

Factory. 

Saturday Today we make our way south to County 

Sligo and Knock and continue on to Galway for an 

overnight stay at the Calrton Hotel with dinner, 


Sunday After breakfast we make our way across 

the Shannon Estuary by ferry into Kerry and on to 

Killarney where we spend the next four nights with 

dinner, bed and breakfast at the Eviston House 

Hotel. 

Monday Today we travel to Tulle, home of the 

Rose Festival, with an opportunity to visit the folk 

museum (entry extra). We then continue on to the 

Dingle Peninsula, where the rugged coastline and 

wide sandy beaches were the natural setting for 

the film Ryan’s daughter. 

Tuesday Enjoy Killarney perhaps taking a stroll to 

the lakes or a ride in the famous “jaunting cars”. 

Wednesday No tour of Ireland would be complete 

without a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry 

with its majestic coastal and mountain views. 

Thursday We make our way to Blarney, just 

outside Cork, with its famous castle and Blarney 

Stone. We then travel to Wexford for our overnight 

stay at the Maldron Hotel with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Friday Early start for the morning ferry back home. 

Your hotel 

As this is a touring holiday, we use a number 

of hotels along the route. Many of them feature 

in other Irish tours and are described elsewhere 

in this section. All are of a high standard and 

provide bedrooms with en suite facilities. Dinner 

bed and breakfast is included. 


• Centred stays in Ballyshannon, 

Galway and Killarney 

• Visit to Beleek China 

• Fabulous sightseeing on the 

North, West and South coasts 

Departures 

14 May £879 


FROM 

£849 

12 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


06 Aug £849* 




Ireland

Continental 

Brittany and the Finistère Coast 

✓ 4 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 nights with bed and breakfast ✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Le Mont-St-Michel 

• Visit to the beautiful city of Quimper 

• Excursion to Vannes 

• Centrally located hotel in Benodet 

Brittany has a mix of spectacular 

coastline, historic towns and rambling 

countryside. It is a land rich in culture, 

tradition and history. Our base is in 

Benodet, a charming town on the 

Finistère Coast at the mouth of the 

River Odet, near Quimper. 

Saturday We depart and make our way to Dover 

and the short sea crossing to Calais. We then 

continue along the coast to our overnight in 

Lisieux with bed and breakfast. 

Sunday We leave Normandy after breakfast and 

travel into Brittany stopping at Le Mont-St-Michel. 

We cross the causeway to enable us to spend 

time on this charming island where the energetic 

may well wish to ascend to the famous steepled 

Abbey. On then past Rennes to arrive in Benodet 

for the next four nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Monday Enjoy a day at leisure in Benodet. Here 

the pleasures are simple; a walk along the harbour, 

browsing in the pretty shops or time on the fine 

beaches. 

Tuesday A full day excursion starting with a stop 

in the beautiful city of Quimper which lies on 

the River Odet. Not to be missed are the many 

timber framed buildings, the charming old district 

of Locmaria, the 13th century Saint-Corentin 

Cathedral and the Church of Locmaria with 

its 17th century cloister. In the afternoon we 

proceed to Pont-Aven, an artist’s town where Paul 

Gaughin painted many famous canvases. We 

return to Benodet taking the coastal route through 

Concarneau. 

FROM 

£619 

7 DAYS 

Wednesday Today we visit the beautiful city of 

Vannes. This well preserved walled city is a joy to 

explore. Its narrow streets are filled with pavement 

cafes, stylish shops and the local market has treats 

to suit all tastes. 

Thursday We must depart after breakfast and 

head back to Normandy for our final overnight 

stop with bed and breakfast in Lisieux. 

Friday We head back to Calais and our ferry 

crossing to Dover, for our return journey to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

Le Grand Hotel Abbatiale, Benodet A charming 

3 star hotel with a central location close to the 

fishing port and only a short walk from the beach 

and shops. All bedrooms are en suite with television 

and telephone. The hotel has a lift, lovely bar and 

restaurant. 

Chateaux of the Loire Valley 


74 75 

Departures 

12 May £619 16 Jun £669* 

28 Jul £669 15 Sept £619 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Tours is a town of art and history, 

rich in cultural activities with 

museums, monuments, parks and 

gardens. The historic centre is full 

of charm with medieval streets, 

squares and timbered houses. 

Tours is an excellent base in which 

to explore the many Chateaux 

included on our lovely short break 

to the Loire Valley. 

Day One We depart and make our way to Dover 

and the short sea crossing to Calais. From Calais 

we continue our journey arriving at the Mercure 

Tours Sud where we enjoy the next four nights 


Day Two Today we head to the Chateau de 

Chambord to visit the largest chateau in France 

where we have a guided tour around this splendid 

chateau to see over 90 rooms, a phenomenal 

staircase and over 2,000 works of art. This 

afternoon we visit the small market town of 

Amboise. The town was once home to the French 

Royal court and still retains the picturesque 

Chateau d’Amboise. Stroll around the quaint 

streets and beautiful churches. We then head off 

to visit a vineyard as no trip to the Loire Valley is 

complete without sampling the local wine. 

Day Three Today we visit the Chateau de 

Villandry and its magnificent gardens. Villandry 

is better known for its gardens than the actual 

Chateau itself. After a morning here we will then 

have the afternoon at leisure to explore Tours. 

Relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants 

sampling some of the local produce. 

Day Four This morning we visit the town of 

Chinon, located in the heart of the Loire Valley. 

We include a visit to the Chateau de Chinon where 

afterwards you have free time to explore this 

historic town. We return to Tours via the elegant 

town of Saumur. 

Day Five Sadly we must depart Tours today and 

make our way back to Calais for our ferry crossing 

to Dover. We then continue our journey back to 


Your hotel 

Mercure Tours Sud This 3 star hotel enjoys 

convenient access to the centre of Tours combined 

with pleasant countryside to the rear of the hotel. All 

bedrooms are en suite with satellite TV, hairdryer, air 

conditioning, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. 

There is a leisure centre including swimming pool, 

sauna, Jacuzzi and gym. The hotel has a lift. 


• Visit to the Chateau de Chambord 

- France’s largest Chateau 

• Visit to a vineyard with wine tasting 

• Visit to Chateau de Villandry and gardens 

• Free time in Tours 

• Visit to Chinon and its Chateau 

• Visit to Saumur 

Departures 

08 Jul £569* 

15 Oct £569 


FROM 

£569 

5 DAYS 


NEW tour 

for 2012 

02 Sept £569 




Continental

Continental 

Secrets of Hidden France 

✓ 5 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 1 overnight with bed and breakfast 

✓ 1 overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• River Cruise on the Dordogne 

• Local guide to admire the chateaux 

of the Dordogne Valley 

• A guided tour of Rocamadour 

• The impressive prehistoric caves 

of Pech Merle and Padirac 

• Little train trip to the hilltop town of Domme 

• Visit to local cheese farm to sample 

the famous cabecou cheese 

• Visit to the picturesque medieval towns 

of Sarlat and St Cirq Lapopie 

Discover the treasures of this part 

of France relatively undiscovered 

by tourism. Far enough away from 

the Dordogne to avoid the crowds, 

but near enough to share the rural 

charm and culinary delights of the 

region. Pass through surprisingly 

unspoilt scenery. 


and our ferry crossing. On arrival we make our 

way to Orlean for our overnight with bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Two We depart and continue our journey 

via the ‘ghost’ town of Oradour Sur Glane. The 

town has been left as it was with old cars, burnt 

out buildings etc from WW2. We will also visit the 

Visitors Centre, a very throught provoking visit! We 

then continue to arrive at the Hotel Lion D’Or in 

the heart of the medieval city of Rocamadour for 

the next 5 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Days 3 to 6 During your stay you will enjoy the 

following excursions: 

• A guided tour of Rocamadour. Huddled around 

the shrines, the town of Rocamadour clings 

to the cliff face on several levels. Visit the 

sanctuaries – 7 churches and chapels, in one of 

which resides the 12th century black Madonna. 

See the towns defences, many of which are still 

intact, the castle, ramparts and fortified gates. 

FROM 

£709 

8 DAYS 

and even the footprints of a boy made more 

than 12,000 years ago. 

• Full day tour of the “Vallee de la Dordogne”. 

With your professional guide, depart for the 

day and discover the Perigord Noir. Admire the 

chateaux of Belcastel and La Treyne and then 

continue on to Sarlat. Leaving Sarlet we take 

the route of the five chateaux – Beynac, Fayrac, 

Marqueyssac, Castelnaud and Lacoste. Stop at 

La Roque Gageac, another well known village 

where you can discover the exotic gardens and 

experience the Dordogne river first hand with 

a “Les Gabarres Norbert”. Aboard a gabarre, a 

reproduction of an 18th century barge, you will 

enjoy the exceptional scenery and be taken on 

a journey through 10 centuries of the Dordogne 

valley. 

• Visit to a local cheese farm and see how the 

famous Cabecou goats cheese is made. 

Day Seven We make our way to Orlean for our 

overnight stay with dinner in a local restaurant, 


Day Eight We depart and make our way back 

home 

Your hotel 

The Hotel Du Lion D’or is centrally located 

in the medieval city of Rocamadour. It offers 

rooms with flat-screen satellite TVs and free Wi-Fi 

internet access. The rooms also have private 

bathrooms and are all serviced by a lift. The Lion 

D’or’s restaurant serves gourmet cuisine, including 

regional specialties, accompanied by a fine 

selection of local wines. 

Cote d’Azur 

✓ 5 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 Overnights with bed and breakfast 

✓ Home Link 

76 77 

Departures 

A spectacular holiday on the sunny 

Cote d’Azur, France’s premier 

playground. We stay in the very 

beautiful resort of Cannes famous for 

its film festival and home to many 

of the rich and famous. We will visit 

Nice, Monaco and St Tropez on this 

lovely holiday to the sunshine coast. 

Day One An early start for Dover and the ferry to 

Calais. On arrival we travel through France for our 

overnight stop in Dijon on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Day Two We complete the journey down to the 

South of France to the beautiful resort of Cannes, 

where we will spend the next five nights with dinner, 


Day Three A day to relax and enjoy your resort. You 

could also take a boat trip, there is plenty to do and 

explore. 

Day Four A day excursion to Nice and Monaco so 

prepare yourself for some breathtaking scenery as we 

head up the Corniche coast to Nice. Enjoy a coffee 

in Nice and we then head onward to Monaco. Take 

time to visit the Roual Palace and Prince Albert’s 

Oceangraphic Museum or just stroll through the 

narrow streets. 

Day Six Today we head to Grasse, the perfume 

capital of the world. The plateau behind Grasse is 

the source of all the flowers that go into making 

the world’s perfumes and scented toiletries for 

which Grasse is famous. You could visit the Molinard 

perfumeries or just stroll around this lovely town. We 

will also visit the walled village of St Paul de Venice, a 

haven for poets and artists, before heading back to 

Cannes. 

Day Seven We say farewell to Cannes and head back 

through France for our overnight stop in Dijon on a 

bed and breakfast basis. 

Day Eight We head towards Calais for our return ferry 

crossing to Dover and onward journey back to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

Quality Hotel Embassy This lovely 3 star hotel 

is an ideal location just 200m from the Croisette 

Promenade and 50m from the Rue d’Antibes with 

chic shops. All bedrooms are en suite with satellite TV 

and hairdryer. You can relax in the sun on the roof 

terrace or take a dip in the Jacuzzi pool and admire 

the view across Cannes. 


• Excursion to Nice & Monaco 

• Boat trip to St Tropez 

• Excursion to Grasse, the home of perfume 

• Free time in Cannes 

12 May £709 02 Jun £709 

Day Five Today we explore the coastline southwards. 

30 Jun £709* 29 Sept £709 

We travel to Saint Maxime to catch the boat to the 

famous town of St Tropez. Artists line the quayside 

26 May £675 09 Sept £675* 





• We depart with a professional guide for the 

prehistoric Grottes de Pech Merle – a fascinating 

and varied voyage of discovery below ground 

with its dripping underground caverns covered 

with pictures of bison, horses and mammouths 

and you can marvel at the amazing superyachts in the 

tiny harbour. Treat yourself to a Tarte Tropezienne and 

watch out for famous film stars! 






Departures 

FROM 

£675 

8 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Continental

Continental 

Hidden Treasures of the Ardennes 


NEW tour 

for 2012 

You will appreciate the vast diversity 

of landscapes. The meandering 

Meuse bordered by the high cliffs 

of one of the oldest mountain ranges 

in Europe, the legendary forest of 

the Ardennes and the canals that 

crisscross unspoilt landscapes where 

nature still reigns supreme. You 

can savour local specialties such as 

Ardennes ham, white pudding from 

Rethel, venison and sugar cakes. 


Dover and the ferry crossing to Calais, on arrival 

we continue to Liege to the Hotel Husa de la 

Couronne for the next four nights stay with dinner, 


Tuesday Our first excursion today visits the 

Chateau Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, a photogenic 

moated fortress dating back to the 13th century, 

with four bell domed towers and luxurious 

apartments dating back to the 17th century. This 

afternoon, we enjoy a visit to the spectacular 

caves known as the ‘Grottes de Han’, entering 

the vast caverns by underground tram before 

exploring the galleries on foot. 

Wednesday Today’s excursion will visit the 17th 

century Chateau de Modave, whose sumptuous 

interiors and majestic furnishings are unrivalled in 

Belgium. From here, we head into Namur at the 

confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers, to 

browse its pretty old town and perhaps explore its 

vast military citadel. 

