Day 1
Depart London and travel out through the old kingdom of Wessex to the most famous Neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to the dramatic south Devon Coast enjoying panoramic views over white sandy beaches and the natural rock arch of Durdle Door. An afternoon here to explore some of the coast before arriving at the historic city of Exeter, Rome’s most south westerly fortified settlement, your base for 2 nights. Day 2
Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the menhir bridge at Postbridge and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore this Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial museum and its famous 12th century Norman Cathedral. Your second night is spent here. Day 3
Travel west into the heart of Arthurian legend country and the Celtic kingdom of Cornwall. The day’s highlights include the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston with its 12th century Norman keep perched overlooking Bodmin moor and Bodmin moor itself with the wild ponies wandering amongst the pre-historic stones called the Hurlers and the Cheesewring. Legends of piskies and spriggins abound and the resting place of King Arthur’s sword Excalibur in Dozmary pool all combine with mythical tales of the Beast of Bodmin to make this a very special place. A brief visit to the Golitha falls and St. Neot’s stunning crusader church add further variety to your day. Continue to the west coast and the romantic Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur, before travelling south to the seaside University town of Falmouth for 2 nights. Day 4
Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day taking in St. Michael’s mount, the stunning cliff top village of Mousehole, the incredible Minack theatre built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. You may even see some pirates at Penzance! England’s most westerly point beckons at Lands End before following the dramatic coast, with windswept moors and old stone Celtic communities up to the artistic haven of St. Ives. Returning to Falmouth for the night. Day 5
This morning you say farewell to Cornwall and travel back through the Devon countryside with stops for photos and refreshments before arriving in the famous little town of Glastonbury for lunch. Glastonbury Tor rises high above the town and has mythical connections with King Arthur and Avalon. From here you will return back eastwards to London, a city completely removed from the experiences you have enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall.
Meeting/ Pick up point: Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria.
Duration:
Start or opening time: Departures on Saturday at 9am.
Languages: Guide in English.
Package prices include: accommodation in B&B/ Guest houses or 3 star hotel, with private facilities and breakfast; transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches; services of a professional driver/guide.
Child rate applies to children aged 5-16, based on 1 child sharing a room with parent(s) or 2 children in a twin room. No children under 5 please.
Lunches are not included. However we will either stop in small villages with a choice of lunch options, or at a local family establishment where there is a choice to suit all budgets. These places are always chosen for their charm and character - to give clients the taste of British Hospitality. Visitor attractions are not included but we have negotiated reductions to some properties on your behalf. Clothing – because we believe in time off the bus and give clients the opportunities to take nature walks, we recommend bringing suitable clothing and footwear on the tours.