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KINGDOM OF WESSEX
and the Isle of Wight
3 days / 2 nights
Wessex, the counties of the west Saxons and where English history virtually begins. First dinosaurs roamed, then prehistoric man made it his home. Centuries later Celtic tribes settled here before being colonised by invading Roman armies. This is the literary landscape of Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. It is the site of major medieval cities and some fabulous stately homes and gardens. It's timeless, it's pretty and it's a magical three days!
Tour Dates: Your choice! Begin on any day of the week. (Note that some attractions may not be opened daily.)
Available at any date for private groups of 2 – 15 people, subject to availability. Rates are based upon vehicle and guide hire per day; groups of 7 - 15 would have a per person rate same/similar to one of our scheduled tours of the same length.
Price: dependent upon how many are in your party; please contact us for a quote. Contact us for availability and rate quote: specialgrouptours@yahoo.com
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary. It may be revised to suit your individual group needs.
What your tour package includes: The private services of your driver/guide for 3 touring days, your accommodation for 2 nights while on the tour including breakfast and dinner daily, all entrance fees to gardens and attractions, transportation, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide.
Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, London city tours, London attraction passes and London transport passes are not included but can be added to your package as you wish. Ask us for details.
Please note that ferries are subject to availability.
Why not Link it? This tour ’links up’ with any of the 3-day tours in our “Name the Date” Series such as Literary Kent and Sussex, Heart of England or Hampshire Gardens to name a few. Heaps of choices! Mix, match and create a holiday break to suit your schedule!
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Departing London we head Southwest, our first stop being at Jane Austen's Chawton home. She spent the last eight years of her life here. The house, where she wrote 'Sense & Sensibility' and 'Pride & Prejudice' amongst others, is now open as a museum. Our next port of call is the ancient Saxon capital of Winchester. There'll be time for lunch and for a guided walk around the city. Sights include the cathedral, one of England's most famous public schools and the legendary 'King Arthur's Round Table'. If there is time, we will also visit the last monastery in England where pilgrims may still claim the 'dole'.
Accommodation: near Salisbury
TWO
The Isle of Wight sits a short ferry crossing from Portsmouth and offers us a unique day out with some fabulous sightseeing opportunities. The jewel in today's crown is Osborne House. This was where Queen Victoria chose to spend her summers. The house and gardens are national treasures. Here, inside, you'll see how Queen Victoria lived (and also sneak a look 'beneath stairs' to see how her staff worked and lived). In the wonderful 50 acre gardens that sweep to the Swiss Cottage and its garden, you'll walk amongst magnolias, Lebanon cedar, azaleas and other in-season blooms. There's also a perfect Victorian walled kitchen garden.
A second visit for the day takes us to Mottistone Manor, a garden noted for its colourful herbaceous borders, grassy terraces planted with fruit trees and its sea views. The 16th- and 17th-century manor house, which is tenanted, lies at the heart of the Mottistone Estate, which offers delightful walks between the Downs and the coast.
We'll spend the rest of our day soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely little corner of the British Isles and exploring its coastline and resort towns. If we've time, and the inclination amongst group members, we might also see Morton House.
Accommodation: near Salisbury, as above
DAY THREE
The magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, with its tall spire and Magna Carta provide our early morning focus before we leave to visit Wilton House, one of England's great treasure house stately homes. You'll find the sheer opulence almost unbelievable. There are paintings by the great masters, fine furnishings, fabulous antiques and a wonderful garden.
Thence, via the Roman fortress of Old Sarum, where you'll enjoy a guided walk. Then to another treasure, the prehistoric Stonehenge.
We've a great finish to our Wessex experience as on route to London we explore the quaint villages of Hampshire and visit either the Duke of Wellington's country home or view the incredible Stanley Spencer wall murals at Burchclere.
Accommodation: London (not included in tour rate but it is available for a supplemental fee)
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