January 2019 - 2020 £20 OFF EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT see page 5 UK & Overseas Coach Tour Holidays Diamond & Sapphire Coach Tours
37 new tours for 2019/20
For when it’s more than just the destination that matters
www.swantours.co.uk • 01805 603706 Welcome SwanTours – for when it’s more than just the destination that matters
A holiday is so much more It is in the anticipation of new locations, or the prospect No matter where you choose to visit, there’s one thing than a particular occasion. of revisiting familiar places. It continues in the stories we that’s guaranteed. You’ll be cared for like a family member, create before the event, and those that we learn from the a value that runs through the heart of all our activities. It starts when you browse places we visit. It doesn’t just end there. It continues in As a family-owned and operated tour provider, our main the pages of a brochure conversations and memories we have, each adding to concern is that all your needs are met, which is why we and begin to imagine the lasting impressions that remain with us long after take great pride in offering a collection of holidays, yourself on your travels. the event has passed. Sapphire Tours, in addition to the door-to-door holidays we have always provided, Diamond Tours.
Which tour is convenient for you? Whichever holiday you may choose, SwanTours’ commitment remains the same – to offer excellent value-for-money and to exceed expectations every step of the way.
Diamond Tours Your holiday starts at home with door-to-door travel service. For additional comfort the SwanTourer has extra legroom, plus you will be offeredcomplimentary drinks on board. FREE Hotels are of an excellent standard (on some holidays the best the area has to offer) and we are complimentary including tours in this collection to the West Country staying at Brend Hotels, voted winner of drinks served on ‘Hotel Group of the Year’ in the AA Hospitality Awards for 2015/16. SwanTours also offer board the coach Diamond Tour travellers a self-drive option on selected holidays to create greater flexibility am & pm when planning holidays.
Tour Calendar is on page 4. Diamond Tours - pages 6-35 (full details on page 6)
Our collection of Sapphire Tours is aimed at those who are happy to make their way to a Sapphire Tours to meet the SwanTourer. pre-arranged joining point Hotels are generally a minimum of 3 Drinks can star rated but on occasion guest rooms are accessed via steps or the hotel may not have ground be purchased floor rooms or lifts available. On selected holidays there are additional days at leisure allowing on board the clients to create their own itinerary. coach
Tour Calendar is on page 4. Sapphire Tours - pages 36-60 (full details on page 36)
2 Dining Experience
On all UK and Irish tours you will be offered a cooked breakfast and table d’hôte dinner menu comprising a minimum of 3 courses with 3 choices per course, which, on occasion, may be carvery or buffet-style, unless otherwise stated Abroad you will be offered continental breakfast with fixed dinner menu at overnight stays and generally a choice of dinners at the main hotel, which again may be either carvery or buffet-style. A vegetarian option is always available.
Please note that some tours may vary from the above. For full details, please refer to the individual tour.
Traditional family values & service with a warm smile
Our service is tailored to meet the requirements of all our clients, and is delivered by a dedicated team. If there is anything we can help you with, or if you require any additional information, please give us a call on 01805 603706 or write to us at SwanTours, Grange Lane, Merton, Okehampton EX20 3ED and it will be our pleasure to be of assistance on matters large or small. We look forward to hearing from you, and we will do our best to supply a quick response to the more intricate of enquiries. Back: Molly, Janette, Samantha Front: Linda, Tracey
SwanTours deliver more... Our drivers are consistently praised for their attentive, courteous and helpful conduct, conveying a message that nothing is too much trouble when it comes to delivering excellence for all who travel with us. Perfect peace of mind All SwanTours are fully bonded through the International Passenger Protection Scheme ensuring your holiday is in safe hands. Fuel Costs: As standard, the price of travel is included in your holiday cost. As a result of current economic uncertainty, however, we reserve the right to apply a fuel surcharge, which we sincerely hope we need not apply.
3 TOUR CALENDAR Welcome to SwanTours
DIAMOND & SAPPHIRE TOUR CALENDAR 2019/20
January The Triumphant Trio July September November Monday 13 Page 27 Burns Night Celebrations Alpine Jewels in Austria Wild Safaris & Scenic Switzerland & The Alps Fayres & Festivities in Scotland Saturday 18 Page 10 The West Midlands Sunday 1 Page 37 in Bournemouth Wednesday 23 Page 41 North Yorkshire’s Monday 1 Page 55 Spectacular Scotland on Safari Monday 4 Page 57 Grand Adventure Countryside Escapes to Devon Sunday 1 Page 44 Christmas Prequel in Cumbria March Monday 20 Page 26 Sunday 7 Page 9 RHS Wisley Flower Show Monday 18 Page 56 Titanic Adventures Runaway to Scotland: Monday 2 Page 47 Thursford Christmas Sidmouth’s Timeless Charm in Liverpool Heritage & Lochs The Eloquence of Ireland Spectacular Sunday 3 Page 8 Monday 20 Page 53 Saturday 13 Page 15 Sunday 8 Page 13 Friday 22 Page 34 All-Inclusive Lakeland Treat Sparkling Sidmouth Colchester & Gorgeous Guernsey & Sidmouth Sensations & Monday 4 Page 24 Monday 27 Page 7 Constable Country Sedate Sark Pickles in Plymouth Compelling Colours of Cornwall Mouth-Watering Melton Sunday 14 Page 54 Monday 9 Page 48 Sunday 24 Page 33 Sunday 17 Page 8 Mowbray & Burghley Essence of Ireland: It’s all a Mystery... Christmas Markets & Cornwall’s All-Inclusive Monday 27 Page 32 Journey into Dublin Thursday 12 Page 60 Festivities in Birmingham Escapade Sunday 21 Page 12 Grand Adventures in Durham Monday 25 Page 58 Monday 18 Page 50 June Horticulture & Heritage Sunday 15 Page 51 Christmas Festivities Mother’s Day Treat: in Devon The Wealth of Wales in Torquay Flowers, Shops & Royalty The Iconic Isles: Monday 29 Page 9 Monday 16 Page 30 Friday 29 Page 56 Friday 29 Page 49 Bute, Mull & Iona Yorkshire Railways & Wonders of Wales Saturday 1 Page 17 Spring Colours, Wight Delight Steam Trains Monday 23 Page 22 December Sunday 31 Page 48 Kent’s Subtle Charm & Monday 29 Page 25 The Golden Hills of Suffolk Hidden Secrets Monday 23 Page 28 Christmas Has Come Early Monday 3 Page 31 in Cornwall April August Gin Tasting, Tours & Tea Royal Retreats & Monday 9 Page 57 RHS Flower Show Cardiff in Winchester a Day at the Races Lancashire: By Canal, By Rail Thursday 26 Page 55 Make Merry in Torquay Friday 12 Page 46 Monday 3 Page 52 Thursday 8 Page 25 this Christmas Scotland, Skye & An Idyllic Retreat: Monday 23 Page 34 Healing Waters of Wales The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Highland Steam The Isle of Man Monday 10 Page 28 & Scotland Christmas Presence in Saturday 13 Page 45 Sunday 29 Page 14 Romantic Castles & Thursday 8 Page 43 Llandrindod Wells Seasonal Sidmouth Sensations Royal Pavilions Royalty to Riches in London Monday 23 Page 35 Monday 22 Page 7 October Monday 10 Page 29 Saturday 10 Page 52 Christmas Escape to Cheshire Oxford: The City of Captivating Cumbria & The Loveliest Spot for Autumn Treasures of Ireland Monday 23 Page 59 Dreaming Spires The Lakes Lakeland Memories Monday 7 Page 40 A Merry Christmas in Wales Monday 22 Page 49 Monday 10 Page 53 Sunday 11 Page 27 Last of The Summer Wine: Monday 23 Page 59 Grand Tour of Portsmouth Amazing Grace & The Giants Bede, Bishops & Portugal New Year’s Gala in Blackpool Monday 29 Page 29 Saturday 15 Page 39 Beautiful Dales Tuesday 8 Page 11 Monday 30 Page 58 Elevating Aspects of Anglesey Sunday 18 Page 19 Shimmering Shores of Looe May Sunday 16 Page 21 Cathedrals, Crowns Friday 11 Page 30 January 2020 75th Anniversary of the Dutch Bulb Fields & Countryside Pristine Peaks & D-Day Normanday Landings Sunday 18 Page 20 Mountain Railways SwanTours Annual & Amsterdam Get-Together Thursday 20 Page 38 West Midlands Medley Monday 14 Page 51 Friday 3 Page 38 Friday 24 Page 35 Glittering Isle of Wight Monday 26 Page 31 North-Eastern Discoveries Sidmouth Sensations: Sunday 23 Page 23 Sunday 5 Page 18 Heavenly Days in Harrogate Inspiration, Artwork & Abbeys Royal Sceneries of Scotland Monday 26 Page 54 Sunday 27 Page 33 Great Highland Railways Sunday 23 Page 42 Wednesday 8 Page 16 Historic Houses of Derbyshire Savouring the Sights Jersey: Royals & Riches Thursday 29 Page 26 in Southampton Revitalising Coasts in Sunny Friday 28 Page 24 Monday 28 Page 32 Bournemouth Sunday 12 Page 50
Diamond Tours Sapphire Tours 4 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours 2019
TOURS WORTH
TALKING ABOUT The Magere Brug, “Skinny Bridge”, Amsterdam
Tours that go an extra mile... SwanTours specialise in tours that go the extra mile to bring you the best that each region has to offer. When you travel with us, we’ll introduce you to some places that perhaps you £20 OFF haven’t previously considered, and show you sights that many don’t get to see - and all for one inclusive price. Early Booking Discount!
Meticulously planned itineraries ensure a leisurely pace with ample UK TOURS time to do the things you wish to do, It’s easy to forget the wealth of be it sight-seeing or soaking up the culture and historic heritage that atmosphere. Please bear in mind, is on our doorsteps. Abbeys and however, that journey times at the cathedrals, dramatic moorlands start and end of some tours may and rugged coastlines, fishing be longer due to greater travelling villages and quintessential English distances involved. gardens are just some of the attributes worth celebrating. CONTINENTAL Scotland’s wild and unspoilt TOURS highlands, speckled with castles, battlefields and ancient settlements, Whether you plan to take a delight contrast with more modern and in the visual extravaganza of the vibrant cities ensuring Scotland’s Dutch Bulb Fields, or to revel in independence is proudly declared. the enchanting fairy-tale scenery of Austria, rest assured that every Wales will always delight as an SwanTour has been chosen because undisputed area of natural beauty we believe it has something extra and deeply rooted traditions. You’ll special to offer. find standing stones, historic castles and lush green valleys, nestling in Rozenhoedkaai, Bruges, Belgium IRISH TOURS the shadows of some impressive mountain ranges. The Emerald Isle is resplendent in its beauty thanks to the ‘soft’ weather From picturesque Cornish fishing that the Irish are so keen to talk about. villages to Scottish castles and an Early booking discount where you will The vapours from its surrounding abundance of historic towns and receive £20 off each tour taken oceans create colours of the deepest cities in between, we’re sure you’ll hues, painting a landscape that is find something to suit all tastes and from this brochure when booked romantic and unlike any other place paces of life. on earth! before the 28th February 2019. Early Booking Discount does not apply to the tours on pages 46 & 47.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 5 SwanTours Diamond Collection
SwanTours DIAMOND COLLECTION Door-To-Door Travel Service
Your holiday starts Self-drive at your home... option When you go on holiday, it’s to relax and not to worry about luggage. With SwanTours UK Diamond Holidays Greater flexibility is offered on our driver will stow your case aboard the SwanTourer Diamond Tours with a self-drive and you won’t have to worry about luggage again until option that enables independent you return home. travel arrangements to and from the destination hotel on selected tours. Unfortunately, luggage handling is not available at ferry terminals or on our Channel Island holidays A separate tour price is displayed (see page 61 for more information). on tours where this is available. On overnight stays en route to your main All other aspects of the SwanTours hotel or on ferry crossings an overnight experience remain as per the itinerary Expanding your bag is recommended. shown in the brochure. horizons in comfort...
Door Driver To safeguard your safety and comfort our 47 Seat 1 2 3 4 WALES Mercedes Benz Tourismo 5 6 7 8 DOOR-TO-DOOR GLOUCESTER- coaches are equipped SHIRE with the latest safety 9 10 11 12 TRAVEL SERVICE Bristol systems including CCTV Swindon 13 14 15 1616 SwanTours offer an extensive complimentary BRISTOL CHANNEL and feature additional leg Bath Coffee door-to-door travel service at the beginning room, complimentary drink 17 18 Machine WILTSHIRE and end of your holiday to those living in south service, air conditioning and SOMERSET 19 20 west England (see map). for extra comfort, an Toilet on board WC. 21 22 DEVON DORSET Exeter Bournemouth Double Seats are 25 26 23 24 available for a single CORNWALL 29 30 27 28 Torquay supplement of £10 Plymouth ENGLISH CHANNEL per day. 33 34 Non-smoking throughout 31 32 37 38 35 36
Tour Representatives on Diamond Tours 41 42 39 40 The tour representative on Continental tours may be an additional driver/courier. 43 44 45 46 47 47 Seat Mercedes Benz Tourismo Coach Seating Plan Complimentary home collection and return
6 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection BREND HOTEL TOURS
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Sidmouth Sidmouth Seasonal Sidmouth Sparkling Sidmouth Sensations 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights Sidmouth is a jewel in Devonshire’s crown. Rugged shoreline meets Regency history, and rolling green Brighten up those bleak April days with a luxurious countryside beckons beyond. Cream teas, botanical four-star mid-spring getaway to Sidmouth where gardens, heritage trams and retail therapy, this tour you can spoil yourself at the spa, absorb spectacular has it all. scenery and sea views, and indulge in elegant Delightful Sidmouth is “a town to Greenway Quay where we dining experiences. caught still in a timeless charm,” disembark to visit the home of Sidmouth is always an excellent architecture and relaxing gardens. according to Poet Laureate Agatha Christie, Greenway House. destination to take a mid-spring Along with the vast amount of John Betjeman. Set between A scenic tour of the Jurassic holiday to and it’s the beautiful activities on offer, there’s time rolling Devonshire countryside Coastline rounds off our delightful coastal views and regency feel to enjoy the hotel and it‘s many and rugged Jurassic red rock Devonian adventure, as we gaze which make this tour feel extra- amenities to the fullest: Spend coastline, it promises fine beaches, across inspirational coastal views special. From the porter’s warm time at their bar and restaurant to lovingly-tended gardens, coastal and dramatic cliff-edges. handshake, to the receptionist’s truly refresh, or venture next door walks, friendly shops – even one of Please Note: The walk from Greenway Quay the few remaining family-owned to the Visitor Reception is steep in places along welcoming, any prior lingering to the Victoria Hotel to enjoy the a winding bark chip path through the Greenway winter chills are banished upon complimentary spa which hosts department stores in the country Woodland. The 800 yard walk takes about ten arrival. Enjoy an outing to Exmouth all the facilities you’ll need to relax with “service as it used to be”. It’s minutes and there are plenty of benches for the perfect spot for unwinding, resting/admiring the view on the way. Greenway before a relaxing cruise with and unwind on your mid-spring offer a car service to shuttle people from the a cream tea on the River Exe. getaway. For those that want to recharging, and exploring. Enjoy all Quay to the Reception but can only take 3 people A scenic tour to the inspiring venture from the hotel, there’s the delights Sidmouth has to offer per round trip. Lanhydrock House is also part gorgeous coastal views just across whilst relaxing at our wonderful of our escape to Sidmouth as we the road, perfect for a chance to hotel with a full day at leisure explore this Victorian country reflect and unwind. before heading to Dartmouth house that features impressive where we board the Christie Belle to set sail up the majestic river
The Belmont Hotel What’s included What’s included Victoria Hotel in this Diamond Tour… Sidmouth HHHH in this Diamond Tour… Sidmouth HHHH • Day at Leisure in Sidmouth. The Belmont Hotel is situated • A cream tea and cruise on • Sail on the Christie Belle to across from Sidmouth’s beach the River Exe. This hotel has panoramic views, Greenway Quay. and is the perfect base to enjoy • A visit to Exmouth. luxurious décor and an excellent • A visit to Greenway House. a coastal holiday. Enjoy coastal • Day of leisure in Sidmouth. reputation. First class service, • A scenic tour of the • views from the comfort of Admission to Lanhydrock House. hospitality and a fabulous Jurassic Coastline. • Excursions as detailed. • Excursions as detailed. your room which also features • 4 nights hotel stay on half selection of leisure facilities • 4 nights hotel stay on half en-suite bathrooms and even board, see page 3. Dinner will be including a putting green and board, see page 3. Dinner will be chocolates on your pillow. 5 courses including coffee. a swimming pool are all at your 5 courses including coffee. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. disposal. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Monday 22nd April 5 days & 4 nights Departure date: Monday 27th May 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: None for only Single supplement: None for only Seaview supplement: £10pppn £545pp Seaview supplement: £10pppn £575pp Travel insurance: £20 Travel insurance: £20
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 7 BREND HOTEL TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall Sidmouth’s Esplanade Compelling Colours Sidmouth’s of Cornwall Timeless Charm 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights A combination of sandy beaches, huddled cliffs, What makes Sidmouth so special? Is it the beautiful sheltered coves, ports and harbours stitch together views across the English Channel that helps to the patchwork quilt of Cornwall; coastal frills heighten the experience, or the town’s beautiful surrounding an intricate latticework of countryside pathways that lead to quaint cafés and hidden hedgerows, wild, inspirational scenery, rustic villages eateries? The answer is waiting to be discovered. and gorgeous gardens. Sidmouth showcases the beauty before enjoying the Torquay and Cornwall’s charms captivate a surf-hot-spot, Newquay, and of Devon perfectly with it’s vast Bygones Museum with a guided creative community of artists, Healey’s Cyder Farm for those with array of coastal views and rugged tour to round off this beautifully sculptures and writers, partly a taste for the fruits of the country. cliff-sides. Spend a day enjoying simple escape to Sidmouth. thanks to an underlying sheet We’ll also be visiting Tim Smit’s the views from the comfort of the of white sands reflecting famous reconstruction of the elegant Victoria Hotel where you extraordinary light through a Lost Gardens of Heligan, a land can enjoy a luxury spa, hot-tub lens of clear blue waters. This that time forgot. and refreshments from the bar, or stunning coast also has capacity venture to Sidmouth’s quaint little to mirror human emotions; calm town and seafront to soak-in the and collected in pools of stillness relaxing coastal atmosphere. Enjoy or whipped to a frenzy amidst a exploring South Devon in luxury as sea of change, inspiring tales like we travel by railway from the small Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca market town of Buckfastleigh, Dartmoor or Frenchman’s Creek. Our story making sure to visit the Dartmoor takes in rugged settings like St Otter Sanctuary, Buckfast Michael’s Mount, the port of Butterfly Farm and Totnes Rare What’s included Penzance, and those shimmery Newquay Breeds Farm along the way, in this Diamond Tour… discovering the beautiful wildlife sands of St Ives, calling at • Free day to enjoy the hotel on show. Scenic tours taking in the and Sidmouth. What’s included delights of Dartmoor are to follow • Return journey with South Devon The Carlyon Bay Hotel in this Diamond Tour… Railways from Buckfastleigh. • A visit to Dartmoor Otter St Austell HHHH • Guided tour of the Lost Gardens Sanctuary & Buckfast of Heligan. Butterfly Farm. From a stunning setting • Visit to Newquay. Victoria Hotel • A visit to Totnes Rare overlooking St Austell Bay, this • Full guided tour of Healeys Sidmouth HHHH Breeds Farm. hotel delivers luxury, surpassing Cyder Farm including Sampling • Scenic tour of Dartmoor. expectations at every turn. and Tasting. First class service, hospitality, • Visit to Torquay and the Fine dining, beautiful rooms, • Scenic tour of St Michaels and a fabulous selection of Bygones Museum with a swimming pools, luxury spa Mount, Penzance and St Ives. leisure facilities await us. Enjoy a guided tour. • Excursions as detailed. • Excursions as detailed. and an 18-hole Championship • 4 nights hotel stay on half luxury spa, a relaxing hot-tub and • 4 nights hotel stay on half golf course set in 250 acres of board, see page 3. Dinner will be a well-stocked bar in this elegant board, see page 3. Dinner will be grounds are just some of its 4 courses including coffee. hotel which features beautiful 5 courses including coffee. charms. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. sea-views. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Sunday 17th March 5 days & 4 nights Departure date: Sunday 3rd March 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: None for only Single supplement: None for only Seaview supplement: £10pppn £525pp Seaview supplement: £10pppn £525pp Travel insurance: £20 Travel insurance: £20
8 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection BREND HOTEL TOURS
SWANTOURNEW SWANTOURNEW
