2025 - 5* Liverpool & Marvellous Merseyside

It's hard not to be infected by a Liverpudlian's love for their own city. Scousers are justifiably proud of their home with its musical legacy, transformed centre, famous ferry 'cross the Mersey and regenerated docks. With an ongoing programme of urban and social renewal, the fortunes of Liverpool with its impressive cultural heritage, have changed to make it one of the most pleasant, exciting and dynamic cities in Northern England. Indulge yourself on this very special departure which stays at the unique and iconic 5* Municipal Hotel in the heart of the city where you can take a Fab Four taxi tour back in time to the heady days of the Merseybeat era and sample the unique atmosphere of Liverpool which was given coveted UNESCO City of Music status in 2015. Enjoy an exclusive visit to one of Britain's finest stately homes, Knowsley Hall, home to the 19th Earl and Countess of Derby, concluding with a glass of bubbly reception in one of its fine rooms.The perfect balance of free time & included visits
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head northwards stopping for the opportunity of lunch or refreshments. Continue to your hotel located in the centre of Liverpool to arrive late afternoon. Porterage on arrival. 4 nights BB\n\nStaying the heart of Liverpool, you'll be spoilt for choice for restaurants, cafes and bars. There are plenty of eateries right on Dale Street as well as adjacent streets for you to explore each evening.\n\nDay 2 - 4 At leisure in Liverpool with two included excursions and one optional excursion\nYou will have time at leisure to explore Liverpool under your own steam. There are many innovative museums and galleries to visit as well as a cathedral (and one to spare!). Liverpool city centre is often referred to in 'quarters' from the Georgian Quarter to bohemian Ropewalks, Chinatown to Baltic Triangle, the Waterfront to the Cavern Quarter. There is a regular hop on, hop off city sightseeing bus (not included) with the nearest bus stop about 5 minutes' walk from the hotel outside the Slug & Lettuce on Cook Street\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nKnowsley Hall\nKnowsley Hall is a Grade II stately home that is often described as a hidden gem in the North West of England in Merseyside. The magnificent stately home has been in the ownership of the Stanley family, The Earls of Derby, for over 600 years and is now home to the 19th Earl & Countess of Derby. The Hall still retains its wonderful historical charm today, brimming with impressive works of art, exquisite interiors, cherished antique furniture and is surrounded by delightful gardens. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by Knowsley's curator who will guide you through the Staterooms including the Entrance Hall, Grand Staircase, Library, Walnut Drawing Room, Stucco Room and State Dining Room, amongst others. The rooms are furnished and decorated with items from the Derby Collection, highlights of which will be revealed along the way. Your guide will regale you with tales of Knowsley, once used as a hospital during WW2 and today, often as a film location including Steven Spielberg's 'Empire of the Sun'. This special tour concludes with a glass of bubbly in the Drawing Room or on the terrace (weather permitting)\n\nFab 4 Classic Beatles Taxi Tour\nReturn to the Swinging Sixties on a 3-hour sightseeing taxi tour of Liverpool and suburbs. What better way to learn about the fab lads from Liverpool than by hopping into a taxi, driven by a local expert driver guide?! Your driver guide knows everything there is about the Beatles and will bring real insight into stories and anecdotes of the Fab Four. See the childhood homes of John, Paul, George and Ringo and visit Penny Lane (incl. the famous sign & Barber Shop, St. Barnabus Church), Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby's grave and Liverpool's own version of Abbey Road. Head to Woolton village, considered to be the most important meeting point in music history and is where John Lennon met a 15 year old Paul McCartney for the first time in 1957.\n\n Credit: Fab 4 Taxi ToursOPTIONAL EXCURSION\nRoman Chester\nBewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make Chester one of Britain's most attractive cities. The ancient city is a truly breathtaking experience. Each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city as you walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the one and only 700 year old Rows galleries where shopping is a double delight.\n\nDay 5 - Return southwards to interchange with suitable stops en-route.

Tour Inclusions
- Centrally located hotel for 4 nights with breakfast- Porterage- Fab Four Taxi tour with Beatles-expert driver- Private curator tour of Knowsley Hall with post-tour bubbly reception5* in the heart of Liverpool
Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool (MGallery)\nThe iconic Municipal Buildings started out life as the home of Liverpool City Council and has now been thoughtfully renovated and transformed into an amazing 5* luxury hotel. This landmark hotel with its iconic clock tower is located in the heart of the city centre on Dale Street, close to many sights and places of interest. The upscale interior has its own statement design including stylish decor and four sweeping staircases. Elegant guestrooms are equipped with all mod cons including a smart TV, tea / coffee making facilities, safe, mini-fridge and hairdryer. There is a British Brasserie style restaurant inspired by Liverpool's trade history, a beautifully designed tearoom plus the stunning Palm Court Bar. There is a state-of-the-art 16m swimming pool and Thermae Spa with sauna, steam room, laconicum and monsoon shower experience NB access to the pool and spa facilities is chargeable for hotel guests (between £30 - £50 pp per day in 2024)