Door to Door Johnsons Coach Holidays

Summer

2019

Door to Door Holidays

HNSON O 909-2019 1

S

J

In Britain & Overseas

By Coach, Air & Sea

110 years Enjoy the Views – Treasure the Memories!

Tr a v e l w it h F r i e n d s

Welcome to

2019 When you book a holiday with Johnsons, you are booking with an award-winning, family coach operator that prides itself on offering quality holidays. Our programme of summer 2019 holidays is packed full of tried and tested itineraries; as well as new, exciting tours that offer something different.

Best Wishes from the Johnsons Family

How to Book CALL OUR TRAVEL AGENT PARTNER : CallWORLD 01564TRAVEL 797000 MALVERN 44 SOMERS PARK AVENUE Visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk MALVERN email WORCESTERSHIRE reservations@johnsonscoaches.co.uk WR14 1SD 01684 562406 Sign up to our E-Newsletter malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk www.malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk

2

What Makes a Johnsons Holiday? /

Free door to door service on our holidays – from most of the West midlands

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All excursions & admission charges are included in the price

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You’ll be well looked after by our friendly drivers and couriers

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We use carefully chosen high quality hotels

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Travel on our top quality ‘Club Class’ coaches with extra legroom

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Porterage of your suitcase is included – from start to finish

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We often use specialist local area guides on our holidays

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You can meet old friends and make new ones too

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You’ll receive our friendly, helpful and cheerful service from beginning to end!

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We are a family business – established for over 100 years and with over 30 years’ experience of organising holidays!

Book with Confidence – Your Financial Security For your peace of mind, Johnsons are Bonded Coach Holiday (BCH) members, which is a government approved scheme monitored and audited by the Confederation of Passenger Transport uK (CPT). This consumer protection scheme ensures that in relation to the coach package holidays described in this brochure, clients’ monies are protect by a Bond in the unlikely event of the member’s insolvency.

Our Air Holidays are ATOL protected – Please see individual tours for further details.

Our Cruise Holidays are protected through our membership of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT).

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Portmeirion

3

General InFormatIon

What’s included in your Door to Door Holiday?

Take advantage of our Home Pick Up Service We understand that you want total relaxation and peace of mind on your holiday; and that’s why we include our FREE door to door home pick up service. One of our friendly drivers will collect you from your front door to start your holiday, and take you safely home at the end.

We’ll take care of your luggage too!

Just pack your suitcase and wait for the doorbell to ring!

Other options for meeting our coach are: Free Park & Ride Drive to our depot in Henley-in-Arden and leave your car in our secure car park for the duration of your holiday.

Drop off and Collect – SAVE £25 Friends or family can drop you off at our depot and collect you again at the end of your holiday, and we’ll reduce the cost of your holiday by £25 per person.

CANNOCK LICHFIELD

M6 TOLL

LEICESTER

M54

TAMWORTH

WOLVERHAMPTON

HINCKLEY

M42

WALSALL SUTTON COLDFIELD M6

M69 NUNEATON

DUDLEY

NEW – ‘Seat Only’ Book a ‘Seat Only’ on any of our holiday as a means to travel to and from a resort. These can be booked from 8 weeks in advance of the departure date.

The price includes our door to door service, return coach travel and any lunches and entrance charges included in the itinerary for the outward and return journey. Please call us for a price.

M5

M1

M6

BIRMINGHAM

LUTTERWORTH

STOURBRIDGE SOLIHULL

COVENTRY

KIDDERMINSTER

RUGBY

M42 KENILWORTH

STOURPORTON-SEVERN

M45

BROMSGROVE REDDITCH

M5

WARWICK HENLEYIN-ARDEN

DROITWICH

ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA DAVENTRY M40

ALCESTER

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Please Note: Our door to door service is provided by our own car and mini-coaches, or reputable hired in taxis. It may include multiple picks ups within your area and may result in a lengthy journey before joining the coach.

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Our car park is secure and well lit, but of course all cars are parked at the owner’s risk.

STRATFORDUPON-AVON

WORCESTER

MALVERN

EVESHAM SHIPSTONON-STOUR

BROADWAY M50

MORETON-IN-MARSH

C C C C C C

13M 12 11 10 9 8 7 Toilet & Washroom 6 D C 5 D C 4 D C 3 D C 2 D C 1

B B B B B B B B B B B B B

DRIVER

COURIER

Our 49 Seat VDL Futura Club Class

A A A A A A A A A A A A A

D D D D D

C C C C C

13M 12 11 10 9 8 Toilet & Washroom 7 D C 6 D C 5 D C 4 D C 3 D C 2 D C 1

B B B B B B B B B B B B B

A A A A A A A A A A A A A

DRIVER

COURIER

Our 49 Seat Scania Finesse Club Class

M40

TEWKESBURY STOW-ONTHE-WOLD

D D D D D D

BANBURY

CHIPPING NORTON

CHELTENHAM

GLOUCESTER M5

BURFORD WITNEY

OXFORD

If you live in the white area, your ‘Door to Door’ service is free of charge If you live in the yellow area a supplementary charge of £10 per person return applies

All our holidays are escorted by an experienced holiday courier & driver who provide friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable customer care to help make your holiday even more enjoyable, memorable and fun!

Please note: Drivers do not accompany air holidays

Carefully Chosen Hotels – with mobility grades We carefully select high quality hotels in great locations,

JoInInG our HolIdaYS

Friendly Drivers and Couriers

with great food and service. Our holidays include dinner, bed and breakfast. To help you choose the most suitable hotel; look out for the hotel star rating which is taken from the AA rating and in terms of accessibility, gradients, steps, stairs, we include our mobility grade on all itineraries.

The grades range from 1 to 5 and the higher the score, the easier the hotel is for mobility

Look out for our ‘Popular Favourites’ logo too!

Popular Favourite

We have been working with some hotels for over 25 years and they have been welcoming and

delighting our customers consistently, year in year out.

Top Quality Coaches Sit back and relax on board our own ‘Club Class’ coaches!

With extra legroom, an onboard toilet/washroom, hot drinks facilities, climate control, reclining comfy seats as well as great sightseeing from the high passenger deck, it all makes for a comfortable journey. Once booked, your seat number is reserved for the whole holiday and porterage of your suitcase is included from start to finish on most holidays!

No Hidden Extras to Pay Our holidays include varied and exciting itineraries with fabulous excursions to make sure you see and experience All excursions and entrance charges are included in the price, we also include dinner, bed and breakfast in the hotels.

So all you need to remember is lunch and spending money!

Holiday Travel Insurance (Not included in the price) Johnsons (Henley) Limited t/a Johnsons Coach Travel, Johnsons Coaches & Johnsons Quality Coach Travel is an Appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their firm reference is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts.

It is a requirement when booking a Johnsons european coach holiday or one of our air and cruise holidays that you are insured, either with ourselves or another insurance provider. You will find the costs detailed in the information section of each holiday. All costs include Insurance Premium Tax. This travel insurance policy carries no age loadings on our premiums. There is no health screening on our uK & Overseas Coach Holidays and european Cruises.

For Worldwide Tours, a simple health check procedure is operated.

A copy of the Holiday Travel Insurance on offer through Johnsons is available on line at www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk and will be sent out with your holiday booking

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

the best that your holiday destination has to offer.

confirmation.

5

2019 HolIdaY Planner

Your 2019 HolIdaY Planner date

days destination

Page

theme

Sidmouth

march Sun 10 – Thu 14 March Mon 11 – Fri 15 March Mon 11 – Fri 15 March Fri 15 – Tue 19 March Sun 24 – Thu 28 March Mon 25 – Fri 29 March Thu 28 March – Mon 1 April Sun 31 March – Thu 4 April

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Bideford & Delightful North Devon Scarborough Newquay ‘All Inclusive’ Sidmouth (Kingswood & Devoran Hotel) Bournemouth (Hotel Miramar) Spring in the Highlands Llandudno & Great Little Trains of Snowdonia Singles Galore in the Lakes

48 41 47 27 28 42 67 41

5 5 5 4 7 5 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 5 5 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 5 5 8 5 5 5 5 5

Liverpool, Port Sunlight & Southport Freshwater Bay House, Isle of Wight Springtime in Normandy Dorset – Birds Galore!

Secrets of Jersey – The Golden Sands (By Air) Hidden Gems of Carlow The Palace Hotel Inverness ‘Diamond All Inclusive’ The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Delightful Durham Membly Hall Hotel, Falmouth Sidmouth & Magnificent Spring Gardens Coins, Castles & Brecon Beacons NEW Great Gardens of Cornwall Romantic Journeys of the North The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Cornish Gardens at Easter Relaxed Easter in Eastbourne Easter in the Isle of Man (By Sea) Easter Scottish ‘All Inclusive’ The Bulbfields of Holland Easter in Weymouth Luxury Easter in North Devon (Imperial Hotel) Luxury Easter at Sidmouth (Victoria Hotel) Brighton Easter Celebrations Easter in Cardiff Guernsey (By Air) Waterways of Cheshire & North Wales The Bulbfields of Holland Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) Mullion Cove & The Lizard Peninsula NEW The Sefton Coast Discovering Lincolnshire Bluebells & Tulips in Kent Kendal & The Southern Lakes

5 7 6 12 6 5 5 5 14 6 6 5 5 5 8 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 14 6 5 5

Bluebell Glades in the Trossachs Secrets of Jersey – The Golden Sands (By Air) Fort William ‘Sail & Steam’ NEW Ireland’s Grand Tour The Star Castle, Isles of Scilly (By Air) Devon Explorer Bournemouth & The New Forest The Bulbfields of Holland Islands of the Azores & Cities of Portugal (W1908) Dawlish Delight Weymouth & The Jurassic Coast Paignton & Glorious South Devon NEW Quintessential Cumbria Picturesque Pembrokeshire NEW Andre Rieu in Concert in Zurich & The Glacier Express Sandown & The Isle of Wight Llandudno & Great Little Trains of Snowdonia NEW Romantic Journeys of North Norfolk NEW Lincolnshire ‘Bomber Country’ NEW Bournemouth (The Hilton Hotel) NEW Lakeland Luxury & The Scottish Borders NEW Southsea & Portsmouth Borderlands & The Vale of Llangollen Falmouth & The Cornish Riviera The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth Scarborough Beautiful Northumbria Cruising to the Heart of the Baltic (M1913) NEW Luxury Eastbourne (Hydro Hotel) NEW Railway Lines, Grapevines & Good Times in Yorkshire Kent Castles & Canterbury

70 13 72 76 16 50 52 80 88 49 51 26 61 65 83 53 67 21 59 40 22 53 67 25 18 62 64 90 19 61 55

8 5 5 6 7 5

NEW Harz Mountains – The Jewel of Germany Luxury Sidmouth (Victoria Hotel) Treasured Houses of Norfolk Yorkshire Class (Gisborough Hall Hotel) Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex Splendours of Snowdonia

82 18 20 23 29 32

SINGLES GALORE RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLE TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE

april RSPB Arne

Keukenhof Gardens

Mon 1 – Fri 5 April Mon 1 – Fri 5 April Thu 4 – Mon 8 April Thu 4 – Sun 7 April Sat 6 – Fri 12 April Sun 7 – Thu 11 April Sun 7 – Fri 12 April Mon 8 – Sat 13 April Mon 8 – Fri 12 April Wed 10 – Sun 14 April Wed 10 – Sun 14 April Thu 11 – Mon 15 April Sun 14 – Thu 18 April Mon 15 – Fri 19 April Tue 16 – Mon 22 April Thu 18 – Mon 22 April Thu 18 – Mon 22 April Thu 18 – Tue 23 April Thu 18 – Mon 22 April Thu 18 – Mon 22 April Fri 19 – Tue 23 April Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Mon 22 – Sun 28 April Tue 23 – Sat 27 April Thu 25 – Mon 29 April Fri 26 April – Fri 3 May Sun 28 April – Thu 2 May Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May

30 38/39 78 36 13 42 74 46 63 47 49 66 33 60 46 15 14/29 14/43 14/70 14/80 14/51 14/17 14/18 14/54 14/66 12/14 15 80 27 16 21 40 54 60

ACTIVE TRAVELLER/WALKING ACTIVE TRAVELLER/BIRD WATCHING SINGLES GALORE

ACTIVE TRAVELLER/GARDENS EASTER EASTER RELAXED TRAVELLER/EASTER EASTER EASTER EASTER EASTER EASTER/LUXURY TRAVELLER EASTER/LUXURY TRAVELLER EASTER EASTER EASTER EASTER RELAXED TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE

may Cliffs of Moher

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Helsinki

6

Eastbourne

Thu 2 – Mon 6 May Sat 4 – Fri 10 May Sun 5 – Fri 10 May Sun 5 – Thu 16 May Mon 6 – Sat 11 May Mon 6 – Fri 10 May Mon 6 – Fri 10 May Thu 9 – Mon 13 May Sat 11 – Fri 24 May Sun 12 – Fri 17 May Sun 12 – Fri 17 May Mon 13 – Fri 17 May Mon 13 – Fri 17 May Mon 13 – Fri 17 May Wed 15 – Wed 22 May Thu 16 – Mon 20 May Thu 16 – Mon 20 May Sun 19 – Thu 23 May Sun 19 – Thu 23 May Sun 19 – Thu 23 May Mon 20 – Fri 24 May Mon 20 – Fri 24 May Mon 20 – Fri 24 May Fri 24 – Tue 28 May Sun 26 – Thu 30 May Sun 26 – Fri 31 May Sun 26 – Fri 31 May Sun 26 May – Sat 8 June Mon 27 May – Sat 1 June Mon 27 – Fri 31 May Thu 30 May – Mon 3 June

LUXURY TRAVELLER

FRED OLSEN CRUISE

RELAXED TRAVELLER

LUXURY TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE LUXURY TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER

FRED OLSEN CRUISE LUXURY TRAVELLER

June Sat 1 – Sat 8 June Sun 2 – Thu 6 June Sun 2 – Thu 6 June Sun 2 – Fri 7 June Mon 3 – Sun 9 June Mon 3 – Fri 7 June

LUXURY TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER

date Isle of Man

Budapest

Tue 4 – Tue 11 June Sat 8 – Sat 15 June Sat 8 – Wed 12 June Sun 9 – Thu 13 June Mon 10 – Fri 14 June Mon 10 – Fri 14 June Mon 10 – Fri 14 June Wed 12 – Tue 18 June Thu 13 – Mon 17 June Fri 14 – Wed 19 June Fri 14 – Fri 21 June Sat 15 – Thu 20 June Sun 16 – Sat 22 June Sun 16 – Thu 20 June Sun 16 – Sat 22 June Mon 17 – Fri 21 June Thu 20 – Fri 28 June Sun 23 – Thu 27 June Sun 23 – Fri 28 June Sun 23 – Fri 28 June Mon 24 – Sun 30 June Mon 24 June – Mon 1 July Mon 24 – Fri 28 June Wed 26 June – Wed 3 July Thu 27 June – Mon 1 July Fri 28 June – Sun 7 July Sun 30 June – Thu 4 July

days destination

Page

8 8 5 5 5 5 5 7 5 6 8 6 7 5 7 5 9 5 6 6 7 8 5 8 5 10 5

Secrets of Jersey – The Golden Sands (By Air) Shanklin & The Isle of Wight NEW Regal Scotland Harrogate, The Dales & Historic York NEW Luxury Highland Adventure Beaulieu & The New Forest The Durham Heritage Coast NEW Coast to Coast Scottish Splendour NEW Worthing & The South Downs The Isle of Man (By Sea) NEW Madeira (By Air) Regency Sidmouth – West Country ‘Rail & Sail’ Membly Hall Hotel, Falmouth RHS Garden Rosemoor, North Devon NEW County Clare & The Aran Islands The Kingdom of Northumbria Scottish Lochs (W1912) Wordsworth’s Lake District Weymouth & The Jurassic Coast Hungarian Rhapsody (By Air) Guernsey & Herm (By Air) NEW The Austrian Tyrol & Majestic Mayrhofen The Isle of Arran & the Kintyre Peninsula NEW Romantic Heidelberg & The National Garden Show NEW Tastes & Flavours of Kent NEW Italy’s Lake Levico, Lake Garda & Val Sugana Isle of Wight Grand Designs

13 28 71 31 23 52 63 68 30 43 87 50 47 34 77 64 88 31 51 86 12 84 73 82 55 85 19

5 7 5 6 10 5 8 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 5 5 5 5 12 8 5 7 5 5 5 5 8 7 7 6 5

Constable Country The Isle of Man (By Air) NEW The Grand Scottish ‘All Inclusive’ Torquay & The English Riviera Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley – River Cruise RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey Ullapool & The Outer Hebrides The Brighton Belle NEW Lincolnshire Landscapes Tenby & The South Pembrokeshire Coast NEW Versailles, Candlelit Chateau & Monet’s Gardens Llandudno & Great Little Trains of Snowdonia Wordsworth’s Lake District Bournemouth & The New Forest Great Gardens of Northumbria Bideford & Delightful North Devon NEW Portland & The Dorset Coast Romantic Highland Railways NEW The Danube to the Black Sea – River Cruise (By Air) Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth Outstanding Northern Ireland RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex NEW Luxury Traveller in Kendal Harrogate & The Yorkshire Dales Sandown & The Isle of Wight Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Great Yarmouth & The Norfolk Broads Wildlife in the Cairngorms Splendours of Snowdonia

20 43 68 26 81 35 75 54 58 65 78 67 31 52 32 48 51 74 86 29 18 77 35 22 62 53 27 46 58 37 32

7 4 8 6 5 5 5 5 7 5 5 7 5 5 5 5 6 6 5 6 5 5 5 9 7

The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Warners Thoresby Hall Jersey – The Battle of Flowers (By Air) Weymouth & The Jurassic Coast Picturesque Pembrokeshire NEW Southsea & Portsmouth Kent Castles & Canterbury Cardiff, South Wales & the Royal Mint Experience Torquay & The English Riviera The Edinburgh Tattoo – Keavil House Hotel RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Yorkshire Guernsey & Herm (By Air) The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple The Edinburgh Tattoo – The Winnock Hotel NEW Folkestone, Canterbury & Boulogne Delightful Durham Torquay & The English Riviera Regency Sidmouth – West Country ‘Rail & Sail’ The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth Scarborough Relaxed North Devon (Park Hotel, Barnstaple) Wordsworth’s Lake District Abingworth Hall, South Downs Fjords, Mountains & Glaciers of Norway (W1919) NEW Shetland – The Islands of the Vikings

theme

RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLE TRAVELLER

ACTIVE TRAVELLER – RHS GARDEN TOUR

2019 HolIdaY Planner

Your HolIdaY CHoICe at a GlanCe

FRED OLSEN CRUISE RELAXED TRAVELLER

LUXURY TRAVELLER

July

Jacobite Steam Train

Edinburgh Tattoo

LUXURY TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER FRED OLSEN CRUISE ACTIVE TRAVELLER – RHS GARDEN TOUR

RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER ACTIVE TRAVELLER – RHS GARDEN TOUR LUXURY TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER

ACTIVE TRAVELLER/BIRDWATCHING RELAXED TRAVELLER

august

Lake Windermere

Thu 1 – Wed 7 August Fri 2 – Mon 5 August Sat 3 – Sat 10 August Sun 4 – Fri 9 August Sun 4 – Thu 8 August Mon 5 – Fri 9 August Mon 5 – Fri 9 August Mon 5 – Fri 9 August Sun 11 – Sat 17 August Sun 11 – Thu 15 August Mon 12 – Fri 16 August Sun 18 – Sat 24 August Sun 18 – Thu 22 August Sun 18 – Thu 22 August Mon 19 – Fri 23 August Mon 19 – Fri 23 August Wed 21 – Mon 26 August Fri 23 – Wed 28 August Sun 25 – Thu 29 August Sun 25 – Fri 30 August Mon 26 – Fri 30 August Mon 26 – Fri 30 August Mon 26 – Fri 30 August Mon 26 Aug – Tue 3 Sep Tue 27 Aug – Mon 2 Sep

46 44 13 51 65 53 55 66 48 69 35 12 17 69 56 63 40 50 18 62 25 31 38/39 89 75

ACTIVE TRAVELLER – RHS GARDEN TOUR LUXURY TRAVELLER/EASTER

SINGLES GALORE LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER ACTIVE TRAVELLER/WALKING FRED OLSEN CRUISE

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Isle of Skye

Mon 1 – Fri 5 July Mon 1 – Sun 7 July Mon 1 – Fri 5 July Tue 2 – Sun 7 July Wed 3 – Fri 12 July Thu 4 – Mon 8 July Sat 6 – Sat 13 July Sun 7 – Thu 11 July Mon 8 – Fri 12 July Mon 8 – Fri 12 July Thu 11 – Mon 15 July Fri 12 – Tue 16 July Sun 14 – Thu 18 July Sun 14 – Fri 19 July Mon 15 – Fri 19 July Mon 15 – Fri 19 July Mon 15 – Fri 19 July Mon 15 – Fri 19 July Tue 16 – Sat 27 July Sat 20 – Sat 27 July Sun 21 – Thu 25 July Sun 21 – Sat 27 July Mon 22 – Fri 26 July Mon 22 – Fri 26 July Mon 22 – Fri 26 July Thu 25 – Mon 29 July Fri 26 July – Fri 2 August Fri 26 July – Thu 1 August Sun 28 July – Sat 3 August Sun 28 July – Fri 2 August Mon 29 July – Fri 2 August

7

2019 HolIdaY Planner

Your 2019 HolIdaY Planner (continued) date Bodelwyddan Castle

days destination

Fri 30 Aug – Mon 2 Sep Fri 30 Aug – Tue 3 Sep Sat 31 Aug – Fri 6 Sep

Page

4 5 7

Warners Bodelwyddan Castle NEW Arnhem – The Liberation Route & The Zundert Flower Parade Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex

45 81 29

6 5 5 5 5 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 5 8 5 5 5 8 9 8 7 8 5 6 6 5 5 8 7 5 5 5 5

Dawlish Delight The Brighton Belle Constable Country NEW Quintessential Cumbria Traditional Lancashire NEW The Great Austrian ‘Bake Off’ French River Cruising with Bordeaux (D1921) Isle of Wight Grand Designs Harrogate, The Dales & Historic York Discovering Lincolnshire NEW Worthing & The South Downs Llandudno & Great Little Trains of Snowdonia NEW Leeds Castle Flower Festival & A Salute to the 40’s The Isle of Man (By Sea) NEW Luxury Eastbourne (Hydro Hotel) Bournemouth (Hotel Miramar) NEW Deluxe Dubrovnik (By Air) Paignton & Glorious South Devon NEW Portland & The Dorset Coast NEW Suffolk’s Serene Coast & Gardens Secrets of Jersey – The Golden Sands (By Air) Landscapes of the Dordogne NEW Royal Roots – Queen Victoria at 200!

The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Shanklin & The Isle of Wight Treasured Houses of Norfolk Weymouth & The Jurassic Coast Torquay & The English Riviera Cornish Charm Falmouth & The Cornish Riviera Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) The Inner Hebridean – Arran, Islay & Skye Scotland’s Secret Islands & Waterways Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell Relaxing Liverpool Splendours of Snowdonia

49 54 20 61 59 84 91 19 31 40 30 67 56 43 19 28 87 26 51 57 13 79 83 46 28 20 51 26 47 25 27 73 71 17 30 32

5 8 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 8 6 5 5 5 5 8 5 5 5 6 5 5 5 5 4 5 14

NEW Concorde, Castles & Code Breakers NEW Treasures of Tuscany (By Air) Singles Galore in the Lakes Scotland’s Autumn Gold & The Enchanting Forest Shanklin & The Isle of Wight NEW Portland & The Dorset Coast Birdwatching in Norfolk!

Borderlands & The Vale of Llangollen Guernsey & Herm (By Air) Luxury Killarney & The Ring of Kerry The Enchanting Isles of Scilly (By Air) Sidmouth (Royal York & Faulkner Hotel) Bournemouth & The New Forest NEW Bournemouth (The Hilton Hotel) NEW Railway Lines, Grapevines & Good Times in Yorkshire Secrets of Jersey – The Golden Sands (By Air) Membly Hall Hotel, Falmouth Beautiful Bruges Mullion Cove & The Lizard Peninsula Beautiful Northumbria Warners Cricket St Thomas Torquay & The English Riviera Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex NEW Scottish Borders & Edinburgh Seaside Mystery Tour Warners Bembridge, Isle of Wight The Canary Islands with Madeira (M1927)

57 85 41 72 28 51 37 67 12 24 46 27 52 40 61 13 47 79 16 64 45 48 29 42 46 45 90

4 5 5 10

Dovedale, Derbyshire Peaks Picturesque Pembrokeshire NEW Grand Duchy of Luxembourg NEW Christmas Markets Cruise (L1931)

14

NEW Authentic Andalucía & the Cadiz Carnival (W2005)

theme

RELAXED TRAVELLER

September

Paignton

Rufford Old Hall

Cley Marshes NWT

Sun 1 – Fri 6 Sep Sun 1 – Thu 5 Sep Mon 2 – Fri 6 Sep Mon 2 – Fri 6 Sep Thu 5 – Mon 9 Sep Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep Sun 8 – Thu 12 Sep Sun 8 – Thu 12 Sep Mon 9 – Fri 13 Sep Thu 12 – Mon 16 Sep Thu 12 – Mon 16 Sep Fri 13 – Tue 17 Sep Sat 14 – Thu 19 Sep Sun 15 – Fri 20 Sep Sun 15 – Thu 19 Sep Sun 15 – Sun 22 Sep Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep Tue 17 – Tue 24 Sep Tue 17 – Wed 25 Sep Wed 18 – Wed 25 Sep Thu 19 – Wed 25 Sep Sat 21 – Sat 28 Sep Sun 22 – Thu 26 Sep Sun 22 – Fri 27 Sep Mon 23 – Sat 28 Sep Mon 23 – Fri 27 Sep Thu 26 – Mon 30 Sep Fri 27 Sep – Fri 4 Oct Sat 28 Sep – Fri 4 Oct Sun 29 Sep – Thu 3 Oct Sun 29 Sep – Thu 3 Oct Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct

LUXURY TRAVELLER

FRED OLSEN CRUISE LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE RELAXED TRAVELLER

LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLE TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER

LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER

october

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Ring of Kerry

8

Hamburg

Thu 3 – Mon 7 October Sat 5 – Sat 12 October Sun 6 – Thu 10 October Sun 6 – Thu 10 October Mon 7- Fri 11 October Mon 7 – Fri 11 October Mon 7 – Fri 11 October Mon 7 – Fri 11 October Wed 9 – Mon 14 October Fri 11 – Fri 18 October Sat 12 – Thu 17 October Sun 13 – Thu 17 October Sun 13 – Thu 17 October Mon 14 – Fri 18 October Mon 14 – Fri 18 October Tue 15 – Tue 22 October Thu 17 – Mon 21 October Fri 18 – Tue 22 October Sun 20 – Thu 24 October Sun 20 – Fri 25 October Mon 21 – Fri 25 October Mon 21 – Fri 25 October Thu 24 – Mon 28 October Sun 27 – Thu 31 October Sun 27 – Wed 30 October Mon 28 Oct – Fri 1 Nov Wed 30 Oct – Tue 12 Nov

SINGLES GALORE RELAXED TRAVELLER ACTIVE TRAVELLER/BIRDWATCHING SINGLES GALORE LUXURY TRAVELLER RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE SINGLES GALORE

LUXURY TRAVELLER

RELAXED TRAVELLER SINGLES GALORE

FRED OLSEN CRUISE

november Cadiz Carnival

Fri 1 – Mon 4 November Mon 4 – Fri 8 November Fri 15 – Tue 19 November Fri 29 Nov – Sun 8 Dec

38/39 41 80 91

ACTIVE TRAVELLER/WALKING SINGLE TRAVELLER SINGLE TRAVELLER FRED OLSEN CRUISE

89

FRED OLSEN CRUISE

February 2020 Wed 19 Feb – Tue 3 Mar

Accommodation Symbols Our hotels are chosen for their quality, character & location. For easy reference we have introduced a set of symbols so that you can see at a glance exactly what facilities are available.

Hotel star rating En-suite facilities

Tea/coffee making facilities

No lift

Hairdryer

Indoor pool

Television

Lift

Outdoor pool

We are delighted to once again offer these special luxury breaks.

Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell We feature carefully chosen, top class 4-star hotels that are designed for those of you who, quite literally prefer the finer things in life.

These breaks all include our usual benefits such as door to door home service, dinner, bed & breakfast, welcoming drinks reception and exciting excursions – Most also include many extra such as a delicious cream tea. With many of our hotels there is also the opportunity to upgrade your room – So for that special occasion or indeed any occasion, go on….

Treat yourself!

RELAXED TRAVELLER HOLIDAYS If you prefer a more relaxed and leisurely pace of holiday, we are Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton delighted to once again offer our superb range of ‘Relaxed Traveller Tours’.

These holidays include a resort hotel in a great location and lunches on the outward and return journeys. Though not specifically aimed at those with mobility issues, the itineraries are certainly more relaxed and will involve less walking, but still include great sightseeing excursions where you can “Enjoy the views and treasure the memories!”

Brunswick Hotel, Isle of Wight

SINGLE TRAVELLER/SINGLES GALORE HOLIDAYS

Date Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Mon 22 – Fri 26 April Sun 28 April – Thu 2 May Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May Mon 6 – Sat 11 May Sun 19 – Thu 23 May Mon 20 – Fri 24 May Sun 26 – Thu 30 May Mon 27 May – Sat 1 June Sun 2 – Thu 6 June Sun 2 – Thu 6 June Sun 2 – Fri 7 June Mon 10 – Fri 14 June Sun 30 June – Thu 4 July Mon 1 – Fri 5 July Sun 21 – Thu 25 July Mon 22 – Fri 26 July Sun 18 – Thu 22 August Sun 25 – Thu 29 August Mon 2 – Fri 6 September Sun 8 – Thu 12 September Sun 15 – Fri 20 September Sun 22 – Thu 26 September Sun 29 Sep – Thu 3 Oct Fri 11 – Fri 18 October Sun 20 – Thu 24 October

Days 5 5 5 5 6 5 5 5 6 5 5 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 5 5 8 5

Destination Luxury Easter in North Devon (Imperial Hotel) Luxury Easter at Sidmouth (Victoria Hotel) Mullion Cove & The Lizard Peninsula NEW The Sefton Coast The Star Castle, Isles of Scilly (By Air) NEW Romantic Journeys of North Norfolk NEW Lakeland Luxury & The Scottish Borders The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth NEW Luxury Eastbourne (Hydro Hotel) Luxury Sidmouth (Victoria Hotel) Treasured Houses of Norfolk Yorkshire Class (Gisborough Hall Hotel) NEW Luxury Highland Adventure Isle of Wight Grand Designs Constable Country The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth NEW Luxury Traveller in Kendal The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth Constable Country Isle of Wight Grand Designs NEW Luxury Eastbourne (Hydro Hotel) Treasured Houses of Norfolk Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell Luxury Killarney & The Ring of Kerry Mullion Cove & The Lizard Peninsula

Page 14/17 14/18 16 21 16 21 22 18 19 18 20 23 23 19 20 18 22 17 18 20 19 19 20 17 24 16

Date Fri 15 – Tue 19 March Sun 24 – Thu 28 March Thu 18 – Mon 22 April Fri 26 April – Fri 3 May Mon 13 – Fri 17 May Fri 24 – Tue 28 May Mon 3 – Sun 9 June Mon 3 – Fri 7 June Sat 8 – Sat 15 June Sun 9 – Thu 13 June Thu 13 – Mon 17 June Sun 23 – Thu 27 June Tue 2 – Sun 7 July Sun 14 – Thu 18 July Mon 15 – Fri 19 July Sat 20 – Sat 27 July Fri 26 July – Fri 2 August Mon 29 July – Fri 2 August Mon 26 – Fri 30 August Mon 26 – Fri 30 August Sat 31 August – Fri 6 September Sun 8 – Thu 12 September Thu 12 – Mon 16 September Sun 15 – Thu 19 September Mon 16 – Fri 20 September Sat 21 – Sat 28 September Mon 23 – Sat 28 September Thu 26 – Mon 30 September Fri 27 September – Fri 4 October Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct Mon 7 – Fri 11 October Sun 13 – Thu 17 October Thu 24 – Mon 28 October

Days 5 5 5 8 5 5 7 5 8 5 5 5 6 5 5 8 8 5 5 5 7 5 5 5 5 8 6 5 8 5 5 5 5 5

Destination Sidmouth (Kingswood & Devoran Hotel) Bournemouth (Hotel Miramar) Relaxed Easter in Eastbourne Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) Paignton & Glorious South Devon Falmouth & The Cornish Riviera Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex Splendours of Snowdonia Shanklin & The Isle of Wight Harrogate, The Dales & Historic York NEW Worthing & The South Downs Wordsworth’s Lake District Torquay & The English Riviera Wordsworth’s Lake District Great Gardens of Northumbria Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) Splendours of Snowdonia Relaxed North Devon (Park Hotel, Barnstaple) Wordsworth’s Lake District Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex Harrogate, The Dales & Historic York NEW Worthing & The South Downs Bournemouth (Hotel Miramar) Paignton & Glorious South Devon Shanklin & The Isle of Wight Torquay & The English Riviera Falmouth & The Cornish Riviera Sidmouth & South Devon (Kingswood & Devoran) Relaxing Liverpool Splendours of Snowdonia Shanklin & The Isle of Wight Sidmouth (Royal York & Faulkner Hotel) Eastbourne & Romantic Sussex

Page 27 28 14/29 27 26 25 29 32 28 31 30 31 26 31 32 29 27 32 25 31 29 31 30 28 26 28 26 25 27 30 32 28 27 29

Date Mon 11 – Fri 15 March Mon 25 – Fri 29 March Sun 31 March – Thu 4 April Sun 7 – Thu 11 April Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May Sun 19 – Thu 23 May Fri 14 – Fri 21 June Wed 21 – Mon 26 August Mon 9 – Fri 13 September Sun 15 – Sun 22 September Sun 6 – Thu 10 October Wed 9 – Mon 14 October Mon 14 – Fri 18 October Tue 15 – Tue 22 October Sun 27 – Thu 31 October Mon 4 – Fri 8 November Fri 15 – Tue 19 November

Days 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 6 5 8 5 6 5 8 5 5 5

Destination Page Scarborough – SINGLES GALORE 41 Spring in the Highlands – SINGLE TRAVELLER 42 Singles Galore in the Lakes – SINGLES GALORE 41 Hidden Gems of Carlow – SINGLES GALORE 42 Discovering Lincolnshire – SINGLES GALORE 40 NEW Bournemouth (The Hilton Hotel) SINGLES GALORE 40 NEW Madeira (By Air) – SINGLE TRAVELLER 87 Torquay & The English Riviera – SINGLES GALORE 40 Discovering Lincolnshire – SINGLES GALORE 40 NEW Deluxe Dubrovnik (By Air) – SINGLE TRAVELLER 87 Singles Galore in the Lakes – SINGLES GALORE 41 Guernsey & Herm (By Air) – SINGLES GALORE 12 NEW Bournemouth (The Hilton Hotel) – SINGLES GALORE 40 Secrets of Jersey (By Air) – SINGLES GALORE 13 NEW Scottish Borders & Edinburgh – SINGLES GALORE 42 Picturesque Pembrokeshire – SINGLE TRAVELLER 41 NEW Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – SINGLE TRAVELLER 80

We know it can be difficult to find single rooms on holidays without supplements to pay. So, for that reason each of these holidays include a bedroom for sole use with no supplements – So if you are travelling alone you can enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded people. All our single holidays include a welcome drink – a great way to break the ice and get to know your fellow passengers. Also, we are pleased to highlight a selection of SINGLES GALORE Tours where, although not purely for Single Travellers, we have managed to source a high proportion of rooms for single occupancy.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

LUXURY TRAVELLER HOLIDAYS

HolIdaY tHemeS

our HolIdaY tHemeS

9

deStInatIon GuIde

Your Holiday destination Guides The number shown after each place name on the map refers to the brochure page number on which the tour appears. For help and reservations please call – 01564 797000.

DESTINATION NOT ON MAP – PORTUGAL – Madeira (87)

Isles of Shetland (75)

Ullapool (75) Outer Hebrides (75)

Inverness (74) Grantown-on-Spey (37) Newtonmore (42)

Isle of Skye (73)

Aberdeen (68) Kingussie (74) Dunkeld (23) Blairgowrie (72) Fort William (72)

Dunfermline (69) Edinburgh (69)

Drymen near Loch Lomond (14 • 69 • 70 • 71) Symington (68) Peebles (42) Isle of Arran (73)

Gilsland (60 • 61) Newcastle (32 • 64) Durham (63) Kendal (22 • 60)

Troon (68)

Guisborough (23)

Cockermouth (22)

Scarborough (41 • 62) Harrogate (31 • 35 • 62)

Keswick (31 • 41)

Huddersfield (61)

Isle of Man – Douglas (14 • 43)

Frodsham, Cheshire (15) Formby, Nr Liverpool (21) Liverpool (30)

Leyland (59)

Thoresby Hall – Warners (44) Dovedale, Derbyshire (39) Louth (59)

Llandudno (67)

Marston near Grantham (40 • 58) Kelling near Cromer (21)

Beaumaris, Angelsey (32) Bodelwyddan Castle – Warners (45)

West Runton, Cromer (37)

Llangollen (67) Kings Lynn (20)

Cwmbran (66)

Great Yarmouth (58)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Carmarthen (41 • 65) Bracknell, Berkshire (35)

Colchester (20 • 35)

Tenby (65) Cricket St Thomas – Warners (45)

Woodbridge, Suffolk (57)

Barnstaple (14 • 17 • 25) Saunton Sands (34)

Abingworth, South Downs (39) Maidstone (54 • 55) Canterbury (55)

Bideford (48) Tiverton (50)

Dover (56)

Sidmouth (14 • 18 • 27 • 49 • 50)

Folkestone (56)

Bodmin (15)

Eastbourne (14 • 19 • 29)

Newquay (47)

Brighton (14 • 54) Worthing (30)

Falmouth (25 • 47)

Southsea/Portsmouth (53)

Isles of Scilly (16 • 46) The Lizard (16)

Bembridge Coast Hotel – Warners (45) Isle of Wight – Ventnor (19)

St Austell (17 • 33)

Isle of Wight – Sandown (53) Isle of Wight – Shanklin (28)

Dawlish (49) Paignton (26) Torquay (26 • 40 • 48)

10

Huntingdon (57) Beaulieu, New Forest (52)

Cardiff (14 • 66)

Isle of Portland (36 • 51)

Isle of Wight – Freshwater Bay (39) Bournemouth (28 • 40 • 52) Weymouth (14 • 51)

deStInatIon GuIde

door to door Holidays with

Johnsons are delighted to team up with leading cruise operator Fred.Olsen to offer a wonderful choice of ocean and river cruise holidays.

Take advantage of our door to door service along with experiencing the Fred.Olsen smaller scaled vessels that retain the style, ambience and understated quality of a country house hotel.

See pages 88 to 91 for more information on the below cruises.

• Islands of the Azores & Cities of Portugal • The Canary Islands & Madeira • Authentic Andalucía & The Cadiz Carnival • French River Cruising with Bordeaux • Scottish Islands • Christmas Markets Cruise • Cruising to the Heart of the Baltic • Fjords, Mountains, & Glaciers of Norway • The Scenic Moselle Valley

Letterkenny (76) Claremorris, Co Mayo (76)

Belfast (77)

Ennistymon, County Clare (77) Dublin(24)

Ennis, Co Clare (76)

HOLLAND – Leusden (Bulbfields) (14 • 18)

HOLLAND – Arnhem (81) Killarney (24) GERMANY – Harz Mountains (82)

Carlow (42) BELGIUM – Bruges (79)

GERMANY – Harz Mountains (82)

LUXEMBOURG – Vianden (80) FRANCE – Lisieux, Normandy (78) AUSTRIA – Vienna (84)

FRANCE – Paris, Versailles (78) GERMANY – The Moselle (81) FRANCE – Le Bugue, The Dordogne (79)

AUSTRIA – Salzburg (84) SWITZERLAND – Zurich (83) AUSTRIA – The Tyrol (84) ITALY - Lake Levico, Dolomites (85) HUNGARY – Budapest (86) DANUBE RIVER CRUISE Germany – Austria – Slovakia – Hungary Croatia – Serbia – Bulgaria – Romania (86) ITALY – Tuscany (85)

CROATIA – Dubrovnik (87)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Channel Islands – Jersey & Guernsey (12 • 13 • 14)

11

CHannel ISlandS

JERSEY & GUERNSEY

BY AIR From cliffs coated with wild flowers to the beautiful beaches that fringe its shores, Jersey is a truly picturesque destination. Just 19 miles from France, the island effortlessly combines European sophistication with traditional British charm. With its unspoiled landscape, Jersey really is a place where you can get away from it all. Relax and enjoy the famed hospitality of its people, and lose yourself in the Island’s winding lanes or on its breathtaking coast.

our Holidays to the Channel Islands on Pages 12 & 13 Include: Door to Door Service Our own courier service Return Air Travel from Birmingham or East Midlands Return transfers between Jersey/Guernsey airport & hotel Half Board Accommodation Outlined Excursions One piece of hold luggage per person (20Kgs) All current taxes

Alternatively, why not head to Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands – Full of natural beauty, it provides a Not included: relaxing environment for a peaceful All lunches getaway. Winding lanes reveal rolling pastures, tree filled valleys, dotted with traditional Guernsey farmhouses, dramatic clifftop views and glorious sandy beaches – with a surprise around every corner! all Jersey & Guernsey tours

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Deposits – All our Channel Island Tours require a deposit of £250, payable at the time of booking.

All Air Holidays are weather permitting and that the itinerary may have to be varied for weather conditions. Please note that all Flight Times are still to be confirmed.

12

Herm

1917

1965

Our Guernsey Holidays are ATOL protected through Travelsmith Ltd, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 1917).

Our Jersey Holidays are ATOL protected through the CI Travel Group, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL Number 1965)

PaSSPortS

© Visit Guernsey

© Flickr – Rachel Docherty

Corbiere Lighthouse, Jersey

GUERNSEY & HERM

BY AIR A short journey from home, but a million miles from the hectic pace of 21st century life! Nestling off the Normandy coast, Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands – An island full of natural beauty, it provides a relaxing environment for a peaceful getaway.

7 day Holiday Itinerary Day 1 We transfer to East Midlands Airport for our flight to Guernsey. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the Peninsula Hotel, where we stay for 6 nights.

Day 2 A tour of St Peter Port. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 A guided tour of the north and east of the island.

Day 4 A free day to explore more of Guernsey. Local buses operate from nearby and provide easy access to the centre of St Peter Port and the rest of the island.

Day 5 We join a catamaran for a visit to the lovely, peaceful island of Herm.

There will be time to walk to Shell Beach (approx 1.5 Km) or relax in the village of Herm Harbour. Please note that depending upon tides there may be some steep steps to negotiate at St Peter Port.

Day 6 A free day to explore more of Guernsey.

Day 7 We transfer to Guernsey Airport for the flight to East Midlands, and our onward journey home.

Note: The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions.

6 day Holiday Itinerary As above but please delete Day 6.

Your Holiday Hotel Peninsula Hotel, Vale Accommodation: 5 or 6 Nts Half Board The hotel is situated on a small peninsula on the north-west coast of the island and with views over Grand Havre Bay. Spacious Lounge, Sarnia Restaurant, Rendezvous Bar. Pitch & Putt Golf Course. A regular bus service connects you to St Peter Port. Mobility Grade: 5 – Locality level. Hotel level with a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Sun 28 Apr 2019 (7 Days) Mon 24 – Sun 30 Jun 2019 (7 Days) Sun 18 – Sat 24 Aug 2019 (7 Days)

£849 £919 £915

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Whilst passports are not required for entry to the Channel Islands, increased security is such that most airlines now require that you produce valid photo identification at check in. The following forms of ID are acceptable: • Valid Passport • Valid Photographic driving licence • Citizen Card However, if you are planning a trip to St Malo in France from Jersey, a passport will be required.

Supplements Sole Occupancy: £112 • Standard Sea View: £48 Holiday Insurance: £53 (Apr) £57.50 (Jun/Sep)

CurrenCY

Tour price: £869

The island’s currency is Sterling. However, the island does have its own coins and notes which you may receive in change and it is worthwhile remembering that these are NOT accepted in the UK!

Supplements Sole Occupancy: Nil • Standard Sea View: £94 Holiday Insurance: £48

SINGLES GALORE 6 DAY TOUR Wednesday 9 – Monday 14 October 2019 (6 Days)

©Jersey Tourism – Danny Evans

© Jersey.com

Battle of Flowers

SECRETS OF JERSEY

CHannel ISlandS

Greve De Lecq

BY AIR The Golden Sands Hotel has been welcoming Johnsons clients for over 30 years and is one of our most popular hotels. Situated directly on the beach, with its glorious views over St Brelade’s Bay.

Day 1 We transfer to East Midlands Airport for our flight to Jersey. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the Golden Sands Hotel, where we stay for 6 nights.

Day 2 Enjoy our included full-day island tour by coach, which will travel along the coast of Jersey from St. Brelade’s Bay to Corbiere Lighthouse. We then continue along St. Ouen’s Bay for a visit to the Jersey Pearl Centre before travelling to the rugged north coast cove of Greve De Lecq. In the afternoon we include a guided tour of the La Mare Wine Estate where we visit the beautiful vineyards, orchards, the Cognac style distillery and the chocolate production kitchen.

Day 3 A day at leisure in resort.

Day 4 A half day visit to the magnificent Samarès Manor. Dating in part to Norman times, the House is surrounded by beautiful gardens originally designed & constructed in the 1920’s by millionaire ship owner and plant enthusiast, Sir James Knott.

Day 5 Our day begins with a visit to Bouley Bay and on to the north east coast and delightful Rozel Bay. We visit Gorey to see the harbour and gardens, taking in some more lovely scenery as we return via St Helier.

Day 6 A day at leisure in resort.

Day 7 A half day visit to the Jersey War Tunnels, where we discover the true story of the Occupation of Jersey during the dark days of World War II. Day 8 We transfer to Jersey Airport for the flight to East Midlands, and our onward journey home.

Note: The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions.

7 day Holiday Itinerary As above, but please delete Day 7 – These tours do not visit the Jersey War Tunnels.

Your Holiday Hotel The Golden Sands Hotel, St Brelade’s Bay Accommodation: 6 or 7 Nts Half Board Popular Offering very high standards and occupying a Favourite magnificent position directly on the sea front with gardens and a few shops near the hotel.

Stylish restaurant, cocktail bar with wonderful views, quiet lounge. Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: On level sea front location.

Hotel: On level sea front location. Lift to all floors.

Date

Sat 6 – Fri 12 April 2019 (7 Days) Sat 4 – Fri 10 May 2019 (7 Days) Tue 4 – Tue 11 Jun 2019 (8 Days) Tue 17 – Tue 24 Sep 2019 (8 Days) Tue 15 – Tue 22 Oct 2019 (Singles Galore) (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£909 £965 £1099 £1049

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£920

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Supplements Single: £90 (7 Day) £105 (8 Day) • Double for Sole Use: £150 (7 Day) £175 (8 Day) • Sea View Balcony: £90 (7 Day) £105 (8 Day) Double for Single Sea View: £240 (7 Day) £280 (8 Day) Superior Sea View: £120 (7 Day) £140 (8 Day) Holiday Insurance: £53 (Apr/May 7 Day) £57.50 (Jun/Sep/Oct 8 Day)

JERSEY – THE BATTLE OF FLOWERS The Jersey Battle of Flowers is an annual carnival which consists of music, funfairs, dancers, majorettes and a parade of flower covered floats alongside various street entertainers. It was inaugurated in 1902 to celebrate the Coronation of Edward VII. Holiday Itinerary Saturday We include Door-to-Door transfers to Birmingham Airport, followed by our flight to Jersey and hotel transfers to the Royal Hotel.

Sunday Enjoy our included full-day island tour by coach, which will travel along the coast of Jersey from St. Brelade’s Bay to Corbiere Lighthouse.

We then continue along St. Ouen’s Bay for a visit to the Jersey Pearl Centre before travelling to the rugged north coast cove of Greve De Lecq. In the afternoon, we include a guided tour of the La Mare Wine Estate where we visit the beautiful vineyards, orchards, the Cognac style distillery and the chocolate production kitchen.

Monday A full day at leisure in resort.

Tuesday A half day visit to the Jersey War Tunnels, where we discover the true story of the Occupation of Jersey during World War II. Walk along the very tunnels which were trodden on by the German soldiers and discover what Jersey life was like during those dark days of the occupation.

Wednesday At leisure with an included evening ‘Behind the Scenes’ excursion to view the parade floats.

Thursday We include Grandstand Tickets for the Battle of Flowers Parade.

Friday At leisure however during the evening we include a transfer back to the arena to enjoy the popular ‘Moonlight Parade’ of the floats.

Saturday We include transfers to Jersey Airport for the flight to Birmingham.

Upon arrival at Birmingham your Door-to-Door vehicles will be waiting to take you home.

Note: The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions.

Your Holiday Hotel The Best Western Royal Hotel, St Helier Accommodation: 7 Nts Half Board The Best Western Royal Hotel occupies a large town centre site, close to the Millennium Town Park – a 10-12-minute walk from the main shopping area. Many bedrooms overlook our outdoor terraced areas or have direct terrace or balcony access. Restaurant, bar, large outdoor sun terrace. Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: On the level. Hotel: 6 Steps at main entrance to the hotel with a few isolated steps internally but lift serves all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sat 3 Aug – Sat 10 Aug 2019 (8 Days)

£1129

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Supplements Single Room (Limited Availability) Prices on Application Holiday Insurance: £57.50

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

8 day Holiday Itinerary

13

eaSter SeleCtIon

TAKE A SPRINGTIME BREAK AT EASTER Get away this Easter with JOHNSONS – With the arrival of lighter evenings, spring is in the air and there couldn’t be a better time to take a trip to discover somewhere new or rediscover a past favourite. relaXed eaSter In eaStBourne

luXurY eaSter In nortH deVon

The elegant seaside town of Eastbourne is sheltered by the rolling expanse of the South Downs and the towering cliffs of Beachy Head.

Your Hotel: The New Wilmington Hotel, Eastbourne 5 Days Departing Thu 18th April

Beautiful, wild, green North Devon.