Barnstaple Bridge RHS Rosemoor Gardens Countryside Escapes Horticulture & Heritage to Devon in Devon 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights Enjoy relaxation, tranquillity and blissful days as There’s nothing better to do on a warm summer’s day we escape to the country in this summer getaway. than to sit back and enjoy the smell of freshly bloomed Discover the history and heritage that surrounds flowers; pair this with a beautiful excursion to the Barnstaple and Bideford, travel by steam on the West North Devon Coast which arrives at the stunning Somerset Railway and discover what makes Devon Arlington Court and you’ll have a holiday set to please. so irresistible. The North Devon Coast features work and tranquil surroundings. Barnstaple is steeped with history nestled in beautiful Hartland, award winning beaches and After each activity return to your and is perhaps the oldest borough current home to the Stucley family, breathtaking views which are hotel to unwind and relax, taking in the United Kingdom. Enjoy before travelling to the historic perfect for gazing over to whittle advantage of the modern facilities travelling on the West Somerset port town of Bideford to gaze away a perfect day, all be it after the hotel has to offer. Railway which features miles of across its many high-streets and visiting the elegant regency railway heritage from country the quaint River Torridge. house of Arlington Court and the to coast. Set off from the quaint National Trust Carriage Museum, village of Bishops Lydeard and which features both pleasant arrive at the coastal-town of lakeside walks and livestock across Minehead for some free time, its beautiful gardens. Awaken enjoying the coastal walks and the next day to enjoy free time in views on offer, leaving only but a the historic town of Barnstaple, trail of steam behind you. We’ll which features the rustic Pannier have time to unwind at our elegant Market, one of Britain’s largest hotel in Barnstaple which features indoor markets which has been gorgeous views of the River Taw largely unchanged for over 150 and is just a stone-throw from years. All aboard the SwanTourer Taw Bridge as we journey to RHS Rosemoor Four Faced Liar in the town centre. Explore the Barnstaple Square historic town of Barnstaple before Gardens, set in a wooded valley, enjoying a visit to Hartland Abbey this attraction features gorgeous What’s included flowerbed displays, brilliant hedge in this Diamond Tour… What’s included in this Diamond Tour… • Travel on the West Imperial Hotel Somerset Railway. • Tour of the North Devon Coast. • The Park Hotel • Visit to Barnstaple HHHH Free time in Minehead. Arlington Court • Day of leisure in Barnstaple. Barnstaple HHHH and the National Trust Overlooking the River Taw, • Visit to Hartland Abbey with a Carriage Museum. • the Imperial Hotel features guided tour. This chic hotel is a perfect base Day of leisure in Barnstaple. • • A visit to RHS Rosemoor country-house styled rooms Visit and free time in Bideford. to explore the local area and • Excursions as detailed. features a relaxed restaurant Gardens. which feature river-views. Relax • • Excursions as detailed. 4 nights hotel stay on half and laid-back lounge bar. in their well-stocked bar before board, see page 3. Dinner will be • 4 nights hotel stay on half dining in their elegant fine-dining 5 courses including coffee. The hotel boasts views over the board, see page 3. Dinner will be restaurant. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. River Taw and Rock Park. 4 courses including coffee. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 5 days & 4 nights Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Sunday 7th July 5 days & 4 nights for only Single supplement: None Departure date: Monday 29th July for only Riverview supplement: £15pppn £540pp Single supplement: None £535pp Travel insurance: £20 Travel insurance: £20
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 9 CONTINENTAL COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
Salzburg Ambras Castle
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Alpine Jewels in Austria 8 days | 7 nights
Throughout the Nineteenth Century, the mountainous regions of the Alps Schützenhof Hotel were the premier holiday destination for English upper classes. Alpine meadows, crystal blue waters and clean crisp air combine to create perfect Fuschl Am See HHHH conditions for relaxing the body and mind, invigorating the senses and Directly on the shores of Lake Fuschl, embedded in an enchanting valley, this hotel stimulating a sense of well-being. This is where the human condition is is an ideal getaway from everyday reality. filled with awe in the face of natural majesty and you’ll be ideally placed to From its picturesque chalet design and witness its reflection. At Lake Fuschl, one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes, restaurant, lakeside sunset views, to friendly and welcoming staff, a haven of tranquility is the aquamarine waters are so clean that underwater visibility is clear for in store. The hotel has a lift. 6 metres. At the other end of the scale, Schafberg Mountain towers 1783m high and from this high seat you can look out over the rooftops of Europe. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Day 1 | Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais before Day 5 | The picturesque village of St Gilgen is travelling through France and into Belgium for an the first port of call for a boat ride across Lake • Return ferry crossings. overnight stay at the Best Western Hotel Fuschl to Schafbergbahn where the steepest • Boat ride on Lake Fuschl. • Ride on the . HHH steam cog railway in Austria is ready to haul up Schafberg Mountain Railway Arlux , Arlon. • Day at leisure in Fuschl Am See. the mighty slopes of Schafberg Mountain. From Day 2 | As miles melt away, relax and enjoy the • Excursions as detailed. the summit, views extend over the glittering lakes • unfolding scenery as our SwanTourer heads east, 7 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. of Salzkammergut as far as the eye can see, in a • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. continuing through Germany to Austria and the setting straight from the Chronicles of Narnia. • Fully escorted throughout by a beautiful Schützenhof Hotel HHHH, Fuschl Am SwanTours representative. See, where we spend the next five nights. Day 6 | Innsbruck is familiar to many as a venue for the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. Wake up to a range of tantalising options. Day 3 | Archduke Ferdinand II became its ruler in 1564, First there’s a breakfast that you might like and during his reign he turned the existing to have overlooking the tranquil lake that’s medieval fortress into a Renaissance castle fit on our doorstep. Then, perhaps it’s time for a for habitation. Castle Ambras is now one of walk through some of the surrounding alpine Europe’s oldest museums, containing an historic meadows, or a more challenging hike to a higher art collection of masterpieces housed within its vantage point overlooking this wonderland. Of opulent interior. course, there’s always a relaxing lounger near the water’s edge to tempt you on a day that promises Day 7 | It’s time to say goodbye to our wonderful refreshment and relaxation. hosts at the Schützenhof Hotel and head towards Belgium as we return to the Best Western Hotel Day 4 | We travel to the city of contrasts, Arlux HHH, Arlon. Salzburg, where rolling plains stretch out to the north, and mountain peaks are only a few Day 8 | Return ferry to Dover and coach home short kilometres from the city centre. Literally to the West Country and surrounding areas. meaning ‘Salt Castle’ this Austrian capital nestles on the banks of the Salzach River, and the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress and picturesque spire dominate the skyline. Famous for its cathedral, Lake Fuschl churches, castle and garden, this birthplace of M0zart is filled with harmonious features, including horse-drawn carriage rides departing Departure Date & Prices 2019 from Residenzplatz Square. 8 days & 7 nights Departure date: Saturday 18th May for only Double/Twin room for sole occupancy: £200 £895pp Travel insurance: £40
10 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection CONTINENTAL COACH TOURS
Guimaraes
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Douro River Last of The Summer Wine: Portugal 10 days | 9 nights
It’s time to head off over the sea for some late summer sunshine to Axis Vermar Hotel Póvoa de Varzim, where the last grapes of summer still linger on the vine. Featuring one of the mildest European climates, the air will be dry and the Póvoa de Varzim HHHH sand warm beneath your toes. So whether you fancy idly watching the This hotel is in an excellent location right on the beach and boasts a large outdoor pool waves while sipping coffee at a nearby café, sampling the fine wines and and tennis courts. All SwanTour’s guest rooms ports of the region, or delving into the delights of this area’s fascinating will have a sea view, satellite television and air culture, landscape and history – the choice is entirely yours. conditioning. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Anchors aweigh as we sail on the late Day 6 | For some proper messing about on one What’s included afternoon luxury ferry to Spain. The cruise of the major waterways of the Iberian Peninsular, in this Diamond Tour… features a variety of entertainment to while we travel by riverboat along the Douro to Vila away our time on the ocean waves. Nova de Gaia. Expect enchanting scenery, as we • Return ferry crossing with room only.* • make our way past terraces cultivated with vines Cruise on the Douro River. Day 2 | On arrival in Spain there is time to • Guided tour of Porto. following the curves of mountainsides. The wine discover for yourself the port of Santander, • Visit to wine estate and sample port wine. itself used to be transported down the river, to • capital of the Cantabria region, before journeying Excursions as detailed. be stored in the famous cellars in Vila Nova de • 7 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. via historic Burgos to Palencia. It’s here that we Gaia, where our coach awaits to take us back to • Welcome drink, house wine and mineral water rest overnight in the modern Europa Centro the hotel. with dinner plus 2 night’s live entertainment at Hotel HHHH. The hotel has a lift. the Axis Vermar Hotel. Day 7 | Across the Douro from Vila Nova de Gaia • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. Day 3 | We bid farewell to Spain, knowing is the historic town of Porto, one of the oldest • Fully escorted throughout by a that a warm welcome is awaiting in Portugal. European centres and World Heritage Site. SwanTours representative. We’ll head for the coast and the friendly A guided tour on foot and by coach is part of *Inner cabin with two people sharing a 4 berth cabin. HHHH, in Póvoa de Varzim, Axis Vermar Hotel today’s itinerary before visiting a wine estate to to dine, enjoy a glass and perhaps take a peaceful learn the interesting process of producing stroll by the shoreline. Porto port wine. Day 4 | With a day of leisure ahead, the only Day 8 | Adeus Portugal as we retrace our question is whether to stay close to home near footsteps back to Palencia and the Europa the beach or pool, or to explore a little further Centro Hotel HHHH for an overnight stay. afield. Will you take in the fisherman’s district to the south, or make a serious start sampling those Day 9 | Palencia fades in the distance as we fresh local wines with that delightful, and often travel to Santander for some leisure time before effervescent, difference? our overnight cruise to the UK, enjoying excellent entertainment and facilities. Day 5 | We independently explore what’s often considered the birthplace of the Portuguese Day 10 | We arrive back on the mainland before nationality, and one of the country’s most returning home. important historical cities. Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which demonstrates how a medieval settlement became transformed into a modern town with building techniques that were exported to the Portuguese colonies. There’s plenty to see and Departure Date & Prices 2019 scope for quiet reflection, perhaps from a table Departure date: Tuesday 8th October 10 days & 9 nights with a cool drink in the beautiful city square, Single supplement: £160 for only steeped in history. Includes twin cabin for sole occupancy £965pp Outer cabin supplement: £160 Travel insurance: £40
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 11 IRISH COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
Grafton Street, Dublin
Liffey River, Dublin Essence of Ireland: Journey into Dublin 6 days | 5 nights
Irish people love to talk. They’re proud to expound on myths and legends The Royal Hotel spanning as far back as 6000BC, featuring all the stuff of folklore, from faeries and leprechauns to towering giants thundering across the land. Bray HHH Never slack-jawed, they can’t wait to mention the delights awaiting Nestled on the threshold of Dublin City and County Wicklow, this welcoming hotel is a discovery out in the countryside amongst foothills and mountains, stone’s throw from the rolling mountains alongside the river and coastline, or to spin a yarn or two about a turbulent and lakes of Ireland’s garden. Spacious, spotless past and the rise or fall of fortune. No matter what hand history deals rooms and a grand indoor pool are amongst this them, the Irish generally consider themselves to be lucky and a journey to hotel’s sizzling amenities. The hotel has a lift. the Emerald Isles reveals the reasons why. Beneath the Liffey’s bridges or along the River Barrow’s golden banks, a magic flows through this island, What’s included intoxicating all who come to visit. in this Diamond Tour… Day-by-Day Highlights • Return ferry crossings. • Entrance and tour of Waterford Crystal. Day 1 | The Fishguard ferry summons us from Day 4 | ‘In Dublin’s fair city the girls are so pretty’, • Entrance to Irish National Stud & the West Country for an afternoon crossing to and a cruise beneath century old bridges on the Japanese Gardens. Rosslare and onward travel for an overnight stay River Liffey is just one of today’s attractions that • Entrance to Malahide Castle. at the Maldron Hotel HHH, Wexford. might vie for your attention! With free time to • Guided Commentary on the DART railway explore the sights and delights of Dublin, you’ll be train ride. Day 2 | Waterford Crystal’s premises might be • on the River Liffey. spoilt for choice, with Trinity College, Temple Bar Boat trip new, but the art of making fine crystal is ancient. • Excursions as detailed. and Grafton Street all well worth a visit. The Romans invented it, Venetians perfected it, • 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. • and English manufacturers exported it to Ireland Day 5 | After a morning’s hearty breakfast Door-to-door travel, see page 6. to escape Excise tax in the 1700’s. Waterford we will be making our way to the Irish National won worldwide attention at the Crystal Palace Stud & Japanese Gardens, boasting wildlife, exhibition in 1851 and today visitors can stand fantastic scenery and thoroughbred horses. Let Red Bridge of Life, a few feet away from artisans and become the fresh air guide the way whilst exploring these Japanese Gardens engaged in fine crystal creation. A tour guide tranquil gardens. will be accompanying us around the exhibition Day 6 | Today we say goodbye to the delightful allowing us to delve deeper into the history of fine Ireland, and the gorgeous Dublin. We arrived as crystals. The sparkling River Barrow winds its way guests, but we left as friends. An early start sees through County Wicklow as we travel via New us aboard the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead. Ross, Ennisworthy, Aklow and Avoca, home of Enjoy a delicately prepared and beautifully Ballykissangel, all this before arriving at executed breakfast on board the ferry, there’s no The Royal Hotel HHH, Bray, our home for better way to start the day! Onward travel will see the next 4 nights. us returning home to the West Country and back Day 3 | Accompanied by a qualified guide we to our homes. take a scenic journey on the DART railway, Please Note: Photographic identification is required on this tour and travelling up the East Coast from Bray to it is recommended you carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The currency for Southern Ireland is the Euro ¤. Malahide where there’s time to enjoy tea and scones as well as fantastic scenery. Our return journey calls to Malahide Castle, standing elegant and picturesque, take some time to let the history soak in. Departure Date & Prices 2019 6 days & 5 nights Departure date: Sunday 21st July for only Single supplement: £100 £655pp Travel insurance: £30
12 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection IRISH COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Cork Blarney Castle The Eloquence of Ireland 7 days | 6 nights
Ireland has a certain charm about it – it always has. Enjoy the journey as Celtic Ross Hotel we pass through the amazing Wild Atlantic Way, gazing across coast and cliff-edge. Venture along the south coast discovering medieval strongholds Rosscarbery HHH and pristinely presented gardens surrounded by luscious greens and a This hotel is positioned in a lovely area, overlooking Rosscarbery Bay. The Celtic Ross curious array of wildlife. Each day holds a leisurely adventure, whether Hotel is the perfect hub for exploration being that’s enjoying a guided tour of The Titanic Experience or a visit to the town only a 10 minute walk from the town centre. of Cobh, or a morning of relaxation taking a guided walk of Rosscarbery, Enjoy its many amenities including an indoor pool, restaurant, hot tub, spa and bar before perhaps a spot of birdwatching is in order upon the way. unwinding in your room. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Travel to the coastal town of Fishguard, Spend the rest of the day doing as you choose, South Wales before embarking onto an afternoon whether that’s enjoying the many facilities on What’s included ferry crossing to Rosslare Harbour, where we’ll offer at the hotel, or exploring Rosscarbery in this Diamond Tour… find our overnight stay theWaterford Marina further – maybe a spot of golf takes your fancy, • Return ferry crossings. Hotel HHH, gaze across the beautiful waterfront birdwatching or venturing by local transport to • Entrance to The Titanic Experience. whilst enjoying the facilities that await, including Drombeg Stone Circle, the choice is yours. • Visit to Bantry House & Gardens. • Visit to Blarney Castle. large rooms, a well-stocked bar and restaurant. Day 5 | The vibrant city of Cork is on the agenda The hotel has a lift. • 1 evening of entertainment. today, for some shopping and sightseeing. Just • Boat trip to Garnish Island. Day 2 | Begin the day with a scenic journey inland from Ireland’s southwest coast, enjoy • Guided walk of Rosscarbery. towards County Cork, which covers the majority browsing through their local marketplaces. Once • Excursions as detailed. • of Ireland’s south-west and enjoy a visit to Cobh, we’ve spent time to enjoy the city, we’ll take 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912: It’s here an afternoon visit to the medieval stronghold, where we’ll make a visit to The Titanic Experience Blarney Castle. Take the pilgrimage to the top and dive into its vivid histories. After we’ve spent like many speakers and writers alike to kiss the the day taking a trip into the past, we’ll begin Blarney Stone. Visitors believe that kissing the our journey to the Celtic Ross Hotel HHH, stone grants the gift of eloquence. Rosscarbery, where we’ll stay for the next Day 6 | Say goodbye to our lovely hosts at 4 nights. the Celtic Ross Hotel, as we head towards our Day 3 | Enjoy a scenic journey through Mizen overnight hotel, gazing across the coasts and Head admiring crystal blue oceans before cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way as we go. Return reaching our destination of Bantry House and to the Waterford Marina Hotel HHH before Gardens, a 17th century stately home, surrounded taking rest. by a beautiful blanket of green shrubbery and Day 7 | Take the morning ferry crossing and trees. Bantry is our next port of call should time continue travel to return to the South West and permit, where we can have time at leisure to surrounding areas. enjoy the local marketplaces before heading Please Note: Photographic identification is required on this tour and to Glengariff for a boat trip to Garnish Island, it is recommended you carry a European Health Insurance Card featuring well-presented gardens and beautiful (EHIC). The currency for Southern Ireland is the Euro ¤. walks. Wander to your hearts content before journeying back to the hotel. Drombeg Stone Circle Day 4 | Leisurely awaken this morning, enjoy a guided walk of Rosscarbery Village with tea and coffee awaiting us on our return back at the hotel. Departure Date & Prices 2019 7 days & 6 nights Departure date: Sunday 8th September for only Single Supplement: £120 £695pp Travel insurance: £30
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 13 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
The Jacobite Steam Train
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye Scotland, Skye & Highland Steam 7 days | 6 nights
Discover Scotland in style as steam delivers the locomotive experience The Balavil Hotel of a lifetime from the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. In 1837, few railway lines had been opened in Scotland and these mainly transported raw Newtonmore HHH materials between Edinburgh, Dundee, and Glasgow. By the turn of the 20th The Balavil Hotel is a family run business that offers a warm and personal welcome to visiting Century, Scotland’s rail network neared completion, linking major towns guests. With over 30 years experience, you can and small villages throughout the Highlands. Now you can relax as the expect wonderful Highland hospitality in the rhythm of the railway whistles through stunning landscapes, as carriages beautiful setting of the Cairngorm National Park. Rooms have been refurbished and there is course along three premier routes through picturesque surroundings and a pool available. The hotel has a lift. unspoilt countryside. Enjoy the romance of Victorian travel, the triumph of engineering and feats of endurance that moved mountains to make such journeys possible. What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Day-by-Day Highlights • Day 1 | The High Road leads up the backbone of This is where the drivers often take on water and Rail trip on the Strathspey Railway. • Rail trip on the Kyle Line. England to the Hallmark Leyland Hotel HHHH, stoke the boiler before continuing on to Broomhill. • Rail trip on the Jacobite Steam Train. Preston, for an overnight stay. The hotel has a lift. At the end of the train journey we travel by coach to • Visit to Grantown-on-Spey. Grantown-on-Spey for some time at leisure before • 2 nights evening entertainment. Day 2 | Relax in comfort and travel in style as the returning back to rest at the hotel. • Excursions as detailed. SwanTourer continues north into Scotland and • 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. onto Newtonmore and The Balavil Hotel HHH, Day 5 | A world-beater of a railway ride is on the • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. where we spend the next four nights. cards today as we head to Fort William and board the Jacobite Steam Train for a two hour journey The Kyle Line is one of the world’s most Day 3 | to Mallaig crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan scenic rail journeys and runs from Inverness on Viaduct whilst admiring beautiful views of lochs, the east coast of Scotland through to Kyle of mountains and the small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Lochalsh on the west. Also known as ‘Strait of Muck and Canna. Lochalsh the Foaming Loch’, the Kyle of Lochalsh is often televised as representative of the golden Day 6 | We retrace our footsteps back to the age of rail travel. We board the train at Inverness Hallmark Leyland Hotel HHHH, Preston, and relax as it travels 80 miles, passing Loch our overnight accommodation on the route Carron, Duncraigh, and Plockton, (where the back home. TV series ‘Hamish Macbeth’ was filmed). This Day 7 | Relax and reflect as we travel home to the leg of the journey offers extensive views of the West Country and surrounding area. moorlands with the most famous of Torridon Please Note: Depending on numbers, half of the group may go Hills, Liathach, towering on the horizon to a from Fort William to Mallaig and the other will go from Mallaig to height of 3,461 feet. Continuing on to Kyle of Fort William. Lochalsh, the carriages snake around headlands and bays with excellent views of Skye Bridge and the Isle of Skye where we disembark, meet the coach for the short journey to the Isle of Skye and enjoy some sightseeing before returning to the hotel feasting on the glorious Highland scenery. Mountain View in Newtonmore Day 4 | North through the Highlands to Aviemore on the River Spey for a ride on the Strathspey Departure Date & Prices 2019 Steam Railway. The train takes us through heather- 7 days & 6 nights clad hills and native woodlands, passing Scotland’s Departure date: Sunday 29th September for only oldest mountain range, the round-topped Single supplement: £90 £625pp Cairngorms before arriving at Boat of Garten. Travel insurance: £25
