Holidays

Picturesque traditional seaside towns line the south coast, here walking along the promenade and visiting the pier is part of the everyday life style. Inland the countryside holds a wealth to be discovered. Along the country lanes we find hidden historical treasures and pretty gardens that provide a lot of pleasure, culture and inspiration to all that visit. Just a short ferry trip away the Isle of Wight acts like a magnet drawing the crowds from far and wide to its diamond shaped paradise.

Amazing Lake Annecy capital of Upper Savoy, is pure medieval and during summertime the streets of the old town are decked in pretty flora displays. There are stone footbridges and narrow quays lined with ancient colourwashed buildings converted into bars, restaurants. Intriguing little shops offer an array of gifts. The most-photographed attraction of Annecy is the Palais de l’Isle - an island fortress dating from 1205. It has served as a ducal residence, a mint, an administration centre, a Prison and is now a town museum. Nearby majestic Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps that towers above all. Montenvers Train takes us up to the Mer del Glace and the Ice Caves. This tour offers dramatic scenery and is the ultimate experience.

Get a real taste of Ireland as we take you to the Cork region. Cork a bustling city full of flavour, culture and history is in everyway enchanting. Get chatting to the locals (Corkonians) it’s the way them tell um. Discover the pretty little seaside resorts and quaint harbours along the coast, taste the Whiskey and enjoy the good wholesome food. It’s down in one on this Irish Corker.

Travel past scented lavender fields and chestnut forests; through fresh applegreen vineyards and silvery olive groves; around markets, Matisse-designed chapels and medieval hilltop villages impossibly perched on rocky crags. There’s the red clay of Roussillon and the white limestone of Mont Ventoux that’s the Provence. From quaint gaily –coloured harbours full of little fishing boats to the bustling cities like Marseille. This natural beauty has been the inspiration for many great painters, writers, poets and musicians over the ages. As we take in all this and much more we unlock your imagination in this beautiful region full of history and culture.

The Isle of Wight is England in miniature: Sandy bays, high cliffs and sheltered creeks fringe its coastline. The lush green country lanes twist their way to picture postcard thatched villages that offer that something special. Secrets and the rich historical past intrigue the welcomed visitor along with a fine selection of museums portraying life through the ages. On this small diamond shaped island the story of England unfolds.

It is said that the translucent quality of Lake Maggiore’s water is from the teardrops of unrequited lovers and romantic poets. Much appreciated by Byron and Shelley. This became an idyllic hideaway for 19th century aristocrats who built palatial villas with landscaped gardens on its pristine shoreline. Lake Maggiore has gloriously varied scenery: high Alpine peaks, sun-kissed palm trees and lush botanical gardens. Lemon, olive and bay flourish with camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias. 40 miles long and 2 ½ miles wide there are many pretty lakeside towns and Islands to discover in this charming Italian paradise.

Discover the Channel Islands on our island hopping tour. Here British and French influences meet and have an unexpected mix of stunning scenery, rich heritage and a varied life style waiting to be discovered. From bustling towns and busy ports to the tranquillity of get away from it all idyllic spots. There is something here for you!

From before Roman times, Dorset has been a jewel in England’s crown, and the evidence of forefathers is plentiful. Frequently described as ‘The Best of Both Worlds’, for behind the varied coastline lies a county rich in archaeology, unspoilt rural villages and countryside, and a history to be proud of. It’s this county which was home to authors such as Jane Austen, William Barnes, and Thomas Hardy. Rolling hillsides, dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, sleepy villages, bustling towns, surround pretty villages and charming towns that beckon us all to call in.

If you fancy discovering somewhere different this year, Let us introduce you to a corner of Croatia that pulls out all the stops to impress. Talking about it just is not enough? Believe- your- eyes scenery with movie set backdrops that will whip your breath away. Pretty towns crammed with more culture than you know what to do with, sit along a stunning coastline and gaze at seas that are as clear as mineral water. It’s no wonder this location has been kept under the hat for such a long time.

Scotland in Miniature that’s Arran, the beautiful Isle of Bute and the charm of Robbie Burns Country. It is the perfect combination to capture the hearts of everyone. Scenery beyond anyone expectations lead us to ancient castles full of intrigue and amazing stately homes that hold a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered. Amazing scenery along the “off the beaten tracks” roads lead us to a little piece of Scottish heaven.

Vienna is often said to be “The City of Dreams” because it was home to psychologist Professor Sigmund Freud. It is Austria’s capital and largest city which has Baroque castles and gardens, grand buildings, monuments and parks. Stroll along the tracks of the great composers through the musical city. Mozart and Strauss may have long disappeared but Vienna’s culture and elegance lingers on. Enjoy cruising on the famous Danube which meanders through stunning countryside and passes historical towns along the way. This is a tour for the romantic’s, a tour that will fill your heart with love and inspiration.

Delightful Durham a joy to behold steeped in history and surrounded by glorious countryside, a magical place filled with ancient castles, golden sandy beaches, rolling hills, rugged moor land and friendly little market towns. From the past to the present let us unlock your imagination as we captivate your attention with the intriguing mix of famous sights.

