Isle of Wight

Meet in Portsmouth and board the catamaran for the short journey to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. From here, join the rail service down the scenic east coast to Sandown. This delightful Victorian seaside resort boasts sandy beaches and views over the English Channel. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a four-night stay.

• Dinner

Your first visit today is to St Mildred's Church in Whippingham, an ornate church with close links to the royal family. After time to look around, continue to Osborne House, Queen Victoria's family holiday home. The house was designed by Prince Albert himself to mirror an Italian palazzo. The house was a favourite retreat for Queen Victoria and it is here where she died in 1901. You're free to explore the exquisite state rooms and private royal apartments. It's interesting to note the difference between the opulent rooms in the wing known as 'the Pavilion' and the more comfortable and homely setting of the apartments. Outside, explore the manicured gardens or maybe make your way to the pretty beach that's now open to the public.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a panoramic island tour, taking in some of the Isle of Wight's best attractions. Begin at the cliffs overlooking the area's white 'needles'. These striking formations are an iconic sight of the Isle of Wight, with distinctive stacks of chalk rising out of the sea. Continue to Yarmouth to admire the views from its charming harbour. Bursting with history, explore the cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and cafés, and the main square, overlooked by the town's church. Later, visit historic Carisbrooke Castle. This English Heritage site is famous for serving as a royal prison to Charles I during the civil war, and today it's the location of the Edwardian-style Princess Beatrice Garden. You end the day at picturesque Godshill, a quintessentially English village with historic architecture.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the Isle of Wight's heritage railway. Begin by taking the island's public train from Sandown to Smallbrook Junction, where you board the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a return journey to Wootton. This beautiful line dates back to 1862 and winds through unspoilt countryside, traversing the heart of the island past scenic woodland, lush meadows, and picture-book towns. This is a wonderful way to explore the Isle of Wight; the train takes you back to the 'Golden Age' of rail as it journeys through rolling countryside, pulled by a charming steam locomotive. Along the way, stop at Havenstreet for a visit to the interesting Carriage and Wagon Workshop.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Take the train to Ryde and board the catamaran back to Portsmouth. Here you're free to depart.

• Breakfast