14 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Loch Lomond Edinburgh Runaway to Scotland: Heritage & Lochs 6 days | 5 nights
Scotland is spectacular. Surrounded by rugged scenery and beautifully still The Barony Castle Hotel lochs. Enjoy a visit to Gretna Green, well-known for its runaway weddings and experience the beautiful Clyde Valley, rich with culture and great Peebles HHH Scottish sceneries. Delve into the history of Sir Walter Scott, browsing Live like a laird staying in a wonderful castle setting. Sat in 25 acres of idyllic grounds through his ancestral home at Abbotsford House before we, ‘Look back, and woodland with views over beautiful and smile on perils past’, to continue our adventure towards the Queen of countryside, The Barony Castle Hotel features Scottish Lochs, Loch Lomond. We’ll be taking a trip back to Victorian times all the amenities you would expect and features an indoor pool, spa and fitness centre to relax in. also as we experience the open-air museum with an old-fashioned twist. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Travel towards the rustic town of opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015, to Ironbridge to enjoy a visit to the open-air enjoy traditional Scottish scenery. An afternoon What’s included museum of Blists Hill Victorian Town, talk to of history awaits as we venture to Abbotsford in this Diamond Tour… living ‘Victorians’, and experience the sights, House, the ancestral home of novelist, • Entrance to Blists Hill Victorian Town. sounds, smells and tastes of the Victorian Age as playwright, poet and historian: Sir Walter Scott. • Visit to the UNESCO New Lanark World we venture into authentic shops and cottages. Day 5 | Lochs are on the agenda as we travel Heritage Site. Watch tradespeople in action as they show us • Train journey on The New Borders Railway to the Queen of Scottish Lochs, Loch Lomond. detailed and atmospheric workshops before from Edinburgh to Tweedbank. Experience wall to wall scenery as we travel • enjoying exhibits full of curious goods dating back Entrance to Abbotsford House. through the Trossachs, before enjoying free time • Cruise across Loch Lomond with commentary. over 100 years. There’s canal side and woodland at the shores of Loch Lomond. Spanning • Excursions as detailed. walks to enjoy before embarking to our overnight • over 39km long, gaze across still-waters and 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. hotel close by. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. blissful reflections. We’ll enjoy an hour long Day 2 | Leisurely awaken before continuing our cruise with commentary over Loch Lomond, journey towards Scotland. Our first port of call is gaining a rich insight of the beauty of lochs found Gretna Green, famous for its runaway weddings. across Scotland. Peebles The town was historically where the first coaches Day 6 | Leave Scotland and begin travels would visit as they entered into Scotland via homeward bound back to the South West and the old coach route. Travel to the royal burgh surrounding areas. of Peebles, rich with an array of walks, Scottish sceneries and fine architecture. It’s here where we spend the next four nights at our hotel, The Barony Castle Hotel HHH. Day 3 | Journey along Clyde Valley, rich in both culture and impressive scenery before arriving at the UNESCO New Lanark World Heritage Site. It is here where we experience life as it was in the 1800’s in this Cotton Mill Village. Founded in 1786, David Dale built cotton mills and housing for mill workers across the village which still stand today. Calton Hill, Edinburgh Day 4 | Enjoy breakfast before heading to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh for free time. Famous for its Medieval Old Towns and Castle which houses Scotland’s crown jewels, Departure Date & Prices 2019 all available to browse at your leisure before 6 days & 5 nights boarding a train at The New Borders Railway, Departure date: Saturday 13th July for only Single Supplement: £125 £575pp Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 15 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
Skye Bridge
SWANTOURNEW
Highland Railway Great Highland Railways 6 days | 5 nights
Discover Scotland in style as steam delivers the locomotive experience The Priory Hotel of a lifetime. In 1837, few railway lines had been opened in Scotland and these mainly transported raw materials between Edinburgh, Dundee and Inverness HHH Glasgow. By the turn of the 20th Century, Scotland’s rail network neared Situated in the picturesque village square of Beauly, once home to 13th Century Cistercian completion, linking major towns and small villages from the Borders in the monks, guests will experience the opposite south to Thurso on the north coast. Now you can relax as the rhythm of the of strict rules on hard work, diet, and silence. railway whistles through the Highlands, coursing carriages along three Comfortable rooms and fine cuisine may however encourage peaceful meditation. premier routes through picturesque surroundings and unspoilt countryside. The hotel has a lift. Enjoy the romance of Victorian travel, the triumph of engineering and feats of endurance that moved mountains to make such journeys possible. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Day 1 | The High Road leads up the backbone of back to the hotel is via Loch Ness so look out for England to the Hallmark Hotel Carlisle HHHH, lurking leviathans. • Ride on the Strathspey Railway for an overnight stay before continuing into through Broomhill. Day 4 | The northernmost tip of Great Britain • Free time in Inverness. Scotland. The hotel has a lift. is in sight today on a scenic tour that travels • Leisure time in Thurso. Day 2 | We head north through the Highlands through a wild and remote landscape hardly • Rail Journey on The Far North Line. • to Aviemore on the River Spey for a ride on the touched by human hands. Keep an eye out for Rail Journey on The Kyle Line - Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. Strathspey Steam Railway. The train takes us Golden Eagles around these parts, hovering • Excursions as detailed. through heather-clad hills and native woodlands, above some of the finest Robinson Crusoe-styled • 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. passing Scotland’s oldest mountain range, the beaches you’re likely to come across. There aren’t • Door-to-door travel, see page 6 . round-topped Cairngorms before arriving at Boat many populated places this far north, and we call of Garten. This is where the drivers often take Thurso, the largest town on the coast. From here on water and stoke the boiler before continuing we’ll take the Far North Line, gently following River Ness Footbridge, Inverness onto Broomhill. At the end of the train journey the curves of the Moray Firth, at times almost we travel by coach to The Priory Hotel HHH, touching the shore as the rail passes scenes Inverness for a three night stay. formed from the last Ice Age. At this time of the year there’s likely to be seals basking on rocks so Regarded as the most spectacular Day 3 | watch out for those as well. rail journey in Britain, the Kyle Line runs from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh. Also known as ‘Strait Day 5 | The road leads south towards the of the Foaming Loch’, the Kyle of Lochalsh is often Hallmark Hotel Preston HHHH, Leyland, our televised as representative of the golden age of overnight accommodation on the route back home. rail travel. We board the train at Beauly, or as the Day 6 | Relax and reflect as we travel home to the locals sometimes call it, the ‘beautiful place’ and West Country and surrounding area. relax as the train steams along a western route, passing Loch Carron, Duncraig, and Plockton. This leg of the journey offers extensive views of the moorlands with the most famous of Torridon hills, Liathach, towering on the horizon to a height of 3,461 feet. With scenery like this it’s almost a shame the train has to hurry on. Continuing on to the Kyle of Lochalsh, the carriages snake round headlands and bays with excellent views of Skye Departure Date & Prices 2019 Bridge and the Isle of Skye before passengers 6 days & 5 nights Departure date: disembark at the terminus. The coach journey Wednesday 8th May for only Single Supplement: £130 £635pp Travel insurance: £25
16 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
Tobermory, Isle of Mull Kyles of Bute The Iconic Isles: Bute, Mull & Iona 7 days | 6 nights
Rich culture and gorgeous food paired with spectacular, rugged views on The Riverside Lodge Hotel offer as we venture to the culture-rich, awe-inspiring Scotland. We’ll be exploring on and off the mainland as we visit the small isles of Bute, Mull Irvine HHHH and Iona which all feature individual viewpoints fit for royalty! We’re sure Warmly decorated rooms feature flat screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi, once you’re back on to the mainland you’ll be planning which island to enjoy everything this lovely red-bricked hotel move onto to call your own, as each of them are equally as gorgeous. has to offer! The hotel is located near a 9 hole They are packed full of charm and with the added bonus of a stay in four golf course, should you have time on this fully hotels, you’ll get a true feel of what it’s like to be one of the locals. Fuel your packed tour! The hotel does not have a lift. thirst for adventure as we experience scenic excursions, quaint towns and ferries galore. What’s included Day-by-Day Highlights in this Diamond Tour… Day 1 | We begin our travels as we head up north Day 4 | Catch the morning ferry back onshore to • Visits to the islands of Bute, Mull and Iona. to Scotland taking in scenic views as we go. It’s Oban to continue our travels, stopping at Inveraray • Scenic excursion around Mull. • Leisure time at . at the HHH, Penrith where on our way, where high streets are filled once again Inveraray Shap Wells Hotel • Entrance to Mount Stuart. we will take rest, situated in a secluded, wooded with brand names! After some time at leisure we • Excursions as detailed. valley, high in the Shap Wells and surrounded by will head onwards to our next hotel for two nights, • 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. mountain streams. The hotel has a lift. The Riverside Lodge Hotel HHHH, Irvine • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. passing the spectacular Loch Lomond on our Day 2 | After resting, depart for the port town of journey. The hotel does not have a lift. Oban, which rests on still waters to take an early afternoon ferry to the Isle of Mull. Mull features Day 5 | Awaken to a full day excursion to the Isle of Sunset over the Isle of Iona magnificent views whichever way you may turn, as Bute, full to the brim with culture as well as keeping well as the clearest blue waters. Take in the lovely to the theme of spectacular views! Our scenic tour scenery before settling in to our next hotel for two of the island will stop at Mount Stuart, a Gothic nights, the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa HHH, which Victorian style mansion. Stunning architecture peacefully overlooks Craignure Bay. This hotel and beautiful gardens are both the stars of today. does not have a lift. After enjoying the 300 acre estate we will take time continuing our scenic journey of the isle, taking Day 3 | Enjoy a scenic excursion around the Isle plenty of stops for photos.* of Mull, which effortlessly flaunts its spectacular sceneries and gorgeous views once more. Enjoy a Day 6 | Begin our journey back south to our foot passenger ferry crossing to the gorgeous Isle overnight stay at the Samlesbury Hotel HHHH, of Iona, located at the western coast of Scotland. Preston. The hotel has a lift. This Island may be smaller than Mull, but it certainly Day 7 | Awaken to finish our travels home, with does not disappoint with its beauty. Whilst Iona warm memories of the great times had on this tour. lacks in high street brand shopping, its strong point Please Note: Not all hotels featured in this SwanTour have lifts, is hand crafted goods created from seashells that please contact us if you require a ground floor room. (Our hotel on have fallen astray from its seas, which is greatly day 2 requires a supplement for a ground seaview room). refreshing. Also included is a visit to the colourful * Please Note: This day will be with a local coach operator so may Burgh of Tobermory, with its gorgeous front of not meet the SwanTour standards. brightly painted houses which give this town the feeling of being alive. All this before heading back to our hotel for a well needed rest. Departure Date & Prices 2019 7 days & 6 nights Departure date: Saturday 1st June for only Single Supplement: £120 £775pp Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 17 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Hadrian’s Wall Alnwick Castle, Northumberland North-Eastern Discoveries 6 days | 5 nights
According to legend, the monks of Lindisfarne discovered Durham after Best Western following a cow that led them to a site high on a hill. This was to be the Derwent Manor Hotel resting place of St Cuthbert and it wasn’t long before the sound of masons’ Northumberland HHHH hammers and chisels rang out over the countryside. Towers of stone rose in the sky, forming a fine Romanesque cathedral that became a beacon This hotel enjoys a delightful rural location on the outskirts of Consett, nestled amongst for religious pilgrimage. By the 12th Century this was the most important 20 acres of Northumberland countryside and religious site in Britain, and today, ‘God’s Ancient House’ is the pinnacle in overlooking Derwent Valley. There’s a gym, a one of the finest city panoramas in Europe. Immersed in history and beauty, spa pool and a jacuzzi. Guest rooms are spacious and have hospitality trays as standard, as well as this venture to the north-east is sure to inspire with its gorgeous views and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a lift. towns wrapped in culture. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included Day 1 | Relax, get to know your fellow travellers season. With spring coming to an end, now is the in this Diamond Tour… and enjoy the ride up the country’s spine to the ideal time to visit. northern most county of Northumberland, • Entrance to Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Day 4 | The Living Museum of the North at where a warm welcome and comfortable • Entrance to Beamish Open Air Museum. Beamish shows how life was for ordinary people • accommodation awaits at the Best Western Visit to the market town of Hexham. in the northeast through Georgian, Victorian • Visit to Durham and Corbridge. HHH Derwent Manor Hotel . and Edwardian times. From the foundation of the • Excursions as detailed. • Day 2 | Bill Bryson called Durham the ‘perfect industrial period, visitors can explore the birth of 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. little city with the best cathedral on planet Earth’, railways at Pockerley and see how the horse- and we travel over the Durham Dales to visit its powered whim gin once hauled coal and men winding cobbled streets and prominent peninsular, out of the mines. The 1900’s town features early crowned by the medieval castle and cathedral. cars, motorbikes and cycles, while the residents Framwellgate Bridge, Durham Walter Scott once remarked that Durham was of Ravensworth Terrace tell terrifying tales of ‘half church of God, half castle ‘gainst the Scot’ dentistry before the comfort of local anaesthetics. and its importance as a strategic stronghold soon With trams and buses transporting visitors becomes evident, with the River Wear carving between settings including a colliery and farm, it’s a partial moat around the city centre. There’s hard to find a better way to spend the day up north. time to discover the city yourself with plenty of Day 5 | Hadrian’s Wall once marked the northern activities on offer including riverside walks, artisan frontier of a mighty empire and today we visit the boutiques, museums, galleries and botanical Roman site of Corbridge, formerly a bustling town gardens to explore. and supply base where soldiers and civilians could Day 3 | ‘Windsor of the North’ is today’s destination stock up on food and provisions. Now it’s a time- and Alnwick Castle with its magnificent gardens capsule of Roman history, featuring the Corbridge looms large on the horizon. This popular film hoard of trinkets and Roman armour, one of the location featured in Harry Potter (2001), Cate most significant collections of Roman artefacts in Blanchett’s Elizabeth (1998) and more recently the UK. We also visit the market town of Hexham. in Downton Abbey (2014/15). The Duke of Day 6 | Coach home to the West Country and Northumberland’s home has been in the Percy surrounding area. family for seven hundred years and once belonged to the child-knight Harry Hotspur, a major character in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One. Alnwick Gardens are set in a serene and spectacular Departure Date & Prices 2019 landscape, sculpted by Capability Brown, and 6 days & 5 nights cultivated by Lady Northumberland to offer Departure date: Sunday 5th May for only contemporary pleasure gardens, designed for every Double/twin for sole occupancy: £125 £585pp Travel insurance: £25
18 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Durham Cathedral along the River Wear Overlooking Wensleydale Bede, Bishops & Beautiful Dales 6 days | 5 nights
Home to the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site, Redworth Hall Hotel Durham celebrates its past and the people who played their part weaving a rich tapestry of heritage that’s waiting to be discovered. Set within County Durham HHHH surrounding countryside of moors, hills, valleys and meandering rivers This 17th Century country house is set in beautiful grounds and retains many features that have since been declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from its Jacobean origins, including the visitors will not be surprised to hear that the Prince Bishops of Durham Great Hall. Guest rooms are comfortable and once fervently defended their rights for self-government. This is where the tastefully furnished and access to excellent leisure facilities are included as well. The hotel Father of English history, the Venerable Bede, recorded the first details of has a lift. early English social history, a tradition continued at the Beamish Open Air Museum, where the past is rebuilt and revealed. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Day 1 | Travel to County Durham and the east and how farming saved the nation from Redworth Hall Hotel HHHH, where we stay for starvation during the war. • Ride on the Wensleydale Railway. five nights. • Entrance to Raby Castle. Day 4 | Comprising of Durham Cathedral, Castle, • Entrance to Beamish Open Air Museum. Day 2 | Built in stages during the 19th Century, and the buildings in-between, Durham World • Cruise on the River Wear. the Wensleydale Railway continues to wind its Heritage Site was amongst the first declared by • Excursions as detailed. • way over 18 miles of Yorkshire Dales’ countryside, UNESCO in 1986 recognition of its outstanding 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. from Leeming Bar to Redmire, whilst passengers universal value. The former home of the Prince relax in authentic period carriages and let the Bishops, Durham Castle still dominates the steam train take the strain. This is how life used city from its setting on a peninsular formed to be for dale dwellers travelling between villages by the meanderings of the River Wear. The and much of the surrounding scenery remained cathedral contains the shrines of St Cuthbert, unchanged from the original railway heyday. an instrumental figure in spreading Christianity Over at Raby Castle, however, changing times are throughout this part of the country and the more easily marked at one of the best-preserved Venerable Bede, whose scholarship informs the castles in north east England. Spanning Medieval, earliest works of English history. A boat cruise Victorian, Georgian and Regency periods the on the River Wear combines sightseeing and wonderful rooms and walled gardens capture the waterside relaxation to end a perfect day of essence of life through the ages from over 600 discovery in delightful Durham. years of history. Day 5 | A day of scenic driving over the Durham Day 3 | The Living Museum of the North is today’s Dales and North Pennines, taking in the pretty destination on a journey that visits Beamish stone villages of Blanchland and Hexham. Open Air Museum to learn about Northern ways Heather-clad moorlands, dramatic dales, rushing and bygone days. No recreation of local history streams and upland meadows are just some of would be complete without a colliery, animated today’s sights that you’re likely to see. by characters that once earned a living through Day 6 | Return home to the West Country and the coal trade. Pit Village would have housed surrounding area. the families the miners supported, whilst the Raby Castle railway station would of relied on the black gold to power its engines across the countryside, hauling passengers and cargo to industries that Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option once peppered this part of Britain. Pockerley Old Departure date: Sunday 18th August Hall gives a glimpse of how the other half lived and 6 days & 5 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £125 for those who prefer to get down and dirty with for only the outdoor life, the 1940’s farm offers a view of Travel Insurance: £25 what living was like on the rural front in the north Self-drive: £455pp £555pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 19 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Bridge over River Cam, Cambridge Ely Cathedral Cathedrals, Crowns & Countryside 6 days | 5 nights
The rich intricacies of Gothic architecture, Kings College Chapel seen Hallmark Hotel from across the River Cam and punts ferrying from Silver Bridge Street to Magdalene Bridge, all confirm that there’s something special about Cambridge HHHH Cambridge. We visit Europe’s largest man-made lake in Britain’s smallest Standing in 200 acres of picturesque grounds, this hotel is perfect for our stay in Cambridge. county, the winding thoroughfares and the, ‘Ship of the Fen’, at Ely and also A 15 metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam The Queen’s private retreat at Sandringham on this memorable tour. room and spa combine with well-appointed There’s a lot that inspires as we make our travels in and around Cambridge, contemporary guest rooms. The hotel has a lift. so keep a sharp eye out for inspiration that you can take home, along with other fond memories from your holiday. What’s included Day-by-Day Highlights in this Diamond Tour… Day 1 | All aboard the SwanTourer as we head Onwards to Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode • Guided tour of Cambridge. towards Cambridge, for five nights stay at the Mill, a tranquil setting containing the fascinating • Entrance to Ely Cathedral. Hallmark Hotel HHHH. Fairhaven art collection, formal gardens and an • Entrance to Sandringham House and 18th Century working watermill. Anglesey Abbey. Day 2 | A local guide accompanies our tour • Excursions as detailed. around one of the most beautiful and romantic Day 5 | An excursion into Cambridge where you • 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. cities in Britain: Cambridge. Its unique setting will have free time, allowing you to enjoy this city • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. on the banks of the River Cam, complete with situated on the River Cam. Take in the prestigious magnificent architecture combine to make University of Cambridge, dating back over Cambridge an unforgettable place to see. 800 years. Sir Christopher Wren designed Emmanuel Day 6 | Today we begin our travels home, College in the 17th Century, Charles Darwin sit back in your seat and relax as our SwanTour studied at Christ’s College in the early 19th returns home to the West Country and Century, whilst St Botolph’s Church is dedicated surrounding area. to the patron saint of travellers on the fringe of the medieval town. Onto the city of Ely, rich in history, charm and beauty and the jewel in the crown of the Fens; we enjoy a guided tour around one of England’s most beautiful and largest cathedrals, known locally as the ‘Ship of the Fens’. Day 3 | Sandringham House is the country retreat of The Queen and is part of our SwanTour today. Standing in 60 acres of glorious grounds and built by King Edward VII, it has been passed down as a private home through three generations of monarchs. A friendly and informal place to visit, we can marvel at collections of porcelain, jade, crystal and personal mementoes. Sandringham House Cambridge University Day 4 | Our first stop today is at the town of St Ives which owes its importance to its position on the meandering River Ouse. The unusual bridge and chapel of St Leger, built midstream is Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option the most famous landmark of St Ives and is one Departure date: Sunday 18th August of only four surviving bridge chapels in England. 6 days & 5 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £150 for only Travel Insurance: £25 Self-drive: £415pp £515pp
20 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
Snowdon
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Lllanddwyn Island Elevating Aspects of Anglesey 6 days | 5 nights
Separated from the North Wales mainland by the Menai Straits, the Isle Bulkeley Hotel of Anglesey is surrounded by a coastline declared an Area of Outstanding Beauty. This might explain why Druids, Vikings, Saxons, Normans and the Beaumaris HHH English gravitated here over the centuries and why, in 1295, King Edward I This superb hotel was built as a Georgian show piece in 1832 and retains all its charming erected the magnificent Beaumaris Castle with grand views presiding over features, including an opulent silver service the land. Considered technically perfect, this state-of-the-art construction restaurant that serves fresh local produce and a is an example of medieval practicality and aesthetic beauty that blends resident pianist who plays whilst you dine. A comfortable lounge is available to all guests seamlessly with the landscape. Over the water in Snowdonia, nature reigns and the hotel has a lift. in majesty, from the three valleys as seen from Beddgelert to the summit of Mount Snowdon where a mountain railway ascent is just one of many tour highlights. What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Day-by-Day Highlights • Day 1 | Beaumaris, the ‘beautiful marsh’, refers to and his dog, but once tears have dried you’re A ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. • Entrance to Plas Newydd House. one of the most picturesque small towns in Wales. in for a sight for sore eyes. Bordered by Aberglaslyn • A visit to Betws-y-Coed. Travelling over Britannia Bridge, it’s a relaxing ride to Pass and Nant Gwynant valley, this is Snowdonia’s • Visits to Beddgelert, Porthmadog and the beautiful and historically diverse Isle of Anglesey most delightful village. With Mount Hebog to Caernarfon. for a five-night stay at theBulkeley Hotel HHH. the west and Mount Snowdon to the north, we • Excursions as detailed. make our way to Porthmadog and the royal town • 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. Day 2 | Formerly known as Port of the Vikings, • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. of Caernarfon. Beaumaris offers more than a medieval castle. There’s a Tudor Rose, one of Britain’s oldest Day 6 | Alas, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogery- buildings, a 14th Century Parish Church, the chwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is not on courthouse and the marina to explore on a day at today’s agenda, as by the time we’ve pronounced leisure to acclimatise to base camp. the longest village name in Britain we will be back in our homes in the West Country and Day 3 | A scenic tour of the spectacular coastline surrounding areas. We will be leaving with smiles incorporates a visit to the home of Lord and Lady as we think of all the beautiful destinations North Anglesey at Plas Newydd. This 18th Century Gothic Wales has elegantly flaunted in this trip. Maybe mansion is not only set amidst fabulous parklands your next trip will be towards the quaint town of but also contains the largest collection of Rex Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrnd- Whistler works in Britain as well as hosting a military robwllllantysiliogogogoch? museum with relics from the Battle of Waterloo. Day 4 | We travel to new heights on a breathtaking ascent of the largest mountain in Wales, courtesy of the Snowdon Mountain Railway that not only saves aching limbs but also affords ample time to absorb the natural splendour of Snowdonia. Traversing viaducts, waterfalls and forests, climbing through valleys, to aerial views of the, ‘Land of Eagles’, and Llanberis Pass, you’ll be Betws-y-Coed Beaumaris Castle on cloud nine by the time you reach the summit. A visit to beautiful Betws-y-Coed completes this Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option fantastic day. Departure date: Sunday 16th June Day 5 | Snowdonia’s most delightful village, 6 days & 5 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £100 Beddgelert has a sad story to tell about one man for only Travel Insurance: £25 Self-drive: £545pp £645pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 21 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
Bodnant Gardens
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Llyn Mymbyr Wonders of Wales 7 days | 6 nights
Once a kingdom in its own right, Snowdonia features a landscape like no Royal Victoria Snowdonia other in England and Wales. Wild and rugged mountains range from Candair Idris (Giant Idris’s Chair) in the south to Eryri (Abode of Eagles) in the Llanberis HHH north. An area of scenic natural beauty, lofty peaks, verdant valleys and Uniquely located at the foot of Snowdon, set within 30 acres of gardens and woodlands, cascading waterfalls, surrounded by fertile flatlands and a gorgeous coast, whilst being cradled between two lakes, a it’s a great escape from summer crowds. The wild natural environment tranquil stay is on the horizon at this beautifully provides a perfect contrast for enjoying mankind’s minor triumphs; appointed hotel. All rooms have Freeview, flat- screen television and hospitality trays. mountain railways, castles, Sir Clough Williams-Elis’s Italianate Village of The hotel has a lift. Portmeirion, Tenby and the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Sit back, enjoy the ride and get to know in Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’s architectural What’s included your fellow travellers on a journey that travels fantasia, before arrival at the Ivy Bush Royal in this Diamond Tour… from the West Country and surrounding area to Hotel HHH our base for the next three nights: • Ride on the Snowdonia Mountain Railway. the mountains of Wales for a three night stay at This historic property is located in the • Entrance to and guided tour of Picton Castle the Royal Victoria Snowdonia HHH, Llanberis. centre of the Welsh town of Carmarthen. and Gardens. • Once the favoured retreat of Lord Nelson Entrance to Royal Mint Visitor’s Centre and Day 2 | The, ‘Prayer House in the Wood’, Factory Tour. and Lady Hamilton. Betws-y-Coed, is a beautiful Victorian village • Free time in Cardiff. where a mercurial twist of water rushes and Day 5 | Picton Castle, Pembrokeshire’s finest • A visit to Bodnant Gardens. • A visit to Portmeirion. races beneath a series of historical bridges. At stately home combines manor house with • 3 nights evening entertainment. Bodnant Gardens, the River Conwy slews past, medieval castle, a unique blend of Welsh heritage • 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. tumbling over ledges and offering a soundtrack housing a fine array of rooms containing a • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. to visual displays of plants and trees from around treasury of art. With more than 40 acres of the world, rooted and thriving in rich Welsh soil. informal walks, woodlands and gardens to Wherever the eye rests, the landscape’s a source discover, there’s plenty to see and do and with the Portmeirion of wonder and today’s scenic tour returns to base services of a tour guide we are sure not to miss a via the formal royal borough of Beaumaris. thing! All this before returning to the hotel via the twisting streets of Tenby’s seaside town. Day 3 | Standing at the doorstep of the highest mountain in England and Wales, it would be a Day 6 | Discover the people, places and events shame not to knock on the door. There are about that feature on notes and coins in purses and 25,000 steps up a 1085 metre climb to the summit pockets with a visit to the Royal Mint Experience of Snowdon and mercifully, some bright spark where 1100 years of artistry track the existence added a railway to let the train take the strain of of money through the ages. Gain real knowledge this uphill haul. Admiring stunning scenery and of how it’s made whilst taking a tour of the awe-inspiring views are the only labours to worry experience, then, having seen where it comes about and at the top there’s a café waiting to from, there will be time to exchange these tokens supply a well-earned cuppa and to provide a view of time and energy with a final visit to the Welsh of nature’s roofline spreading out in all directions. capital, Cardiff. Day 4 | Leaving Snowdonia’s haberdashery Day 7 | Coach home to the West Country and of rock, leaf, drop and drip behind, the tour surrounding area. continues, heading south west as far as the Italianate Village of Portmeirion, where turquoise, mustard, pink and red building Departure Date & Prices 2019 populate a patch of estuary on the River Dwyryd 7 days & 6 nights Departure date: Monday 23rd September for only Single Supplement: None £695pp Travel insurance: £25
22 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Osborne House, Bay at Steephill Cove the home of Queen Victoria Glittering Isle of Wight 6 days | 5 nights
Set like a diamond off the South Coast of mainland Britain, the Isle of Wight The Channel View Hotel glitters with great days out and places to visit. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert established their, ‘Palace by the Sea’, at Osborne House, which Shanklin HHH boasts grand displays of opulent extravagance. Having a Royal Residence The Channel View Hotel is in a unique location occupying an elevated cliff-top position attracted many fashionable Victorians and their influences can be seen overlooking Shanklin Bay. This hotel offers on a circular coach tour that travels the Isle’s sixty-mile circumference, a superb service and a warm, friendly welcome. journey that overspills with unspoilt scenery. The heyday of the railway is Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool and sauna whilst all guest rooms are also evoked on this holiday when steam locomotion provides just the ticket designed to ensure your stay is comfortable. for a relaxing ride travelling through ancient woodland, farmland and of Due to the nature of the building there are steps course, coastal landscapes. throughout the hotel. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Solent crossing by ferry to the Isle of Day 6 | The sea spreads before and the Northern What’s included Wight and on to The Channel View Hotel HHH, Island (as the locals like to call it) beckons as in this Diamond Tour… Shanklin, our home for the next five nights. we travel by ferry back to the mainland for a homebound journey to the West Country and • Return ferry crossings. Day 2 | Osborne House is on today’s itinerary as • surrounding area. Entrance to Osborne House. we travel to the holiday home of Queen Victoria • Ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. a grand display of opulent extravagance, from • Day at leisure in Shanklin. • the Swiss Cottage with its child-sized furniture to Excursions as detailed. • 5 nights stay on half board, see page 3. the dazzling display of Indian décor of the Durban • Door-to-door travel, see page 6 . room. Built in the style of the Italian Renaissance, Prince Albert designed the house himself and also played an important role in mapping out fantastic vistas of the waterside. Coastline of Isle of Wight Day 3 | Relax in comfort and SwanTour in style as we enjoy a spectacular tour around the Isle’s circumference, absorbing the famous heritage scenery and coastline. A camel might not pass through the eye of the needle, but if you keep a sharp lookout, you might see some boats that do! Day 4 | An award-winning experience is on the track as we ride through miles of unspoilt scenery on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages glide behind steam locomotives, evoking the sights and sounds from the heyday of the railway. You’ll be following in the footsteps of royalty, as the Queen Shanklin Sea Front made this part of her visit to the island in 2004. Day 5 | Take the Cliff Lift down to the beach for a walk on the promenade or stroll barefooted on Departure Date & Prices 2019 the sand with waves licking your toes. Nothing is Departure date: Sunday 23rd June far from reach on this small island and the day is 6 days & 5 nights Single supplement: None yours to relax and explore the surroundings. for only Side seaview supplement: £5pppn £585pp Front seaview supplement £10pppn Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 23 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Jersey’s Harbour Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria Jersey: Royals & Riches All-Inclusive 5 days | 4 nights Lakeland Treat One hundred miles from the South of England and only 5 days | 4 nights fifteen miles from the coast of Normandy, France, lies the Bailiwick of Jersey, the largest of the Channel Glacial ribbon lakes, rugged mountains, picturesque Islands, where cows, potatoes and cream aren’t its villages and a good chance of snow-capped peaks are only famous exports. some outstanding aspects Little Switzerland has to The fact is Jersey is rich. Warmed about the tunnels, concrete offer. And there’s no need for passports on a date to by the Gulf stream, its waters are bunkers, towers and fortresses that the Lake District. teaming with marine life, including populate the isle. Going further Containing the highest mountains reports on Sir Donald Campbell and dolphins, porpoise, grey seals, back in time favouring allegiance and the deepest and longest lakes Bluebird’s ill-fated land speed record basking sharks and pilot whales. to King John in 1204 proved to be a in England, the Lake District’s attempt. And here a boat is waiting Its beaches are beautiful, stretching great investment, earning Jersey captivated travellers since to carry you on a full lake cruise from Sorel Point in the north to independence to become the travelling began. This is nature’s so you can see what all the fuss is Le Minquiers reef in the south, wealthiest developed economy playground, where tectonic plates about during an all-inclusive stay at punctuated by pretty villages and in the world. At Jersey Pearl they buckled and threw mountains for Grange-over-Sands. make fine jewellery too. Warm, fishing harbours, that we visit on sport, where glaciers gouged valleys Please Note: 3 complimentary drinks vouchers a scenic tour. The island is rich welcoming and wealthy. What’s not and scoured the surface of earth per day choosing from selected house wines and spirits (not including deluxe and malts) draught in history too. Occupied by the to like about Jersey? back to its rocky bones, where Nazis for five years, Hitler made lager and beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Lunch Please Note: Photographic identification troughs of land filled with melted from days 2-5 will be either soup and sandwich or Jersey an impregnable fortress is required on this tour and please read the waters as the great thaw started and packed lunch. and visitors can now follow the important information regarding coach and life began as we know it. Norsemen Occupation Trail to learn more baggage handling on page 61. Ferry timetable to be confirmed at a later date. settled and called this home. This is where Wordsworth ‘wandered lonely as a cloud’, and where Saint Martin poets and artists continually find Merton Hotel inspiration reflected in the waters and echoing off the regions massifs. Jersey HHH Here, the Lakeland Motor Museum This resort hotel really does Lake Windermere have it all. Featuring a sub-tropical aquadome with lazy river, cascade The Cumbria Grand Hotel fountains and spa pools, gardens What’s included and play areas, a fine fitness The Lake District HHH in this Diamond Tour… centre, and relaxing guest rooms equipped with tea and coffee What’s included Set in 20 acres of woodland • Entrance to Lakeland Motor making facilities, everyone’s a in this Diamond Tour… and gardens with views of Museum. winner. The hotel has a varied Morecombe Bay, this traditional • Cruise on Lake Windermere. entertainment programme. • Return ferry crossings. hotel occupies a sprawling • Time at leisure in The Merton Hotel has a • Round the Island tour of Jersey. Victorian mansion. Great leisure Grange-over-Sands. • • convenient bus stop nearby Visit to Jersey Pearl. facilities including a snooker Entertainment on 2 nights. • Excursions as detailed. • Excursions as detailed which has several routes stopping • 2 days at leisure in Jersey. table are available and guest • 4 nights hotel stay all-inclusive, at the island’s attractions, such as • 4 nights hotel stay on half rooms are en-suite with tea/ see page 3, from dinner on arrival the world famous Jersey Zoo. board, see page 3. coffee making facilities as to breakfast on departure. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, seepage 6. standard. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure Date & Prices 2019 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Departure date: Friday 28th June for only Departure date: Monday 4th March for only Single supplement: £120 £560pp Single supplement: £60 £365pp Travel Insurance: £25 Travel Insurance: £20
24 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
CLIENT FAVOURITE SWANTOURNEW
Lancaster Canal North York Moors Lancashire: Yorkshire Railways By Canal, By Rail & Steam Trains 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights Relaxation; it’s everywhere. Is it steam that helps you Steeped in history and culture, Yorkshire is a beautiful unwind? Meandering down a canal maybe? Or relaxing area to tour. Travel through the Yorkshire Dales in a spa? Lancashire has it all, oh and did we forget to National Park, ride across 73 miles of railway on the mention its plentiful history and culture waiting to famous Settle to Carlisle Railway and enjoy quaint be discovered? market towns in this mid-summer getaway. Nothing quite soothes the soul unearthing lots of little treasures, Richard Trevithick built the first full day excursion through the like great history and major from timeless antiques to organic ever steam train in 1804, but what moors, valleys, hills and villages achievements. We’ll travel to produce. Continue to Bolton makes this method of travel so that are scattered throughout the Lancashire where we’ll find our Steam Museum, which features the magical? Is it the relaxed speed Yorkshire Dales National Park, we’ll hotel and with great facilities it largest collection of working mill that gives the passengers time to stop at the pleasant market town really boasts a gentle atmosphere. steam engines in the UK. Enjoy a view the sceneries glide by? Or, of Appleby before boarding the Arrival marks the start of you scenic drive through Ribble Valley is it the smells of the steam and famous Settle to Carlisle Railway making great discoveries as we stopping at Oswaldtwistle Mills, sounds of the hissing emerging which covers 73 miles of scenic head to Samlesbury Hall, a stately Garden Centre, Textile and from the engine room? We’ll views. All that before winding home decorated from top to Heritage Museum ending up at embark to find out in this tour to down to explore the walled- bottom in crosses. Indulge in a two the Gawthorpe Hall standing tall York and it’s surrounding areas: riverside city of York, founded course meal whilst meandering and proud. Board the Embsay & Bolton by the ancient romans, wander down a canal on an alluring narrow Abbey Steam Railway to enjoy streets steeped in culture before boat cruise. Enjoy a ride on the a trip taking in scenic views and rounding the tour off with a visit to East Lancashire Steam Railway tranquil surroundings before the magnificent National Railway observing every little beauty this enjoying a relaxing canal trip in Museum which features the largest steam train boasts whilst watching What’s included the charming market town of collection of railway antiques and the landscape fly by outside your in this Diamond Tour… Skipton, with a commentary from objects in the world. window. Head to Bury and unwind • Guided visit of Samlesbury Hall. the very amusing, multitalented at this homely market town, • Narrow boat cruise with a two comedian, Dave Spikey. Enjoy a course lunch. What’s included • A ride on the East Lancashire in this Diamond Tour… Steam Railway. Best Western Plus • A visit to the Bolton Milford • Return Steam Train Journey Hallmark Hotel Steam Museum. from Embsay to Bolton Abbey. • Drive through Ribble Valley Leeds HHH • Free time in Skipton and York. Preston HHHH stopping at Oswaldtwistle Mills • Canal trip with commentary shopping village and garden Nestled between York and Leeds, from Dave Spikey. With a spa, steam room, indoor centre, Textile and Heritage this relaxed hotel features cosy • Guided Excursion through the sauna and Jacuzzi as well as Museum. rooms with TV’s, tea and coffee Yorkshire Dales National Park. comfy rooms and an excellent • Entrance to Gawthorpe Hall. making facilities and free Wi-Fi. • Journey on the Settle to • dining experience, there’s Excursions as detailed. Guests can enjoy dining in the Carlisle Railway. • Lancashire themed meal • Entrance to the National nothing stopping you from truly one evening. hotel’s laid back restaurant Railway Museum. unwinding. The hotel doesn’t • 4 nights hotel stay on half which flaunts views of a • 4 nights hotel stay on half feature a lift, but ground floor board, see page 3. working replica watermill. board, see page 3. rooms are available on request. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. This hotel does not have a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Thursday 8th August Departure date: Monday 29th July 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: £80 Double/twin for sole occupancy: £80 for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £385pp £485pp Self-drive: £385pp £485pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 25 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
SWANTOURNEW
Stepping stones at Bolton Abbey Chatsworth House North Yorkshire’s Historic Houses Grand Adventure of Derbyshire 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights Impressive architectures and pristine landscapes Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, await on this tour that travels North to the quaint Chatsworth House has something to offer everyone, county of North Yorkshire. Nostalgia is never too far including contemporary and classic art, gorgeous away as we travel by steam locomotive beside the grounds, a farmyard and familiar scenes from Pride awe-inspiring Bolton Abbey. and Prejudice, involving a certain Mister Darcy. Set across 30,000 acres of deep and vegetables to freshly knitted Bolsover Castle’s an elegant family, containing one of Europe’s green pastures, Bolton Abbey is apparel. All before enjoying a example of architectural finesse, most significant art collections, truly a magnificent sight. Explore canal boat trip with commentary from the crenulated Wall Walk to from garden sculptures and water the ruins of a 12th century priory, by British Comedian, Dave Spikey. the Fountain Garden where Venus features through to classic art and stroll through a plethora of flora A full day at leisure in Harrogate emerges from her bath. The Little modern commissions like the DNA and fauna or bask in the sheer follows suit, with ample time to Castle, created by playboy and tiles on the long gallery walls. To beauty of the Valley of Desolation explore this bustling town and all courtier Sir William Cavendish, is top off the trip, this tour also visits and Simon’s Seat, a place where it’s amenities, perhaps you’ll find designed to surprise and delight. Derby Cathedral and Royal Crown time has forgot. Vintage steam yourself meandering the tranquil At Hardwick Hall, surprises aren’t Derby where you may be tempted locomotives await as we travel gardens of RHS Harlow Carr and thin on the ground, either. This to buy some Derby of your own. towards Embsay and Bolton Abbey Valley Gardens or perhaps the Elizabethan masterpiece was Steam Railway to enjoy a journey Royal Pump Room’s impressive home to duchesses, from Bess back in time, watch as gorgeous exhibitions are enough to draw you of Hardwick to Evelyn, the Last sceneries pass by alongside clouds in. A trip to the grand Harewood Lady of Hardwick, and a peek Hardwick Hall of steam. There’s time to explore House closes off this truly relaxing inside provides a glimpse of what Skipton and its town market, tour with it’s stunningly-kept life was like, from the bedrooms voted the UK’s best small outdoor gardens and truly majestic to the stately halls. Chatsworth market in 2017. There’s a range interiors ready to be explored. House is a living museum, gallery of goods available at the market and home to Derbyshire’s leading with everything from fresh fruit What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Mickleover Court The Cairn Hotel • Visit to Bolton Abbey. Derby HHHH • Ride on the Embsay & Bolton Harrogate HHH Abbey Steam Railway. This hotel is an ideal choice What’s included • Visit to Skipton with free time. for Derby’s visitors, offering in this Diamond Tour… This grand Victorian hotel is • Canal boat trip with outstanding levels of service nestled a stones throw away commentary by British and hospitality as well as an • Entrance to Bolsover Castle. from the town of Harrogate. Comedian, Dave Spikey. indoor swimming pool, • Entrance to Hardwick Hall. • • Entrance to . Guests can expect en-suite Day at leisure in Harrogate. superb leisure facilities and Chatsworth House • Visit to Harewood House. • Entrance to Royal Crown Derby. bathrooms and tea and coffee • Excursions as detailed. quality cuisine, blending • Excursions as detailed. facilities. There’s also a lavish • 4 nights hotel stay on half sophistication, comfort, and • 4 nights hotel stay on half restaurant ready for evening board, see page 3. chic accommodation. board, see page 3. indulgence. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 20th May Departure date: Thursday 29th August 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: £60 Single supplement: £60 for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £345pp £445pp Self-drive: £375pp £475pp
26 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Bassenthwaite Lake Albert Dock, Liverpool The Loveliest Spot for The Triumphant Trio Lakeland Memories 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights A European Capital of Culture, Liverpool’s world famous exports including ocean liners, football and Breathe deeper in magical Lakeland! Lakes, fells, The Beatles. Once wealthier than London, the streets countryside and stunning Cumbrian scenery, are paved with grand civic buildings, reflecting the with time to pause and make your own discoveries heritage of an international powerhouse. in pretty Lake District towns along the way. Featuring more museums and seafront is franked by the gorgeous The Castle Inn Hotel, set in the found”, will be another highlight. galleries than anywhere outside the grin of Regency buildings and calming shadow of England’s Enjoy a half day visit to Lake capital, Liverpool’s bustling with a traditional pier hosts holiday highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite with a tour and attractions. The city’s a designated classics like Punch and Judy shows Bassenthwaite Lake, is our home tasting at the highly acclaimed World Heritage Site featuring and penny arcades. Even the drive from home during our magical Lake Lakes Distillery, which produces Britain’s biggest cathedral, more home is special on this triumphal District SwanTour, which takes in world class English whisky, gin and parks than Paris and Albert Dock, tour, travelling along one of the impressive scenery from a steamer vodka from their Victorian where the UK’s largest group of most spectacular routes in England, on beautiful Lake Ullswater and Model Farm. Grade 1 listed buildings are located. the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. from the breathtaking Kirkstone Here, award-winning museums Pass, the highest road in the and exhibitions including the Lakes. We’ll enjoy the grandeur Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool and magical beauty of Holker sit alongside the legendary wharf Hall and Gardens as well as Lake where boats ferry passengers Coniston, Ambleside and superbly along the Mersey. In Chester, located Keswick on the shores of there is a lot to shout about, 2000 the Derwentwater, with time to years of inhabitation leaves a mark get acquainted with its charming on a place, including a Roman shops, galleries and all-important Derwentwater amphitheatre, 700 year-old unique cafés. Grasmere, described by shopping rows and the most Wordsworth who lived at the complete city walls in the country. enchanting Dove Cottage, as the, What’s included In Llandudno, the immaculate “loveliest spot that man hath ever in this Diamond Tour… • Steamer cruise on Lake Llandudno Pier Castle Inn Hotel Ullswater. The Queen Hotel • Travel on the Haverthwaite Chester HHHH Bassenthwaite HHHH Steam Railway. • What’s included Entrance to Holker Hall This grand marque hotel has The ideal location for exploring and Gardens. in this Diamond Tour… • Morning at leisure in hosted the likes of Charles the Lake District and with views • Boat ride on the River Mersey . Dickens and Lily Langtry and is across Bassenthwaite Lake, this Bassenthwaite with time at leisure in Liverpool. • Visit to with now regarded amongst Chester’s hotel offers a warm welcome Lake Bassenthwaite • Visit to Llandudno. a tour and tasting at the highly finest buildings. Featuring a luxury and comfortable guest rooms. • Day at leisure in Chester. acclaimed . Lakes Distillery beauty parlour and guest rooms • Excursions as detailed. Although the hotel does not • Excursions as detailed. with all facilities you would expect • 4 nights hotel stay on half have a lift, executive ground • 4 nights hotel stay on half from a fine establishment. The board, see page 3. floor rooms are available for , see page 3. board hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. a supplement. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Sunday 11th August Departure date: Monday 13th May 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £100 Double/twin for sole occupancy: £100 for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £455pp £555pp Self-drive: £375pp £475pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 27 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
CLIENT CLIENT FAVOURITE FAVOURITE
Elan Valley Aldeburgh, Suffolk Healing Waters of Wales The Golden Hills of Suffolk 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights Revitalise the senses, from the sea at Aberystwyth to Welcome to Aldeburgh where fishermen still sell their the healing waters of Llandrindod Wells on this tour catch of the day, including herring, prawns, mackerel that travels through the Elan Valley and includes and cod, freshly smoked and ready to eat from little a canal boat cruise through the beautiful Brecon huts on the pebble beach. Beacons National Park. Panning left to right, a vast expanse acquire a glimpse of the inspiration Beneficial effects of ‘taking some of the most beautiful of water and skyline stretch out John was swooned with when the waters’ were known to the scenery in Britain. Add time by the into the distance reaching towards painting this magnificent piece. Romans, yet it was the arrival of sea at Aberystwyth and experience a horizon of possibility and The quaint riverside market town railways in Victorian times that for yourself the restorative power immensity. In late September, this of Woodbridge awaits, featuring boosted the popularity of spa of the sparkling waters of Wales. vista is bleached by the morning a variety of amenities including towns like Llandrindod Wells, sun painting Aldeburgh’s village Sutton Hoo, an Anglo-Saxon bringing the masses from as far in streaks of crimson and gold. burial site. There’s plenty of time Perhaps this is why artists set to explore the traditional seaside afield as Manchester to sample this Brecon Beacons National Park elixir of life. Capable of epic feats their easels on the shore, hoping town of Felixstowe before enjoying of engineering, the Victorians to capture moments of sublimity a cruise on the River Deben, the also designed the incredible or why locals love a morning stroll perfect opportunity for a spot aqueducts and dams of the Elan along the promenade to where of tea whilst gliding across calm Valley as a means of supplying the River Alde flicks into the waters. A visit via Leiston and Birmingham with fresh drinking cavernous mouth of the North Sea. Thorpeness to Southwold where water, creating a safe-haven for A guided tour retraces the steps the lighthouse looms and the pier’s wildlife in the process, thanks to of famous landscape painter John water clock marks the passing of careful management of this living Constable, who’s famous artworks each hour, sets the seal on a golden landscape. Conservation measures include ‘The Hay Wain’, ‘Salisbury seaside getaway. at Gigrin Farm attract a shower of Cathedral from the Meadows’ and visitors and breath-taking feats the iconic, ‘Flatford Mill’, of which What’s included of aerial piracy at feeding time at we’ll take a visit to, allowing us to in this Diamond Tour… the Red Kite Feeding Centre, while the Brecon Beacons National Park • Visit to National Trust’s glides by on a canal cruise through Flatford Mill for a guided tour. Brudenell Hotel • Visit to the town of Woodbridge. Aldeburgh HHHH • Visit to the town of Felixstowe. • Cruise on the River Deben with Metropole Hotel What’s included Snuggled on Aldeburgh’s beach afternoon tea. in this Diamond Tour… front, this hotel is the perfect • Half day excursion taking in HHHH Llandrindod Wells place to relax and enjoy views of Southwold, Leiston and • Entrance to Red Kite Feeding Thorpeness. Wonderful countryside Centre at Gigrin Farm. the North Sea. Awarded two AA • Free time in Aldeburgh. complements the splendour of • Canal cruise through Brecon Rosettes for its quality cuisine • Excursions as detailed. this family-owned Victorian- Beacons National Park. and benefiting from recent • 4 nights hotel stay on half • style hotel. Spacious lounges and Time at leisure at refurbishment, a peaceful stay is board, see page 3. Llandrindod Wells. assured. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. bars, endearing bedrooms and a • Excursions as detailed. great indoor pool are just some • 4 nights hotel stay on half of this hotel’s defining features. board, see page 3. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 23rd September Single supplement: None Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Double/twin for 5 days & 4 nights £100 Departure date: Monday 10th June sole occupancy: for only 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: None Seaview supplement: £12prpn for only £615pp Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £345pp £445pp Self-drive: £515pp
28 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
CLIENT SWANTOURNEW FAVOURITE
Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Eastbourne Pier Grand Tour of Portsmouth Romantic Castles & 5 days | 4 nights Royal Pavilions Join us on a grand tour that encompasses the well- 5 days | 4 nights rounded maritime city of Portsmouth. We’ll enjoy high tea up the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth’s Historic The prime Edwardian seaside resort of Eastbourne Dockyard, excursion to the Isle of Wight, a trip to a features traditional aspects of the Great British royal residence and much more. Summer Holiday: Delightful seafront gardens, a Portsmouth is the maritime hub travels toward the Isle of Wight as promenade, extensive beaches, bandstands and a of the South West and is steeped we disembark at Fishbourne and cheerfully painted pier from the dance hall days. in history. Her Majesty’s Naval head to Osborne House, a former The 13th Century romantic early summer sun. Should you Base, Portsmouth’s Historic royal residence that echoes the setting of double-moated Hever wish to indulge in some shopping, Dockyard is truly a spectacular styles and tastes of Queen Victoria Castle, the residence of Anne then you’ll find Brighton’s streets attraction and is one of only and Prince Albert. Adventures to Boleyn and Anne of Cleves, are packed full with a treasure three operating naval bases in Arundel Castle awaits as we enjoy beguiles with charming displays trove of independent shops and the United Kingdom which serves exploring this restored medieval of award-winning gardens, mazes big-name stores. Leisurely awaken the British Royal Navy. It is here castle, originally established by the and fountains. Inside prepare to in Eastbourne town and do as you where you’ll find the spectacular first Earl of Shrewsbury: Roger the meet the formidable ancestors please, with breath-taking scenery flagship, the HMS Victory, most Great de Montgomery. To round displayed in 16th Century and a gorgeous pebble beach known for her involvement in the off the tour, there’s free time at portraits and to see their wealth you’re spoilt for choice. Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It’s also Chichester where you can do as of possessions, from tapestries here where the first iron hulled you please, allowing ample time to to family treasures. A journey of battleship is docked, the HMS perhaps visit the impressive gothic history and culture follows as we Warrior 1860. Powered by both style cathedral or Roman palace. head over to a guided tour of the steam and sail this beautiful vessel Royal Pavilions. This jaw-dropping, is sure to blow you away. We’ll richly decorated Pavilion is truly continue our tour up the Spinnaker awe-inspiring and fittingly so Tower to enjoy high tea 105 metres as it was formally residence for above ground - Perfect for taking royalty. Head down to Brighton in astonishing views of Portsmouth afterwards and scurry down to and its historic dockyard. Naval What’s included the beach and pier, basking in the in this Diamond Tour… Eastbourne Hilton Avisford • Visit to Portsmouth’s Langham Hotel Park Hotel Historic Dockyard. • High Tea up the Eastbourne HHHH Arundel HHHH Spinnaker Tower. What’s included • Morning ferry from Helpful, friendly staff await in this Diamond Tour… Pristine grounds complement this Portsmouth to Fishbourne on your arrival at this comfortable upscale country resorts interior, the Isle of Wight. seafront hotel. The Langham • Entrance to Hever Castle. featuring all the amenities guests • Visit to Osborne House. • Guided tour of the Royal • Restaurant boasts great food have come to expect. This hotel Visit to Arundel Castle. Pavilions. • Free time in Chichester. and excellent service whilst also features indoor and outdoor • A day at leisure in Eastbourne. • Excursions as detailed. the Conservatory Restaurant • pools, an 18-hole golf course and Leisure time at Brighton. • 4 nights hotel stay on half has recently been awarded a • 4 nights hotel stay on half a refined restaurant. The hotel board, see page 3. prestigious AA Rosette for fine board, see page 3. has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. dining. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 29th April Departure date: Monday 10th June 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £120 Single supplement: None for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £455pp £555pp Self-drive: £370pp £470pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 29 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
SWANTOURNEW SWANTOURNEW
Looe Beach and Harbour Cardiff Bay Shimmering Shores The Wealth of Wales of Looe 5 days | 4 nights 4 days | 3 nights Wales is a magnificent place to enjoy, with it’s rich culture and impressive views: Discover the beautifully Excursions to a Victorian country house and a boat rugged Brecon Beacons National Park, the insightful trip on the river Fowey await as travels to South East Royal Mint Visitors Centre and everything in-between Cornwall lead to the working fishing port of Looe. on this gripping tour to Wales. Calm blue waters and golden sandy beaches combine Cardiff, also known as the city National Park before visiting to give this harbour-town it’s charm and tranquility. of Arcades, has the biggest the Big Pit Mining Museum, Cornwall features the perfect mix of Centre, scrolling archives of the concentration of Victorian, which was an operating coal rugged sceneries, golden beaches town’s maritime past. Lanhydrock Edwardian and modern-day indoor mine from 1880-1980. Enjoy tours and quaint towns and Looe is no House and Gardens follows suit, this shopping arcades in Britain and and tasting at Penderyn Distillery exception. Narrow streets make Victorian house is nestled in 1,000 we’ll have plenty of time to explore. that produce award-winning single way for traditional seaside bars and acres of wooded parkland which Maybe a visit to the National malt whiskies and spirits in the novelty shops, just as sand makes beautifully compliments the Museum of Cardiff will help to foothills of the magnificent Brecon way for the crystal blue sea at East grand exterior. There’s 50 fully heighten your holiday, or maybe Beacons, a perfect time to sit back Looe’s Beach. Enjoy a boat trip up furnished rooms with shades of discovering the late-Victorian and relax, forgetting about the the river Fowey which features 24 royal red ready for you to explore St Davids Cathedral is of interest, hustle and bustle of everyday life, miles of shimmeringly calm waters. which includes the servants most of which was rebuilt after a before taking the opportunity to Relax as banks of luscious green quarters, it also offers a glimpse into bombing raid in WWII, time is yours see the excellent Cardiff Arms pastures, prosperous with nature what it was like to work as a servant to do as you please. Delve into Park Choir, formed in 1966, roll by, as the journey proves to be in the mid-1800’s. Also included in 1,100 years of history as we take an rehearsing classic Welsh Anthems the perfect opportunity to bring our tour is evening entertainment excursion to the Royal Mint Visitors for your enjoyment. the camera. Unwind with free at our riverside hotel, settle down Centre, where you discover the time in Looe, perhaps you’ll find with a drink and watch as the night process of how Britain’s coins are yourself at a local sweetshop or bar whittles away and a new day begins, made from start to finish before before taking a short stroll to the ready for exploration. enjoying a banquet at Cardiff Castle, What’s included The Old Sardine Factory Heritage which also features a tour. Enjoy in this Diamond Tour… an excursion to Brecon Beacons • Visit to the Royal Mint Visitors Centre. Angel Hotel • Leisure time to enjoy in Cardiff. The Portbyhan Hotel • Cardiff Castle Tour to include a Looe HHH What’s included Cardiff HHH Banquet in the Castle. in this Diamond Tour… • Excursion to Brecon Beacons This pleasant hotel features This upscale-Victorian hotel National Park. harbour views from their • Boat trip on the river Fowey. features modern en-suite • Visit to Big Pit Mining Museum. • restaurant and a modern lounge • Free time in Looe. rooms. Enjoy a formal restaurant Visit to Penderyn Visitors • Visit to Lanhydrock House. paired with a relaxed bar for an Centre for a tour and tasting. bar with rooftop terrace. Calming • Entertainment by the Cardiff • Excursions as detailed. altogether pleasant experience. rooms feature tea and coffee • Arms Park Choir. Evening Entertainment Residents also have access to the making facilities, Wi-Fi and TV’s. at the hotel. • 4 nights hotel stay on half Guests have the opportunity to • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, local health club and gym. board, see page 3. upgrade to a room with a balcony. see page 3. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Monday 16th September Departure date: Friday 11th October Single supplement: None 4 days & 3 nights 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £60 Double/twin for sole for only £110 for only River View supplement: £10prpn £345pp occupancy: Superior Balcony & River View supp: £20prpn Travel Insurance: £20 £495pp Travel Insurance: £18 Self-drive: £395pp
30 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection UK COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Train through the Severn Valley Dover Castle West Midlands Medley Kent’s Subtle Charm 5 days | 4 nights & Hidden Secrets There’s something magical about the past. Delve into 5 days | 4 nights immense histories as we experience a tour that takes in grand mansions, steam powered locomotives and Surrounded by delight, class and beauty, Kent has a an assortment of museum exhibitions. lot to offer. Visit castles, cathedrals and towns and Join us in a tour that travels to the green pastures glide by your venture into an underground hospital, operating back West Midlands to experience a window and breathe a sigh of relief in WWII. All this with the added bonus of a visit to a multitude of diverse excursions as your troubles fly away alongside brewery and a charming steam train ride. throughout Shropshire. Visit the the steam from the engine room. train journey to Bodiam with the National Trust’s, Shugborough The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Become wowed by the everlasting Kent and East Sussex Railway Hall - An architectural marvel, Trust follows, where we will have history of Kent and its surrounding and there’s a ploughman’s lunch almost completely untouched a full access pass to all of their ten areas, visit Dover Castle and on board allowing you to really since being built in 1695 on the sites, choosing to do as you please. behold the mighty beauty that savour the moment. Explore the remains of a medieval bishop’s Travel back in time and visit their stands before you. Head below tranquil town of Tenterden before palace. This Georgian mansion Victorian Town, or explore the ground to the Wartime Tunnels heading back to the hotel. Travel to has been home to the Anson Tar Tunnel, with tar still oozing that venture far underground, Canterbury for some free time and family since and is encompassed through the brickwork from showing off Dover’s Underground have a look around the irresistible by well-kept stately gardens that when it was accidentally struck by Hospital, of which a tour will guide Canterbury’s Cathedral. feature statues and monuments 18th century miners or perhaps us giving a real feel for the time and allowing the history to really sink throughout. A morning visit to discover the skills needed to Please Note: The upper floor of the Great Acton Scott Historic Working decorate Victorian Britain as you in. Stop off at the Battle of Britain Tower in the Dover Castle has steep flights of Memorial, with the knowledge narrow steps and there are some very steep Farm follows, where you can travel journey through the Jackfield Title slopes and cobbled walkways within the grounds. back in time to see a working 19th Museum - The opportunities are from the Wartime Tunnels still century farm which features heavy almost endless. fresh in your mind so you can horses at work, assisting with the properly appreciate this memorial. day-to-day upkeep of running Ales and rails are on the agenda a farm. First class tickets await for the next part of our trip as we as you take a return journey on take a guided tour around the Old What’s included the vintage steam hauled Severn What’s included Dairy Brewery, sampling classy in this Diamond Tour… Valley line from Bridgnorth to in this Diamond Tour… fine ales. Enjoy a gorgeous steam • A visit to Dover Castle and Bewdley. Sit back and relax as • Visit to National Trust’s Wartime Tunnels with a Shugborough Hall. guided tour. • Visit to Acton Scott Historic • A stop at the Battle of Working Farm. Britain Memorial. Buckatree Hall Hotel • First Class return train journey Burlington Hotel • A visit to the Old Dairy Brewery County Telford HHH at the Severn Valley. Folkestone, Kent HHH with a guided tour. • Visit to Ironbridge Gorge • A steam train ride to Bodiam Rebuilt in the 1920s, this Museum Trust where you will This stylish Victorian hotel has with a ploughman’s lunch. traditional hotel is the perfect have full access to all their sites. a beautiful location overlooking • Free time at Tenterden and • . hub to explore the local area. Entertainment at the hotel on the English Channel. It includes Canterbury two evenings. • Entrance to Canterbury Guests can enjoy an elegant • Excursions as detailed. everything you need to unwind Cathedral. restaurant with lake views, a well- • 4 nights hotel stay on half boasting tea and coffee • 4 nights stay on half board, stocked bar and fitness centre. board, see page 3. facilities and a restaurant. see page 3. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 26th August Departure date: Monday 3rd June 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £80 Double/twin for sole occupancy: £80 for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £415pp £515pp Self-drive: £415pp £515pp
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 31 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
SWANTOURNEW SWANTOURNEW
Burghley House Southampton Port Mouth-Watering Melton Savouring the Sights Mowbray & Burghley in Southampton 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights A taste-bud tingling selection of savoury treats and Southampton is South Englands maritime hub and sweet sights are heading your way as we travel to proves to be the perfect destination for exploration, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, visiting beautiful combine that with dining experiences in the Marco gardens, country estates and sampling the region’s Pierre White Restaurant and you’ve got the recipe for finest wares. the perfect SwanTours getaway. Burghley Estate, commissioned by it’s Market Day. You might like to Titanic travels ensue as we head beautiful riverside gardens. William Cecil, the 1st Lord Burghley visit the Dickinson and Morris to the port city of Southampton, Free time in Bournemouth and and Lord High Treasurer to the Pork Pie Shoppe, and The Melton well-known for being the departure Southampton follow, with plenty Crown, is an architectural and Cheeseboard before visiting the destination of the RMS Titanic and of time to enjoy walks through landscaping masterpiece designed Belvoir Brewery for a tour and D-Day operations. Still known for Bournemouth’s bountiful park, to impress royalty by the scale of its tutored tasting of three of their its working port, Southampton before exploring Southampton grandeur. Featuring fine frescoes fine ales. A final trip to beguiling features a plethora of activities, with it’s SeaCity museum and City and artwork collected on Grand Easton Walled Gardens ensures all including plenty of shopping outlets Art Gallery, featuring artwork Tours of Italy, a sumptuous interior appetites are sufficiently satisfied. for those who wish to browse the from the renaissance period, the reflects over five hundred years of day away. We begin our tour with 18th century, through to the 20th artistic excellence. In the 2006 film an excursion to Winchester where century. A full day excursion to the adaptation of Pride and Prejudice there will be time at leisure to do quaint village of Beaulieu rounds starring Dame Judi Dench and Keira as you please. Sat on the edge of off our holiday, proving to be the Knightley, Mr Collins remarks that the South Downs National Park, perfect setting to breathe in the Burghley is ‘the most extraordinary there is ample time for you to fresh air whilst enjoying old-school sight in all of Europe,’ and set in explore the city’s cathedral, with its automotives, a quaint stately home two thousand acres of Lancelot beautifully preserved 17th century and a 13th century abbey. ‘Capability’ Brown’s handiwork, library, or perhaps the ruined that may not be far from the truth. 12th century Wolvesey Castle Having feasted eyes on such finery, will pique your interest. The 13th we visit Melton Mowbray, where century abbey of Mottisfont awaits; a romantic house set amongst Beer tasting at Belvoir Brewery What’s included The Olde Barn Hotel in this Diamond Tour… Grand Harbour Hotel Grantham HHH What’s included • A visit to Winchester. in this Diamond Tour… Southampton HHHH • Admission to the National Trust Enjoy the tranquility of Mottisfont. this beautiful Lincolnshire • Entrance to Burghley House. Only 15 minutes away from • A visit to Bournemouth. • retreat, set in the heart of • Entrance to Easton Walled Southampton City Centre, this A visit to Southampton. Gardens. luxurious hotel features relaxing • Admission to Beaulieu. the countryside. Awarded an • • Guided tour and beer sampling indoor pool and spa facilities Dining will be in the Marco Pierre England Excellence Award for White Restaurant. at Belvoir Brewery. including sauna and steam room. providing a first class service to • Excursions as detailed. • Excursions as detailed. visitors, you’ll be pampered all • 4 nights hotel stay on half Expect to dine in style at the • 4 nights hotel stay on half the way from spa to spacious board, see page 3. Marco Pierre White Restaurant. board, see page 3. guest rooms. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 27th May Departure date: Monday 28th October 5 days & 4 nights 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £60 Double/twin for sole occupancy: £100 for only for only Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20 Self-drive: £315pp £415pp Self-drive: £375pp £475pp
32 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection FESTIVE FLAVOURS
CLIENT SWANTOURNEW FAVOURITE
Sidmouth Dartmoor National Park Sidmouth Sensations: Sidmouth Sensations & Inspiration, Artwork Pickles in Plymouth & Abbeys 5 days | 4 nights 5 days | 4 nights There are few better places to enjoy the last dash of autumn than Sidmouth and fewer places that Sidmouth is the perfect location for a late autumn capture changing times better than Plymouth with its getaway, with the early evening sunsets proving to fascinating history and tales of trade that have been be unrivalled. Experience stately homes, explore responsible for a fair few pickles around the world. picturesque gardens and enjoy popular seaside Plymouth’s harbour has a lot to Gin to learn how this magical liquid locations on a journey that ventures to South Devon. answer for, attracting merchants gets processed. The warm red Killerton House is the perfect crash against the red cliffsides of from around the world with their cliffs of Sidmouth for a backdrop, beginning to a magical tour. Enjoy Sidmouth, before exploring all goods for trade, and offering home a spot of sightseeing at Tavistock, this gorgeous stately home that the hidden treasures Torquay has to the Royal Naval fleet. Traders and before you know it, five days sits in a 6,400 acre estate. You’ll tucked into its bustling streets. brought their cargo ashore, have flown by on this intoxicating have ample time to explore its Visits to Torre Abbey Historic including vital ingredients for late season tour. picturesque gardens, filled with House and Gardens follow suit - this making one of the most famous autumn colours and trees that wilt impressive abbey is estimated to drinks in the world. Gin. Even in the wind, all before exploring have been founded in 1196 and Dartmoor has a part to play in the insides of this National Trust features a wide array of history the gin story, as its peaty soil and gem, which features magnificent and artwork that takes inspiration granite rock form a great filtration artwork dating as far back as the from the beautiful South Devon system to purify water, that gets 1700’s. There’s also elegant 1950’s coast. There’s approximately over distilled with ingredients a couple apparel and prestigious interior 600 pieces of artwork to marvel at, of miles away. We’ll travel over decorating to observe. Free time dating from the 18th century all the Dartmoor National Park to take in in the delightful seaside towns of way to the present, including quaint some beautiful scenery as well as Sidmouth and Torquay await. watercolours by Thomas Luny and to see where the gin process starts, Watch as waves seamlessly F. J. Widgery. and we’ll take a tour of Plymouth Smeaton Tower Lighthouse, Plymouth The Victoria Hotel What’s included The Belmont Hotel Sidmouth HHHH in this Diamond Tour… Sidmouth HHHH What’s included Situated in 5 acres of landscaped • Entrance into Killerton House. in this Diamond Tour… gardens on Sidmouth’s • Day at leisure in Sidmouth Situated in 5 acres of landscaped picturesque esplanade, this hotel to enjoy the area and the gardens on Sidmouth’s • Entrance to Plymouth Gin and has panoramic views, luxurious hotel’s facilities. picturesque esplanade, this hotel time at leisure in Plymouth. • Day at leisure in Sidmouth. décor, and an excellent reputation. • Visit to Torquay. has panoramic views, luxurious • Entrance to Torre Abbey. décor, and an excellent reputation. • A visit to Tavistock. First class service, hospitality, and • Historic House and Gardens. First class service, hospitality, and Excursions as detailed. a fantastic range of leisure facilities • 4 nights hotel stay on half • 4 nights hotel stay on half a fantastic range of leisure facilities including a putting green and board, see page 3. Dinner will be 5 board, see page 3. swimming pool will enhance your courses including coffee. including a putting green and • Dinner will be 5 courses enjoyment. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. swimming pool will enhance your including coffee. enjoyment. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Sunday 27th October 5 days & 4 nights Departure date: Sunday 24th November 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: None for only Single supplement: None for only Seaview supplement: £10pppn £495pp Seaview supplement £10pppn £480pp Travel Insurance: £20 Travel Insurance: £20
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 33 FESTIVE FLAVOURS SwanTours Diamond Collection
CLIENT FAVOURITE
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Torquay Marina Thursford Christmas Make Merry in Torquay Spectacular this Christmas 4 days | 3 nights 5 days | 4 nights Christmas comes early to Great Yarmouth this year in Exceeding expectations equals the perfect gift and a pre-seasonal spectacular where the sleigh’s loaded according to clients, this SwanTour delivers more than with the glamour, glitz, razzle and dazzle of show Santa’s sack load of presents. From first class service business. The Wurlitzer’s cranked up, the carousel’s to excellent entertainment, we’re delighted to offer turning, and the stage is set for making merry. once again, the perfect Christmas holiday. Get set for a right old knees up seating for a 3 hour spectacular Pleasing everyone is never easy Cocktail Reception, a visit from in November when the largest featuring stars from the West End but the Livermead House Hotel Father Christmas in a special car Christmas show in the country in a non-stop singing, dancing, has a knack of getting things right, and full entertainment package gets underway as a cast of 130 laughing and sparkling variety act especially as they host a warm guarantees that extra bit of professional singers, dancers, and that includes fabulous costumes, welcome with tea and coffee upon sparkle. Enjoy a Boxing Day treat musicians deliver an extravaganza chart-topping tunes and our arrival. Fellow SwanTourers watching a special afternoon of epic proportions to set the tone traditional carols. If that wasn’t assure us you’ll be in for a treat in performance pantomime at the for tinsel time. A sherry and mince enough to whet appetites for Torquay this Christmas. Service, Princess Theatre in Torquay. pie reception, holiday bingo and next month’s festivities a morning staff, and surroundings are highly The prospect of a merry time Christmas songs start the party on out in Lowestoft, afternoon praised, along with the excellent is certainly on the table, enjoy arrival, followed by a present from entertainment at the hotel, and a range of sporting activities. a grand buffet in the evening, a white-bearded, red-suited fellow New Year’s Eve-styled celebration A showpiece Christmas Day 7 proving to be plentiful with the as a prelude to a Christmas-styled are yet to come, before the curtain course traditional Christmas sound of laughter and delicious luncheon with all the trimmings. descends and this holiday comes Dinner, the Queen’s Speech and foods before settling down for a Then it’s the moment for sitting to a close. evening entertainment ensure much needed rest. back and settling down into deluxe against cries that ‘we are not Please Note: Not all rooms at our hotel have access to a lift. Please request if you require a lift. amused’ and a Champagne
Burlington Palm Court Hotel Livermead House Hotel What’s included in this Diamond Tour… Great Yarmouth HHH Torquay HHH • Comfortably furnished and Ticket to a performance What’s included Dating back to the 1820’s, this pantomime at the Princess maintained to an excellent in this Diamond Tour… gorgeous hotel boasts stunning Theatre, Torquay. standard, this family-run hotel views across the sea. Enjoy • Excursions as detailed. has an excellent reputation • Deluxe ticket to Thursford its many amenities, including • Full entertainment programme. for providing quality food, Christmas Spectacular. a gymnasium, squash court, • 4 nights hotel stay on half excellent hospitality and a first • A visit to Lowestoft. board*, see page 3. • snooker room and more! Great rate experience for all its guests. Excursions as detailed. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. • Full entertainment programme. food and excellent service are There’s an indoor swimming • 3 nights hotel stay on half on show to make your Christmas pool and all rooms feature a , see page 3. On day 2 lunch magical! The hotel has a lift. * Please Note: Christmas Day and Boxing Day board will be full board dining. hospitality tray and free Wi-Fi. is included instead of dinner. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Monday 23rd December Departure date: Friday 22nd November Single supplement: None 5 days & 4 nights Single supplement: £30 Seaview supplement: £10pppn 4 days & 3 nights for only Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £45 for only Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £80 Travel Insurance: £18 £455pp Travel Insurance: £20 £765pp Self-drive: £355pp Self-drive: £665pp
34 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Diamond Collection FESTIVE FLAVOURS
Christmas in Wales
SWANTOURNEW
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Looe Beach Christmas Presence SwanTours Annual in Llandrindod Wells Get-Together 5 days | 4 nights 4 days | 3 nights Experience a carefree Christmas at the heart of Rekindle friendships both new and old, and as the the community this year, where a warm welcome SwanTour family grows there is no better way than to is guaranteed at the Metropole Hotel. Five days of enjoy a holiday to the quaint harbour town of Looe that is friendship and festivities follow – you’d be crackers filled with laughter, excursions and stories of the year past. to miss it! Whilst it may be true that old friends working fishing town of Looe, perhaps Pack your bags and prepare for seasonal trimmings throughout are the best, there’s plenty of time to you’ll end up on the golden sands of the perfect Christmas present, the public rooms and where make friends anew on our travels that East Looe Beach gazing upon fresh surrounded by the ambience of impressive grounds provide a head towards South East Cornwall. crystal blue waters. A guided tour all that make this time of year so backdrop of stunning scenery. Upon arrival, the staff of SwanTours and talks at The Old Sardine Factory special. Enjoy the company of There’ll also be time to enjoy the will be hosting a drinks reception, Heritage Centre is perfect for giving your fellow travellers, a hospitable rugged Welsh countryside as we perfect for sharing the company of you a glimpse at Looe’s historic glow from the hosts and a full journey to the Elan Valley Dam friends, reflecting on the year past. fishing industry throughout the ages entertainment programme that (weather permitting), travelling Enjoy smiles and laughter topped off before singing a sea-shanty or two includes a carol service with the over hills and through valleys on a with a sprinkle of memories all before sang by local sea-shanty singers. Rhayader Male Voice Choir, silver SwanTour that really is the icing on preparing to make memories anew. A mystery excursion decided by service dining, live entertainment, the seasonal cake. An evening meal awaits full of flavours our driver rounds off this new year bingo, games and dancing. worth savouring before unwinding SwanTour Get-Together, perfect for Midnight service is available in the to evening entertainment at our fulfilling your sense of adventure all town for most creeds on Christmas stunning hotel. The SwanTours coffee before unwinding back at the hotel, Eve and on Christmas Day a special morning features time to have a chat exchanging farewells. visitor is waiting at the Christmas with fellow tourers or perhaps book tree! An excursion to beautifully your next SwanTour, alternatively there’s ample time to explore the decorated Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall What’s included awaits, where the Victorian Gothic in this Diamond Tour… Revival architecture is dressed in Elan Reservoir The Portbyhan Hotel • Pre-dinner drinks reception. • Evening entertainment on Looe HHH two evenings. Metropole Hotel • Coffee morning with SwanTours Overlooking Looe’s river harbour, staff or exploreLooe . Llandrindod Wells HHHH What’s included in this Diamond Tour… this relaxed hotel features a laid • A guided tour and talk at Wonderful countryside back restaurant and modern bar The Old Sardine Factory • Entrance to Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall. with roof terrace. Guests can Heritage Centre. complements the splendour of • Entertainmant by local Sea- this family-owned Victorian- • Excursions as detailed. enjoy TV’s, tea and coffee making • Full entertainment programme. Shanty Singers. style hotel. Spacious lounges facilities as standard and have • Drivers mystery excursion. • 4 nights hotel stay on full the opportunity to upgrade to a and bars, endearing guest rooms board, from dinner on arrival • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, and a great indoor swimming to breakfast on departure, see superior balcony with river view see page 3. pool are just some of its many page 3. room. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6. attractions. The hotel has a lift. • Door-to-door travel, see page 6.
