Isle of Wight 'Royals & Rails'

With elegant resort towns, spotless beaches, old-fashioned charm and miles of unspoilt coastline, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing few days away. A firm favourite of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, the island is one of the UK's most popular destinations and it's easy to see why. On this fantastic break we enjoy the island's peace, tranquility and natural beauty as well as a nostalgic journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and a visit to fascinating Osborne House.What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossings4 nights at a selected hotel on the Isle of Wight (JG2 or JG2+ rating) with dinner & breakfastEntertainment some eveningsExcursions to Osborne House, Cowes & RydeHeritage train journey on the Isle of Wight Steam RailwayOptional Island Highlights Tour (£14pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsOsborne House & Cowes (full day)We have the chance to explore Queen Victoria's one-time residence on the island, Osborne House. Built as a holiday home and rural retreat in the late 1840s, the Italianate palace reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's tastes and boasts spectacular views across the Solent. It is no wonder that Victoria herself once said, 'it's impossible to imagine a prettier spot.' Here we take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as we wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where we find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management.We then head to Cowes, a vibrant and sophisticated resort home to the world-famous regatta that swells the local population each August. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, browse the boutique shops, or admire many of the town's ornate buildings which date from Queen Victoria's time, in the style popularised by Prince Albert.Isle of Wight Steam Railway & Ryde (full day)We journey back to a bygone era as we board the award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet. Sit back and relax in beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages as we enjoy the rolling views of the glorious Isle of Wight countryside. We pass through quaint rural stations, quiet hamlets and ancient woodland on our journey to the seaside resort of Ryde.Afterwards we spend some time at leisure in Ryde with its long stretch of golden sand, pretty esplanade, marina and beautiful gardens. Take a stroll along the famous 19th-century pier, the oldest in England, or admire the many boats moored in the town's busy harbour.Optional ExcursionIsland Highlights Tour - £14pp (full day)Our fantastic optional Island Highlights tour takes in this unique island's many famous sights. After Ventnor, a pretty resort built on a series of terraces, we make for Alum Bay. Here we can admire the multi-coloured cliffs and famous chalky outcrop, The Needles. Next is the historic port town of Yarmouth which contains some of the oldest architecture on the island including a 16th-century castle. We continue on to Newport, regarded as the capital of the Isle of Wight, with a historic quayside and selection of specialty shops. We return to the hotel via the pretty inland village of Godshill where we can view from the coach its charming thatched-roofed cottages and delightful medieval church.

Isle of Wight
With a wonderful mild climate, shimmering waters and sixty miles of award-winning sandy beaches, the Isle of Wight has been a favourite coach holiday destination for generations.Discover the incredible range of things to do for all ages and interests, from seaside towns and enchanting villages to fun-packed theme parks and magnificent heritage sites including Queen Victoria's favourite retreat, Osborne House, with spectacular grounds and sumptuous royal apartments. Or how about climbing aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for great views around the island?

Osborne House
Discover one of the Isle of Wight's highlights, Osborne House, the palatial holiday home of Queen Victoria. Built in the late 1840s in a quintessential Italian palazzo style, the stunning rural retreat boasts beautiful views across the Solent. This glorious vista reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples and according to Queen Victoria, it was 'impossible to imagine a prettier spot.'
Take an intimate glimpse of royal family life in this magnificent setting, with its sensational architecture and ornate furnishings reflecting the tastes of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. There is so much to discover, including the State Rooms, Swiss Cottage, garden terraces, colourful grounds and, of course, the delightful views down to the beautiful beaches.Hotel Hotel
We'll stay at one of four well-appointed hotels on the Isle of Wight. The hotels offer en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities as well as a pleasant bar and restaurant.Holliers Hotel, ShanklinJG2 ratingThe friendly, family-run Holliers Hotel is an 18th-century coaching inn situated in the heart of the picturesque Old Village of Shanklin.Please note: the Holliers Hotel has no lift or ground floor rooms and is therefore unsuitable for those with limited mobility.\nMedehamstede Hotel, ShanklinJG2 ratingThe family-run Medehamstede Hotel is situated in the coastal town of Shanklin. Set within spacious, well-kept gardens, the Victorian building has plenty of character.Please note: The Medehamstede Hotel has no lift but has some ground floor rooms (a few steps to navigate).\nShanklin Beach Hotel, ShanklinJG2+ ratingThe Shanklin Beach Hotel is located on Shanklin's seafront, offering stunning sea views. The contemporary en-suite rooms feature satellite TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a bar and restaurant with views of the esplanade.Burlington Hotel, SandownJG2+ ratingThe welcoming Burlington Hotel is situated near the seafront in the resort of Sandown and is one of the resort's most established and reputable hotels.Please note: The Burlington Hotel has no lift but has some ground floor rooms.\nHotel RatingJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.JG2+ ratingJG2+ rated hotels offer a slightly higher standard of hospitality, often with good home cooking plus enhanced décor, facilities and services, which is recognised and welcomed by our customers. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. They may also enjoy an enviable location and/or higher levels of satisfaction on online hotel rating sites and our own customer feedback surveys.