Liverpool & The Marvels of Merseyside

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. Scousers are justifiably proud of their city with its musical legacy, transformed centre, famous ferry 'cross the Mersey and regenerated docks. Explore Liverpool from your centrally located hotel and enjoy an included visit to the peaceful Merseyside village of Port Sunlight founded by the Victorian entrepreneur, Lord Lever, as well as time in pretty Chester. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea cruise around the South Liverpool Dock system aboard the Floating Grace and a visit to a green oasis on the edge of the city with a rare Tudor house at its heart.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Your Highlights
- Centrally located hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Entrance & visit to Speke Hall & Gardens- Afternoon Tea cruise around Liverpool Docks aboard the Floating Grace- Entrance to Port Sunlight Museum- Visit to Chester- Tea / coffee after dinner

Your Itinerary
Day 1 Journey northwards with comfort stops en-route to Liverpool for your 4-night stay in your centrally located 4* hotel. Porterage on arrival DBB
NB Dinners are taken at the Shankly Hotel (sister hotel of the Dixie Dean) located across the road directly opposite the Dixie Dean

Day 2 - 4 At leisure in Liverpool with two included excursions.
You will have a full day at leisure in Liverpool to explore 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.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Speke Hall & Afternoon Tea aboard the Floating Grace
Speke Hall is a rare Tudor timber-framed manor house in an unusual setting on the banks of the River Mersey. Restored in the 19th century, it is a unique mixture of Tudor simplicity and Victorian Arts and Crafts' aesthetics. A glimpse into Speke Hall's past is a journey through a history of empire, where successive generations of Speke's owners played their part in the East India Company, Atlantic slave-trading, plantation slavery and international politics. Speke Hall's close proximity to Liverpool, once Britain's largest slaving port, enabled its owners to play key roles in the British empire for nearly four hundred years. The gardens are a delight with the North and South Lawns, Victorian formal Rose Garden as well as the woodlands of the wider estate.

Later on, head back to the centre to immerse yourself in the city's maritime heritage as you enjoy a 2-hour scenic cruise of the historic docks and Liverpool Marina with a commentary and a delicious Afternoon Tea - assorted sandwiches, mini cakes and fresh scones with clotted cream and jam all washed down with a pot of English breakfast tea!

Port Sunlight Village & Roman Chester
A morning visit to Lord Lever's idyllic Port Sunlight Village (entrance included) for a fascinating insight into life in the late 1800s. The village was constructed as a home for workers at his soap factory, Lever Brothers, and today features a captivating museum, beautiful architecture, a world-class gallery and stunning parks. Continue onto Chester with time to explore this classic, contemporary city bursting with must see treasures, 2000 years of history and spectacular shopping.

Day 5 Return southwards to interchange with suitable stops en-route.4* City Centre Hotel
Shankly Hotel, Liverpool
In a prime location in Liverpool, the 4* Shankly Hotel offers a blend of comfort and elegance in the heart of the city. The hotel celebrates the life and times of iconic Liverpool Football Club manager, Bill Shankly. You'll find incredible memorabilia and personal items as well as trophies, clothing and Bill Shankly's original Liverpool FC contract. Guestrooms are stylishly decorated and offer flat screen TV, WiFi and all mod cons. There is a restaurant and bar. There is a lift.