Isle of Wight, Osborne House and Steam Railway

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we will board the ferry to the Isle of Wight and continue on to the Isle of Wight for seven nights.

Enjoy an included guided sightseeing tour taking in some of the island's most beautiful spots as we tour the coastline which is dotted with pretty villages and rolling hills. We travel along the south coast of the island, passing beautiful Freshwater Bay to reach Yarmouth, before travelling through the beautiful scenery across the heart of the island.

Relax and explore at your own pace, or join our optional excursion to the elegant Victorian resort of Ryde on the north east coast of the island, offering an attractive esplanade, bustling marina and views across the Solent. Enjoy the quirky mix of seaside fun, Victorian architecture and hidden gems in one of the UK's original seaside destinations.

Opulent, flamboyant and undoubtedly impressive, our included trip to Osborne House is not to be missed. Explore the State Rooms, the walled garden and the intimate family rooms where Queen Victoria made a home with Prince Albert and their nine children.

Queen Victoria said of Osborne, that 'it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot' and the palatial house is brimming with ornate furnishings, artefacts from the Royal Collection and trinkets from across the British Empire that were gifted to the Royal Family by Heads of State.

Enjoy the Isle of Wight at your own pace.

Why not take a stroll along the pretty promenade in Sandown? You’ll find deckchairs, beach huts and the delightful Victorian pier which dates back to 1879. Sandown has a great selection of attractions, an award-winning beach and the popular Dinosaur Isle (entry not included) where you can learn more about the fascinating geology and magnificent fossils to be found on the island.

You may prefer to explore Shanklin's Old Village with pretty thatched cottages housing tea rooms and gift shops.

Enjoy a day at leisure or join our optional excursion to visit bustling Newport, the island's capital. Newport offers plenty of things to do and is a great place for shopping with a mix of high street stores and independent shops across the town's two main Georgian squares. There are regular markets in St Thomas Square and a wonderful Farmers Market (check locally) offering local delicacies including honey, garlic and traditional fudge.

Full day enjoying a unique view of some of the island's unspoilt countryside and quaint villages as we take a journey on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Settle back in the beautifully restored carriages and watch the scenery roll by!

We continue on to visit the picture-postcard village of Godshill, full of pretty thatched cottages, which are clustered around the quaint church.

Return home.