Queen Victoria loved her holidays. She travelled to Scotland, France, and Italy and stayed at lavish palaces and princely courts in lush locations. But there’s nowhere she loved more than the Isle of Wight, a diamond-shaped pearl in the English Channel. It’s not far from London and boasts beautiful beaches, epic white sea-cliffs, a warm climate, and remnants from the Romans, Normans, and two World Wars. She inspired travellers from all around the world to visit this island; and after more than onehundred years of holidays here, we think the place just gets better and better. On this tour, you visit Queen Victoria’s Italian-inspired holiday home, Osborne House. You venture to the sea-shores and see gorgeous cliffs, barren bunkers and stunning white rock structures. And on the mainland, you even get a chance to celebrate your journey with a drink at the home of Bombay Sapphire Gin. Join this trip, follow in the footsteps of royalty, and let your guide lead you through England’s favourite holiday island.
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation
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Guide
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Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
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Flights
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Insurance
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Meals
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Optional
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Additional Services
- Departing London and heading to the sunny, southern Isle of Wight.
- We will head to the ancient port-city of Portsmouth.
- First stop on the Isle of Wight is the important religious site of Quarr Abbey.
- Venture to the Yarborough Monument.
- We will be heading on the ferry back to Portsmouth.
- Visit the home of one of the world’s most popular gins
- The exhibition and Victorian architecture are as interesting as they are beautiful.
Day 1: 3-Day Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London
Get your sunglasses and sun cream ready, you’re departing London and heading to the sunny, southern Isle of Wight.
First, you head to the ancient port-city of Portsmouth. This bustling spot blends modern marvels with centuries of sea-faring stories. You can grab a bite to eat here before your guide picks you up and takes you to the ferry at Gunwharf Terminal.
Even if you’re not a sea-loving, fish-catching, ocean-dweller, you’ll still find this ferry enjoyable. It takes less than an hour and there’s plenty of onboard refreshments.
Your first stop on the Isle of Wight is the important religious site of Quarr Abbey. The building here is beautiful and combines French, Byzantine, and Moorish designs.
In the evening, you arrive at the unforgettably quaint village of Shanklin in time for an early dinner. Perhaps it’s time to try the seafood?
Day 2: 3-Day Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London
Today, you’re going to discover the unmissable highlights of the Isle of Wight. You eat breakfast and then venture to the Yarborough Monument. This is the tallest monument on the island and celebrates the life of a wealthy earl from the 19th century.
You continue to a photo-stop at the beautiful views of endless green fields at Brading Downs and then head to Osborne House.
Queen Victoria said, “it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”. And we agree. Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s holiday home and as you explore the Italian-style building, you discover pristine green gardens, ornate golden rooms, and historically fascinating artefacts.
And after that magnificent man-made marvel, it’s time to see the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful natural wonder, the Needles.
These sharp white stacks that stick out of the ocean are beautiful to behold. You can hop on a boat to get close to them and venture to an old defensive battery that’s nearby.
Your last stop today is at the cliffs of St. Catherine’s Down. As the sun starts to set, these epic cliffs and green valleys look stunning.
You travel back to Shanklin in time for dinner.
Day 3: 3-Day Isle of Wight and the Southern Coast Small-Group Tour from London
It’s the final day. But cheer up, because we’ve saved some of the best sights for today.
In the morning, you say goodbye to Shanklin and head on the ferry back to Portsmouth.
Now that you’ve reacquainted yourself with the mainland, we take you to one of England’s most history-soaked cities, Winchester.
But visiting Winchester isn’t easy, because there’s almost too much to do. There’s a glorious cathedral, an ancient mill, cute cafes, and more than enough museums.
After you’ve studied up on the history of England, it’s time to go have some fun. That’s right, we’re going to visit the home of one of the world’s most popular gins, Bombay Sapphire. But it’s not just the booze that’s brilliant at the Laverstoke Mill, the exhibition and Victorian architecture are as interesting as they are beautiful.
Once you’ve had enough of the tipple, it’s time to head home. You have a small refreshment stop at the quaint riverside town of Runnymede before arriving back in London in the evening.