This corner of the south-west epitomises unspoiled rural England, with narrow lanes and a rugged coastline dotted with fishing villages.

Your Hotel: The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple 5 Days Departing Mon 22nd April

Prices From: £469

Prices From: £549

Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 2 lunches 䡲 2 Excursions – Beachy Head & Alfriston, Carr-Taylor Vineyards & Rye. For further information on this tour please see Page 29

Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 3 Excursions – RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Woolacombe & Hartland Abbey including Cream Tea & Guided Tour.

For further information on this tour please see Page 17

eaSter In tHe ISle oF man –

By Sea

luXurY eaSter at SIdmoutH

The Isle of Man has over 200 square miles of beautiful unspoilt countryside and a coastline with little coves and superb beaches.

Your Hotel: The Empress Hotel, Douglas 6 Days Departing Thu 18th April

Sidmouth is a charming and elegant resort and remains our most popular destination – the timeless charm and unhurried way of life offers the perfect recipe for relaxation.

Your Hotel: The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth 5 Days Departing Mon 22nd April

Prices From: £659 Look What’s Included: 䡲 Return sailings from Heysham/Douglas 䡲 5 nights half board 䡲 3 Excursions – Snaefell Mountain Railway & Laxey Wheel, Tynwald Hill & the House of Manannan, Cregneash & the Sounds Visitors Centre.

For further information on this tour please see Page 43

Prices From: £609

eaSter SCottISH ‘all InCluSIVe’

BrIGHton eaSter CeleBratIonS

Our All Inclusive holiday based at the Winnock Hotel, close to Loch Lomond includes some of the most stunning scenery possible as we journey through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Parks.

Your Hotel: The Winnock Hotel, Drymen 5 Days Departing Thu 18th April

Prices From: £539 Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 Welcome Drinks Reception 䡲 4 Course Individual Dining Experience 䡲 Wine with dinner 䡲 2 nights entertainment 䡲 Nightly Open-Bar from 7.30pm-10.30pm 䡲 Packed lunches on 3 Days 3 䡲 3 Excursions –Loch Lomond & Inveraray, Edinburgh & the Palace of Holyroodhouse & The Trossachs.

For further information on this tour please see Page 70

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

eaSter In WeYmoutH

14

Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board* Devonshire cream tea 䡲 2 Excursions – Bicton Park Botanical Gardens & Lyme Regis.

For further information on this tour please see Page 18

Visit stylish Brighton and discover miles of glorious beaches bordered by a lovely wide promenade, the Lanes shopping area and discover Brighton Pavilion.

Your Hotel: The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton 5 Days Departing Monday 22nd April

Prices From: £495 Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 2 Excursions – Bluebell Railway & Sheffield Park Gardens (NT), Worthing & Arundel For further information on this tour please see Page 54

eaSter In CardIFF The Welsh capital city has more than its fair share of attractions, top class entertainment and quality shopping.

Your Hotel: The Angel Hotel, Cardiff 5 Days Departing Mon 22nd April

Weymouth is a classic holiday resort situated on the great sweep of Weymouth Bay, with superb views and an award-winning beach and panoramic Esplanade.

Your Hotel: The Hotel Rex, Weymouth 5 Days Departing Friday 19th April

Prices From: £498

Prices From: £499 Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 2 Excursions – Abbotsbury Swannery & SubTropical Gardens & Isle of Purbeck with train ride on the Swanage Railway.

For further information on this tour please see Page 51

Look What’s Included: 䡲 4 nights half board 䡲 3 Excursions –Guided Tour of Cardiff Castle, The Gower Peninsula & the Royal Mint Visitors Centre.

For further information on this tour please see Page 66

OTHER EASTER TOURS INCLUDE: GuernSeY BY aIr

tHe BulBFIeldS oF Holland

The Peninsula Hotel 7 Days 䡲 Departing Mon 22nd April

Van Der Valk Hotel Leusden 5 Days 䡲 Departing Thu 18th April

Prices From: £849

From: £605

(For further details please see Page 12)

(For further details please see Page 80)

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of the Lost Gardens of Heligan & a visit to the St Austell Brewery Visitors Centre Lanhydrock House & the Bodmin & Wenford Railway Trelissick House & Gardens

Thursday We arrive at our hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Friday This morning we make our way to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Cornwall – The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

A genuine secret garden, lost for decades.

Now, with an incredible 200 acres of gardens and estate to explore we enjoy a guided tour with a leisurely stroll around the main features of the Northern Gardens. Later we visit the St Austell Not included: Brewery Visitors Centre, where we discover the All lunches secrets behind St Austell’s award-winning ales and the 160-year old brewing process.

Saturday Today, we visit Lanhydrock House, an impressive late Victorian home and gardens. Discover the fascinating contrast between the upstairs and downstairs worlds by exploring the kitchens and servants quarters as well as the grand family spaces. Next, we take the short drive to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway for a scenic return heritage train ride.

Sunday After breakfast we visit the only city in Cornwall – Truro where we spend the morning exploring it’s vibrant centre, where its cathedral takes centre stage, with its huge spires soaring over the city. After lunch, we visit Trelissick – fabulously positioned on its own peninsula, with panoramic views over the Fal estuary. The house has one of the best views in the country and contains a fine collection of Copeland Spode china. The woodland garden and formal lawns contain plant collections including magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas.

Monday After a leisurely breakfast we leave Cornwall and return homeward.

With so many wonderful attractions on offer in Chester and North Wales, it’s difficult to decide which to visit first.

This tour explores the region’s waterways, illustrating the important part it has played in our nation’s heritage Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entertainment on three evenings Outlined excursions 30 Minute River Dee Cruise Admission to Erddig Hall Cruise on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Ride & Cruise on the Anderton Boat Lift Admission to the Lion Salt Works

Tuesday We depart Henley in the morning and make our way to North Wales with a stop en-route. We aim to arrive at the hotel in the afternoon.

Wednesday Today we begin the day with a visit to charming Chester starting with a tranquil 30 minute cruise on the River Dee with included commentary. There will also be time to explore the pretty medieval streets and city walls. After lunch, we travel to Erddig House – one of the most fascinating houses in Britain. This furnished 18th century country house offers a unique insight into the ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ life of the gentry and a servants way of’ life in the 18th and 19th century.

Not included: The large walled garden has been restored to its All lunches 18th century formal design and has a Victorian parterre and yew walk.

Thursday We venture south this morning for a canal cruise through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or ‘Stream in the Sky’, on a brightly coloured narrowboat. An interesting commentary gives visitors an insight into the history of the area and other canals in the UK. There will be some free time in Llangollen.

Friday Today we take a ride on the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift.

Originally built in 1875, the structure lifts passengers aboard the elegant Edwin Clark boat from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal high above. A comprehensive visitor centre houses an exhibition focusing on the lift’s history together with its control centre, so visitors can get close to the action. We then head to the nearby Lion Salt Works at Northwich to discover the fascinating story of the country’s last open-pan salt making site.

Saturday We return homeward, making a stop en-route, arriving during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Forest Hills, Frodsham, Cheshire

Your Holiday Hotel The family owned luxury hotel is located on the outskirts of Bodmin in the heart of rural Cornwall within 180 acres of beautiful Cornish countryside. 46 contemporary rooms with all the comforts you would expect from a 3-star hotel.

Restaurant and bar. Mobility Grade: 4 – Location and hotel fairly level. Ground floor rooms available plus lift access to 2nd floor & function rooms.

Stunning panoramic views across the Cheshire plains and the Mersey Estuary await all who visit the Forest Hill Hotel. Set amidst beautiful Cheshire countryside, this is the perfect base for us to explore the surrounding areas. All rooms are modern and comfortable and offer tea making facilities, safe, TV, telephone and hairdryer. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool and gymnasium.

Mobility Grade: 3 – Location of Hotel – Flat level ground. There is no lift but rooms are on ground & first floor.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 18 – Mon 22 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£559

8.00am

7.00pm

Tue 23 – Sat 27 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£565

10.00am

4.00pm

Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club, Nr Bodmin

Supplements Single Room: £143 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Supplements Single Room: £68 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

© Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

WATERWAYS OF CHESHIRE & NORTH WALES

CORNISH GARDENS AT EASTER The rural heart of Cornwall is blessed with beautiful gardens containing exotic flowers and plants, offering spectacular views over scenic Cornish landscapes.

With the climate to sustain a jungle garden, our new itinerary visits some of the most alluring gardens in the area, as well as a journey on the Bodmin Railway.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

eaSter SeleCtIon

Lanhydrock House

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Porthleven

© Flickr – michael clarke stuff

Tresco

THE STAR CASTLE HOTEL, ISLES OF SCILLY OUTSTANDINGLY BEAUTIFUL & UNSPOILT Located on St Mary’s, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly archipelago, the 4-star Castle Hotel is just a short 5-minute walk from Hugh Town. Nestling on the Garrison, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Included excursions

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service 5 nights half board Cream Tea Return flights All coach transfers Guided walking tour of St Mary’s Boat trip to the Island of Tresco and entrance to the Abbey Gardens Boat trip to St Martin’s or St Agnes

Walking tour of St Mary’s – A full-day guided walking tour of St Mary’s, taking in Hugh Town, Harry’s Wall, Lower Moors and the Old Town.

For the more active walker we also include visits to Peninnis Head and Buzza Hill.

Tresco – A crossing to the second largest island, Tresco, for a visit to the world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens. Established in the ruins of a Benedictine priory, they contain plants found nowhere else in Britain.

St Martin’s or St Agnes – A full day trip to the island of St Martin’s with its beautiful beaches and Not included: All lunches scenery OR St Agnes, which is only a mile wide.

You then continue to the outer isles to view colonies of wild seals and birdlife.

The days on which the excursions will operate is weather dependant and will be at the discretion of the hotel.

FLIGHTS: This tour includes return flights from Land’s End Airport to St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. Flights are with Skybus who operate the scheduled 20 minute flying time with 19 & 8 seater aircraft.

Our Jersey Holidays are ATOL protected through the CI Travel Group, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent.

This package is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL Number 1965)

Your Holiday Hotel

MULLION COVE & THE LIZARD PENINSULA DISCOVER THE SECRET In a ‘World of its Own’, the Mullion Cove Hotel is a celebration of quality, style and service. Combining traditional values with modern amenities in a simply unrivalled coastal setting situated on the Lizard Peninsula in South Cornwall, the hotel stands on the cliff top overlooking the harbour and fishing cove with uninterrupted sea views.

Look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Cornish Cream Tea Easy access train ride from St Erth to St Ives

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday We travel south, arriving at our hotel during the afternoon. Relax, settle in and enjoy a drinks reception before our first delicious Not included: evening meal.

All lunches Monday After breakfast we travel to St Erth where we board the local train for the short journey to St Ives. Here we discover one of Cornwall’s best loved resorts with its cobbled streets, winding alleyways, historic harbour and quaint fisherman’s cottages. A mecca for artists for many years, the town is home to the Tate Gallery St. Ives.

Tuesday We drive to the Lizard, Britain’s most southerly village. During summer, clamouring colonies of kittiwakes and guillemots inhabit the cliffs and the turf is carpeted with fragrant flowers. We return via the pretty market town of Helston to the historic fishing port of Portleven with its picturebook location and stunning coastal scenery. We return to our hotel in the afternoon for a cream tea.

Wednesday Today’s full day excursion takes us to the maritime town and resort of Falmouth, guarded by the impressive Pendennis Castle Headland.

Thursday After breakfast we depart our hotel and after making a suitable stop for lunch en-route we arrive home in the afternoon.

The Star Castle Hotel, St Mary’s This Grade I listed, family run hotel, is located on the Garrison a short walk from the centre of St Mary’s and the harbour, commanding breathtaking views of the stunning archipelago. With 38 bedrooms, the hotel boasts traditional 16th century castle accommodation within 3 acres of secluded gardens. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, conservatory and 2 award-winning restaurants. There is also a lounge for teas, coffees and cream teas. Mobility Grade: 2 – It is a steep walk to the castle.

There are nine steps to the main entrance and many unavoidable steps throughout the hotel and grounds. There are many bedrooms on the ground, however we do not recommend this hotel for those with impaired or reduced mobility.

Date

Mon 6 May – Sat 11 May 2019 (6 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1049

7.00am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £27

Your Holiday Hotel The Mullion Cove Hotel A unique and elegant destination on the Lizard Peninsula, the Mullion Cove Hotel features an AA Rosette-winning restaurant and offers spectacular sea views. Atlantic View Restaurant, Art-Deco inspired bar, 3 lounges, garden & terrace. Mobility Grade: 4 – All ground floor facilities are on one level with lift access to all floors.

The immediate locality is level, although the hotel does command a cliff top position.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 28 April – Thu 2 May 2019 (5 Days) Sun 20 – Thu 24 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£609 £612

9.30am 9.00am

6.00pm 5.30pm

Various Supplements Apply (Prices on application) Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Oct)

The Imperial Hotel

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Carlyon Bay Hotel

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL, BARNSTAPLE PICTUREBOOK NORTH DEVON

THE CREAM OF CORNWALL With its extraordinary location, Carlyon Bay is a truly special hotel. Stunning views are to be had all year round, especially from the Bay View Restaurant. During your stay at Carlyon Bay, you can enjoy free use of the hotel’s stunning spa or relax in the lounge.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Cornish Cream Tea Entrance & Guided Tour of Heligan Gardens

Sunday A comfortable journey south, pausing for lunch en-route. Settle in and enjoy a drinks reception before taking your place in the restaurant to enjoy first class cuisine.

Monday Today, we visit the Lost Gardens of Not included: Heligan for a guided tour. There is so much to All lunches see in this secret kingdom including a sub-tropical jungle, vegetable, flower & fruit gardens and the ‘Lost Valley’. Later we continue to picture postcard fishing village of Mevagissey where pubs, cafes, galleries and shops cluster around the harbour walls and line the pretty streets. We return to our hotel for a sumptuous Cornish cream tea!

Tuesday Looe, a delightful fishing town, is actually made up of East and West Looe, which face each other across the river. Relax and watch the world go by, explore its many gift shops or enjoy a local boat cruise. Later, we head to the unspoilt harbour of Polperro, a true slice of Cornish beauty, where you can visit the art and craft galleries and its very own Heritage Museum of Smuggling.

Wednesday Today we visit Falmouth. Standing at the head of Carrick Roads, overlooked by the impressive Pendennis Castle, Falmouth is a delight to explore with cobbled alleys, ancient inns, excellent shops and galleries.

Thursday After breakfast we depart our hotel returning home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell, Cornwall The hotel is set in 300 acres of grounds Popular Favourite overlooking St Austell Bay and has truly inspiring views. Bay View Restaurant, Bar and lounge, spa bath, sauna and solarium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality – fairly level. Hotel – minor steps to main entrance with ramp alternative. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 29 Sep – Thu 3 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£612

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Inland Double for Sole Use: £160 Sea View: £80 • Deluxe Sea View: £160 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Beautiful, wild, green North Devon.

This corner of the south-west epitomises unspoiled rural England, with narrow lanes and a rugged coastline dotted with fishing villages.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to RHS Rosemoor Gardens Guided tour of Hartland Abbey with included cream tea

Day 1 We travel south, making a suitable lunch stop en-route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon.

Relax, settle in and enjoy a drinks reception before our first delicious evening meal.

Day 2 We visit RHS Rosemoor Gardens.

This 40-acre garden, lying in the Torridge Valley, close to Great Torrington, offers a something for all garden lovers: * The mature Lady Anne’s Garden and its adjacent arboretum * Formal Not included: All lunches gardens * Rock gorge * Stream & bog gardens * Enchanting lake * 200 variety of roses * Colour themed gardens * Herb garden & potager * Extensive herbaceous borders * Cottage garden * Foliage & plantsman’s garden * Fruit & vegetable garden.

Day 3 In the morning we are free to enjoy the old-world charm and friendly atmosphere of Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market. Today’s market specialises in antiques and collectibles. In the afternoon, we visit the charming village of Woolacombe, where magnificent scenery meets the swell of the Atlantic waves along the spectacular North Devon coast. Return to our hotel for evening dinner.

Day 4 Today we enjoy a visit to Hartland Abbey, the cherished home of the Stucley family with treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations. (Guided Tour & Cream Tea included). The beautiful 18th century walled and woodland gardens, the walks and the parkland provide visitors with extensive grounds through which to wander and enjoy the stunning valley leading down to the rugged Atlantic cove and cottage at Blackpool Mill.

Day 5 After breakfast we depart our hotel and after making a suitable stop for lunch en-route we arrive home in the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple Located in the centre of Barnstaple, Popular overlooking the River Taw, just a short walk Favourite from the shops. With the old-style charm of a traditional townhouse hotel, the Imperial has become a firm favourite of our clients. Restaurant, ‘Colours’ Bar, comfortable lounge and garden Terrace. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality flat. Hotel: Public areas level. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Apr 2019 (5 Days) EASTER Sun 18 – Thu 22 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£549 £595

10.30am 10.00am

4.00pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Inland Double for Sole Use: £100 (Apr) • £156 (Aug) Superior River View: £100 • Deluxe River View: £140 Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Aug)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

CARLYON BAY HOTEL, ST AUSTELL

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The Victoria Hotel

The Belmont Hotel

THE BELMONT HOTEL, SIDMOUTH

LUXURY SIDMOUTH AT THE VICTORIA, SIDMOUTH

STYLE, ELEGANCE & CHARM Sidmouth is a charming and elegant resort and remains our most popular destination – the timeless charm and unhurried way of life offers the perfect recipe for relaxation.

There is a long, flat promenade which is overlooked by Regency buildings, along with wonderful views of the softly curving bay.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Devonshire cream tea Outlined excursions Admission to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Day 1 We travel south, making a suitable lunch stop en-route, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon.

Relax, settle in and enjoy a drinks reception before our first delicious evening meal.

Day 2 A free day to explore and enjoy the many attractions that Sidmouth has to offer. Make the Not included: All lunches most of the Victoria’s luxurious surroundings and enjoy a sumptuous Devon cream tea!

Day 3 After breakfast we drive to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Set in Devon’s Otter Valley, the grade I-listed gardens are the product of almost 300 years of horticultural history where the curved design of the 1820’s Palm House greenhouse is a must see. Later, we continue along the East Devon Heritage Coast to Exmouth.

Day 4 Today we visit Lyme Regis, a coastal resort that boasts breath-taking scenery and holds a special mystique. Its historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features, set against moody blue cliffs yielding fossilised evidence of life on earth millions of years ago. (Please note that access to the town and promenade from the coach park is via a steep incline and may prove challenging for those with reduced mobility).

Day 5 After breakfast we depart our hotel and after making a suitable stop for lunch en-route we arrive home in the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth Popular The Victoria stands proudly at the Favourite western end of Sidmouth seafront, in 5 acres of manicured grounds which offer truly glorious views over the bay and is only a short walk from the timeless charms of the town centre. Restaurant, lounge/bar, sun lounge, games room, snooker room & table tennis, indoor pool, sauna & solarium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality – Fairly level. Hotel – Occasional steps with lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

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Mon 22 – Fri 26 Apr 2019 (EASTER) (5 Days) Sun 2 – Thu 6 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£609 £659

10.30am 10.30am

4.00pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Inland Double for Sole Use: £180 Sea View: £40 (Apr) £60 (Jun) • Deluxe Sea View: £80 (Apr) £120 (Jun) Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Jun)

Sidmouth still retains a ‘special’ elegance that understandably makes it our most popular seaside location. Nestling in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Jurassic Coast the town lies at the centre of a gentle curving bay, enclosed by red sandstone cliffs and has a level promenade with fine golden sandy beaches.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Devon cream tea Exe Estuary Cruise & Entrance to Powderham Castle The Donkey Sanctuary The South Devon Railway & the Dartmoor Otter & Buckfast Butterfly Centre

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday Making a suitable lunch stop en-route, we arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon. Enjoy a drinks reception before your first delicious evening meal.

Monday A relaxing cruise around the historic Exe estuary with informative commentary is followed by a visit to Powderham Castle – the Grade 1 listed seat of the Earls of Devon with Not included: its Grade 2* listed gardens.

All lunches Tuesday A free day to explore this beautiful Regency town, or join us for a visit to the famous Donkey Sanctuary. In the afternoon, make the most of the Belmont’s luxurious surroundings and enjoy a sumptuous Devon cream tea!

Wednesday A scenic drive as we visit Buckfast Abbey on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. We continue to Buckfastleigh where we enjoy a return journey on the South Devon Railway, travelling along the Dart Valley through the beautiful Devon hills. Later, we visit the Dartmoor Otter and Buckfast Butterfly Centre adjacent to the station.

Thursday We commence our return journey, arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth Popular A luxurious former Victorian summer Favourite residence, the hotel retains much of its tranquility and charm. It stands at the end of Sidmouth’s striking esplanade and is just a short stroll from the town centre. Elegant restaurant, bar/lounge, delightful gardens and use of superb leisure facilities at the Victoria Hotel next door. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality – fairly level. Hotel – occasional steps, some bedrooms have steps inside the rooms. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

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Sun 26 – Thu 30 May (5 Days) Sun 21 – Thu 25 Jul (5 Days) Sun 25 – Thu 29 Aug (5 Days)

£672 £689 £679

10.30am 10.30am 10.30am

5.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Inland Double for Sole Use: £180 • Sea View: £60 Deluxe Sea View: £120 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Jul/Aug)

Beachy Head

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© Flickr – Simon Bradshaw

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LUXURY EASTBOURNE

ISLE OF WIGHT GRAND DESIGNS

AT THE HYDRO HOTEL

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing 4 nights half board Drinks reception Cream tea Entrances to Osborne House(EH), Mottistone Manor, Calbourne Water Mill and Ventnor Botanic Garden

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday We drive to Southampton for our ferry crossing to the Island, arriving at our hotel during the mid-afternoon.

Monday Today we have included a visit to Osborne House (EH). “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. Visit Victoria and Albert’s private apartments, their bathing beach and children’s play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces where the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. We also visit Not included: nearby Whippingham Church, where Victoria and All lunches Albert were once regular members of the congregation.

Tuesday This morning we visit the superb Botanic Garden and Visitors Centre, followed by free time in the afternoon to discover the delights of Ventnor. Later enjoy a delicious cream tea at our hotel.

Wednesday We travel along the scenic ‘military’ coastal road of West Wight pausing at Isle of Wight Pearl before visiting Mottistone Manor Garden (NT), a magical five-acre Elizabethan Manor garden. We continue to nearby Calbourne Water Mill and Museum. Set in peaceful countryside we discover a working Water Mill dating from the Doomsday Book.

Thursday After breakfast we visit the picture-postcard setting of Godshill before catching our ferry back to the mainland and our journey homeward.

The elegant seaside resort of Eastbourne has five miles of unspoilt beaches and palm tree lined promenade with exquisite floral and garden displays.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing 5 nights half board Drinks reception Cream tea Entrances to Batemans (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We travel south with a suitable stop for lunch en-route before arriving at our hotel for our 5-night stay.

Day 2 We begin today’s full day excursion by visiting medieval Rye. It’s considered to be one of the best-preserved of the ancient Cinque Ports, with its quaint cobbled streets, historic halftimbered buildings and smugglers’ inns. This afternoon we travel along the coast to Hastings, overlooked by William the Conqueror’s castle, and famous as the location for the popular TV Not included: All lunches detective series Foyles War. Day 3 A day at leisure in Eastbourne with afternoon Cream Tea included at the hotel.

Day 4 Today we visit Batemans (NT). Rudyard Kipling loved this house.

It was his little piece of paradise, and somewhere he could enjoy family life.

Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th century house, with mullioned windows, pretty secluded garden and acres of countryside, provided a tranquil sanctuary. The atmospheric oak-beamed rooms remain much as he left them. Outside, winding paths take in manicured lawns, a wildflower meadow and Kipling’s 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1, while beside the river sits a 17th century watermill.

Day 5 This morning we ascend Beachy Head, the vast chalk promontory which marks where ‘the Downs’ are halted by the sea before visiting the picturesque South Downs village of Alfriston. Free time in Eastbourne in the afternoon.

Day 6 A leisurely drive homeward arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne

Your Holiday Hotel The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Popular

Set in the coastal town of Ventnor, the Favourite hotel has outstanding views of the Isle of Wight’s breathtaking coastline. Restaurant, bar, terrace, conservatory, lounges and beautiful gardens. Mobility Grade: 3 – Location generally level, steep slope to the beach. Lift serves some floors. Occasional steps in public areas.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 30 Jun – Thu 4 Jul 2019 (5 Days) Sun 8 – Thu 12 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£739 £739

9.30am 9.30am

6.30pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £140 • Garden View: £80 Holiday Insurance: £28 Reductions Available for (EH) English Heritage & (NT) National Trust Members

Set in award-winning gardens, the Hydro Hotel features an outdoor pool, elegant restaurant and superb sea views.

The hotel is a few yards from Eastbourne Seafront, just a 10-minute walk from Eastbourne Pier and a 20-minute walk from the main town centre. The Crystal Restaurant serves classic British and French cuisine for evening dining. Guests can enjoy beverages and light snacks in the cosy lounges, and hearty cooked breakfasts are available daily. Beauty salon, offering a range of specialist treatments and therapies. Poolside terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols. Mobility Grade: 3 – Easy access throughout the hotel with occasional steps in public areas. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 27 May – Sat 1 Jun 2019 (6 Days) Sun 15 – Fri 20 Sep 2019 (6 Days)

£695 £705

9.30am 10.00am

5.30pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £27 (May) £29 (Sep) Reductions Available for (NT) National Trust Members

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

HOUSES & GARDENS OF DISTINCTION The unique and irresistible charm of the Isle of Wight has prompted us to capture the essence of the islands historic heritage and stunning gardens.

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Osborne House

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CONSTABLE COUNTRY WITH HIGHLIGHTS OF SUFFOLK & EAST ANGLIA We combine the beautiful pastoral views and picturesque villages of Constable Country, with some delightful East Anglian countryside and peaceful coastline.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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Oxburgh Hall

© Flickr – Jamesthe1st

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Aldeburgh

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Gainsborough’s House & Entrance to Melford Hall (NT) Constable Country Guided Tour Entrance to Sutton Hoo (NT) Entrance to Audley End House (EH)

Monday The outward journey includes a convenient stop for lunch en-route.

Tuesday We visit Gainsborough’s House at Sudbury, the birthplace of the famous painter – Dating back to the 16th century it boasts an outstanding collection of his work. We continue to Lavenham is one of England’s finest medieval villages with a 15th century church and the Guildhall, an early 16th century timber framed building that dominates the Market Place. Later we visit Melford Hall (NT), one of East Anglia’s Not included: most celebrated Elizabethan houses where little All lunches has changed externally since 1578.

Wednesday We meet our Blue Badge guide and explore Constable Country.

Located on the Suffolk and Essex border – East Bergholt is the site of John Constable’s Studio and St Mary’s Church, built in the 15th and 16th centuries and renowned for the absence of a tower or spire to house the bells – at Dedham our tour takes in sights such as Constable’s School and Dedham Parish Church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1492 – Bridge Cottage at Flatford is located upstream from Flatford Mill and houses an exhibition on John Constable, several of whose paintings famously feature the mill.

Thursday This morning we visit the National Trust’s Sutton Hoo, an Anglo Saxon royal burial site where the priceless Sutton Hoo treasure was discovered in a huge ship grave in 1939. We continue to the picturesque 16th century fishing village of Aldeburgh, renowned for its festival of music and arts, where Benjamin Britten lived and worked for the last two decades of his life.

Friday We are homeward bound. En-route, we visit Audley End House (EH), one of England’s grandest stately homes. Equipped with original and reproduction Victorian fixtures and fittings the house creates an atmospheric portrait of daily Victorian life – from butler and cook down to dairy maids and lowly houseboy. The historic stables come complete with resident horses and a Victorian groom. Add the beautiful grounds, the working Organic Kitchen Garden and Audley End offers a fascinating insight into the past.

TREASURED HOUSES OF NORFOLK West Norfolk is a truly special place of unspoilt charm and natural beauty.

Brimming full of heritage and renowned for its stunning coastline and unspoilt countryside, it is the ideal place to explore, unwind and soak up the sheer sense of space and tranquillity.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Drinks Reception Cream Tea Entrance to Holkham Hall Entrance to Royal Sandringham & Free Entrance to Bircham Windmill Entrance to Oxburgh Hall (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday Travelling east we make a stop for lunch in Ely, a charming market town, then to our hotel in West Norfolk, for our 4-night stay.

Monday On the stunning north Norfolk coast, surrounded by rolling parkland, lies Holkham Hall, an 18th century masterpiece. The Palladianstyle stately home is a treasure trove with incredible architecture, art, original furniture and classical statuary. The collection includes works

by Rubens, Van Dyck, Gaspar Poussin, Claude and Gainsborough.

Not included: All lunches Tuesday We travel to Sandringham House & Gardens. This estate is the much-loved Norfolk retreat of her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent stately house is set in 24 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens with a museum that is home to an extraordinary collection of memorabilia. We continue to Bircham Windmill.

Standing in the heart of Norfolk’s undulating fields Bircham Windmill now looks like it did over 100 years ago. Free entry to the Bakery, Tea Rooms, Galleries and Gift Shop (including Cream Tea).

Wednesday Today we visit Oxburgh Hall (NT) – a moated manor house with a Tudor gatehouse. The rooms show the development from medieval austerity to Victorian comfort and includes a display of embroideries by Mary Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick.

Thursday On our homeward journey we pause in the historic old stone town of Stamford.

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Plus Knights Hill Hotel, South Wootton, Nr Kings Lynn

Your Holiday Hotel Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Stoke by Nayland, Nr Colchester

Popular

A modern country hotel set in 300 acres of undulating ‘Constable Country’ within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Lakes Restaurant and Bar. Spa with indoor pool, gym, treatment rooms and a 28-hole golf course.

Mobility Grade: 5 – Locality level. Hotel is level with a lift to all floors.

Located just four miles from King’s Lynn town Favourite centre, the hotel has evolved from a working farm into the stylish, character filled accommodation you see today. 79 bedrooms, a number having patios leading into the walled garden. Elegant restaurant.

Farmers Arms traditional country pub. Leisure club with indoor pool, sauna, gym & spa. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality & Hotel are generally level. No Lift but ground floor rooms with easy access available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 1 – Fri 5 Jul 2019 (5 Days) Mon 2 – Fri 6 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£615 £615

10.00am 10.30am

5.30pm 4.30pm

Sun 2 – Thu 6 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Sun 22 – Thu 26 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£645 £639

10.30am 9.30am

5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £116 • Holiday Insurance: £27 Reductions available for (NT) National Trust & (EH) English Heritage Members

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £27 Discounts available for (NT) National Trust Members

Mersey Ferry

neW tour © VisitEngland – Mark McNulty

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© Flickr – Michael Button

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THE SEFTON COAST

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Bure Valley Railway

EXPLORING SOUTHPORT’S FAMOUS COASTLINE

AT THE PHEASANT HOTEL, KELLING A visit to Norfolk offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Britain. The coast and countryside offer areas of outstanding beauty and diversity, with hills and undulating fields, wooded valleys, forest areas and marshes.

North Norfolk is almost England in miniature. Around every corner you will find pretty villages and historic churches, miles of unspoilt beaches and rivers teeming with wildlife.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Norfolk Broads Cruise & Bure Valley Railway Train Ride Entrance to Stody Lodge Gardens Entrance to Royal Sandringham House & Grounds

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday Travelling east we make a stop for lunch in Peterborough, then to our hotel in North Norfolk, for our 4-night stay.

Not included: Monday Today we combine a nostalgic steam All lunches train ride with a cruise on the Norfolk Broads.

We begin at Aylsham where we join the Bure Valley Railway for the 9 miles ride to Wroxham. At Wroxham we join the boat for a cruise around the Broads, and we then travel through some of the delightful Broads villages, such as Woodbastwick, with its diminutive green and thatched cottages.

Tuesday After breakfast, we visit Thursford, to see the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. This is followed by a rare treat! – A visit to Stody Lodge Gardens – a spectacular 14-acre rhododendron and azalea gardens just outside Holt.

Wednesday This morning our destination today a visit to Sandringham House and Grounds, the Norfolk retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, here we have free time to explore and obtain lunch, late afternoon returning to the hotel.

Thursday Homeward bound.

Your Holiday Hotel

This is how to really get away from it all – The beautiful and tranquil Formby coastline stretches over 20 km and is a perfect place for walks, with miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, scenic sand dunes and pine woods.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Guided Tour of Port Sunlight Mersey River Explorer Cruise & Cream Tea at the Maritime Museum Beatles Magical Mystery Tour & entrance to Speke Hall (NT)

Monday Travelling north we reach the Wirral and the historic village of Port Sunlight. Built by Lord Leverhulme to accommodate workers in its soap factory, it is now a conservation village containing 900 Grade II listed buildings. Our guided tour shows us around and gives an insight into this vast empire created on soap! Later, we continue to our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Travelling via Crosby, we view Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ – 100 cast iron figures Not included: All lunches that are spread out along 3 kilometres of the foreshore and stretching almost one kilometre out to sea. We continue to the classic seaside resort of Southport, where traditional seaside amusements await. Stroll down the UK’s oldest iron pier, promenade along the Victorian splendour of Lord Street with its unique range of shops or relax in the Botanic Gardens.

Wednesday This morning we head south to Merseyside and Liverpool.

Here we enjoy a Mersey Ferries River Explorer cruise with views of the famous Liverpool skyline and the ‘Three Graces’, and afterwards we have chance to explore the Royal Albert Dock area and include a cream tea at the popular Liverpool Maritime Museum.

Thursday Joined by our professional local guide, we embark on our ‘Magical Mystery Tour’. A camera is a must as we visit many of the landmarks made famous by the ‘Fab Four’. Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, their homes, schools and birthplaces and many other significant spots. In the afternoon we continue to Speke Hall (NT) – A stunning Tudor timber-framed manor house, located on the banks of the River Mersey. Restored and brought back to life in the 19th century, it is a unique and beautiful mixture of Tudor simplicity and Victorian Arts and Crafts.

Friday Homeward bound.

Your Holiday Hotel

The Pheasant Hotel, Kelling

Formby Hall Hotel & Spa, Formby Nr Liverpool

The Pheasant is a charming country house hotel set in its own extensive grounds, enjoying a peaceful rural location in the small village of Kelling, making it an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful north Norfolk coast and the surrounding villages of Cley and Blakeney. All bedrooms are beautifully presented and very comfortable. Restaurant, bar, terrace & gardens. Mobility Grade: 4 – 24 Rooms on ground floor all accessed by gentle slope (no stairs). All other rooms are on the first floor (accessible via stairs).

This sophisticated and intimate hotel is situated in countryside just outside Formby and is just 7 miles from Southport. The restaurant & bar offer superb views of the golf course. Extensive spa facilities including an indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality & Hotel are generally level. Ground floor rooms & lift access throughout.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 19 – Thu 23 May 2019 (5 Days)

£675

10.30am

6.00pm

Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May 2019 (5 Days)

£569

10.30am

4.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £88 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Supplements Single Room: £90 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

ROMANTIC JOURNEYS OF NORTH NORFOLK

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Caerlaverock Castle

neW

tour

tour

© Levens Hall Kendal Cumbria

luXurY traVeller

Levens Hall

neW

LUXURY TRAVELLER IN KENDAL

LAKELAND LUXURY

& THE SOUTHERN LAKE DISTRICT

& THE SCOTTISH BORDERS Spoil yourself and indulge in this superb holiday with a touch of class to the stunning Lake District. Based in an excellent hotel on the outskirts of Kendal we are ideally placed to enjoy some of the hidden treasures associated with the stunning Southern Lake District.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Guided Tour of Levens Hall with Cream Tea included Haverthwaite to Lakeside Railway & Windermere Cruise Entrance to Holker Hall

Monday We drive north, pausing for a suitable stop for lunch en-route, arriving at our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we visit Kendal, home of the famous mint cake. The town has a rich and varied history and offers great shopping and attractions for you to explore. Later, we visit Levens Hall – an Not included: Elizabethan mansion, built around a 13th century All lunches pele tower. Home to the Bagot family containing superb panelling, plaster work and period furniture. In the grounds, the worldfamous topiary gardens were first laid out in 1694 by Monsieur Beaumont.

Location for the BBC’s “Wives and Daughters” period drama series. A Guided tour of the house is included followed by an afternoon cream tea.

Wednesday A leisurely morning begins with a short heritage railway journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, followed by a cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness. After disembarking there is time to explore this popular holiday village at leisure. There are cafes, restaurants, shops and places to visit, such as the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.

Thursday Travel to the southern tip of the Cartmel Peninsula where we visit the quiet seaside retreat of Grange-over-Sands. Grange is a pretty resort with an Edwardian flavour located on the shores of Morecambe Bay. Next, we continue to Holker Hall – home of the Cavendish family, and is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Holker Hall and Gardens are set within beautiful countryside, here you can see Queen Mary’s bedroom, the Dukes bedroom, the main hall, the library and gallery and the oak staircase.

Friday We bid farewell to the hotel and travel to Lancaster, an historic town with a daily market. St. Georges Quay and its Custom House on the River Lune is a reminder that Lancaster was once a busy port handling more cargo tonnage than Liverpool! We depart Lancaster after lunch and continue homewards.

The Northern region of the English Lake District National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty. With lakes, mountains, delightful small towns, villages and hamlets set amongst magnificent landscape – This is somewhere to escape from the pressures of modern living.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Wordsworth’s House & Garden (NT) Ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Devil’s Porridge Museum & Caerlaverock Castle Ullswater lake cruise

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We drive north, pausing for a suitable stop for lunch en-route, arriving at our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday This morning we step back to the 1770’s and visit the National Trust’s Wordsworth House and Garden (NT) in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth. It is preserved as it would have been when he and his sister lived here with their parents in the 18th century. We continue south Not included: following the scenic Cumbrian coastline to All lunches Ravenglass. Here we join the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway – for a L’al Ratty steam train from the coast to the foothills of England’s highest mountains.

Wednesday We cross the border in to Scotland and visit the Devil’s Porridge Museum – a state-of-the-art museum that has something for everyone.

Experience life in a World War One trench and explore the factory to discover what life was like for the thousands of munitions girls who flocked to work in this ammunitions factory. The unique name of the museum is inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who while visiting the factory as a war correspondent witnessed the munitions girls mixing the nitro cotton by hand and commented ‘that is the devil’s porridge’! We continue to nearby Caerlaverock Castle where we discover one of Scotland’s great medieval fortresses with its moat, twin-towered gatehouse and imposing battlements.

Thursday Today’s excursion is to the North Lakes of Ullswater and Derwentwater. Catch a glimpse of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike and free time in the market town of Keswick, before we enjoy an afternoon cruise on Lake Ullswater from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge.

Friday Homeward Bound.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

The Hundith Hill Hotel, Nr Cockermouth Best Western Premier Castle Green Hotel, Kendal

Our hotel stands on the outskirts of Kendal, set in 14 acres of natural gardens and woodland, it offers modern comfortable facilities in all 99 rooms.

Restaurant and bar. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of Pulse, Health and Fitness club with pool, steam room, gym or book treatments for The Green Rooms Spa. Mobility Grade: 4 – Located on hill with beautiful views of Kendal Castle and surrounding Lakeland Fells. Level access throughout Lift to most floors (Not to new extension and Executive Floor Rooms).

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£729

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £140 • Holiday Insurance: £28

The Hundith Hill Hotel is a former country house and sits in 14-acres of its own grounds surrounded by the beautiful Lorton Valley. Just a mile and a half away from the charming town of Cockermouth and with views of the Cumbrian fells, it is the perfect location for exploring the Lake District which is just a short drive away. With 25 bedrooms and facilities that are some of the finest in the area, this superb hotel is a welcome addition to our programme for 2019. Bar/lounge, restaurant. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality & Hotel are generally level with easy access throughout. Rooms are mainly on first & second floors, with a limited number of ground floor rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 20 – Fri 24 May 2019 (5 Days)

£659

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £62 • Holiday Insurance: £26 Reductions available for (NT) National Trust Members

© Flickr – Chris Combe

Blair Castle

luXurY traVeller

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

LUXURY HIGHLAND ADVENTURE AT THE DUNKELD HOUSE HOTEL

WHITBY & THE NORTH YORKS MOORS Covering a splendid variety of magnificent scenery and contrasting countryside, with quaint Yorkshire towns and villages, rugged moorland and stunning coastlines.

We also feature a railway ride as well as a boat trip on the Tees to Yarm.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Mousey Thompson Visitor Centre Danby Moors Centre with tea/coffee & scones Ryedale Folk Museum Train ride on the North Yorks Moors Railway Saltburn Cliff Lift Entrance to Preston Hall Museum Teesside Princess River Cruise

Sunday We travel north, arriving at our hotel in the afternoon.

Monday We commence with a drive through Bilsdale – ‘Little Switzerland’, passing Rievaulx Abbey to delightful Helmsley. In the afternoon we continue past Byland Abbey to Kilburn, under the famous White Horse visiting the wood carving Mousey Thompson Visitor Centre.

Tuesday We journey across the moors to the Danby Moors Centre. Set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the River Esk where we are treated to tea/coffee & scones. We continue over Blakey Ridge to Hutton-le-Hole where we visit the Ryedale Folk Museum. Next, we enjoy a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Not included: Pickering to Grosmont.

All lunches Wednesday We head to Saltburn-by-the-Sea. We take the Cliff Lift to the shore and enjoy a gentle stroll along the historic pier. We continue along the coastal route to maritime Whitby, where we have free time to wander the little alleyways and narrow streets.

Thursday We visit Preston Park & Hall Museum to discover a delightful collection of memorabilia from times gone by. We join the ‘Teesside Princess’ for a gentle cruise along the River Tees to the cobbled town of Yarm, famous for its riverside location and awe-inspiring railway viaduct.

Friday We include a visit to York on our return, arriving home during the evening.

Lap up the luxury at one of Perthshire’s most popular hotels. Located on the banks of the River Tay, in the heart of ‘Big Tree Country’, this is the perfect location for a Summer escape to Scotland.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Guided Tour of Blair Castle with afternoon cream tea Entrance to Scone Palace

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We drive north, with a suitable stop for lunch en-route, arriving at Dunkeld in time for dinner.

Tuesday A leisurely morning to explore Dunkeld, with its Cathedral ruins, the last resting place of one of the most-evil characters in Scottish history – Alexander Stewart or the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’.

Not included: Dedicated to St Columba and beautifully located All lunches beside the River Tay, a visit to this historic church is a delightful way to start the day. We continue to Blair Castle, a famous Highland fortress with a 700-year history incorporating the Jacobite Rebellions, the disaster at Culloden and Mary Queen of Scots. Hear about Queen Victoria’s love affair with the Scottish Highlands and her role in creating the only legally recognised private army in Europe – the Atholl Highlanders.

(Guided Tour & Cream Tea Included).

Wednesday Heading in to the Grampian Mountains, over Britain’s highest main road, the Spittal of Glenshee, we reach Royal Deeside. Free time in Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Gatherings before we drive up the Valley of the Dee passing Balmoral Castle, The Royal church of Crathie and the town of Ballater, where, it would appear, that every shop is by “Royal Appointment”.

Thursday We make the short journey to Scone Palace, the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings. This is a 5-star Visitor Attraction and is a great place to visit.

With its exciting and colourful history Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s most important stately homes. It has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. We also have time to explore the gardens & grounds.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey homeward, arriving back during the evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld

Gisborough Hall Hotel, Nr Guisborough This stunning 4-star hotel dates back to the 19th Popular Favourite Century and was formerly a baronial home.

Today, this elegant hotel provides a pleasing combination of original features and modern facilities.

Restaurant, bar, lounge, garden terrace, sauna & massage facilities. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality: Fairly flat. Hotel: There are a few steps within the hotel, but the lift serves all floors.

Nestled into the beautiful Perthshire landscape, Dunkeld House Hotel boasts an unrivalled experience of Scottish country living. This four-star luxury country house hotel sits on 280 acres of well-maintained and natural woodland and overlooks the wide and fast-flowing River Tay, renowned for its famous salmon fishing. Restaurant, bar/lounge, Indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Fairly flat. Good access throughout with a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 2 – Fri 7 Jun 2019 (6 Days)

£729

8.00am

7.00pm

Mon 10 – Fri 14 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£675

7.00am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £29

Supplements Double for Sole Use: £140 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

YORKSHIRE CLASS

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luXurY traVeller

Ring of Kerry

LUXURY KILLARNEY & THE RING OF KERRY INCLUDING A 2 NIGHT DUBLIN STAY Travel in comfort from coast to coast and experience varied treasures, from stunning countrysides and coastlines to picturesque towns and World heritage landmarks. Experience the rich cultural traditions of the vibrant city of Dublin before travelling across the country to Killarney and the Ring of Kerry – a land of constantly changing colours, magnificent landscapes, rugged mountains, imposing valleys, lush green fields, deep blue lakes and long sandy beaches.

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Friday To Holyhead for our crossing to Dublin, then on to the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan (4-Star) for our 2-night stay.

Saturday After breakfast we travel into central Dublin where we meet our city guide for a morning tour of Ireland’s great capital. The afternoon is free for individual sightseeing.

Sunday Departing our hotel we visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, home to some of Ireland’s most revered thoroughbreds and the adjacent Japanese Gardens. Later we continue via Adare, Ireland’s ‘prettiest village’, with its delightful thatched cottages before arriving in Killarney for our 4-night stay.

Monday Discover the secrets of the Ring of Kerry, as our guided tour takes us via Killorglin; famed for its annual Puck Fair, to Glenbeigh, with its Bog Village. We continue around the Iveragh Peninsula, ascending Peakeen Mountain, around Moll’s Gap and Ladies View before finally descending back into Killarney, along the glittering shores of Lough Leane.

Tuesday A day at leisure. Why not enjoy a scenic lake cruise or a jaunting cart ride? Or you may wish to visit Muckross House. The day is all yours!

Door to Door service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Irish Ferry crossings 7 nights half board A visit to the Irish National Stud & the Japanese Gardens Guided tours of Dublin, the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and the Dingle Peninsula A visit to the Queenstown Story

Wednesday Join us for a guided tour of the stunning Dingle Peninsula. Travelling through ‘Ryan’s Daughter Country’, we’ll see the wild and beautiful natural scenery as we make our way to the fishing village of Dingle.

Thursday Departing Killarney, we travel to Cobh, where we visit the Queenstown Story. Here, we can retrace the steps of the 2 ½ million Irish people who emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great ocean liners. In fact Cobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. Later, we drive to Waterford for our overnight accommodation at Not included: the 3-star Dooley’s Hotel.

All lunches Friday Breakfast today is included on board our return Irish Ferries sailing back to Pembroke where upon arrival we continue homeward.

Even though passports are not needed to travel to Ireland, ferry companies request passengers to carry some form of PHOTO ID, which may be required for inspection.

Your Holiday Hotel Killarney Plaza Hotel, Killarney

© www.irelandscontentpool.com

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included

Irish National Stud

Popular

This stylish hotel is in the centre Favourite of Killarney, adjacent to the National Park, and offers excellent facilities including restaurant, piano bar, leisure facilities include an indoor pool, sauna & spa bath. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Flat. Hotel: Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 11 – Fri 18 Oct 2019 (8 Days)

£945

7.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £187 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50

© Flickr - Tim Green

© VisitEngland – North Devon

Hartland Abbey

FALMOUTH

RELAXED NORTH DEVON

& THE CORNISH RIVIERA

AT THE PARK HOTEL, BARNSTAPLE

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Guided Tour of Truro Cathedral Entrance to the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

Day 1 We drive to the West Country, making a convenient included lunch stop en-route.

Day 2 We visit Truro, Cornwall’s only city, which once thrived as a river port. The prosperity of the late 18th and early 19th century can still be seen today in the elegant town houses that lines the Not included: city’s streets. We include a guided tour of the 3 lunches impressive neo-gothic cathedral. Discover the regenerated Lemon Quay area – a continentalstyle cobbled square lined with café terraces before continuing to the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey.

Day 3 A free day in Falmouth, perhaps to explore the bustling harbour.

Day 4 A scenic drive west to Penzance travelling via Marazion with views of St Michael’s Mount. Our drive takes us though a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. We stop to visit Porthcurno and the awardwinning Telegraph Museum – a showcase of Victorian ‘internet’ and an important hub for World War II secret communication.

Day 5 We travel home with a convenient included lunch stop en-route.

Your Holiday Hotel The Falmouth Hotel, Falmouth Affectionately known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of Falmouth’. Dating from 1865 with its impressive Victorian architecture and spacious interiors the hotel commands a wonderful prime seafront location and excellent sea views. Restaurant, bars, lounge, health centre with sauna, solarium & jacuzzi. Mobility Grade: 4 – Resort: Generally, level although access to the town area is quite hilly. Hotel: level with a lift to most floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 24 – Tue 28 May 2019 (5 Days) Thu 26 – Mon 30 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£662 £675

9.00am 9.00am

5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Compact Single Room: £100 • Standard Single for Sole Use: £140 Sea View: £40 • Sea View Executive: £80 Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Sep)

North Devon is a delightful mixture of dramatic coastline and magnificent moorland scenery, sprinkled with unspoilt resorts, bustling market towns and quaintly named villages. Barnstaple is said to be the oldest borough in the kingdom and was founded at the lowest crossing point of the River Taw. Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Guided tour of Hartland Abbey & Gardens with cream tea Entrance to RHS Rosemoor

Monday Leaving the Midlands behind us we head for the West Country making a stop for our included lunch en-route before arriving in Barnstaple during the afternoon.

Tuesday It’s market day in bustling Barnstaple and the morning is free to explore this ancient Not included: borough. In the afternoon, we enjoy a gentle ride 3 lunches out to Appledore.

Wednesday Today we visit Hartland Abbey & Gardens for a guided tour of this cherished family home, full of treasures and memorabilia collected over many generations. We include a sumptuous cream tea and during our visit there will be free time to wander the beautiful gardens and grounds which lead to a rocky cove.

Thursday A morning visit to RHS Rosemoor, where you can stroll around the enchanting and meticulously crafted 65-acre garden. Free time for lunch before returning to our hotel in the afternoon.

