Glorious Isles of Scilly

DAY 1

Those booking rail travel with us will take the famous English Riviera coastal journey to Truro. On arrival, we transfer to stay for one night at the lovely Alverton Hotel where we enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

This morning will be an early start with a packed breakfast provided as we join our private coach which will transfer us to Penzance Harbour in time to board our ferry to the islands. The crossing will take around 2hr 45mins and will give a unique perspective of Cornwall's iconic coastline. On arrival our luggage will be transferred whilst we enjoy some of our first breathtaking views of the island as we walk the short distance from the harbour to the hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore our new surroundings before we reconvene for our evening meal together.

DAY 3

Today, after a hearty breakfast, we join our introductory tour of St Mary's exploring the history and sights of this beautiful part of the archipelago. There will be plenty of opportunities to make photo stops as we pass by the old town and beautiful stretches of white sand beaches. The afternoon is free for you to explore the many beautiful coastal walking paths or relax and take in the laid-back pace of island life. This evening we will have our evening meal together.

DAY 4

This morning we walk to the quay and take the ferry to the magnificent island of Tresco. Lying at the heart of the archipelago, 28 miles off the Cornish coast, Tresco is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the island enjoys a mild climate year-round. We enjoy a visit to the Tresco Abbey Garden which contains plants from all over the world and is renowned as one of the best sub-tropical collections in the Northern Hemisphere. After exploring the beauty of this island, we retrace our steps back to St Mary's and reconvene for our evening meal.

DAY 5

After a leisurely breakfast, there will be chance to embark on a recommended trip or walk before we reconvene at the hotel for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. The Star Castle's HolyVale Vineyard has been producing fine wines which are available to taste as part of a tour during the summer months which will last around 2 hours and will take you through the fascinating history and story of the vineyard. Afterwards we will enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 6

This morning, after breakfast, you have time at leisure to enjoy a further excursion or relax in St Mary's. We will need to be checked out of the hotel by 10:30 and our luggage will be securely stored until our departure. Our ferry returning to Penzance is scheduled to depart late-afternoon and, on arrival, our private coach will transfer us back to the Alverton Hotel in Truro where a hot buffet will be available.

DAY 7

After breakfast today we have time at leisure to explore Truro, this small and compact city has a wealth of history, and no visit would be complete without taking in the gothic style cathedral - join a guided tour or simply take in the stunning architecture. The Royal Cornwall Museum hosts many exhibits with some artifacts dating back to the prehistoric times and, on Saturdays, you can enjoy the outdoor "Lemon Street Market" selling everything from fresh produce to antique books. There is also a myriad of independent shops and restaurants to explore. This small city is sure to leave a big impression! In the evening we will enjoy our final evening meal together.

DAY 8

After breakfast it's time to bid farewell to The Alverton and journey homeward.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner