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

Visit St Mildred's Church in Whippingham, an ornate church that has close links to the royal family. 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's here that she died in 1901. You're free to explore the exquisite state rooms and private royal apartments. It's particularly 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 perhaps make your way to the private beach.

• 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 at Godshill, a quintessentially English village.

• 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 through the heart of the island past scenic woodland, lush meadows, and picturesque towns. This truly is a wonderful way to explore the Isle of Wight; the train takes you back in time to the 'Golden Age' of rail as it journeys the delightful 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