Friday We return home to the Midlands, with a convenient stop for our included lunch stop en-route, arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Park Hotel, Barnstaple The Park Hotel is set in a quiet corner of the bustling market town of Barnstaple, a level 15-minute stroll into the shops, bars & restaurants of the town centre. The elegant, comfortable bedrooms offer every modern facility with special attention to detail. Spacious restaurant, bar & lounge, sun terrace overlooking Rock Park.

Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality is generally flat. Most rooms are on the 1st floor, with a limited number of ground floor rooms available in the Garden Court Annexe, 100m from main entrance. Lift access to most floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 26 – Fri 30 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£609

10.30am

4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £140 • Park View: £20 Holiday Insurance: £28 Discounts available for RHS Members

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

The historic fishing town of Falmouth boasts an enchanting combination of picturesque narrow streets, a fascinating harbour, numerous sheltered coves and superb sandy beaches. Our itinerary takes in some of the highlights of the Cornish Riviera.

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Falmouth

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Paignton

© Flickr – hectorlo

Torquay

TORQUAY & THE ENGLISH RIVIERA Torquay is called the ‘English Riviera’ because of its mild climate and exotic plants. Enjoy its parks, bustling harbour, illuminated promenade and popular theatres. This tour allows you to discover the glorious South Devon region but at a relaxed leisurely pace and includes a vintage steam train ride and a delicious Devon cream tea!

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

26

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Two lunches Cream tea ‘Agatha Christie’ guided tour of Torquay Buckfast Abbey & a return train ride on the South Devon Railway

Day 1 We travel to the West Country, making an included lunch stop en-route and arrive at our hotel during the early afternoon.

Day 2 Today, we explore key sites around Torbay, where Agatha Christie grew up and lived. A guided tour by coach and foot where we examine the places and events that helped determine the personality and character of the young novelist.

Not included: Firstly, an hour’s coach tour to capture the more far 4 lunches flung sites of Torquay, followed by a gentle guided walk around the harbour area exploring how it has developed over the past 200 years. Enjoy a delicious Devon cream tea upon our return.

Day 3 Relax as we take a leisurely drive to Paignton, with its extensive sandy beaches and popular pier. Later, we continue to the old fishing port of Brixham. Enjoy a stroll around the harbourside and admire the replica of the Golden Hind.

Day 4 A day at leisure in Torquay Day 5 We visit beautiful Buckfast Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine monks. There is time to explore and enjoy this inspirational place before we continue to nearby Buckfastleigh. We board a steam hauled train for a return journey on the South Devon Steam Railway which hugs the beautiful River Dart on its journey to Totnes.

Day 6 Departing our hotel after breakfast we return homeward making an included lunch stop en-route arriving home in the late afternoon.

PAIGNTON & GLORIOUS SOUTH DEVON Set between two rugged headlands with miles of golden beach, Paignton nestles snugly between its two neighbours – Torquay and Brixham. Its colourful image is enhanced by a marine gardens promenade, pier and harbour which are brought to life at nightfall by seafront illuminations.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Entrance & Guided Tour of Powderham Castle

Holiday Itinerary

Monday A leisurely journey to the West Country with an included lunch stop en-route.

Tuesday A morning drive to the old fishing port of Brixham. Enjoy a stroll around the harbourside Not included: 3 lunches and admire the replica of the Golden Hind.

Afternoon at leisure in Paignton.

Wednesday Travelling via Newton Abbot we reach Buckfastleigh with its great abbey. Next, we explore the vast open expanse of Dartmoor with its isolated villages, dense woodlands and soaring summits, visiting the picturesque little village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

Thursday Today we drive to Dawlish, a popular seaside resort flanked by red cliffs, with famous lawned gardens. We continue via the Exe estuary to Powderham Castle. Nearly 600 years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest family homes and our guided tour reveals secret doors, stunning castle rooms, amazing architecture including the restored Victorian Kitchen, where we can visualize what life would have been like in domestic service.

Friday We depart our resort and head towards our included lunch stop before returning to the Midlands late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

The Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton

The Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torquay Located in an enviable position, the hotel Popular Favourite operates with a smooth efficiency and is located directly on the water’s edge just a short bus ride from the town centre. Restaurant, lounge area overlooking the sea, sun terrace & bar.

Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: Level sea front and promenade. Hotel: Some rooms are accessed by lift and several steps. Ramp alternative to front entrance. A few steps in public areas.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Tue 2 – Sun 7 Jul 2019 (6 Days) Mon 23 – Sat 28 Sep 2019 (6 Days)

£689 £689

10.30am 10.30am

5.30pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £50 • Holiday Insurance: £29

Superbly positioned overlooking two sandy Popular Favourite beaches the Redcliffe lies within 3 acres of grounds with spectacular views across Torbay.

Converted in 1904 from a private residence, many of its original features still abound, creating an atmosphere of luxury and elegance. Restaurant, 2 lounges with views of the bay, spa bath, gym, sauna, solarium, hairdresser and putting area. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality: Flat. Hotel: 8 steps to entrance. Isolated steps elsewhere.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 13 – Fri 17 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£539 £545

10.30am 10.30am

4.00pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £120 • Sea View: £64 Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Sep)

© Flickr – Alison Day

South Devon Steam Railway

SIDMOUTH

relaXed traVeller

Sidmouth

& SOUTH DEVON

SIDMOUTH TIMELESS CHARM & ELEGANCE

Holiday Itinerary Sidmouth approaches perfection as it has everything you could possibly want – beaches, stunning coastal walks, gardens, a theatre and cinema, stylish eating places, and some of the best shops in East Devon.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Lunches on days 1 & 5 Guided tour of Fursdon with a cream tea A Visit to the Donkey Sanctuary

Day 1 A leisurely journey to Sidmouth with an included lunch en-route. Arriving in the afternoon we have time to settle in and relax before dinner.

Day 2 This morning we visit Exeter, which is famous for its magnificent cathedral. In the afternoon, we travel to Fursdon, one of Devon’s hidden gems, for a private guided tour and a Not included: cream tea. Fursdon is an elegant house with 3 lunches pleasant gardens; it is also home to one of Devon’s oldest families.

Day 3 A morning visit to the Donkey Sanctuary at Slade House Farm, returning to Sidmouth for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 Free time to enjoy the hotel’s delightful location and Sidmouth’s charm.

Perhaps stroll along the promenade or investigate the interesting shops.

Day 5 We commence our homeward journey. En-route we stop for an included lunch arriving home during the late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotels The Kingswood & Devoran Hotel, Sidmouth (March Tour) The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, Sidmouth (October Tour)

Popular Favourite

Two of our clients’ favourites hotels. Both enjoy superb seafront locations on the Esplanade with excellent sea views. The Kingswood has two sea view lounges and attractive dining room and the Royal York & Faulkner has a restaurant, two bars, three comfortable lounges, hydrotherapy pool (extra charge). Mobility Grade: 5 (Both Hotels) – Resort: Generally, level. Hotel: On the level with a few steps to some public rooms and a lift to all floors. Steps to some rooms in the Kingswood Hotel.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 15 – Tue 19 Mar 2019 (5 Days) Sun 13 – Thu 17 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£509 £575

10.30am 10.30am

4.00pm 4.30pm

Supplements March Tour – Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £48 Sea View: £32 • October Tour – Single Room Nil Holiday Insurance: £26 (Mar) £28 (Oct)

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 7 nights half board Two lunches Buckfast Abbey & the South Devon Railway Honiton Lace Museum and The House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass

Friday A leisurely journey to Sidmouth, stopping for an included lunch en-route.

Saturday Free to relax and settle in. Perhaps take a gentle stroll, explore this lovely resort and savour the delightful coastal views.

Sunday We drive to Buckfast Abbey, a haven of peace, where we have time for lunch and a look around the gardens and the shop. From here we Not included: make the short journey to Buckfastleigh where we 6 lunches join the South Devon Railway, following the beautiful Dart Valley, for a return trip to Totnes.

Monday A day at leisure in Sidmouth Tuesday Today we venture to the Honiton Lace Museum where we have a short introductory talk followed by time to browse the museum at leisure.

Free time for lunch before moving on to Bovey Tracey, where set on the edge of Dartmoor, located in the old Bovey Potteries site we discover the House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass. The Marble Museum has a variety of exhibitions including an antique marble making machine and a collection of toys & games dating back to 3rd century BC. Also watch the glass blowers at work as they produce huge Victorian replica marbles.

Wednesday We enjoy a wonderful scenic drive around Lyme Bay, with lovely views on the way. Our destination is the charming seaside town of Weymouth. The resort has a beautiful beach, and on the historic old harbour side you’ll find pavement bistros, tea rooms and galleries.

Thursday A day for rest and relaxation; perhaps browse some of the interesting shops.

Friday We return home to the Midlands, making a stop en-route for our included lunch.

Your Holiday Hotel The Kingswood & Devoran Hotel, Sidmouth

Popular

Favourite One of our clients’ favourites and for over 50 years under the direct and careful management of its owners, the Seward family.

The hotel enjoys a superb seafront location on the Esplanade with excellent sea views. Restaurant, two sea view lounges. Mobility Grade: 5 – Resort: On the level. Hotel: On the level.

Few steps. Lift to most floors. Steps to some bedrooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 26 Apr – Fri 3 May 2019 (8 Days) Fri 26 Jul – Fri 2 Aug 2019 (8 Days) Fri 27 Sep – Fri 4 Oct 2019 (8 Days)

£859 £909 £869

10.00am 10.30am 10.30am

5.30pm 5.00pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £84 • Sea View: £56 Holiday Insurance: £30 (Apr) £31.50 (Aug/Sep)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Sidmouth is a charming and elegant resort and remains our most popular destination – the timeless charm and unhurried way of life offers a perfect recipe for relaxation.

This family owned hotel has been delighting our customers for over thirty years.

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Bournemouth

SHANKLIN & THE ISLE OF WIGHT The popularity of this wonderful, unspoilt isle owes much to its southerly position and mild and sunny climate. Our relaxing itinerary includes many of the highlights of this lovely island.

BOURNEMOUTH LYMINGTON, LYNDHURST, NEW FOREST & THE BEAULIEU ESTATE Bournemouth has long been recognised as one of Britain’s most fashionable resorts, offering the visitor a wide variety of attractions. The town is one of the leading shopping centres in the south, with arcades, markets and boutiques, whilst the wooded Chines which slope down to the sea are only a small part of Bournemouth’s beautiful parks and gardens.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Outlined excursions Entrance to the Beaulieu Estate

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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The Needles

Sunday We travel south, making an included lunch stop en-route and arrive at our hotel during the early afternoon.

Not included: 3 lunches Monday A day at leisure to relax and enjoy Bournemouth.

Tuesday Today we travel via Christchurch to the bustling Georgian town of Lymington with its two marinas. Explore the town’s narrow streets lined with pretty cottages and houses and cobbled streets which lead down to the Old Town Quay. Later we continue into the New Forest travelling via Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst, the “capital of the forest”. Lyndhurst is the largest village in the New Forest and became its natural capital when William the Conqueror established his hunting grounds here and for centuries it was the haunt of royalty and nobility who visited Lyndhurst’s Manor House.

Wednesday We travel eastwards and visit the Beaulieu Estate with an inclusive ticket providing admission to The National Motor Museum, Palace House, Gardens & Grounds & Beaulieu Abbey.

Thursday We depart our hotel, making a convenient stop en-route for our included lunch, arriving home during the late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Hotel Miramar, Bournemouth

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry to the Isle of Wight 4 or 7 nights half board Lunches on first & last days Osborne House (EH)/Whippingham Church Ventnor Botanic Gardens (8 Day Tours only) Isle of Wight Steam Railway /Calbourne Water Mill (8 Day Tours only)

Day 1 The outward journey includes a stop for an included lunch before sailing to the Isle of Wight, arriving at our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2 A Full day Island tour! Don’t forget your cameras as the coach travels to some of the Isle’s most iconic places including Alum Bay & The Needles.

Day 3 Today is free to enjoy your surroundings and explore the lovely resort.

Day 4 A morning excursion to Ventnor Botanical Gardens with its exotic plant collection. Later, we visit pretty Godshill with its thatched cottages and many gift shops and tea rooms.

Day 5 Today we include a train ride on the Isle of Not included: Wight Steam Railway. Hauled by a vintage steam All other lunches locomotive we enjoy a special journey back in time enjoying a unique view of some of the Island’s unspoilt countryside.

In the afternoon, we continue to Calbourne Watermill, containing one of the oldest working watermills in England, dating back to the Doomsday Book.

Day 6 Today we have included a visit to Osborne House (EH). “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot” said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight. Visit Victoria and Albert’s private apartments, their bathing beach and children’s play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces where the stunning views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. We also visit nearby Whippingham Church, where Victoria and Albert were once regular members of the congregation.

Day 7 At day at leisure in Shanklin.

Day 8 Homeward bound today, we catch our ferry back to the mainland and onwards to the Midlands with an included lunch en-route.

5 day Holiday Itinerary Day 1 Travel to the Isle of Wight. Day 2 Island Tour. Day 3 At leisure in Shanklin. Day 4 Osborne House(EH)/Whippingham Church. Day 5 We travel homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel The Brunswick Hotel, Shanklin

Popular

Favourite Superbly situated overlooking Bournemouth Bay and offering very high standards of food, décor and service.

Restaurant & bar/lounge, terrace lounge, patio, executive lounge. Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: Level cliff top walks, gradients to shopping centre and pier. Hotel: Level location. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 24 – Thu 28 Mar 2019 (5 Days) Sun 15 – Thu 19 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£562 £629

10.30am 10.00am

5.00pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £120 • Sea View: £100 Holiday Insurance: £26 (Mar) £28 (Sep)

8 day Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included

An outstanding family-run hotel in Popular Favourite a superb quiet location, directly overlooking the sea. Close to the shops and cliff lift. Restaurant, lounge/bar, lounge and sauna. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality: Fairly level. Hotel: A few stairs in public areas.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sat 8 – Sat 15 Jun 2019 (8 Days) Sat 21 – Sat 28 Sep 2019 (8 Days) Mon 7 – Fri 11 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£910 £895 £565

10.00am 10.00am 10.00am

6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28 (5 Day) £31.50 (8 Day) Reductions Available for (EH) English Heritage Members

© Flickr – Martin Robson

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Eastbourne

EASTBOURNE & ROMANTIC SUSSEX Eastbourne is one of England’s most elegant seaside resorts with a wide promenade extending along the broad shingle beach. A relaxed holiday atmosphere pervades the Grand Parade, with its famous old pier dating from 1870 and the remarkable bandstand of 1935. Beyond the town the cliff top rises to the foothills of the South Downs, while the lower promenade leads to gardens with fine views across the bay to Hastings.

Day 1 We travel to the Sussex Coast, making a stop for our included lunch en-route, arriving in our resort during the afternoon.

Day 2 We cross the South Downs to enjoy the views at Beachy Head, reaching Birling Gap. Return via the scenic Seven Sisters to Alfriston, one of the oldest and prettiest villages in Sussex.

Day 3 A day at leisure in Eastbourne.

Day 4 The magnificent, informal landscape gardens at Sheffield Park (NT) were laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown and further developed in the early years of the 20th century with four lakes forming its centrepiece.

This afternoon we journey back in time aboard a steam train for a ride through the picturesque Sussex countryside aboard the Bluebell Railway.

Day 5 A day at leisure in Eastbourne, where you might be fortunate enough to catch a concert at the Grand Parade Bandstand. Stroll along Eastbourne Pier to enjoy a cup of tea in the Victorian tearooms or visit the Wish Tower, from where you can visit the Lifeboat Museum, Heritage Centre and Winter Gardens.

Day 6 This morning we visit the Carr-Taylor Vineyard at Westfield before continuing to historical Rye – With its enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved houses.

Day 7 In the morning we travel to Burwash where we visit Bateman’s (NT), a beautiful Jacobean house, which was Rudyard Kipling’s family home for over 30 years. The rooms are much as Kipling left them, reflecting his exotic tastes.

Day 8 We return homeward, making a stop for our included lunch en-route, arriving during the late afternoon.

our 7 day Holiday tours Include all of the above but excludes the Day Excursion to Bateman’s as we return home on Day 7.

our 5 day Holiday tours

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4, 6 or 7 nights half board Lunches on first & last days Entertainment on three evenings Outlined included excursions Not included: 3 lunches (5 Day Tours), 5 lunches (7 Day Tours), 6 lunches (8 Day Tour)

Include excursions to Beachy Head/Alfriston on Day 2 and Carr Taylor Vineyards & Rye on Day 3.

Your Holiday Hotel New Wilmington Hotel, Eastbourne This friendly family run hotel is located very Popular Favourite close to the sea, bandstand, Wish Tower, Winter Gardens and Devonshire Park. The pier and shopping centre are only a few minutes away.

Restaurant, lounge, bar and spacious dining room.

Mobility Grade: 4 – The resort and hotel are on the level. Hotel has isolated steps and a lift serving most floors.

Rye

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 18 – Mon 22 Apr 2019 (EASTER) (5 Days) Mon 3 – Sun 9 Jun 2019 (7 Days) Sat 20 – Sat 27 Jul 2019 (8 Days) Sat 31 Aug – Fri 6 Sep 2019 (7 Days) Thu 24 – Mon 28 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£469 £678 £799 £689 £468

10.30am 10.00am 10.00am 10.00am 9.30am

4.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 6.30pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £32 (5 Day) £50 (Jun 7 Day) £59 (Aug 7 Day) £58 (Jul 8 Day) Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr 5 Day) £28 (Oct 5 Day) £30.50 (Jun/Sep 7 Day) £31.50 (Jul 8 Day) Reductions available for (NT) National Trust Members

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

our 8 day Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included

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tour

RELAXING LIVERPOOL NESS GARDENS & RUFFORD OLD HALL

Holiday Itinerary

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Liverpool has world-class tourist attractions, with more museums and galleries anywhere outside of London.

The city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known worldwide as the birthplace of The Beatles.

WORTHING & THE SOUTH DOWNS Enjoy the seaside on the southern coast of England overlooked by the South Downs, England’s newest National Park. Our base is the resort of Worthing – boasting five miles of level seafront with a splendid art deco pier, palm tree-lined promenade and glorious parks and gardens to explore at your leisure.

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Rufford Old Hall

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Outlined excursions Entrance to Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre Guided tour of Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens

Thursday We travel south, making an included lunch stop en-route and arrive at our hotel during the early afternoon.

Friday After a leisurely breakfast we start our morning with a journey to Arundel, a beautiful small town dominated by its Castle. We give you time to wander its streets before we continue to Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre which Not included: resides in the heart of the South Downs National 3 lunches Park. Established in 1979 it seeks to reflect the industrial and transport heritage of the area with over 40 exhibits such as listed buildings, village shop & garage and a narrow gauge railway. After a day of remembering the past we return to our hotel in Worthing.

Saturday Today is a free morning to explore Worthing. Then in the afternoon join us for a short drive along the coast to Brighton with its traditional seafront and trendy precincts.

Sunday This morning we travel through the Sussex countryside to the city of Chichester with its magnificent 900 year old Norman Cathedral and ancient city walls. In the afternoon we continue to Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens which houses the largest collection of Roman mosaic floors in Britain. We include a Guided Tour where we see the Palace reconstructed to its former glory in an introductory film and follow in the footsteps of our Roman ancestors as you wander around Britain’s first garden, the lavish centrepiece of the Palace.

Monday We depart our hotel, making a convenient stop en-route for our included lunch, arriving home during the late afternoon.

Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Ness Botanic Gardens Liverpool Guided ‘Magical Mystery’ Tour Rufford Old Hall (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We visit the Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral in Cheshire. Created by a rich cotton merchant in the late 1800’s, it is now a great botanic garden with lots to see all year round.

A light lunch is included before we continue to our hotel and our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Joined by our professional local guide, we embark on our ‘Magical Mystery Tour’.

A camera is a must as we visit many of the Not included: landmarks made famous by the ‘Fab Four’.

3 lunches Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, their homes, schools and birthplaces and many other significant spots. Experience for free the Maritime Museum, with its enthralling Titanic & Slavery Exhibitions.

Fabulous stories of history, industry and music in one of the cultural capitals of the world.

Wednesday A day at leisure to explore the popular Royal Albert Dock area.

Thursday After breakfast we travel to Rufford Old Hall (NT) near Ormskirk.

With over 500 years of history this Tudor Great Hall hosted theatrical productions in Shakespeare’s time. It also has a Victorian style garden.

From here, we continue to Southport for some free time.

Friday We commence our journey home which includes a stop for an included lunch.

Your Holiday Hotel The Shankly Hotel, Liverpool Sitting in the very heart of Liverpool, the hotel is imbued with memorabilia of the legendary Bill Shankly. The rooms boast lavishly decorated interiors and come with en-suite bathrooms featuring whirlpool hot tubs. Restaurant & bar facilities and a roof-top infinity pool with tree-lined rooftop garden with 360-degree panoramic views across the City from a magnificent glass box, which allows guests to enjoy the views in all climates. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality & hotel is generally level with very few steps. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£529

10.00am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Reductions available for (NT) National Trust Members

Your Holiday Hotel The Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing One of the finest hotels the South Coast has to offer. The Chatsworth is located off the promenade overlooking Steyne Gardens, within the town centre. A Grade II listed building that is steeped in history with a gorgeous Georgian frontage that offers 97 guest rooms with all todays modern amenities. Restaurant, bar/lounge, terrace lounge & patio. Mobility Grade: 4 – Steps or Ramp entrance with level access throughout. Rooms are over 3 floors which are accessible via 2 lifts. 13 Rooms with walk-in shower with step into the shower cubicle. No ground floor rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 13 – Mon 17 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Thu 12 – Mon 16 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£639 £639

10.00am 9.30am

5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £40 • Holiday Insurance: £28

look What’s Included

ADDITIONAL TOUR TO THE SHANKLY HOTEL LIVERPOOL, PORT SUNLIGHT & SOUTHPORT 5 Days – Mon 1 – Fri 5 April 2019

Prices From: £495 Included Excursions: 䡲 Guided Tour of Port Sunlight 䡲 Magical Mystery Tour of Liverpool 䡲 Southport & Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

(This is not a ‘Relaxed Traveller tour’ – For further details please see Page 56 of our 2018/19 Autumn/Winter/Spring brochure)

© VisitEngland – Mark McNulty

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Worthing

neW

Harrogate

WORDSWORTH’S LAKE DISTRICT

HARROGATE

& THE SKIDDAW HOTEL

THE DALES & HISTORIC YORK look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Entrance to Wordsworth House & Garden at Cockermouth (NT) Entrance to the World of Beatrix Potter & Lake Windermere Cruise from Bowness to Ambleside

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Relax on board as we journey north to our included lunch stop before arriving in Keswick for our 4-night stay.

Day 2 This morning we step back to the 1770’s and visit the National Trust’s Wordsworth House and Garden (NT) in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth. It is preserved as it would have been when he and his sister lived here with their Not included: parents in the 18th century. Listen to poetry in the 3 lunches summerhouse, visit the Scot’s Dumpy chickens and explore the heritage vegetable and flower gardens. Later, we continue north to the old port town of Silloth, nestling on the shores of the Solway Firth.

Day 3 Today we visit Bowness, commencing with a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter™ attraction, where 3D scenes from Beatrix Potter’s stories combine with atmospheric lighting and real sounds and smells, taking visitors right to the pages of her beautiful stories. Later, we take to the water and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Windermere to Ambleside.

Day 4 A free day to relax and explore Keswick or join us on a half day excursion to Ullswater.

Day 5 We return home after breakfast with an included lunch en-route.

Your Holiday Hotel The Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick This popular hotel enjoys an excellent Popular Favourite location in the market square of the lovely town of Keswick. Cocktail bar and conservatory, stylish restaurant and pleasant lounge. Mobility Grade: 4 – Town: Generally level.

Hotel: Level location. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 23 – Thu 27 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Sun 14 – Thu 18 Jul 2019 (5 Days) Mon 26 – Fri 30 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£615 £615 £599

8.30am 8.30am 8.30am

6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm

Harrogate evolved as one of the country’s premier spa towns following the discovery of medicinal waters, and the grandeur of yesteryear still remains amid the beautifully preserved buildings, and famous parks and gardens. With its close proximity to the magnificent city of York and the beautiful rolling Yorkshire countryside; this tour has all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Entrance to Castle Howard Guided Open-Top Bus tour of York

Sunday A scenic drive north through the rolling hills and moorlands of the Peak District. We stop for our included lunch en-route before continuing Not included: to our hotel in Harrogate for 4-nights.

3 lunches Monday This morning we make our way to Castle Howard, the elegant setting of Brideshead Revisited, set amid 1,000 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland where you have plenty of time to explore the vast grounds and grand Baroque mansion. We return over the Hambleton Hills and Sutton Bank as the vista of Swaledale unfolds ahead of us.

Tuesday At leisure in Harrogate – With its handsome historic buildings and verdant gardens, Harrogate is one of Yorkshire’s most elegant destinations.

Why not indulge in an antiques hunt in the morning, lunch at the famous Betty’s tearoom and then in the afternoon visit the luxurious Turkish baths or enjoy a stroll through the floral Valley Gardens… The day is yours to enjoy!

Wednesday A full day excursion to the historic city of York. Upon arrival, we include a 60-minute Open-Top Bus Tour, so relax whilst your guide shows you all the amazing sights around York’s historic centre. In the afternoon free time for sightseeing and shopping, but there is so much to see you will have to be selective. The majestic Minster, the old Roman walls, the Shambles, the Jorvik Centre and the National Railway Museum are all worth considering.

Thursday We return home after breakfast with an included lunch en-route, arriving home during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotel The Doubletree by Hilton. Harrogate Formerly known as the ‘Majestic’, our hotel is located in the centre of Harrogate. Set in 8 acres of beautiful grounds. Restaurant, lounge/bar.

Leisure facilities include a health club, indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality & hotel is generally level with very few steps. There is a slight incline when walking into the town centre. This hotel has a lift to all floors. All rooms are classified as ‘King Deluxe Rooms’.

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28 Reductions available for (NT) National Trust Members

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 9 – Thu 13 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Sun 8 – Thu 12 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£599 £639

10.30am 9.30am

6.00pm 6.00pm

Please see Page 41 for our ‘Single Traveller’ tours to the Skiddaw Hotel on the 31st March & 6th October.

Supplements King Deluxe Doubles for Sole Use: £120 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth as we explore the beautiful Lake District. Wordsworth was inspired by the beauty and grandeur of this National Park and you can witness the same spectacular sights on our tour of Cumbria which includes a cruise on Lake Windermere and a visit to Wordsworth’s House & Garden in Cockermouth.

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Lake Windermere

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GREAT GARDENS OF NORTHUMBRIA

SPLENDOURS OF SNOWDONIA

BELSAY HALL, ALNWICK CASTLE &

& THE ISLE OF ANGLESEY

CRAGSIDE HOUSE Northumberland has so much to offer.

Castles, gardens, museums and the great outdoors all clamour for your time.

No wonder so many people return time after time – one visit is just never enough!

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

32

Isle of Anglesey

© www.geograph.org.uk – Michael Graham

Alnwick Gardens

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance & Guided Tour of Belsay Hall Castle & Gardens (EH) Alnwick Castle & Gardens Entrance to Cragside Estate (NT)

Monday Travelling to the north-east we pause for our included lunch en-route, arriving at our hotel during the afternoon.

Tuesday A morning excursion to the magnificent gardens at Belsay Hall (EH), a magical 17th century mansion where we enjoy a guided tour.

The Grade I listed heritage garden has been lovingly restored with an impressive array of shrubs and flowers which change with the Not included: seasons.

3 lunches Wednesday We visit Alnwick Castle & Gardens – This majestic and imposing medieval castle offers impressive architecture, fine art treasures and a beautiful setting. It has been a popular film location, for everything from Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder.

The garden has a Grand Cascade of amazing water displays, a rose garden with pergola-covered paths and a fine show of shrubs.

Thursday Today we visit Cragside House and Gardens (NT). The estate was created by Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and landscape genius.

It was the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity, and is still full of working ingenious gadgets. Cragside is home to one of the largest rock gardens in Europe that lead down to the Iron Bridge which in turn leads to the formal gardens.

Friday We commence our journey home which includes a stop for an included lunch, arriving back in the Midlands during the late afternoon.

Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park and Menai Straight on our tour of this delightful region. With time to explore the resort of Beaumaris or simply relax at our comfortable hotel, this itinerary has an unhurried pace.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Two lunches Admission to Portmeirion Puffin Island Cruise (Subject to weather conditions) The Llanberis Lake Railway

Monday We head for North Wales, with an included stop for lunch en-route, arriving at our hotel in the afternoon.

Tuesday We travel via Caernarfon, famous for its impressive castle, built by Edward I and scene of the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969.

We continue to Portmeirion. Designed and built

by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and Not included: 1975, Portmeirion recreates an Italian village, with 3 lunches a truly Mediterranean feel and was the backdrop for the 1960’s TV series ‘The Prisoner’.

Wednesday A free morning to relax and enjoy our hotel’s location. Perhaps visit the superb castle which is a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture, or the gaol which will give you a fascinating insight into the world of the prisoner in Victorian times. This afternoon, we take a Puffin Island Cruise which has spectacular views of Snowdonia. See the Seal colony and up to 12 distinct species of sea birds in their natural habitat.

Thursday Today we visit the delightful village of Llanberis, situated at the foot of Mt Snowdon. Here, we include a ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway enjoying a leisurely journey along the northerly shore of Llyn Padarn.

Friday Our return journey takes us through more glorious Snowdonian scenery and following a stop for our included lunch en-route we arrive home during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel Millennium Copthorne, Newcastle The Millennium Copthorne Hotel stands in one of the finest locations in Newcastle, on the banks of the River Tyne, just a short stroll from the city centre.

Bedrooms are all river facing. Restaurant & bar facilities. Mobility Grade: 4 – The hotel is on the level with a few isolated steps. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£559

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Discounts available for (EH) English Heritage and (NT) National Trust Members

The Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris.

The most prestigious hotel in Anglesey, Popular Favourite offering style, elegance and a warm welcome. In a prime position on the shores of the Menai Strait, overlooking the Snowdonia mountain range. Restaurant, cosy bar and cocktail lounge. Mobility Grade: 5 – Resort: Level. Hotel: Level with a few steps. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 3 – Fri 7 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Mon 29 Jul – Fri 2 Aug 2019 (5 Days) Mon 30 Sep – Fri 4 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£629 £629 £625

10.00am 10.00am 10.00am

5.00pm 5.00pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £28

FULLY ESCORTED GARDENS TOUR Discover some of the most relaxing places in Cornwall…and some of the most exciting with our NEW Escorted neW Gardens Tour. tour

Gardens are often described as ‘oases of tranquillity’, but your journey becomes more of an experience when you travel with someone who has inside knowledge. Who can take you to places you wouldn’t otherwise see – and give you extra insight when you arrive. Your escorted journey mean enhanced experiences!

GREAT GARDENS OF CORNWALL Cornwall is world-renowned for its many great gardens. This tour gives you an opportunity to discover six of it’s very best with included visits to Trebah Gardens, Glendurgan Gardens (NT), The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Michaels Mount, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and magnificent Lanhydrock House (NT) as well as time to explore the historic old fishing port of Mevagissey.

Holiday Itinerary Sunday We travel south pausing at Knightshayes.

Knightshayes has one of the finest gardens in Devon, with formal terraces, unique topiary, rare shrubs, many fine specimen trees and glorious spring flowers. After a Garden visit and free time for lunch we continue to our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Monday Today we visit two gardens that are located next to each other but are, individually, very different.

New for 2019 we are pleased to team up with one of the most sort-after Speakers within the ‘Garden World’ – Glyn Jones, Head of Gardens of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and one of the UK’s top Garden Managers who will accompany the tour throughout. His knowledgeable, professional and humorous approach will be a huge bonus as we visit many of the region’s major garden attractions.

Glyn has been working in horticulture professionally for 40 years, having been through a traditional style apprenticeship scheme, then finishing his Horticultural education at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.

Trebah Gardens is a spectacular 26 acre Cornish ravine

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrances to Knightshayes (NT), Trebah Gardens, Glendurgan Gardens (NT), The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Michaels Mount, Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens and Lanhydrock including morning coffee Not included: All lunches

garden, rated among the 80 finest gardens in the world.

This sub-tropical paradise is home to a unique collection of rare and exotic plants, trees and shrubs. Next door, we visit Glendurgan (NT) with its wonderful collection of sub-tropical plants, pathways and a maze that dates back over 180 years.

Tuesday This morning we make our way to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Cornwall – The Lost Gardens of Heligan. A genuine secret garden, lost for decades.

Now, with an incredible 200 acres of gardens and estate to explore we enjoy a guided tour.

Relax in the afternoon in the quintessential Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey and discover its quaint streets lined with fisherman’s cottages, pubs, cafes, galleries and shops.

Wednesday Today we visit St Michael’s Mount, one of Britain’s most stunning coastal locations. This small island is cut off from the mainland, so depending upon the tides we’ll either access the island via the cobbled causeway walk or by one of the flotilla of small boats that sail from the mainland at high tide .The gardens cling to a near-vertical granite rock face above the sea. However, the warm Gulf Stream along with the heat-retentive granite walls and bedrock, enable a wide variety of tender and exotic plants to be grown. We continue to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, a beautiful landscaped garden in a sheltered valley

Throughout his career, Glyn has been Gardener in Charge at Tintinhull House in Somerset working alongside Penelope Hobhouse the Garden designer and writer. The next challenge was Peckover House in Cambridgeshire, working as Head Gardener and Property Manager. In 1999 Glyn took over the reins at Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire, one of the National Trusts flagship gardens. Glyn spent 17 years there, restoring missing features, improving the standards of Horticulture, and establishing environmental standards. He also initiated volunteering opportunities and establishing a garden apprenticeship scheme.

overlooking Mount’s Bay, interwoven with high quality contemporary art installations.

(NB: Both attractions today are not suitable for those with reduced mobility) Thursday Departing St Austell we visit Lanhydrock House, an impressive late Victorian home and gardens. We include morning coffee before commencing our return to the Midlands.

Your Holiday Hotel Carlyon Bay Hotel, St Austell, Cornwall The hotel is set in 300 acres of grounds Popular Favourite overlooking St Austell Bay and has truly inspiring views. Bay View Restaurant, bar and lounge, spa bath, sauna and solarium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality – fairly level. Hotel – minor steps to main entrance with ramp alternative. Lift to all floors.

Glyn joined the Shakespeare Birthplace trust as Head of Gardens in February 2016.

On all Garden Tours, we will spend time outdoors. Please bring sensible, waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Our Active Traveller Holiday itineraries often include walks over uneven ground which may prove challenging for those customers with reduced and limited mobility.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 14 – Thu 18 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£689

8.30am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £160 Sea View: £80 • Deluxe Sea View: £160 • Holiday Insurance: £26 Reductions Available for (NT) National Trust Members

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

© The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

ACTIVE TRAVELLER HOLIDAYS

St Michaels Mount

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Shakespeare’s New Place

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RHS Garden Wisley

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look What else Is Included

JOHNSONS & THE RHS WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP NEW for 2019 we are pleased to be working in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society – The world’s leading gardening charity. When you book on one of the 4 tours listed on Pages 34-35 you will automatically receive ONE YEARS GIFT MEMBERSHIP to the RHS. Your one Year Gift membership Includes 䡲 RHS Garden access for 1 member & 1 family guest 䡲 Partner Garden access for 1 member 䡲 Your gift will arrive in a deluxe pack, including six luxury postcards, two packets of seeds (EU only), vouchers for a free RHS tote bag and £5 to spend at RHS Gardens. Your gift will require activation.

You and your loved one can enjoy great days out at more than 200 gardens (including the four RHS Gardens).

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR

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An award-winning gem in the north of Devon encircled by woodlands with an exciting Hot Garden, contrasting cool streamside garden and a host of scented roses.

Holiday Itinerary Sunday We travel south, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon.

Monday Our first destination today is Rosemoor Gardens (RHS) where there is time to stroll around the enchanted garden and have lunch.

We head to the friendly town of Great Torrington in the afternoon.

Tuesday After breakfast we head to the small port town of Bideford on the estuary of River Torridge in time for the Pannier Market. Later we continue to the delightful quayside village of Appledore. Located where

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrances & Guided Tour of RHS Garden with Light Refreshments Outlined Excursions and any other admissions individually highlighted

Access to quieter Members’ Days at world-renowned RHS Flower Shows.

Not included: Immerse yourself in The Garden All lunches magazine each month – every issue is packed with advice and the RHS Life section is designed to help you make the most of your membership.

Develop your gardening skills with free advice from our team of horticultural experts, either face-to-face or via post, phone or email.

Walk with us, talk with us, grow with us the Taw & Torridge rivers meet we’ll be able to discover its quaint, narrow streets which boast a small, but impressive range of shops, pubs and art galleries.

Wednesday We spend time in the resort of Lynmouth; perhaps take the world-famous water powered funicular railway to the twin village of

Lynton, watch the activity in the harbour or visit the charming Lyn and Exmoor Museum.

Thursday We round off our holiday with a visit to the Quince Honey Farm (Entrance Included), with its renowned exhibition of Honey Bees, before returning home to the Midlands.

Your Holiday Hotel Saunton Sands Hotel, Nr Braunton This elegant, four-star art deco hotel has a spectacular setting overlooking Popular one of the finest beaches in Devon – an idyllic three-mile stretch of smooth Favourite golden sands. Restaurant, café, bar, lounges, snooker/billiards, leisure complex with sauna, solarium, gymnasium & beauty salon/manicure. All floors are served by a lift.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 16 – Thu 20 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£689

9.00am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £180 Sea View: £80 • Deluxe Sea View: £140 • Holiday Insurance: £28

© Flickr – Timelapsed

Model Gardens, Fruit Field and Arboretum. In the afternoon we visit the picturesque Thameside town of Kingston-upon-Thames.

Saturday We travel via Guildford to Polesden Lacey, near Dorking – a marvellous historic country house with glittering interiors including art work from the Dutch Masters and sparkling Faberge and much, much more (Entrance Included).

Sunday A scenic drive taking in

some of the lovely towns in the Thames Region including Maidenhead and Marlow, as we head to Henley-on-Thames.

In the afternoon we continue to Stanlake Park Vineyard and Winery, near Twyford for a tour and tasting session.

Monday After a leisurely breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

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RHS GARDEN WISLEY

Your Holiday Hotel The RHS flagship garden in the heart of Surrey, famed for its impressive Mixed Borders, rock and woodland gardens and a magnificent Glasshouse.

Hilton Hotel, Bracknell Located in the heart of Berkshire, the hotel is ideally located for this fantastic weekend break. Facilities include ‘Living Well’ Club with swimming pool, spa, sauna and gym. Bar/Lounge, Restaurant, Lift to all floors.

Holiday Itinerary Thursday We travel south, arriving at our hotel mid-afternoon.

Friday Our first destination today is RHS Garden Wisley – A place full of inspiration, Wisley offers ideas galore, with a Wild Garden, Glasshouse,

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 4 – Mon 8 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£579

10.00am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28

An oasis of peace with an eclectic mix of planting styles, famous Dry Garden and panoramic views across the rolling hills of Essex.

Holiday Itinerary Monday We travel to our hotel, arriving in the afternoon for tea/coffee & biscuits.

Tuesday We head to the popular seaside resort of Felixstowe before visiting beautiful Otley Hall, Ipswich. Still a family home, the 16th century moated Hall is set in 10 acres of magnificent gardens. (Entrance & Cream Tea included)

Wednesday Today, we visit RHS Garden Hyde Hall – surely one of the finest gardens in the East of England.

This 145-hectare (360-acre) estate is constantly evolving, as the gardening team strive to retain the original intimacy and charm of this horticultural gem, while at the same time aiming to restore much of the estate to its former rural glory, including its historic hedgerows and woodland.

Thursday We visit the delightful town of Maldon, located on the Blackwater, before continuing to Papermill Lock for a leisurely afternoon cruise along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. (Refreshments are available on board).

Friday After a leisurely breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel The Crowne Plaza Five Lakes, Maldon, Essex Set in 320 acres of English Countryside including its own golf course and ornamental lakes, this luxurious hotel offers a great base from which to explore Suffolk and Essex. This hotel boasts spa & leisure facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna & steam room. Bar/Lounge, Restaurant, Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£609

10.30am

4.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £140 • Holiday Insurance: £28

garden, alpine zone, kitchen garden and woodland walks. Plant centre, shops and Betty’s Tearooms are some of the facilities available. Free time in Harrogate during the afternoon.

Wednesday We take a tour of the Yorkshire Dales, enjoying the pretty towns of Pateley Bridge, Grassington and the market town of Skipton.

Thursday We head to Harewood

House – one of the Treasure Houses of England, set in the heart of Yorkshire. With rolling landscapes, an impressive art collection, exquisite Thomas Chippendale furniture, combined with 100 acres of awardwinning gardens (Entrance Included).

Friday After a leisurely breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel A spectacular 68-acre Yorkshire garden with beautiful borders, wildflower meadows, woodlands and water, providing year-round interest.

Holiday Itinerary Monday Our journey takes us north to Harrogate and our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we visit RHS Garden, Harlow Carr – a stunning 68-acre garden with contemporary & herbaceous borders, streamside & scented

The Crown Plaza Hotel, Harrogate This modern hotel is superbly positioned just a short walk from Harrogate town centre and gardens. Restaurant, bar & gym. The town of Harrogate does have hills and inclines and although the locality of the hotel is relatively level, a few steps may be encountered. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 12 – Fri 16 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£589

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

© 2017 Pixabay

RHS GARDEN HYDE HALL

RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR

Date

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Dartford Warbler, RSPB Arne

© Flickr – James West

Portland Bill

BIRDWATCHING & WILDLIFE BREAKS WITH ASHLEY GROVE

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The Birdwatching and Wildlife breaks that were first introduced in 2018 proved to be a popular and welcome addition to our holiday collection. So, for 2019 we have three new and exciting itineraries for you to follow.

Once again, all tours will be fully escorted throughout by Ashley Grove, who will again be adding his expert skills and knowledge, ensuring you get so much more from the rich wildlife locations we will visit.

Warwickshire born Ashley has formed a career from a combination of his expert knowledge of Birds in particular and his warm approachable personality. He leads Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography tours not only in the UK, but further afield in Europe, Africa, Canada and the Caribbean.

DORSET – BIRDS GALORE! After a long, cold winter, the spring is a great time for bird watchers, with new migrants coming over for the summer as well as many local birds out in full force as the weather takes a turn for the better. If you’ve never given birdwatching a try, it’s a terrific way to add a bit more fun and enjoyment to your outdoor adventures.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

WILDLIFE IN SCOTLAND In July, we once again head north to Scotland, where we will be based at the popular Grant Arms Hotel. Set within the Cairngorm National Park, many Scottish specialities may be seen on this trip, which includes a Dolphin watching cruise, so there’s lots of great British wildlife to enjoy.

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BIRDWATCHING IN NORFOLK The Autumn is a very exciting time for bird watching in Norfolk. Migration gets under way in August and carries on all through the autumn into early November. A large number of birds pass through the region on their way to their wintering grounds further south. Significant numbers of other species, particularly waders and wildfowl, congregate here to spend the winter.

Where facilities allow, these breaks will include an evening talk by Ashley, who is a recommended speaker by the RSPB and Royal Horticultural Society. Each of Ashley’s informative talks are illustrated with images from his stunning wildlife portfolio and punctuated with entertaining anecdotes of his experiences in the field.

On all Tours we will spend time outdoors regardless of the weather. Please bring sensible clothing and wear strong shoes or boots, as it can be wet and muddy. Our Active Traveller Holidays itineraries often include walks which may be up to 1 – 1.5 miles long over uneven ground which may prove challenging for those customers with reduced and limited mobility.

What else could you bring? Binoculars are recommended, and you may wish to bring a small bird guide book to help with identification or a compact digital camera, but this is entirely up to you!

DORSET – BIRDS GALORE! LEAD BY ASHLEY GROVE Portland Bill is Dorset’s most southerly point, jutting out nearly six miles into the English Channel and has to be one of the top sites in Dorset for wildlife and is a must for any keen nature enthusiast.

In Spring it’s a gateway for thousands of migratory birds visiting the UK. From our hotel there are stunning panoramic views over Chesil Beach, Lyme Bay and Portland Harbour – an ideal base for exploring the wildlife of Dorset!

Included excursions

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 3 nights half board Outlined excursions Visits to the Portland Bird Observatory & Field Centre, RSPB Radipole Lake & RSPB Arne

Friday We visit the Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre, a haven of interest for Not included: naturalists all year round. Later, we continue to All lunches Radipole Lake RSPB. Nestling in the centre of Weymouth it is home to some stunning wildlife, including fabulous birds like bearded tits and kingfishers and elusive creatures such as otters and water voles. Flocks of swallows and martins gather over the water in spring to feed on insects after their migration from Africa. Warblers also arrive, including grasshopper, willow and Cetti’s warblers, blackcaps, whitethroats and lesser whitethroats. The reedbeds are full of singing sedge and reed warblers. You may be lucky enough to hear the boom of a bittern coming from the reedbed.

Saturday The RSPB nature reserve in Arne is a nature lover and bird watching paradise. The reserve is a vast expanse of heath and woodland bordering on Poole Harbour. The area is famed for the diverse birdlife.

Twitchers are well catered for with hides scattered all over the area in opportunistic locations. The Arne peninsular is popular in all seasons due to its unique visitors and prolific mating seasons.

Your Holiday Hotel The Heights Hotel, Isle of Portland, Dorset Set on the summit of Portland with stunning sea and coastal views over Weymouth and Chesil Beach towards Lyme Bay. Bar, bistro & coffee shop with wonderful panoramic views.

Mobility Grade: 3 – The hotel commands an elevated position. Bar & bistro is situated on the first floor accessible via a lift or 2 small flights of stairs. All bedrooms are situated on ground and first floor only. First floor rooms are not easily accessible via the lift so anyone with walking difficulties should request a ground floor room.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 4 – Sun 7 Apr 2019 (4 Days)

£459

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £20.50 Reductions available for RSPB Members

© Flickr – Kev Chapman

Redshank, Cley Marshes NWT

BIRDWATCHING IN NORFOLK!

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy summer in the Scottish Highlands and fantastic views of some of the best wildlife in Britain, including red deer, pine martens, golden eagles, mountain hares, red squirrels, bottlenose dolphins and a host of wildfowl and raptors.

Included excursions

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service 5 nights half board Dolphin Spirit Wildlife Cruise & Wildlife Quiz Cairngorm Funicular Railway, Rothiemurchas Estate, Red Deer Feeding & a Wildlife Film Loch Garten Osprey Centre & Kincraig Wildlife Park Glenfarclas Distillery

Monday We drive to Inverness where we board the Dolphin Spirit for a cruise along the wonderful Moray Firth coastline hopefully viewing herons, otters and the famous Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins. Tonight, we enjoy a Wildlife Quiz in our Hotel.

Tuesday A scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park, Britain’s highest and most vast mountain range. We board the Funicular Railway, the highest in the UK, ascending the northern Not included: slopes of the mountain on a spectacular 2km All lunches journey. Next, we visit the Rothiemurchas Estate for a tour of the parkland where our ranger introduces us to the herd of red deer and explains how the herd was first formed by capturing wild animals.

Those born in captivity have no fear of humans and can be fed by hand.

Tonight, relax in the hotel with a wildlife film and a talk from Ashley.

Wednesday Today, we visit the Loch Garten Osprey Centre – an ideal spot to observe these magnificent birds, with fantastic views of the birds on the nest, plus close ups thanks to the non-invasive CCTV. Later, we visit the spectacular setting of Kincraig Highland Park, where we experience more Scottish wildlife and see endangered animals of the world’s mountain and tundra regions.

Thursday A morning at leisure in Grantown-on-Spey, followed by an afternoon drive along the Spey Valley to Ballindaloch and a visit to the Glenfarclas Distillery.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service 4 nights half board Titchwell RSPB Broads Cruise Seal Cruise & Cley Marshes Not included: All lunches

Included excursions

Titchwell RSPB Reserve – We visit the Mecca of the North Norfolk coast at migration time! Salt marsh, freshwater marsh, reedbeds, beach and dunes – a fascinating mix of habitats for autumn migrants. During our relaxed walk around Titchwell Marsh reserve, you’ll discover a wide variety of birds in their natural habitats. Stroll through dappled woodland and listen to the calls of songbirds, enjoy close-up views of waders in their wetland habitats and look out for raptors soaring over reedbeds and marsh.

Broads Cruise – What better way to discover the Broads National Park than by joining Broads Tours for a scheduled river trip. All trips include an entertaining live commentary; your skipper will explain the origins of the Broads as he points out the sights of interest including the abundance of wildlife. Light refreshments, licensed bar and toilet facilities are available on all river trips.

Seal Cruise & Cley Norfolk Wildlife Trust – The Norfolk Coast becomes home to hundreds of thousands of birds that chose to spend their winter here.

Learn more about these birds and hopefully experience the amazing sights and sounds of the thousands of Pink-Footed Geese as they come in to roost for the night.

We take a boat trip to see the seals in their natural environment basking on Blakeney Point. Later we visit Cley Marshes (Norfolk Wildlife Trust).

Perched on the north Norfolk coast, NWT Cley Marshes has a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK’s best bird watching sites.

Your Holiday Hotel The Links Country Park Hotel, West Runton, Nr Cromer

Your Holiday Hotel Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey Situated in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey this 3-star hotel offers modern comforts whilst retaining a traditional Victorian character. Priding itself on its traditional Scottish dishes sourced from local produce, it also has a dedicated area showcasing the amazing local flora and fauna with wildlife enthusiasts listing daily sightings of birds and animals which guests can see for themselves. Restaurant and bar. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality & Hotel are generally level with isolated steps throughout There is a lift to all floors.

Date

Early autumn on the beautiful North Norfolk coast – and migration is in full flow. Seabirds are passing offshore, and numbers of ducks, geese and waders are building daily. With tens of thousands of shorebirds also on the move, plus exciting passerine arrivals to watch for. October also brings winter thrushes, finches and ‘crests – and Yellow-browed Warblers are often about, too. Join Ashley on this great 5-day break ... and treat yourself to the best of British birding!

Price

Sun 28 Jul – Fri 2 Aug 2019 (6 Days) £829 Supplements Single Room: £147 • Holiday Insurance: £29

Tour Departs

Returns By

7.00am

7.30pm

Set in 35 acres of wooded parkland, which feature an impressive golf course, the Links Country Park Hotel is situated just 3-miles from Cromer.