FROM 

£489 

5 DAYS 

Thursday Today starts at the fabulous Annevoie 

Gardens, laid out in the 18th century around an 

old manor house in a mix of French, Italian & 

English styles. Enjoy a lunch stop in the riverside 

town of Dinant, before a cruise along the River 

Meuse to visit the Chateau de Freyr, with its 

beautiful riverside gardens. (Please note Chateau 

de Freyr is closed in October). 

Friday Today we must depart and make our 

way back via Tournai with a short stop. We then 

continue to Calais and our ferry back to Dover, 

then onwards to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Hotel Husa de la Couronne is situated in 

one of the most emblematic buildings of Liège 

and has been recently renovated and refurbished. 

All bedrooms are en suite with air conditioning, 

telephone, flat screen satellite TV and hairdryer. 

Floriade 


78 79 


• Visit to Chateau Lavaux-Sainte-Anne 

• Visit to the spectacular caves known 

as ‘Grottes de Han’ 

• Visit to Chateau de Modave 

• Annevoie Gardens 

• Cruise along the River Meuse 

Departures 

11 Jun £489* 30 Jul £489 

20 Aug £489 01 Oct £499 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

In 2012 Holland will once again 

play host to Floriade, the unique and 

unmissable World Horticultural Expo. 

Staged only once every ten years, this 

remarkable event is much more than 

a flower show. 


and the ferry to Calais then on to Valkenburg 

where we enjoy the next 3 nights stay with dinner, 


Day Two A full day at Floriade in Venlo . Discover 

the most exquisite and exceptional flowers, 

plants and trees from all four corners of the 

globe! Admire stunning architecture, glasshouses 

and international pavilions full of exciting daily 

programmes of music, theatre and dance. A truly 

wonderful day. 

Day Three In the morning we enjoy a local 

excursion to pretty Breda with time to explore and 

maybe visit the Gothic Cathedral. We will then 

travel to Delft where you can perhaps take a boat 

ride (extra) past all the gracious townhouses or visit 

the famous Delft Pottery (extra). 

Day Four We must return to Calais for our ferry 

and homewards to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Riche Hotel, Valkenburg The traditional Dutch 

style hotel offers a warm welcome with a winning 

mix of good food and pleasant company. Situated 

near the pedestrianised resort centre the Riche has 

a relaxing lounge and bar and all bedrooms are en 

suite with hair dryer and TV. The hotel has a lift. 


• Full day at Floriade in Venlo 

• Excursion to Breda 

• Opportunity to visit Delft Pottery 

Departures 

04 May £339** 

24 Aug £369** 


FROM 

£339 

4 DAYS 


NEW tour 

for 2012 

24 Jul £369* 




**Please note these dates appear in our winter brochure 

and do not include a free pick up from home, however this 

is available at a supplement 

Continental

Continental 

The Vineyards of Rioja 

✓ 4 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 1 overnight with dinner, bed and breakfast 

✓ 2 nights on board Brittany Ferries cabin only ✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Departures 

29 May £799 21 Aug £799 

16 Oct £799 


One of Spain’s most famous wine 

regions, and known for both its white 

and reds. Rioja is spilt into upper and 

lower sections known as Rioja Alta 

and Rioja Baja with a third section 

in the Basque Country known as 

Rioja Alavesa. The regions hillsides 

and valleys are carpeted with 

emerald green vineyards. 

Tuesday We depart and make our way to 

Plymouth for a late afternoon departure to 

Santander with Brittany Ferries. Overnight cabin 

on a room only basis is included. 

Wednesday We arrive late afternoon in to 

Santander and continue to the Santemar Hotel 

for an overnight stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Thursday Enjoy a relaxing morning in Santander 

before heading towards Rioja, stopping en 

route at the beach resort of Castro Urdiales. We 

continue on to the F&G Hotel in Logrono where 

we enjoy the next four nights stay with dinner, 


Friday Today you have some free time explore 

Logronos old quarter, where tapas bars fill the 

alleyways with their irresistible aromas. Don’t miss 

the wonderful Mercado de Abastos, where the 

market stalls are piled high with fresh produce, 

chorizo sausages and Serrano ham. A special treat 

will await at the hotel where you will enjoy an 

introductory wine tasting session. 

£799 

8 DAYS 

Saturday Today we visit the fascinating city 

of Pamplona, renowned the world over for the 

annual ‘running of the bulls’. We then head to the 

gorgeous town of Olite. 

Sunday Today we explore the beautiful Rioja 

country on a full day tour starting with a tour and 

tasting session at Bodegas Olarra on the outskirts 

of Logrono. Best known for its oak-aged reds. Next 

we visit Laguardia, an old walled town offering 

cobbled streets and gorgeous views across the 

Vineyard. 

Monday We depart and make our way into Bilbao 

to explore its old quarter and we then continue 

to Santander to board the overnight ferry back to 

Plymouth. Overnight cabin on a room only basis 

included. 

Tuesday We arrive back in Plymouth and 

continue our journey home. 

Your hotel 

F&G Hotel, Logrono The recently built 3 star hotel 

is located above the River Ebro in Longronos historic 

old quarter, within 5 minutes’ walk of the shops and 

tapas bars. All the contemporary bedrooms are en 

suite with satellite TV, hairdryer and air conditioning. 

The hotel has a sauna and Jacuzzi. 

Northern Spain 

✓ 7 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 nights on board Brittany Ferries cabin only 

✓ Home Link 

80 81 


• Visit to Castro Urdiales 

• Wine tasting session at the F&G Hotel 

• Visit to the fascinating city of Pamplona 

• Full day tour of Rioja Country 

• Tour and wine tasting session 

Bodegas Olarra 

• Visit to Bilbao 

Wide, sandy beaches, lush green 

countryside and a backdrop of 

snow capped mountains. This may 

not at first sound like Spain but it is 

the typical scenery of the Atlantic 

coastline of Cantabria. This unique 

holiday combines relaxed travel with 

fascinating sightseeing as well as 

comfortable accommodation with 

excellent food. The added bonus is 

that this tour departs from the West 

Country port of Plymouth with the 

fastest sailing time to Spain on board 

the new mini cruiser ‘Pont Aven’. 

Day One A leisurely drive to Plymouth and the 

late afternoon sailing for Spain on Brittany Ferries 

new ship. Travelling at speeds up to 50% faster 

than traditional ferries, the sailing to Santander 

is a mere 18 hours. Cabin accommodation is 

provided and there is plenty of time to enjoy the 

restaurants, entertainment and the lovely pool. 

Day Two Arriving in Santander in late morning we 

go ashore and travel the distance to Santona and 

our hotel for the next 7 nights with dinner, bed 

and breakfast. The rest of the day is free to relax 

and settle in. 

Day Three Settle back for a scenic drive into the 

Picos de Europa. We will stop at the lovely market 

town of Potes before travelling to Fuente De. Here 

the courageous can take the cable car ride to the 

top of the mountain for some breathtaking views. 

Day Four Today you will enjoy a half day tour 

travelling along the coast to the magnificently 

preserved village and World Heritage site of 

Santillana del Mar. 

Day Five We are off to Bilbao today. This lively 

city is the capital of the Basque region and more 

recently, home to the amazing Guggenheim 

Museum, as famous for its incredible architecture 

as for its wide range of modern art exhibits. 

Day Six A free day to enjoy in Santona and 

perhaps a boat trip across the bay to Laredo. 

Day Seven More wonderful scenery as we head 

off along the Bessaya Valley towards Reinosa. 

Later we continue on to the Cabarceno Wildlife 

Park. 

Day Eight A final free day for souvenir shopping 

or to enjoy the beach. 

Day Nine Leaving Santona after breakfast we 

travel to Santander to spend the day in this stylish 

resort before boarding the Port Aven in late 

afternoon for the return sailing. Cabin berths are 

again provided. 

Day Ten Arriving in Portsmouth late afternoon, 

we disembark and return homewards. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Juan de la Cosa 4* is located directly on the 

beach in a residential area of Santona. The spacious 

en suite rooms look over the sea or the lagoon and the 

hotel amenities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and 

rooftop club lounge. 


• Return sailings on the luxury cruise ferry 

Pont Avan with two berth bunk bed cabins 

provided 

• A visit to Bilbao 

• Scenic excursion in the Picos de Europa hills 


Departures 

FROM 

£699 

10 DAYS 

06 May £699 11 Jun £739 

02 Sept £779 07 Oct £699 


Continental

Continental 

Sunshine Escape, Spain All Inclusive 

✓ 5 nights all inclusive ✓ 2 Overnights with bed and breakfast ✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• 5 nights stay in sunny Spain 

on an all-inclusive basis 

• Unlimited drinks from 10am to midnight 

(selected brands) 

• Nightly entertainment 

• Excursion to Tossa de Mar 

• Visit to the fabulous cosmopolitan 

city of Barcelona 

• Free time in your resort 

• Visit to Besalu & Girona 

Join us a new all-inclusive break 

to the sunny coastal region of Costa 

Brava. You can enjoy 3 buffet meals 

per day (or packed lunches), nightly 

entertainment, unlimited drinks from 

10am to midnight (selected brands). 

Wine, water, beer and soft drinks 

with dinner and free use of leisure 

facilities. 

Day One An early start for Dover and the ferry to 

Calais. On arrival we travel to Dijon for an overnight 

stay with bed and breakfast. 

Day Two We continue our journey into Spain to arrive 

at our allocated resort for the next five nights stay 

on an all- inclusive basis. Time to settle in before 

dinner this evening. 

Day Three This morning enjoy time at leisure 

to explore your resort before we head off to the 

medieval walled town of Tossa de Mar, a lovely resort 

with whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and dramatic 

coast. 

Day Four Today we travel to Barcelona, the stylish 

capital of Catalonia where sightseeing includes 

Las Ramblas, the narrow alleys of the Gothic 

Quarter, the old port district of Barceloneta, and the 

distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudi, including the 

magnificent Church of the Sagrada Familia. 

Day Five Enjoy a day at leisure today to enjoy your 

resort and maybe hit the beach. 

FROM 

£539 

8 DAYS 

Day Six This morning we head inland to Besalu to 

explore its narrow streets, café-lined squares and 

arcaded shops. The town’s most famous sight is the 

11th Century Bridge whose fortified gatehouse is 

complete with original portcullis. We then visit Girona, 

where the beautiful old quarter is dominated by 

medieval buildings including a Gothic-style Cathedral. 

Day Seven We say farewell to the Costa Brava today 

as we travel back to Dijon for our final overnight with 


Day Eight We head towards Calais for our return 

ferry crossing to Dover and journey back to the West 

Country. 

Your hotel 

H-Top Hotels, Costa Brava H-Top is a group of 

seven hotels situated in Calella, Pineda and Lloret 

de Mar. All of them with a 4 star rating and we will 

be allocated our hotel four weeks prior to arrival. 

All have broadly similar facilities including bar, 

restaurant, air conditioning and an outdoor 


Austria Trains and Boats 


✓ Home Link 

82 83 

Departures 

05 May £539 

07 Oct £539* 

09 Sept £559 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

For many years now we have 

offered an alternative view of the 

snow capped mountains and rolling 

meadows of the Austrian Tyrol 

region. By switching transport modes 

we are able to enjoy a gentler pace 

and views otherwise inaccessible 

as we tour the region by train 

or lakeside steamer. 

Saturday We depart for Dover and the ferry to 

France before continuing to our overnight stop in 

Metz for bed and breakfast. 

Sunday Continuing through the Rhineland we 

arrive in the Austrian Tyrol and our hotel for the 

next 5 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday After a leisurely breakfast we will be 

met by our local guide who will introduce us to 

our surroundings and give us information about 

the village of Kirchberg. You will then have time 

to explore the resort on your own before having 

afternoon coffee/tea and cake at the hotel. 

Tuesday Today we enjoy a trip to the spectacular 

mountain resort of Kitzbuhel and the lakeside 

resort of Zell am See. We start our day with a trip 

over the Pass Thurn to Mittersil where we catch 

the Pinzgau steam train to Kimml, home of the 

highest waterfalls in Austria. After some free 

time we travel to Zell am See where we can enjoy 

a boat trip on the lake before travelling back to 

Kirchberg. 

Wednesday It’s cameras at the ready as we 

travel along the Inn and Ziller Valleys to Fuegen 

where we will catch the Ziller Valley Steam train to 

Mayrhofen. Our return journey to the hotel will be 

via the medieval town of Rattenburg, which is well 

known for its hand blown glass products. 

Thursday Our sightseeing tour today is to the 

Tyrolean capital City of Innsbruck. On arrival we 

will be met by our city guide who will introduce 

us to the many vestiges that remain from the 

Imperial days, including the 17th Century palace 

and the ‘Golden’ roof of ‘Friedrich the Penniless’ 

Friday Our travels in the Tyrol come to an end 

today as we make our way back to Metz for our 

final overnight with bed and breakfast. 

Saturday Completing the journey home via Calais 

and Dover. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Rosslwirt This family run hotel is located 

in the heart of Kirchberg. The hotel is made up 

of two buildings, which are located next to each 

other. In the main hotel all rooms are en suite with 

radio, satellite TV, telephone and a balcony. There 

is a lift, dining room, and an a-la carte restaurant. 


