Corners of Cornwall & the British Isles

From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, the county of Cornwall is filled with evocative sights and fascinating stories. Join us as we seek out the maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary pride of this unique corner of South West England on a scenic eight-day tour.

On a British Isles cruise, fairytales come to life as you explore storybook castles and enchanting countrysides. Admire the stained-glass windows of Glasgow Cathedral and uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge in England. And legend has it, you'll get the gift of gab after visiting the Blarney Stone at Ireland's iconic castle. With Princess®, feel like royalty amidst noble landscapes.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• Return economy class flight from Sydney to London
• 7 night Corners of Cornwall guided holiday with Backroads Touring, London return
• Includes accommodation, 11 meals, premium transport, activities, experienced leader & driver plus more
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in London
• 10 night British Isles cruise onboard Emerald Princess, Southampton return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select private transfers
• Port charges, fees on your cruise & airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 September – 10 October 2022

Single traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Corners of Cornwall

Tour Highlights:

• Discover the enchanting medieval church and castle of St Michael’s Mount
• Enjoy the charm of historic port towns Falmouth and Port Isaac
• Soak up the wild, jaw-dropping vistas of the Jurassic Coast
• Visit the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral

Itinerary:

Day 1 - London

After meeting the group in London, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner. Here’s to the start of an incredible adventure!

Day 2 - London – Wells – Dartmoor National Park

After breakfast, our first stop will be the tiny market city of Wells – known for its Gothic cathedral and peaceful Vicars’ Close. After we’ve spent some time wandering the cobbled streets and medieval buildings with our Tour Leader, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Wells Cathedral at our leisure. Later, our path will take us from the quaint country lanes of Somerset to the heather and gorse-clad tors of Dartmoor National Park. Tonight, we’ll enjoy another delicious dinner together.

Day 3 - Dartmoor National Park – Port Isaac – Padstow – Falmouth

Today we’ll leave Dartmoor National Park for Cornwall’s northern coast – starting with a stroll around Port Isaac, the fishing village made famous by the Doc Martin television series. Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow. Here, you can take your pick from a menu of fresh-off-the-boat Cornish seafood and international favourites. Then: we’ll take it easy as we travel further west to Falmouth.

Day 4 - Falmouth – St Ives – St Michael's Mount – Falmouth

After a hearty breakfast we’ll pay a visit to Land’s End – England’s most westerly point – before setting our sights on St Ives. One of England’s prettiest towns, take some time to meander the cluster of cobblestoned streets, quaint seaside cottages and picture-perfect bays. Then, it’s back on the mini-coach for a visit to St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island just off the coast of Penzance. Here we’ll explore the village and the medieval castle and gardens – which are full of treasures and stories from the past. Back in Falmouth, we’ll enjoy an evening spent at our leisure. Please note: St Michael’s Mount is closed on Saturdays. In the event day 4 of our tour falls on a Saturday, we will visit St Michael’s Mount on day 5.

Day 5 - Falmouth – St Austell Bay

There’s a treat in store for the green-fingered today: we’re off to explore Tregothnan Estate, one of Cornwall’s largest estate and home to the first tea plantation in Britain. A member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds and the tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the only tea grown in England – with a chance to sample some of it for ourselves. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Austell Bay area where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Please note: Tregothnan Estate is closed to the public on weekends. In the event day 5 of our tour falls on a Saturday, we will visit Lower Lanner Farm instead – where we’ll enjoy a cream tea and plantation tour.

Day 6 - St Austell Bay

We have no set plans today, leaving you free to explore the sandy beaches and boutique shops of the St Austell Bay area at your leisure. You could visit the world-famous biomes of the Eden Project or uncover the world’s largest private collection of maritime paraphernalia at the Charleston Shipwreck Museum – you certainly won’t be short on things to do here!

Day 7 - St Austell Bay – Devon – Dorset – Salisbury

Today we’ll make our way south along the coast, before our road takes us through picturesque Devon and Dorset. We’ll have some free time to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s heroines and take in sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy some free time hunting for fossils along Lyme Regis’s sandy beaches before we move on to Salisbury – where a farewell dinner awaits.

Day 8 - Salisbury – London

After one last breakfast together, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral. Our journey will conclude upon returning to London.

Cruise Itinerary:

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 22 April 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.