The magnificent period building is rich in traditional charm, and the elegant rooms feature antique furniture and have views of West Runton Village, the golf course, or the coast. Restaurant, bar & leisure centre with indoor swimming pool. There is a sandy beach is just 15 minutes’ walk away.

Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality fairly level with a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 7 – Fri 11 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£595

10.00am

6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Reductions available for RSPB Members & Members of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

WILDLIFE IN THE CAIRNGORMS

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Osprey, Loch Garten

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Malham

GENTLE WALKING HOLIDAYS WITH HF HOLIDAYS – FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS AND WALKERS OF ALL LEVELS! look What’s Included

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

We are pleased to continue with themed walking holidays with our partners at hf holidays – the award-winning experts in Guided Walking and Self-guided walking holidays, with over 100 years of experience in delivering unforgettable memories all based on their 3* and 4* Country Houses set in stunning surroundings.

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New for 2019 hf holidays are including a range of ‘Gentle Walking’ itineraries – an easier variation of Guided Walking, still with a daily choice of three walks, but with an ‘entry level’ that covers only 3 to 4 miles with some sightseeing in the local area.

Nobody knows the best places to walk like HF Holidays and with their knowledgeable guides you’ll never be short of some inside story on local features, viewpoints – and quite possibly, if you press them − the best pubs too!

So, from the easiest of rambles, to more intensive hillside challenges, now is the time to lace up your boots and get outside and explore the great outdoors. Please note that all walks travel at a leisurely pace, so that you can appreciate the countryside you are experiencing. No walks are compulsory, and you can be as active as you wish.

Door to Door service Transfers to/from Henley-inArden to your chosen centre 3 or 4 nights full board from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on day of departure including packed lunches on Tue, Wed & Thu Expert Guides for your chosen walks All centres are staffed by a friendly, caring and knowledgeable team, who will be on hand to offer advice and assistance throughout your stay

Country House Overview – Not included: Lunches on First and Last Days. Porterage of Luggage.

All are within National Parks or (Please note our coach does not stay in resort) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Each offering a unique holiday experience; from legendary packed lunches to dedicated boot rooms, maps and books galore, lounges to lounge in, bars to relax and socialise in and quiet corners to read in.

On all Tours, we will spend time outdoors regardless of the weather. Please bring sensible, waterproof clothing and walking boots, as it can be wet and muddy, and occasions involves crossing becks. Our Active Traveller Holiday itineraries often include walks over uneven ground which may prove challenging for those customers with reduced and limited mobility.

Your accommodation All accommodation prices are based on the hf holiday ‘Good Room’ category (Formerly known as ‘Classic Room’). On all venues there is an opportunity to upgrade to the hf category ‘Better Room’ (formerly known as their ‘Premium’ standard).

Gentle Walks include the spectacular chalk cliffs of Tennyson Down, the Needles plus inland walks to the picture-postcard village of Calbourne Medium Walks take in the Neolithic Long Stone of Mottistone Down, Appuldurcombe House and the coloured sands of Alum Bay. Harder Walks include the Tennyson Trail along the island’s central spine. At the time of going to print, the exact programme of walks for 2019 was yet to be finalised.

Friday Homeward Bound.

Holiday Itinerary Monday Following our door to door home collection we transfer to Southampton for our sailing to Cowes, then on to our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday – Thursday Three days of gentle walking – Option 1 (Half Day Gentle Walk up to 3-4 Miles). Option 2 (6-8 Miles) Option 3 (9-11 Miles) – The choice is all yours!

© Flickr – Thomas Simpkins

© Flickr – Peter

The Needles

Holidaying on the Isle of Wight doesn’t get any better than a walking break at the Freshwater Bay Country House. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, offering new areas to explore around every corner.

Appuldurcombe House

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FRESHWATER BAY HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT

Your Holiday Hotel Freshwater Bay House, Freshwater Bay Refurbished in 2016, many of its 48 bedrooms have breathtaking sea views. Surrounded by extensive gardens overlooking the bay and include a putting green, outdoor pool and private access to Freshwater Bay beach. 3 lounges, bar and restaurant. Heated outdoor pool. No lift.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 1 – Fri 5 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£559

9.00am

6.30pm

Supplements Double Room for Sole Use: £32 • ‘Better’ Room Upgrade: £30 Holiday Insurance: £26

Tuesday – Thursday Three days of gentle walking – Option 1 (Half Day Gentle Walk up to 3-4 Miles). Option 2 (6-8 Miles) Option 3 (9-11 Miles) – The choice is all yours!

Gentle Walks include the rolling countryside to historic Arundel, Parham Park and Petworth House, plus walks along the South Downs. Medium Walks take in the Iron Age hillforts of Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings, the Severn Sisters and the superb viewpoint of Ditchling Beacon. Longer Walks follow the South Downs, taking in Beachy Head. At the time of going to print, the exact programme of walks for 2019 was yet to be finalised.

Friday Homeward Bound. © Flickr – Paul Pitman

Stride out along the rolling hills and magnificent chalk cliffs of the South Down – Follow the crest of the downs to Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon before reaching the shore at the famous rollercoaster cliffs of the Severn Sisters – Discover a land of historic villages, thatched cottages, pastoral landscapes of sweeping cornfields and market towns.

ABINGWORTH, SOUTH DOWNS

Holiday Itinerary Beachy Head

Your Holiday Hotel Abingworth Hall, Sussex Surrounded by the peaceful Sussex countryside, the hotel boasts extensive views over the South Downs. 26 Bedrooms only. Lounge with grand piano, sitting room, conservatory bar. Heated outdoor pool. 8 acres of grounds with lake. No lift.

Monday Following our door to door home collection we drive to the magnificent South Downs to Abingworth Hall for our 4-night stay.

Petworth House

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 26 – Fri 30 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£535

10.30am

4.30pm

© www.geograph.org.uk – Peter Barr

DOVEDALE – DERBYSHIRE PEAKS

Shining Tor

Your Holiday Hotel The Peveril of the Peak, Dovedale Named after the novel by Sir Walter Scott, our Country House hotel is set in extensive grounds, less than a mile from Dove Dale Gorge.

44 bedrooms, comfortable bar, lounge, terrace and extensive grounds. No lift.

Contrast the solitude and magnificent views of heather moorland and rocky escarpments with the pastoral patchwork and traditional villages of the limestone dales. Our Country House sits a skip away from Dove Dale’s famous gorge – a world of sheers walls, stepping stones and rock spires – the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Holiday Itinerary

collection we drive to the Derbyshire Dales to our hotel – The Peveril of the Peak for our 4-night stay.

Saturday – Sunday Two days of gentle walking – Option 1 (Half Day Gentle Walk up to 3-4 Miles). Option 2 (6-8 Miles) Option 3 (9-11 Miles) – The choice is all yours!

Gentle Walks include trails through the Dovedale Gorge, views from the Roaches ridge and Crich Strand. Also, the Chatsworth Estate is a ‘must see’ on the way to the market town of Bakewell. Medium Walks take us through the Dales and the Peak District hills including routes in the Manifold and Derwent Valleys. Longer Walks take in the gritstone Stanage Edge to Hathersage, Froggatt Edge and the summit of Shining Tor. At the time of going to print, the exact programme of walks for 2019 was yet to be finalised.

Monday Homeward Bound.

Friday Following our door to door home

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 1 – Mon 4 Nov 2019 (4 Days)

£395

10.30am

4.30pm

Supplements Double Room for Sole Use: £24 • ‘Better’ Room Upgrade: £22 Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Supplements Double Room for Sole Use: £32 • ‘Better’ Room Upgrade: £30 Holiday Insurance: £28

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SInGle traVeller

Paignton

Bournemouth

DISCOVERING LINCOLNSHIRE LINCOLN, WOOLSTHORPE MANOR & BELTON HOUSE

LYMINGTON, LYNDHURST, NEW FOREST & THE BEAULIEU ESTATE

TORQUAY & THE ENGLISH RIVIERA Torquay is the perfect place to come for a relaxing singles holiday by the seaside. Set at the very heart of the English Riviera, it is famous for its sandy beaches and genteel Victorian appearance.

Torbay has a distinct Mediterranean feel with plenty of attractions and things to do.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Included excursions

look What’s Included Door to Door service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Welcome Drinks Reception on the 1st night Devon Cream Tea Guided tour of Torbay Return journey on the South Devon Steam Railway Not included: All lunches

Thursday Agatha Christie themed Guided Tour of Torbay. With Cream Tea upon our return.

Friday A leisurely drive to Paignton & Brixham.

Saturday (At leisure in Torquay).

Sunday Buckfast Abbey & the South Devon Steam Railway.

For further details on these excursions and our other ‘Relaxed Traveller’ tours to Torquay and the Livermead Cliff Hotel please see Page 26.

Bournemouth has look What’s long been Included recognised as one Door to Door of Britain’s most service fashionable Our own courier service resorts, offering Club Class Extra the visitor a wide Legroom Coach variety of 4 nights attractions. half board The town is one Welcome Tea/Coffee of the leading on arrival shopping centres Entrance to the Beaulieu Estate in the south, with Not included: arcades, markets All lunches and boutiques, whilst the wooded Chines which slope down to the sea are only a small part of Bournemouth’s beautiful parks and gardens.

Included excursions Day 2 (At leisure in Bournemouth).

Day 3 Christchurch, Lymington and the New Forest.

Day 4 The Beaulieu Estate with an inclusive ticket providing admission to The National Motor Museum, Palace House, Gardens & Grounds & Beaulieu Abbey.

For further details on these excursions and our ‘Relaxed Traveller’ tours to Bournemouth, staying at the Miramar Hotel please see Page 28 We also have a selection of additional tours to the popular Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth on Page 51.

Your Hotel

The Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torquay

The Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth

Located in an enviable position, the hotel Popular Favourite operates with a smooth efficiency and is located directly on the water’s edge just a short bus ride from the town centre. Restaurant, lounge area overlooking the sea, sun terrace & bar.

Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: Level sea front and promenade. Hotel: Some rooms are accessed by lift and several steps. Ramp alternative to front entrance.

A few steps in public areas.

Perfectly positioned just five minutes from the Golden Beach and Town Centre. Lounge bar, restaurant, fitness room, health club and beauty salon. Mobility Grade: 3 – Resort: Slight gradients outside hotel.

Level access throughout the hotel Lifts to all floors.

Please note that this is a modern Hotel with most bathrooms containing a walk-in shower.

Wed 21 – Mon 26 Aug £729 10.00am 5.00pm 2019 (6 Days) Supplements Reduction for Twin/Double Room Share: £75 per person • Holiday Insurance: £29

Supplements Reduction for Twin/Double Room Share: £160 per person • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Oct)

Price Departs Returns

Included excursions Monday En-route to our hotel we visit Barnsdale Gardens, home to 38 individual gardens created by the late Geoff Hamilton, former presenter of the BBC’s ‘Gardeners World’.

Tuesday Guided tour of Lincoln on the coach followed by a guided tour of the Cathedral.

Wednesday Stamford and Woolsthorpe Manor (NT), birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton Thursday Spalding, Springfields Garden Centre and Belton House (NT) which featured in BBC’s TV adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

Friday Homeward bound.

For further details on these excursions and our other Tour to the Olde Barn Hotel Grantham on the 8th July please see Page 58.

Your Hotel Formerly known as the Ramada Resort Hotel, Grantham, this delightful hotel is set in luscious Lincolnshire countryside and combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Restaurant, bar, lounge. Spa/Wellness centre including Jacuzzi, whirlpool & gymnasium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Generally, level. Hotel: Generally, level with occasional steps to public areas. Bedrooms are on 3 floors all served by a lift.

Date

Price Departs Returns

Sun 19 – Thu 23 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 14 – Fri 18 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

Date

If you enjoy look What’s meeting likeIncluded minded people in a Door to Door service friendly, relaxed Our own courier atmosphere, then service these singles Club Class Extra holiday are just for Legroom Coach you! There are few Tea & Biscuits on strangers on a Door arrival to Door singles 4 nights half board holiday, just friends Welcome Drinks you are yet to meet!

Reception on the This special break 1st night includes fabulous Outline sightseeing excursions excursions and a Entrance to Barnsdale Gardens, welcome drinks Woolsthorpe Manor reception. Great (NT) & Belton House fun, great company (NT) and great value – Guided tour of Lincoln the perfect holiday Not included: whether you are a All lunches seasoned traveller or it’s the first time you’ve ventured away on your own.

The Olde Barn Hotel, Marston, Nr Grantham

Your Hotel

Date

© Flickr – Matt Brown

tour

BOURNEMOUTH

40

Woolsthorpe Manor

neW

£705 8.30am 4.00pm £695 10.30am 4.30pm

Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 9 – Fri 13 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

Price Departs Returns

£531 10.30am 4.00pm £539 10.30am 4.30pm

Supplements Reduction for Twin/Double Room Share: £52 per person • Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Sep) Reductions available for National Trust Members

Scarborough

PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE & THE BEAUTIFUL GOWER

© VisitEngland – Richard J Jones

AT THE SKIDDAW HOTEL look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of Dalemain Historic House & Gardens Dove Cottage & Visitors Centre Rydal Mount & Gardens Ullswater Cruise Not included: All lunches

Included excursions

Sunday En-route to our hotel we enjoy a guided tour of the Dalemain Historic House and Gardens.

Monday We visit Dove Cottage and Visitors Centre in Grasmere, then on to Rydal Mount and gardens in the afternoon. (Please note the Wordsworth Museum will be closed in 2019 for renovation).

Tuesday A free day to relax and explore Keswick Wednesday We visit England’s “most beautiful lake”, Ullswater, for a cruise on a ‘steamer’ from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding. From here, enjoy the beautiful and remote scenery of the Lake District as we drive over Kirkstone Pass, returning to Keswick in the afternoon.

Thursday Departing Keswick we drive along the shoreline of Thirlmere, in the lea of mighty Helvellyn pausing at Bowness-on-Windermere before continuing our journey homeward.

For our other 5 Day ‘Relaxed Traveller’ tours to the Skiddaw Hotel, please see Page 31.

Your Hotel The Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick This popular hotel enjoys an excellent Popular location in the market square of the lovely Favourite town of Keswick. Cocktail bar and conservatory, stylish restaurant and pleasant lounge.

Mobility Grade: 4 – Town: Generally, level. Hotel: Level location. Lift to all floors.

Date

SCARBOROUGH MAGICAL MOORLANDS & COASTAL CHARMS Scarborough look What’s enjoys an Included unrivalled position Door to Door Service as one of Britain’s Our Own Courier premier coastal Service resorts, yet also Club Class Extra lies tantalisingly Legroom Coach close to North 4 nights Yorkshire’s rugged half board National Park and Outlined excursions the rolling pastures Entrance to of the North Wolds.

Castle Howard The town straddles Not included: two magnificent All lunches bays separated by a headland crowned by a 12th century castle.

Holiday Itinerary Monday En-route to our hotel we visit historical York for free time to explore the sites.

Tuesday We follow the coast road to Whitby, the famous fishing port which was once the home of Captain James Cook. There’s time to wander the narrow streets and busy harbourside before leaving for Goathland, famous as ‘Aidensfield’ in TV’s popular ‘Heartbeat’.

Wednesday A free day to enjoy Scarborough’s many attractions.

Thursday We travel through Thornton-le-Dale to Castle Howard. Here “Yorkshire rivals Rome”.

For over 300 years this palatial stately home has commanded its position over the Howardian Hills and, more recently, was the setting for TV’s acclaimed ‘Brideshead Revisited’.

Friday Departing after breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower Peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and seemingly endless rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns and little villages. We stay in Carmarthen for our tour, ideal for visiting this delightful corner of Wales.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Tea/coffee & Welsh cakes on arrival Harpist or pianist on one evening with one further night of evening entertainment Guided tour of St David’s Cathedral Not included: All lunches

Holiday Itinerary Monday We arrive in Carmarthen during the late afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday This morning we travel via Saundersfoot to the popular holiday seaside resort of Tenby.

With its old town walls, interesting little side streets and alleyways to explore and superb beaches. Our return takes us via Pendine Sands and Laugharne, former home of Dylan Thomas.

Wednesday We take in the beautiful, unspoilt scenery of the Gower Peninsula – An ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. We visit the picture postcard resort of Mumbles, view the nature reserve of Worm’s Head and Rhossili Bay, where the 250ft cliffs drop steeply away.

Thursday We drive via St Bride’s Bay and Newgale Sands to the magical place of St. David’s, birthplace of the patron saint of Wales. A guided tour is included of St David’s Cathedral, the smallest in Great Britain. From St. David’s we head around the Preseli Mountains back to hotel.

Friday Homeward bound.

Your Hotel Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen

This comfortable and friendly hotel, with first class service occupies a commanding position on Scarborough’s south cliff. Restaurant, bar, lounge and games room. 2-nights entertainment. Mobility Grade: 3 – A long level frontage and a lift to all floors.

Located on the River Tywi within walking Popular Favourite distance of the town centre, the 3-star Ivy Bush sympathetically blends olde-world charm with today’s modern facilities. Restaurant, large lounge area and bar. Mobility Grade: 3 – Immediate locality reasonably flat. Hotel: One step to entrance with ramp alternative. Small lift to all floors. Due to the age & style of the building there are some floors with a few unavoidable steps.

Date

Price Departs Returns

Date

Price Departs Returns

£429 8.00am 6.00pm

Mon 4 – Fri 8 Nov 2019 (5 Days)

£465 9.00am 5.30pm

Your Hotel The Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough

Price Departs Returns

Sun 31 Mar – Thu 4 Apr 2019 (5 Days) £569 8.00am 7.00pm Sun 6 – Thu 10 Oct 2019 (5 Days) £579 7.30am 7.30pm Supplements Single Room: Nil Holiday Insurance: £26 (Mar) £28 (Oct)

Mon 11 – Fri 15 Mar 2019 (5 Days)

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26 For our other 6 Day Tours to Scarborough, please see Page 62.

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28 For our other 5 Day Tours to Carmarthen, please see Page 65.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

SINGLES GALORE IN THE LAKES The Lake District is a unique destination and is home to a stunning combination of rugged crags, rolling wooded valleys and tranquil lakes. The bustling market town of Keswick is the perfect base, from which we will explore some of Cumbria’s most stunning and dramatic landscapes.

Gower Peninsula

SInGle traVeller

Ullswater

41

tour

SPRING IN THE HIGHLANDS Newtonmore is a lovely, unspoilt Highland village nestling in the upper reaches of Spey Valley within Cairngorms National Park.

Lying 12 miles south of Aviemore and a close neighbour to Kingussie it is ideally situated for touring the Highlands region.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Welcome Drink with dinner on 1st night 3 Course/3 Choice dinner menus with tea/coffee Live musical entertainment on at least one night Afternoon tea/coffee & shortbread on Day 3 All Single Rooms are double or twin for sole use Local Distillery Tour with tasting

Monday We travel north to the Highlands and our base for the next four nights at the Highlander Hotel at Not included: Newtonmore.

4 lunches Tuesday Travelling via Kingussie and Aviemore we reach the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

Wednesday We visit the colourful and vibrant Victorian town of Pitlochry, a popular tourist centre with craft and modern shops, tearooms and not forgetting the world-famous ‘Salmon Ladder’.

Our excursion also takes in ‘Queens View’ with spectacular views over the Perthshire Lakes.

Later, we visit a local distillery where we enjoy a ‘wee dram’ before returning to our hotel.

Thursday Today we travel westwards and pass

by Loch Laggan and Loch Spean, through Spean Bridge to Fort William which is situated on Loch Linnhe. Ample time to explore the town before we retrace our route back to Newtonmore.

Friday Homeward bound.

Your Hotel Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore, Sottish Highlands

SINGLES – SCOTTISH BORDERS & EDINBURGH This tour covers a wide variety of visits for you to enjoy – Marvel at the beauty of Abbotsford House, enjoy the bustling Scottish capital of Edinburgh or relax at the New Lanark Visitor Centre and learn about the area’s rich heritage.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Abbotsford House & Gardens Guided tour of Edinburgh The New Lanark Visitor Centre

Not included: Sunday We journey All lunches north to the Scottish Borders, arriving at the Peebles Hydro for our 4-night stay.

Monday This morning we drive to the Scottish Border Town of Kelso, full of architectural and historic interest. In the afternoon, we visit the historic house and gardens of Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford. Abbotsford remains today as one of the most famous houses in the world.

Tuesday Enjoy a morning guided tour of Edinburgh, followed by some free time to explore this great capital city.

Wednesday We head through the Scottish countryside to the New Lanark Visitor Centre, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which tells the fascinating story of the cotton mill village of New Lanark which was founded in the 18th century.

Thursday After breakfast we leave and head for home.

Your Hotel

This modern 3-star hotel offers comfortable accommodation, attentive service and fine Scottish food. The hotel consists of 2 main buildings and is located in the small village of Newtonmore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Hotel facilities include a gift shop, lounge bar and restaurant with stunning views. The second building is where all the bedrooms are situated. Although the hotel does not have a lift, all the public areas and many of the bedrooms are on the ground floor. Mobility Grade: 3 – The resort & hotel offers good access throughout. Hotel has no lift, however there are a number of ground floor bedrooms available, but some rooms may be accessed by stairs.

Peebles Hydro is located in the heart of the Tweed Valley and just a 45-minute drive to Edinburgh.

Originally a centre for hydropathic treatments, as the water in the surrounding area is known for its healthy properties. The building dates from the late 19th century and is surrounded by forest. Lounge, bar, restaurant with sun room and leisure centre, featuring a heated indoor pool, gym and spa facility. The town of Peebles itself is a 15-minute stroll away. Mobility Grade: 4 – This is a large hotel with good access throughout Lift to all floors.

Date

Price Departs Returns

Date

Price Departs Returns

Mon 25 – Fri 29 Mar 2019 (5 Days)

£469 7.30am 8.00pm

Sun 27 – Thu 31 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£545 7.30am 7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26

The Peebles Hydro Hotel

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28

HIDDEN GEMS OF CARLOW IRELAND’S GLORIOUS SOUTH EASTERN CORNER A jewel of a county with a wealth of scenery and history – from rich pastureland and colourful mountains to the deep and historical Barrow River Valley.

A county of green, vibrant colours, whose most prominent feature is the 5000-year-old granite formation known as Browne’s Hill Dolmen – believed to be the largest capstone in Europe, weighing a colossal 100 tonnes.

Holiday Itinerary

© www.irelandscontentpool.com

SInGle traVeller

Huntington Castle

neW

Holiday Itinerary

42

Edinburgh

Queens View

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board 1 nights entertainment Return Ferry Crossings Outlined excursions Guided tour of Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park Guided tour of the Irish National Stud & the Japanese Gardens Guided tour of Huntington Castle & Gardens Guided tour of Wicklow Gaol Guided tour of Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience

Sunday Travel by ferry to Dublin, then we continue to Co. Carlow for our 4-night stay at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.

Monday Venture in to the Bog of Allen for a guided tour of the award-winning Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park. A tour that takes us through 9000 years of history is followed by a spot of traditional turf cutting and a ride on the Peatland Heritage Railway. In the Not included: afternoon we include a All lunches guided tour of the Irish National Stud at Kildare, home to some of Ireland’s most revered thoroughbreds and entrance to the accompanying Japanese Gardens.

Tuesday We visit Huntington Castle and Gardens. Built in 1625 and still home to the same family, we enjoy a guided tour with a family member, who will tell the tales of this beautiful castle.

Later, we visit Wicklow, where we include an unforgettable tour ‘through the gates of hell’ as we enjoy a guided tour of Wicklow’s infamous gaol.

Wednesday Today we begin with free time in Waterford, before continuing to New Ross and a guided tour of the 1840’s Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, with its animated interpretation of Ireland’s famine story.

Thursday An afternoon ferry crossing and our homeward journey.

Your Hotel Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow Located on the banks of the River Barrow, the hotel offers comfortable accommodation, friendly service and a good base from which to explore the surrounding area. Mobility Grade: 3 – Plenty of ground floor rooms. Hotel has a lift to some floors.

Date

Price Departs Returns

Sun 7 – Thu 11 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£539 7.30am 11.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £75 • Holiday Insurance: £41 Even though passports are not needed to travel to Ireland, ferry companies request passengers to carry some form of PHOTO ID, which may be required for inspection.

©VisitBritain – Chris Coe

© Flickr - Patrick1977Bln

Douglas

THE ISLE OF MAN

THE ISLE OF MAN

BY AIR

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra legroom Johnsons coach throughout Return ferry crossing Heysham/Douglas 5 nights half board Ride on the Snaefell Mountain Railway Laxey Wheel Admission to Cregneash Folk Museum & the Sound Visitor Centre Entrance to the House of Manannan

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We travel north to Heysham to catch our ferry to Douglas.

Day 2 A free day to relax, settle in and explore Douglas.

Day 3 Today, we travel to Laxey Station, where we board a train on the Snaefell Mountain Railway to the top of the island’s highest mountain for spectacular views of the island (weather permitting!). We take the train back to Laxey and pay a visit to the Laxey Wheel.

Day 4 We follow the course of the famous TT race to Tynwald Hill, the home of the Manx Parliament, which has Nordic origins and is the Not included: oldest parliament in the world. We continue to All lunches Peel and discover the secrets of The House of Manannan.

Day 5 Our destination today is the village of Cregneash, where we visit the National Folk Museum, We continue to the Sounds Visitor Centre for spectacular views over the Calf of Man before returning to Douglas via Castletown for a free afternoon.

Day 6 We board our ferry to Heysham and continue south homewards to the Midlands.

The order of the days our excursions operate may be subject to alteration

Your Holiday Hotel

Lying in the Gulf Stream midway between mainland Britain and Ireland enables the Isle of Man to enjoy one of the mildest climates in the British Isles.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service 6 nights half board Return flights from Birmingham Airport (1 hour) Airport to hotel transfers by local coach Outlined excursions by local Island Coach Train rides on the Isle of Man Steam Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway Entrances to Cregneash Folk Village, the Laxey Wheel & Mines Trail, Rushen Abbey & the Curraghs Wildlife Park

Holiday Itinerary

Monday To Birmingham Airport for the one hour flight to the Isle of Man. Tuesday Today, we board a steam train for a ride through lovely countryside from Douglas to Port Erin. We continue via Port St Mary and the picturesque Cregneash Folk Museum, as well as the Calf of Sound, returning via the southern town of Castletown.

Wednesday We include a ride on the Snaefell Mountain Railway, which at 2,036ft offers some spectacular views (weather permitting!) of the island. Then on to the famous Laxey Wheel and Mines Trail.

Thursday Today’s excursion takes us to Rushen Abbey located near Ballasalla with its fascinating, ‘Story of Mann’. We continue to Castletown and Peel before returning to our hotel.

Friday A day at leisure in Douglas. Perhaps visit the Manx Museum, admire the Jubilee Clock or Not included: All lunches stroll along the stylish seafront.

Saturday We visit Tynwald, home of the Manx Parliament, where we include a visit to the mills. In the afternoon we include a visit to the Curraghs Wildlife Park.

Sunday We make our way to the airport to join our one hour flight to Birmingham and return home.

This holiday is ATOL protected through the CI Travel Group, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL Number 1965).

Empress Hotel, Douglas Our comfortable and elegant hotel is Popular located on the Victorian promenade Favourite overlooking Douglas Bay and is just a short walk from the town centre. Restaurant, bar, spa bath, sauna & steam room and gymnasium.

Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality is level. Hotel has 18 steps to entrance but alternative entrance is available. There is a lift to all floors and public areas have ramps.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 18 – Tue 23 Apr (EASTER) (6 Days) Fri 14 – Wed 19 Jun (6 Days) Sat 14 – Thu 19 Sep (6 Days)

£659 £759 £749

8.30am 8.00am 8.00am

4.30pm 5.00pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £53 • Holiday Insurance: £27 (Apr) £29 (Jun/Sep)

Your Holiday Hotel The Sefton Hotel, Douglas Perfectly situated in a prime location on the Popular Favourite promenade. The hotel is a sympathetic mixture of a fine Victorian hotel and a new extension set round a unique indoor atrium water garden. Restaurant, breakfast room, bar. Indoor swimming pool with health & fitness club. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality – Fairly level. Hotel –Lift to all floors.

Date

Mon 1 – Sun 7 Jul 2019 (7 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1049

TBA

TBA

Single Room: £90 • Holiday Insurance: £30.50 Deposits – A deposit of £250 is payable at the time of booking.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

BY SEA The Isle of Man has over 200 square miles of beautiful unspoilt countryside and a coastline with little coves and superb beaches. Our base is the island capital, Douglas, with its delightful promenade, Victorian pier and little specialist shops.

ISle oF man

Snaefell Mountain Railway

43

WarnerS once again, we are pleased to offer a superb choice of holidays staying at a selection of Warner leisure Hotels that are renowned for their comfort, luxury, cuisine and entertainment – beautiful hotels from countryside to coast, boasting stunning grounds.

Your Accommodation – Sleep Easy!

Hotel Signature Room Upgrades

At all hotels, rooms are in the main building or nearby annexes, designed with your relaxation in mind and are lift accessible. Steep yourself in history or enjoy contemporary elegance – the choice is yours. The main building with the leisure centre, bar and restaurant is never far away.

Available on most departures – Wonderfully smart decor, upgraded spacious amenities and bigger beds and chairs, plus mini-bar.

All Standard Rooms/Chalets include: )

LCD-TV

)

En-suite Bedrooms

)

Complimentary Toiletries

)

Hairdryer

)

Hospitality Tray with biscuits replenished daily

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

THORESBY HALL

44

OLLERTON, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 3 or 4 nights Half board Accommodation Outlined excursions Not included: All lunches

Entertainment – A world of discovery awaits you!

Live Music and Performances -As the sun goes down, the party gets started with an evening show kicking off right after dinner. Dress up, dress down, have a boogie or take it easy – it’s your holiday!

During your stay, there will be different entertainment every night Remember to take your swimsuits, tennis racquets, trainers if you would like to use the facilities available some of the sites have outdoor bowls, fun croquet, archery, tennis and swimming pools with skilled staff available to guide you to ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday.

complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, television, direct dial telephone, trouser press and hospitality tray.

Holiday Itinerary

This stunning 19th century Grade II listed mansion is today a majestic country hotel, set in acres of fabulous landscaped gardens. With its turrets, balustrades and gabled tower it is a prefect reminder of the exuberance of 19th century architecture. Other Hotel Facilities Include: Lift, two restaurants, a purpose-built entertainments area and leisure suite with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. All standard bedrooms have private bathroom,

all our Warner Holidays Include:

Friday We travel outward pausing at the National Memorial Arboretum – the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance. With 150 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens to explore and over 300 unique memorials to see. Arrive at Thoresby Hall mid-afternoon. Settle into your room and later enjoy your evening

meal and entertainment.

Saturday/Sunday At leisure to enjoy all the fabulous facilities and entertainment provided. We will offer a short excursion to the Cathedral City of Lincoln on the Sunday Monday Following a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to the hotel and travel westwards making a stop in Chesterfield to enable you to view the famous crooked spire of the church of St. Mary and All Saints.

We then continue to the spa town of Buxton before continuing with our homeward journey.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 2 – Mon 5 Aug 2019 (4 Days)

£469

10.00am

6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Signature Room Upgrades (Twin/Double Rooms Only) £23 • Holiday Insurance: £22

NORTH WALES

(Some facilities chargeable).

The grounds have slopes and gravel. The hotel has a lift and there may be some walking between your accommodation and the main hotel facilities.

Holiday Itinerary

Set in 200 acres of gardens and park Bodelwyddan Castle with its ivy-clad turrets and commanding hilltop position offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Other Hotel Facilities Include: Restaurant, bar, lounge areas & extensive entertainment facilities, sculpture gallery with stunning vaulted ceiling and marbled chimney place, heated indoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room and fitness studio, 4 rink indoor bowls complex etc.

CRICKET ST THOMAS CHARD, SOMERSET

Friday We travel outward via the historic City of Chester – Be sure to visit the two-tiered ‘Rows’ shopping galleries, the lovely cathedral and the city walls. Arrive at our hotel mid-afternoon. Settle into your room

and later enjoy your evening meal and entertainment.

Saturday/Sunday At leisure to enjoy all the fabulous facilities and entertainment provided. We will offer an excursion to Llandudno on the Sunday.

Monday Following a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to the hotel and travel home through the glorious Snowdonia National Park via Llanberis, situated at the foot of Mount Snowdon and surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers. We then return via Betws-y-Coed arriving home during the late afternoon.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 30 Aug – Mon 2 Sep 2019 (4 Days)

£439

9.00am

4.30pm

WarnerS

BODELWYDDAN CASTLE

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Signature Room Upgrades (Twin/Double Rooms Only) £23 • Holiday Insurance: £22

Other Hotel Facilities Include: Restaurant, Lounge areas, Pavilion entertainment room, Indoor Pool, sauna & steam room. Hotel: Ramp alternative to steps into main entrance and restaurant. Lift to all floors, including Pavilion Room. Please note that there may be some walking between accommodation and main hotel facilities.

St Thomas’ for a 4-night stay with dinner, bed & breakfast included.

Tuesday to Thursday At leisure in your Warners Resort plus we include 2 excursions: Lyme Regis (Wed), Dorchester (Thu).

Friday We depart after breakfast and travel back home making suitable comfort stops en-route.

Holiday Itinerary Monday We depart locally and travel to our Warner Resort ‘Cricket

BEMBRIDGE COAST HOTEL BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT

Commanding magnificent views across the Solent, Bembridge Coast is a thoroughly modern hotel set in lovely grounds.

Other hotel facilities include: Restaurant, bar, lounge with

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 21 – Fri 25 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£519

10.30am

4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Signature Room Upgrades (Twin/Double Rooms Only) £20 • Holiday Insurance: £28

extensive entertainment facilities. Hotel has a lift.

There may be some walking between the accommodation and the main hotel facilities.

Please note: Most single rooms are in Standard Chalets, not in the hotel.

These are of a 3-star standard, tastefully decorated with en-suite, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Twin and double rooms are in the hotel complex and are 4-star.

Holiday Itinerary Monday We depart locally to the south coast and our ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight, arriving at Warners ‘Bembridge’ for a 4-night stay with dinner, bed & breakfast included.

Tuesday to Thursday At leisure in your Warners Resort plus we include 2 excursions: Scenic Island Tour (Wed), Godshill Half Day (Thu).

Friday We depart after breakfast and travel back home making suitable comfort stops en-route.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 28 Oct – Fri 1 Nov 2019 (5 Days)

£489

9.00am

6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Signature Room Upgrades (Twin/Double Rooms Only) £20 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Located near Chard in Somerset and set within glorious landscaped gardens this Regency Style Manor House is famous as the setting for the TV series to ‘The Manor Born’.

Date

45

enGland

all You need to KnoW IS WHen!

SEASIDE MYSTERY TOUR COASTAL SURPRISES! For a holiday with a difference, why not try one of our Seaside Mystery Tours?

The final destination will be kept a secret, with the driver doing his best to keep you guessing as he plans his route to the hotel. Will he tell??? Where’s the fun in that?

Our destinations are always a pleasant surprise and represent excellent value for money with accommodation of a high standard. Many customers return time and time again so if you haven’t yet joined us for a Mystery Tour, it’s time to get on board!

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 3 nights half board Lunch on the day of return A Mystery Excursion Not included: 3 lunches

You choose the date… we choose the hotel!

It’s fun and exciting to set off into the unknown! We can’t say too much about your destination as it’s a surprise! Tours depart during the morning on the first day, returning home during the evening on the last day. No clues here to the time of departure either! Times will be advised approximately two weeks prior to departure. Will it be North, South, East or West? We can’t say, but we do know you’ll be delighted when you get there!

To make the most of the area around our location we have included an exciting mystery excursion, along with a tasty lunch on the return journey.

So why not make the most of your sense of adventure and join us on a wonderful Mystery Break by the sea?

Your Holiday Hotel The MINIMUM Standards offered in all hotels we feature would include en-suite bedrooms, TV and hospitality tray.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 27 – Wed 30 Oct 2019 (4 Days)

£399

TBA

TBA

Supplements Single Room £75 • Holiday Insurance £22 Tour departure and return times – To be advised.

Tresco

St Martin’s

additional Included excursion on 7 day tours St Martin’s or St Agnes – A full-day trip to the island of St Martin’s with its beautiful beaches and scenery or St Agnes, which is only a mile wide.

NB: Our 26th Jul Tour includes a later return time from the island than usual.

Please note an additional lunch at the hotel on your day of return is included.

Not included: All lunches.

FLIGHTS: All tours include return flights from Land’s End Airport to St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly. Flights are with Skybus who operate the scheduled 20-minute flying time with 19 & 8-seater aircraft.

This holiday is ATOL protected through the CI travel Group, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL Number 1965)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

THE ENCHANTING ISLES OF SCILLY

46

Your Holiday Hotel The Atlantic Hotel, St Mary’s

BY AIR The Scillies, a unique natural environment with unspoilt beaches of silver sand, are designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

InCluded eXCurSIonS on 6 day tours

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service 5 or 6 nights half board Return flights All coach/minibus transfers Outlined Included Excursions

Walking tour of St Mary’s – A full-day guided walking tour of St Mary’s, including Old Town and the Lower Moors Nature Trail and the metal lighthouse at Peninnis Head.

Tresco – A crossing to the second largest island, Tresco, for a guided walk and a visit to the world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens. Established in the ruins of a Benedictine priory, they contain plants found nowhere else in Britain.

Plus, two full days FREE at leisure

The hotel is located directly on the water’s Popular edge overlooking the harbour. The hotel is Favourite an old inn, so bedrooms vary in shape and size. Delightful restaurant built over the water and Ocean Bar with sea views. Mobility Grade: 2 – Town and hotel: Fairly level location.

Hotel has no lift and frequent steps and stairs. Excursions include walking tours and sea launch journeys. Coaches are not used on the island.

Date

Mon 8 – Sat 13 Apr 2019 (6 Days) Tue 16 – Mon 22 Apr 2019 (7 Days) Fri 26 July – Thu 1 Aug 2019 (7 Days) Thu 1 – Wed 7 Aug 2019 (7 Days) Thu 19 – Wed 25 Sep 2019 (7 Days) Sat 12 – Thu 17 Oct 2019 (6 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£969 £1089 £1145 £1135 £1135 £915

7.00am 7.00am 7.00am 7.00am 7.00am 7.00am

6.00pm 6.00pm 10.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm 6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £106 (6 Day) £128 (7 Day) • Sea View: £50 (6 Day) £60 (7 Day) Holiday Insurance: £27 (6 Day Apr) £28 (7 Day Apr) £30.50 (7 Day Jul/Aug/Sep) £29 (6 Day Oct) • Times are approximate (Subject to Flight Times) Deposits – A deposit of £250 is payable at the time of booking.

Clients who are unable to walk reasonable distances will be limited in their enjoyment of the holiday. Please remember that all air and sea journeys are weather permitting and that the itinerary may have to be varied for weather and tidal conditions.

© Flickr – Allan Henderson

© Matthew Jessop – Visit Cornwall

MEMBLY HALL HOTEL, FALMOUTH

Tintagel Castle

& THE CORNISHMAN

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Eden Project

CORNISH CHARM ‘POLDARK COUNTRY’ –

Look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 or 6 nights half board Outlined excursions Return train from St Erth to St Ives The Lost Gardens of Heligan Entrance to the Eden Project (7 Day Tour Only)

Your Included excursions on all tours

St Ives We drive to St Erth where we board the local train for the short journey to St Ives. Here we discover one of Cornwall’s best loved resorts with its cobbled streets, winding alleyways, historic harbour and quaint fisherman’s cottages. A mecca for artists for many years, the town is home to the Tate Gallery St. Ives.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan This morning we visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where you’ll Not included: have plenty of time to explore the 200 acres of All lunches garden history, mystery and romance. Twenty-five years ago, Heligan’s historic gardens were unknown and unseen; lost under a tangle of weeds. It was only the chance discovery of a door in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate. Today, the Lost Gardens have been put back where they belong: in pride of place among the finest gardens in Cornwall.

additional Included excursions on 7 day tour The Lizard – We stop on-route at picturesque Porthleven before travelling via Helston then on to the Lizard, Britain’s most southerly village. During summer, clamouring colonies of kittiwakes and guillemots inhabit the cliffs and the turf is carpeted with fragrant flowers.

The Eden Project – If you’ve never been before, then prepare to be astounded! If you’ve been before you’ll be keen to see the developments taking place in this living theatre of plants for all seasons. Eden, located close to St Austell is Cornwall’s ‘Global Garden’ and is an on-going, long-term project that is situated inside giant geodesic conservatories, creating gardens from around the world including sub-tropical rain forests, fruits of the Mediterranean and flowers of South Africa and California.

All tours include a Day at leisure in Falmouth

Your Holiday Hotel The Membly Hall Hotel, Falmouth Owned by the Andrew family for over Popular Favourite forty years, Membly Hall offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying a superb seafront position on Falmouth Bay. Covered sun lounge, Wellness sauna & spa pool, jacuzzi, pool table, tennis court & short mat bowls available. Restaurant, bar, lounge. large dance floor & regular entertainment programme. Mobility Grade: 3 – Town and hotel: Fairly level location.

Hotel entrance has a slight incline & a few steps, but lift serves all floors. Due to the nature of the building there are occasional steps on landings.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Wed 10 – Sun 14 Apr 2019 (5 Days Sun 16 – Sat 22 Jun 2019 (7 Days) Thu 17 – Mon 21 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£439 £699 £459

8.30am 9.00am 9.00am

6.00pm 5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26 (5 Day Apr) £30.50 (7 Day Jun) £28 (5 Day Oct)

A MAGICAL LAND OF LEGENDS The fascination of the Cornish coast is legendary. A dramatic coastline, pretty fishing villages and ancient tales of smugglers combine to attract visitors from the world over. Explore attractions associated with the top BBC Series ‘Poldark’ whilst discovering some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance to Geevor Tin Mine Museum

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We depart during the morning and with a Not included: suitable stop for lunch en-route we arrive at our All lunches hotel, on the outskirts of Newquay, in time for dinner and our 4-night stay.

Day 2 Today we visit Padstow with its fine medieval buildings including the 16th century courthouse of Sir Walter Raleigh. Now famous for its restaurants, including that of the famed chef, Rick Stein. We continue to enchanting Tintagel – forever associated with the legends of King Arthur. Explore the village and the more energetic can walk to the nearby Castle for dramatic cliff top views (English Heritage discounts apply but please note admission is not included).

Day 3 A scenic drive west to Penzance travelling via Marazion with views of St Michael’s Mount. In the afternoon continue to the fascinating Geevor Tin Mine Museum to discover the history of mining in Cornwall. It was Geevor where the BBC came for advice about filming Poldark on the nearby coastline.

Day 4 We visit Charlestown – This Grade II listed harbour doubled for Truro Harbour in Poldark and dates from the late 18th century. There are often historic vessels in port and there is a fascinating shipwreck centre to explore.

Later, we continue to the old fishing port of Mevagissey.

Day 5 We travel home with a convenient lunch stop en-route.

Your Holiday Hotel The Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall Perfectly located in a quiet residential area, right on top of Fistral Beach with outstanding views across the Fistral Bay. Restaurant and bar.

Regular entertainment programme. Fistral Spa with pool, sauna, spa bath, steam room & fitness suite. Mobility Grade: 4 – Resort: Cliff top walks. Hotel: Level location.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 23 – Fri 27 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£559

8.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £28

NEWQUAY ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’

5 Days from £479 For further details of our 5 Day Spring Time ‘All Inclusive’ Tour to the Esplanade Hotel Newquay.

From Mon 11-Fri 15 March 2019 please see P51 of our Autumn/Winter/Spring Brochure.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Falmouth is Britain’s most southerly resort and the third largest natural harbour in the world. In the narrow streets of the bustling town centre you’ll find a wide selection of shops, art galleries and ancient inns.

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Lynmouth

River Exe

TORQUAY & THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

BIDEFORD & DELIGHTFUL NORTH DEVON North Devon is an enchanting, often forgotten region of the country with such a variety of beautiful countryside scenery – rolling hills, hidden woodlands, spectacular rivers, rocky coves and long sandy beaches and sleepy hidden hamlets.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

48

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance to Hestercombe Gardens Entrance to RHS Rosemoor Gardens & The Dartington Crystal Visitors Centre

Day 1 A smooth ride to the West Country, paying a visit to beautiful Hestercombe Gardens en-route, with its formal terraces, cascades and breathtaking views. We continue to our hotel with time to settle in and enjoy the comfortable surroundings before dinner.

Day 2 Our first stop this morning is the Not included: picturesque resort of Lynmouth where we have All lunches time to explore the narrow streets and maybe take the cliff railway to the twin village of Lynton. From here we make our way through scenic ‘Little Switzerland’, as the region is known, to the lovely village of Dunster, with its famous castle and octagonal Yarn Market. Our return takes us through Exford and the Exmoor National Park.

Day 3 A morning at leisure in resort. Why not discover Bideford’s Pannier Market? It’s a lovely traditional market with around 40 stalls selling a wide range of locally-sourced fresh fish, crafts and gifts. In the afternoon, we visit the charming fishing village of Appledore with fabulous coastal views towards Bideford Bay. Return to our hotel for evening dinner.

Day 4 We visit RHS Rosemoor Gardens where you can stroll amongst the many gardens from formal to model garden, from winter to cherry and from exotic to stone garden there is much to see. We will also have the chance to visit the Dartington Crystal Visitors Centre a short drive away before returning to our hotel.

Day 5 After a leisurely breakfast we leave Bideford and return home, making a convenient lunch stop en-route.

Torquay, at the heart of the English ‘Riviera’, is a stylish resort with a real continental atmosphere. One of the UK’s top holiday destinations since Victorian times, today it’s an exciting resort with a wide variety of attractions including a palm-lined promenade, international marina, shops and cafés, and 22 miles of coastline, cliffs, coves and beaches!

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 or 6 nights half board Exmouth Cruise & Rail excursion with tea & scones (7 Day Tour)

7 day Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We drive to Torquay arriving in time for dinner and our 6-night stay.

Not included: All lunches Day 2 Our excursion takes us along the famous Devon coastline to Brixham. Primarily a fishing port, Brixham has a long and rich maritime history.

Day 3 A day at leisure in Torquay.

Day 4 Today we drive to Exmouth where we embark on a 60-minute Exe river cruise. Sit back and relax whilst our skipper gives a live commentary on the history of the area, the beautiful sites and the resident and visiting wildlife.

Our cruise also includes fresh Devon scones smothered with strawberry jam and locally made clotted cream, along with tea and coffee. We disembark at Topsham, a quaint historic port with elegant 17th century Dutch-style merchant houses. We return to Exmouth via the First Great Western ‘Avocet Line’ railway (Diesel Rail Car).

Day 5 Purple heather clad moorland, wide open landscapes, rushing rivers and obscure stone tors shape the landscape of Dartmoor. We visit Princetown, the highest village on Dartmoor, set in an expanse of high open moorland and Widecombe-in-the-Moor, set in beautiful Widecombe Valley.

Day 6 Friday Today’s excursion takes us to Totnes, a unique and charming market town for free time before continuing to the historical town of Dartmouth.

Day 7 Departing after breakfast we return homeward.

5 day Itinerary – Included excursion: * Dartmoor/Widecombe-in-the-Moor (As above) * Brixham Half Day * Totnes & Dartmouth

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

The Howden Court Hotel, Torquay The Royal Hotel, Bideford

Standing at the eastern end of the Popular Favourite ancient Bideford Bridge, the Royal Hotel is steeped in history. As Bideford’s finest hotel, you can rely on the Royal for a warm Brend Hotels welcome among stylish and peaceful surroundings. Regency Restaurant, lounge and bar area. Mobility Grade: 4 – Location and hotel fairly level, slight hill into town. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 10 – Thu 14 Mar 2019 (5 Days) Mon 15 – Fri 19 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£439 £529

9.00am 9.30am

4.30pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil (Mar) £40 (Jul) • Double for Sole Use: £80 (Mar) £120 (Jul) Deluxe Room: £40 (Both Dates) • Holiday Insurance: £26 (Mar) £28 (Jul)

The Howden Court Hotel is a Grade ll listed building. The location is central to Torquay town centre and the main seafront/beach with the added advantage of a private pathway leading to within 100 metres of the seafront. The hotel looks to create a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere with a home from home feel. Mobility Grade: 2 – The resort of Torquay has many inclines and for those with mobility issues: there is a fairly-steep incline to the beach and sea front of approximately 105 yards. Access within the hotel is relatively good with a lift to some floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 11 – Sat 17 Aug 2019 (7 Days) Mon 21 – Fri 25 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£619 £419

10.00am 10.30am

5.00pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Single Sea View: £60 (Aug) £40 (Oct) • Various Room Upgrade Supplements Apply – Prices on application Holiday Insurance: £30.50 (Aug 7 Day) £28 (Oct 5 Day)

© Flickr – Alison Day

© Flickr – Roger Marks

Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens

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Brixham

DAWLISH DELIGHT AT THE LANGSTONE CLIFF HOTEL

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Exmouth Cruise & Rail excursion with tea & scones Entrance & guided tour of Powderham Castle

Sunday Enjoy a leisurely journey to Dawlish, arriving during the afternoon.

Monday Today we drive to Topsham, a quaint historic port with elegant 17th century Dutch-style Not included: All lunches merchant houses. After some free time we embark on a 60 minute Exe river cruise to Exmouth.

Sit back and relax whilst our skipper gives a live commentary on the history of the area, the beautiful sites and the resident and visiting wildlife. Our cruise also includes fresh Devon scones smothered with strawberry jam and locally made clotted cream, along with tea and coffee. Free time in Exmouth before we return to Topsham via the First Great Western ‘Avocet Line’ Railway (Diesel Rail Car), where our coach will be waiting to return us to the hotel.

Tuesday Relax as we take a leisurely drive to Paignton, with its extensive sandy beaches and popular pier. Later, we continue to the old fishing port of Brixham. Enjoy a stroll around the harbourside and admire the replica of the Golden Hind.

Wednesday A day at leisure in our resort.

Thursday We visit Powderham Castle. Situated overlooking the Exe estuary, nearly 600 years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest family homes and our guided tour reveals secret doors, stunning castle rooms, amazing architecture including the restored Victorian Kitchen, where we can visualize what life would have been like in domestic service.