Departure Date & Prices 2020 Departure Date & Prices 2019 Self-drive option Departure date: Friday 24th January Departure date: Monday 23rd December Single supplement: None 4 days & 3 nights Single supplement: £40 5 days & 4 nights Double/twin for sole occupancy: £60 for only Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 for only River View supplement: £10prpn £315pp Travel Insurance: £20 £675pp Superior Balcony & River View supp: £20prpn Self-drive: £575pp Travel Insurance: £18
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 35 SwanTours Sapphire Collection
SwanTours SAPPHIRE COLLECTION Pre-arranged Joining Points
Devon Ashburton: Exminster: Meeth: Sourton Cross: Booking for more than 6 Eastern Road (B3352) just past Victory Hall The Bull and Dragon Public House Lorry Park Glendinnings Office Exeter: Merton: South Brent: people Barnstaple: M5 moto Services Coach Bay The Square Bus stop outside The London Inn For group bookings we may be able to arrange a more Taw and Torridge Exeter: Mews on the B3372 Coach Depot Newton Abbot: Belgrave Road Opposite the railway station South Molton: convenient joining point. Barnstaple: Fremington: The Square Railway station Newton Poppleford: Bus stop at the New Inn St Luke’s Church Starcross: Bickington: Folly Gate: Railway station Feeder services Opposite the garage North Tawton: Bus stop by Parish Hall The Square Stibb Cross: A feeder service will be used at some joining points to Bideford: Hatherleigh: Bus stop adjacent to the Old Kingsley Statue Okehampton: Union Inn Bus stop by Co-Op West Bridge bus stop meet the SwanTourer. This may be a coach, minibus Bishopsteignton: Holsworthy: Tavistock: or taxi. A member of the SwanTour team will transfer Bus stop outside Metro Motors Paignton: Outside the Bedford Hotel Bus stop opposite the Church On Garfield Road by the multi- all luggage from the feeder vehicle to the tour coach. Braunton: Ilfracombe: storey car park Teignmouth: Opposite the George Hotel Eastcliff Coach Park War Memorial Plymouth: Budleigh Salterton: Ivybridge: Derrys Cross, bus bays oustide Tiverton: Public Hall Outside the Town Hall Rumpus Cosy Café Coach station Your safety is our Buckfastleigh: M5/J27 Services: Plympton: Torquay: Dart Garage bus shelter on Dart Petrol station The Ridgeway bus stop near the Opposite the library on Lymington concern Bridge Road Road Kenton: Co-Op store When you go on holiday you will be travelling in one of Clyst St George: Outside Roadean Restaurant on Plymstock Broadway: Torrington: Taw and Torridge’s Mercedes executive coaches. Bus stop by St George and the A379 Opposite the Lidl Store by Back of the Globe Inn Dragon Hotel Kingskerswell: Broadway car park Totnes: To safeguard your safety and Door Driver Cullumpton: Various Joining Points Preston: Outside the Seven Stars Hotel comfort, these are equipped M5, J28 Services Kingsteignton: Bus shelter in between the Whiddon Down: with the latest safety systems 1 2 3 4 Dawlish: Fountain bus stop Conservative club The service area by the petrol Piermount Place opposite Lidl and the Baptist Church station including CCTV and vehicle 5 6 7 8 East Budleigh: Knowstone: Sidford: Winkleigh: tracking, and features reclining Rolle Arms Picnic area The Green Close bus stop The garage on the A3124 seats with foot rests and seat 9 10 11 12 Exmouth: Lympstone: Sidmouth: Yelland: Opposite the Savoy Cinema The Saddlers, Exmouth Road The Triangle Bus stop at Pottery Lane back tables, air conditioning, 13 14 15 1616 individual lighting controls and for extra comfort, an 17 18 19 20 Somerset Cornwall onboard WC. coffee 21 2022 Machine Bristol: Taunton: Bodmin: Liskeard: 23 24 Toilet On Anchor Road Taunton Deane Services Bus stop by Dennison The Parade* Seat allocation opposite @Bristol Road carpark* Taunton: Redruth: Request for specific seats may 25 26 27 28 Bristol: Tower Street bus station Bude: Railway station* Eastgate Shopping Centre be made at time of booking Wellington: At TSB Bank St Austell: bus stop 29 30 31 32 Conservative Club Railway station* but allocation is on a first come
Fraddon Services * Non-smoking throughout Bridgwater: Wellington: Kilkhampton: Truro: first serve basis. A seating plan 33 34 35 36 Bus station stand 7 Chelston Business Park outside Outside the church Fairmantle Street coach park* is illustrated, however, for Gordano Services: Wellington Motors 37 38 39 40 M5, J19 Launceston * £15 pick-up supplement operational reasons a coach Worle: Bus stop by the multi-storey car Sedgemoor Services: Bus stop by the roundabout behind park on Westgate Street with different configuration 41 42 43 44 M5, in between J21 and J22 the Parish Pump Pub may be used occasionally. We are unable to reserve seats 45 46 47 48 Gloucestershire on feeder services. 49 50 51 52 53
Cheltenham: 53 Seat Mercedes Benz Tourismo Coach Seating Plan Golden Valley roundabout outside KFC (Northbound)
36 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection CONTINENTAL TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Zermatt Gruyeres Scenic Switzerland & The Alps 8 days | 7 nights
The combination of sun and snow never goes amiss, and with a bit of Eurotel Victoria Villars luck you’ll find both on this tour to Switzerland. Venture through France before ending up at Villars found in the Swiss Alps for an eight day trip of Villar-Sur-Ollon HHHH exploration and discovery. Gaze across Lake Geneva as we cruise across Located in the centre of Villar-Sur-Ollon, this relaxed hotel features an abundance of ways to by boat, visit the car free town of Zermatt at the foot of the impressive unwind: Take a dip in their indoor pool, unwind Matterhorn and discover Gruyère’s medieval history boasting the 13th- in their sauna or catch some fresh air on their century Château de Gruyères, an impressive hilltop fortress with an array sun terrace. Refresh yourself at their restaurant and bar, serving a varied menu of French and of treasures to be found inside. Surrounded by tall-standing, snow-topped Italian dishes, with a one night special Flower mountains, luscious trees and impressive architecture, Switzerland is truly Menu featuring petals from seasonal mountain a special place to visit that we’re sure you won’t want to leave anytime soon. blossom and blooms. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Begin your travels by taking a ferry Day 5 | Start off the day visiting the rustic What’s included crossing from Dover to Calais to arrive at Évian-les-Bains, a calm commune in France in this Sapphire Tour… our overnight accommodation in Reims, the before enjoying a boat trip to Lausanne across Campanile Reims Centre Cathedral HHH, Lake Geneva where we will have time to explore • Return ferry from Dover to Calais. • Leisure time at . featuring spacious rooms, friendly staff and a the popular lakeside resort and port of Ouchy Gruyères • Day at leisure in Villars. breakfast buffet overlooking the Vesle river. Harbour; gaze across the crystal blue waters • Boat Trip from Evian to Lausanne. that France and Switzerland both share before • Day 2 | Awaken to continue our travels onto Villars Access Card. travelling back to the hotel, taking a stop off at • Excursions as detailed. Villars, arriving at our hotel for the next the beautiful Montreux well-known for its Jazz • 7 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. 5 nights the HHHH, • Eurotel Victoria Villars Festivals and gorgeous lakeside promenade lined Coach travel, see page 36. located in Villar-Sur-Ollon and surrounded by with flowers, sculptures and well-kept trees. tall snowy mountains and trees as far as the eye can see. Day 6 | A scenic excursion to the fortified Gruyères is on the agenda today, passing the ski Enjoy a full day of leisure in Villars, we’ll Day 3 | resorts of Les Diablerets and Gstaad. Enjoy free include a Villars Access Card, allowing free time here exploring this scenic medieval town and unlimited use of the local trains, coaches, gondola maybe some cheese tasting too? lifts and more making it simple to get around. Perhaps you’ll enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool, Day 7 | Say goodbye to the gorgeous Switzerland sauna, sun terrace and fitness hall, or maybe to start our journey homeward with an overnight you’d prefer to venture a bit further out of town stay back in the French city of Reims at the to explore. There’s plenty of architecture to Mercure Parc des Expositions HHH. explore including the Aigle Castle, a 12th-century Day 8 | Venture back onto the ferry as we masterpiece with plenty of wine inside to be return back home to the South West and discovered, or maybe you’d prefer to visit Abbaye surrounding areas. de Saint-Maurice d’Agaune. Day 4 | Travel along the breathtaking Rhone Valley, making way to the municipality of Tasch before enjoying a train ride which will ascend us Lake Geneva upwards towards the car free town of Zermatt, with the beauty of Matterhorn towering above; enjoy taking in all the sites the alps has to offer Departure Date & Prices 2019 before returning back to Villars. 8 days & 7 nights Departure date: Sunday 1st September for only Single supplement: £160 £840pp Travel insurance: £40
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 37 CONTINENTAL TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Every spring the fields of western Holland, with the emergence of millions of blooms, explode in a riot of CLIENT colour. We offer an unrivalled choice of a 4 star superior FAVOURITE hotel, the Hotel Van Der Valk, Leusden. All within easy reach of Keukenhof Gardens also known as the Garden of Europe and ‘the Bulb Fields Route’. It’s a medical fact that flowers have are planted with 700 million bulbs, an immediate impact on happiness. featuring 800 different types of They have a long-term positive effect tulips. It’s the largest flower park on moods and increase our sense in Europe, leading to a highway of of enjoyment and life satisfaction. flowers, or the Bulb Fields Route, They help people connect with featuring fields of hyacinths, narcissi, nature, and with each other. Over in daffodils and the nation’s favourite Holland, they know a thing or two bloom. This journey continues about flowers. The Dutch have been to port Volendam, where the cultivating bulbs since 1593 and have masters, Picasso and Renoir, spent figured how to create a show that’s time capturing beautiful light and Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands guaranteed to elevate the human landscapes. And if happiness levels spirit. At Keukenhof Gardens, they’ll can contain it, this tour also travels give you over 700 million reasons for to Amsterdam. Dutch Bulb Fields smiling. That’s because the gardens & Amsterdam What’s included 4 days | 3 nights Hotel Van Der Valk in this Sapphire Tour… Leusden HHHH • Return ferry crossings. This stylish, contemporary hotel • Entrance to Keukenhof Gardens. has all the right ingredients to keep • Drive along ‘the Bulb a holidaymaker happy. There’s a Fields Route’. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Visit to Volendam. 4 days & 3 nights modern bar and terrace lounge, Departure date: Friday 3rd May • Time at leisure in Amsterdam. for only and spacious rooms with free • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £385pp Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a see page 3. Travel insurance: £25 hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift. • Coach Travel, see page 36.
Enjoy an expedition to the North of France as we discover Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, 75 years since the Normandy Landings. We’ll also take a look into the life of painter Claude Monet as we peruse the gardens SWANTOURNEW that helped inspire his artwork. France is a magical country at anytime which was influential to the paintings of the year, full to the brim with and artworks of traditional French historical monuments, impressive artist Claude Monet. We’ll also have artwork and mouthwatering food and time to visit the capital of Normandy, our home away from home, Lisieux is Rouen, where you will find cobbled no exception. Lisieux is a commune in pathways leading to medieval half- Normandy, making it the perfect base timbered houses. of operations to experience the D-Day landing beaches and memorials. Awaken early to visit the Caen War Memorial Museum, followed by a trip to see the Bayeux Tapestry which Rouen showcases the delicate tradition of embroidery. There will be time to reflect on the D-Day landings as we Monet’s Lily Pond th take a guided tour of Pointe du Hoc, 75 Anniversary of the Omaha Beach and the US Cemetery, all of which are steeped in history just What’s included D-Day Normandy Landings waiting to be discovered. We’ll have in this Sapphire Tour… time to discover Monets Garden, • Return ferry crossings. 4 days | 3 nights • Excursion to Monet’s Garden. Mercure Lisieux • Visit to Rouen. • Visit to the Lisieux HHH Caen War Memorial Museum. This hotel serves a great base to • Full Day Excursion to visit the explore the local area and features D-Day landing Sites and Departure Date & Prices 2019 Memorials. 4 days & 3 nights a relaxed restaurant with terrace Departure date: Thursday 20th June • Excursions as detailed. for only seating. There’s also a well-stocked • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: £90 £415pp bar and outdoor pool, both perfect see page 3. Travel insurance: £25 for relaxing. The hotel has a lift. • Coach Travel, see page 36.