• One live music evening on the terrace 

• Coffee and cake one evening 

• Guided tour of Kirchberg and Innsbruck 

• Boat trip around Lake Zell am See 

• Journey on the Zillervalley train with 

Schnapps and live music 

• Journey on the Pinzgau Train 

• June date will include a festival in Kirchberg 

• August date will include The Flower 

Festival in Kirchberg 

Departures 

02 Jun £569* 

08 Sept £569 


FROM 

£569 

8 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


11 Aug £579 




Continental

Continental 

Austria, Vienna and Czech Republic 


✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• A wonderful excursion to the City of Vienna 

• A scenic tour of the Austrian Lakes 

• Excursion to the Czech Republic 

More inclusive package in Austria 

• Coffee and cake on one afternoon 

• Packed lunch on departure day 

• Music evening 

• Cruise on Lake Wolfgang 

• Visit to Ceramic manufactures 

• Drinks with evening meal 

Few places can match the stunning 

natural beauty of the Austrian Lakes, 

and a tour of this breathtaking region 

is an amazing experience. 

Saturday We depart for Dover and the ferry 

to France with an overnight stop with bed and 

breakfast 

Sunday We enjoy some changing scenery as we 

travel south to our hotel in the Austrian Lakes 

District where we will enjoy five nights dinner, 


Monday Today we board the Attergau narrow 

gauge railway in St Georgen and travel along this 

romantic route which has excellent panoramic 

views of the surrounding Kalkalpen Mountains. 

We arrive in Attersee where you will board a boat 

which will take you on a round trip of the lake. 

We will then enjoy some free time at Lake Attersee 

before returning to St Georgen by train. 

Tuesday Early start for a visit to the Czech 

Republic. With a guided tour of the UNESCO 

heritage site of Cesky Krumlov - The state castle 

of Cesky Krumlov, with his architecture, cultural 

tradition and size, ranks amongst the most 

important historic sites of the central a European 

region. 

Wednesday Our excursion today is to Vienna, 

a fascinating city, resplendent with fine palaces 

and churches dating from the time of the 

Habsburg Empire. Dominating the city centre 

is St Stephen’s Cathedral from where you can 

begin your exploration of the City. 

FROM 

£569 

8 DAYS 

Thursday Today we enjoy a day out to the ‘Sound 

of Music’ city, Salzburg, where you can visit the 

mighty fortress of Hohensalzburg or relax 

in Mirabell Gardens. 

Friday Our travels in the Austrian Lakes come 

to an end today as we make our way back for our 

final overnight with bed and breakfast 

Saturday We journey home via Calais and Dover. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Zum Gruner Baum Located not far from 

the centre of St Georgen in the Attergau. A lovely 

family run hotel with all bedrooms having private 

facilities and balcony. There is a lift to all floors 

and a sauna, solarium and steam bath. 

Austria Brandenberg - All Inclusive 


✓ Home Link 

84 85 

Departures 

19 May £569 

22 Sept £569* 

07 July £569 





A tour to the captivating Austrian 

Tyrol with a difference. Based in the 

small village of Brandenberg, this 

tour offers an all inclusive package 

designed to give you the best value 

for money. With breathtaking, 

almost unreal, chocolate box beauty 

and tingling fresh air, it is easy 

to understand the attraction 

of the Tyrolean region of Austria. 

Saturday We make our way to Dover for the 

crossing to Calais and then on to France for 

overnight bed and breakfast. 

Sunday We continue our journey into Austria and 

the Gasthof Ascherwirt in Brandenberg which 

will be our base for the next five nights with an 

inclusive package. 

Monday Enjoy a day at leasure in Brandenberg. 

Perhaps take advantage of the free local bus and 

visit the neighbouring villages of Rattenberg and 

Kramsach, which are well worth a visit. 

Tuesday We depart our hotel after breakfast for a 

visit to the Capital of the Tyrol, Innsbruck. This 800 

year old town is renowned as a cultural centre and 

as a city with numerous art treasures and many 

historic structures. 

Wednesday Our journey today takes us to the 

‘Sound of Music’ city of Salzburg. The city is not 

just famous for the film but also as the birthplace 

of Mozart. On arrival we will be met by our city 

guide who will introduce us to the wonderful old 

town with its fascinating history and buildings. 

Thursday We make the short journey to Kufstein 

for some free time in the old town and a chance to 

hear the ‘Heros Organ’. We then continue 

our journey through one of the most famous 

valleys in the Tyrol, the Ziller Valley passing lush 

meadows majestic mountains and typical Austrian 

Villages and farms before arriving at Mayrhofen. 

We will then have some free time before returning 

to our hotel. 

Friday We bid farewell to Austria and make 

our way back to France for overnight bed and 

breakfast. 

Saturday We continue for the short Channel 

crossing to the UK arriving in the West Country 

early evening. 

Your hotel 

Gasthof Ascherwirt, Brandenberg 

A family run hotel located in the village centre. 

Enjoy authentic Tyrolean hospitality in a stylish 

ambiance. All bedrooms have en suite bathroom, 

TV, radio and private balcony. 


• 2 afternoons enjoy coffee/tea and cake 

• From 1830 to 2200 hours drinks are free 

and consist of table wine, beer from tap 

and alcohol free drinks 

• Full excursion programme visiting 

Innsbruck and Salzburg 

Departures 

02 Jun £549 

01 Sept £549 


FROM 

£549 

8 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


21 Jul £549* 




Continental

Continental 

Austria Landeck - All Inclusive 


✓ Home Link 


• Extended cold buffet breakfast/lunch 

• Unlimited tea/coffee and soft drinks all day 

• 9 pin bowling evening with prizes 

• Entertainment one evening (dancing) 

• Tyrolean farmers evening 

• Farewell candlelit dinner 

• Excursions as detailed 

Departures 

15 Jul £539 25 Aug £539 


Landeck provides a great base 

to explore the Tirol region. The town 

itself is becoming an increasingly 

popular shopping area. The landmark 

for the town is Schloss Landeck or 

Landeck Castle. 


and the ferry crossing to Calais. We continue 

to our overnight hotel in France on a bed and 

breakfast basis. 

Day Two We depart after breakfast and travel 

through Germany and into Austria arriving at our 

hotel in time to settle in before dinner. Here we will 

spend the next five nights on an all-inclusive basis. 

Day Three This morning we head into the capital 

of the Tyrol, which host city to the winter Olympic 

games, We will visit the most famous landmark of 

all, the ‘Little Golden Roof’. After lunch we spend 

the afternoon in the popular Tyrolean town of 

Seefeld. 

Day Four Free day to explore Landeck - enjoy the 

shopping area, or perhaps visit Landeck Castle, 

which dates back to the early 13th Century (extra). 

Day Five Today we enjoy a fabulous drive over the 

stunning Alberg Pass and enjoy visits to the pretty 

village of Lech and the stylish town of St Anton. 

Day Six Today we take in more stunning scenery 

through the Ziller Valley and to the popular town 

of Mayrhofen. 

£539 

8 DAYS 

Day Seven Sadly we must leave Austria today 

and head back into France for our final overnight 


Day Eight We head back to Calais and our return 

crossing to Dover. We then continue our journey to 


Your hotel 

Hotel Sonne Family owned since 1882, the three 

star hotel is situated on a hillside with wonderful 

views across Landeck and down the valley. The 

bar and lounge areas are charming and the hotel 

has a welcoming atmosphere. All bedrooms have 

private bathroom, satellite TV and hairdryer. The 

hotel has a lift. 

The Magic of the Blue Danube 


✓ Home Link 

86 87 

The ancient town of Freistadt has 

always been of major importance 

due to its convenient location on two 

significant trade routes in immediate 

vicinity to the Bohemian border. 

Following the tracks of ancient 

history you are invited to stop 

at one of the cozy cafes, bakeries 

or inns along the trail. Freistadt is also 

known as Mühlviertel´s shopping mall 

featuring many attractive stores 

and shopping centres. 


for the ferry crossing to Calais. We then continue 

our journey on to the Cologne area for our 

overnight stay inclusive of bed and breakfast. 

Sunday We depart after breakfast and make our 

way to Freistadt where we will enjoy the next 5 


Monday Today we travel to Dürnstein also known 

as the “pearl of the Wachau”. It was here that 

Richard the Lion-Heart was supposedly held 

captive in 1192. From Dürnstein we make our way 

to Krems where we meet the boat for a cruise 

along the Danube to Melk, home of one of the 

famous monastic houses in Austria. On board the 

boat we enjoy a snack and wine tasting. 

Tuesday Today we travel to the border town 

of Passau where we have a guided tour before 

rejoining our coach to Schlögen. In Schlögen we 

board our boat to cruise downstream to Linz. 

On board we will enjoy coffee and cake before 

returning by coach to our hotel 

Wednesday Today we travel to Vienna for a tour 

of the Waltzing city with an English Speaking 

guide. 

Thursday We depart today for the Czech Republic 

and the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, one of 

the most beautiful towns of Southern Bohemia, 

with its imposing 13th century castle. The rich 

renaissance architecture still reflects the influence 

of the nobility who lived here in the 14th century. 

Friday Sadly after breakfast we must depart 

and make our way back to Germany area for an 

overnight stay with bed and breakfast. 

Saturday We depart after breakfast and travel 

back to Calais and the crossing to Dover, where we 

head back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Goldener Adler In the centre of the old 

walled town of Freistadt, located 25 miles north 

of Linz in Upper Austria. The hotel has restaurant, 

television room, lounge, and garden area, bar and 

lift. Bedrooms are en suite. 


• Guided tour of Passau, a spectacular setting 

where 3 rivers meet 

• Austria’s grand capital Vienna with 

a guided tour 

• Boat trip from Schlogen to Linz with coffee 

and cake 

• Boat trip between Krems and Melk including 

wine tasting and snack 

Departures 

04 Aug £589 


FROM 

£589 

8 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


01 Sept £589* 




Continental

Continental 

Glaciers and Castles 


✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Guided tour of Bischofshofen 

• Visit to Carinthia 

• Guided tour of Salzburg 

• Ride on the Monchsberg Panorama lift 

• Guided tour and falconry show 

at Hohenwerfen 

• Return journey on the Dachstein 

Glacier Cable Car 

A new tour based in the resort 

of Bischofshofen, world famous 

as the home of the annual 4 hills ski 

jumping tournament, and a perfect 

starting point for excursions in all 

directions. The town is surrounded 

by spectacular mountains. 


and the ferry crossing to Calais. We then continue 

to France for our overnight stop with bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Two After breakfast we depart and continue 

our journey to arrive in Bischofshofen and our 

hotel where a welcome drink awaits. We will enjoy 

the next five nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Day Three After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a 

guided tour of the town, then explore further on 

your own. In the afternoon coffee and cake can be 

enjoyed back at the hotel. 

Day Four Today we travel to Carinthia to take 

in some wonderful rolling hills and spectacular 

panoramic views. We start the day with a short 

visit to the historical town of Spittal an der Drau 

before beginning our journey along the Goldeck 

Panorama road. On the return journey we travel 

along the shores of Millstatt Lake before making a 

stop in the historical town of Gmund. 

Day Five Today we visit Salzburg, where we will 

enjoy a guided city tour which will show you the 

highlights of the city before you take the ride up 

the Monchsberg Panorama lift for spectacular 

views over the rooftops. 

FROM 

£549 

8 DAYS 

Day Six Today we travel to Schladming where 

we join the Glacier Cable Car to a height of 2,700 

metres above sea level. Here you can sit and 

admire the view of the Glacier or stand out on the 

Sky Walk for some scary views or take a wander 

around the Ice Palace. Don’t forget to dress 

warmly! In the afternoon we travel to Werfen for 

a visit to the spectacular fortress used in the film 

‘Where Eagles Dare’. Here your guide will tell you 

of the history of the fortress before you get to see 

the wonderful falconry show. 

Day Seven Sadly we must depart Bischofshofen 

today and make our way back to our final 


Day Eight We depart after breakfast and head 

back to Calais and the ferry to Dover then onwards 

to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Gasthof Schutzenhof and Hotel Alte Post 

The hotel is located in the centre of town and has a 

traditional atmosphere. There is a restaurant, bar as 

well as a sauna, infra-red cabin and a small fitness 

area. All bedrooms are en suite with hairdryer, TV, 

radio and telephone. 

Switzerland - All Inclusive 

88 89 

Departures 

03 Jun £549* 

15 Sept £549 


28 Jul £549 




Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


✓ Home Link 

From our base in the Swiss resort 

of Bad Serneus, in the heart of Heidi 

country, immerse yourself in the 

Alpine splendour of crystal blue lakes 

and beautiful towering peaks. 

Day One We depart for Dover and the ferry to Calais. 

On arrival we make our way to northern France for 

our overnight with bed and breakfast. 

Day Two We complete the scenic journey to Bad 

Serneus and our hotel where we enjoy the next 5 

nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Day Three Today you are free to explore your 

surroundings and enjoy the hotel facilities. Why not 

use the free public transport and travel to the world 

famous resorts of Klosters and Davos. 

Day Four Today you can enjoy our (optional extra 

excursion) a day out to remember as we board the 

World Famous Swiss Glacier Express from Davos via 

Chur to Andermatt. The train has recently introduced 

second class panoramic viewing carriages which have 

oversized windows extending into the roof to provide 

a first class view. Your journey on the ‘slowest express 

in the world’ climbs through unforgettable scenery to 

the summit of the Oberalp Massif. Enjoy time also in 

Andermatt before returning by coach to our hotel. 

Day Five Enjoy fantastic scenic views as we climb 

the San Bernardino Pass. We then join the motorway 

through the Italian-speaking district of Switzerland 

and Ticino area to the border town of Lugano. Enjoy 

the ‘chic’ of the town’s piazzas and promenades and 

perhaps take a meal by the lakeside or try a funicular 

ride up Monte Bre for spectacular views over the Alps. 

Day Six A morning excursion through the Inn Valley 

and the Upper Engadin region to the first class resort 

of St Moritz, home in winter to the Cresta Run and 

famous for its air of elegance. 

