Highlights of Bath & Bristol

Day 2 SS Great Britain & Bristol

After breakfast we depart on a full day excursion to the city of Bristol which straddles the River Avon. See the Clifton Suspension Bridge which spans the River Avon. Our first stop is Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain. This iconic steamship is the world’s first great ocean liner and Bristol’s number one attraction. Rescued from rust and wreckage in 1970 she has been lovingly restored to her Victorian hey-day. We will then visit the M Shed museum which tells the story of the city and its unique place in the world through interactive displays. Later you may wish to explore some of the shops or perhaps consider a visit to the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery where you will find 19 galleries over three floors containing some world class collections of art and archaeology – including Banksy’s Paint Pot Angel and a Bristol Boxkite. The Boxkite was the first aircraft produced by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company also known as a pusher biplane. In the evening we return to the  hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Bath

This morning after a hearty breakfast, travel to the Georgian town of Bath, whose beautiful Pulteney Bridge and 15th century Gothic Abbey provide a picturesque backdrop for the Roman Baths from which the city takes its name. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Roman Baths before free time to discover the city. Consider visiting the Royal Crescent to admire the Georgian architecture or perhaps pay a visit to the Jane Austen Centre which tells the story of her life after she and her parents moved to Bath in 1801. You could also visit the oldest house in Bath dating back to 1482 which contains the famous Sally Lunn’s eating house. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner with your travel companions.  Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Cheddar Gorge and Longleat

This morning after breakfast we will take a scenic drive through Cheddar Gorge. This limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills is the site of the Cheddar show caves where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton - the Cheddar Man which is estimated to be 9,000 years old was found in 1903. Later we will have a traditional pub lunch at The Bath Arms - a historic pub dating back to 1736 on the Longleat Estate before visiting Longleat House for a guided tour. Today the house is widely regarded as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Occupied by the Marquess of Bath this incredible house has been home to 15 generations of the Thynne family. Discover 450 years of history on your guided tour taking in libraries filled with over 40,000 books and the Saloon stretching 90 feet long with its exquisite Flemish tapestries. Return to your hotel and meet with your fellow travel companions for your final dinner at the hotel. Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Bristol

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, say farewell to your travel companions and Tour Manager as you return home after your short break to the South West of England.  Meals included: B