Friday Making a convenient stop for lunch en-route we return to the Midlands.

Your Holiday Hotel The Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren Set in 19 acres of peaceful woodland overlooking the Exe estuary and just a short walk from the beach via a public footpath. 64 comfortable bedrooms located on just 2 floors with 10 rooms located on the ground floor, Restaurant, bar, lounge, garden, terrace, games room, indoor pool (all year) & outdoor pool (seasonal) Mobility Grade: 4 – Resort: generally level. Hotel: On the level with a few isolated steps and a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 12 – Fri 17 May 2019 (6 Days) Sun 1 – Fri 6 Sep 2019 (6 Days)

£709 £699

9.30am 9.30am

5.30pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £75 • Sea View Balcony: £30 Holiday Insurance: £27 (May) £29 (Sep)

SIDMOUTH & MAGNIFICENT SPRING GARDENS Situated on the glorious South Devon coast, set between deep red cliffs on the edge of Devon’s heathery uplands, Sidmouth is a charming and peaceful town to visit, renowned for its ‘olde-worlde’ charm, elegant Regency style esplanade, sheltered beach and delightful gardens.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to Burrow Farm Gardens Admission to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Wednesday Sit back and relax on board our coach as we make our way to the south coast.

After a convenient stop for lunch en-route we arrive in Sidmouth mid-afternoon.

Thursday A day at leisure to relax and enjoy this charming and elegant resort.

Friday After breakfast we drive to Burrow Farm Not included: All lunches Gardens, a beautifully landscaped seven-acre garden located near Axminster that has been created over the last forty years by its owner, Mary Benger. The gardens will appeal to both the keen plantsmen and those seeking a relaxing walk round a tranquil garden with extensive views. It includes a fascinating woodland garden created in an ancient Roman clay pit, and the most recent addition a millennium mill water garden. Later, we continue to Seaton – a unique seaside town sitting on the Jurassic Coast at the heart of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site.

Saturday A scenic coastal drive is followed by a visit to lovely Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, the garden is now filled with rare and exotic plants from around the world.

Sunday We travel home with a convenient stop for lunch en-route, arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, Sidmouth

Popular

A popular, well appointed, family owned and Favourite run hotel, in the centre of the Esplanade, overlooking the sea and adjacent to the town centre.

Restaurant, two bars, three comfortable lounges, hydrotherapy pool (extra charge). Mobility Grade: 5 – Resort: generally level. Hotel: On the level with a few steps to some public rooms and a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Wed 10 – Sun 14 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£519

10.30am

4.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Dawlish is a fascinating little regency town huddled attractively between steep surrounding hills. There are several popular beaches here including Dawlish Warren – a popular destination in its own right. Meanwhile in the middle of the town there is a flat landscaped area called ‘The Lawn’, home to various wildfowl and the famous Dawlish black swans.

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Fleet Air Arm Museum

© Flickr – Hugh Llewelyn

© Flickr – Seshadri Dhanakoti

South Devon Railway

DEVON EXPLORER NOSTALGIC TRAILS THROUGH THE WEST COUNTRY

REGENCY SIDMOUTH WEST COUNTRY ‘RAIL & SAIL’ Sidmouth is a charming and elegant resort and remains our most popular destination – the timeless charm and unhurried way of life offers a perfect recipe for relaxation.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Entrance to Buckfast Abbey Return train ride on the South Devon Railway Exe River Cruise Entrance to ‘A La Ronde’ Visit to the Donkey Sanctuary

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

50

Day 1 A leisurely journey to Sidmouth with a convenient lunch stop en-route.

Day 2 A free day to relax and enjoy this charming and elegant resort.

Day 3 A scenic drive today as we make our way to beautiful and inspirational Buckfast Abbey, located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. We continue to Buckfastleigh, where we enjoy a return train journey on the South Devon Railway. Following the River Dart our journey takes us through the beautiful Devon Hills and beautiful unspoilt countryside.

Day 4 We drive to Exmouth where we include a Not included: leisurely river cruise. The Exe is a feeding ground All lunches for seals so keep a watchful eye open as we sail through the calm sheltered waters of the Exe. With live commentary this cruise will give you a full insight into the history and scenic splendour of the area including the resident and visiting wildlife. In the afternoon we visit ‘A La Ronde’ (NT), a quirky 16-sided, 18th century house with fascinating interior decorations and collections.

Day 5 A morning visit to the Donkey Sanctuary at Slade House Farm, returning to Sidmouth in the afternoon.

Day 6 We travel home with a convenient lunch stop en-route.

Your Holiday Hotel The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, Sidmouth

Popular

A popular, well appointed, family owned and Favourite run hotel, in the centre of the Esplanade, overlooking the sea and adjacent to the town centre.

Restaurant, two bars, Three comfortable lounges and hydrotherapy pool (extra charge). Mobility Grade: 5 – Resort: generally level. Hotel: On the level with a few steps to some public rooms and a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sat 15 – Thu 20 Jun 2019 (6 Days) Fri 23 – Wed 28 Aug 2019 (6 Days)

£699 £699

10.00am 10.00am

4.00pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £29 Discounts available for (NT) National Trust Members

This popular tour features two fantastic yet completely different heritage excursions – a relaxing afternoon canal cruise and a heritage train ride to the seaside. Nostalgia is the theme throughout this tour which includes a visit to one of the regions lesser known stately homes and a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Train ride on the West Somerset Railway Entrance to Downes House & audio guided tour of Exeter Cathedral Horse-drawn Canal Cruise on the Grand Western Canal Entrance to the Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton Entrance to Knightshayes (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We make our way to Bishops Lydeard where we join the West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage railway in the UK, taking a scenic trip to Minehead. Free time in this popular Somerset Coastal resort before re-joining our coach for the drive south to Tiverton.

Tuesday We drive to Crediton, visiting Downes House, family home of the Parker family since 1692 and the country estate of the famous Victorian British Army General, Sir Redvers Buller VC. Still privately occupied and loved by its owners, some 300 years after it was first built.

It is hoped that visitors will appreciate the Not included: opportunity to share this special place. In the All lunches afternoon we continue to Exeter, where we include an audio guided tour of the impressive cathedral.

Wednesday After a leisurely breakfast we have chance to explore Tiverton and obtain lunch before this afternoon’s delightful Horse-drawn canal cruise.

We glide gently along the Grand Western Canal to East Manley where the boat moors and you have chance to stretch your legs and admire the horse as he rests before the return sail. Refreshments are available on-board to add to your enjoyment of a peaceful and tranquil afternoon.

Thursday We visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton to discover the largest collection of naval aircraft in Europe. Inside the museum you can go on-board Concorde and enjoy a simulated helicopter flight to the ‘Flight Deck’ of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.

Friday On our route home we visit Knightshayes (NT) – a Victorian ‘gothic revival’ country house with richly decorated interiors, set in acres of glorious gardens – This is a country estate on a grand scale!

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Tiverton Hotel, Tiverton This modern hotel is located in a pleasant suburban area just outside the market town of Tiverton, set in 2 acres of grounds. Restaurant. Bar. Mobility Grade: 3 – Location and hotel reasonably level. A few isolated steps within the building. There is no lift, but the hotel does have plenty of ground floor rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 6 – Fri 10 May 2019 (5 Days)

£529

7.30am

4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £90 • Holiday Insurance: £26 Discounts available for (NT) National Trust Members

Weymouth © Flickr - Alison Day

WEYMOUTH & THE JURASSIC COAST Weymouth is a classic holiday resort situated on the great sweep of Weymouth Bay, with superb views and an awardwinning beach and panoramic Esplanade.

We take in some lovely coastal scenery, including the 180-million-year-old Jurassic Coast and a ride on the Swanage Railway.

PORTLAND & THE DORSET COAST

6 day Holiday Itinerary The Isle of Portland, which shelters Weymouth harbour, is a plateau of rock joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway of shingle which is part of the 10 mile stretch of Chesil Beach.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to Athelhampton House & Gardens Entrance to Monkey World & the Bovington Tank Museum

Monday Travel south to Dorset, arriving at our hotel late afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday A morning scenic drive around the Isle of Portland, viewing the famous Portland Bill Lighthouse, and Portland Castle before visiting Weymouth – With its fine Georgian seafront, 3 miles of golden sands and its pretty harbour, Weymouth is always a firm favourite.

Wednesday We visit the historic market town of Dorchester, birthplace of the 19th century novelist Not included: and poet Thomas Hardy and continue to nearby All lunches Athelhampton House – a quintessential English manor house. Discover the Tudor Great Hall at the heart of the house, with its linenfold panelling, heraldic stained glass and historic furnishings. There will be time to visit the gardens and, if you wish, take the short walk to the estate’s St. Edward’s Church.

Thursday Today, we visit two very different attractions – We commence with a visit to Monkey World – a venue that assists governments around the world in stopping the smuggling of primates from the wild. At the Centre refugees of this illegal trade as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect are rehabilitated into natural living groups. We continue to the nearby Bovington Tank Museum – a museum that brings the history of tanks and tank crew to life. Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action-packed live displays, the centre is also the museum of the Royal Tank Regiment & Royal Armoured Corps.

Friday Homeward bound, arriving home during the afternoon.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 or 5 nights half board Outlined excursions Train ride on the Swanage Railway (All Tours) Guided tour of Portland Castle (6 Day Tours Only) Entrance to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (All Tours) Entrance to Abbotsbury Swannery (5 Day Tour Only)

Sunday We journey south arriving in Weymouth in the afternoon.

Monday An excursion to discover the Isle of Purbeck. Arriving at Norden we board our train for a delightful ride on the Swanage Railway through pretty Corfe Castle to the lively seaside resort of Swanage. During the afternoon, we take the Sandbanks chain ferry to Poole, and enjoy some free time to explore the historic quay area with its fine array of shops.

Tuesday A day at leisure in Weymouth to explore the award-winning beach, picturesque harbour and traffic-free centre.

Wednesday We take a morning excursion to Not included: the Isle of Portland, a peninsula joined to the All lunches mainland by the narrow spit of Chesil Beach.

The amazing views of Weymouth and the Dorset coast are as famous as the local ‘Portland stone’, a much-prized limestone used in civic buildings throughout the UK. We include a guided tour of Portland Castle, before returning to Weymouth for some free time.

Thursday Today, we travel to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a woodland garden of splendid trees and shrubs of immense variety. We continue to West Bay, known as ‘The Golden Gateway to the Jurassic Coast’. West Bay, has two beaches, a harbour and marina, and was used as a filming location in the hit TV series Broadchurch.

Friday Departing Weymouth we make a stop for lunch in historic Salisbury before heading home.

5 day Holiday Itinerary Includes * A day at leisure in Weymouth (Sat) * Abbotsbury Swannery/Sub Tropical Gardens & West Bay (Sun) * Isle of Purbeck & Swanage Railway (Mon).

No visit to Salisbury is included on the day of return.

(Please note that Abbotsbury Swannery may prove challenging for those with reduced or limited mobility)

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

Hotel Rex, Weymouth

The Heights Hotel, Isle of Portland, Dorset Set on the summit of Portland with stunning sea and coastal views over Weymouth and Chesil beach towards Lyme Bay. Bar, bistro & coffee shop with wonderful panoramic views.

Mobility Grade: 3 – The hotel commands an elevated position. Bar & bistro is situated on the first floor accessible via a lift or 2 small flights of stairs. All bedrooms are situated on ground and first floor only. First floor rooms are not easily accessible via the lift so anyone with walking difficulties should request a ground floor room.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Jul 2019 (5 Days) Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep 2019 (5 Days) Mon 7 – Fri 11 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£629 £619 £579

9.30am 10.30am 8.30am

4.30pm 4.30pm 4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Situated on the promenade, overlooking the Popular beach and just a short stroll from the town centre Favourite and harbour. Restaurant, bar and lounge. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Fairly flat. Hotel: steps to entrance.

Isolated steps throughout. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 19 – Tue 23 Apr 2019 (EASTER) (5 Days) Sun 12 – Fri 17 May 2019 (6 Days) Sun 23 – Fri 28 Jun 2019 (6 Days) Sun 4 – Fri 9 Aug 2019 (6 Days) Sun 22 – Fri 27 Sep 2019 (6 Days)

£499 £639 £659 £659 £659

9.30am 9.30am 10.30am 9.30am 9.30am

4.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £80 (5 Day) £100 (6 Day) Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £27 (May 6 Day) £29 (Jun/Aug/Sep)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

© Flickr – Sheep“R”Us

tour

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Monkey World

neW

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6 day Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 or 5 nights half board Guided Tour of the New Forest Jurassic Coast Cruise & train ride on the Swanage Railway Compton Acres (6 Day Tour Only)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Day 1 We travel south to Bournemouth arriving at our hotel during the afternoon.

Day 2 A day at leisure to relax and enjoy Bournemouth.

Day 3 We enjoy a guided tour along the back roads and byways of the New Forest, passing such locations as Beaulieu, Bucklers Hard and Not included: Brockenhurst before making a stop in Lyndhurst.

All lunches Ponies, donkeys, deer, cattle and occasionally pigs still roam freely in the unspoilt woodland, heath and marshland.

Day 4 Sailing from Poole Quay we enjoy a Jurassic Cruise through delightful Poole Harbour then along the Jurassic Heritage Coast. We sail past ‘Old Harry Rocks’ to the quaint fishing town of Swanage. Here our coach transfers us into Swanage for free time prior to our heritage train ride on the Swanage Railway to Norden via Corfe Castle.

Day 5 Today we visit Compton Acres, the South’s finest privately owned gardens with a unique series of stunning gardens and spectacular views.

Having undergone extensive refurbishment in the past 10 years, Compton Acres has 10 acres of beautiful gardens and is now highly regarded as one of the most important historic gardens in the UK. Day 6 Today we are homeward bound, arriving home during the afternoon.

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BEAULIEU & THE NEW FOREST Based at a stunning forest retreat with Beaulieu village on the doorstep, our hotel provides the perfect base for visiting all the local attractions. This wonderful new Itinerary includes a wide variety of great attractions with everything from classic cars to cream tea cruises!

BOURNEMOUTH Bournemouth is best known for its spectacular golden beaches, which stretch for over 7 miles along the seafront.

Within the centre are the colourful public gardens, and to the East & West rise high cliffs indented by steep-sided chines, where streams flow gently into the sea.

Beaulieu Motor Museum © Flickr – davidgsteadman

© Flickr – Roman Hobler

Compton Acres

5 day tours As above but excludes the Day 5 excursion to Compton Acres.

Your Holiday Hotel The Marsham Court Hotel, East Cliff, Bournemouth

Popular

The hotel is located on the East Cliff overlooking Favourite the bay and beaches in a central, yet secluded position and has an award-winning garden frontage.

Restaurant & Bar. Mobility Grade: 4 – Resort: Level cliff top walks, gradients to shopping centre and pier. Hotel: Level location. Lift to all floors.

No ground floor rooms & some first-floor rooms involve stairs. 9 steps to the main entrance can be avoided.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 6 – Fri 10 May 2019 (5 Days) Sun 14 – Fri 19 Jul 2019 (6 Days) Sun 13 – Thu 17 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£525 £659 £509

10.00am 10.30am 10.30am

4.30pm 4.30pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £80 (5 Day) £100 (6 Day) Sea View: £60 (5 Day) £100 (6 Day) • Sea View Balcony: £80 (5 Day) £150 (6 Day) • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May 5 Day) £29 (Jul 6 Day) £28 (Oct 5 day)

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Welcome tea/coffee upon arrival Entrance to Beaulieu Estate New Forest Guided Tour Guided Tour of Salisbury Cathedral Entrance to Compton Acres Poole harbour Cruise with Cream Tea Entrance & Guided Tour of Wilton House

Monday We arrive at our hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Tuesday This morning, we will take a short drive to visit the nearby Beaulieu National Motor Museum, where over 250 vintage vehicles are exhibited in a setting that explains the story of motoring in the UK. We then experience the Victorian splendour of Palace House as costumed guides provide us with a flavour of life ‘below stairs’. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds and gardens and explore the tranquil ruins of the 12th Century Cistercian Beaulieu Abbey. The Monorail which offers sweeping views of the park and the Secret Army Exhibition is also Not included: included in our ticket price. In the afternoon, we All lunches will take a scenic Guided Tour through the New Forest National Park. Our route takes us via historic Lyndhurst, where we can spend some free time before continuing through the storybook village of Burley and then on to Brockenhurst, before heading back to our hotel.

Wednesday This morning we visit Salisbury with time to explore this magnificent medieval city with its historic streets and alleyways and charming half-timbered buildings. We also allow time to visit the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral for a Guided Tour. In the afternoon, we travel to nearby Wilton House, set within 21 acres of landscaped parkland and home to the 18th Earl of Pembroke – This stunning house provides a fascinating insight into British history and contains one the finest surviving 17th century staterooms in England, designed to display the family portraits by Van Dyck.

Thursday Today we visit the historic gardens at Compton Acres, before heading to Poole for a 90-minute vintage cruise on the Dorset Queen, where we enjoy a Dorset cream tea and live commentary as we pass Millionaires Row, Brownsea Castle and the other four islands within Poole Harbour.

Friday This morning we leave the New Forest and make our way home.

Your Holiday Hotel Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu, Nr Brockenhurst Formerly a coaching inn, the Hotel is located in the stunning New Forest National Park near the small village of Beaulieu and is surrounded by beautiful open heath land and New Forest wildlife. Cosy restaurant, bar plus atmospheric pub located next door. Small indoor heated pool.

Mobility Grade: 4 – Most rooms are located within the main building with lift access, but there are also superior rooms located with an annexe next door with several more rooms on the ground floor.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 10 – Fri 14 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£679

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £47 • Holiday Insurance: £28

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© Flickr – Andrea Vail

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Carisbrooke Castle

SOUTHSEA & PORTSMOUTH EXPLORING BRITAIN’S NAVAL HERITAGE

SANDOWN & THE ISLE OF WIGHT The ‘Diamond Isle’ as it is known, has a peaceful beauty and an indefinable charm, along with a particularly mild and sunny climate. You can enjoy colourful views of sailing activity in the Solent, whilst inland, amidst picturesque countryside; there are quaint villages and bustling market towns.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Return Ferry Sailings Whippingham Church & Osborne House (EH) Entrance to Carisbrooke Castle (EH)

Thursday A morning departure for the south coast and our sailing to the Isle of Wight. We arrive at the Trouville Hotel during the afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Friday A leisurely tour of the island. On the west of the island there is spectacular scenery, where sheer cliffs plunge down to the English Channel.

Not included: We visit Freshwater Bay before reaching Alum Bay, All lunches with its colourful sands and famed Needles rocks.

Saturday We travel to Carisbrooke Castle (EH), a mighty, medieval fortress, where King Charles I was held prisoner before his trial and execution. We then visit the islands main town, Newport, with its quay and two elegant squares surrounded by period architecture Sunday We visit Whippingham Church, with its connections to Queen Victoria followed by Osborne House (EH), her seaside residence. Marvel at the sumptuous décor of the Royal Apartments and take an intimate glimpse into the private life of the Victorian royal family.

Monday Homeward bound today, we catch the ferry back to the mainland and onwards to the Midlands.

Your Holiday Hotel The Trouville Hotel, Sandown Gloriously situated directly overlooking the sea, opposite the golden beach. Split-level restaurant with panoramic views over the bay, Bar, Lounge and regular entertainment. All twin/double bedded rooms have sea views at no supplement, Ballroom, indoor leisure complex with four lanes for short mat bowls. Mobility Grade: 3 – Hotel has a level sea front location with easy access to Sandown Pier. A few gentle steps at entrance. Incline to main town. A few steps within hotel but lift serves all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 16 – Mon 20 May 2019 (5 Days) Thu 25 – Mon 29 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£479 £519

9.00am 9.00am

6.00pm 6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Single Side Sea View: £60 Double Sea View for Sole Use: £140 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Reductions available for (EH) English Heritage Members

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance to West Dean Gardens Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Tour & Tasting at Bombay Sapphire

Monday We head south to Portsmouth and our resort of Southsea, stopping for lunch en-route, arriving in plenty of time before dinner.

Tuesday A free day to enjoy a leisurely stroll in Not included: the gardens and along the Promenade in All lunches Southsea, home to a castle and the D-Day Museum & Overlord Embroidery. Join us on our visit the historic waterfront city of Portsmouth, as we visit Gunwharf Quays where there is an opportunity to take a panoramic trip up the 170ft high Spinnaker Tower.

Wednesday A morning visit to Chichester, once a Roman town and port, with its market and many interesting shops. In the afternoon we visit the award-winning gardens of West Dean, featuring a Victorian Walled Garden, 300-foot-long Edwardian pergola, naturalistic spring garden, sunken garden, orchards and circular arboretum walk set in beautiful parkland with views over the surrounding South Downs.

Thursday Situated within a working Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a collection of fantastic attractions. Discover the Royal Navy past, present and future, including the world -famous historic ships – HMS Victory the Mary Rose & HMS Warrior 1860 that have shaped British history. Other attractions include The Royal Naval Museum with a new Exhibition “Sea Your History” and Action Stations with the interactive gallery detailing the science and technology used by the modern Royal Navy.

Friday Departing after breakfast, we journey to Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire. Discover the Botanical Dry Room, a real sensory experience, before you go behind the scenes of the Dakin Still House, where you can see the processes involved in making this exquisite liqueur. To conclude your stay, enjoy a drink, suited to your personal taste profile, in the Mill Bar. Note: Visitors cannot wear opentoed shoes or high heels for the tour.

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea Located on the promenade at Southsea, the Royal Beach Hotel offers magnificent views over the Solent, with many bedrooms overlooking the sea and the Isle of Wight.

This fabulous Victorian hotel is draped in history and splendour. A grand staircase, chandelier-filled restaurant and sumptuous lounge awaits. Restaurant, relaxing sea view bar/lounge. Mobility Grade: 4 – Level access throughout with a few isolated steps. Two lifts to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 20 – Fri 24 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 5 – Fri 9 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£539 £539

8.30am 10.00am

6.30pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Aug)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

With its four mile long flat promenade and sweeping views across the Solent, Southsea attracts visitors all year round with its lively sophisticated and varied attractions. Southsea has everything an ideal holiday can offer with its beach, superb shopping, and historic sites.

Adjoining historic Old Portsmouth is also well worth a visit.

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THE BRIGHTON BELLE Visit stylish Brighton and discover miles of glorious beaches bordered by a lovely wide promenade. Take a stroll on the pier or explore the maze of little streets called The Lanes. There’s also the Brighton Pavilion to see – a Royal Beach House built in Indian style – an amazing treat full of treasures.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Ride on the Bluebell Railway & Entrance to Sheffield Park & Gardens (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Day 1 We travel to Brighton making a convenient stop in Windsor en-route, with time for lunch.

Arriving in Brighton in the afternoon enjoy tea on arrival whilst your bags are taken to your room.

Not included: Three-course table service dinner followed by a All lunches relaxing evening.

Day 2 We drive to Sheffield Park where we are treated to a return heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway. Our joint ticket then allows us to explore Sheffield Park & Gardens (NT), a place of stunning reflections and views and amazing plants.

Day 3 A free day to explore the variety of attractions Brighton has to offer.

Our hotel is within walking distance of the Lanes shopping area, the famous Brighton Pier and a short distance away is the Royal Pavilion.

Day 4 A tour along the South coast to another famous Georgian resort – Worthing. The town is renowned for its fabulous shopping and miles of award winning beaches, its parks and gardens. A chance to visit the extraordinary English Martyrs’ Church featuring a full-scale replica of Michelangelo’s ceiling from the Sistine Chapel. Later we continue to the ancient town of Arundel.

Built on a hill, Arundel is quite spectacular having a cathedral and castle together with cafes and shops Day 5 We make the leisurely drive home to the Midlands, making a suitable stop for lunch en-route.

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Hever Castle

Your Holiday Hotels The Old Ship or The Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, Brighton The Old Ship is the most historic hotel in Brighton and located in the heart of the city centre and overlooking Brighton’s glorious seafront. Restaurant and lounge/bar.

Mobility Grade: 4 – The location is level, steps to the entrance with alternative entrance available. Occasional steps in the corridors and some rooms. Lift to all floors.

Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront is situated in a premier position on the Promenade, overlooking the sea and is within easy reach of all that the city has to offer. Built around its spectacular Atrium, the hotel has 210 air-conditioned bedrooms, Promenade Restaurant, lounge and bar. Otium Health & Fitness Club with swimming pool, sauna & steam room. Mobility Grade: 5 – Good access throughout with lift to all floors.

Date

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Apr 2019 (Easter) (Old Ship) (5 Days) Sun 7 – Thu 11 Jul 2019 (Jurys) (5 Days) Sun 1 – Thu 5 Sep 2019 (Old Ship) (5 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£495

8.30am

6.00pm

£559

9.30am

5.00pm

£519

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £120 (Apr/Oct) £140 (Jul) Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Jul/Sep) Reductions Available for (NT) National Trust Members

© Hever Castle Ltd

© Flickr – Loco Steve

Bluebell Railway

BLUEBELLS & TULIPS IN KENT There is no better time to visit the Garden of England than in spring when everything is bursting to life with vibrant colours.

With our special themed events to two of the region’s top locations, you are sure to see an array of colour that will fill the Kent countryside.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrances to Hever Castle, Ightham Mote (NT) & Chartwell (NT)

Monday We travel south to Kent, making a stop for lunch en-route, arriving at our hotel in the afternoon.

Tuesday As spring takes hold across the country, the stunning Hever Castle tulip display comes Not included: into full bloom, with over fifty different varieties of All lunches this springtime favourite on show. Head Gardener Neil Miller described the tulip display at Hever Castle as “a hidden gem” commenting that “the south-east is renowned for tulip festivals, and the explosion of colour along Pergola Walk brings a carnival like atmosphere to the formality of the Italian Garden.

Wednesday Today we visit Ightham Mote (NT), a romantic 14th century, moated manor house. Described by historian David Starkey as ‘one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses’, where you’ll discover swathes of bluebells throughout this marvelous 546-acre estate.

The house is surrounded by peaceful gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland walks with unique views across the Kent countryside.

Thursday After breakfast we visit the ancient city of Canterbury. Discover the beautifully preserved cathedral, the 13th century Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Gardens, and perhaps take a historic river tour – a popular way to experience the city – browse the wonderful independent shops along the King’s Mile or visit the award-winning Canterbury Tales.

Friday Departing our hotel we make our way to Chartwell (NT), once family home of Sir Winston Churchill. The rooms remain as they were when he lived there, with pictures, books and personal mementoes evoking the career and interests of the famous statesmen. We then commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel The Mercure Maidstone, Great Danes Hotel Set within 26 acres of private grounds this delightful 4-star rated hotel is built around a Georgian country house, adjacent to Leeds Castle. Restaurant, bar/lounge, fitness & wellness centre with indoor pool, sauna & solarium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality & public areas generally level. Lift access from car park. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May 2019 (5 Days)

£525

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26

Faversham

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© Flickr - Herry Lawford

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Canterbury

TASTES & FLAVOURS OF KENT

A wonderful holiday to the Garden of England – Kent, visiting Leeds & Dover Castles, Canterbury and Rochester.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Guided Tour of Canterbury Cathedral Entrances to Leeds Castle & Dover Castle

Day 1 We journey south arriving at our hotel in the afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Day 2 We visit the lovely picture postcard village of Chilham. The village, with its many half-timbered houses, is situated on the former pilgrim’s route to Canterbury. Indeed, we continue to Canterbury, where we enjoy a guided tour of its magnificent cathedral followed by some free time to discover its maze of intriguing side streets, which are rich with a Not included: All lunches variety of specialist shops.

Day 3 Today we visit Leeds Castle – quite possibly the loveliest Castle in the World. The Castle has a history spanning 900 years and is set on two islands on the River Len. Discover its lavish interiors, craft café, shops, falconry & maze. This afternoon we visit Rochester with its stunning Cathedral, Castle and historic links to writer Charles Dickens.

The places that pop up in his books still sit among its characterful streets, shops and ancient buildings. Highlights include the Six Poor Travellers House and Miss Haversham’s ‘home’. The Guildhall Museum is alive with interactive Dickens exhibits, while Baggins Book Bazaar, stands out as one of England’s largest second-hand book shops.

Day 4 We visit Dover Castle & the Secret Wartime Tunnels. Spectacularly situated above the famous white cliffs this magnificent castle has guarded our shores for 20 centuries. The Secret Wartime tunnels are fascinating to explore as is the richly furnished Great Tower, where costumed actors introduce medieval life at King Henry II’s court.

Day 5 Departing after breakfast we make our way homeward, arriving back during the late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Abbots Barton, Canterbury The 3-star Best Western Abbots Barton Hotel is a Gothic-style building built in the 1830’s.

This picturesque hotel, set within two acres of beautiful gardens, is just a brief 10-minute walk from the historic town of Canterbury, ideally located to explore Canterbury’s many attractions. Mobility Grade: 3 – Bedrooms are on three floors. A lift serves most rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 30 May – Mon 3 Jun 2019 (5 Days) Mon 5 – Fri 9 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£565 £565

10.00am 10.00am

5.30pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £40 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Kent, the Garden of England – a beautiful region of Oast houses, vineyards, orchards, hop-fields, secret villages, historic towns and rolling countryside.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Hush Heath Estate Vineyard Tour, tasting & lunch Winterdale Cheese Farm Tour, tasting & Kent Cream Tea Hop Pickers Afternoon Tea

Holiday Itinerary

Thursday We journey south arriving at our hotel in the afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Friday We head to Hush Heath Vineyards.

Our visit includes a tour of the estate, with tasting and lunch at the nearby Goodhurst Inn. From here we visit the Winterdale Cheese Farm for a guided tour of the dairy and cave, followed by cheese tasting and cream tea.

Saturday We begin with a ride to historic Faversham. Nestling between the rural gently Not included: sloping Downs and the austere North Kent All other lunches marshes, Faversham is one of southern England’s most charming towns. It now has over 475 listed buildings and a broad selection of independent shops. We have time for lunch here before we leave for our afternoon visit to the Shepherd Neame Brewery for a guided ‘behind the scenes’ tour. Afterwards we round off the visit with Hop Pickers Afternoon Tea. Sunday This morning we head for the land of mysterious marshes and smugglers. First, we come to New Romney. A Cinque Port since 1155, the Great Storm of 1287 changed the course of the River Rother and made New Romney an inland town. Next, we arrive at Lydd. In the 18th and 19th centuries the town was notorious for the activities of ‘owlers’ (Local smugglers hooting to each other at dead of night). Have a look at All Saints Church – The Cathedral of the Marsh, which has a soaring 132ft tower, and at 199ft is Kent’s longest church. As we head inland spot the tower of St Mildred’s Church at Tenterden. Horatio, Lord Nelson’s daughter by his mistress Emma Hamilton, was at one time the vicar’s wife. Known as the ‘Jewel in the Weald’ the town makes an ideal place to finish the day.

Monday After breakfast we leave and begin our journey home.

Your Holiday Hotel Hilton Hotel, Maidstone Stay at The Hilton Hotel standing on the outskirts of Maidstone, in Kent, and is the perfect base for exploring the Garden of England. Hotel facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre. Mobility Grade: 3 – Level, easy access throughout. The hotel does not have a lift, but rooms are on ground & first floor only.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 27 Jun – Mon 1 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£559

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

KENT CASTLES & CANTERBURY

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© Leeds Castle Foundation

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Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers

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LEEDS CASTLE FLOWER FESTIVAL & A SALUTE TO THE 40’S We head to Leeds Castle for its Flower Festival where its state rooms display an abundance of floral artistry by local florists.

A visit to the Historic Chatham Dockyard is always of interest but it will also be playing host to a Salute to the 40’s, one of Britain’s Best Vintage Festivals, with vintage music and wartime displays.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to Chatham Dockyards ‘Salute to the 40’s’ weekend Train ride on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway Entrance to Leeds Castle Flower Festival

Friday We head to the south east, making a stop for lunch en-route.

Saturday Today we visit Chatham Historic Dockyard, formerly an important naval dockyard.

Here we turn back the clock to the forties as we visit their ‘Salute to the 40’s’ weekend. Step back in time for a day of nostalgia and life on the home front. There will be wartime vehicles, period fashion and an exciting programme of wartime Not included: entertainment with humour, music and dance.

All lunches Around every corner you’ll encounter bombsite urchins, ‘spivs’, soldiers, coppers and Dockyard Maties. Themed street scenes and even more indoor and outdoor live entertainment for you to enjoy!

Sunday This morning we make the short transfer to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, where we board our narrow-gauge steam train for a 13mile journey across the picturesque Romney Marsh to Dungeness, one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world, a place of beauty and a designated National Nature Reserve. We rejoin the coach and continue to the pretty Cinque Port of Rye. The town has enchanting cobbled streets, the medieval St. Mary’s church and the fascinating Ypres Tower which houses Rye Museum.

Monday Today we visit the Leeds Castle Flower Festival. Claimed to be ‘the most romantic castle in the world’, there is plenty to see and do. During the flower festival this magnificent castle is adorned with spectacular floral displays. See the castle’s state rooms transformed into complete works of art using flowers by local florists, flower societies and clubs. Stroll around the beautiful grounds including the Woods Gardens, The Culpeper Gardens, and of course, The Lady Baillie Garden which is on the site of Lady Baillie’s original aviary and is a favourite destination for visitors to the Castle.

Tuesday We end our tour with a leisurely journey home to the Midlands, making a stop for lunch en-route.

Your Holiday Hotel

FOLKESTONE, CANTERBURY & BOULOGNE The county of Kent in south east England has played a vital role in Britain’s maritime history, and many fine relics from its defensive past can still be seen today.

This new tour will discover the region’s fascinating heritage with included visits to the iconic Dover Castle and a day trip to France via Eurotunnel.

Holiday Itinerary

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to Dover Castle with tour of the Underground Hospital Eurotunnel Crossing to Calais Group Entrance to Canterbury Cathedral

Monday We travel south, with suitable stops en-route, arriving in Folkestone during the afternoon with time to settle in before dinner.

Tuesday We take a drive along the coast to Dover, home to those iconic white cliffs. Here we visit Dover Castle and take a tour around a fully furnished 12th Century Royal Palace and enjoy a unique visitor experience in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. We then take a fascinating guided tour Not included: All lunches of the Underground Hospital. Following this we make our way to the Battle of Britain Memorial in Capel-le-Ferne, a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served their country.

Wednesday After breakfast we make our way to the Eurotunnel Terminal for our Channel crossing to France. Here we visit the lovely French town of Boulogne (Passports Required).

Thursday Today we visit the historic city of Canterbury, pausing en-route in the lovely picture postcard village of Chilham, with its half-timbered houses.

We continue to Canterbury, where we include group entry in to the magnificent cathedral, after which there is free time to explore this historic city.

Friday Departing the hotel after breakfast, we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel

Best Western Plus Hotel Dover Marina, Dover Seafront

The Burlington Hotel, Folkestone

A picturesque Regency hotel on the seafront commanding a stunning position with superb views of Dover Harbour. Restaurant, bar & waterfront coffee shop, gym & spa facility. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Reasonably flat. Hotel: A few gentle steps to front entrance, isolated steps in public areas. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 13 – Tue 17 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£549

9.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £70 • Holiday Insurance: £28

look What’s Included

A stylish, Victorian hotel ideally situated near the main town centre of Folkestone and set within its own grounds overlooking the English Channel. Amenities include a traditional restaurant and two bars. Mobility Grade: 3 – Good access throughout with isolated steps. Lift available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 19 – Fri 23 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£529

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £104 • Holiday Insurance: £28

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© Flickr – Adam Jones

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Imperial War Museum Duxford

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CONCORDE, CASTLES & CODE BREAKERS

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions The Imperial War Museum, Duxford Entrance & Guided Visit to Rockingham Castle Entrance to Bletchley Park

Thursday We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.

Not included: Friday Our destination this morning is the All lunches Imperial War Museum Duxford, Britain’s bestpreserved WW2 airfield. Its story reflects the landmark achievements made in aviation history and it incorporates a series of museums and exhibitions such as the 1940’s Operations Room, The American Air Museum, The Battle of Britain Exhibition Land Warfare to name but a few. Be sure to discover “AirSpace”, featuring 30 iconic aircraft – including the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde itself! We spend the afternoon at leisure in Cambridge.

Saturday Today, we enjoy a fascinating private guided tour of Rockingham Castle, a castle with the rare status of having been continuously occupied for nearly 1,000 years and by just one family since being relinquished as a royal castle. On arrival we enjoy tea and coffee, followed by our tour, with time afterwards to explore the gardens, grounds, church and ice house at leisure.

Sunday This morning, we make our way to Bletchley Park where Alan Turing and his colleagues helped crack Germany’s Enigma Code during World War II. We uncover Bletchley Park’s remarkable story by visiting the unglamorous, functional Codebreaking Huts and Blocks.

Monday After breakfast, we make our way home.

Your Holiday Hotel The Huntingdon Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon

SUFFOLK’S SERENE COAST & GARDENS As one of the most beautiful areas of England, Suffolk retains a quintessential charm that makes it a worthy addition to our 2019 Summer Tour Programme!

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of Sutton Hoo 2-Hour Debden River Boat Cruise with tea/scones Entrance to Gainsborough’s House House & Garden tour of Otley Hall including afternoon cream tea

Monday We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.

Tuesday Today, we enjoy a leisurely tour along the picturesque Suffolk coast, commencing with a visit to Southwold, complete with its famous painted beach huts and lovely pier, before continuing to the pretty village of Thorpeness, with its mock Tudor houses and fairy-tale ‘House in the Clouds’. In the afternoon continue to Aldeburgh, which retains features from a bygone era.

Wednesday We commence the day with a guided tour of the ancient Saxon burial site of Sutton Hoo. Please note a reasonable degree of mobility is required as a walk of around 15 minutes to the burial grounds is required. Otherwise, for Not included: anyone less mobile there is an exhibition centre, 4 lunches café and shop. In the afternoon we include a leisurely 2-hour cruise along the River Debden, with tea/coffee & scones included.

Thursday A morning visit to Gainsborough House – Birthplace of the leading English Painter – Thomas Gainsborough, now a museum to his works.

In the afternoon we include a guided tour of Otley Hall & Gardens – Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most beautiful historic houses (Unavoidable steps to the first floor). Cream Tea included.

Friday After breakfast, we begin our way home.

Your Holiday Hotel Ufford Park Hotel, Melton, Woodridge, Suffolk

This modern, stylish hotel is located on the outskirts of Huntingdon, with excellent access to surrounding routes. Each of the 150 well decorated bedrooms are comfortable and traditional in style. The hotel has a range of modern facilities throughout, including a spacious, informal restaurant, a comfortable bar, indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and gym. Mobility Grade: 4 – The locality is generally level with good accessibility throughout. Lift access to floors.

Please note this hotel does not currently have walk-in showers.

This stylish ‘chalet’ style hotel is as spacious as the surrounding parkland, where the low sloping roofs provide many bedrooms with private dormer balconies and panoramic views over the grounds. Located 2 miles north of Woodbridge Town and 13 miles from Ipswich. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and lounge.

Indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym and spa. Mobility Grade: 2 – A lift serves all 3 floors except the 2nd floor bedrooms. 6 steps from reception to ground floor – level access available. Limited ground floor bedrooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 3 – Mon 7 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£519

10.30am

4.30pm

Mon 16 – Fri 20 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£539

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £95 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Supplements Single Room: £104 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

2019 will mark 50 years since Concorde first took to the skies. Now you can enjoy the chance to get up close and personal with this extraordinary feat of engineering and design – arguably the most iconic aircraft to have emerged from the latter half of the 20th century. This fabulous ‘high-flying’ tour will appeal to a wide range of passengers, so strap yourself in for an enigmatic trip to the Imperial War Museum at RAF Duxford, Bletchley Park and a private guided tour of Rockingham Castle – we’ve cracked the code for a fantastic five days!

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Great Yarmouth

Lincoln Cathedral

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© Flickr – Nick

© Greater Yarmouth Tourism - David Street

Itinerary

LINCOLNSHIRE LANDSCAPES GREAT YARMOUTH

HISTORIC HOUSES, PARKS & GARDENS

& THE NORFOLK BROADS

Holiday Itinerary

Great Yarmouth is Norfolk’s biggest and most popular holiday resorts with its Golden Mile, Pleasure Beach and Summer shows! Great Yarmouth is a traditional seaside resort with a beautiful promenade.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 6 nights half board 3 nights hotel entertainment Broads Cruise Bressingham Gardens & Steam Museum Somerleyton Hall

Sunday Travelling to East Anglia, we make a stop for lunch in Ely before arriving at our hotel during the afternoon.

Monday A free day to explore and discover the delights of Great Yarmouth Tuesday We begin the day with a visit to Wroxham and the charming Norfolk Broads where we enjoy a cruise around the picturesque Broads. In the afternoon we head to Norwich, where a visit to the Cathedral is a must, also Not included: cobbled Elm Hill and the Castle Mall shopping All lunches complex.

Wednesday We visit the timeless and delightful resort of Southwold, little changed since Victorian times. In the afternoon, we head inland to Diss to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum – the gardens are renowned the world over for their excellence.

Thursday Our first visit today is North Walsham, where it is market day, and we have the chance to explore and maybe enjoy a drink and bite to eat before we visit the coastal resort of Cromer for a leisurely afternoon by the sea.

Friday We drive to Oulton Broad and Lowestoft, with a chance to explore and obtain lunch before we make our way to Somerleyton Hall – an early Victorian Mansion with Jacobean origins set in a wooded park with 12 acres of lovely gardens including a maze, tearoom and gift shop.

Saturday Departing after breakfast we return homeward, arriving in the mid-afternoon.

look What’s

Monday En-route to our hotel we visit Included Grimsthorpe Castle & Park. A local guide joins us Door to Door Service for a tour of the magnificent parkland before you Our own courier visit the house for a self-guided free-flow tour of service the magnificent House and State Rooms with their Club Class Extra fine collection of tapestries. We then continue to Legroom Coach our hotel for our 4-night stay.

4 nights Tuesday We travel to Lincoln with its worldhalf board famous Cathedral and castle. Take a Entrance to Grimsthorpe Castle trip back through time as you stroll along the & Park, with guided many cobbled streets which lead to the tour of the grounds impressive castle and cathedral. Enjoy a wander Guided tour of around the cathedral quarter and visit the Lincoln Cathedral beautifully imposing Lincoln Cathedral, one Entrance & Guided of the finest medieval buildings in Europe.

Tour of the Fishing Heritage Centre You are treated to a guided tour of this Entrance to exceptional building.

Burghley House Wednesday After breakfast we drive across Rutland Water Lincolnshire and head for Grimsby and the Fishing Cruise Heritage Centre. Fishing has been described as Not included: All lunches one of the toughest jobs in the world. Witness it for yourself as you sign on for a journey of discovery as a trawler man in the 1950’s. Here we also enjoy a guided tour by a former fisherman of a fishing trawler to imagine life out at sea.

Thursday This morning head to magnificent Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest Elizabethan houses, built in 1555 by the Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. One of the Treasure Houses of England, it offers a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries and it is surrounded by 1000’s of acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. From Burghley we continue to pretty Rutland, England’s smallest county, where you embark on a 45-minute cruise on Rutland Water, one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe.

Friday Departing after breakfast we return home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

The Olde Barn Hotel, Marston, Nr Grantham

Burlington Palm Court Hotel, Great Yarmouth Formerly known as the Burlington Palm Hotel, this family owned hotel stands in a quiet location on Great Yarmouth’s seafront directly overlooking the sea. Restaurant, 2 bars, heated indoor swimming pool.

Mobility Grade: 2 – Hotel: The hotel originally was 3 houses that have been sympathetically joined together over the years. Rooms do vary in size and there are unavoidable steps to some floors, although the hotel has a lift. Locality: The hotel commands a level location.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 28 Jul – Sat 3 Aug 2019 (7 Days)

£789

10.00am

4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £30.50

Formerly known as the Ramada Resort Hotel, Grantham, this delightful hotel is set in luscious Lincolnshire countryside and combines rustic charm with modern amenities.

Restaurant, bar, lounge. Spa/Wellness centre including Jacuzzi, whirlpool & gymnasium. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Generally, level. Hotel: Generally, level with occasional steps to public areas.

Bedrooms are on 3 floors all served by a lift.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 8 – Fri 12 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£498

9.00am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Please See Page 40 for our 5 day ‘Singles Galore’ tours to Lincolnshire on 29th April & 9th September

East Lancashire Railway

© Flickr - brianfagan

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Belton House (NT) The Lincolnshire Aviation Centre, Guided tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and ‘Dambusters’ Talk at Petwood House Guided Tour of the International Bomber Command Centre

Holiday Itinerary

Sunday We journey to Belton House (NT), one of the finest restoration houses in the country and featured in BBC’s Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Tom Jones. Built between 1685-1688 with stunning interiors, it also houses an important collection of paintings, furniture, tapestries and silverware. Later, we continue to our hotel at Louth for our 4-night stay.

Monday This morning we travel to the Not included: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East All lunches Kirkby. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere of a bomber airfield. The only place in the country to see a Lancaster Bomber on an original wartime airfield. Next, we visit RAF Coningsby, and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, for a guided tour. We continue to the charming village of Woodall Spa, where we can find the magnificent memorial to the ‘Dambusters’ 617 Squadron before visiting Petwood House, home to the Dambusters for a talk from a local expert.

Tuesday We make our way to the new International Bomber Command Centre, located on the outskirts of Lincoln and set within 10 acres of landscaped ‘Peace Gardens’. Immerse yourself in the interactive exhibition which tells the stories of those who served, supported and suffered during the bombing campaigns of World War II. See the Walls of Names, Ribbon of Remembrance and the Spire Memorial, the UK’s tallest war memorial and once the sighting point for crews based in the area. A guide will accompany this visit. Later, enjoy time at leisure in the cathedral city of Lincoln.

Wednesday A day to explore Lincolnshire’s pretty coastline. Places such as Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes are classic holiday destinations but this area is also famed for its nature and birdlife.

Thursday We bid a fond farewell to Lincolnshire as we commence our journey home.

Your Holiday Hotel Best Western Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth The Kenwick Park is a very well-presented hotel located in a magnificent setting in over 300 acres of grounds. It has its own 18-hole golf course and impressive leisure facilities. Restaurant, bar and terrace. Mobility Grade: 3 – The locality is generally level with good accessibility throughout. There is no lift, but the hotel only has two floors with ground floor rooms available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 19 – Thu 23 May 2019 (5 Days)

£565

10.30am

6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £68 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (NT) Reductions available for National Trust Members

TRADITIONAL LANCASHIRE Wordsworth called Lakeland, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, and few who have visited the area would disagree.

The heart of the Lake District National Park has a grandeur all of its own, with massive crags and ridges, towering fells and deep green valleys in its labyrinths of lakes and rivers. Kendal is often referred to as the Gateway to the Lakes and is the oldest and most important market town in the county.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of Leighton Hall with afternoon tea Train ride on the East Lancs Railway Rochdale Pioneers Museum The Chocolate House Guided tour of Salmesbury Hall

Thursday We journey to the North West and to our hotel in Leyland for our 4-night stay.

Friday Today we travel north to explore the ancient city of Lancaster. Visit the castle and museums to uncover ancient stories, take a stroll to St George’s Quay, wander around the quirky boutiques and independent galleries. After time for lunch we continue north to Carnforth and Leighton Hall, the ancestral home of the Not included: All lunches renowned Gillow furniture family. We enjoy a tour and the guides will share the history of the hall with you. Our visit ends with afternoon tea.

Saturday We make our way to Rawtenstall where we join the East Lancashire Railway and enjoy a ride along the Irwell Valley through pleasant countryside to Bury. There is time to look around and obtain a drink and bite to eat before our afternoon visit to Rochdale. It was here in 1844 that the Rochdale Pioneers started the Co-op movement, still of course going strong today. We visit the museum in Toad Lane and discover how the movement grew over the years.

Sunday A short ride from the hotel brings us to the Chocolate House in Blackburn. We enjoy a chocolate making demonstration, along with refreshments and samples to tantalize your taste buds. In the afternoon we visit historic Salmesbury Hall, a fabulous half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325 as a family home. A guided tour brings history to life and tells tales of intrigue and witchcraft through the centuries.

Monday Leaving our hotel this morning we return home.

Your Holiday Hotel Hallmark Premier Leyland Hotel, Leyland Part of the Feathers group and one of their flagship hotels.

This modern hotel has many unique touches such as chaise longues and oversized chairs. The public areas feature art work by local artists and the Four Seasons restaurant is modern with a great atmosphere. Mobility Grade: 3 – The locality is generally level with good accessibility throughout. There is no lift, but ground floor rooms are available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 5 – Mon 9 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£535

10.30am

4.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £64 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

LINCOLNSHIRE ‘BOMBER COUNTRY’ During the Second World War Lincolnshire became ‘Bomber Country’, home to many Lancaster squadrons. Almost half Bomber Command’s 19 Victoria Crosses honoured airmen flying from Lincolnshire, including Wing Commander Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron, the Dam Busters. By 1945 there were 49 airfields, more than any other county. We have inclusions to help you learn more about Bomber Command and the Aviation Heritage in Lincolnshire.

© Flickr - Thomas’s Pics

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Wordsworth called Lakeland, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, and few who have visited the area would disagree.

The heart of the Lake District National Park has a grandeur all of its own, with massive crags and ridges, towering fells and deep green valleys in its labyrinths of lakes and rivers. Kendal is often referred to as the Gateway to the Lakes and is the oldest and most important market town in the county.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

© Flickr – Michael D Beckwith

ROMANTIC JOURNEYS OF THE NORTH

KENDAL & THE SOUTHERN LAKES

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Hutton-in-the-Forest

© www.geograph.org.uk – Gareth James

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

KIELDER WATER, THE EDEN VALLEY & CARLISLE

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Distillery tour & tasting Entrance to Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Journey Cruise on Lake Windermere Cruise on Ullswater

Monday We depart Henley and travel north to our hotel, stopping en-route for lunch and refreshment stops.

Tuesday After breakfast enjoy a scenic drive past Lake Windermere, Thirlmere Reservoir then Bassenthwaite Lake to the Lakes Distillery where a tour tasting of their own whisky, gin or vodka awaits. We allow some free time in Keswick before continuing in the afternoon to Grasmere Not included: where we include a visit to Dove Cottage and All lunches the Wordsworth Museum.