Day Seven Depart and make our way back to our 

final overnight inclusive of bed and breakfast. 

Day Eight Returning to Calais for the crossing to 

Dover 

we then return to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

The Kurhotel Bad Serneus is located in the Serneus 

village by the marvellous valley of the River Landquart, 

near the popular mountain resorts of Klosters and 

Davos. The hotel has a traditional Swiss style dining 

room, bar area and terrace. All bedrooms are en suite. 

The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool. 


FROM 

£689 

8 DAYS 


• Excursion to Ticino and Lugano 

• Visit to St Moritz 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

• Opportunity to journey on the World 

Famous Swiss Glacier Express (extra) 

• Selection of drinks – beer, house wine, 

soft drinks, coffee and tea available free 

of charge from 1830 to 2130 daily 

Departures 

10 Jun £689 

01 Sept £689* 

12 Aug £689 





Continental

Continental 

Trains of Switzerland 


✓ Home Link 


• Return journey on the Aiguille 

du Midi Cable Car 

• Journey on the Golden Pass line between 

Montreaux and Gstaad 

• Visit to Montreaux 

• Free time in Leysin 

They say that in Switzerland the 

trains always run on time. While the 

holiday is not designed simply to 

test that fact it will no doubt add to 

the enjoyment! The main purpose 

of taking this form of transport is 

to make sure you see the very best 

of this spectacular mountain and 

lakeland scenery, often at a more 

sedate pace. 

Day One We depart for Dover and the ferry to 

Calais. On arrival we continue to France where we 

overnight with bed and breakfast. 

Day Two Crossing the Champagne region and then 

towards Strasbourg, we cross into Switzerland and 

onto Leysin where we spend the next five nights with 


Day Three Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore 

the area. In the afternoon coffee and cake will be 

served at the hotel. 

Day Four Today we travel to Chamonix where we 

journey on Europe’s highest cable car the Aiguille du 

Midi. From the centre of Chamonix the 20 minutes 

ride will bring you to a height of 3,842m. The Aiguille 

du Midi offers a 360 degree view of all the French, 

Swiss and Italian Alps. A lift brings you to the summit 

terrace at 3,842m, where you will have a clear view 

of Mont Blanc. There is a restaurant, cafeteria and 

souvenir shop. 

FROM 

£669 

8 DAYS 

Day Five Today we enjoy a trip through some of 

Switzerland’s best scenery as you travel on the 

Panoramic Golden Pass Line between Montreau and 

Gstaad. Spend some free time in the resort for the 

rich and famous, Gstaad before travelling back to 

the hotel. 

Day Six Today we travel to Montreaux - the jazz 

capital of Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore 

this picturesque lake side town. Recommended is a 

walk along the promenade or a visit to the famous 

Chateau Chillon (entry extra). 

Day Seven All too soon it will be time to bid farewell 

to Leysin as we commence the journey through 

France to to our overnight with bed and breakfast. 

Day Eight We return to Calais for the ferry to Dover 

and our journey back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Central-Residence & Spa, Leysin The 

hotel is located about 500m from the centre of the 

village and has a reception with a bar and seating 

area as well as a billiard table. All bedrooms are en 

suite with TV and telephone and have a view of the 

surrounding mountains. The hotel has an indoor 

pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and fitness area. 

Swiss Alps and The Bernina Express 


✓ Home Link 

90 91 

Departures 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

This super tour is based at the 

wonderful Central Sporthotel in 

Davos. It includes a journey on the 

spectacular Bernina Express railway 

from Davos, high into the Alps and 

past lakes and glaciers and travelling 

across the border to Tirano, Italy. 

Day One An early start for Dover and the ferry 

to Calais. On arrival we travel to Saarlouis for an 

overnights stay with bed and breakfast. 

Day Two We continue our journey into Switzerland 

to arrive at the popular Alpine resort of Davos for the 


Day Three A day to relax and enjoy your resort. 

Included in your holiday the ‘Davos Card’ which 

permits free and unlimited use of local transport. We 

suggest a trip on the Schwarzalp Mountain Railway for 

lunch (extra) in the panoramic restaurant followed by 

a visit to the Alpine Garden. 

Day Four Today we travel to Klosters, the winter 

holiday destination for the Royal Family, and then 

on to Chur. This charming historic town has cobbled 

streets, secret courtyards and a large Cathedral. Here 

we will enjoy a journey on the Rhatische Railway on 

the tracks of the Glacier Express back to Davos. 

Day Six Today we enjoy a morning excursion to St 

Moritz. Elegant and chic, it lies in the middle of a 

lake-dotted landscape and offers one of the sunniest 

climates in all Switzerland. Return to Davos for an 

afternoon at leisure. 

Day Seven We say farewell to Switzerland today as 

we head back to Saarlouis and overnight stop with 


Day Eight We head towards Calais for our return 

ferry crossing to Dover and journey back to the West 

Country. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Europe, Davos Located in the centre of 

Davos Platz. The hotel offers its guests cosiness and 

relaxation. All the bedrooms are en-suite with hair 

dryer telephone, mini bar and cable TV. The hotel has 

an indoor swimming pool and sauna. 

10 Jun £669* 25 Aug £699 

Day Five Today is the highlight as we board the 

20 May £789* 

30 Jun £779 

22 Sept £699 

Bernina Express Railway and enjoy the fantastic 

journey through the mountains to Italy. See lakes, 

15 Sept £789 


gorges and glaciers as well as a series of loops and 

tunnels that make this one of Europe’s greatest train 



journeys. On arrival in Tirano, Italy enjoy a little time at 



leisure before travelling back to Davos by coach with a 



fresh perspective on the spectacular scenery en route. 



FROM 

£779 

8 DAYS 


• Welcome drink 

• ‘Davos Card’ permitting free local 

travel in Davos 

• Bernina Express train to Tirano, Italy 

• Visit to Klosters 

• Train journey from Chur to Andermatt 

• Visit to St. Moritz 

Departures 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Continental

Continental 

The Beautiful Black Forest & Lake Constance 


✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Welcome drink at Schloss Hotel 

• Black Forest Konus Card – allowing free bus 

and rail transport 

• Entrance to Hornberg Tower 

• Presentation on the area of Hornberg 

• Excursion to Lake Constance 

• Visit to Freiburg 

• Visit to Alsace wine region 

A new tour to the beautiful Black 

Forest staying in Hornberg and 

enjoying excursions to Lake 

Constance, Freiburg and the Alsace 

wine region. 

Saturday An early start for Dover and the ferry to 

Calais. On arrival we travel to Liege for an overnight 


Sunday We continue our journey into Germany 

to arrive at the Schloss Hotel, Hornberg where we 

enjoy the next five nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. Time to settle in before dinner this evening. 

Monday Today enjoy a day at leisure in Hornberg. 

Take advantage of the Konus Card which offers free 

transport in the local area. Also included is entrance to 

the Hornberg Tower. 

Tuesday A scenic excursion today to Lake Constance, 

travelling over the Swiss border to Schaffhausen 

and onto the spectacular Rhein Falls. From there, we 

continue via Stein am Rhein to Constance which is on 

the edge of the famous lake itself. 

Wednesday Today we enjoy an excursion to the 

capital of the Black Forest, Freiburg. A magnificent 

Gothic Cathedral dominates the town square where 

regular, colourful markets are held, selling handmade 

goods and local produce. 

Thursday A day in France in the Alsace wine region. 

Spend the morning in beautiful Colmar, with its canal 

and brightly painted medieval houses. From there, the 

Alsace wine route winds north through the pretty 16th 

Century wine towns of Riquewihr and Ribeauville. 

FROM 

£559 

8 DAYS 

Friday We say farewell to Germany today as we travel 

back to Liege for our final overnight with bed and 

breakfast. 

Saturday We head towards Calais for our return ferry 

crossing to Dover and onward journey back to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

Schloss Hotel, Hornberg This medieval and 

characteristic 3 star hotel is located above the village 

of Hornberg with a magnificent park, castle ruins and 

lookout tower. All bedrooms are en suite with satellite 

TV and hairdryer. There is no lift at this hotel. 

The Romantic Rhine 


92 93 

Departures 

28 Jul £559* 


22 Sept £559 




Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

In the heart of the Rhine Gorge, 

Boppard has a premier location 

right on the banks of the river. In all 

directions are historic towns, steep 

vine clad hills and dramatic castles 

which cling to the mountain tops 

and look down on the important 

waterway. All day long barges trundle 

up and down the river, often en route 

from Switzerland to the mouth of the 

river in Holland. 

Monday We depart and make our way to Dover for 

the channel crossing. We then travel along the coast, 

past Bruges and Gent and then in to Germany. We 

proceed past Koblenz and on to Boppard where we 

enjoy the next four nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Tuesday Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore 

Boppard. Since 2002 the town of Boppard has been 

part of UNESCO World Heritage. This history can be 

seen by visiting one of the few churches or museums 

(entry extra), while the Roman Fort is a reminder of 

this town’s roots. With quiet lanes but busy squares 

there are different atmospheres to suit everyone. 

Wednesday A full day excursion starting with a stop 

in Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Mosel. Explore 

the town and visit German Corner before continuing 

west, along the Mosel, where we make a stop in the 

historic town of Cochem. 

Thursday Today we enjoy a day exploring the 

Rhine, travelling through St Goarshausen and past 

the Loreley Rock to Rudesheim where we visit the 

Drosselgasse before returning to Boppard in time for 

dinner. 

Friday Sadly it’s time to say goodbye. We depart 

Boppard and commence our journey home, travelling 

through Belgium and northern France before crossing 

the Channel. 

Your hotel 

The 3 star superior Hotel Ebertor, Boppard has an 

excellent riverside location in the centre of Boppard. 

Guest’s bedrooms are all comfortable with the 

traditional Classic rooms set around a courtyard and 

are en suite with TV and telephone. While the lift does 

not serve all floors the hotel does have several ground 

floor rooms. 


FROM 

£439 

5 DAYS 


• Welcome drink at Hotel Ebertor 

• Boat trip on the River Rhine 

• Visit to Koblenz 

• Visit to Cochem 

• Full day to explore the Rhine 

• Free time in Boppard 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Departures 

21 May £479 25 Jun £479 

30 Jul £479* 

15 Oct £439 





Continental

Continental 

Leipzig, Dresden and Colditz 


✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Luxury hotel in Leipzig 

• Free time to enjoy Leipzig 

• Entrance and guided tour of Colditz Castle 

• Visit to Dresden 

The area of ‘Old East Germany’, 

with its exciting history, is both 

fascinating and charming. Our luxury 

4 star hotel is in the centre of Leipzig, 

in the former East Germany. Famous 

names such as Bach, Schumann and 

Goethe are all associated with the 

city, indeed Bach spent most of his 

life here. 

Day One An early start for Dover and the ferry 

to Calais. On arrival we travel to Belgium for an 


Day Two We continue our journey into Germany to 

arrive in Leipzig and the Marriot Hotel for the next 4 


Day Three A day to relax and enjoy Leipzig, city of 

culture. See St Thomas’s church the Old Town Hall, 

the magnificent railway station and St Nicholas 

Church, centre for the peaceful revolt that led to the 

fall of communism. 

Day Four Today we enjoy an excursion to Colditz, 

an historic old town dating back to the Middle 

Ages. High above the village is the famous castle 

that was used as a prisoner of war camp in World 

War II. Entrance and a guided tour are included. 

Day Five Today we enjoy a full day to Dresden. 

Lying on the Elbe, the city was badly damaged 

during WWII. Now reconstructed, many historic 

buildings have now been restored to their former 

glory. 

FROM 

£559 

7 DAYS 

Day Six We say farewell to Leipzig today as travel 

back to Belgium for our final overnight with bed 


Day Seven We head towards Calais for our return 

ferry crossing to Dover and journey back to the 

West Country. 

Your hotel 

Leipzig Marriot Hotel A luxury 4 star hotel with 

an excellent location in the centre of Leipzig near 

to Thomaskirche and close to the main sights and 

best shopping. All bedrooms are en suite with TV, 

telephone and air conditioning. The hotel has an 

indoor swimming pool. 

Passau and the Bavarian Forest 


✓ Home Link 

94 95 

Departures 

26 May £559 

30 Sept £559 


25 Aug £559* 




Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

The Bavarian woods are central 

Europe’s largest continuous 

mountain forest and it is dotted with 

romantic, picturesque villages and 

valleys. On this new tour we include 

a guided tour of the beautiful city 

of Passau plus a lovely boat trip 

on the Danube River. 



to the Metz area for our overnight stop with bed 


Sunday After breakfast we depart and continue 

our journey to arrive in Passau and our hotel where 

we will enjoy the next five nights stay with dinner, 


Monday After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a half 

day guided tour of the town, before having 

the rest of the day to relax and enjoy your 

surroundings. 

Tuesday Today we travel to the historic town 

of Regensburg situated on the Danube. You will 

enjoy a guided tour and will be shown some of the 

more important sights before having free time to 

explore. An added enhancement to your day is 

the strudel boat trip on the Danube River before 

returning back to the hotel. 

Wednesday Today we visit the spa town of 

Bodenmais where we suggest a trip up the 

covered chairlift (extra) where you can relax at 

a restaurant in the sun. We then visit the Joska 

Crystal factory to watch talented glass blowers 

and painters at their work. 

Thursday A short trip to the town of Scharding 

today where you can stroll around the colourful 

town before returning to Passau to sit back and 

relax on the famous Swarovski Crystal ship. 

