Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Over 105 Years Experience
Committed to Sustainable Tourism
7 Days
TBC
From Only £1,075.00
Lovingly known as the 'Garden Isle,' the Isle of Wight is recognised for its beautiful countryside and quintessentially English rolling landscape, where you'll enjoy trips to Ventnor Botanic Gardens, Quarr Abbey and Queen Victoria's Osborne House.
This holiday operates under our Optimum Experience brand.
With elegant space-maximising interior design, our Optimum Experience vehicle offers incredible passenger comfort with a selection of fine tours and destinations to choose from. Our Optimum holiday packages include a wide range of excursions, events and admissions, accommodation in a minimum 3* hotel (unless otherwise stated) and, on all our European Holidays, a Skills Representative too! Why not also book our door-to-door service and make your next holiday stress-free?
Today, we travel south before crossing the Solent by ferry, arriving at our hotel later today.
Welcome to Ventnor, one of Britain's most famous Victorian health resorts, due to its unique micro-climate. After enjoying some free time here, we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Found just a short distance from the seafront, this unique garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants, including its impressive collection of succulents and cacti, flowering aloes and mature palm trees.
One of the UK's original seaside destinations and much loved by Queen Victoria, Ryde is a quirky mix of traditional seaside fun, home to long stretches of sandy beaches and a thriving, independent shopping scene. Later, we visit the Benedictine monastery of Quarr Abbey. Situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Quarr is home to a small group of Benedictine monks who strive to dedicate their lives to the glory of God. Feel free to explore the church, wander around the tranquil grounds and beautiful formal gardens, visit the art gallery or browse the bookshop for light historical reading.
Cut into sandstone cliffs, Shanklin has all the charm of a traditional seaside town with lots to explore. With your free day, perhaps enjoy a walk along the beach, one of the most stunning walks on the island, visit the town's peaceful Rylstone Gardens or stroll through the Old Village, home to pretty thatched cottages housing gift shops and tea rooms.
This morning, we visit the iconic Needles at Alum Bay, renowned for its multi-coloured sand cliffs and stunning views across the Solent. Afterwards, we will take you to the small town of Yarmouth, a historic port with a pretty marina. Sitting at the mouth of the River Yar, you'll find a sixteenth-century castle alongside some of the oldest architecture on the Isle of Wight.
Our final full day takes us to the sailing destination of Cowes and Queen Victoria's Osborne House seaside palace, where she often visited with her beloved Prince Albert and their nine children. Take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria's family life as you tour the nursery and private rooms of the Royal couple. Marvel at the magnificence of the Royal Apartments, stroll around the beautiful formal gardens and step out onto Queen Victoria's private beach (a pleasant 20-minute stroll from the palace).
After breakfast, we travel home.
Located in Shanklin, the Ocean View Hotel is a popular seafront hotel with a piano lounge and a large restaurant. Guestrooms include a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and many boast balconies with sea views.
Hotel Facilities
Bar
Restaurant
Lift
WiFi
Swimming pool
Seaview & Premier Seaview rooms are available for an additional supplement.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alfreton | Bus Station, Hall Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BT |
| Arnold | High Street Bus Stop, Outside Leisure Centre Car Park, Arnold, NG5 7EE |
| Beeston | Lace Road, behind the Cricketers Pub Beeston, NG9 2LA |
| Bulwell | Aldi (Bus Stop SW12), Sellers Wood Drive, Bulwell, NG6 8GE |
| Chesterfield | Coach Station, Beckingham Way Chesterfield, S40 1TH |
| Derby | Bus Station, Bay 27 & 28, Derby, DE1 2AY |
| Heanor | Market Place, Wilmott Street (Market Square side) Heanor, DE75 7EG |
| Ilkeston | Wharncliffe Rd, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5GF |
| Leicester | St Margarets Bus Station, Stand SA, Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG |
| Leicester Fosse Park | Leicester Fosse Park, Bus Stop, Fosse Park Avenue Next to ASDA (opposite petrol station), LE3 2LL |
| Long Eaton | The Green, Outside Poundland Long Eaton, Notts, NG10 1HQ |
| Loughborough | Amber Rooms, The Rushes Loughborough, LE11 5BE |
| Lutterworth | George Street, Outside Wycliffe Rooms Lutterworth, LE17 4EG |
| Mansfield | Fire Station Bus Stop, Rosemary Street Mansfield, NG19 6AA |
| Nottingham | Mount Street, Alongside the Grosvenor Casino, Nottingham, NG1 6HE |
| Ripley | Market Place, Express Stand Ripley, DE5 3FJ |
| Rotherham | Interchange Bay C1/ C2, Frederick Street, Rotherham , S60 1QB |
| Sheffield | Pond Hill, Opposite Penny Black Public House Sheffield, S1 2BG |
| Toton | Tram Stop Park and Ride, Toton Lane Notts, NG9 7JA |
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