3 Days / 2 Nights: Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast – Small Group Tour in unknown

unknown · History · USD 868.06

DAY 1/ Portsmouth, Quarr Abbey and Shanklin Learn about the monastic life at quaint Quarr Abbey. Leave the mainland behind and travel by ferry to the Isle of Wight. Get your sunglasses and sun cream ready, you’re departing London and heading to the sunny, southern Isle of Wight. First, you head to the ancient port-city of Portsmouth. This bustling spot blends modern marvels with centuries of sea-faring stories. Head to the top of the 170 metre high Spinnaker Tower for the best views of the City, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast. Follow the historic harbour trails or visit the remains of King Henry the VIII’s tragic warship Mary Rose before joining your guide for your ferry at Gunwharf Terminal. Even if you’re not a sea-loving, fish-catching, ocean-dweller, you’ll still find this ferry enjoyable. It takes less than an hour and there’s plenty of onboard refreshments. Your first stop on the Isle of Wight is the important religious site of Quarr Abbey. The building here is beautiful and combines French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs. In the evening, you arrive at the unforgettably quaint village of Shanklin in time for an early dinner. Perhaps it’s time to try the seafood? Accommodation: 3* hotel or Bed and Breakfast depending on option selected Included: Breakfast DAY 2/ Osborne House and the Needle Explore the epitome of elegance at Osborne House. Reflect upon the ocean’s power at the Needle sea stacks. Today, you’re going to discover the unmissable highlights of the Isle of Wight. You eat breakfast and then venture to the Yarborough Monument. This is the tallest monument on the island and celebrates the life of a wealthy earl from the 19th century. You continue to a photo-stop at the beautiful views of endless green fields at Brading Downs and then head to Osborne House. Queen Victoria said, “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. And we agree. Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s holiday home and as you explore the Italian-style building, you discover pristine green gardens, ornate golden rooms, and historically fascinating artefacts. And after that magnificent man-made marvel, it’s time to see the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful natural wonder, the Needles. These sharp white stacks that stick out of the ocean are beautiful to behold. You can hop on a boat to get close to them and venture to an old defensive battery that’s nearby. Your last stop today is at the cliffs of St. Catherine’s Down. As the sun starts to set, these epic cliffs and green valleys look stunning. You travel back to Shanklin in time for dinner. Accommodation: 3* hotel or Bed and Breakfast depending on option selected Included: Breakfast DAY 3/ Winchester Absorb all the history you can in the city of Winchester. It’s the final day. But cheer up, because we’ve saved some of the best sights for today. In the morning, you say goodbye to Shanklin and head on the ferry back to Portsmouth. Now that you’ve reacquainted yourself with the mainland, we take you to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester. But visiting Winchester isn’t easy, because there’s almost too much to do. There’s a glorious cathedral, an ancient mill, cute cafes, and more than enough museums. Once you've had time to explore this wonderful city, it’s time to head home. You have a short stop at Runnymede; the home of the Magna Carta and the cornerstone of modern democracy, before arriving in London in the evening.