Friday Sadly we must depart Passau today and 

make our way back to our final overnight stay with 


Saturday We depart after breakfast and head 

back to Calais and the ferry to Dover and journey 


Your hotel 

Hotel am Jesuitenschlossl Located in the ‘Inncity’, 

a suburb of Passau on the Inn river side. The Jesuiten 

Castle is located nearby, and from this the hotel 

was named. The hotel has a small wellness area 

with fitness room, sauna and relaxation room. The 

bedrooms are en suite with hairdryer, bathrobe, 

balcony or terrace, minibar, radio, satellite TV and 

telephone. The hotel has a lift. 


FROM 

£549 

8 DAYS 


• Guided tour of Passau 

• Guided tour of Regensburg 

• Strudel boat trip on the Danube River 

• Visit to Joska Crystal 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

• Round trip on the Swarovski Crystal Ship 

Departures 

26 May £549* 


11 Aug £549 




Continental

Continental 

Lake Garda, Venice and Verona 


✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• A fabulous day out to Venice 

• Tour around the shores of Lake Garda 

• An excursion to the beautiful 

City of Verona 

The largest and loveliest of Italy’s 

lakes, Garda stretches over thirty 

miles from rolling plains in the south 

to the mighty Dolomite mountains 

in the north. It’s shores are home 

to historic old towns and modern 

cosmopolitan resorts, Lake Garda 

appeals to all tastes whether for 

relaxing in the sun or enjoying our 

fabulous excursion programmes. 

Saturday An early start for Dover and the 

crossing to France. We continue as far as Metz to 

spend the night on a bed and breakfast basis. 

Sunday We complete the scenic journey to Lake 

Garda and our hotel where we spend the next six 

nights with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday-Friday. Plenty of time to relax by the 

shores of Lake Garda, explore Torbole or simply 

relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. The following 

excursions will also be organised: 

• A day out to Venice, the world’s most romantic 

city, where a local guide will show you the sights. 

Time will be allowed to visit St Mark’s Square, 

the Rialto Bridge and the Venetian glass making 

shops and discover the alleyways and canals of 

this fine city. 

• A guided tour of Verona, city of Romeo and 

Juliet’s tragic love. 

• A tour of the lake where you will have the 

chance of a boat trip to Limone. 

• A visit to Malcesine. 

FROM 

£629 

9 DAYS 

Saturday Its “Arrivederci Garda” as we make our 

way back to France for the night in Metz on a bed 

and breakfast basis. 

Sunday Returning to Calais for the crossing 

to Dover we then return to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Club Hotel La Vela Situated a stones throw 

away from the centre of Torbole and the tranquil 

lakeside, this 4 star hotel offers high quality 

accommodation. All bedrooms have private 

bathroom and colour TV. There is a lovely outdoor 

swimming pool and the hotel has a lift. 

Lake Como 


✓ Home Link 

96 97 

Departures 

05 May £679* 

13 Oct £629* 


15 Sept £709 




Lake Como is known as the prettiest 

lake in northern Italy. Its breathtaking 

mountains make a stunning 

backdrop to the magnificent gardens 

with their vast array of colour. 

Saturday We make our way to Dover for the ferry 

crossing to Calais. We continue to Metz for an 

overnight stop with bed and breakfast. 

Sunday We continue our journey to Lake Como 

and our hotel where we enjoy the next 6 nights 

inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday Enjoy a leisurely day relaxing in the hotel. 

Maybe take one of the many boat trips around 

the lake, or just soak up the scenery from one of 

the lakeside cafes. 

Tuesday We first travel to the opulent resort town 

of Stresa, from where a boat will take you across 

to the famous Borromean Islands. The lake was 

given to the Borromeon family in the 17th century. 

The islands lie at the centre of the lake and are 

fine examples of natural beauty enhanced by 

landscaped gardens and parks. 

Wednesday We enjoy the stunning views of the 

pretty villages surrounding the area as well as 

visiting the oldest town on the lake, Como Town. 

The heart of the town is in the Piazza, an ideal 

spot to sit and watch the boats and people go by. 

Thursday Today we cross the border into 

Switzerland and travel to Lugano. Lugano is an 

impressive resort which has a unique character. 

Overlooked by the Mount San Salvatore, Lugano 

offers plenty of green open spaces and the usual 

array of shops that will appeal to everyone. NB 

Swiss currency advisable for todays excursion. 

Friday Today we travel northwards before taking 

the ferry across to Bellagio, the pearl of Lake 

Como. Bellagio is characterised by century-old 

buildings, stone lanes and picturesque cobbled 

stairways filled with shops. 

Saturday Sadly we must depart Tremezzo and 

Lake Como today and travel back to Metz for our 


Sunday We head back to Calais for the crossing to 

Dover and then onwards to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Bazzoni Enjoying a central yet seafront 

localtion right in the heart of the quaint village 

of Tremezzo on the west coast of Lake Como. 

The Bazzoni has comfortable public areas with 

lounges, bar, first floor panoramic restaurant with 

an outdoor terrace offering spectacular lake views. 


hairdryer, telephone and air conditioning. 


FROM 

£649 

9 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Lake Maggiore 

• Switzerland Lugano 

• Ferry across to Borromean Islands 

• Como Town 

Departures 

05 May £649* 


22 Sept £669 




Continental

Continental 

Italian Dolomites 


✓ Home Link 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 


• Local walk and picnic in surrounding area 

• Full day tour of the Brenta Dolomite 

mountain range 

• Visit to city of Merano 

• Day out to Riva del Garda 

With breathtaking scenery each and 

every way you turn this region offers 

a myriad of itineraries and scenic 

days out – you are still in Italy but 

with a strong Austrian feel! 


for the ferry crossing to Calais. We then continue 

our journey on to Metz for our overnight stay 

inclusive of bed and breakfast. 

Sunday We depart after breakfast and make our 

way to Italy and the Hotel Paganella for the next 

five nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday Today you are free to explore the 

surrounding area and also included is a walk and 

picnic in the surrounding countryside with Fausto, 

the hotel owner – and simply relax and enjoy the 

mountain scenery. 

Tuesday Today we take a full day tour of the 

fabulous Brenta Dolomite mountain range. 

Drive up the Val di Sole and then over the pass 

at Madonna di Campiglio, from where there are 

spectacular views of the Brenta Peaks. From here 

we travel back up to the charming and pretty Lake 

Molveno, before returning to the hotel. 

Wednesday Today we visit the beautiful spa 

city of Merano. Enjoy a morning stroll around the 

towns vibrant centre, perhaps taking the chair 

lift (extra)to admire the most scenic views and 

then walking through the botanical gardens. In 

the afternoon we drive along the Adige’s valley 

famous wine route. 

FROM 

£569 

8 DAYS 

Thursday Today we enjoy a day out to Riva del 

Garda based on the north point of this stunningly 

beautiful and largest Italian lake. Riva is a goodsized 

town, and has plenty going on. Maybe visit 

the Varone Waterfalls or just shop and sightsee. 

Friday Sadly after breakfast we must depart and 

make our way back to the Metz for an overnight 


Saturday We depart after breakfast and travel 

back to Calais and the crossing to Dover, where we 

head back to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Hotel Paganella This small and friendly family 

run hotel is ideally situated for touring in this area. 

Fausto and his family ensure a warm welcome 

in this typically Austrian chalet style dwelling. All 

bedrooms have private bathroom, hairdryer and 

satellite TV. There is also a wellness centre with 

sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. 

The Czech Republic - Bohemian Triangle 


✓ Home Link 

98 99 

Departures 

12 May £569 





Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

A wonderful new tour taking in some 

of the most beautiful and fascinating 

places that the Czech Republic has 

to offer, including Marianske Lazne, 

Cheb and of course Prague, the ‘City 

of a hundred towers’. With guided 

tours showing you the highlights 

of these historical places this really 

is a holiday not to be missed. 

Saturday We depart and make our way to Dover and 

the ferry crossing to Calais. We then continue to our 

overnight stop with bed and breakfast. 

Sunday After breakfast we depart and continue our 

journey to arrive in Loket and our allocated hotel 

where a welcome drink awaits. We will enjoy the next 

two nights stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday After a leisurely breakfast we enjoy a day 

trip to Marianske Lazne, Franiskovy Lazne and Cheb. A 

local tour guide will spend the day with you pointing 

out all the highlights at our destinations en-route. 

Tuesday Today we travel to the spa town of Karlovy 

Vary for a short visit before continuing on to Pilsen 

(Plzen). The city of Plzen is best known for its brewery 

and a visit to the Brewery museum is included. Enjoy 

some free time here before we continue on to Prague 

where we will stay for the next three nights with 


Wednesday This morning we will be met by our 

city guide who will introduce you to the highlights of 

Prague on a half day tour. You can then enjoy a visit to 

Prague Castle and enjoy some free time to stroll and 

take in the history of the city. This evening we enjoy 

a speciality meal in a Prague restaurant with typical 

Bohemian dishes. 

Thursday Today we visit Konopiste Castle. Konopiste 

is one of the most magnificent castles in Bohemia 

dating back to the middle Ages. We then make a visit 

to the town of Kutna Hora, the second largest city 

in Bohemia. Kutna Hora abounds with exceptional 

monuments. 

Friday Sadly we must depart Prague today and make 

our way back to our final overnight stay with bed and 

breakfast. 

Saturday We depart after breakfast and head back to 

Calais and the ferry to Dover and our return journey 


Your hotel 

Hotel Cisar Ferdinand or Hotel Florian, Loket 

Hotels are both 3 star, located opposite each other 

and belong to the same family. All bedrooms are en 

suite with satellite TV and telephone. 

Hotel Plaza Alta The 4 star Plaza is located in a quiet 

and easy accessible area of Prague. All bedrooms are 

en suite with satellite TV, hairdryer and minibar. 


FROM 

£599 

8 DAYS 


• Guided tour of Marianske Lazne, 

Franiskov Lazne and Cheb 

• Entry to Pilsen Brewery Museum 

• Guided tour of Prague 

• Traditional meal in a restaurant in Prague 

• Entrance to Prague Castle 

• Entrance to Konopiste Castle 

Departures 

07 Jul £599 11 Aug £599 

15 Sept £579* 29 Sept £599* 


NEW tour 

for 2012 




Continental

Continental 

100 

Slovenia’s Stunning Coastline 


✓ Home Link 

NEW tour 

for 2012 


• Entrance to Postonja Caves 

• Lipica Stud Farm to see the 

Lipizzaner horses 

• Boat trip to Piran and Izola 

• Visit to Rovinj in Croatia 

• Free time to explore Portoroz 

Departures 

13 Jul £919* 


09 Sept £899 




A fantastic new tour staying in 

Portoroz with wonderful hotels and 

a tranquil location in the Harbour 

of Piran. This small resort has 

a reputation for its excellent wellness 

facilities where people from all 

over Europe come to relax and 

be pampered. We also include the 

breath-taking Postonja Caves and the 

Lipizanner Stud Farm. 



for our overnight stop in Liege with dinner, bed 


Day Two Continuing our journey we arrive near 

Kufstein where we enjoy an overnight stay with 


Day Three Today we cross in to Slovenia to arrive 

in Portoroz and our allocated hotel where we enjoy 

the next six nights stay with dinner, bed 


Day Four Today enjoy a day at leisure in Portoroz 

and the splendid facilities on offer at the hotel. 

Wander around the harbour or explore the chic 

shops. This evening entrance to the Casino is 

included. 

Day Five Today we visit the breath-taking 

Postojna Caves. These huge caves are some of 

the largest in Europe and well worth a tour to see 

the amazing rock formations. We then continue to 

Lipica to see the beautiful Lipizzaner horses that 

are bred at the Lipica Stud Farm. 

FROM 

£899 

11 DAYS 

Treat 


Gold Coach 

Tour 

Day Six Today we take a boat trip to Piran and 

Izola, along the coast from Portoroz, these pretty 

towns are wonderful to explore with narrow 

cobbled streets, historic piazzas and great 

atmosphere. 

Day Seven We cross the border today into Croatia 

to visit Rovinj. Wander the cobbled streets, peruse 

the markets stalls, and make your way up to the 

hilltop for some truly magnificent views. 

Day Eight Enjoy another day at leisure in Portoroz 

today. 

Day Nine We must sadly depart Slovenia as we 

head back to the Thaler Hotel for an overnight 


Day Ten Departing after breakfast we continue 

on to Liege for our final overnight stop with dinner, 


Day Eleven We head back to Calais and the ferry 

to Dover and then continue to the West Country. 

Your hotel 

Lifeclass Resort (Hotel Riviera or Slovenia) 

Centrally located in Portoroz overlooking the bay, 

these two 4 star hotels offer excellent accommodation 

and a good range of facilities ideal for a relaxing 

holiday. All bedrooms are en suite with satellite TV, air 

conditioning and hair dryer. The vast wellness centre 

offers swimming pools, whirlpools, saunas and its own 

Thai and Indian massage centre. 

Lisbon, Porto and the Atlantic Coast 

✓ 7 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 nights on board Brittany Ferries cabin only 

✓ Home Link 

Following a relaxing cruise from the 

UK to Santander we pass through 

Northern Spain into Portugal and 

start to explore the wonderful 

Atlantic coastline. This two centre 

tour includes stays in the stylish 

coastal towns of Povoa de Varzim 

and Estoril. 

Sunday We depart and make our way to 

Plymouth to board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry 

to Santander. Relax and enjoy our overnight stay 

on board on a cabin only basis. 

Monday We arrive in Santander and proceed 

to Leon where we enjoy our overnight stay with 


Tuesday We depart after breakfast and continue 

west into Portugal and on to Povoa de Varzim 

where we enjoy 2 nights stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast at the Grande Hotel da Povoa. 

