Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer

DAY 1

For those travelling on the rail and ferry inclusive package, we arrive in Douglas on the Isle of Man and transfer to the Ramsey Park Hotel, our base for the next seven nights, located on the beautiful Lake Mooragh in Ramsey. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast today, we take the Manx Electric Railway from Ramsey to Laxey where we board the electric Snaefell Mountain Railway for our journey to the top of the island's highest peak, Snaefell at 2,036ft, where breathtaking views await. After a break at the summit, we make the short journey to visit Lady Isabella - the Great Wheel of Laxey, an iconic feature of the island, and we explore the wheel and mines before returning to Ramsey for our evening meal.

DAY 3

Today, we will enjoy an exploration of the island's history and heritage beginning with a private coach transfer to the seaside town of Peel where we visit the imposing Peel Castle, originally constructed by the Vikings. After exploring this fascinating fortress, we make the short journey to the House of Manannan Museum where the island's mythological sea god, Manannan, welcomes us to his Kingdom and we embark on an immersive journey through the rich Celtic, Viking, and maritime history. After free time for lunch, we continue by road to the Knockaloe Centre where we will learn the story of the world's largest WW1 Internment Camp before exploring the history of the village with its fascinating collections of letters and artefacts. Making our way back to Ramsey, we will stop at Tynwald Hill and St John's Church, the ancient and traditional meeting place of the Manx Parliament before continuing to Ramsey in time for our evening meal.

DAY 4

After our full day of history yesterday, we spend the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or to explore Ramsey. You may wish to stroll the beautifully restored pier, visit the Fynoderee Distillery, or use your included Heritage Pass and Explorer Ticket to venture further afield. This evening, we reconvene at the hotel for our evening meal together.

DAY 5

Today, we transfer by road to Douglas where we enjoy a ride behind steam on the magnificent Isle of Man Railway, the longest narrow-gauge steam line in Britain to still use original carriages, to Port Erin with time to view the excellent refurbished railway sheds, steam trains, and carriages at the neighbouring Railway Museum. We continue to Castletown and visit Castle Rushen, one of Europe's most finely preserved medieval fortresses plus the fascinating Old House of Keys, the former meeting place of the Isle of Man Parliament, where you may even have the chance to join a debate in the chamber. Afterwards, we travel to the oldest open-air folk museum in Britian, Cregneash, a remarkable living museum with traditional thatched cottages showcasing life and farming on the island before our private coach returns us to Ramsey for our evening meal.

DAY 6

After a leisurely breakfast, today is free to enjoy any parts of the island you still wish to visit or why not re-visit your favourite part of the tour again using your Heritage Pass and Explorer Ticket. You may wish to travel to Douglas where we recommend a visit to the Milntown Estate, a beautiful house and gardens that is easily accessible by local transport or why not partake in one of the quaint café's afternoon teas. We reconvene at the hotel for our evening meal together.

DAY 7

After breakfast this morning, our private coach will take us on a scenic drive from Ramsey to Douglas and, on arrival, we visit the tram stables before enjoying a horse-drawn tram ride along the beautiful Victorian promenade. Afterwards, we visit the Manx Museum, bursting with artefacts unique to the Isle of Man from Viking treasures to the world-famous TT races, and we enjoy some free time before returning by the Manx Electric Railway to the hotel for our final evening meal together.

DAY 8

After breakfast, our island exploration draws to a close as we board the morning ferry to Heysham and head homewards.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner