DEPARTURE DAY
A leisurely drive to the south coast of Hampshire. We set sail for a scenic crossing of the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Our first taste of the Island, as we cross to our hotel in Shanklin.
THE NEEDLES at Alum Bay
A tour along the South Coast, calling into Isle of Wight Pearl and on to the Needles at Alum Bay, famous for its coloured sands, Needles rocks and lighthouse. We continue on through Freshwater to Yarmouth with its castle built by King Henry VIII (entrance not included).
RYDE
A tour along the coast through Bembridge to Ryde -“ the Gateway to the Island”. Stroll the Esplanade with its marina, beautiful gardens, bowling green, boating lake, outdoor cafés and the Victorian landmark - Appley Tower. A plaque on the sea wall commemorates the epic voyage of The First Fleet, which anchored off the Mother Bank, just offshore, before setting sail for Australia’s Botany Bay in 1787.
OSBORNE HOUSE
Entrance to magnificent Osborne House, holiday home of Queen Victoria, preserved much as it was when the Queen died there in 1901.
NEWPORT and GODSHILL
Off to Newport for Market Day. Lots to see, including excellent shopping, ancient inns, the harbour, Carrisbrook Village. Returning, we call into the island’s most picturesque village, Godshill, with its thatched cottages and hill-top church, an ideal stop for a cream tea.