Wednesday Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore 

Povoa de Varzim. 

Thursday We leave Povoa de Varzim today and 

travel to Porto, filled with narrow alleys, steep 

winding streets and historic buildings. We include 

a visit to a Port Wine House and museum. We then 

continue to Estoril to arrive at the Hotel Vila Gale 

Ericeira for the next 3 nights stay with dinner, bed 


Friday Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Lisbon 

coast to include Cabo da Roca, Sintra and, of 

course, time in the charming town of Estoril. 

Saturday A full day excursion to Lisbon. See the 

busy Rossio Square, the Black Square and the old 

quarter of Alfama with its narrow streets which 

lead up to Saint Georges Castle. 

Sunday We must leave and journey back into 

Spain, for our overnight stay with dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Monday We journey back to Santander and our 

ferry back to the UK with our overnight stay on 

board on a cabin only basis. 

Tuesday We arrive back in Plymouth for our return 

journey home. 

Your hotel 

The historic Grande Hotel da Povoa is located in the 

centre of Povoa do Varzim, overlooking the beach, 

a well-known for “sea bathing”. All bedrooms are en 

suite with air conditioning, satellite TV, mini bar and 

telephone. 

The Hotel Vila Gale Ericeria is located at the 

western most tip of Portugal and is surrounded by 

the Atlantic Ocean. All bedrooms are en suite with 

telephone, satellite TV, radio, hairdryer and mini bar. 

The Satsanga Spa includes jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish 

bath and treatment rooms; there is also an outdoor 



• Return overnight ferry crossing with Brittany 

Ferries on a cabin only basis 

• 2 overnights in Spain with dinner, 


• 2 nights in Povoa de Varzim with dinner, 


• 3 nights in Ericeira with dinner, bed 

and breakfast 

• Visit to Port wine house with tasting 

• Full day excursion to Lisbon 

Departures 

10 Jun £779 16 Sept £779 



FROM 

£779 

10 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Continental 

101

Continental 

Norway Highlights 

Telemark and the Western Fjords Highlights 

✓ 8 nights with dinner, bed and breakfast ✓ 2 nights on board DFDS Cruise Ferry cabin only ✓ Home Link 

Tour highlights 

• 2 overnight ferry crossings between 

Harwich and Esbjerg 

• 1 nights half board at the Scandic 

Plaza hotel Arhus 

• 3 nights half board at the Quality 

Straand Hotel, Vrådal 

• 3 nights half board at the Stalheim Hotel 

• 1 nights half board at the Quality 

Hotel Larvik 

• All internal ferries in Norway 

• Norway in a Nutshell excursion 

• Mini bus transfer and entrance to the 

Heavy Water Plant at Vermork 

• Excursions as detailed 

Entry fees are not included unless stated 

Departures 

14 Sept £1,299 


Norway is a ruggedly beautiful 

country of precipitous mountains, 

tumbling waterfalls, deep fjords 

and glaciers. Telemark is a relatively 

uncharted area of Norway offering 

magnificent scenery with high 

mountain plateau. 

Friday We travel to Harwich to board the DFDS 

cruise-ferry service to Esbjerg. En suite lower bed 

cabins are provided. 

Saturday We dock in Esbjerg and drive through the 

Danish countryside to Århus, for our overnight stay 


Sunday Today we travel through North Jutland, to 

arrive in Hirtshals for the Color Line fast-craft ferry 

service to Kristiansand. We continue to Vrådal for a 

3 night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Monday Full day panoramic excursion across 

the Hardangervidda Plateau and including the 

Telemark heavy-water sabotage site. We join a 

mini-bus for the short journey across the gorge and 

up to the Vemork Power Station. 

Tuesday A full day at leisure to relax in Vrådal. 

Wednesday Today we travel to Brunkenberg. 

We then take the short ferry journey across the 

Hardangerfjord to Kvanndal continuing via Voss 

towards Gudvangen and the Stalheim Hotel for a 3 

night stay with dinner, bed and breakfast. 

Thursday Today we travel to the small town of Vik 

and then on to Vangsnes for the short ferry ride to 

Hella. We then drive to Mannheller for the short 

sailing to Fodnes. 

£1,299 

11 DAYS 

Friday Today the famous Norway in a Nutshell 

tour. The day starts with the descent from Stalheim 

to the port of Gudvangen. Here we board the Fjord 

Cruise for the leisurely journey to Flåm, sailing down 

the narrow Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord with 

steep cliffs rising on both sides of the boat. 

Saturday Today we depart the Stalheim Hotel 

for a long but scenic day travelling via Flåm. We 

then arrive in Larvik for overnight dinner, bed and 

breakfast. 

Sunday An early breakfast this morning before 

departing the hotel and joining the morning Color 

Line fast ferry departure from Larvik. En suite lower 

bed cabins are provided. 

Monday We arrive Harwich at midday and 

complete the homeward journey. 

Your hotel 

Quality Straand Vrådal This hotel has a lakeside 

location and offers comfortable en-suite bedrooms 

with television and telephone. The hotel has a bar, 

restaurant and indoor swimming pool. 

Stalheim Hotel This stunning hotel has a hilltop, 

panoramic position overlooking the Naeroy, Brekke 

and Jordal Valleys. All bedrooms are en suite and 

with television and telephone. The hotel has lovely 

gardens and views from its panoramic terrace. 

Malta by Air Dubrovnik and 

Montenegro by Air 


and breakfast ✓ Home Link 

102 103 

From its North African and Arabic influences to the 

Sicilian-inspired cuisine, Malta is a microcosm of the 

Mediterranean. With its honey-coloured stone set against 

the deepest of Mediterranean blues, Malta offers 

an eclectic mix of influences whilst retaining a unique 

and enchanting identity all of its own. 

What’s included: 

• Return flights from London / Malta 

• Return airport/hotel transfers and 

assistance 

• 5 nights at the Ramia Bay Resort 

with dinner, bed and breakfast 

• Full day guided excursion 

to Mdina and Rabat 

• Entrance to Museum, Cathedral 

and Catacombs in Mdina 

• Full day guided excursion with boat 

trip to Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk 

• Full day guided excursion to Gozo 

• Full day guided excursion to Valletta 

Your hotel 

The secluded 4 star Ramla Bay 

Resort is situated on the northern 

coast of Malta near to the delightful 

town of Mellieha, overlooking the 

picturesque islands of Gozo and 

Comino. All bedrooms are en suite with 

air conditioning, mini bar, safe and 

satellite TV. Facilities include a health 

spa, private beach, sunset lounge with 

live entertainment and two restaurants. 

Departures 

06 Oct £929 



• Full day guided excursion with boat trip to Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk 

• Full day guided excursion to Gozo 

• Full day guided excursion to Valletta 

The first glimpse of the medieval city of Dubrovnik, 

surrounded on three sides by the sparkling waters of the 

Adriatic with limestone crags at its back, remains one 

of Croatia’s memorable impressions. You will discover 

a host of delights – culinary, cultural and all indefinably 

unforgettable. Discover the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean’ 

on a visit to the unique natural wealth and beauty that 

is Montenegro. 


• Return flights from London 

/ Dubrovnik 

• Return airport/hotel transfers 

with assistance 

• 7 nights stay at the Iberostar 

Albatros Hotel, Cavtat with dinner, 


• Half day Dubrovnik 

sight-seeing tour 


to Montenegro 

• Time at leisure in Dubrovnik 

Your hotel 

Located just 20 minutes from 

Dubrovnik, the Iberostar Albatros 

is the perfect hotel for a holiday in the 

beautiful town of Cavtat. Bedrooms 

are en suite with air conditioning and 

minibar. The hotel offers a range of 

facilities including indoor and outdoor 

swimming pools, bar and restaurants. 

The hotels private jetty offers regular 

boat trips to nearby Dubrovnik. 


• Half day Dubrovnik sight-seeing tour 

• Full day guided excursion to Montenegro 

• Time at leisure in Dubrovnik 

Departures 

07 Oct £939 



£929 

6 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

This tour will be booked with Success 

Tours Limited ATOL 5114 for whom we 

act as agents, and bookings are subject 

to their booking conditions. 



£939 

8 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 





Continental

Continental 

Home Cooking 

in Tuscany 



For many travellers, Tuscany embodies the very best 

of Italy with its classic pastoral landscapes, beautifully 

preserved medieval architecture, renaissance art and, 

of course, it’s fine and flavoursome food and wine. 

Tuscany’s timeless landscape of gentle hills, vineyards 

and olive groves is dotted with ancient farmhouses and 

villas. You’ll discover atmospheric medieval hill top towns, 

with architecture that is as impressive today as it was 

hundreds of years before, and experience some of the 

secrets of Italian cooking for yourself. 


• Return flights from London / Italy 

• Return airport/hotel transfers 

with assistance 

• 5 nights stay at the Hotel President 


• Unlimited house wine with dinner 


to Montepulciano and Pienza. 

Olive Oil/Wine and Salami tasting 


to Siena and San Gimignano 

• Cookery lesson with local Chef 

FROM 

£869 

6 DAYS 

Your hotel 

Set in the splendid spa town of 

Chianciano Terme, the superb 3 star 

Hotel President offers a restaurant 

serving both international and local 

cuisine, 2 bars, wonderful lounges, a 

garden and a scenic swimming pool. 

All bedrooms are en suite with TV, 

safe, hairdryer and telephone. 

Departures 

15 Sept £889 

13 Oct £869 



• Full day guided excursion to Montepulciano and Pienza. 

Olive Oil/Wine and Salami tasting 

• Full day guided excursion to Siena and San Gimignano 

• Cookery lesson with local Chef 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

Rome and 

Amalfi Coast 

The eternal city of Rome requires little introduction. No city 

in Europe boasts such a wealth of diverse and fascinating 

sights. The wonderful and varied mix of architecture 

combines with a unique atmosphere to create a most 

memorable holiday experience. Sorrento enjoys an idyllic 

location, high above the crystal blue waters of the Bay 

of Naples, surrounded by citrus groves. Sorrento boasts 

a myriad of narrow streets in the old town, lined with 

delightful craft shops, restaurants and bars. 


• Return flights from Bristol 

/ Rome Fiumicino 

• 3 nights stay in Rome with dinner, 


• Tea/coffee each evening 

after dinner 

• Full day sightseeing tour of Rome 

and the Vatican with guide 

• Entrance to the Vatican Museum, 

Cistine Chapel and St Peters 

• Visit to Lazio 

• 4 nights stay in Maiori, Sorrento 


• Welcome drink 

• Full day excursion along the Amalfi 

Coast with guide 

• Full day excursion to Pompeii 

with guide 

• Entrance to Pompeii 


• Full day excursion along the Amalfi Coast with guide 

• Full day excursion to Pompeii with guide 

• Entrance to Pompeii 

£1,049 

8 DAYS 

Your hotels 

On this tour, we will be using good 3 

star standard hotels. All bedrooms will 

have en suite bedrooms, colour TV and 

telephone. 

Departures 

11 Sept £1,049 


Toronto and Niagara Falls 

✓ 5 nights stay with room only ✓ Home Link 

Toronto is a city that holds all of the 

wonders of the world in one clean, 

safe and friendly place. A theatre 

scene rivalled only by London and 

New York and some great attractions 

including the magnificent CN Tower. 

Niagara Falls is a world class tourist 

attraction, luring millions of visitors 

each year, the falls can be viewed 

from parks located on the Canadian 

side of the river or via several 

attractions such as the ‘Maid of the 

Mist’ and ‘Journey Behind the Falls’. 


• Return flights from London to Toronto 

• Return airport/hotel transfers with assistance 

• All Canadian airport/hotel transfers 

• 3 nights stay at the Courtyard Marriot, Toronto 

• Welcome meeting with drink on arrival day 

• 2 nights stay at the Sheraton on the Falls, 

Niagara 

• Transfer by coach from Toronto to Niagara 

• Visit with free time at Niagara on the Lake 

Optional Extras (bookable in resort) 

• Toronto City Tour 

• Maid of the Mist 

• Journey Behind the Falls 

• Lunch at the CN Tower including admission 

Day One We travel to London Gatwick and 

our flight to Toronto where you will be met and 

transferred to the Courtyard Marriott for the next 

3 nights stay. Enjoy a welcome meeting and drink. 

Days Two to Three Enjoy time at leisure 

to explore Toronto. 

Day Four Today we are transferred to the 

Sheraton on the Falls at Niagara where we enjoy 

the next 2 nights stay. 

Day Five Enjoy free time to explore Niagara. 

Day Six More free time in Niagara before we head 

back to the airport and our evening flight back 

to the UK. 

Day Seven A morning arrival at London Gatwick 

and our coach will be waiting to transfer you back 


Your hotel 

Courtyard Marriott, Downtown Toronto 

Located in the heart of the city, this first class 

hotel offers very comfortable accommodation 

with tastefully appointed guestrooms, indoor lappool, 

exercise room and whirlpool, a spacious bar, 

lounge area plus an excellent restaurant. 

Sheraton on the Falls, Niagara Falls 

Sensationally located directly overlooking the falls 

in what is without doubt one of the prime spots 

in Niagara. The hotel has spacious and wellappointed 

rooms with en suite facilities, Fallsview 

Bar and lounge, panoramic restaurant overlooking 

the falls and is next door to the Niagara Casino. 

FROM 

£1,149 

104 105 







Flying from 

Bristol 





Departures 

06 May £1,149 07 Oct £1,189 



7 DAYS 

NEW tour 

for 2012 

This tour will be booked with Success Tours Limited 

ATOL 5114 for whom we act as agents, and bookings 

are subject to their booking conditions. 