It’s full of emotion a real tear jerker it’s the most spectacular event. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo draws together a host of creative talent from all over the world. Heart-stopping sounds, imaginative graphics, stateof- the-art lighting and a spectacular firework display. With the inspiring castle in the background hundreds of musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers, entertain thousands on the esplanade. Enjoy the city tour, a visit to Callender House and the Royal Yacht Britannia. An entertaining and fun loving weekend.

Pomerania is an area that curves along the Baltic Sea in far northern Europe. Ruled by or part of different countries or kingdoms, including Prussia, over the centuries, it was Germanic in culture at one time, due to settlement by German farmers. Today it is split along the Oder River, the west part now in Mecklenburg, Germany, the east in Poland. A coastline lined with Baltic seaside resorts and white-sandy beaches, UNESCO World Heritage towns and magnificent natural scenery. The small towns and villages nestled between the Ice Age hills and rivers capes are home to around 2,000 palaces, parks and stately homes, including northern Germany’s answer to Neuschwanstein Castle. Join us for a glimpse of this fascinating region that will fill you with intrigue.

The Isle of Man’s pace of life, history and identity remains as strong as ever. On our tour we uncover its unique heritage, its beautiful scenery from coast to countryside and its people. Maybe we will see the Manx cat, with no tail. This breed is the result of spontaneous mutation, which occurred hundreds of years ago. There is the Rumpy - Completely tailless. Riser - Bit of stump at base of spine. Stumpy - A short stump of a tail. or Longy - A visible short tail.This is a totally unique opportunity to realize what many people have dreamed and yearned to do and see for years but more importantly you will take home with you memories of a truly, unforgettable holiday.

Devon’s lush green rolling hills are a feast for the eyes. The fields are divided by hedgerows full of a variety of wild flowers. Off the main road the deep lanes have hedgerows high on either side but oh so pretty and here we find a wealth of hidden treasures. The stunning coastline is one of the most scenic areas along England coastline with beautiful little ports and harbours that have retained their style and charm making this a holiday destination you will want to return to again and again.

Hidden away in the lush Dutch countryside is a wealth of surprises. Discover life and how people lived centuries ago. Visit the largest castle in Holland complete with towers, turrets, moats, gates and suspension bridges. Admire the green heartland cities like Arnham as we remember the war time attack “Operation Market Garden” and no visit to this country would be complete without a cruise through the lovely countryside where we see traditional windmills standing proud. This picturesque region has retained its charm, history and culture offering an abundance of hidden treasures; discover its secrets with us.

Whether it’s the lakes, chocolate, watches or the Alps you will not be disappointed. Fresh mountain air and the romantic atmosphere of the awesome scenery attracts many year after year. With their stunning landscape of dramatic snowdusted peaks, tranquil shimmering lakes, and charming, picturesque towns and villages you just cannot go wrong. Enjoy the once in a life time experience on The Bernina Express a train journey you will never forget, which runs through alpine villages and Chic resorts like St Moritz. Travelling over high viaducts and breathtaking gorges you will be overwhelmed.

Somerset - The Jewel of the South West has so much to offer. At the heart of the West Country, Somerset is a destination of dramatic coastline, seaside resorts, epic English countryside, and historic places. It has rustic farm buildings that lean on broken farmyard gates and fruit orchard in the plenty. Locals are known for their love of Scrumpy Cider and incomprehensible dialect liberally punctuated with “ooh arr” it’s an area not too far from home that is loved by one and all.

Loch Lomond has long been immortalised in lyric verse and song. The single biggest expanse of inland water in the British Isles, These rippling calm waters attract people from far and wide. From island-dotted shallows in the south to the mountains dominating the scene like the Cobbler in the West and mighty Ben Lomond to the East. Along the shores charming villages and sandy bays complete the awesome picture.

The Thursford Christmas Spectacular a show of colour, light, music and dancing creates a never to be forgotten atmosphere that captures the magic and fun of Christmas. Those of you that have been before have been left mesmerized so don’t miss this. The setting is a museum dedicated to a traditional old-fashioned fairground where majestic engines sit next to carousel rides. The collection of mechanical organs, from the smaller street organ to the enormous dance organs and fairground organs all play jaunty tunes to both entertain and demonstrate the different styles and sounds of each one.Traditional Norfolk farm buildings have been transformed into Dickensian style gift shops, ice cream parlour, coffee-tea shop and our famous Christmas gift shop.

The Christmas Markets of Germany are unique. If you’re tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period and would like to get right away for a real traditional and romantic Christmas Market you might want to consider heading to Germany where Christmas gifts are not mass-produced but craftwork of real quality. The ambience of a typical German Christmas Market is further enhanced by the aromas of hot chestnuts, grilled sausages and other tasty snacks.

Christmas time brings memories And kindest thoughts untold Of friends we may not often see But hope to always hold So may this festive tour be a link In friendships precious chain And may it be another time When we shall meet again