Historic Railways of the Isle of Man

LAST-MINUTE DEAL - SAVE GBP100pp - use promo code LATE3**

Join us for a marvellous short break to a place where life is lived at a slower pace, against a background of rolling hills and wonderful beaches blessed by clean air and unpolluted skies. An independent Crown dependency, the island is full of fascination - its unique heritage railways offering a marvellous way to discover and explore.

Inclusions

Spend four nights in island capital Douglas
Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway
Visit classic resort Port Erin
The Manx Electric Railway is Britain's longest
Take the Snaefell Mountain Railway
On a clear day, see 'Seven Kingdoms' from the summit station
Free rail travel and entry to all Manx National Heritage attractions with a Go Explore Heritage Card
Four nights' half-board accommodation at the three-star Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas, the three-star Rutland Hotel, Douglas, the three-star Empress Hotel, Douglas or the four-star Mannin Hotel, Douglas
Coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Tour Manager
Single rooms are available for a supplement

1

Make your own way to the Isle of Man and head to Douglas and your hotel. Settle into the delightful island capital, part traditional seaside resort, part working port and part thriving financial centre, with its shore-side promenades, horse-drawn trams and host of cafes and pubs.

2

The first heritage journey sees you travel south from Douglas' authentic Victorian station on the famous Steam Railway, a 15.5-mile narrow-gauge run, via former island capital Castletown, to beautiful Port Erin. Alight at the former to discover impregnable Castle Rushen and the Old House of Keys, the restored 19th-century parliament building, before re-boarding the train to travel on to seaside resort Port Erin, with its beaches, views of the offshore 'Calf of Man' and its engaging Railway Museum. Enjoy free time and either return to Douglas by train at your leisure, using your Go Explore Heritage Card, or transfer back to Douglas.

3

Today, head north through some stunning countryside and coastal scenery on the celebrated Manx Electric Railway, at 17 miles, Britain's longest, with its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. Alight at Ramsey, with its bustling working harbour, and after a chance to explore, board a bus to travel on to Peel, with its colourful marina, ruined island fortress, its sweeping, sandy beach, fascinating House of Manannan Celtic Heritage museum and tiny Manx Heritage Transport Museum (entrance payable locally). Return to Douglas after the chance to explore this delightful place, from where you might also send a gift of Manx kippers to friends.

4

A last day's exploration sees you back aboard the MER for the journey to historic Laxey, where Lady Isabella is the world's largest working waterwheel and the island's most photographed attraction. Take in the sight, perhaps visit the nearby Laxey Woollen Mills, then board the Victorian Snaefell Mountain Railway, Britain's only electric mountain railway, for the scenic journey to the summit, from where the views on clear days stretch to the 'Seven Kingdoms': of England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man... and the kingdoms of heaven and sea! Return via Laxey to Douglas, where there's a last opportunity to stroll in the town before a final dinner in the hotel.

4

Transfer back to the airport to begin your own journey home, at the end of a hugely enjoyable few days of 'Manx Magic'.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Go Explore Heritage Card

Your card offers five days unlimited travel on the Manx Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, the Snaefell Mountain Railway and the Douglas Horse Trams (when operating - typically between 30th April and 30th October, with some rest days), plus admission to Manx National Heritage's sites and museums.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. Please note that this holiday is not recommended for customers with limited mobility, as there are steps to get on and off the trains.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Train journeys

In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down and/or being unavailable on the Isle of Man Steam Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive.

**This offer is valid from 6th April and applies to new bookings departing on 25th June & 12th July & 18 August 2018 only. Offer is valid from all airports offering the date. Prices shown when booking do not include the discount. The discount will be applied to your booking once the promo code (LATE3) has been entered and will be confirmed before purchase. The offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.