Wednesday A leisurely morning begins with a short heritage railway journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, followed by a cruise on Lake Windermere to Bowness. After disembarking there is time to explore this popular holiday village at leisure. There are cafes, restaurants, shops and places to visit, such as the World of Beatrix Potter attraction.

Thursday Today we head north towards Ullswater for another relaxing cruise.

On then to the Cumbrian town of Penrith, rich in history and hub of the Eden Valley. This afternoon we spend time in Ambleside and see Waterhead, where the sweeping views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells should not be missed.

Friday We commence our journey home, returning to the Midlands during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel

Based at the popular Gilsland Hall Hotel, this spring tour introduces us to some of the regions lesser known, but still historically important attractions, as we explore the Cumbrian and Northumbrian countryside, hills and valleys.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board A tea dance is held each evening before dinner Nightly entertainment Outlined excursions Entrance to Huttonin-the Forest Lanercost Priory (EH) with afternoon tea

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We drive north to Cumbria for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we have an excursion that takes us south to the market town of Penrith. Today is market day and there will be an opportunity to browse the stalls before we make our way in the afternoon into the Pennines, climbing Hartside Pass, on the way to Alston, with its cobbled main street and 17th century buildings, continuing along the South Tyne Valley to our hotel.

Wednesday This morning we head to Longtown and drive along Liddesdale as we make our way Not included: All lunches to picturesque Kielder Water and Forest Park.

From here we continue to Bellingham and Hexham, dominated by the Abbey overlooking the market square. Our return to the hotel is along the path of Hadrian’s Wall, which stretched some 76 miles from the Tyne to the Solway Firth.

Thursday A morning visit to Hutton-in-the Forest, a beautiful house, set in woods which were once part of a medieval forest. The house consists of a 14th century pele tower and contains a fine collection of furniture, portraits, tapestries and china. The superb walled garden has a large collection of herbaceous plants, and there are a fine array of terraces and topiary sculptures. We return via Lanercost Priory (EH) – Set in a tranquil setting the Priory had an often-troubled history yet there is much to see in this best preserved Cumbrian monastery. Afternoon tea is included in the adjacent tea rooms.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel

The Riverside Hotel, Kendal

The Gilsland Hall Hotel, Gilsland

A converted 18th century tannery, the hotel is situated on the banks of the River Kent, beneath the ruins of the town’s 12th Century castle. A short walk away is the centre of this famous Lake District market town with its bustling shops, galleries and museums. The hotel’s restaurant has excellent river views and there is a range of leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna & steam room. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality & hotel is generally level.

Isolated steps throughout the hotel with a lift to most rooms.

Set in 140 acres of woodland with fantastic views across Irthing Gorge, where the River Irthing separates the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland. Restaurant, lounge bar, coffee shop. Regular entertainment. Mobility Grade: 3 – The manicured grounds are relatively flat & allow guests the chance to sit, relax and enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside. A few isolated steps throughout the hotel. Lift to most floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 29 April – Fri 3 May 2019 (5 Days)

£575

8.30am

6.30pm

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£479

8.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £91 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Supplements Single Room: £24 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Holmfirth Vineyard

© www.holmfirthvineyard.com

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RAILWAY LINES, GRAPEVINES & GOOD TIMES IN YORKSHIRE

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to the North-East Lead Mining Museum Cream Tea at Slaley Hall Guided tour of Carlisle Castle (EH) The South Tynedale Railway

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We drive north to Cumbria for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday This morning takes us to Hexham, a historic market town, where today is also market day. Here, you can search for a bargain, wander the town or possibly visit the historical Abbey. In the afternoon, we travel through the Pennines to KIllhope – The North-East Lead Mining Museum. Here you can experience the life and work of the lead mining families of the North Pennines.

Wednesday This morning is all about scenery, Not included: as we follow Hadrian’s Wall, passing the famous All lunches ‘Sycamore Gap’ as we continue along the wall to Chollerford. We then drive through the countryside, around the scenic Derwent Reservoir to Slaley Hall, where we enjoy cream tea in the beautiful former Edwardian Mansion. In the afternoon, we travel to the historic village of Corbridge. As far back as 1827 Corbridge was rated as a shopper’s paradise, a reputation it retains today. A wander along Corbridge’s pretty high street with its plethora of small shops with their decorated fronts will tempt you.

Thursday This morning we travel to the border city of Carlisle, where we include a guided visit to Carlisle Castle (EH) – a major fortress that has withstood many sieges, facing more than any other castle in Britain. The castle played a key role in the conflict between England and Scotland. The Castle is also home to the museum of Cumbria’s Military Life. In the afternoon we journey via Penrith and the spectacular Hartside Pass to Alston, where we enjoy a ride on the South Tynedale Railway, Britain’s highest narrow-gauge railway line.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions The Yorkshire Sculpture Park The Harrogate Pump Rooms Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens Holmfirth Vineyards

Monday We drive north to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – an open air gallery near Wakefield that brings together striking works of art and the green countryside of Yorkshire to create an atmospheric art experience. We then continue to our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we cross the River Wharfe at Poole-in-Wharfdale and head for the spa town of Harrogate. We include a visit to the historic Pump Rooms before a free afternoon to explore this delightful town.

Not included: Wednesday Today we head off along the Aire All lunches Valley to Skipton – ‘Gateway to the Dales’, where today is market day. Enjoy a stroll around the town and explore some of the interesting little alleyways and shops. Later we drive to Keighley, joining the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for a journey through the countryside and down the Worth Valley to Oxenhope.

Thursday This morning we drive via Ripon to the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside where we visit the magnificent ruins of Fountains Abbey. On our guided-tour we will discover it’s rich but often turbulent history. Next, we visit Studley Royal Water-Gardens – Here we can wander through the tranquil water gardens and admire the beautifully designed ponds, classical statues and visit the many follies dotted throughout the grounds.

Friday Departing our hotel, we visit Holmfirth Vineyard, where we get a brief insight into the history of the vineyard, followed by a tour around the winery with wine tasting included. We continue into the delightful village of Holmfirth, home to the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ before returning home during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

The Gilsland Hall Hotel, Gilsland Set in 140 acres of woodland with fantastic views across Irthing Gorge, where the River Irthing separates the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland. Restaurant, lounge bar, coffee shop. Regular entertainment. Mobility Grade: 3 – The manicured grounds are relatively flat & allow guests the chance to sit, relax and enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside. A few isolated steps throughout the hotel. Lift to most floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 13 – Fri 17 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 2 – Fri 6 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£534 £534

8.00am 8.00am

6.30pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £24 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Sep) Reductions available for (EH) English Heritage Members

This tour introduces us to the highlights of Yorkshire, enjoying its railway lines, grapevines and some good times as we relax between excursions. Enjoy market day in the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, a picturesque trip along the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and wine tasting in Holmfirth.

Cedar Court Hotel, Leeds/Bradford The Best Western Plus Cedar Court Hotel Leeds/Bradford is a modern, spacious hotel, set in a convenient location on the outside of the city. The hotel offers 131 spacious and well equipped rooms, many of which have just been refurbished. Restaurant, lounge & bar. Leisure facilities include indoor pool, sauna & gym. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality & hotel are generally on the level. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 27 – Fri 31 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 14 – Fri 18 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£494 £489

9.30am 8.30am

7.00pm 7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Oct)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

QUINTESSENTIAL CUMBRIA This tour takes us through the Cumbrian countryside and through the Pennines this summer to quaint towns, beautiful landscapes and interesting visits around Cumbria.

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Whitby

© Flickr – Jack Cousin

© www.geograph.org.uk - Richard Humphrey

Harrogate

SCARBOROUGH MAGICAL MOORLANDS & COASTAL

HARROGATE

CHARMS

& THE YORKSHIRE DALES Encounter beautiful Yorkshire landscapes and soak up the history and heritage of Harrogate, voted as “the happiest place to live in Britain”!

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Embsay Railway & a visit to the Wensleydale Creamery Skipton Canal Cruise & The Nidderdale Museum The Harrogate Pump Rooms Newby Hall & Gardens

Monday Our journey takes us north to Harrogate and our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we drive via Blubberhouses Moor to Embsay where we take a return steam train through picturesque Yorkshire Dales scenery.

After this, we drive through Wharfedale to Aysgarth then along Wensleydale to the magical market town of Hawes, home to the famous Wensleydale cheese and we visit the factory and watch one of the cheeses being made.

Wednesday We drive to Skipton – ‘Gateway to the Dales’. We also take a trip on the Skipton Canal with rib-tickling commentary by our host Not included: All lunches with tea & biscuits included. Our final visit today is Pateley Bridge, where we visit the Nidderdale Museum.

Thursday We commence with a visit to the Royal Pump Rooms Museum.

Situated in the original spa building, built to house the famous sulphur well, they tell the story of Harrogate, and there’s even the chance to sample the water. Afterwards, we are free to explore Harrogate. With its huge open spaces, broad tree-lined boulevards, antique shops and elegant buildings, Harrogate also boasts the world-famous Betty’s Tearooms, founded in 1919 by a Swiss Confectioner.

Friday Departing after breakfast we visit Newby Hall and Gardens. Built by Sir Christopher Wren, Newby Hall epitomises the Georgian Act of Elegance, with Robert Adams beautiful interiors. Enjoy the 25 acres of gardens that were created in the early 1920’s.

Scarborough enjoys an unrivalled position as one of Britain’s premier coastal resorts, yet also lies tantalizingly close to North Yorkshire’s rugged National Park and the rolling pastures of the North Wolds.

The town straddles two magnificent bays separated by a headland crowned by a 12th century castle.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Entrance to Eden Camp Train ride on the North Yorks Moors Railway Entrance to Castle Howard

Sunday Travelling north we visit historical York.

Free time to explore the sites before continuing to Scarborough in the afternoon.

Monday We head south to the genteel resort of Filey for a short stay before continuing to Eden Camp, near Malton. Housed within the grounds of Not included: All lunches an original Prisoner of War camp we discover the story of WW2 recreated using sights, sounds, smells and moving images to create a unique atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to wartime Britain.

Tuesday A free day to enjoy Scarborough’s many attractions.

Wednesday We follow the coast road to Whitby, the famous fishing port which was once the home of Captain James Cook. There’s time to wander the narrow streets and busy harbourside before we join the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a train ride over the scenic North Yorkshire Moors through Grosmont and Goathland to Pickering where we rejoin the coach to Scarborough.

Thursday We travel through Thornton-le-Dale to Castle Howard. Here “Yorkshire rivals Rome”. For over 300 years this palatial stately home has commanded its position over the Howardian Hills and, more recently, was the setting for TV’s acclaimed ‘Brideshead Revisited’. There is time to visit the house, take a stroll around the delightful grounds before we return to Scarborough.

Friday Departing after breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Harrogate This modern hotel is superbly positioned just a short walk from Harrogate town centre and gardens.

Restaurant, Bar & Gym. Mobility Grade: 3 – The town of Harrogate does have hills and inclines and although the locality of the hotel is relatively level, a few steps may be encountered. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£589

8.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £28

This comfortable and friendly hotel, with first class service occupies a commanding position on Scarborough’s south cliff. Restaurant, bar, lounge and games room. 2 nights entertainment. Mobility Grade: 3 – A long level frontage and a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 26 – Fri 31 May 2019 (6 Days) Sun 25 – Fri 30 Aug 2019 (6 Days)

£609 £619

8.00am 8.00am

5.00pm 6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £27 (May) £29 (Aug)

© VisitEngland - Visit County Durham

© www.geograph.org.uk – David P Howard

Souter Lighthouse

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Locomotion Museum Shildon

DELIGHTFUL DURHAM The beautiful city of Durham, with its Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, is the jewel in the crown of an extraordinary county. We discover what this magical North East corner of England has to offer, with its quaint market towns and delightful villages. The area boasts some of the country’s finest countryside and coastlines, whilst the area’s turbulent history has also left its mark on the landscape with its numerous castles and fortifications.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to the Bowes Museum The National Museum of the Navy at Hartlepool Entrance to ‘Locomotion’ at Shildon & Guided Tour of Durham Cathedral

Monday We travel north with a suitable stop for lunch en-route before arriving at our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday A drive into the North Pennines takes us to Barnard Castle where we visit the Bowes Museum – an important collection of treasures Not included: All lunches including fine art, ceramics, textiles and dress.

Our return takes us via Weardale where we pause in the pretty village of Stanhope with its Durham Dales Visitor Centre and Castle Gardens with tea rooms and craft workshops.

Wednesday We visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy at Hartlepool’s award-winning Historic Quay – A faithful reproduction of an 18th century seaport portraying the exciting experience of what life was like at the time of Nelson and Trafalgar. Home to the Trincomalee – Europe’s oldest floating warship, restored by the people of Hartlepool – this superb visitor attraction offers the sights, smells and sounds of the naval yesteryear.

Thursday We visit ‘Locomotion’ in Shildon, a branch of the National Railway Museum, which contains many historic and interesting exhibits, locomotives and more. Later we continue to Durham City, home to the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. We include a guided tour of the Cathedral before allowing free time to explore Durham’s ancient cobbled streets.

Friday A leisurely drive homeward arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Redworth Hall Hotel, County Durham

THE DURHAM HERITAGE COAST SUNDERLAND – DURHAM – HARTLEPOOL Explore the colourful and dramatic landscape of Durham’s Heritage Coast with its beaches, rugged cliffs and imposing headlands. A truly stunning location, the Heritage Coast is recognised internationally for its rare plants and wildlife, having previously won the UK Landscape Award.

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr 2019 (5 Days) Mon 19 – Fri 23 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£489 £515

9.30am 9.30am

5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Double for Sole Use: £100 Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Aug)

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance to Raby Castle & Gardens Entrances to Souter Lighthouse (NT) & Washington Old Hall (NT)

Holiday Itinerary

Monday We travel north to our hotel and our 4-night stay.

Tuesday We visit Raby Castle and Gardens, home to Lord Barnard’s family since 1626. One of the finest medieval Castles in England the gardens Not included: All lunches are a mix of traditional 18th century ornamental Walled Gardens, Yew Hedges, Trees, Plants and Ornaments. We return via Escomb Village, to admire the hidden little gem of Escomb Saxon Church, considered one of the finest 7th century churches in the country.

Wednesday We begin our day by heading for the County Durham Coastline.

Commencing at Noses Point – Once home to one of the biggest coal mines in Europe, where the beach was buried under 2 ½ million tonnes of colliery waste each year. The Beach has now been cleaned and is a spectacular haven for wildflowers and wildlife. We continue via Seaham to Whitburn, pausing at the Souter Lighthouse (NT). Next, we skirt inland from South Shield to Washington Old Hall (NT) – a picturesque stone manor house and gardens with strong associations to the family of George Washington, first president of the United States.

Thursday A day at leisure in Durham, with free time to explore this medieval city’s cobbled streets and imposing Cathedral.

Friday A leisurely drive homeward arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County

A beautiful Jacobean country manor dating back to 1744. Standing in 150 acres of Durham countryside, the hotel combines traditional elegance with contemporary style. Restaurant, bar, lounge, Indoor pool & gym. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality: Generally level. Hotel: Level entrance & lift to all floors.

Date

look What’s Included

Situated on the banks of the River Wear, the hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the city. Restaurant, bar/lounge and garden. Indoor pool, sauna & spa services. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality: Incline to city centre. Hotel 5 – Flat with a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 10 – Fri 14 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£539

9.30am

5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28 Discounts available for (NT) National Trust Members

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

& THE HISTORIC NORTH EAST

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BEAUTIFUL NORTHUMBRIA

THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBRIA

BEAMISH – ALNWICK – BAMBURGH HOLY ISLAND

& THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

Northumberland, a rich and diverse region with a long and illustrious heritage.

From its unspoilt coastline to rural landscapes we’ll discover a land of mighty castles, pretty villages and historic market towns; lush rolling countryside and a coastline fringed by miles of golden sands – a perfect holiday setting!

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

64

Chillingham Castle

© www.geograph.org.uk - John Sparshatt

Lindisfarne Castle

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Outlined excursions Entrance to Beamish ‘Living Museum of the North’ River Tyne Cruise Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Sunday We travel north towards Newcastle passing Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area, arriving at the hotel during the afternoon.

Monday This morning we head to the Beamish ‘Living Museum of the North’, where we step back in time and see how people lived and worked Not included: in the late 19th and early 20th century. Staff in All lunches period dress add to the amazing atmosphere as they tell their story and guide you through living history. Browse through the school house, have a peek in the newsagents or even buy freshly baked goods in the bakery! Take the tram to Pockerley Manor and see what farm life was like in the 1820’s. After all this excitement, you can even relax in the Sun Inn, a good old fashioned pub or take a trip to the traditional tearoom.

Tuesday A leisurely morning in Newcastle followed by a fabulous cruise on the River Tyne – With expert commentary, we sail under many of the famous Tyne Bridges.

Wednesday We visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens – This majestic and imposing medieval castle offers impressive architecture, fine art treasures and a beautiful setting. It has been a popular film location, for everything from Harry Potter to Elizabeth to Becket to Blackadder.

Thursday To the resort of Seahouses on the North Northumberland Heritage Coast. Offshore lie the remote Farne Islands, home to a wide variety of bird and sea life. Following miles of sandy dunes and unspoilt beaches we reach Bamburgh, home of Grace Darling, where the imposing castle looks out to sea. Subject to tidal conditions we travel over the causeway to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), birthplace of British Christianity Friday A leisurely drive homeward arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Millennium Copthorne, Newcastle The Millennium Copthorne Hotel stands in one of the finest locations in Newcastle, on the banks of the River Tyne, just a short stroll from the city centre. Bedrooms are all river facing.

Restaurant & bar facilities. Mobility Grade: 4 – The hotel is on the level with a few isolated steps. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 26 – Fri 31 May 2019 (6 Days) Sun 20 – Fri 25 Oct 2019 (6 Days)

£629 £625

8.00am 9.00am

5.00pm 6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £75 • Holiday Insurance: £27 (May) £29 (Oct)

This tour covers a variety of splendid scenery, contrasting countryside, historic towns, rugged coastlines, rolling hills and quaint northern villages. The ancient Kingdom of Northumbria offers some of the most striking unspoilt beauty in England.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Chesters Roman Fort & Vindolanda Ford & Etal Estate including the Heatherslaw Steam Light Railway Chilingham Castle

Monday We travel north towards Newcastle passing Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area, arriving at the hotel during the afternoon.

Tuesday Today we follow part of the route of Hadrian’s Wall, with an opportunity to see a section of the actual remaining structure.

We visit Chesters Roman Fort to gain an insight into the life of a soldier living on Rome’s northern Not included: frontier. At Roman Vindolanda there’s a world All lunches famous collection of artefacts and an opportunity to possibly see a ‘live dig’. Our journey takes us to Hexham Abbey, returning via Corbridge.

Wednesday We visit the villages of Ford and Etal, a vast rural estate with Visitor Centre, steam railway, castles, paintings, cafe, tea rooms, craft workshops and the Black Bull, Northumberland’s only thatched roof pub.

Whilst here we include a visit to Lady Waterford Hall – the hall was Ford School until 1957, a ride on the Heatherslaw steam light railway, and a visit to the Heatherslaw Cornmill, England’s most northerly working water mill.

From here we head for the Scottish Borders region at Coldstream and continue along the Tweed Valley to Kelso.

Thursday We make our way to Chillingham Castle, a 13th century, Grade I star-listed stronghold in Northumberland, with its fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms for a guided tour. The castle has an extraordinary ownership bloodline which runs back to the 1200’s! Please note: As this is a 600 year old castle, this property is not suitable for people with mobility restrictions. We have free time after the tour to explore the estate further at your own pace.

Friday Today we are homeward bound.

Your Holiday Hotel Millennium Copthorne, Newcastle The Millennium Copthorne Hotel stands in one of the finest locations in Newcastle, on the banks of the River Tyne, just a short stroll from the city centre. Bedrooms are all river facing.

Restaurant & bar facilities. Mobility Grade: 4 – The hotel is on the level with a few isolated steps. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 17 – Fri 21 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£539

9.30am

6.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Tenby

WaleS

Mumbles

PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE TENBY

The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower Peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and seemingly endless rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns and little villages. We stay in Carmarthen for our tour, ideal for visiting this delightful corner of Wales.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Tea/coffee & Welsh cakes on arrival Harpist or pianist on one evening with one further night of evening entertainment Entrance to Picton Castle & the Woodland Garden Guided Tour of The Gower Peninsula with a cream tea Guided tour of St David’s Cathedral

Day 1 We arrive in Carmarthen during the late afternoon for our 4-night stay.

Day 2 This morning we travel to the popular seaside resort of Tenby, with its superb beaches, old town walls, interesting little side streets and alleyways, just waiting to be explored. In the afternoon, we visit Picton Castle and Woodland Garden. Situated in some 40 acres, we can discover just why they are regarded as Pembrokeshire’s finest stately home and gardens.

Day 3 Leaving the hotel we head south to the picture postcard resort of Mumbles, delightfully Not included: located on Swansea Bay. We have time for a look All lunches round and to obtain lunch. This afternoon we have a short drive to the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill. Here we meet our guide for a tour taking us to the beautiful unspoilt scenery of the Gower Peninsula. After the tour, we return to the Heritage Centre and enjoy a Gower Cream Tea. Day 4 Today our excursion takes us via St Bride’s Bay and Newgale Sands to the magical place of St. David’s, birthplace of the patron saint of Wales.

A guided tour is included of St David’s Cathedral, the smallest in Great Britain.

From St. David’s we head around the Preseli Mountains back to our hotel.

Day 5 After breakfast we depart our hotel, arriving home during the late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel

& THE SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE COAST Tenby is one of the most popular and wellknown resorts in Wales. Stroll the narrowcobbled streets or sit in one of the many cafes, restaurants and public houses, or wander along the harbour, where you can board one of the cruises to nearby Caldey Island.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Live entertainment on at least one night Aberglasney House & Gardens Caldey Island boat trip

Monday We journey to South Wales with a suitable stop for lunch en-route arriving at our hotel during the afternoon.

Tuesday We enjoy a half day excursion to historic Pembroke with its imposing castle set on the banks of the River Cleddau. The bustling main Not included: street is lined with both Georgian and Tudor All lunches buildings housing some fascinating shops, cafes and restaurants, whilst a stroll by the river and mill pond will take you around the castle walls. Free time in the afternoon to explore the historic seaside resort of Tenby.

Wednesday This morning, we visit Aberglasney House & Gardens, spectacularly set in the beautiful Tywi Valley. Aberglasney Gardens is seeing a fascinating, ongoing garden restoration project undertaken in an area that covers over 10 acres and are destined to become one of the finest gardens in the UK. Thursday Today we take to the water for the 20-minute boat trip to Caldey Island. Caldey Abbey is the home of Cistercian Monks who farm this tiny island off the coast of Tenby and make the famous Caldey Island perfume and chocolate. There is also a medieval priory, lighthouse, post office/museum, gift shop and tea garden as well as a glorious sandy beach, pleasant walks and spectacular views. (The Boat Trip is weather dependant & may not be suitable for those with limited mobility).

Friday After breakfast we begin our homeward journey, arriving home during the afternoon.

Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen Located on the River Tywi within walking Popular Favourite distance of the town centre, the 3-star Ivy Bush sympathetically blends olde-world charm with today’s modern facilities. Restaurant, large lounge area, and bar. Mobility Grade: 3 – Immediate locality reasonably flat. Hotel: One step to entrance with ramp alternative. Small lift to all floors. Due to the age & style of the building there are some floors with a few unavoidable steps.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 13 – Fri 17 May 2019 (5 Days) Sun 4 – Thu 8 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£499 £499

10.30am 9.30am

4.00pm 5.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Aug) Please See Page 42 for our 5 Day ‘Singles Galore’ tour to the Ivy Bush Hotel on 4 Nov.

Your Holiday Hotel Park Hotel, Tenby This traditional yet elegant, family run hotel is perched on a cliff top with spectacular views overlooking Tenby.

The hotel provides an elegant dining room, the North Cliff Suite with a bar and dance floor. 40-foot outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), landscaped lawns, beautiful cliff top terraces and a garden bar. Mobility Grade: 2 – Accessed via 3 steps and it should be noted that there are multiple steps throughout this historic property. There is, however, lift access to all 42 rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 8 – Fri 12 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£599

9.00am

5.30pm

Supplements Double for sole use: £72 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

& THE BEAUTIFUL GOWER

65

WaleS

Royal Mint Visitors Centre

© AndrewPickettPhoto.com

© The Royal Mint Experience

Cardiff

COINS, CASTLES & THE BRECON BEACONS CARDIFF

This tour includes visits to some of South Wales’ most popular attractions including the Royal Mint, Dyffryn Gardens, Castle Coch, Penderyn Distillery and the Brecon Mountain Railway.

SOUTH WALES & THE ROYAL MINT EXPERIENCE The Welsh capital city has more than its fair share of attractions, top class entertainment and quality shopping.

The city also boasts more green space per person than any other UK City offering fabulous parks and gardens to explore.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of Cardiff Castle & Cardiff The Royal Mint Visitors Centre

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

66

Monday Travelling out via Monmouth we take in the scenic splendour of the Wye Valley as we head to Cardiff for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday A morning Guided Tour of Cardiff Castle. Cardiff Castle is a proud monument to medieval craftsmanship and Welsh heritage.

Much of it was restored and updated during the Victorian times, and today it’s a feast of marble, Not included: All lunches gilding and spectacular wood carvings. Later we enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Cardiff’s attractive city centre, as well as the modernised Cardiff Bay area.

Wednesday A full day excursion to the stunning Gower Peninsula taking in the Mumbles and the Gower Heritage Centre, a converted watermill.

Thursday We visit the Royal Mint Visitors Centre at Llantrisant which produces coins and medals for over 60 countries. We take a guided tour of the production processes and then visit the Visitors Centre for a self-guided tour of the static and interactive exhibits. Return to Cardiff for a free afternoon at leisure to enjoy the city’s attractions.

Friday Departing Cardiff we drive over the ‘Heads of the Valley’ to Abergavenny, arriving home during the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel The Angel Hotel, Cardiff Enjoying a prime location in the heart of Cardiff, close to Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium.

Restaurant, bar and lounge/reception area.

Mobility Grade: 4 – The streets around the hotel are level. 9 steps up to the hotel but wheelchair access available. Level access throughout the hotel with a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 22 – Fri 26 Apr 2019 Easter (5 Days) Mon 5 – Fri 9 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£498 £489

8.30am 8.30am

6.00pm 4.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 (Apr) £96 (Aug) • Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr) £28 (Aug)

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our Own Courier Service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Guided tour of the Royal Mint Entrance to Dyffryn Gardens & Castle Coch The Brecon Mountain Railway & Penderyn Distillery

Thursday We travel south west to Wales, pausing en-route in Ross-on-Wye before arriving at our hotel for our 4-night stay.

Friday This morning we visit the Royal Mint Visitors Centre at Llantrisant which produces coins and medals for over 60 countries.

We take a guided tour of the production processes and then visit the Visitors Centre for a self-guided tour of the static and interactive exhibits. Return to Cardiff for a free afternoon at leisure to enjoy the city’s attractions Not included: Saturday We visit the stunning 55-acres of All lunches Dyffryn Gardens (NT). Surrounding the partially restored Dyffryn House, we can explore the beautiful garden rooms, formal lawns and extensive arboretum at leisure. In the afternoon we visit Castle Coch – the ultimate in fairy-tale castles, with conical towers and needle shaped turrets peaking out from a wooded slope. With its ‘Camelot’ style drawbridge, portcullis, courtyard and interiors, no wonder the castle is a popular filming location (NB: Due to the landscape and distances involved, Castle Coch may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties).

Sunday We embark on a 6-mile return vintage steam train journey from Pant to Torpantau on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Travelling alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir we climb to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons. Our 1.5 hr trip includes a 35-minute stop at Pontsticill station where there is a lakeside café and steam museum. Returning to Pant we head towards the famous Penderyn Distillery, where we enjoy a guided tour and tasting.

Monday Departing our hotel, we travel via Chepstow then on through the scenic Wye Valley passing Tintern Abbey, pausing at Monmouth before our arrival home during the late afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Parkway Hotel & Spa, Cwmbran, Gwent Located just north of Newport, set in its own grounds, surrounded by green parkland. 80 tastefully decorated bedrooms. Live entertainment in the bar at weekends. Intimate restaurant serving carvery menu.

Extensive leisure facilities with indoor pool, gym & sauna. Mobility Grade: 4 – Ground floor rooms available with lift access to most rooms.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 11 – Mon 15 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£559

9.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £95 • Holiday Insurance: £26

© Flickr – FiferJanis

Llandudno

WaleS

Chirk Castle

& A HORSE-DRAWN CANAL CRUISE Imagine drifting along the beautiful clear waters of the Llangollen Canal, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when the only sound you can hear are the birds in the overhanging trees and the gentle plodding of horse’s hooves on the waterside pathway as it pulls your boat through the Welsh mountains.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4-nights half board Welcome drink upon arrival British Ironwork Centre (Free Admission) Return train ride on the Llangollen Railway Plas Newydd & Horse Drawn Canal Trip Entrance to Chirk Castle & Gardens

Monday Departing during the morning we travel outward via the British Ironwork Centre at Oswestry before arriving at our hotel in the Vale of Llangollen during the afternoon.

Tuesday After breakfast we enjoy a return heritage train ride on the Llangollen Railway.

Primarily steam hauled, our journey takes us through 7 ½ miles of scenic countryside as we follow the River Dee to the village of Carrog.

Here, we can enjoy spectacular views over the Not included: River Dee and the Berwyn mountain range.

All lunches Wednesday Travelling via Horseshoe Pass we visit Plas Newydd, former home of the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’. This house is a gothic fantasy with beautiful stained-glass panels and elaborate carved oak furniture. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing horsedrawn boat trip to see the Chain Bridge across the River Dee and view the manmade Horseshoe Falls.

Thursday Today we travel to the mighty medieval fortress of Chirk Castle (NT). Here, we discover 400 years of changing tastes and fashions in its lavishly furnished rooms. Built on an outcrop above the meeting point of the River Dee and Ceiriog, this imposing castle was an ominous statement of English intent in the Welsh Marches. After exploring the castle there’s time to wander through over 5-acres of stunning gardens with glorious views out over the Cheshire and Salop plains.

Friday Leaving our hotel after breakfast we commence our journey homeward.

LLANDUDNO & GREAT LITTLE TRAINS OF SNOWDONIA Llandudno is a traditional seaside resort with a wealth of attractions showcasing its Victoria origins and beaches offering spectacular views across Snowdonia and Anglesey. Our itinerary takes in some of the dramatic and spectacular scenery of Snowdonia National Park.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board A ride on the Ffestiniog Railway Llandudno open top bus ticket The Snowdon Mountain Railway Entrance to Ness Botanic Gardens

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 We drive to Llangollen, famously situated on the River Dee, overlooked by its magnificent Castle before continuing to the Victorian resort of Llandudno, arriving during the late afternoon.

Day 2 We drive to Porthmadog where we enjoy a train ride on the historic Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Then we take the scenic Crimea Mountain Pass to Dolyddelan, then on to Not included: All lunches Betws-y-Coed. Here the raging rivers of the Lledr, Llugwy and Conwy all meet and after free time we return through the pretty Vale of Conwy to our hotel.

Day 3 Today is free to explore some of the many attractions of this popular North Wales resort. We include a ticket for the open topped bus to enable you to explore the town and surrounding areas at your leisure.

Day 4 This morning we enjoy a scenic trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge ‘rack & pinion’ railway that takes us from Llanberis to the summit of Mt Snowdon, the tallest peak in England and Wales. Take in the views and peruse the exhibitions at Hafod Eryri, the summit visitors centre, before making the return descent to Llanberis.

Day 5 Departing our hotel we drive to the Wirral Peninsula where we visit the Ness Botanic Gardens. Filled with all year-round interest, enjoy extensive herbaceous borders, a Victorian style Potager, an alpine house and more.

We return home evening during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotel The Dunoon Hotel, Llandudno

Your Holiday Hotel The Bryn Howel Hotel, Trevor Nr Llangollen Set in 5-acres of rural parkland a rural setting on the outskirts of the town, the Bryn Howel boasts magnificent views across the Vale of Llangollen.

Restaurant & bar facilities. Mobility Grade: 3 – Generally there is level access, with a few isolated steps. The hotel has developed from an original country house with a single and twostorey extension added. Lift access to two floors in the original section of the hotel.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 20 – Fri 24 May 2019 (5 Days) Mon 7 – Fri 11 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£549 £575

10.30am 10.30am

4.00pm 4.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £88 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (May) £28 (Oct) Discounts available for (NT) National Trust Members

Commanding an excellent location on Gloddaeth Street, the hotel is perfectly situated for the shops and the promenade. The Dunoon has an old-fashioned view of what a hotel should provide – Quality, character and uncommon values. Amid the oak panels and antiques, the atmosphere is warm, intimate and relaxed with the service being personal and attentive. Restaurant, bar, snack bar, library, games room and lounge. Mobility Grade: 4 – Resort: Level seafront and shopping area. Hotel: Level entrance, with easy access throughout. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 28 Mar – Mon 1 Apr 2019 (5 Days) Thu 16 – Mon 20 May 2019 (5 Days) Fri 12 – Tue 16 Jul 2019 (5 Days) Thu 12 – Mon 16 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£549 £589 £609 £609

9.00am 9.00am 9.30am 9.30am

6.00pm 6.00pm 5.30pm 5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £24 • Holiday Insurance: £26 (Apr/May) £28 (Jul/Sep)

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

BORDERLANDS & THE VALE OF LLANGOLLEN

67

tour

Delight in the contrasting landscapes of Scotland as you enjoy an “All Inclusive” break from your base in the village of Symington in the Southern Uplands.

The perfect location to discover Ayrshire, Edinburgh and the Borders with some fascinating attractions included.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Welcome Tea/Shortbread 3 nights entertainment, 1 Scottish themed Wine with dinner each night 3 x drinks vouchers each night Entry to Rosslyn Chapel Guided tour of Edinburgh Entry to Traquair House & Abbotsford House Guided tour of Dumfries House with tea/coffee & shortbread

Monday We journey north through the Cumbrian Fells making a convenient stop for lunch en-route arriving at our hotel in Symington during the afternoon.

Tuesday First stop today is the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, a truly unique and compelling building that has survived the turbulent times of the Reformation and was immortalised in Dan Brown’s film ‘the Da Vinci Code’s and is one of the most famous chapels in the world surrounded by myths and legends of the ‘Holy Grail’. In the afternoon we continue to Edinburgh where we include a short guided- tour of Scotland’s great capital city.

Wednesday Today, we drive to Traquair House the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland, which is over 900 years old and was a pleasure ground for Scottish Kings and a refuge for Catholic Not included: All lunches priests. Later, we continue to Abbotsford House, built and lived in by the 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott – Stunningly located by the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of a landscape that inspired the poetry and novels of its creator.

Thursday Take in some sea air as we stop in Ayr, on our way to nearby Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, located in a marvellous 2000 acre setting. It is often regarded as an 18th century time-capsule since the principal rooms have remained virtually unchanged for 250 years. We’ll enjoy exclusive access to a private room in the house to enjoy tea, coffee and shortbread, followed by a privately guided tour of the house.

Friday After breakfast we depart our hotel, arriving home during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotel Tinto House Hotel, Symington This country house styled hotel is set in its own ground in the village of Symington with open views across the gardens and Borders countryside.

Restaurant, Bar. Mobility Grade: 3 – Immediate locality reasonably flat. Isolated steps in hotel. There is no lift but there are a limited number of ground floor rooms with all other rooms on the first floor.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 1 – Fri 5 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£525

7.30am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28

© Flickr – dun_deagh

tour

THE GRAND SCOTTISH ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’

68

RRS Discovery, Dundee

neW ©VisitBritain – VisitScotland

SCotland

Abbotsford House

neW

COAST TO COAST SCOTTISH SPLENDOUR This new luxurious twin centre tour starts with 2 nights at the Marine Hotel Troon, overlooking the spectacular Ayrshire coast, before travelling across Scotland to Aberdeenshire to stay in a stunning 19th century former manor house. Full of great attractions, just look at what is included!

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 6 nights half board Outlined Excursions Entrances to Robert Burns Birthplace & Dumfries House with House Tour & Afternoon Tea RRS Discovery Guided Tour of the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef Farm with lunch & refreshments Crathes Castle & Estate The Royal Deeside Railway The Battle of Bannockburn Visitors Centre

Wednesday We arrive at our hotel in Troon in time for dinner.

Thursday This morning we visit Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which offers a unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. The museum includes the famous Burns Cottage, where he set some of his greatest work, the elegant monument and gardens created in his honour and a modern museum housing a collection of his life and works. We continue to Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and best kept heritage secrets, with sumptuous interiors and magnificent furnishings, located in a marvellous 2000 acre setting. Here we enjoy a guided tour and afternoon tea before returning to our hotel.

Friday Departing Troon we travel east to Dundee, where after free time for lunch we visit Discovery Point.

Here, we explore Captain Scott’s ship ‘Discovery’, which he sailed on during his remarkable Antarctic Not included: exploration. From here, we journey north to Aberdeen All lunches and our 3-night stay.

Saturday After breakfast we drive to Banchory to visit the Aberdeenshire Highland Beef Farm. This is a working farm, where the owners are passionate about their herd.

Following tea, coffee & shortbread on arrival we have a guided tour where we meet this native breed, discover their history and sample some succulent highland beef.

To conclude our visit, we include a lunch of ‘shoulders tea’, tatties & onions (A regional dish to Aberdeenshire) with beetroot and oatcakes on the side. In the afternoon we return to Aberdeen for some free time.

Sunday After breakfast we visit Crathes Castle – one of the most superb castles in Scotland. This splendid 16th Century family tower house has well-preserved interiors and wonderful gardens. Later, we continue to the Royal Deeside Railway a standard gauge steam and diesel hauled heritage railway, located in a beautiful setting running alongside the River Dee, where we enjoy a 2- mile return heritage train ride.

Monday We bid a fond farewell to Scotland’s far north and journey south pausing at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre near Stirling before continuing to our final night at the 3-star Gretna Hall Hotel.

Tuesday Departing our hotel, we arrive home during the early evening.

Your Holiday Hotels Days 1 – 2 The Marine Hotel, Troon (4-Star) Overlooking the Golf Course & Firth of Clyde. Restaurant & Lift.

Days 3 – 6 Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen (4-Star) This 19th century mansion house is set in 30 acres of tranquil countryside 3 miles from Aberdeen. There is a lift.

Day 7 Gretna Hall Hotel (3-Star) Welcoming lounge bar and attractive residents’ lounge. No lift, but low floor rooms can be requested.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Wed 12 – Tue 18 Jun 2019 (7 Days)

£835

7.30am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £132 • Holiday Insurance: £30.50

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 3 nights half board and 1 night with bed & breakfast One additional dinner in Edinburgh Outlined Excursions Entrance & guided tour of Scone Palace Guided tour of Edinburgh Good seats for the Military Tattoo A ride on the Falkirk Wheel & Guided walking tour of the Kelpies

Sunday An unhurried drive north with a convenient lunch stop en-route.

Monday Our destination today is beautiful Scone Palace, once the capital of the Picts, the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of the Scottish kings including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce.

Not included: A guided tour brings the fascinating history to All lunches life and we learn about the celebrated Stone of Destiny and the outstanding collection of antiques, paintings and rare artifacts.

Tuesday After a relaxing morning in our hotel, we make our way to Edinburgh to enjoy a guided tour of the city and see some of the many famous sights. Enjoy dinner in the heart of Edinburgh before we visit the renowned spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Wednesday A free morning to enjoy the comfort and amenities offered by our hotel followed by an afternoon excursion to the mighty Falkirk Wheel – a rotating boat lift which connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. We continue to the Kelpies – where we see the world’s largest equine sculptures up close on a guided walking tour. Here we experience a Kelpie from the inside, and their breathtaking engineering and design.

Thursday We return home with a convenient lunch stop en-route.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was first performed in 1950 at the Edinburgh Music Festival. Today, with its captivating blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, it is without doubt one of the world’s greatest shows.

NB Access to the Tattoo is via a steep gradient, which may be a problem for people with walking difficulties.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board (Note lunch replaces dinner on Day 2) Welcome Drinks Reception 4-Course Individual Dining Experience in the Merlin Restaurant including a ‘Taste of Scotland’ dining High Quality Wine with dinner Tea/Coffee after dinner At least 2 nights entertainment Outlined Excursions Edinburgh Tattoo Ticket Loch Katrine Boat Cruise Stirling Castle

Sunday We head north through the Scottish Border Region and on to the village of Drymen where we stay for 4-nights at the popular Winnock Hotel. Enjoy dinner this evening followed by Scottish themed entertainment.

Monday A morning to relax in Drymen with an included lunch at the hotel before we depart for Edinburgh. Enjoy some time for shopping or sightseeing in this captivating city before we make our way to the castle and take our seats for the 9pm performance of the military tattoo.

(Please note that this will be a very late return).

Tuesday Following a leisurely breakfast we take a drive to the Loch Lomond Shores Visitor Centre, located on the banks of bonnie Loch Lomond – Regarded as the Queen of the Scottish Lochs and measuring some 23 miles long and Not included: 5 miles across, Loch Lomond is the largest All lunches except on expanse of fresh water in Great Britain.

Day 2 Wednesday We visit Stirling Castle, where you can visit this imposing stronghold. The castle was the favourite residence of the Stuart Kings and is where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. We then continue past the National Wallace Monument into ‘Rob Roy’ country through the beautiful forest-covered hills of the Trossachs, to lovely Loch Katrine, where a scenic cruise on the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ is included.

Thursday After a traditional cooked breakfast we journey home to the Midlands.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

Winnock Hotel, Drymen Nr Loch Lomond

Keavil House Hotel, Nr Dunfermline Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, our Popular excellent hotel is an elegant country house with Favourite award winning food. Award winning Cardoon Restaurant, comfortable lounge, bar, spa facilities including indoor pool, spa bath, sauna and steam room.

Mobility Grade: 4 – The hotel is in a generally level location. There is no lift, but ground floor rooms are available on request.

Situated on the pretty village green in the Popular Favourite conservation village of Drymen, located in the heart of the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Sensitively extended and refurbished, whilst retaining all its traditional charm, the hotel offers friendly hospitality and comfortable accommodation. Restaurant, bar & conservatory lounge. Mobility Grade: 3 – The resort & hotel are on the level. Hotel has no lift, but rooms are on ground & first floor only.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 11 – Thu 15 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£639

7.30am

7.00pm

Sun 18 – Thu 22 Aug 2019 (5 Days)

£669

7.30am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Supplements Single Room: £76 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

THE EDINBURGH TATTOO BASED AT THE WINNOCK HOTEL

BASED AT THE KEAVIL HOUSE HOTEL The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacle of music, light and precision movement performed by the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish Regiments and military units from all over the world.

Steep rocks form a dramatic backdrop to the Tattoo’s Castle setting and, when subtle lighting picks out the lone piper playing a lament from the ramparts, few in the audience fail to be moved by the atmosphere.

NB Access to the Tattoo is via a steep gradient, which may be a problem for people with walking difficulties.

© Flickr - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

© Flickr – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

THE EDINBURGH TATTOO

Edinburgh Tattoo

SCotland

Edinburgh Tattoo

69

SCotland

WELCOME TO THE WINNOCK HOTEL! 4 GREAT TOURS TO ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR SCOTTISH HOTELS Picture yourself soaking up the atmosphere of this 18th century Inn near Loch Lomond, sitting beside the roaring log fire whilst planning your day’s exploration of the surrounding beautiful Trossachs countryside. After a full day’s excitement, return to your tasteful bedroom, to prepare for a night to remember; good food, fine wine and friendly service. After dinner, join in on one of the regular ceilidh or Scottish nights and reel the night away.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

BLUEBELL GLADES IN THE TROSSACHS

EASTER SCOTTISH ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’

& LOCH CRUISING

& A ‘TASTE OF SCOTLAND’ Prepare to be amazed by the awe-inspiring scenery and the beauty of the many Lochs that are backed by snow-capped mountains and the lush green hills. Our All-Inclusive holiday includes some of the most stunning scenery possible as we journey through the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Parks.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

70

Thursday Travel north through the Border Region arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. Welcome evening drinks reception before dinner.

Friday A wonderful scenic excursion takes us firstly to the pretty town of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, where we spend a little free time before continuing our journey. We travel through Arrochar at the northern tip of Loch Long before enjoying a stunning mountain drive passing ‘The Cobbler’ before reaching the stunning Rest and Be Thankful Pass. Shortly, lovely Loch Fyne comes in to view and we follow its shores to Inveraray which overlooks Loch Shira.

Saturday In the morning we visit ‘Auld Reekie’, an affectionate local name for the beautiful city of Edinburgh. We visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland’s famous royal residence, which dates back to late 15th century, followed by some free time at leisure in Scotland’s first city.

Sunday Another scenic excursion today taking us into the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park & The Trossachs, we pass the Lake of Monteith – Scotland’s only natural Lake and enjoy a stop at Callander. We return to our hotel passing Loch Venachar & Loch Achray.

Monday Departing after breakfast we commence our journey homeward, making a suitable stop for lunch en-route.

Additional Inclusions: Open Bar from 7.30pm-10.30pm each night (Selected Brands), Packed lunches on 3 Days. Not included: 2 lunches.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 18 – Mon 22 April 2019 (5 Days)

£539

8.00am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Loch Lomond

Britain’s favourite flower grows in abundance in the Trossachs National Park and our tour will try to capture the Bluebell glades in full bloom. Enjoy a wonderful 4-night break exploring the area and culminating in a delightful visit to see Duntreath Castle and Gardens Holiday Itinerary Thursday We journey north to the pretty conservation village of Drymen, situated in the heart of the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Friday After breakfast we depart for a day’s adventure in to the Trossachs.

Travelling via Aberfoyle we climb ‘Dukes Pass’ to lovely Loch Katrine where the hunt begins for the ‘carpets of blue’! The drive has often been described as one of the most beautiful in Britain. After a soup & sandwich lunch at Brenachoile café, we enjoy a 2-hour leisurely cruise on-board the Steam Ship ‘Sir Walter Scott’.

Saturday Taking to the water again, we enjoy a 2-hour cruise exploring the secret islands and Narrows of Loch Lomond. We make a stop on Cailloch island where refreshments are served. Explore the waves of bluebells growing in the dapple shades of the islands ancient woodland. Tonight, after dinner, we have a Scottish Show with bagpipes, haggis and Highland dancing.

Sunday We set off to the delightful 16th century Duntreath Castle at Blanefield. Here, you’ll be met by Lady Edmonstone and Sir Archie who will show you around their home. Afterwards enjoy morning coffee and some home-baking, after which you are free to explore the castle, grounds and keep at leisure. A light lunch is provided back at the hotel. Free time in the afternoon. Tonight, after dinner there is live musical entertainment.

Monday After breakfast we commence our journey homeward, arriving back during the evening.

Additional Inclusions: Light lunches or refreshments between Friday & Sunday. Not included: Lunches on Thursday & Monday.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 2 – Mon 6 May 2019 (5 Days)

£569

7.30am

6.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £26

Winnock Hotel, Popular Drymen Nr Loch Lomond Favourite Situated on the pretty village green in the conservation village of Drymen, located in the heart of the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Sensitively extended and refurbished, whilst retaining all its traditional charm, the hotel offers friendly hospitality and comfortable accommodation. Restaurant, Bar & Conservatory Lounge. Mobility Grade: 3 – The resort & hotel are on the level.

Hotel has no lift, but rooms are on ground & first floor only.

SCotland

Your Holiday Hotel

look What’s Included on all tours Door to Door Service

High Quality Wine with dinner

Our own courier service

Tea/Coffee after dinner

Club Class Extra Legroom Coach

At least 2 nights entertainment

4 nights half board

Outlined Excursions and highlighted admissions

Welcome Drinks Reception 4-Course Individual Dining Experience in the Merlin Restaurant

Glengoyne Distillery

Isle of Arran

neW

© Flickr – Alasdair

Itinerary

REGAL SCOTLAND Highlights of this wonderful new tour include great castles, lochs and gardens as we explore from our base at the ever popular Winnock Hotel.

Holiday Itinerary Saturday We commence our outward journey with suitable stops en-route, arriving during the afternoon with time to settle in, before joining our host for a welcome drink before dinner.

Sunday We travel to Edinburgh, Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital, for our visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, to discover what life was like on board the Queen’s floating royal residence. Today we also have time to stroll through the remarkable landscapes of Asia, America and Africa thanks to the exotic plants in the Royal Botanic Garden where there are over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.

Monday A morning visit to Duntreath Castle and Gardens. This magical place has been the family home of the Edmonstone family since 1435, and our visit is hosted by Lady Edmonstone as she escorts us on a tour of the castle and stunning gardens. No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to a local distillery, and for this tour we visit The Glengoyne Distillery, probably Scotland’s most beautiful distillery with its waterfall and hidden glen.

Tuesday We make our way to Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scotland, in a magnificent setting on high volcanic rock. Here you can discover a world of colour, splendour and glorious craftsmanship as you explore the world of Scotland’s Renaissance Kings and Queens. This afternoon we enjoy a cruise on board the “Lady of the Lake” on Loch Katrine, with afternoon cream tea served on board as you sail the queen of Scottish lochs.

Wednesday We depart after breakfast to commence our homeward journey, making suitable stops along the way.

Additional Inclusions: Cream Tea at Loch Katrine. Not included: All lunches.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sat 8 – Wed 12 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£614

7.30am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £76 • Holiday Insurance: £28

SCOTLAND’S SECRET ISLANDS & WATERWAYS INCHCOLM ISLAND, ARRAN & LOCH LOMOND Explore some of Scotland’s secret islands and waterways on this fantastic itinerary Holiday Itinerary Sunday We journey north to the pretty conservation village of Drymen, situated in the heart of the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Monday Today we drive towards South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, where we board the “Maid of the Forth” for a wonderful cruise out under the famous Forth Bridges out past Inchcolm Island, with its Abbey and collection of wildlife, including Grey Seals, Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and even the occasional sightings of porpoises, dolphins and even Minke whales.

(Packed lunch provided by Hotel today).

Tuesday Driving to Ardrossan we board the CalMac ferry across the Firth of Clyde to the wonderful Isle of Arran, where we include a short tour of the island.

Wednesday Taking to the water again today we enjoy a 2-hour cruise exploring the secret islands and Narrows of Loch Lomond.

