Isle of Wight & the Southern Coast
Departs on Saturdays from London
April to October - 2024
Departs on Wednesdays from London
April to October - 2025
Queen Victoria loved her holidays. She travelled to Scotland, France, and Italy and stayed at lavish palaces and princely courts. 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 one-hundred 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. Join this trip, follow in the footsteps of royalty, and let your guide lead you through England’s favourite holiday island.
DEPARTURE FROM LONDON: Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, SW1W 9SH. If coming on foot access is through the building at 4 Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SH.
The tour departs at 9:15am and returns at approx. 7:15pm on Day 3.
Itinerary
Day
1
Portsmouth & Quarr Abbey
Saturday
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. Head to the top of the 170 metre high Spinnaker Tower for the best views of the City, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast. Follow the historic harbour trails or visit the remains of King Henry the VIII’s tragic warship Mary Rose before joining your guide for your 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?
Overnight—Shanklin
Day
2
Isle of Wight Highlights
Sunday
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.
Overnight—Shanklin
Day
3
Winchester
Monday
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. Once you've had time to explore this wonderful city, it’s time to head home. You have a short stop at Runnymede; the home of the Magna Carta and the cornerstone of modern democracy, before arriving in London in the evening.
Return to London at approximately 19:30
2024 Dates and Prices
| Room Type | Single B&B | Twin B&B | Single Hotel | Twin Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 6-May 31 | $999.00$999.00 | $809.00$809.00 | $1179.00$1179.00 | $909.00$909.00 |
| Jun 1-Sep 30 | $1039.00$1039.00 | $859.00$859.00 | $1229.00$1229.00 | $949.00$949.00 |
| Oct 1-Oct 19 | $999.00$999.00 | $809.00$809.00 | $1179.00$1179.00 | $909.00$909.00 |
Exclusions: Lunch, dinner & refreshments. Entrances to all visitor attractions paid locally (Admission to Osborne House included).
Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars
Child rates available for 5-11 years sharing with 2 adults. Please call for rates.
Luggage is restricted to one suitcase with a maximum weight of 14kg (31lbs.) and one small hand/day bag to go on the coach with you. Unfortunately, Rabbie’s are unable to store excess luggage.
2025 Dates and Prices
| Room Type | Single B&B | Twin B&B | Single Hotel | Twin Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2-May 28 | $1099.00$1099.00 | $899.00$899.00 | $1349.00$1349.00 | $999.00$999.00 |
| Jun 4-Sep 24 | $1169.00$1169.00 | $959.00$959.00 | $1409.00$1409.00 | $1069.00$1069.00 |
| Oct 1-Oct 29 | $1099.00$1099.00 | $899.00$899.00 | $1349.00$1349.00 | $999.00$999.00 |
Exclusions: Lunch, dinner & refreshments. Entrances to all visitor attractions paid locally (Admission to Osborne House included).
Prices are per person in Canadian Dollars
Child rates available for 5-11 years sharing with 2 adults. Please call for rates.
Luggage is restricted to one suitcase with a maximum weight of 14kg (31lbs.) and one small hand/day bag to go on the coach with you. Unfortunately, Rabbie’s are unable to store excess luggage.
Tour Inclusions
- Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour
- Services of a professional local driver/guide
- 2 nights ensuite accommodation
- Full English breakfast daily
- Admission to Osborne House