Day 1 to Day 5

Day One: Arrival Check in to the Norton Park Hotel & Spa in the afternoon.

Later, we enjoy a welcome drinks reception hosted by our tour manager.

Day Two: Horse-Drawn Barge Cruise on the Kennet and Avon Canal & Highclere Castle

Our first visit takes us to Kintbury where we take a step back in time for a traditional boat trip on the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal on a horse-drawn barge. Here we take in the calming natural scenery as we gently meander down the still waterways and enjoy some delicious coffee and cake.

In the afternoon we head to the world-famous residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle, the filming location for the much-loved Downton Abbey television series and film. Here we discover the familiar rooms and vistas used in the series - both the Drawing and Dining Rooms forming the backdrop to many memorable moments and withering put-downs from Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess. The cellars of the castle hold the Egyptian Exhibition which explores the achievements of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 while outside, the distinctive gardens and spectacular parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown are a delight to explore.

Day Three: Isle of Wight - Osborne House & Ryde

We board the ferry this morning for our day on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Our first stop is the palatial seaside retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osborne House, an impressive holiday home constructed in the Italianate style to reflect the island’s more temperate climate and featuring spectacular views across the Solent from the palazzo-style terraces. Here we get a glimpse of Royal family life during Victoria’s lengthy reign as we explore the magnificent Royal Apartments and the impeccably designed themed rooms which perfectly reflect the Royals’ tastes and passions.

In the grounds there’s the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the Royal children to learn household management and the peaceful walled gardens which were meticulously overseen by Prince Albert who even planted some of the trees that are still standing today.

Next, we visit Ryde, a delightful seaside town that is renowned for its vast sandy beach that stretches across the island’s north-east coast for miles. Here we have time to spend at leisure to take in the many attractions the town has to offer. Sip a coffee at one of the local cafés, stroll along the beach with an ice cream or find a memento of your visit at one of the many shops before we rejoin the ferry for our crossing back to the mainland and return to the hotel.

Day Four: Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway & Lymington

This morning we travel to Exbury Gardens, nestled in the New Forest National Park beside the scenic Beaulieu River. Named after Lionel Nathan de Rothschild who created one of the finest woodland gardens in the country and covering a 200 acre site, the gardens are home to the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees. We have time to explore the pathways, woods, parkland and ponds of this remarkable environment as well as enjoy a relaxing trip aboard the 12 ¼ inch gauge Steam Railway that glides through the ‘Summer Lane’ Garden, the extensive Rock Garden and the lovely Dragonfly Pond. Later we spend some free time in the coastal town and former smuggler’s port of Lymington, with its cobbled streets and attractive quayside, and the pretty old-world village of Brockenhurst where we enjoy a delicious early dinner at the rustic and charming restaurant, The Pig.

Day Five: Departure After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.