Continental

Trading Charter/ 

Booking Conditions 

Trading Charter/ 

Booking Conditions 

OUR TRADING CHARTER WITH YOU 

1. Why should I read this page? Because it is very important. Our 

Trading Charter forms a key part of our agreement with you and 

forms the basis of a legally binding contract between you as the lead 

name making the booking, anyone else in your party and us. When 

you make this booking as the lead name you undertake that you have 

the authority to accept, and do accept, on behalf of your party the 

terms of these booking conditions. This contract is made subject to 

the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English 

Law, and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. These 

contract terms and financial guarantees will not apply to any holiday 

involving any type of flight. Instead, you will be supplied with the full 

booking conditions of the ATOL holder arranging your holiday. Your 

booking agent will have a copy or alternatively you can request one 

prior to booking your holiday from Bakers Dolphin Travel. If you did 

not see this trading charter before you made your booking and you 

are not happy to proceed with the booking now that you have seen it, 

please return all documentation to us or the travel agent whom you 

booked within 7 days of receiving this charter. Your booking will be 

cancelled and your monies will be returned in full, provided you have 

not commenced your travel. 

2. How and when do I make this contract with you? We welcome 

you making contact with us in a number of ways. You can write 

to us, phone us, use a nominated travel agent, e-mail or visit our 

website. Whichever way you contact us the contract is made when 

your booking is entered on to our reservation system and we issue 

a confirmation of booking. We will send you, or your agent the 

confirmation of your booking within seven working days of receipt. 

Please check this confirmation very carefully to ensure all the 

information is correct and tell us, or your agent, immediately of any 

errors. 

3. How is my holiday money protected? We subscribe to the Code 

of Conduct of the Bonded Coach Holidays Group (“BCHG”) of the 

Confederation of Passenger Transport UK. BCHG requires a bond 

to be taken out to provide protection for your holiday money in the 

unlikely event that a Member cannot, for financial reasons, carry out 

their obligations to their passengers. 

4. BCHG Consumer Guarantee. The Bonded Coach Holiday Group 

guarantees to bona fide customers that in the event of failure of a 

bona fide Member, it will: 

1. wherever possible, arrange for a holiday or tour to 

be completed; 

2. where failure occurs after a holiday has begun, arrange 

for customers to be returned by an appropriate means 

of transport to their UK area of departure; 

3. if the holiday or tour cannot be completed as planned, 

the reimbursement of payments made by the customer to 

he BCHG Member. 

5. When do I need to pay for my holiday and how much? At 

the time of booking you will need to pay a deposit for each person 

named on the booking. The balance must be paid before the dates 

listed below. If you book within our balance due period you will need 

to pay the total holiday cost at the time of your booking. If you do 

not pay the outstanding balance for your holiday on or before the 

date when it is due we may cancel your booking and you will be 

required to pay the cancellation charges detailed below. The date of 

cancellation will normally be the date you confirm in writing that you 

intend to cancel or 15 days after the balance due date, whichever 

comes first. 

Deposit UK Holidays £60.00 per person. 

Deposit Continental Holidays £80.00 per person. 

Deposit Air Holidays £300 per person. 

Deposit Channel Islands £200 per person. 

Your balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure 

Please note a charge will be made on all credit card payments. 

No charge is applicable when using a debit card. 

Where optional items are purchased as part of the tour package 

these are payable on the balance due date except where items, such 

as theatre tickets, have been specifically purchased for you. In this 

case the cost will be payable at a separate date notified to you and 

will not normally be refundable unless we obtain a refund from the 

supplier we use. 

6. If I use an agent who does my money belong to? Your agent will 

hold your deposit on your behalf until we issue a confirmation of your 

booking. The agent then holds this money on our behalf. The agent 

holds the balance you pay on our behalf until the date the balance is 

due. The agent will then forward to us 

7. Can you change the price of my holiday after you have issued 

the booking confirmation? No we can’t, as we guarantee that the 

price of your holiday will not be subject to any surcharge, once you 

have made your booking and paid a deposit then the cost of your 

holiday will not be increased. 

8. Can I change my holiday arrangements? After we have issued 

our booking confirmation we will do our best to accommodate any 

changes you may want to make but we cannot guarantee to do 

so. Any changes must be notified to us in writing and signed by the 

person who signed the booking form. If we are able to make the 

changes an amendment fee of £20.00 per booking will be payable 

plus any additional charge for the facilities requested. Any significant 

alteration after the balance due date will be treated as a cancellation 

of the original booking and will be subject to the cancellation charges 

detailed below. A significant alteration would include a change of 

departure date, holiday or hotel, or number of people travelling. 

9. Can I transfer my booking to someone else? You can transfer 

your booking to someone else provided you give us reasonable notice. 

This person must be able to satisfy all the conditions for the holiday 

and a change cannot normally be made later than seven days prior 

to departure. We will make an administration charge of £10.00 per 

person for every transfer we make plus any reasonable additional 

costs caused by the transfer. You will remain responsible for ensuring 

that the holiday is paid for by the balance due date. Travel insurance 

is not transferrable. 

10. How can I cancel my holiday? You, or any member of your 

party, may cancel at any time provided that the cancellation is made 

by the person who signed the booking form [or alternative booking 

method confirmed by the lead name] and is communicated to us in 

writing via the office at which you made your original booking. You 

will have to pay cancellation charges set out in the scale below to 

cover our estimated loss resulting from the cancellation. If you are 

insured against cancellation you may be able to recover the charges 

from your insurers. Your cancellation will take effect from the date 

when either the travel agent or we receive your written confirmation 

of your cancellation. You must also return any tickets or vouchers 

that you have received. A reduction in room occupancy may increase 

the charges for the remaining passengers by the application of 

supplements for low occupancy of rooms. 

11. Scale of Cancellation Charges. 

12. What happens if you change my holiday? The arrangements for 

your holiday will usually have been made many months in advance. 

Sometimes changes are unavoidable and we reserve the right to 

make them. Most of these changes are likely to be minor and we will 

do our best to keep you informed. 

If, after booking and before departure, we make a significant change 

to your holiday you will have the option of withdrawing from the 

holiday without penalty or alternatively you may transfer to another 

holiday without paying an administration fee. In either case we will 

pay you compensation according to the scale set out below. 

A significant change includes a change in departure time or return 

time of more than 12 hours, a change of departure point, location of 

resort or quality of hotel, (excluding single overnight hotels on touring 

holidays where the quality of the hotel is comparable), a change of 

mode when crossing the Channel, or the specification of the coach. 

If you withdraw from the holiday because we have made a significant 

change or if we have to cancel your holiday for any reason other than 

non-payment by you we will offer you the choice of:: 

• A comparable replacement holiday if available; 

or: 

• a replacement holiday of lower quality together 

with a refund of the price difference; 

or: 

• a full refund of the money you have paid. 

When we have notified you of the changes and options available, 

you must tell us your decision as soon as possible and within any 

timescale we may need to set bearing in mind the need to safeguard 

the holiday arrangements of other customers. If we have to cancel 

your holiday at any time, Bakers Dolphin Travel is only liable for 

monies you may have paid to Bakers Dolphin Travel at the time of 

cancellation and for the compensation as detailed in the scale below. 

13. Scale of Compensation We will pay you compensation for 

significant changes on the following scale: 

Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will 

not affect your statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all 

the circumstances, you remain dissatisfied. 

If, prior to departure, we make a significant change to your holiday 

arrangements or cancel your holiday we will pay you compensation 

on the above scale unless:- 

• the holiday is cancelled because the number of persons who agreed 

to take it is less than the minimum number required, and you were 

informed of the cancellation in writing within the period indicated in 

the description of the holiday; or 

• the holiday is changed or cancelled by reason of unusual and 

unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences 

of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been 

exercised. These circumstances include war or threat of war, riot, civil 

strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, fire, quarantine, epidemic 

or health risks, natural or nuclear disasters, port and terminal closures 

and adverse weather conditions. 

Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will 

not affect your statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all 

the circumstances, you remain dissatisfied. 

If, after departure, we need to make a change to a significant 

proportion of your holiday we will do our best to make suitable 

alternative arrangements at no extra cost to you. If it proves 

impossible to make suitable alternative arrangements, or if you 

have reasonable grounds for refusing the alternative offered, we will 

arrange transport back to your point of departure, or to an alternative 

location that we agree to. 

14. What is the extent of your liability? We accept responsibility 

if you or any member of your party is killed or injured as a result of 

an activity forming part of your holiday arrangements which you 

booked with us before your departure; or if any part of your holiday 

arrangements, booked with us in the UK, is not as described in the 

brochure or not of a reasonable standard; if the failure in your holiday 

arrangements or any death or personal injury is due to any fault on 

our part or that of our agents or suppliers whilst acting in the course 

of their employment. We do not accept responsibility if the failure, 

death or personal injury is not caused by any fault of ours or of our 

agents or suppliers or is caused by you or someone not connected 

with your holiday arrangements; or if the failure, death or personal 

injury is due to unusual or unforeseen circumstances which, even with 

all due care, we, or our agents or suppliers, could not have anticipated 

or avoided. For claims which do not involve personal injury, illness or 

death, the most we will have to pay if we are liable to you is twice 

the price the person affected paid for their holiday (not including 

insurance premiums and amendment charges). We will only have to 

pay this maximum amount if everything has gone wrong and you 

have received no benefit from your holiday. If you or any member 

of your party is killed, injured or becomes ill as a result of transport 

by ship, train or coach, any liability which we may have to pay 

compensation is limited in line with the Athens Convention (applies 

to transport by ship), the Berne Convention (applies to transport by 

rail) and the Geneva Convention (applies to transport by road). You 

can get copies of the relevant conventions from the Internet. You 

should also note that these conventions may limit or remove the 

carrier’s liability to you and the amount which the carrier has to pay 

you. If we make any payment to you or any member of your party 

for death, personal injury or illness, you will be asked to assign to us or 

our insurers the rights you may have to take action against the person 

or organisation responsible for causing the death, personal injury or 

illness. Our suppliers (such as accommodation or transport providers) 

have their own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and 

these conditions are binding between you and the supplier. Some of 

these conditions may limit or remove the relevant transport provider’s 

or other supplier’s liability to you. You can get copies of such 

conditions from our offices, or the offices of the relevant supplier. 

15. What do I need to do if I have to complain If you have 

a complaint during your holiday you should tell the driver/ 

representative or supplier at the earliest opportunity so that they 

can do their utmost to resolve the problem immediately. If they 

are unable to resolve the problem to your satisfaction you should 

complete a Holiday Report Form which is available from the driver/ 

representative. You will be given a copy of this report which you 

should keep. If, on your return from holiday, you remain dissatisfied 

you should write within 28 days to the Sales & Marketing Director, 

Bakers Dolphin Travel Ltd, 48 Locking Road, Weston super Mare, 

North Somerset. BS23 3DN. In your letter you will need to quote 

your booking reference number of the Holiday Report Form which 

you completed at the time. If you do not tell us at the earliest 

opportunity about a problem giving rise to your complaint we cannot 

take steps to investigate and rectify it. In deciding how to respond to 

your complaint we will take into account the date you first drew the 

problem to the attention of our driver/representative or supplier. 

16. If I do not agree with your decision can I request arbitration? 

Yes you can. If we cannot resolve your complaint amicably you may 

request that the dispute is referred to an independent arbitration 

scheme established by the Confederation of Passenger Transport 

UK (CPT). Full details of this scheme will be provided on request or 

you can obtain a copy from CPT. This arbitration scheme provides a 

simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone 

with restricted liability on the customer in respect of costs. This 

scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than £1500 

per person. There is also a limit of £7500 per booking. Normally there 

is a time limit of 9 months from the date of return from your holiday 

within which to request arbitration but in exceptional circumstances 

the scheme can be used beyond this date. This scheme does not 

apply to claims that arise mainly in respect of physical injury or illness 

or the consequences of any illness or injury. 

17. Children’s reduction. On all centred holidays there may be a 

reduction in the cost of the holiday when the child shares a room with 

two full fare paying passengers. 

18. Coach seating. There is a seating plan of the coach for each 

holiday, but it is possible that on occasions operational reasons 

will require a coach with a different configuration to be used. We 

therefore reserve the right to alter a coach-seating plan and allocate 

seats other than those you have booked. Requests for particular seats 

can be made on most holidays when booking but because allocations 

are made on a first come, first served basis you are recommended 

to book early. When your booking is confirmed you will be offered 

the best seats that are available at that time. If you know someone 

who may want to book later but sit near you please discuss this with 

the booking clerk at the time you make your booking. Specific seats 

will not be allocated on coaches which operate on feeder services 

between joining points and main holiday departure points, on 

coaches which carry out transfers on our behalf. 

19. Health & Safety on holiday. In some foreign countries, standards 

of infrastructure, safety and hygiene may be lower than those to 

which we are accustomed in the UK. You should therefore exercise 

greater care for your own protection. Further information can be 

obtained from your GP or from your travel agent who can provide 

you with the leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers” published by the 

Department of Health. Some people may be at risk from discomfort 

or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they remain immobile on a journey 

for a long period of time. If you are planning to undertake a bus or 

coach journey of more than 3 hours you should consult your doctor 

if you have ever had DVT or pulmonary embolism, a family history 

of clotting conditions, cancer or treatment for cancer, a stroke, 

heart or lung disease or if you have had major surgery in the past 3 

months. We reserve the right to refuse any booking in the absence 

of a doctor’s certificate confirming that you are fit to travel. During 

the journey we will provide comfort stops as frequently as possible. 