Thursday After breakfast we commence our journey homeward, arriving back during the evening.

Additional Inclusions: Maid of Firth Cruise with packed lunch. Not included: All lunches.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 29 Sep – Thu 3 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£619

7.00am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £72 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

FEATURING CASTLES & GARDENS

71

SCotland

© Angus Forbes

Enchanted Forest

Oban

FORT WILLIAM ‘SAIL & STEAM’ AND THE ISLE OF SKYE Discover the beauty of the Scottish west coast which includes a stunning canal cruise and a ride on Britain’s only mountain gondola. However, the highlight of the tour is a train journey on the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train and a visit to the mystical Isle of Skye.

SCOTLAND’S AUTUMN GOLD & THE “ENCHANTED FOREST” Immersed in a palette of breathtaking colours, arguably, Scotland is at its best in the autumn time – deep reds, gold, purple, copper and russets transform the mountain and valley landscapes.

Also included is entry into the amazing “Enchanted Forest” – depicting nature’s forces of earth, wind and fire!

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Entrance to the Famous Grouse Distillery Entrance to Glamis Castle & Gardens Entry to the “Enchanted Forest” & Show

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

72

Sunday To Scotland passing Stirling and its mighty castle and into Perthshire “the Big Tree County” – renowned for its magnificent scenery, where we arrive at our hotel in Blairgowrie during the late afternoon.

Monday This morning we visit Dunkeld with its Not included: Cathedral ruins, the last resting place of one of the All lunches evillest characters in Scottish history – Alexander Stewart or the Wolf of Badenoch! We continue through Strath Braan and Glen Almond to Crieff where we visit the Glenturret, (Famous Grouse), Distillery, to take the Experience Tour to see first-hand how they make the Glenturret single malt using traditional methods whilst sampling a wee couple of drams.

Tuesday We drive to Glamis Castle & Gardens – the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Tonight, after dinner, we include entry to the award winning ‘The Enchanted Forest’ – Located close to Pitlochry, we experience a sound and light show allowing you the unique opportunity to experience the outdoors at night with spectacular imagery.

Wednesday Heading in to the Grampian Mountains, over Britain’s highest main road, the Spittle of Glenshee, we reach Royal Deeside. Free time in Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Gatherings before we drive up the Valley of the Dee passing Balmoral Castle to the Royal church of Crathie and the town of Ballater, where it would appear that every shop is by “Royal Appointment”.

Thursday Homeward bound, arriving back during the evening.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5 nights half board Steam hauled train ride aboard the Jacobite Express & Return sailing to Skye Entrance to Glen Coe Visitors Centre Caledonian Canal Cruise & Gondola Ride at Nevis Range

Sunday Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we journey north to Fort William.

Monday This morning we take a scenic drive along Loch Linnhe to Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands and the acclaimed ‘Gateway to the Isles’. McCaig’s Tower, the Distillery and the Caithness Glass Visitors Centre all add to Oban’s attractions where we will have the day at leisure to explore.

Not included: All lunches Tuesday We join the JACOBITE EXPRESS for our scenic steam hauled train ride along the West Highland Railway to Mallaig. Described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, our route takes us along over the iconic curve of Glenfinnan Viaducts magnificent 21 arches. Upon arrival in Mallaig we rejoin our coach and board the ferry to Skye. Here, we visit Armadale Castle’s Visitors Centre, set in the heart of a 20,000-acre Highland estate in the south of Skye. Our return sailing is at 4.35pm, with an estimated return time to the hotel of around 6.30pm.

Wednesday Following breakfast, we drive to the Glen Coe Visitors Centre.

Here in dramatic Glencoe, or ‘The Valley of Weeping’, we discover an unforgettable place of dramatic mountains and haunting history. Free time in Fort William during the afternoon.

Thursday This morning we embark on a 1-hour canal cruise along the worldfamous Caledonian canal from Banavie to Gairlochy. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, otters and eagles as we navigate through working lochs. Later we take a ride on a gondola at Nevis Range – where Britain’s only mountain gondola transports us to 2150ft on the north face of Aonach Mor in around 15 minutes. Once at the summit absorb the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen and Ben Nevis whilst enjoying a drink at the Mountain Discovery Centre.

Friday After breakfast we head through The Borders, arriving home during the evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Your Holiday Hotel

The Muthu West End Hotel, Fort William

Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie This traditionally styled hotel is located in the centre of the town. Facilities include restaurant, bar, lounge and leisure club with spa bath, steam room, sauna and heated indoor pool. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality generally level. Hotel: Public areas are level but there are several steps to most bedrooms and in corridors. There is a lift.

Nestling in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the West End Hotel enjoys a location in the very centre of the town, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and just steps away from the tranquil Loch Linnhe. Restaurant and bar/lounge. Mobility Grade: 3 – The location & hotel are relatively flat. Steps into main building with isolated steps throughout. Lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 6 – Thu 10 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£469

7.30am

7.30pm

Sun 5 – Fri 10 May 2019 (6 Days)

£759

7.30am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28

Supplements Single Room: £100 • Holiday Insurance: £27

THE INNER HEBRIDEAN

THE ISLE OF ARRAN

ARRAN – ISLAY – SKYE

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined Excursions Return Ferry Crossings Ardrossan-Brodick (55 Mins) Tour & Tastings at Arran Distillery Return Ferry Lochranza-Claonaig (30 Mins) Light lunch at the Grey Gull Hotel Entrance to Brodick Castle & Gardens

Monday We drive north, boarding the afternoon ferry from Ardrossan to Arran. Check into the Kinloch Hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday Today we explore Arran and its coastal villages, travelling northwards along the coast for a guided tour and tastings at the Arran Distillery. Time free in Brodick, the island’s capital Not included: before we continue south via Whitling Bay and 4 lunches Lamlash. Cameras ready as we pause at the impressive “Paddy’s Milestone” at Kildonan before continuing along the coast to Blackwaterfoot.

Wednesday Hugging the western coastline we head to Lochranza for the ferry sailing over the Mull of Kintyre. We journey along the shoreline of Loch Fyne for a soup/sandwich lunch at the Grey Gull hotel in Ardrishaig.

Later, we visit the Crinan Canal – a marvellous feat of engineering that links Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig with the open sea at Crinan, some 9 miles away.

There are 15 lock gates and over 2000 vessels use the canal each year.

Thursday After a leisurely morning we visit Brodick Castle & Gardens, beautifully positioned overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The castle is packed full of treasures, period furniture, paintings and silverware. The landscapes gardens, dating back to 1710, include water features, wildlife ponds, a fine collection of rhododendrons, Bavarian Summer House, walled garden and woodland walks.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey south. After a stop for lunch we arrive home in the evening.

Sparkling like jewels off the west coast of Scotland are three of Scotland’s “little gems” – The Isles of Arran, Islay and Skye –each one having a unique charm with little changing in generations. Sample the island lifestyle – unspoilt and spectacular with their big skies, white beaches, snowcapped mountains and crashing seas.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 6 nights half board Outlined Excursions Ferry Crossings Ardrossan-Brodick Ferry LochranzaClaonaig Return Ferry to Islay (Breakfast on Board) Ferry MallaigArmadale, Skye Entrance to Dunvegan Castle

Saturday We journey north through the Scottish borders to our overnight hotel, close to Glasgow.

Sunday Take the ferry to Arran – “Scotland in Miniature”, with free time in Brodick pausing at Highland Aromatics and Arran Cheese Shop (Located next door to each other). Then, taking the coastal route we catch the late afternoon sailing to Kintyre and continue to the Grey Gull Hotel for our 2-night stay.

Monday Board the early morning sailing at Not included: Kennercraig (breakfast included) to the Isle 4 lunches of Islay. Our visit includes Bowmore, the islands capital, Tour & tasting at a distillery and a visit to the ‘Big Strand’ on Laggan Bay with 6 miles of unspoilt sandy beaches.

Tuesday Travelling through majestic Highland countryside we travel via Inveraray and Loch Awe to Oban. Next, we follow the shoreline of lovely Loch Linnhe to Fort William for a short stop. Then we drive along the spectacular “Road to the Isles” stopping at the Glenfinnan Monument before boarding the ferry to Skye and the Dunollie Hotel, our base for the next two nights.

Wednesday Skye has a wealth of history from Jacobite battles to feuding clans. The island is abundant in wildlife and the scenery ever-changing from the patchwork of velvet moors to jagged mountains and towering sea cliffs.

Our tour takes in much of the island and visits Portree and Dunvegan Castle – home to the MacLeod Clan for over 800 years.

Thursday We cross the Skye Bridge, pausing at the imposing Eilean Donan Castle – the second most photographed Castle in Scotland! We continue through Loch Shiel, swamped by the Five Sisters Mountains, to Fort William.

Continue through Glencoe and the ’bonnie, bonnie’ banks of Loch Lomond to our Perthshire hotel for our final night.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey south. After a stop for lunch we arrive home in the evening.

Your Hotels

Your Holiday Hotel Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran The Best Western Kinloch Hotel enjoys a stunning location in the quiet hamlet of Blackwaterfoot overlooking the Kilbrannan Sound and the shores of Kintyre. Facilities include indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, squash court, snooker room, lounges and public bars. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality fairly level.

Small steps or ramp access to front entrance. All facilities are on ground floor. Lift access to upper floors.

1st Night – Glasgow Area – Minimum 3-Star Standard 2nd & 3rd Nights – Grey Gull Inn, Ardrishaig – 3-Star 4th & 5th Nights – Dunollie Hotel, Broadford, Isle of Skye – 3-Star 6th Night – Perthshire Area – Minimum 3-Star Standard All hotels are varied in style and location. All have restaurant, bar & lounge facilities.

No lift at the Grey Gull & the Dunollie, but ground floor rooms can be requested.

Mobility Grade: 3 – This is a touring holiday and although most of the sightseeing is from the comfort of our coach, there is a ferry to board and three different hotels, along with steps and stairs to negotiate. Please note that due to the nature of this holiday, customers with mobility difficulties may be limited in their enjoyment.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 24 – Fri 28 Jun 2019 (5 Days)

£574

7.30am

7.30pm

Sat 28 Sep – Fri 4 Oct 2019 (7 Days)

£775

7.30am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £28

Supplements Single Room: £80 • Holiday Insurance: £30.50

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

& THE KINTYRE PENINSULA With a remarkable diversity of landscapes, clear green seas, sandy beaches, mountains and lochs it’s little wonder Arran is referred to as “Scotland in Miniature”. With the influence of the Gulf Stream the climate is mild, a place where you can see palm trees around its 56 miles of coastline. Further afield we also visit Kintyre and the Crinan Canal – one of the most beautiful waterways in Britain, and enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s breathtaking and rugged natural landscape.

Portree

SCotland

Brodick Castle

73

SCotland

Jacobite Steam Railway

Palace Hotel, Inverness

THE PALACE HOTEL INVERNESS ‘DIAMOND ALL INCLUSIVE’

ROMANTIC HIGHLAND RAILWAYS JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN & THE KYLE LINE Breathtaking Railway journeys capture the contrasting villages of Inverness, Fort William, Aviemore and the Kyle of Lochalsh – Sit back and relax as the dramatic Highland landscapes glide past you.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

74

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board Outlined Excursions Single journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway Tour of Glen Grant Whisky Distillery.

Single train journey from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh Single Journey on the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William & Mallaig

Monday We drive north, with a suitable stop for lunch en-route, arriving at Kingussie in time for dinner.

Tuesday We take the short drive to Aviemore where we board the Strathspey Steam train to Broomhill. Next, we journey up the Whisky Trail to Glen Grant whisky distillery where we are treated to a guided tour and a wee dram! Free time in Grantown on Spey before returning via the Highland Heather Centre at Dulnain Bridge.

Wednesday We head to Inverness where we catch the train for Kyle of Lochalsh. Our route takes us via Dingwall then past Loch Garve.

At Luib we reach the summit of the line before Not included: descending to the shores of Loch Carron. Here, All lunches we twist and turn through the tiny loch inlets reaching Plockton before finally travelling through the impressive carved solid rock walls to Kyle of Lochalsh – the ‘Gateway to the Isle of Skye’.

Enjoy fantastic views of the Skye Bridge and the Cuillin Mountain range before rejoining our coach for the scenic drive back to our hotel.

Thursday We include reserved seats on the Jacobite Steam Railway for our single journey train ride between Fort William and Mallaig. The journey takes approximately two hours with time available to explore the delightful fishing village of Mallaig. One leg of our journey is by coach, which affords us the opportunity to stop at Glenfinnan for photo opportunities of the Bonnie Prince Charlie Monument, the impressive viaduct and lovely Loch Shiel.

Friday After breakfast we commence our journey south. After a stop for lunch we arrive home in the evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Holiday Itinerary Sunday We journey north to the Scottish Highlands arriving in Inverness during the early evening.

Monday Today we include a cruise on the world-famous Loch Ness. Although forever associated with legend, there is much more to Loch Ness than just the elusive monster!

It is Scotland’s largest loch and it is more than 600ft deep for much of its 23 miles length.

Tuesday A day at leisure in Inverness, with time to explore the shops, parks and gardens of the Capital of the Highlands.

Wednesday Enjoy a full-day tour visiting Loch Maree and Inverewe Gardens (NT). A true example of the rugged scenery of the west coast, Loch Maree lies in the shadow of the towering Ben Slioch and has around 30 isles, which lie like a cluster of jewels strung together to form a treasure of unrivalled beauty. We continue to the world-famous Inverewe Gardens, which boast a stunning location, overlooking Loch Ewe. Thursday We visit the Culloden Battlefield & Visitors Centre (NT), which features a state-ofthe-art exhibition bringing the battle alive in an immersion film and accounts from genuine characters involved in the events when the British troops defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland clans in 1746.

Friday Today we are homeward bound.

look What Your ‘diamond all Inclusive Package Includes Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 5-nights accommodation Welcome cocktail reception on the first evening Complimentary drinks package from 7-10 pm each evening Wine with dinner each evening Entertainment programme (2 nights guaranteed) 3-course dinners Lunch each day or packed lunch if we are out on excursions Afternoon tea & cream scones each day Buffet breakfasts Free tea/coffee any time of the day Loch Ness Cruise Entrance to Inverewe Gardens (NT) Culloden Battlefield Visitors Centre (NT) Not included: Lunches on Days 1 & 6

Your Holiday Hotel

Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie With origins in the eighteenth century the hotel was originally built as a stopover for passengers travelling by stage coach. Restaurant, bar and lounge and nightly entertainment. Mobility Grade: 3 – Locality fairly level.

Hotel – ramp alternative to steps into the main entrance. Lift to two floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Mon 15 – Fri 19 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£615

7.00am

7.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £60 • Holiday Insurance: £28

Join us at the Best Western Palace Hotel Inverness on this superb ‘All Inclusive’ break. Dating from the 1890’s, the Hotel combines the best of the past with the contemporary style of the present with elegant interiors, comfortable bedrooms and a superb Leisure Club & Spa.

The Best Western Palace Hotel, Inverness Our hotel nestles on the banks of the River Ness, Popular opposite Inverness Castle and is just a few short Favourite steps from Inverness city centre. Restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, steam room & sauna. Mobility Grade: 4 – The resort & hotel are on the level. Hotel has a lift serving all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 7 – Fri 12 Apr 2019 (6 Days)

£669

7.30am

8.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £110 • Holiday Insurance: £27

Glamis Castle

neW tour

ULLAPOOL & THE OUTER HEBRIDES

SHETLAND THE ISLAND OF THE VIKINGS

HARRIS & SKYE

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 7 nights half board Entrance to Inverewe Gardens (NTS) Return ferry sailings to the Outer Hebrides Local Coach & Guided Tour of Lewis/Harris Dunvegan Castle Eilean Donan Castle Visitors Centre

Saturday Travel to Scotland with an overnight stop in Perth.

Sunday We continue via Pitlochry then over the remote Drumochter Pass pausing at the leafy old Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer before skirting west to Ullapool and our overnight stay.

Monday We take the morning ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, then continue to the Caberfeidh Hotel for our 2-night stay.

Tuesday Using the services of a local coach and tour guide we explore the Islands of Lewis home to the Callanish Stones, one of the finest Not included: prehistoric sites in Scotland, the historic Broch at All lunches Carolway and the Gearrannan Blackhouses Village with their traditional thatched croft houses.

Wednesday The Isle of Harris beckons today with its ever-changing kaleidoscope of scenic colour. We visit Tarbert, home to Harris Tweed and the Isle of Harris Distillery before we board the afternoon sailing to Uig on the Isle of Skye and continue to Broadford for our 2-night stay at the Dunollie Hotel.

Thursday Discover Skye as we visit Dunvegan Castle, probably the oldest inhabited castle in the north of Scotland. It has been occupied continuously by the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for more than 750 years and is located on a wonderful setting on the shores of Loch Dunvegan.

Friday Departing our hotel we pause at the Eilean Donan Visitors Centre for wonderful photographic opportunities of one of Scotland’s most iconic historic castles. Then, travelling via Fort William, we reach the Winnock Hotel for our final night.

Saturday We commence our journey homeward, arriving home during the evening.

Your Holiday Hotels

Ruggedly handsome and wonderfully secluded – Shetland boasts a landscape quite unlike anywhere else in the world, with huge cliffs, unspoilt coastline and an abundance of wildlife. Here is a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to holiday on an island quite unlike anywhere else in the UK. Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 6 nights half board Entry to Glamis Castle 3 Days local Shetland Guides & entrances to Island attractions shown Light lunch on Day 3

Tuesday Travel to Scotland with an overnight stop in Perth/Dundee Area.

Wednesday Departing after breakfast we visit Glamis Castle, the splendid childhood home of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. We continue in the afternoon to Aberdeen where we board the overnight Northlink Ferry sailing to Shetland.

Not included: Thursday After breakfast we disembark the ferry 6 lunches and meet our local, experienced guide for a tour of the Northern Isles – Yell and Unst. Pause for a photo-stop at Sullom Voe then cross to Yell, with entry to the Old Haa Museum, Burravoe. We cross to Unst with its many beautiful beaches where a light lunch is included before we travel via Muckle Flugga, the most northern tip of the UK, and Skidbladner – a replica Viking Long Ship, before checking into our Hotel around 6.00pm.

Friday Today we enjoy a coastal tour towards Sumburgh Head RSPB Reserve, stopping at one of the islands finest beaches – Rerwick.

View cliff scenery, golden beaches and seabird colonies. Next we visit Jarlsof archaeological site and include entry to the Croft Museum. In the afternoon we view the Shetland Ponies before arriving in Scalloway, Shetland’s former capital, where we visit the folklore museum.

Saturday Travelling via Voe and Brae, we view the spectacular off-shore sea stacks of ‘Drongs’. Entry to the Tangwick Haa Museum is followed by a visit to the Shetland Jewellery Workshop. Free time in Lerwick via the Wormadale Viewpoint, before boarding our overnight evening sailing to Aberdeen.

Sunday After breakfast, disembark the ship and take the coastal road south to Dundee with its new popular Waterfront development, before we cross over the Tay Bridge and drive to Stirling for our final night.

Monday We commence our journey homeward, arriving home during the evening.

Your Holiday Hotels

Day 1 Best Western Queens Hotel, Perth (3-Star) Day 2 Royal Hotel, Ullapool (3-Star) Days 3 & 4 Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (4-Star) Days 5 & 6 The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford (3-Star) Day 7 Winnock Hotel, Drymen (3-Star) All hotels are varied in style and standards. Travellers should consider the fact that they will often be in beautiful, yet isolated locations where hotel availability is extremely limited. All have restaurant, bar & lounge. The Queens & Caberfeidh have a lift. No Lift at The Royal, The Dunollie & The Winnock.

Mobility Grade: 2 – This is a touring holiday and although most of the sightseeing is from the comfort of our coach, there are ferries to board and five different hotels, along with steps and stairs to negotiate. Please note that due to the nature of this holiday, customers with mobility difficulties may be limited in their enjoyment.

Day 1: 3-Star standard Hotel in Perth/Dundee area. Day 2 & 5: Overnight DBB with Cabin Accommodation – Northlink Line’s MV Hamnavoe, Hrossey and Hjaltland are modern ships carrying 600 passengers with shops, restaurant, bars and a cinema on board. All Cabins are 2-Berth en-suite. Days 3 & 4: 2 nights DBB at the Shetland Hotel, Lerwick. Located overlooking the bay, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. Bar, Restaurant. Lift to most floors. Day 6: 3-Star standard Hotel in Stirling.

All hotels are varied in style and standards, but all rooms offer full-en-suite facilities.

Travellers should consider the fact that they will often be in beautiful, yet isolated locations where hotel availability is extremely limited. All have restaurant, bar & lounge. Mobility Grade: 2 – This is a touring holiday and although most of the sightseeing is from the comfort of our coach, there are ferries to board and three different hotels, along with steps and stairs to negotiate. Please note that due to the nature of this holiday, customers with mobility difficulties may be limited in their enjoyment.

Date

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Tue 27 Aug – Mon 2 Sep 2019 (7 Days)

£1145

7.30am

7.00pm

Sat 6 – Sat 13 Jul 2019 (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1098

7.00am

7.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £123 • Holiday Insurance: £31.50

Supplements Single Room: £214 • Holiday Insurance: £30.50

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

INCLUDING THE ISLES OF LEWIS,

This new itinerary takes in much of Scotland’s breathtaking North West coastline and includes highlights of the Outer Hebrides – a chain of remarkable islands that stretch out like a breakwater at the rim of the wide Atlantic.

SCotland

Isle of Skye

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© Chris Hill Tourism Ireland

Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

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IRELAND’S GRAND TOUR DISCOVERING THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY Take in Ireland’s famous scenery, vibrant cities and wealth of history on a premium tour of Ireland.

With Derry, Westport and Galway all combined with the fantastic attractions and stunning scenery associated with the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll get a real authentic taste of the Emerald Isle.

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Sunday Travel by ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, then we continue to our overnight stay at the 3-star rated Aspect Hotel Park West, Dublin.

Monday We travel north via Omagh, visiting the Ulster American Folk Park before arriving at the Dillon’s Hotel in Letterkenny for our 3-night stay.

Tuesday This morning we meet our informative guide for a 2-hour walking tour of Derry. After lunch, we enjoy a guided tour of the Tower Museum before strolling to the neo-gothic Guildhall where we discover its unique history and stunning stained-glass windows.

Wednesday We travel this morning through hauntingly beautiful wilderness, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and rugged mountains to Glenveagh National Park. On arrival we watch a short film on the history of the area before transferring to a shuttle bus which takes us to Glenveagh Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. The afternoon is free in Letterkenny.

Thursday This morning we drive to Donegal where we embark on a 75-minute circular cruise of Donegal Bay. Free time in Donegal before we journey into County Mayo, pausing in Sligo before arriving at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris for the next 3 nights.

Friday We spend this morning at the National Museum of Ireland’s Country Life before continuing to Westport for lunch followed by a 1-hour guided tour of Westport House – one of Ireland’s most popular historic family homes.

Saturday We are met by a local coach and driver for todays scenic excursion to Carrick-on-Shannon where we board the Moon River Pleasure Cruiser for a relaxing 1-hour cruise on the River Shannon. We complete our day with a visit to Strokestown Park & Irish National Famine Museum where we enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the Georgian Palladian Mansion and a 40-minute tour of the Famine Museum

© Flickr – A Ryan

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

Glenveagh Castle

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 11 nights half board 3 nights live musical entertainment Return Ferry Crossings Outlined excursions Entrances to the Ulster American Folk Park, Glenveagh National Park & Shuttle Bus, National Museum of Ireland’s Country Life Guided tours of Derry, The Tower Museum & Guildhall, Glenveagh Castle, Westport House, Strokestown Park & Irish National Famine Museum, Foyne Flying Boat Museum, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Donegal Bay Cruise, River Shannon Cruise, Aran Island Cruise ink Pony & trap tour

Sunday We journey to Ennis, pausing en-route at Galway before arriving at the Tracey’s West Country Hotel, Ennis and our 3-night stay.

Monday We explore the Wild Atlantic Way as we journey to Doolin Pier where we board the Doolin ferry for a cruise to Inis Oirr and the Aran Islands.

On arrival we enjoy a pony & trap tour before a stunning cruise to the base of the Cliffs of Moher (Weather permitting).

Tuesday Travelling via the short ferry crossing from Killmer to Tarbert we visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum before continuing to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

Wednesday We drive east to Mullingar for our final night at the 4-star Bloomfield House Hotel.

Thursday To Dublin for the afternoon ferry crossing and our homeward journey.

Not included: All lunches

Your Holiday Hotels Dillon’s Hotel, Letterkenny, Co Donegal HHH McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co Mayo HHHH Tracey’s West County Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare HHH Leisure Facilities at the McWilliam Park Hotel & the Tracey’s West County Hotel Mobility Grade: 3 – This is a touring holiday and although most of the sightseeing is from the comfort of our coach, there are ferries to board and five different hotels, along with some guided walking tours. Please note that due to the nature of this holiday, customers with mobility difficulties may be limited in their enjoyment.

Date

Sun 5 – Thu 16 May 2019 (12 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1499

7.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £228 • Holiday Insurance: £59 Passports will be required for this tour

COUNTY CLARE & THE ARAN ISLANDS

© Flickr – Titanic Belfast

© Flickr – Shadowgate

tour

Titanic Belfast

OUTSTANDING NORTHERN IRELAND

Ireland

Burren National Park

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BELFAST, THE ANTRIM COAST & SO MUCH MORE

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 6 nights half board Outlined Excursions Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre Cruise to Inishmore with Horse & Carriage ride Entrance to Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre Guided tour of Dublin

Sunday Travel by ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue to Mullingar for our overnight stay at the 4-star Bloomfield House Hotel.

Monday Venture west with a visit to thriving Galway for some free leisure time before proceeding to Ennistymon for our 3-night stay.

Tuesday Today we explore the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher – home to Ireland’s largest colony of sea birds. We include entry to the Visitors Not included: 4 lunches Centre and the Atlantic Edge audio-visual presentation. We continue through the ‘moonscape’ scenery of the Burren with majestic mountains, tranquil valleys and megalithic tombs older than the Egyptian Pyramids!

Wednesday The highlight of the tour begins at Doolin where your ferry awaits. On the Western Edge of the Atlantic fringes, the three Aran Islands have been standing guard for centuries. Enjoy a scenic cruise to Inishmore where we include a tour in the traditional way; by Horse & Carriage! Your driver will provide informative commentary as you wind your way through the island, past dotted ruins of Christian Monasteries and fortifications.

Thursday Heading across Ireland we reach County Offaly where we include a visit to the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre – housed within an old Bonded Warehouse where we follow in the footsteps of Daniel E Williams from Stable Boy to Distillery Manager who created the whiskey which still bears his initials today. In the afternoon we continue to Dublin for a 2-night stay at the Aspect Hotel.

Friday A morning guided tour of Dublin’s ‘Fair City’ before free time in the afternoon.

Saturday Breakfast today is included on board our return sailing to Holyhead then we continue homeward.

Your Holiday Hotel

Northern Ireland’s beauty is intertwined with tragic history & rich culture – the wild craggy mountains, magical lakes & sweeping coastline have remained unspoilt by the passage of time.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Sea crossings from Holyhead to Dublin 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Guided Tour of Belfast & entrance to Titanic Belfast Entrance to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience (NT) Guided tour of Hillsborough Castle with tea/scones

Sunday We journey to Holyhead in North Wales for our afternoon sailing to Ireland and continue to our overnight stay at the Trim Castle Hotel, Co Meath (4-Star rated).

Monday We journey north to Newry. Then following the Mountains of Mourne Coastal Route we drive along the shores of Carlingford Lough to Kilheel. We continue via Downpatrick, the last resting place of St Patrick before arriving at the Stormont Hotel for our 4-night stay.

Tuesday This morning a local coach and Belfast City guide meets us at our hotel for a morning guided tour of Belfast. In the afternoon we visit Not included: Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor All lunches experience. This iconic six-floor building explores the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the Titanic, which brings history to life in an unforgettable way.

Wednesday This morning we drive pausing to view the ‘Dark Hedges’, a romantic, atmospheric, tunnel-like avenue of intertwined beech trees, planted in the 18th century. Today they are instantly recognisable to fans of the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, as the Kings Road! We continue to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, returning along the spectacular Antrim coast with its vertical cliffs, glens and mountain scenery.

(Small separate charge for those requiring to use the Translink Shuttle bus from the Visitors Centre to view the Causeway).

Thursday Today we visit Hillsborough Castle, one of the most beautiful, and interesting historic properties in Northern Ireland and the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland. We include a guided tour of this magnificent Georgian Mansion and an opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens. (Our visit includes tea and scones).

Friday We return south to Dublin before continuing to our final nights stay at the Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin (4-Star Rated).

Saturday Breakfast today is included on-board our return Irish Ferries sailing to Holyhead then we continue homeward.

Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon, Co Clare

Your Holiday Hotel

The hotel offers comfortable, spacious accommodation with the small town of Ennistymon just a short walk away. Guests will not fail to be impressed with the stunning views from the public areas and its 50 acres of gardens, woodland paths and river walks. Restaurant, bar, leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4 – The resort & hotel offers good access throughout with lift to all floors.

Located 5 miles from the centre of Belfast, opposite Stormont Parliament Buildings in a leafy, residential area.

Bar, lounge Mobility Grade: 3 – Location & hotel are all reasonably level and accessible. 2 lifts serve 3 floors, however there are limited ground floor rooms available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Sun 16 – Sat 22 Jun 2019 (7 Days)

£879

7.00am

5.30pm

Sun 21 – Sat 27 Jul 2019 (7 Days)

£895

7.30am

5.30pm

Supplements Single Room: £125 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Even though passports are not needed to travel to Ireland, ferry companies request passengers to carry some form of PHOTO ID, which may be required for inspection.

Stormont Hotel, Belfast

Supplements Single Room: £150 • Holiday Insurance: £30.50 Even though passports are not needed to travel to Ireland, ferry companies request passengers to carry some form of PHOTO ID, which may be required for inspection.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

County Clare is known as ‘Traditional Ireland’ thanks to its sleepy villages with colourful shop fronts, smoke from peat fires and local musicians playing in olde worlde bars. With a fantastic location overlooking the cascading Inagh River, our tour showcases the spectacular scenery of this region and no doubt, the highlight will be a day on the Aran Islands.

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Honfleur

Versailles

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VERSAILLES, CANDELIT CHATEAUX

SPRINGTIME IN NORMANDY

& MONET’S GARDEN

TULIPS GALORE, HONFLEUR & THE D-DAY BEACHES Spring is in the air... say farewell to winter and admire the first spring blossoms over a refreshing break in Normandy. In April each year the gardens at Château de Vendeuvre explode into a fabulous riot of colour with a vibrant display of tulips, narcissus and grape hyacinths

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach 4 nights half board (Buffet Menu) Welcome glass of cider/soft drink on arrival Return Ferry Crossings Outlined excursions Guided tour of Chateau de Vendeuvre including lunch & glass of wine Guided tour of the D-Day Beaches including entrances to Pegasus Bridge Museum, Arromanches 360 Cinema & Landing Museum

Thursday To Dover and our ferry crossing to Calais. We continue south west to Normandy, arriving at our hotel in the evening for our 4-night stay.

Friday This morning, we will visit the 18th century Château de Vendeuvre, one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy. During our guided tour we will discover a miniature furniture collection, a perfectly preserved kitchen and an array of stunning gardens including the Chateau’s spectacular Tulip Festival, where more than 30,000 bulbs of tulips, narcissus and grape hyacinths will be on display. We include a 4-course ‘Taste of Normandy’ lunch, including a glass of Bordeaux wine. In the afternoon we return to Lisieux where we can explore the magnificent Basilica, the Norman Cathedral, Not included: the house of Saint Thérèse and this beautiful 4 lunches pilgrimage town at leisure.

Saturday Today we meet our ‘step-on guide’ for a full day’s tour of the Normandy Beaches. Highlights include Pegasus Bridge Museum, Ranville CWG, Ouistreham, Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach and Arromanches including entrance to the 360 Cinema and Arromanches Landing Museum.

Sunday We travel to the charming port town of Honfleur, located on the beautiful Côte Fleurie. Honfleur’s beauty has long attracted artists whose work can be seen in the town’s art galleries. Explore the old dock in the heart of the port, surrounded by the distinctive high, narrow, timbered-framed houses.

Monday We return to Calais for the ferry to Dover, returning home late evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Think of France and you think of Paris but venture a little bit further afield and you will find a host of fantastic experiences and sumptuous Chateau just waiting to be discovered. This tour allows a visit to two of the most stunning Chateau in France; the world-famous Chateau de Versailles and the impressive Chateau de Vaux-leVicomte which provided a credible double as the film set for the BBC’s headline drama series, “Versailles”.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Welcome Drink upon arrival 4 nights half board (Set meal on first night then three nights with buffet menu choice – Note lunch replaces dinner on Day 3) Return Eurotunnel Crossings Outlined excursions Guided tour of Versailles Candlelit visit to Chateau de Vaux-leVicomte Entrance to Monet’s Gardens, Giverny

Thursday To Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to France. We continue to Paris and our 4-night stay at the Novotel Saclay.

Friday Today we visit the Chateau and gardens of Versailles which are among the most illustrious of World Heritage Sites. Built by the “Sun King”, Louis XIV, the Chateau contains a magnificent collection of fine furniture and artworks.

We include a guided tour of the interior where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring Hall of Mirrors.

Stroll at leisure through the stunning formal Not included: gardens. During the summer months, visitors can 4 lunches & also witness the magical Musical Fountains Show 1 evening meal and explore the fountains and groves with their water features spouting to the rhythm of the music.

Saturday A morning at leisure where we enjoy lunch at our hotel before boarding our coach to visit another beautiful chateau. Chateau de Vaux-leVicomte is a 17th century, privately owned masterpiece that has been restored to its former glory with richly furnished and decorated rooms and wonderful formal grounds. To add a touch of ‘romance’ this evenings visit will be via candlelight, where the breathtaking gardens and Chateau will be illuminated by over 2000 candles creating a unique and memorable experience.

Sunday A trip to Normandy and the lovingly restored Monet’s Garden at Giverny, is a source of as much pleasure today as it was to its creator.

Here, where the painter lived until his death in 1929, the perspectives, symmetries and colours of the flower garden and water garden were the inspiration for some of his most famous works.

Monday We return to Calais for the Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone, returning home during the evening.

Your Holiday Hotel

Mercure Hotel, Lisieux

Novotel Saclay, Saclay, South West Paris

This modern hotel is located on the outskirts of the charming town of Lisieux, within easy reach of a host of attractions. Each of the 70 bedrooms is decorated in a modern, cosy style. The open plan restaurant and informal bar are located on the ground floor, with both having a pleasant ambience overlooking the outdoor swimming pool. Mobility Grade: 4 – Level, easy access through. Lift to all rooms.

This modern hotel has been built around a renovated farmhouse and courtyard and is located in the countryside south of Paris. 139 bedrooms, restaurant, lounge/bar. Outdoor pool & large terrace area. Mobility Grade: 4 – Stepped entrance with ramp access. Good access through. Ground floor rooms available. Lift available.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 4 – Mon 8 Apr 2019 (5 Days)

£629

5.30am

9.00pm

Thu 11 – Mon 15 Jul 2019 (5 Days)

£699

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £114 • Holiday Insurance: £41 Passports will be required for this tour

Supplements Single Room: £128 • Holiday Insurance: £46 Passports will be required for this tour

Bruges

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Rocamadour

LANDSCAPES OF THE DORDOGNE SECRETS OF HIDDEN FRANCE

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 8 nights half board Entrance to Oradour-sur-Glane Guided tour of Périgueux Wine tasting at Monbazillac Guided excursions of Sarlat la Canéda/ Rocamadour & Beynac/La Roque Gageac Dordogne river cruise & ‘little train’ ride to Domme

Tuesday We cross the channel to France then on to the Novotel Chartres for our overnight stay.

Wednesday Heading south, we call at the ‘ghost’ town of Oradour-sur-Glane, which has been left untouched as a forever silent monument, since 1944 when the Nazis executed over 600 inhabitants and set fire to the town. Stroll the empty streets, see the old burnt out cars, visit the museum and watch the 12-minute film – a very thought-provoking experience. We continue in the afternoon to Le Bugue for 6-nights.

Thursday We drive to the beautiful old Roman city of Périgueux, capital of the region. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this beautiful town with its wonderful architecture and wealth of historic sites.

Not included: The afternoon is free for individual pursuits.

All lunches Friday We enjoy an extended half-day excursion to Chateau de Monbazillac. Situated at the heart of the prestigious Monbazillac Vineyards, we enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting.

Saturday A day to relax and unwind in Le Bugue.

Sunday A full days guided excursion, first to Sarlat-la-Canéda, where we explore the maze of narrow lanes and winding medieval cobble stone streets.

We then proceed to Rocamadour, a town built on narrow ledges above an almost sheer cliff.

Monday We meet our local guide in Beynac before enjoying a cruise on a sailing barge to discover ten centuries of the Dordogne Valley and its fabulous history. We continue to La Roque Gageac, where you can discover the exotic gardens of this spectacular cliffside village before taking a trip on the “little train” up to the 13th century village of Domme to enjoy lovely panoramic views of the river as it winds its way through the beautiful valley.

Tuesday We depart Le Bugue and travel to the Novotel Chartres to our overnight hotel.

Wednesday We return to Calais where we board our ferry to Dover, arriving home during the evening.

INCLUDING YPRES & GHENT One of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe; Bruges is famous for its lace shops, magnificent churches and, of course, chocolate. A holiday in Bruges is like taking a trip back in time as you wander through cobbled streets surrounded by historic buildings as horse drawn carriages go by and a trip on one of the canal boats gives you a unique view of ‘the Venice of the north’.

look What’s Included Door to Door Home Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Dover to Calais ferry crossing 4 nights bed & buffet breakfast Welcome drink Dinner on arrival night (To be taken in a nearby restaurant Outlined excursions A scenic guided boat cruise of Ghent

Holiday Itinerary

Friday We head for Dover and the ferry crossing to Calais. From here it is just a short drive up the coast to Bruges. Enjoy a welcoming drink upon arrival before settling in to our new surroundings.

3-course evening dinner tonight.

Saturday Today, enjoy the delights of Bruges.

This ancient settlement on a network of canals and Not included: rivers is an absolute delight. Take a cruise around 3 evening dinners & the canals or a horse-drawn carriage through the all lunches streets, and shop for pretty lace or delicious chocolates. This evening is our first opportunity to sample the delights of Bruges; there are restaurants and pubs aplenty to sample the local fayre.

Sunday After a leisurely start, we visit some of the key sites of the Ypres battlefields area, including Tyne Cot, the largest British War Cemetery in the world and Essex Farm CWGC, where John McCrae wrote the immortal ‘In Flanders Field’ poem. We continue to Ypres town centre with an opportunity to visit the Flanders Field Museum (not included) and the Menin Gate. Free time at leisure for dinner before staying to attend the moving ‘Last Post’ ceremony.

Monday A full day excursion to historical Ghent. What better way to start our day than with a leisurely guided boat cruise taking in the heart of the medieval centre viewing such sites as St Bravo’s Cathedral, the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church and the impressive Castle of the Counts’ and the Princes’ court. In the afternoon there’s some free time to explore this charming city.

Tuesday Departing our hotel after breakfast we visit the popular seaside resort of Ostend before returning homeward in the afternoon.

Your Holiday Hotel Hotel Portinari, Bruges

Your Holiday Hotel Hotel Royal Vezere, Le Bugue A charming 3-star hotel which overlooks the river in the centre of Le Bugue. Restaurant, bar, restaurant, rooftop outdoor swimming pool and terrace. Mobility Grade: 4 – Location has some slopes and steps.

Hotel is fairly level with a lift.

Date

Tue 17 – Wed 25 Sep 2019 (9 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1245

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £208 • Holiday Insurance: £59.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Superbly located on the t’Zand Square in the very heart of Bruges. You’ll find plenty of bars, cafes and shops nearby, so after a busy day sightseeing it’s easy to find somewhere to unwind, take the weight off your feet and watch the world go by. All rooms (except suites) have walk-in showers, Bar & breakfast room. Mobility Grade: 3 – The resort and hotel are on the level but please remember Bruges has many cobbled streets & walkways. There are a few isolated steps, but a passenger lift serves all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 18 – Tue 22 Oct 2019 (5 Days)

£669

6.00am

9.00pm

Supplements Double for sole use: £154 • Holiday Insurance: £46 Passports will be required for this tour

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

This tour has become something of a perennial favourite – The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions of France, where a plethora of magnificent landscapes awaits you: massive cliffs, meandering rivers lined with honeycoloured medieval villages.

BEAUTIFUL BRUGES

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Luxembourg

Keukenhof Gardens

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SInGle © Flickr – ryan hurril

traveller

THE BULBFIELDS OF HOLLAND

GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG & MOSELLE The small town of Vianden has a picturesque location on the River Our, set amidst magnificent Luxembourg scenery, close to the border with Germany. Vianden houses many great buildings including a feudal manor, a former Trinitarian church and cloister and a rural art museum.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Dover to Calais ferry crossing 4 nights half board 2 nights musical entertainment Outlined excursions Wine Tasting in Grevenmacher Champagne Breakfast, guided walking tour of Vianden, entrance to the castle & afternoon tea Guided tour of Luxembourg

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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Friday To Dover for the ferry to Calais then across through the scenic Ardennes to Luxembourg for our 4-night stay.

Saturday An excursion to Grevenmacher on the River Moselle. Set in splendid scenery, Grevenmacher is an important wine-growing centre. We visit a local wine-growing centre where you will be able to sample the local produce. From here we continue to Trier – the oldest city in Germany. Once the regional Roman capital, it offers a host of well-preserved reminders of bygone days with its amphitheatre and thermal baths.

Sunday Enjoy a champagne breakfast, followed Not included: by a morning guided walking tour of Vianden All lunches with entrance to the Castle included. Afternoon High Tea is provided back at our hotel.

Monday A day excursion to Luxembourg City including a morning guided tour followed by free time in the afternoon.

Tuesday Our final Breakfast and then our departure back to Calais for the return crossing and back to the West Midlands.

Situated in Lisse, Keukenhof is the most outstanding spring attraction of the Netherlands. A riot of colour, no experience can match this spectacular and unforgettable display, with some six million tulips, narcissi, daffodils, hyacinths, shrubs, ponds & fountains.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Dover to Calais ferry crossing 4 nights half board Outlined excursions Admission to Keukenhof Gardens Amsterdam Canal Cruise Combined Boat/Steam Tram Journey including coffee & light refreshments

Thursday To Dover for the ferry to Calais then across Belgium and into Holland, arriving at our hotel in time for dinner.

Friday Today we travel to award-winning Keukenhof Gardens, showpiece of the Dutch bulb industry with some 80 acres of colourful floral displays. In the afternoon, there is free time to explore or maybe take a ride on one of the ‘whisper boats’, which are almost silent as they sail through the beautiful bulb landscape.

Saturday A full day to explore the unique city of Not included: Amsterdam with its famous tree-lined canals and All lunches preserved 17th century gabled houses. We include a 1-hour canal cruise, followed by some free leisure time to explore this fascinating city.

Sunday Today our excursion takes us on a fascinating ride by historical steam tram and steam boat around the coast of the Ijsselmeer (Light refreshments –Tea/coffee & Apple Pie included). We also visit the museum at Hoorn, to learn something of the history and development of the Dutch steam tram from 1879 to 1966.

Monday Leaving our hotel we make our way back to Calais and our ferry to Dover and home.

Your Holiday Hotel Van der Valk Hotel, Leusden

Your Holiday Hotel Grand Hotel de Vianden, Vianden An intimate hotel with a good location in pretty Vianden.

The hotel features a cosy bar, restaurant and terrace and enthusiastic proprietors, who are on hand to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable stay. Mobility Grade: 3 – Location is level with isolated steps throughout. The lift serves 3 of the hotel’s 4 floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 15 – Tue 19 Nov 2019 (5 Days)

£549

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: Nil • Holiday Insurance: £46 Passports will be required for this tour

Situated on the foothills of the Utrecht Hill Ridge in the green heart of Holland, between Amersfoort and Utrecht. All rooms equipped with modern facilities. Restaurant, Grand café, large terrace. Solarium and souvenir shop. Mobility Grade: 4 – Location is level. Hotel is level and has a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Thu 18 – Mon 22 Apr 2019 (EASTER) (5 Days) Thu 25 – Mon 29 Apr 2019 (5 Days) Thu 9 – Mon 13 May 2019 (5 Days)

£605 £599 £599

5.30am 5.30am 5.30am

9.00pm 9.00pm 9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £138 • Holiday Insurance: £42.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Bernkastel

ARNHEM – THE LIBERATION ROUTE & THE ZUNDERT FLOWER PARADE Brabant and central Holland is a land of contrasts, offering glimpses into the vibrant and artistic past and the more recent period of occupation during the Second Word War. Our tour provides a similar contrast with a full day in Arnhem uncovering the history of the Battle of Arnhem followed by a visit to one of the oldest flower parades in Europe, combined with a day of exploration in beautiful ‘S-Hertogenbosch and Heusden.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Dover to Calais ferry crossing 4 nights dinner, bed & buffet breakfast Outlined excursions Guided tour of Arnhem with visits to Airborne at the Bridge and the Airborne Museum Entrance and category 2 seated tickets to the Zundert Flower Parade Guided walk & Boat trip below & around ‘S-Hertogenbosch

Friday To Dover for the ferry to Calais then across Belgium and into Holland, arriving at our hotel in time for dinner.

Saturday After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a tour of Arnhem, visit ‘Airborne’ at the Bridge and Oosterbeek Cemetery, resting place for over 1700 soldiers from the Battle of Arnhem. Then visit the Airborne Museum and Hartenstein Villa, where the stories of British, German and Polish soldiers are told.

Sunday Admire the stunning floral displays at the Not included: All lunches annual Zundert Flower Parade which began in 1936 to honour Queen Wilhelmina’s birthday.

Today the parade is a huge spectacle with giant floats covered in thousands of flowers. Uniquely, only dahlias are used to craft the elaborate displays.

Over 600,000 dahlias from dozens of species are grown locally just for the parade. This is sure to be an incredible sight!

Monday To ‘S-Hertogenbosch, capital of Brabant. This 12th century city is something of a ‘hidden gem’! We include a guided town walk, a canal boat trip underneath the city and a visit to a local café for coffee and Bossche bol – a glutinous traditional cake. In the afternoon visit the 17th century city of Heusden, a beautiful fortified city with countless restaurants, little boutiques and squares.

Tuesday Leaving our hotel we make our way back to Calais and our ferry to Dover and home.

Your Holiday Hotel Hotel de Bilderberg, Oosterbeek Situated in Oosterbeek, this eco-friendly hotel is located close to the Airborne Museum and Airborne Cemetery. 146 guest rooms, 2 restaurants, bar, indoor pool, sauna and leisure complex. Mobility Grade: 3 – Location is level and the hotel has a lift to all floors.

Date

Price

Tour Departs

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Fri 30 Aug – Tue 3 Sep 2019 (5 Days)

£699

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £109 • Holiday Insurance: £46 Passports will be required for this tour

EXPLORING THE SCENIC MOSELLE VALLEY Join FRED OLSEN’S new River Cruise vessel – Brabant and embark on an effortlessly rewarding German jaunt combining stops at a string of enchanting towns and cities with unforgettable daytime scenic river cruising.

Holiday/Cruise Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Days 1 & 2 and 9 & 10 Return Dover to Calais ferry crossing 2 nights dinner, bed & buffet breakfast in 3-Star Hotels

7 nights Full Board River Cruise accommodation – Buffet Breakfasts, Casual lunch, 5course a la carte dinners & late night snacks, complimentary afternoon tea/coffee with sandwiches & cakes, welcome cocktail, welcome dinner & Captain’s gala dinner Not included: 4 lunches & Optional Shore Excursions

Wednesday We cross to France then journey to Holland for our overnight stay (DBB) Thursday We drive to Dusseldorf, Germany, where we meet the MS Brabant. Settle into our cabins and enjoy dinner as the vessel prepares to embark on our leisurely cruise along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers.

Date Friday

Port Arrive Depart Cologne 08.00am 12.30pm Cruising via Bonn Remagen 5.00pm 8.00pm Saturday Cruising the Middle Moselle Bernkastel 2.00pm 11.00pm Sunday Cochem 9.00am 2.00pm Cruising the Lower Moselle Koblenz 8.00pm Overnight Monday Koblenz Overnight 1.00pm Cruising the Middle Rhine Tuesday Speyer 7.00am 6.00pm Wednesday Strasbourg, France 8.00am 1.30pm Cruising the Upper Rhine & Locks Thursday Basel, Switzerland 6.00am Thursday In Basel, we rejoin our Coach for our journey to Northern France for our final night (DBB) Friday We travel to Calais, homeward bound.

Your river Cruise Ship MS Brabant Brabant’s classic design is smaller than many river boats, so guests can enjoy the hallmarks of Fred. Olsen’s approach to cruising. With four decks and less than 80 rooms and suites, Brabant has the intimate, home-from-home atmosphere.

2019 River Cruise Pricing Exploring the Scenic Moselle Valley (Ref: R1914) Wed 3 – Fri 12 July 2019 (10 Days – 7 Nts Cruising)

Juliet Balcony Strauss Deck 2 (SJ)

Juliet Balcony Mozart Deck 3 (MJ)

£1989

£2096

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMINGS (Approx) – Depart Henley 5.30am Tour Return: 9.00pm • SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS – Available upon request HOLIDAY INSURANCE – £61 • DEPOSITS – A 20% Deposit of the total holiday value is required at the time of booking.

Passports will be required for this tour.

All Prices on board are in Sterling – so you don’t have any worries about currency fluctuations.

All Cruise Holiday featured on this page are protected through our membership of ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust).

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

© Airborne Museum Hartenstein

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Airborne Museum, Oosterbeek

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Alexisbad

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© Flickr - Markus Trienke

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Heidelberg

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ROMANTIC HEIDELBERG & THE NATIONAL GARDEN SHOW Heidelberg is an ideal destination for any traveller who wishes to experience the scenic beauty of the lush woodlands, old-town architecture and ruined castles of Germany’s Rhineland.

