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The South of England Tour      (2 Nights/3 Days)

A fine tour, which will have special appeal to those who want to travel in a more leisurely way, and wander and browse where they will. Don't let that lead you into thinking that we don't do very much though! There are some exciting and interesting experiences along the way, it's just a matter of going at a steadier 'pace'.

Day 1: We begin with a drive of an hour or so to Winchester, the county town of Hampshire. The town boasts one of England's finest cathedrals and we'll take a tour. The town itself will tempt you to enjoy some free time - shoppers will enjoy its' pedestrianised centre which houses a good range of traditional and modern shops in an historic setting. The drive from here to the New Forest takes less than 45 minutes. We'll stop for lunch at an inn which has been serving travellers for centuries, but the food's ok, honestly! Then, subject to opening days, we'll make an interesting visit to Broadlands, the former home of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Prince of Wales' friend and great uncle. If not possible, we'll head deeper into the Forest and take a walk around some of Hampshire's loveliest gardens.

Summer flowers                     Fuschias

Our final experience for today will please the sailors in the group! The little town of Lymington is a popular resort and yachting centre. Many of the attractive houses date from the 18th century and an easy stroll round the town and small quayside should sharpen everyone's appetite for dinner tonight. We stay in the area, and you'll be impressed with your rooms, and the food. (Inclusive tours: DB&B)

 

Day 2: Following a good breakfast we depart for another nautical town, Portsmouth, home to the British Navy, and site of some historic ships and the D-Day Museum which records the events of 6th June 1944 - 'Operation Overlord'.

Victory                       D-Day Museum & Overlord Embroidery

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812, and his birthplace may also be visited. (All your options are discussed en-route so that you get to see only those attractions which interest your group most). A couple of hours here means that lunchtime will be approaching so we'll take the road out of Portsmouth and lunch at a local village inn. Chichester follows with another chance to soak up some local atmosphere, before pressing on to the charming small town of Arundel with fine views of its' famous castle. After a chance to stroll the town, we set off for today's final destination, the popular seaside resort of Brighton. The antique lovers will particularly enjoy this place - The Lanes are famous amongst collectors, and we may arrive early enough for you to spend some time there. If not, there's always tomorrow morning before we depart! (Inclusive tours: DB&B)

Day 3: Our history, architecture and art lovers will have spotted the Royal Pavilion, and that's our first destination this morning. After an hour here, we depart Brighton and continue easterly along the coast road. We'll view Beachy Head and some of the famous white cliffs of this region. At 600 ft it's quite a drop, or should we say, 'lover's leap'. A brief exhilarating walk on the cliff tops, then we descend to Eastbourne and a look at a typical Victorian seaside town, which claims the best sunshine record in England. No, don't laugh, I did say sunshine...

All that sun may have got to some of you, so we'd better up sticks and make for our last seaside town of the tour, Hastings. We'll visit the most interesting part of Hastings, the Old Town, which is also the fishermen's quarter before travelling north towards London. Incidentally, Hasting's name became famous thanks to William the Conqueror's fight with King Harold in 1066. The actual battle site is a few miles up the road and we'll take a look. It's beside a village which is called - yes, you guessed it - Battle. That victory by William secured his English throne and changed the course of history; '1066 and all that'. (Fear not, we'll explain some of the 'that'!). Continuing toward London, a pleasing afternoon tea stop at Tunbridge Wells will also give you a very last chance to shop - in the historic Pantiles district, which recaptures some of the charm of Victorian spa life. Then, sadly, I'm afraid we really must head back home. We should reach London by mid-evening, maybe a little weary - but undoubtedly content!

PRICES:

PRICES:

EITHER:

You pay just £1300, to cover the cost of your Minivan which carries up to 8 persons, your driver-guide's services and all miles driven. Complimentary drinks and occasional snacks are provided along the way. The driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses are included, but not your own. We can arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own with our help. Please note that entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout.

This is the most economical way to go, costing just £162 per person for a family or group of 8 to £324 per person for a family or group of 4, for all your travel and guiding.

OR:

A fully-inclusive, more luxurious option. Prices include quality accommodation with private bath and full English breakfast, entrance fees & taxes, lunch on 2 days, dinner on 2 nights and high tea on 1 day, your own driver/guide and minivan for 3 days:

No of People
Total Price in £'s
Cost Per Person (pp) in £'s
4 People
£2,120
£530 (pp sharing twin/double rooms)
5 People
£2,550
£510 (pp sharingtwin/doubles & 1 single room)
6 People
£2,700
£450 (pp sharing twin/double rooms)
7/8 People
£3,150
£450 (pp sharingtwin/doubles & 1 single room)

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