During these stops you are encouraged to get off the coach and walk 

around. Exercise reduces any discomfort which may be caused by 

periods of immobility. During any journey you should drink alcohol 

only in moderation as it leads to dehydration. 

20. Passenger behaviour. We want all our customers to have a 

happy and carefree holiday. But you must remember that you 

are responsible for your behaviour and the effect it may have on 

others. If you or any member of your party is abusive or disruptive 

or behaves in a way which, in our reasonable opinion, could cause 

damage or injury to others or affect their enjoyment of their holiday, 

or which could damage property, we have the right, after reasonable 

consideration, to terminate your contract with us. If this happens we 

will have no further obligations or liability to you. The coach driver/ 

representative, ship’s captain, or authorised official of other means 

of transport is entitled to refuse you boarding if in their reasonable 

opinion you are unacceptably under the influence of drink or drugs or 

you are being violent or disruptive. If you are refused boarding on the 

outward journey we will regard it as a cancellation by you and we will 

apply cancellation charges according to the scale in section 

Amount of cancellation 

charge shown as % 

Deposit 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100% 

100% 

Period before departure 

within which written 

notification is received 

More than 42 days 

42-35 days 

34-28 days 

27-14 days 

13-1 days 

Departure day or later 

Deposit 

30% of holiday cost 




Air Cancellation Charges 


56-43 days 

42-29 days 

28-7 days 

Less than 7 days 

Amount per person 

Nill 

£15 

£20 

£25 

Period before departure in which 

significant change is notified to 

you or your agent 


15-28 days 

8-14 days 

0-7 days 

If the refusal is on the return journey we have the right 

to terminate the contract and will have no further obligations or 

liability to you. 

21. No smoking policy. We operate a strict no smoking policy on all 

our coaches. We appreciate the co-operation of smokers and remind 

them that frequent journey breaks are made and bookings are taken 

on this understanding. 

22a. Other restrictions. You may not: 

• use mobile phones on the coach unless in the case of extreme 

emergency. 

• play a radio or a cassette player on the coach. 

• consume alcohol on the coach 

• or take drugs other than those subject to doctors prescription. 

22b. Pets. We do not allow pets to taken on our holidays. Registered 

Assistance Dogs will normally be accommodated on UK holidays but 

not on overseas holidays. 

23. Pick up point, itineraries, travel documents and passport. You 

are responsible for ensuring that you are at the correct departure 

point, at the correct time, with the correct documents and we cannot 

be held liable for any loss or expense suffered by you or your party 

because of an incorrect passport or late arrival at the departure point. 

If you are a British citizen travelling outside the United Kingdom 

you must have a full UK passport valid for a minimum of three 

months after your scheduled date of return. Non-UK citizens must 

seek passport and visa advice from the consulates of the countries 

you plan to visit prior to making a booking for one of our holidays 

The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket. If 

someone in your party changes name after the booking is made you 

must tell us immediately so that we can issue the ticket in the new 

name. When you have paid the balance we will send you or your 

booking agent all the necessary labels so that you receive them in 

good time for your holiday. Certain travel documents may have to 

be retained by us and your driver/courier will then issue them to you 

at the relevant time. If you lose a travel document after it has been 

issued to you we will require you to meet the direct cost charged by 

the carrier/supplier for the issue of a duplicate or replacement. Bakers 

Dolphin Travel reserve the right to modify itineraries to conform with 

requests from the competent authorities in the United Kingdom 

and any other sovereign state through which the tour will operate. 

Included excursions are detailed on the relevant brochure page 

and refunds will not be made for any excursion not taken. Optional 

excursions may be booked and paid for in resort but these will not 

form part of the package booked with us. Admission fees to buildings, 

grounds etc. are not included in the price of the holiday unless 

otherwise stated on the relevant brochure page. 

24. What happens if I am delayed? Your travel insurance may cover 

you for some delays. In addition where you are delayed for more than 

six hours in any one day we will seek to minimise any discomfort and 

where possible, arrange for refreshments and meals. 

25. Do I need to take out travel insurance? We strongly advise 

all our customers to take out travel insurance to cover medical and 

repatriation costs, personal injury, loss of baggage and cancellation 

charges. You do not need to take out our travel insurance but you 

should have insurance, which is at least as good or better than the 

insurance we offer. If you do not have adequate insurance and 

require our assistance whilst on holiday, we reserve the right to 

reclaim from you any medical repatriation or other expenses which 

we may incur on your behalf which would otherwise have been met 

by insurers. 

26. What assistance will you give me if things go wrong when it 

is not your fault? If you, or any member of your party, suffer death, 

illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of an activity which does 

not form part of your package travel arrangements or an excursion 

arranged through us in the UK, we shall at our discretion, offer advice, 

guidance and assistance. Where legal action is contemplated and 

you want our assistance, you must obtain our written consent prior 

to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject 

to you undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under 

any relevant insurance policy to ourselves. We limit the cost of our 

assistance to you and any member of your party to £5000 per party. 

27. Special needs. Unfortunately, many hotels overseas do not 

provide adequate facilities for guests with mobility problems or who 

suffer from other disabilities. But whether you are planning a holiday 

overseas or in the UK, please notify us before you book if you or any 

member of your party has special needs or suffers from any disability. 

We are keen to plan arrangements for your holiday so that special 

needs and requests can be accommodated as far as possible. If you 

will need assistance or special facilities in the hotel, or may have 

difficulties in taking part in excursions or boarding and travelling 

on the coach or other means of transport you must let us know in 

advance. Not all the holidays in this brochure may be suitable for you. 

We want you to enjoy your holiday and will try to help you select an 

appropriate trip. If you need advice or further information either you 

or your booking agent should contact Bakers Dolphin Travel. However, 

Bakers Dolphin Travel cannot be held responsible for should you 

decide to travel and then find the holiday itinerary unsuitable for your 

own personal mobility. 

28. Special requests. If you require a special diet please tell us before 

booking, or as soon as you are medically advised, and send us a copy 

of the diet. We will notify the hotel or hotels on your holiday but 

please note that some hotels may not have facilities to cope with 

special diets and we cannot be held liable for their failure to do so 

unless the hotel has confirmed in writing that a special diet will be 

catered for. Where we think that a hotel is likely to be unable to 

cope with a special diet, we will tell you prior to your booking 

confirmation being issued so that you can exercise your right to 

cancel your holiday booking without charge. Any extra costs incurred 

must be paid to the hotel by you prior to departure from the hotel. 

You should also detail any other requests, for example, low floor 

rooms, particular rooms or locations on the special requests section of 

the booking form. We will pass your request to the relevant supplier 

but this does not necessarily mean that your request will be fulfilled. 

If a request can be fulfilled you may incur an extra charge payable 

either to us or direct to the hotel. Please note that requests cannot be 

guaranteed unless we confirm on your booking confirmation that this 

is a guaranteed requirement. 

29. Single Occupancy. Single occupancy of rooms when available 

may be subject to a supplementary charge and this will be shown on 

the brochure page. Although some tours featured in this brochure 

have no single supplement, spaces are limited and therefore sell 

quickly. However, additional single rooms may be requested but will 

be subject to availability and a charge made by the hotel. 

30. Entertainment. Some of our hotels arrange additional 

entertainment. Where this is part of the holiday details are given on 

the respective brochure page. Where it is not specified it may still be 

available but is at the discretion of the hotel and is not guaranteed. 

It may be withdrawn if there is a lack of demand or for operational 

reasons. 

31. Lost Property. Luggage and personal belongings are carried at 

the owner’s risk and we shall not be responsible for any property or 

equipment left on the coach whether the coach is unattended or the 

coach driver is present. Any items of lost property will be held for a 

period of 1 month following the date of the tour in accordance with 

the minimum regulation laid down by the Road Traffic Act 1960 and 

the Public Services Vehicles (lost Property) Regulations 1995. There 

will be a minimum charge of £2.00 on collection from our office in 

Locking Road . Postage and Packaging will be charged extra. 

32. Data Protection Act . In order to process your booking and to 

ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your 

requirements we, and your travel agent, need to use the information 

you provide such as name, address, any special needs/dietary 

requirements etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper 

measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the 

information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements 

such as hotels, transport companies etc. The information may also be 

supplied to security or credit checking companies, public authorities 

such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required 

by law. Additionally, where your holiday is outside the European 

Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection in your destination 

may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We 

will not, however, pass information on to any person not responsible 

for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive 

information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities or 

dietary/religious requirements. If we cannot pass this information to 

the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot provide 

your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information 

being passed on to the relevant persons. Please note that where 

information is held by your travel agent, this is subject to your agent’s 

own data protection policy. Your data controller is. You are entitled 

to a copy of your information held by us. If you would like to see 

this, please contact us. We retain your full contact details and other 

information in secure files and electronic storage facilities. We may 

use this information to contact you by mail, telephone or electronic 

means. We will provide you with details of other goods and services 

including those of selected third parties. If you do not wish to receive 

the further information about products and services please write to 

the data controller. 

33. Publication date and details . This brochure was printed in the 

United Kingdom by Bakers Dolphin Travel Ltd, 48 Locking Road, 

Weston super Mare, North Somerset. BS23 3DN – September 2011 

106 107 

Travel Insurance Information With no age restrictions 

Choosing the right travel insurance is an essential part of you holiday plans. That is 

why we have arranged a comprehensive travel insurance policy at a great price with 

the travel insurance specialists Travel & General Insurance Services Limited. Your 

premiums should be added to your deposit when booking your holiday. 

The schedule of the cover below sets out a summary 

of the cover provided by our tailored insurance. 

Bakers Dolphin Coaches Limited is an Appointed 

Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company 

plc. All companies are authorised and regulated by the 

Financial Services Authority, full details can be found 

at www.fsa.gov.uk. 

Important declaration 

An insurance policy provides cover in respect of an event/ 

occurrence which is sudden, unforeseen and beyond your 

reasonable control. Any facts known to you, which could 

possibly result in a claim, must be disclosed otherwise 

you may not be covered. In addition, anyone named 

under this policy must answer the following questions: 

For trips to the UK, Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland or 

Channel Islands 

No cover is available for any medical conditions that 

result in a ‘Yes’ answer to the following questions: 

• Are you travelling against medical advice or awaiting 

inpatient hospital treatment? 

If you answer the question ‘No’ then you are covered for your 

medical conditions. 

If you are travelling to Europe or Jersey, please continue and 

answer the following questions: 

• Do you or a Close Relative have a pre-existing medical 

condition? 

• Have you or a Close Relative received a terminal prognosis 

for any medical condition? 

• Are you or a Close Relative aware of a medical condition 

but have not received a formal diagnosis? 

• Are you or a Close Relative aware on a waiting list or have 

the knowledge of the need for surgery in a hospital? 

• Are you aware of any circumstances that could reasonably 

be expected to give rise to a claim on this policy? 

• Are you aware of anybody, such as immediate family or 

travelling companions, suffering from any medical 

condition(s) that may cause you to cancel or cut short your 

journey? 

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you must 

contact Healthcheck on 0844 826 2711. Healthcheck will 

confirm whether or not cover is available for the pre-existing 

condition. An additional premium may be payable. 

If, after reading the policy, it does not meet your 

requirements, please return it to Baker Dolphin Coach Holidays 

within 14 days of issue and your premium will be fully 

refunded, provided you have not travelled or made a claim. 

Schedule of cover Sum insured Excess 

per person per person 

Cancellation or curtailment £1,500 £50** 

£50** 

Emergency medical expenses £5,000,000 

Hospital benefit (Not UK) £20 for each £50 

24 hour period to a Nil 

maximum of £200 

Personal accident £15,000 Nil 

Travel delay £100 Nil 

Cancellation due to travel delay £1,500 Nil 

Missed departure £600 Nil 

Missed connection £600 Nil 

Personal effects: £1,500 £50 

Single item limit £200 

Valuables limit £200 

Money £250 £50 

Tickets £500 £50 

Passport or visas £100 £50 

Delay baggage (after 12 hours) £100 Nil 

Personal liability £1,000,000 £50 

Legal expenses £15,000 Nil 

Travel Insurance 

Eligibility: Please note that this travel insurance is only 

available to UK and ROI residents 

** Loss of Deposit excess £12.50 UK, £20 Europe 

Travel insurance from just £18 per person 

Duration UK Europe 

Up to 3 days £19.00 £28.00 

Up to 5 days £21.00 £31.00 

Up to 6 days £23.00 £33.00 

Up to 10 days £26.00 £46.00 

Air supplement £14

Design by Hive. www.hivedc.co.uk 

3 easy ways 

to get your holiday on the go... 

1. Call our Reservations Team 

Based here in the South West, our friendly Reservations 

Team are happy to help with any enquiry you may have. 

Call us on 01934 415 000 

3. Book online at bakersdolphin.com 

You are now able to book through our new secure website 

from the comfort of your home. Visit: www.bakersdolphin.com 

and you can also do all this too! 

Find late availability holidays, days out and theatre trips 

Download or request our latest brochures 

Sign up to our newsletter to find out the latest deals 

Join the Bakers Dolphin Theatre Club 


To book a Summer holiday or for more 

information on our tours and services, call our 

friendly Reservations Team or visit our website 

Chat through your holiday plans with our in-store 

team at: Unit K6, Sovereign Centre, High Street, 

Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1HL 

Bakers Dolphin Travel Ltd, 48 Locking Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 3DN 

Look out 

for our Autumn 

Spring 2011-12 

Brochure 

2. Pop into our local travel shop 

01934 415 000 

bakersdolphin.com

Holiday highlights - Bakers Dolphin

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