The city’s picturesque location on the Neckar River in southwest Germany has made Heidelberg a top destination for tourists since the 1800’s.

look What’s Included

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 7 nights half board Guided tour of Heilbronn & entrance & guided tour of the National Garden Show Combined guided tours of old city & castle in Heidelberg

Return funicular railway ride & entrance to Heidelberg Castle Boat trip on the River Neckar Wine Tasting Entrance & guided tour of Ludwigsburg Residential Palace Entrance to ‘Blooming Baroque’ Entrance & guided visit to the Speyer Technik Museum Not included: All lunches

Wednesday Crossing the channel, we head to Aachen, Germany, for our overnight stay.

Thursday Travelling via Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, we continue to Heidelberg for our 5-night stay.

Friday We head to the city of Heilbronn for a short-guided tour of this former imperial town. In the afternoon we visit the National Garden Show. This unique festival is being held on a 40-hectare site in the middle of the city. Built on former wasteland, the site is being transformed into a green oasis where visitors can expect to see gardening at its best.

Saturday A morning at leisure. In the afternoon we include a boat trip from Heidelberg to Neckarsteinach, where we can enjoy the beautiful and romantic scenery of the Neckar Valley. Enjoy a spot of wine tasting on your way back to the hotel.

Sunday Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Heidelberg on a 3-hour tour of the Old Town and Castle. Then take the funicular railway to the castle. Explore the inner courtyard and castle gardens.

Monday Today we visit the Castle of Ludwigsburg. Exploring the palace’s grand rooms is like ‘time travelling in style’: the magnificent interiors offer a glimpse of life in the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical eras. After the guided tour of the palace, we visit the fairytale garden of Baroque in Bloom – Ludwigsburg’s oldest permanent garden show with its extensive parks and colourful flowers.

Tuesday Departing Heidelberg we visit the impressive “Technik Museum” at Speyer.

Here, at Europe’s largest aerospace and naval exhibition centre we discover technology from the underwater world to space during a guided tour of the museum. In the afternoon we continue north to Saarbrucken for our final night.

Wednesday To Calais and homeward bound.

HARZ MOUNTAINS THE JEWEL OF GERMANY This area of Germany is peppered with small town and villages ad where the splendid and colourful half-timbered buildings reflect the prosperous past of this region. Our tour visits the medieval towns of Quedlinburg, Wernigerode and Goslar as well as a ride on the Harz Mountains Narrow Gauge Railway.

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 7 nights half board Outlined Excursions Walking tour of Goslar Harz Steam Railway from Alexisbad to Gernrode

Holiday Itinerary

Saturday Crossing the channel, we head to our overnight at the Novotel Brussels Airport, Diagem.

Sunday Travelling into Germany we pass Dortmund and on to Braunlage for our 5-night stay.

Monday Today, we visit the World Heritage City of Goslar, where intricate carvings adorn the Not included: front of picturesque timbered houses. Following a All lunches guided walking tour, we are free to explore the grand squares and cobbled streets Tuesday We visit medieval Wernigerode, with its half-timbered houses and 16th century town square and Baroque Town, which sits nicely within the dark green scenery of the picturesque Harz region. Wernigerode was formerly the capital of the medieval County of Wernigerode but following the Napoleonic Wars it became part of Saxony.

Wednesday Start today with a scenic steam train ride from Alexisbad through the Selketal to Gernrode. Here, rejoin the coach and continue to Quedlinburg, a beautifully preserved medieval town. Wander the narrow streets and take the opportunity to sample some local bratwurst.

Thursday Our excursion today takes us to the historical and enchanting old town of Hamelin. Local attractions include the Minster of St Boniface and Bungelosenstrasse, which features the story of the Pied Piper, immortalised by the Brothers Grimm!

Friday We commence our journey home, stopping for dinner and overnight in Belgium.

Saturday To Calais and homeward bound.

Your Holiday Hotel Maritim Berghotel, Braunlage

Your Holiday Hotel Located in a peaceful setting on the edge of the Neckartal-Odenwald Forest, a short drive from Heidelberg. Facilities include bar, restaurant & attractive terrace. Mobility Grade: 4 – Good, level access throughout – Lift to all floors.

A 4-star hotel with a super location at the foot of Mount Wurmberg, surrounded by spruce forests and wonderful view over the town. 309 bedrooms, restaurants, bar & gardens. Indoor & outdoor pool. Mobility Grade: 3 – Good, level access throughout the hotel with lift to all floors, however guests staying at this hotel are likely to encounter some steps during their stay. There is an incline between the hotel and Braunlage town

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Date

Price

Tour Departs

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Sat 1 – Sat 8 Jun 2019 (8 Days)

£1019

5.30am

9.00pm

NH Hirschberg Hotel, Heidelberg

Wed 26 Jun – Wed 3 July 2019 (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

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£1069

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £130 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Supplements Single Room: £120 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Andre Rieu

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ROYAL ROOTS

ANDRE RIEU IN CONCERT IN ZURICH

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 7 nights half board Guided city tour of Gotha Entrance & guided tour of Castle Friedenstein The Bratwurst Museum Guided tour of Coburg Entrance to the Veste Coburg Entrances & guided tours to Castle Rosenau and the Palace of Ehrenburg Guided city tour of Cologne

Wednesday Crossing the channel, we head to Aachen, for our overnight stay at the Mercure Aachen Europaplatz.

Thursday We continue east via medieval Limburg, with its picturesque cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and historic cathedral, before reaching the Aktiv Vital Hotel, Thuringen for our 4-night stay.

Friday This morning we will make our way to the city of Gotha, which was part of the Duchy of Saxe – Gotha.

Here we visit the Palace Friedenstein for a guided tour, the oldest Baroque palace in Germany. The palace is closely linked to the British crown through Victoria and Albert as their second son, Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh once lived here. We then make our way to the Bratwurst Sausage Museum in Holzhausen, where we will discover everything about this traditional German food (Tasting included).

Saturday Today, we head to Coburg. Where the majestic fortress still towers high above the town, with the old glories of nobility, still visible everywhere. We include a morning guided city tour and in the afternoon Not included: we include entrance to Veste Coburg – Often referred All lunches to as the “Franconian Crown”, it is one of the largest surviving medieval fortresses in Germany.

Sunday Today we will explore some of Queen Victoria’s favourite places in Germany.

Albert was born in Castle Rosenau near Coburg, where we include a guided tour.

Later, we continue to Palace Ehrenburg, the main seat of the Duke of Saxe – Coburg and Gotha for a guided tour of Queen Victoria’s Private Apartments and Great Hall.

Monday Departing Thuringen we head for the beautiful city of Cologne, where we stay 2 nights at the Maritim Hotel, Cologne City Centre.

Tuesday We include a guided city tour, where we are introduced to the city’s key sights such as the iconic twin-spired Gothic cathedral, surrounded by the cobbled streets of the historic Altstadt. Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure.

Wednesday To Calais and homeward bound.

Please note some of the guided tours will include some degree of walking.

Your Holiday Hotel

& THE GLACIER EXPRESS André Rieu is quite simply a musical phenomenon like no other, having sold a massive 40 million CDs and DVDs and notched 30 number 1 chart positions worldwide. Along with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, André has created a global revival in waltz music, staging spectacular extravaganzas which are second to none.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Eurotunnel crossings to France 7 nights half board including Overnight hotels in Reims & Metz Nightly menu choice in Seelisberg with one Folklore evening Reserved seating on the Glacier Express Top Price Tickets for the Andre Rieu Concert in Zurich

Wednesday Eurotunnel crossing to Calais, we then head to the Mercure Hotel Reims Park des Expositions for our overnight stay.

Thursday We continue south into Switzerland, arriving at the Bellevue Hotel, Seelisberg for our 5-night stay.

Friday We travel by coach to Andermatt, where we board the Glacier Express for a memorable scenic ride over the Oberalp pass to Chur.

Not included: Undoubtedly Switzerland’s best-known train, we All lunches traverse through awe-inspiring and wildly romantic valleys passing immense glaciers and deep gorges, all observed from panoramic windows.

Saturday At leisure in Seelisberg before we journey to Zurich’s Hallenstadion for tonight’s Andre Rieu concert.

Come and join the party and enjoy the irresistible waltzes, classical music, operetta and musicals... an evening you won’t be able to forget.

Sunday Visit beautiful Lucerne, full of medieval frescoed buildings, charming narrow streets, decorative fountains and numerous pavement cafes.

Monday An excursion over the Brunig Pass to Brienz, famous for its wood carving traditions. Then to Grindelwald, set amidst glittering mountain peaks, of which the most famous is the Eiger – the most dangerous rock face in the Alps.

Tuesday Departing our hotel we journey north to the Novotel, Metz Hauconcourt for our overnight stay.

Wednesday To Calais and homeward bound.

Aktiv & Vital Hotel, Thuringen, Germany Situated in the Thuringian Forest, the hotel lies in a stand-alone location, above the rooftops of Schmalkalden with amazing views of the Rhon Mountains. There are 48 rooms and facilities include a restaurant, full-service spa and an indoor pool.

Restaurant, bar/lounge and terrace.

Mobility Grade: 3 – The hotel is located within a hilltop setting, although there is level access throughout. The hotel lift serves most floors.

Your Holiday Hotel

Date

Date

Price

Wed 18 – Wed 25 Sep 2019 (8 Days) £1149 Supplements Single Room: £180 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Tour Departs

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5.30am

9.00pm

Bellevue Hotel, Seelisberg, Switzerland The rustic and cosy Bellevue Hotel offers one of the most beautiful views of the Urner Lake (Part of Lake Lucerne) and the surrounding mountains. The small village of Seelisberg lies in a quiet and sunny area above the lake.

Wed 15 – Wed 22 May 2019 (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1249

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £185 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

QUEEN VICTORIA AT 200!

2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of both Queen Victoria, Britain’s second longest serving monarch and her beloved husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Join us on this new tour to Eastern Germany, where we’ll follow in their footsteps, exploring the stunning towns and notable historic sites associated with the epoch in which they lived.

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THE AUSTRIAN TYROL & MA JESTIC MAYRHOFEN The Tyrol regions stunning scenery, waterfalls and majestic snow-capped peaks are legendary. The area offers a wide variety of attractions to discover including a journey on the oldest steam cog railway in Europe, a relaxing cruise and a visit to the Tyrolean capital: Innsbruck.

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Holiday Itinerary

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look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 2 nights half board at the Novotel Metz Hauconcourt 5 nights half board at the Neue Post Hotel, Mayrhofen Guided tour of Innsbruck Achenseebahn Cog Railway & Achen Lake Cruise Tour of the Kisslinger Glass Showrooms

Your Holiday Hotel Neue Post Hotel, Mayrhofen A traditional 4-star Austrian Hotel situated in the centre of Mayrhofen.

Facilities include a restaurant, café, lounge areas, roof-top terrace, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool and bar with regular live music and dancing. All 100 bedrooms have private facilities, radio, telephone and are served by a passenger lift.

Mon 24 Jun – Mon 1 Jul 2019 (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

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£1079

5.00am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £57 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour

* SALZBURG * A ‘TRAIN RIDE TO HEAVEN’ * VIENNA

Monday Crossing the channel, we head to the Novotel Metz Hauconcourt, for our overnight stay.

Tuesday Travelling into Germany we pass Munich before arriving at our hotel in Mayrhofen for our 5-night stay.

Wednesday A day at leisure to relax in your scenic surroundings at your own pace.

Thursday Today visit Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol surrounded by the high Alps and divided by the Inn River. The Old Town is magnificent with highlights such as the famous Golden Roof, the Not included: Maria Theresia Street, the Wilten Basilica and St All lunches James Cathedral. Our guided tour introduces you to the city before enjoying free time at leisure.

Friday To the Inn Valley this morning and to Jenbach to board the original Achenseebahn Cog Railway, dating back to 1889. The train winds its way through the valley to the shores of Lake Achen. We then board our coach for the short journey to the lakeside resort of Pertisau and enjoy free time for lunch. Later, we board our boat for a scenic one-way cruise to the north of the lake before returning to our hotel.

Saturday Today visit Rattenberg, the oldest and smallest town in the Tyrol, known today as the Tyrolean home of glass and crystal. We include a guided tour of the Kisslinger Glass Showroom to see the artisans at work before we continue on a circular tour of the Kitzbühel Alps pausing at the famous ski resort of Kitzbühel.

Sunday After breakfast we commence our journey home travelling through to northern France for our overnight stay.

Monday To Calais and homeward bound.

Date

THE GREAT AUSTRIAN ‘BAKE OFF’!

On your marks…Get Set…. Let’s Bake!

Embark on a fantastic ten-day journey that not only delivers some great sightseeing opportunities, but also introduces you to the world of famous Austrian delicacies!

look What’s Included

Holiday Itinerary

Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return ferry crossing from Dover/Calais 9 nights half board Overnight hotels in greater Aachen, Stuttgart & Nuremberg areas 2 nights at the Hubertushof Hotel, Salzburg 3 nights at the Nature Hotel Steinschalerhof

Boat trip to Herreninsel, Carriage Ride & Entrance to Herrenchiemsee Palace Guided tour of Salzburg Strudel Cooking Lesson, including light lunch Boat Trip on St Wolfgangsee Train ride to Mariazell with guided tour 2-course lunch and visit to a gingerbread factory Guided tour of Vienna with Coffee & Cake

Friday Crossing the channel, we head Aachen, Germany, for our overnight stay. Saturday We continue south via medieval Limburg-an-derLahn, with its picturesque cobbled streets, halftimbered houses and an Not included: historic cathedral, before 8 lunches reaching our second overnight near Stuttgart.

Sunday Travelling south into Bavaria we enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Chiemsee to the island of Herreninsel. Upon arrival we take a horse-drawn carriage ride to Herrenchiemsee Palace – a fairy-tale castle built by King Ludwig II as a tribute to Versailles. In the afternoon we continue to the Hotel Hubertushof, near Salzburg for our 2-night stay. Monday This morning we have a guided tour of Salzburg followed by a Strudel cooking lesson at the Edelweiss cooking school which includes lunch (traditional goulash soup/lentil soup). Tuesday Today, we include a boat cruise on beautiful Lake Wolfgangsee, before continuing into Lower Austria to the Nature Hotel, Steinschalerhof, located in the delightful Pielach Valley for our 3-night stay.

Wednesday Walking across the road from the hotel we take a ‘train ride to Heaven!’.

Journeying through breathtaking Alpine scenery we reach the mountain retreat town of Mariazell, one of Austria’s premier pilgrimage centres. After exploring this unique town, we enjoy lunch in the hotel Drei Hasen. In the afternoon, we include a guided tour through the Lebkuchen Museum Pirker where one of the most famous Lebkuchen (ginger bread) in Austria is produced. Thursday Join our full-day excursion to the Imperial City of Vienna which is, without question, one of Europe’s great cities. As the home of the former Habsburg monarchy and the present-day capital of Austria, it has much to charm the visitor. Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour before visiting the ‘Sweet Heart’ of Vienna with coffee and cake at the world-famous Gerstner Kuk Hofzuckerbackerel – Confectioners to the city for over 170 years – Taste a delicious strudel cake in their pastry shop or bring home your favourite Viennese pastry. Friday Departing Austria we return to Nuremberg, Germany for our penultimate night.

Saturday We retrace our steps north to Aachen for our final nights accommodation.

Sunday To Calais and homeward bound.

Your Holiday Hotels Hubertushof Hotel, Salzburg This traditional, country-house, chalet style hotel is located in Anif, in the southern outskirts of Salzburg. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and terrace.

Nature Hotel Steinschalerhof Located in the scenic Pielach Valley, in Lower Austria’s Mostviertel Region surrounded by a beautiful sprawling garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

Date

Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep 2019 (10 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

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£1549

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £180 • Holiday Insurance: £61 Passports will be required for this tour

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TREASURES OF TUSCANY

LAKE GARDA & VAL SUGANA Nestling on the edge of the lake, Levico Terme is an authentic, historic spa town in Trentino, Italy. The old town offers charming shopping streets, a long lakeside promenade, parks and gardens.

One of Italy’s most pristine lakes, Levico is in the beautiful Sugana Valley, close to Trento and well placed for visiting nearby Lake Garda, the Dolomites and Bassano del Grappa.

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Our own courier service Club Class Extra Legroom Coach Return Dover-Calais Ferry Crossing Outward overnight half board in Metz & Feldkirch 5 nights half board in Levico Terme with a welcome drink on arrival, buffet breakfasts, 4 nights 3 course dinners with choice, 1 Special Trentino dinner Return overnights in Southern Bavaria & Metz

Friday Channel crossing to France then on to Metz for dinner and our overnight stay.

Saturday Today, we visit four countries in one day. Travelling south through France, we drive through Switzerland and Liechtenstein into Austria and our overnight in Feldkirch.

Sunday Savouring the fine Alpine Tyrolean landscape we cross the spectacular Brenner Pass into Italy and then on to Levico Terme for our 5-night stay.

Not included: All lunches Monday A day to relax and enjoy Levico. Enjoy a lakeside walk in the parkland directly opposite the hotel and take time to stroll the historic streets of the old town.

Tuesday Travel to the Valley of the Lakes to arrive in Riva del Garda.

Enjoy time in Riva and return via Rovereto, where we enjoy a visit to a local Grappa Distillery.

Wednesday A full day excursion along the gorge-like Val Sugana to Bassano del Grappa. Here, take time to explore the historic and fortified town with its many stylish shops, cafes and restaurants.

Thursday A short hop to neighbouring Trento, the regional capital.

The historic streets around the cathedral are well worth exploring.

Friday Departing Levico we cross into Austria, pausing at Innsbruck, before continuing north into Southern Bavaria.

Saturday We cross the Rhine and continue north into France, arriving at Metz for dinner and our final nights stay.

Sunday After breakfast, we drive to Calais and our ferry homeward.

Get to know beautiful Tuscany, as this holiday uncovers its traditions, landscapes, cuisine and incredible artistic heritage.

Holiday Itinerary

Hotel Al Sorriso, Levico Terme A charming and inviting 3-star superior hotel that sits in its own parkland close to the lake. Bar, restaurant, indoor swimming pool, gardens & terrace. Mobility Grade: 4 – Locality: Generally, level. Hotel: Level entrance & lift to all floors.

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Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

Fri 28 Jun – Sun 7 Jul 2019 (10 Days)

£1315

5.30am

9.00pm

Supplements Single Room: £167 • Holiday Insurance: £61 Passports will be required for this tour

Door to Door Service Return flights from Birmingham Travelsphere Tour Manager & Local Guide 7 nights accommodation 13 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners Overseas transfers Porterage

Saturday We fly to Pisa today. On arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel in the peaceful spa town of Montecatini Terme.

Sunday Today we visit Pisa with its world-famous Leaning Tower, located on the aptly named ‘Field of Miracles’. We’ll also see the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Monumental Cemetery. In the afternoon we continue to Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, whose famous works include ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘Mona Lisa’. We visit the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci where we’ll discover about the artists life on a guided tour.

Monday A day at leisure in Montecatini Terme or take the cable car up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto. Or join us on an Optional Excursion to the beautiful Tuscan hilltop towns of Montalcino, Sienna Bagno Outlined Vignoni.

Excursions Tuesday If you love wine, then you’ll love todays Not included: excursion to Greve and the Chianti wine region.

7 lunches We include a visit to the wine cellars at Castello di Optional Excursions Verrazzano. to the Levada & the Wednesday A day at leisure or join us on an Optional West Coast Tour Excursion to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known for its beauty, it is also renowned for the many towers you’ll see today, built by feuding families as status symbols. The day continues to the 11th century Abbey of Badia a Isola and on to Monteriggioni.

Thursday An included excursion to Volterra and the Etruscan Museum. Here there is a large collection of historic artefacts to view and you’ll also get to see craftsmen at work hand-carving alabaster.

Friday A day at leisure or join us on an Optional Excursion to Florence – The tour includes a guided walking tour by foot taking in the Ponte Vecchio, the Santa Croce Church and the magnificent Duomo Cathedral.

Saturday We’ll fly back to the UK today.

Your Holiday Hotel Grand Hotel, Tettuccio, Montecatini Terme This historic and charming hotel welcomes its guests in the heart of Montecatini Terme’s thermal Park. The Art Nouveau building has preserved the original structure whilst adding all of today’s modern comforts. Facilities include a restaurant and terrace.

Date

Sat 5 – Sat 12 Oct 2019 (8 Days)

Your Holiday Hotel

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Price

Tour Departs

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£1098

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Supplements Single Room: £300 • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Pre-Bookable Optional Excursions: San Gimignano/Badia/Monteriggioni Including Dinner £88 Florence £70 • Sienna & Bagno Vignoni £62 Pre-Book All Three – Instead of £220 You Pay: £209.

Passports will be required for this tour Estimated Flight Times: Outbound: Birmingham/Pisa 12.55 Inbound: Pisa/Birmingham Arrive BHX 18.30.

This Holiday is ATOL protected through G Touring Ltd, Compass House, Rockingham Road Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QD, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent.

This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 11266).

11266

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

ITALY’S LAKE LEVICO

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HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY

BY AIR

THE DANUBE TO THE BLACK SEA

BY AIR & RIVER CRUISE Enjoy the gems of look What’s Eastern Europe and Included wake up to Door to Door Service breathtaking views as Our own courier we follow the course service of the blue Danube on Coach transfers to its extraordinary Heathrow Airport journey to the Black Return flights & Sea taking in no less airport taxes from Heathrow than eight countries with spectacular scenery and exciting capital cities.

Local coach transfers between airport & ship 11 nights cruising on a FULL BOARD basis Services of On-Board Cruise Manager

2019 Cruise Highlights Date Tue 16 Jul Tue 16 Jul Wed 17 Jul Thu 18 Jul Fri 19 -Sat 21 Jul Sun 21 Jul Sun 21 Jul Mon 22 Jul Tue 23 Jul Wed 24 Jul Thu 25 Jul Fri 26 Jul Sat 27 Jul Sat 27 Jul

Port Arrive Depart Fly London Heathrow – Munich Transfer to Passau, Germany where we join our ship Vienna, Austria am pm Bratislava, Slovakia am pm Budapest, Hungary am pm Vukovar, Croatia am pm Novi Sad, Serbia pm pm Belgrade, Serbia am pm Full Day Cruising via Fisernes Tor Ruse, Bulgaria am pm Giurgiu, Romania (For Bucharest) am pm Cernavoda, Romania (For Included Black Sea Excursion) am pm Giurgiu, Romania am am Fly Bucharest – London Heathrow

Included Excursion Constanta & Mamaia – Our Black Sea coach excursion visits Constanta, where we enjoy a city tour with various photo stops, before sailing to Mamaia, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch along with the chance to paddle in the Black Sea.

Your Cruise Ship

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

MS Serenity (4-Star Floating Hotel)

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Budapest

Belgrade

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Max Passengers: 190 Crew Members: 43 Facilities Include: Lounge Bar, Lido Bar, Restaurant, Sun Deck, Gift Shop, Lift serving all areas except Sun Deck.

Panorama Deck: Cabins of the highest standard. Located on the upper deck and are equipped with en-suite shower/WC & air conditioning.

Twin beds, satellite TV, radio, safe & hairdryer. Excellent river views with ‘French balconies’. Middle Deck: Same size/layout and facilities as Panorama deck cabins.

Large sliding windows for you to enjoy the passing scenery. Main Deck: Same size/layout and facilities as Panorama deck cabins, the only difference being there are two small windows. All cabins have two berths.

12 Day Tour

Tue 16 – Sat 27 July 2019 Main Deck Middle Deck Panorama Deck

2-Berth

Single-Occupancy

£1659 £1839 £2015

£2361 N/A N/A

Supplements Holiday Insurance: £64.50 Optional Excursions Available (Please book your excursions at the time of booking) Vienna city tour OR The Schönbrunn Palace (Either tour £32), Bratislava train & Castle (£24), Budapest city tour (£23), Budapest by Night (£32), Puszta Horse Show (£36), Novi Sad city tour (£21), Belgrade Morning city tour (£21), Belgrade Afternoon Quburich Brandy Tasting (£19), Ruse city tour (£21), Ruse Basarbovo Monastery (£21), Bucharest, Romania city tour (£35). All Excursion Package: £229 (Save £56 per person).

Passports will be required for this tour.

10117 This Holiday is ATOL protected through Arena Travel, Explorer House, 2 Betts Ave, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk IP5 3RH for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10117). Flight Times are still to be advised.

Join us for an exclusive journey to the land of the “Magyars” and discover a city that is divided majestically into two parts by the River Danube. We will bring alive with words and music how this country, ruled by the Turks, Austrians, Germans and the Russians down the centuries, became one of the most hospitable countries in Europe.

look What’s Included

Holiday Itinerary

Travel card for Budapest Boat cruise on Lake Balaton Lunch at Balatonfokajar with wine tasting Journey on Cog Wheel Railway & The Children’s Railway Visit to Auguszta Confectionery House with tea/coffee and taster Admission to Godollo Royal Palace Musicians with dinner on first evening

Door to Door Service Our own Courier Service Return coach transfers to Luton Airport Return flights to Budapest 20 Kg Baggage Allowance 5 nights half board – one dinner taken at Matyas Pince with folklore entertainment Welcome drink on first evening Local Coach Transportation in Hungary with knowledgeable Tour Host throughout

Not included:

Sunday We transfer to 5 lunches Luton Airport and our flight to Budapest. On arrival we transfer to our hotel where our welcome host will be waiting to greet you. Settle into our rooms before a welcome drink and dinner accompanied by local musicians.

Monday This morning we familiarize ourselves with Buda and Pest. Our host will take us round all the beautiful and famous sights. Later, there is free time to explore the city ourselves; and to help make the going easy we have included a travel pass which covers transport around the whole city.

Tuesday Today we head to the Hungarian Sea – Lake Balaton – a Mecca for holiday makers with its unique Mediterranean climate. We have arranged a cruise across the lake before visiting a small wine village where the locals welcome us at the village wine cellars with a tasting and lunch.

Wednesday This morning we visit the Royal Palace at Godollo, former home to the Austro – Hungarian monarch’s and has now been restored to its former glory. Next, we visit the popular Auguszta’s Confectionary House to learn about how to make one of their most popular cakes – “KREMES” – where we will have a taste and enjoy an English tea or strong Hungarian coffee. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where we tuck in to some local Hungarian specialties before watching a traditional folk dance, followed by an illuminated evening city tour.

Thursday After breakfast we join the Mountain Railway which takes us up into the hills above the city affording beautiful panoramas. At the top we walk the short distance to the unique ‘Children’s Railway’ – where every part of the railway is operated by children apart from the engine driver and travels through beautiful woodlands down to the city.

Friday After breakfast we make our way back to the airport for the return flight home.

Your Holiday Hotel Danubius Hotel Flamenco, Budapest Set in lush green surroundings just a few minutes from the heart of the city. All rooms are air conditioned with safety deposit box. Restaurant, bar, fitness centre with indoor swimming pool and sauna. Except for Sunday & Wednesday, evening dinner can be taken at leisure in the hotel coffee shop or you can choose from the a la carte menu for which you will be given a generous allowance towards your meal. Note: There is a small €2 charge to use the leisure facilities. (Payable direct to hotel).

Date

Sun 23 – Fri 28 Jun 2019 (6 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1369

TBA

TBA

Supplements Single Room: £150 • Holiday Insurance: £48 Passports will be required for this tour 10300 This Holiday is operated in conjunction with Ashley & Newey and Premier Holidays Ely. ATOL protected through TTAFS Ltd (On behalf of Premier Holidays, Ely). This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10300).

Santana

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tour

tour

aIr

aIr

Holiday

Holiday

SInGle

SInGle

traveller

traveller

MADEIRA

DELUXE DUBROVNIK

THE PEARL OF THE ATLANTIC

Holiday Itinerary

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Return flights from East Midlands Airport ‘Just You’ Tour Manager as your host 7 nights half board 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners Welcome drink Overseas transfers Porterage

Sunday We transfer to East Midlands Airport and our flight to Dubrovnik. Transfer to the resort of Cavtat where your hotel has direct access to the beach and is just a short walk from the town centre.

Monday Located on the stunning Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is famed for its beauty. On today’s included tour we travel along the coast road to the city before strolling through its maze of narrow streets to the UNESCO listed Old Town. Take in more of the vistas from the ancient ramparts and wander along the famous Promenade to the Rectors Palace, now a museum, and the Franciscan Monastery. Capture incredible photographs as we take the cable car to Srd Hill, which offers spectacular views over the city and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic.

Tuesday We drive to the medieval city of Kotor in the neighbouring country of Montenegro. On-route we stop Outlined Excursions in the ancient village of Perast where we board a boat to the historic Our Lady of the Rock island, home to a Not included: 16th century church. In Kotor we’ll wander around the 6 lunches old towns tiny alleys which are overshadowed by towering cliffs and the high walls of ancient stone houses.

Wednesday A day at leisure to explore the pretty area of Cavtat with its intriguing mixture of old and new.

Thursday We include a full day excursion to beautiful Mostar. Situated on the Neretva River, in neighbouring Bosnia & Herzegovina, this historic city is famed for its enchanting Old Bridge, first constructed in 1565 (Includes lunch).

Friday The Elafiti Islands boast beautiful beaches backed by scented pine trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters. Today, we’ll enjoy a boat cruise here aboard the Karaka, a magnificent 16th century replica vessel. We visit Sipan where lunch is included.

We’ll then sail to Lopud, where you can walk to the hilltop Franciscan Monastery for wonderful views over the islands.

Saturday A day at leisure in resort Sunday We’ll fly back to the UK today.

Your Holiday Hotel

Discover Madeira’s capital Funchal and admire breathtaking scenery as you explore the mountains, valleys, villages and coasts that make up this delightful island.

Holiday Itinerary

Friday We transfer to London Gatwick and our flight to Funchal. Get to know your travelling companions better when we meet for a welcome drinks reception before dinner.

Saturday Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Funchal commencing with a visit to the busy market area where you’ll have time to browse the colourful shops and stalls.

Next we visit the Botanical Gardens where we can admire over 2000 different plant varieties. We continue via a local embroidery factory to a Madeira Wine Lodge for a spot of local wine tasting before returning to our hotel.

Sunday A day at leisure, or join us on an Optional Walking Excursion to explore the local Levadas – A series of water channels which provide a spectacular array of walking paths. The walk takes you through the Outlined emerald green Paradise Valley, where you’ll enjoy Excursions captivating views of pretty villages, the abundant flora Not included: and wonderful patchwork landscape. (Sensible Footwear 7 lunches is advisable).

Optional Excursions Monday Today, we include a visit to the East of the to the Levada & the Island, visiting Camacha, home to Madeira’s thriving West Coast Tour willow craft industry. Take in the spectacular views from Pico do Arieiro before visiting a local trout hatchery in Ribeirio Frio. Enjoy lunch at Santana, a pretty village with thatched triangular houses before returning to Funchal along the stunning north coast.

Tuesday This morning we visit Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint offering spectacular views of Funchal. We then wind our way up the mountain to Eira do Serrado, a stunningly beautiful place surrounded by mountains, overlooking the remote village of Curral das Freiras. We continue through the hamlet of Monte to view the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Monte.

Wednesday A day at leisure or join the optional excursion to Madeira’s West Coast, taking in Camara de Lobos to admire the thrilling views from Cabo Girao, the second highest sea cliff in the world.

Thursday A free day to explore Funchal at your own pace.

Friday We’ll fly back to the UK today.

Pestana Casino Park

Rising above the pine-forested peninsula of Cavtat Bay the hotel is the leading 5-star resort in the South Adriatic, combining easy access to medieval Dubrovnik. Facilities include two private beaches, outdoor & indoor pools, selection of restaurants, piano bar and spa. All rooms have sea views.

Located a short walk from the town centre. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, indoor pool and seasonal outdoor pool, fitness centre & casino.

Date

Sun 15 – Sun 22 Sep 2019 (8 Days)

Door to Door Service Return flights from London Gatwick ‘Just You’ Tour Manager as your host 7 nights half board 15 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 dinners Welcome & farewell drink Overseas transfers Porterage

Your Holiday Hotel

Hotel Croatia Cavtat

Date

look What’s Included

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1979

TBA

TBA

Supplements Single Room: NIL • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Passports will be required for this tour Flight Times: Jet 2 Flights – Outbound: EMA/DBV 06.45/10.45 Inbound: DBV/EMA 11.30/13.45.

11266 This Holiday is ATOL protected through G Touring Ltd, Compass House, Rockingham Road Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QD, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 11266).

Fri 14 – Fri 21 Jun 2019 (8 Days)

Price

Tour Departs

Returns By

£1429

TBA

TBA

Supplements Single Room: NIL • Holiday Insurance: £57.50 Pre-Bookable Optional Excursions: Levada Walk £48 • West Coast Tour £90.

Passports will be required for this tour Flight Times: British Airways Flights – Outbound: LGW/FNC 13.50/17.55 Inbound: FNC/LGW 18.45/22.30.

11266 This Holiday is ATOL protected through G Touring Ltd, Compass House, Rockingham Road Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QD, for whom Johnsons are acting as an Agent. This package holiday is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 11266).

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

& THE DALMATIAN COAST Discover historic cities, towns and beaches alongside the rugged Dalmatian Coast and soak up stunning scenery on a visit to Kotor, in neighbouring Montenegro

euroPe

Dubrovnik

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CruISInG

Sao Miguel, Azores

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

ISLANDS OF THE AZORES & CITIES OF PORTUGAL Embark on an unforgettable exploration of the volcanic Azores.

This itinerary offers a fantastic adventure, taking in the incredible island landscapes of Terceira, Faial and São Miguel.

Then it’s on to the Portuguese mainland, to uncover the highlights of Oporto and Lisbon

look What’s Included Varied daytime activities Lectures & Talks Live Entertainment 3 Formal Nights Port Taxes

Door to Door Service Coach Transfers to Port Our own Courier Service (Subject to a minimum of 15 people travelling) 13 nights Cabin accommodation Fine dining, informal buffets and snacks throughout the day and early evening

Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: W1908)

Date Sat 11 May Sun 12 – Tue 14 May Wed 15 May Thu 16 May Fri 17 May Sat 18 – Sun 19 May Mon 20 May Tue 21 May

Wed 22 – Thu 23 May Fri 24 May

Port Liverpool (UK) At Sea Cruising Praia de Vitoria, Terceira, Azores Horta, Faial, Azores Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores At Sea Cruising Lisbon, Portugal Oporto (From Leixoes), Portugal At Sea Cruising Liverpool (UK)

Arrive pm

Depart

Early am Early am

Late pm Late pm

Early am

Late pm

Early am

Late pm

Early am

Late pm

am

Your Cruise Ship

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

MS Black Watch

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Black Watch captures the feel and spirit of a traditional cruise. Her relaxed public areas have been rejuvenated but still maintain many traditional cruise ship features. Large windows, soft tones and elegant décor all contribute to the warm classic feel of this ship. Weighing in at 28,492 tons and with a length of 674 feet, Black Watch packs in a wealth of entertainment and facilities that will satisfy all.

2019 Cruise Pricing

SCOTTISH ISLANDS From the beautiful national park of iconic Loch Lomond to the rugged isles of Scotland and the Faroes, you’re sure to be captivated every step of the way on this spellbinding summer voyage.

Relax as Black Watch glides past the Duart Castle; discover a variety of fascinating wildlife; and much more.

look What’s Included Varied daytime activities Lectures & Talks Live Entertainment 2 Formal Nights Port Taxes

Door to Door Service Coach Transfers to Port Our own Courier Service (Subject to a minimum of 15 people travelling) 8 nights Cabin accommodation Fine dining, informal buffets and snacks throughout the day and early evening

Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: W1912)

Date Thu 20 Jun Fri 21 Jun Sat 22 Jun Sat 22 Jun Sat 22 Jun Sun 23 Jun Mon 24 Jun Tue 25 Jun Wed 26 Jun Thu 27 Jun Fri 28 Jun

Port Liverpool (UK) Greenock (Gateway to the Lochs) Tobermory, Isle of Mull Cruising Sound of Mull Cruising by Duart Castle Cruising at Sea Lerwick, Shetland Isles Torshavn, Faroe Islands Kirkwall, Orkney Islands Cruising at Sea Liverpool (UK)

Arrive pm Early am Early am Late pm Late pm

Depart Late pm Late pm Late pm Late pm

Early am Early am Early am

Late pm Late pm Late pm

am

Your Cruise Ship MS Black Watch (Please see alongside for further information on this vessel)

Cabin Grade Superior Outside (B)

Outside Porthole (D)

Outside Porthole (E)

Interior Cabin (H)

Superior Single Inside (M)

Islands of the Azores & Cities of Portugal (Ref: W1908) Sat 11 – Fri 24 May 2019 (14 Days)

£2199

£1939

£1849

£1699

£2599

Scottish Islands (Ref: W1912) Thu 20 – Fri 28 Jun 2019 (9 Days)

£1549

£1379

£1299

n/a

£1849

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMINGS – Still to be advised HOLIDAY INSURANCE – Please contact us for details DEPOSITS – A 20% Deposit of the total cruise value is required at the time of booking.

All Prices on board are in Sterling – so you don’t have any worries about currency fluctuations All Cruise Holidays featured on this page are protected through our membership of ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust).

Cadiz Carnival

neW Cruise

CruISInG

Naeroyord

FJORDS, MOUNTAINS & GLACIERS OF NORWAY Varied daytime activities* Lectures & Talks Live Entertainment 2 Formal Nights Port Taxes Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: W1919)

Date Mon 26 Aug Tue 27 Aug Wed 28 Aug Thu 29 Aug Fri 30 Aug Fri 30 Aug Fri 30 Aug Sat 31 Aug Sat 31 Aug

Sun 1 – Mon 2 Sep Tue 3 Sep

Port Liverpool (UK) Cruising at Sea Lerwick, Shetland Isles Bergen, Norway Olden, Nordfjord, Norway Cruising Nordfjord Cruising by Hornelen Flam, Aurlandsfjord, Norway Cruising Naeooyfjord (To Gudvangen) Cruising at Sea Liverpool (UK)

Arrive pm

Depart

Early am Early am Early am

Late pm Late pm Late pm

Late night

Late night

Early am

Late pm

Late pm

Late night

am

Your Cruise Ship MS Black Watch Black Watch captures the feel and spirit of a traditional cruise. Her relaxed public areas have been rejuvenated but still maintain many traditional cruise ship features. Large windows, soft tones and elegant décor all contribute to the warm classic feel of this ship. Weighing in at 28,492 tons and with a length of 674 feet, Black Watch packs in a wealth of entertainment and facilities that will satisfy all.

2019 / 2020 Cruise Pricing

AUTHENTIC ANDALUCIA & THE CADIZ CARNIVAL Specially timed to look What’s include an overnight Included stay in Cádiz during Varied daytime Door to Door activities Service the city’s carnival, Lectures Coach Transfers to this is a very special & Talks Port exploration of Live Our own Courier Andalusia.

Entertainment Service (Subject to The Cádiz Festival a minimum of 15 2 Formal people travelling) is one of Spain’s Nights 13 nights Cabin liveliest and most Port accommodation Taxes popular annual Fine dining, Not included: events, the carnival informal buffets Drinks & shore is a fantastic and snacks excursions throughout the spectacle of live day and early music, dance and evening comedy performances, enjoyed by locals dressed in flamboyant costumes and visitors from far-and-wide. That’s not all though; there are plenty of other authentic Andalusian experiences on offer too.

2020 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: W2005)

Date Wed 19 Feb Sat 22 Feb Mon 24 Feb Tue 25 Feb Wed 26 Feb Thu 27 Feb Sat 29 Feb Tue 3 Mar

Port Southampton (UK) Vigo, Spain Malaga, Spain Cadiz, Spain Cadiz, Spain Almeria, Spain Lisbon, Portugal Southampton (UK)

Arrive Late pm Early am Early am Early am Early pm Early am Early am Early am

Your Cruise Ship MS Black Watch (Please see alongside for further information on this vessel)

Cabin Grades Superior Outside (B)

Outside Porthole (D)

Outside Porthole (E)

Superior Single Inside (M)

Fjords, Mountains & Glaciers of Norway (Ref: W1919) Mon 26 Aug – Tue 3 Sep 2019 (9 Days)

£1699

£1469

£1399

£2049

Authentic Andalucía & the Cadiz Carnival (Ref: W2005) Wed 19 Feb – Tue 3 Mar 2020 (14 Days)

£2049

£1869

£1699

£2349

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMINGS – Still to be advised HOLIDAY INSURANCE – Please contact us for details DEPOSITS – A 20% Deposit of the total cruise value is required at the time of booking.

All Prices on board are in Sterling – so you don’t have any worries about currency fluctuations All Cruise Holidays featured on this page are protected through our membership of ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust).

Depart Late pm Late Night Late pm Late pm Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Photo opportunities look What’s galore await you on Included this exceptional Door to Door Service foray into Norway’s Coach Transfers to beautifully unspoilt Port Norwegian ords.

Our own Courier Hours of Service (Subject to mesmerising scenic a minimum of 15 people travelling) cruising through 8 nights Cabin beautiful waterways accommodation and calls at diverse Fine dining, ordland informal buffets destinations present and snacks throughout the opportunities to day and early witness incredible evening sights from on board smaller-sized Black Watch and during your time ashore.

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CruISInG

Helsinki

Funchal

neW Cruise

CRUISING TO THE HEART OF THE BALTIC Cruise closer to the heart of the Baltic and experience some of the region’s most fascinating cities. Explore famous landmarks, such as the Peterhof in St. Petersburg, visit Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen or stroll around Senate Square in Helsinki.

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: m1913)

Date Sun 26 May Mon 27 – Tue 28 May Wed 29 May Thu 30 May Fri 31 May Sat 1 Jun Sun 2 Jun Mon 3 Jun Tue 4 Jun Wed 5 Jun Thu 6 Jun Fri 7 Jun Sat 8 Jun

look What’s Included Door to Door Service Coach Transfers to Port Our own Courier Service (Subject to a minimum of 15 people travelling) 13 nights Cabin accommodation Fine dining, informal buffets and snacks throughout the day and early evening

Port Southampton (UK) Cruising at Sea Copenhagen, Denmark Cruising at Sea Helsinki, Finland St Petersburg, Russia St Petersburg, Russia Cruising at Sea Ronne, Bornholm, Denmark Travemunde, Germany Cruising the Kiel Canal Cruising at Sea Southampton

Varied daytime activities Lectures & Talks Live Entertainment 3 Formal Nights Port Taxes Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

Arrive pm

Depart

Early am

Late pm

Early am Early am Late pm

Late pm

Early pm Early am Early am

Late night Late pm Late pm

am

Your Cruise Ship

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

MS Braemar

90

Braemar’s timeless style and elegance will capture your senses. Large windows bathe the ship’s interiors in natural light and provide spectacular views; while polished wooden fixtures, shining brass fittings, decadent fabrics and carefully designed decor assume the feel of a traditional country house hotel. Capable of comfortably accommodating up to 929 guests, Braemar has a unique, intimate feel with friendly staff offering a fantastic level of personal service.

2019 Cruise Pricing

THE CANARY ISLANDS WITH MADEIRA Beautifully unspoilt look What’s landscapes, Included incredible natural Door to Door Service wonders, inviting Coach Transfers to beaches and much Port more, Braemar will Our own Courier bring you closer to Service (Subject to the best of four a minimum of 15 people travelling) wonderfully diverse 13 nights Cabin Atlantic Ocean accommodation islands. You can Fine dining, experience informal buffets unforgettable and snacks throughout the explorations or day and early blissful relaxation if evening you wish; what you do to make the most of the balmy autumn warmth is up to you.

Varied daytime activities Lectures & Talks Live Entertainment 3 Formal Nights Port Taxes Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: m1927)

Date Wed 30 Oct Fri 1 Nov Mon 4 Nov Tue 5 Nov Wed 6 Nov Thu 7 Nov Sat 9 Nov Tue 12 Nov

Port Southampton (UK) La Coruna, Spain Gran Tarajal, Spain Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain Santa Cruise de Tenerife, Spain Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Lisbon, Portugal Southampton (UK)

Arrive Late pm Early am Early am Early am Early am Late am Early am Early am

Depart Late pm Late pm Late Night Late pm Late Night Late pm

Your Cruise Ship MS Braemar (Please see alongside for further information on this vessel)

Cabin Grades Superior Outside (B)

Superior Outside (C)

Outside Porthole (E)

Inside Cabin (I)

Single Interior (N)

Cruising to the Heart of the Baltic (Ref: M1913) Sun 26 May – Sat 8 Jun 2019 (14 Days)

£2549

£2499

£2149

£1699

£2799

The Canary Islands with Madeira (Ref: M1927) Wed 30 Oct – Tue 12 Nov 2019 (14 Days)

£2299

£2199

£1899

£1499

£2499

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMINGS – Still to be advised HOLIDAY INSURANCE – Please contact us for details DEPOSITS – A 20% Deposit of the total cruise value is required at the time of booking.

All Prices on board are in Sterling – so you don’t have any worries about currency fluctuations All Cruise Holidays featured on this page are protected through our membership of ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust).

Hamburg

neW Cruise

CruISInG

La Rochelle

FRENCH RIVER CRUISING WITH BORDEAUX

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: d1921)

Date Fri 6 Sep Sat 7 Sep Sat 7 Sep Sun 8 Sep Sun 8 Sep Mon 9 Sep Tue 10 Sep

Wed 11 Sep Thu 12 Sep Fri 13 Sep Sat 14 Sep Sun 15 Sep

Port Dover (UK) Cruising the River Seine Rouen, France Rouen, France Cruising the River Seine Cruising at Sea La Rochelle (From La Pallice), France Bordeaux, France Bordeaux, France Lorient, France Cruising at Sea Dover

Arrive pm Early am Early pm Early pm Early pm Early am Early am Late pm Late am

Late am

Prepare for the festive season in style and visit some of Europe’s most enticing cities as they sparkle with holiday spirit at the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

You’re in for an enchanting experience at every destination on this magical cruise, with chances to delight in the twinkling decorations, traditional wooden huts and festive scents and flavours of fairytale Christmas markets.

Late pm

2019 Cruise Itinerary (Cruise ref: l1931)

Depart

Late pm Late night

am

Your Cruise Ship MS Boudicca Boudicca oozes a sense of class, style and elegance not seen or experienced on modern megaships. On board, the emphasis is on providing an intimate and more traditional cruise experience, ensuring guests disembark after their relaxing holiday as friends, not just customers. Up to 880 guests can cruise in pure comfort enjoying ample space and fantastic restaurants, lounges, bars and facilities. Take a dip in one of the three heated pools, watch a show, or simply relax on the Sun Deck without ever feeling overcrowded.

2019 Cruise Pricing

CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE

Date Fri 29 Nov Sat 30 Nov Mon 2 Dec Mon 2 Dec Tue 3 Dec Wed 4 Dec Thu 5 Dec Fri 6 Dec Sun 8 Dec

look What’s Included Varied daytime activities Live Entertainment 2 Formal Nights Port Taxes

Door to Door Service Coach Transfers to Port Our own Courier Service (Subject to a minimum of 15 people travelling) 9 nights Cabin accommodation Fine dining, informal buffets and snacks throughout the day and early evening

Port Southampton (UK) Zeebrugge, Belgium Cruising Oslofjord, Norway Oslo, Norway Copenhagen, Denmark Waenemunde, Germany Kiel Canal Transit, Germany Hamburg, Germany Southampton (UK)

Not included: Drinks & shore excursions

Arrive Late pm Early am Early am Late am Early pm Early am Early am Early am Early am

Depart Late pm Late am Late pm Late night Late night Early pm Late pm

Your Cruise Ship MS Balmoral Named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family.

The main restaurant is Ballindalloch, while the two other formal restaurants are Avon and Spey. There’s a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, or drift away with a cool drink and spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge.

Cabin Grades Superior Outside Outside Porthole (B) (D)

Outside Porthole (E)

Inside Cabin (I)

Single Interior (M)

Single Interior (N)

French River Cruising with Bordeaux (Ref: D1921) Fri 6 Sep – Sun 15 Sep 2019 (10 Days)

£1749

£1529

£1499

n/a

£2149

n/a

Christmas Markets Cruise (Ref: L1931) Fri 29 Nov – Sun 8 Dec 2019 (10 Days)

£1339

£1339

£1149

£999

n/a

£1699

DEPARTURE & RETURN TIMINGS – Still to be advised HOLIDAY INSURANCE – Please contact us for details DEPOSITS – A 20% Deposit of the total cruise value is required at the time of booking.

All Prices on board are in Sterling – so you don’t have any worries about currency fluctuations All Cruise Holidays featured on this page are protected through our membership of ABTOT (Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust).

Call 01564 797000 or visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

With calls at four look What’s compelling cities and Included hours of unforgettable Varied daytime Door to Door activities Service scenic cruising to Lectures Coach Transfers to experience, made & Talks Port possible by Boudicca’s Live Our own Courier smaller dimensions, Entertainment Service (Subject to you’ll be mesmerised a minimum of 15 2 Formal people travelling) from start to finish on Nights 9 nights Cabin this French foray.

Port accommodation Taxes An extended stay in Fine dining, Not included: Rouen and an overnight informal buffets Drinks & shore stop in beautiful and snacks excursions throughout the Bordeaux, are sure to be day and early highlights of your holiday. evening You’ll also visit La Pallice, for a chance to tour to La Rochelle, the famed Cognac region, or Marais Poitevin; and enjoy a day in historic Lorient, a fascinating city with a rich, heritage.

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Travel with Johnsons – Travel with Friends!

Booking Your Holiday is easy! once you have chosen your holiday, booking is easy! Call us, visit us, or book online.

Call our friendly

Visit us, or book with an

reservations team on

approved travel agent

Our preferred Agent: Malvern World Travel 44 Somers Park Avenue Malvern Worcestershire Book online at WR14 1SD www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

01564 797000

01684 562406

Q0833

malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk

travel with on our day excursions and short breaks too!

Call for your Free copies of our brochures or book online at www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk

Showtime and day excursions

express excursions Departing every weekday of the

Join our day trips

school holidays One price – just £20 per person One boarding point – our coach depot in Henley

from 36 local boarding points Huge choice of themes Admissions included in the price

Great Breaks Two night breaks in the city, coast or country Courier service and dinner, bed & breakfast included One boarding point – our coach depot in Henley

Stay In touch Sign up to our e-newsletter to be the first to hear about promotions and the latest holiday and day excursion information. Visit www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk to sign up today!

JOHNSONS COACHES ARE AFFILIATED WITH :