38 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection IRISH COACH TOURS
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland Malin Head, Co. Donegal Amazing Grace & The Giants 8 days | 7 nights
When his ship ‘The Greyhound’ took refuge in Inishowen from a violent Inishowen Gateway Hotel storm, slave-trader John Newton believed God had delivered him to safety. Penning the hymn, Amazing Grace, Newton reformed and pushed for the Buncrana HHH abolition of slavery. It isn’t hard to believe a calm day in a beautiful setting On the Inishowen Peninsula, overlooking Buncrana Golf Course and Lough Swilly, this like this could change the course of a lifetime. We’ll explore the Inishowen modern hotel is 1km from the beach and near Peninsula travelling along spectacular coastlines, take a train from the town centre. Excellent leisure facilities Londonderry to Coleraine on ‘one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the include a 20m swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi world’, visit the Giant’s Causeway and explore Belfast with its and steam room. The hotel has a lift. Titanic history. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included Day 1 | How sweet the sound of friendly chatter Next stop is the Giant’s Causeway where world- in this Sapphire Tour… on a coach bound for Caernarfon and overnight famous basalt pillars have created a unique • Return ferry crossings. stay at the Celtic Royal Hotel HHH. The hotel geological feature that never fails to impress • Walking tour of Derry. has a lift. those who visit. Enjoy an optional bus ride with • Train ride along Causeway Coast from Derry audio guide telling the fascinating story of the to Coleraine. Day 2 | An early departure to catch the ferry from • Entrance to Causeway’s creation before departure for Belfast Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Centre Holyhead to Dublin. Breakfast will be served on and audio guide. where The Park Avenue Hotel HHHH welcomes board ship. Back on solid ground and through the • Guided tour of Belfast by open-top bus. us for the next two nights. The hotel has a lift. • counties of Meath and Louth to Co. Fermanagh Entrance to Titanic Experience, Belfast. • Excursions as detailed. and Buncrana where the Inishowen Gateway Day 6 | A great day exploring Belfast’s rich • 7 Nights hotel stay on half-board, see page 3. Hotel HHH will be our home for the next 3 nights. history and vibrant culture begins with a two and • Coach travel, see page 36. a half hour open-top bus guided tour of the city. Day 3 | Wild and stunning the Inishowen There will be free time to appreciate the city’s Peninsula is dappled with Celtic crosses, castles buildings, monuments and heritage centres and ancient forts kissed by white sandy beaches, before visiting the Titanic Experience to learn and fortressed by dramatic cliffs and sea-surged more about the ill-fated liner’s links to Northern rock. We’ll travel the scenic route, meandering Ireland’s capital city. along twists and turns of a road that passes panoramic views of Lough Swilly, the Atlantic Day 7 | Scenic journey to Waterford and Dooley’s and Lough Foyle, calling at Malin Head, the Hotel HHH where we will rest overnight. The hotel most northerly point in Ireland. Next we visit has a lift. fabulous Derry for a walking tour around the only Day 8 | An early morning ferry with breakfast completely walled city in Ireland. on board departs for Pembroke, and the coach Day 4 | Today we explore Donegal, bordered delivers us home to the West Country and by the Atlantic on three sides, spectacular sea surrounding area. views are never far away on this dramatic stretch Please Note: It is not possible to use the SwanTourer on day 6. of coastline. We use a coach supplied by a local operator and this may not feature additional legroom, onboard refreshments or WC. Photographic Day 5 | Michael Palin described the train journey Identification is required on this tour and it is recommended that you from Londonderry to Coleraine as ‘one of the most carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The currency for Northern Ireland is Sterling £. beautiful rail journeys in the world’. Starting at the Titanic Museum, Belfast Harbour 6th Century riverside setting of Derry, the train glides through tunnels and over bridges, leading to unspoiled beaches, seaside villages, Departure Date & Prices 2019 and past Binevenagh Mountain on the way to 8 days & 7 nights Ireland’s earliest site of settlement, Coleraine. Departure date: Saturday 15th June for only Double/twin room for sole occupancy: £140 £665pp Travel insurance: £30
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 39 IRISH COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Leighlinbridge , Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle, Ireland Autumn Treasures of Ireland 5 days | 4 nights
Sit back, relax and enjoy this leisurely holiday and really get a feeling for Treacys Hotel Ireland. Let the history of Kilkenny, Dunbrody and Waterford really soak in and give you a real insight into what’s made these cities so beautiful. Waterford HHH Meander through these cities as swiftly or as leisurely as you please. Beautiful and luxurious, Treacys Hotel has everything you would ever want on your dream Let the blanket of warmth that Ireland emits really tuck you in each night holiday. Whether it’s the bar, fine dining or the and awaken each morning to beauty, elegance and luxury. With something spa and swimming pool that you enjoy we’re for everyone you will be leaving planning your next trip to Ireland, or maybe, sure that you’ll have a great time relaxing here. you will want to call it home. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Time to kick your feet up as we start our browsing through the local art gallery, or What’s included travel to Pembroke to embark on a ferry crossing delve into the history of the city at the Museum in this Sapphire Tour… to Rosslare. Time will fly by as cheerful chatter fills of Treasure. • Return ferry crossings. the air and beautiful scenery drifts by. Waterford Day 4 | Dunbrody Famine and Emigrant ship • Entrance to Kilkenny Castle. is our next port of call as we head to the seaport • was used to transfer emigrants escaping their Free time in Waterford and New Ross. of Waterford, where our hotel for the next 4 • Entrance to Dunbrody Emigrant Ship. hometowns and the import of goods. Today we nights will be found. Treacys Hotel HHH flaunts • 1 Irish themed dinner night. will visit this reproduction of the 1840’s emigrant • friendliness and luxury, so slip on your comfy Irish coffee after dinner on last night. vessel, enjoy a plunge into the depths of this boat • Live musical entertainment each night. slippers and relax. and really get a feel of the history behind it. • Excursions as detailed. Day 2 | Kilkenny and more specifically Kilkenny Free time in New Ross is our next port of call. • 4 Nights hotel stay on half-board, see page 3. • Coach Travel, see page 36. Castle is on the agenda for today. The castle Let the fresh air of this city really give you a was built in 1195 as a fording point for the River new perspective. Notre so you can be certain to find history and Day 5 | Today we say goodbye to everyone at of course, beautifully tranquil surroundings. Treacys Hotel, and head towards Rosslare once Afterwards we will head to Kilkenny itself to more for our cruise back to Pembroke. We may be enjoy some free time in this relaxing atmosphere, leaving today, but we will be taking the beauty of offering an escape from our day-to-day busy lives. Ireland with us travelling back to our homes in the Watch as the castle vibrantly stands out amongst West Country. the city. Tranquil surroundings are around every Please Note: Photographic Identification is required on this tour and corner, so we’re sure you will find exactly what it is recommended that you carry your European Health Insurance you need to make your day extra special. Whilst Card (EHIC). The currency for Southern Ireland is Euros (¤). exploring the city you might run into a vibrant café and decide to go for a piece of cake, or maybe an Irish pub will stand out from the crowd and a proper Irish Guinness is more your thing. Day 3 | Let the smell of a fresh cup of tea or coffee awaken you this morning. Today is a day to unwind as we offer some free time to do as you choose in the unique seaport of Waterford. The elegant hotel offers a heated pool, so maybe a relaxing Kilkenny, Ireland day reading your favourite book pool side sounds like your idea of heaven? Or maybe take a trip into town, meandering down the high streets whilst Departure Date & Prices 2019 window shopping, admiring the beautiful river 5 days & 4 nights running alongside the city on the way. If relaxing Departure date: Monday 7th October for only isn’t on the menu today there’s lots to do, visit the Double/twin room for sole occupancy: £80 elegance of the cathedral, awaken the inner artist £385pp Travel insurance: £25
40 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Scone Palace Stirling Castle Burns Night Celebrations in Scotland 7 days | 6 nights
Burns Night is the celebration of the Scottish poet, Robbie Burns, and Salutation Hotel where better to spend it than in Scotland. Journey back in time and enjoy a Wee Dram with friends whilst listening to a piper perform ‘Address to the Perth HHH Haggis’ – a poem written by Robbie Burns in celebration of haggis. Visit Dating back to 1699, this traditionally furnished hotel resides next to the River Tay proud-standing castles, heritage-rich cities and rugged Scottish sceneries and is set in the perfect setting to explore Perth. as we spend a week gallivanting alongside the River Tay. We’ll also dabble Enjoy a traditionally themed Scottish dinner in a spot of Scottish shopping, browsing traditional country-styled tartan with entertainment on Burns Night . along with an assortment of other souvenirs to take home, browse at The hotel has a lift. your leisure. Day-by-Day Highlights What’s included Day 1 | We’ll begin our day with a journey to Fergusson Gallery. Scone Palace Stately Home is in this Sapphire Tour… Penrith, a town in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, also close-by should you wish to browse through • Glass of Bubbly at the Salutation Hotel. well-known for its abundance of castles wrapped beautifully presented gardens and gorgeously • Scottish Themed Dinner and Entertainment. in rich heritage. It’s here where we will find our executed architecture, the choice is yours. • Entrance to Stirling Castle. overnight stay, the Shap Wells Hotel HHH, • Entry to RSS Discovery. Day 5 | No holiday is complete without a • Day at leisure in Perth. enjoy cosy rooms in this elegant country house. shopping trip, and where else to shop whilst in • A visit to The House of Bruar. Day 2 | Leave Shap Wells to visit one of the largest Scotland than The House of Bruar, traditional • Excursions as detailed. • castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle, dating back to and country go hand-in-hand here. Once you’ve 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. • Coach travel, see page 36. the 1500’s, filled with gorgeous architecture and a stocked up on souvenirs to take home we’ll travel prosperous past of Scotland’s Renaissance Kings towards the vibrant Pitlochry, matched suitably and Queens. Perth is our next destination, as we with its rugged, traditional sceneries. arrive to a champagne reception at our hotel for Day 6 | Glasgow is on the agenda today as the next 4 nights the Salutation Hotel HHH. we enjoy free time wandering around the port- Dating back from 1699, enjoy the hotel’s many city on the River Clyde. Do as you please for the amenities and should you wish to explore the day, whether that’s basking in the beauty of River Tay is only a brisk walk away. Glasgow’s Cathedral, or maybe the Gallery of Day 3 | Let the Burns Night celebrations begin as Modern Art is more to your liking, browsing iconic we take a visit to the coastal city of Dundee. Enjoy pieces of artwork. As the day draws to an end entry onto the RSS Discovery, the ship that took we leave gorgeous Scotland and head back Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica back in 1901, to our overnight stay in Penrith, the explore the docked ship and discover the harsh Shap Wells Hotel HHH. conditions the two endured whilst on the British Day 7 | Awaken this morning before heading National Antarctic Expedition. As day turns to home to the west-country and surrounding areas night, return to the hotel and enjoy a Wee Dram with the memories of Burns Night celebrations with friends before being serenaded by a piper still fresh in our minds. performing, ‘Address to the Haggis’. Experience a Scottish themed dinner before being entertained with an evening of traditional music. Day 4 | Awaken at your own pace this morning as Perth you spend the day in Perth, doing as you please. Take a leisurely walk along the River Tay before experiencing Perth’s artistic history at the Departure Date & Prices 2019 7 days & 6 nights Departure date: Wednesday 23rd January for only Single Supplement: £90 £395pp Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 41 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
SWANTOURNEW
Loch Lomond Deeside Railway Royal Sceneries of Scotland 10 days | 9 nights
Scotland showcases beautiful sceneries, cities full of culture and tranquil Mercure Caledonian Hotel lochs, mix in railways fit for royalty and loch cruises for a magnificent getaway to Scotland. Join us in a tour where we’ll travel from point to point Aberdeen HHHH visiting extraordinary places of interest: Seek dolphins in Aberdeen, follow The Mercure Caledonian Hotel is the perfect base to explore Aberdeen and Scotland to its royalty with visits to the Church of Crathie, Balmoral Castle and Estate and utmost and features an array of amenities to spend free time in cities and towns filled with culture. help you unwind including a terrace lounge bar and a relaxed bistro. The hotel has a lift. Day-by-Day Highlights Day 1 | Travel north towards Scotland for an now houses an impressive collection of paintings. overnight stay at the Marriott Preston After exploring the house and grounds, we can What’s included Hotel HHHH, a converted Victorian Manor House enjoy lunch in the Tearoom before a short trip to in this Sapphire Tour… which features a fine-dining restaurant and relaxed the neighbouring harbour town of Banff, before lounge. The hotel has a lift. returning to our hotel. • Cruise on the Loch Lomond Waterbus. • Free time in Dundee. Day 2 | We continue our journey north to Drymen, Day 7 | Today we trace the footsteps of the Royal • Visit to Duff House. our home for the next 2 nights will be the Winnock family. We begin our day with a short stop at the • Visit to Banff. Hotel HHH, a former 18th century ale-house Church of Crathie best known for being the regular • Visit to the Church of Crathie, Balmoral Castle which overlooks the village green. There will be live place of worship for the Royal family when holidaying and Estate. in Scotland. We then visit the Balmoral Castle and • Train journey on the Royal Deeside Railway. entertainment one evening. The hotel does not • Estate which is nestled in the shadows of Lochnagar. Half day guided tour of Aberdeen. have a lift, but ground floor rooms are available • Day at leisure in Aberdeen. upon request. We will have free time for lunch at the coffee shop on • Aberdeen Dolphin Adventure Cruise. the Estate. In the afternoon we will make our way to • Day 3 | Awaken to enjoy a two hour cruise across Excursions as detailed. the Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes train • 9 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. Loch Lomond on the Loch Lomond Waterbus station where we will board a train for a 2 mile return • Coach travel, see page 36. service. Enjoy gazing across the first national park journey. The Royal Deeside Railway is unique in having in Scotland, home to the red deer, whilst served all British Monarchs from Queen Victoria to observing rugged Scottish scenery. Soup and Queen Elizabeth II, their families and foreign visitors sandwiches are provided for some much needed travelling to Balmoral. lunchtime refreshment. Day 8 | After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our day Day 4 | After breakfast this morning we leave with a half day guided tour of Aberdeen, Scotland’s Drymen and travel north to the Granite City of third largest city. This afternoon we have a fantastic Aberdeen. En-route we’ll make a visit to Dundee, a opportunity to see Aberdeen’s famous urban coastal city on the Firth of Tay estuary, for some free dolphins up close when we set sail on the 90 minute time before arriving at the Mercure Caledonian Aberdeen Dolphin Adventure Cruise. Hotel HHHH where we will spend the next five nights enjoying this traditional hotel. Day 9 | Today we say goodbye to Scotland and start our journey home with an overnight stay at the Day 5 | Enjoy a day at leisure in Aberdeen giving you Marriott Preston. time to explore this traditional Scottish city. Wander around the expansive Duthie Park to your heart’s Day 10 | Travel home to the West Country and content, or maybe you’d prefer to see the sites, some surrounding areas. of which include a 17th-century jail or St Machar’s Please Note: No porterage is available at our overnight stays at the Marriott Preston so an overnight bag would be required. Cathedral, a 12th-century cathedral with stained glass Balmoral Castle windows. Finish the day off by retiring to the hotel to enjoy a well-stocked terrace lounge bar and a bite to eat. Departure Date & Prices 2019 Day 6 | Today we will visit Duff House, a magnificent 10 days & 9 nights Georgian mansion nestled in extensive parkland. Departure date: Sunday 23rd June for only Considered to be one of the most important Single Supplement: £135 £795pp architectural endeavours in Scotland, the building Travel insurance: £30
42 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
Fireworks over Edinburgh Castle
SWANTOURNEW
Falkirk Wheel The Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scotland 6 days | 5 nights
Scotland is the perfect retreat for many due to its culture-rich towns Holiday Inn and cities paired with rugged Scottish scenery. Discover what makes the Edinburgh Military Tattoo an international favourite, with people from East Kilbridge HHHH across the world tuning in to witness the spectacular theatrics outside the The Holiday Inn features many amenities to help you relax and unwind on your trip to Scotland magnificent Edinburgh Castle. We’ll also have ample time to experience the including an indoor pool, spa, fitness centre and Falkirk Wheel and the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. a casual lounge which hosts a well-stocked bar. Single travellers will enjoy a double or twin room Day-by-Day Highlights for sole occupancy whilst staying at this hotel. Day 1 | We begin our travels North-bound, a refreshing evening meal, perfect to round off a The hotel has a lift. to our overnight stay in the modern day full of interesting excursions. HHHH Samlesbury Hotel . Day 5 | Awaken this morning to begin our Day 2 | We’ll continue travel, before stopping in travels to our overnight hotel, the Samlesbury What’s included the city of Carlisle, perched pleasantly in Cumbria Hotel HHHH. On our travels we’ll make a stop at in this Sapphire Tour… for some lunch and time at leisure. Carlisle is Moffat, a quaint burgh in the south of Scotland. • Free time in Carlisle and Moffat. most known for it’s grand 12th century fortress This vibrant tourist town is a breath of fresh air • Free time at leisure in Edinburgh. and prison, the Carlisle Castle, however the city and makes a perfect stopping location to enjoy • Watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. also features a wide-array of cultural delights some lunch. Whilst here you are free to do as you • Train ride on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. including a medieval cathedral and art gallery, all please, perhaps the refurbished Moffat museum, • Visit to the Falkirk Wheel. at your fingertips! In the evening we’ll arrive at our full to the brim with information of the town is on • Excursions as detailed. • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. hotel for the next 3 nights, the Holiday Inn HHH, the agenda? Maybe a wander around the town is • 1 night bed and breakfast. East Kilbride. more fitting or venturing to local shopfronts. The • Coach travel, see page 36. decision is yours to make. Day 3 | Today features free time in Edinburgh with the opportunity to dine at local eateries Day 6 | Awaken to say goodbye to our overnight if desired before visiting the Royal Edinburgh hotel before travelling south-bound to the West Military Tattoo: The thrilling and moving Country and surrounding areas, with memories experience, against the worlds famous backdrop of the tour still aplenty. of Edinburgh Castle, will incorporate the unforgettable music of the massed pipes and drums, the massed military bands, as well as imaginative graphics before the show is finally brought to an emotional and poignant close as the Lone Piper, high on the castle ramparts, plays a haunting lament. Once the show comes to a close we’ll return back to our hotel, with the melodies and performances fresh in your minds. Day 4 | Enjoy a leisurely start this morning as we head to the coastal parish of Bo’ness for a nostalgic ride on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, which feature both diesel and steam locomotives, all for your leisure. Watch as beautiful Scottish Edinburgh Castle Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway landscapes fly by outside your window. Once we’ve disembarked we’ll take the short journey to the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat life. Built in the Departure Date & Prices 2019 early 2000’s, this impressive piece of architecture 6 days & 5 nights helps the flow of boat traffic by connecting Departure date: Thursday 8th August for only Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Single Supplement: £110 As day turns to night we’ll return to our hotel for £495pp Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 43 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
CLIENT FAVOURITE
Loch Tummel in Autumn Glamis Castle & Gardens Spectacular Scotland on Safari 7 days | 6 nights
With more trees than you could shake a stick at, Scotland’s landscape Fishers Hotel represents one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses. Whilst natural elements have sculpted the nations topography, heaving mountains Pitlochry HHH towards clouds and sinking lochs into valley hollows, the rich variety of Standing quaint and cobbled, the Fishers Hotel boasts all the creature comforts you’re woodland owes a greater debt to man than might otherwise be recognised. accustomed to, warm looking rooms feature Former Victorian plant-hunter David Douglas, known to some because of flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee the, ‘Douglas Pine’, is responsible for many of Perthshire’s finest specimen making facilities. Scottish and European cuisine offers a hearty wake up in the morning. trees and plantations. Home to grouse, mountain hare, deer and golden The hotel has a lift. eagle, man and nature are in perfect harmony, sharing an environment where wildlife thrives in protected habitats that safeguard innumerable species of plant and creature. What’s included in this Sapphire Tour… Day-by-Day Highlights • Day 1 | A relaxing journey as we head north Pitlochry, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and Highland Safari with Kilted Mountain Rangers. • Wee dram and shortbread at mountain bothy. into Preston, for an overnight stay at the vibrant towns. • Entrance to the Highland Folk Museum. HHHH Samlesbury Hotel . Day 5 | Bird song is nature’s alarm clock, and it • Lunch on day 3 at Kenmore Hotel, Scotland’s oldest inn. Day 2 | We continue travel through Scotland to shall be yours too on this day at leisure in Pitlochry. • Entrance to Royal Yacht Britannia. arrive at Royal Yacht Britannia, which was the Awaken whenever you like, taking advantage of • Entrance to Glamis Castle and Gardens. former yacht to Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 our gorgeous hotel’s many amenities. Should your • Excursions as detailed. before being decommissioned on the 11th of heart desire, travel to the self-proclaimed, ‘Heart • 6 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. December 1997. This attraction is now open of Scotland’, Pitlochry, with its beautiful scenery • Coach travel, see page 36. to the public and features grand interiors. and plentiful clan heritage! Onwards to Pitlochry where a warm welcome Day 6 | Return journey to Preston and an HHH awaits at the Fishers Hotel , the perfect overnight stay at the Leyland Hotel HHHH. place to unwind, dine and look forward to some grand adventures to come. Day 7 | Onward travel and return home to the West Country and surrounding area. Day 3 | Awaken to a prosperous day filled with autumn colours and sweet smells as we leisurely explore Glamis Castle and Gardens. Featuring two gardens and a variety of nature trails to explore, you’ll find hidden gems hiding around every corner including sculptures, water features and flourishing flowerbeds. Day 4 | Kilted Mountain Safari Rangers in Land Rovers are ready to transport us on a 2.5 hour Highland safari through forests, mountains and moors into the last wilderness of Europe where regular sightings of grouse, mountain hare, deer and golden eagle can be seen in their natural Perthshire, Scotland Royal Yacht Britannia habitat. There’s time to enjoy a wee dram and shortbread at a mountain bothy before lunch at Kenmore Hotel, Scotland’s oldest inn. Departure Date & Prices 2019 Admiring nature at her wildest as the SwanTourer 7 days & 6 nights glides through Perthshire countryside toward Departure date: Sunday 1st September for only Single Supplement: £90 £555pp Travel insurance: £25
44 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
Peel Castle, Isle of Man
Isle of Man Harbour An Idyllic Retreat: The Isle of Man 6 days | 5 nights
A seabound kingdom with many stories to tell, the Isle of Man’s history is Chesterhouse Hotel said to have started from Ireland when Finn MacCool threw a chunk of land at Scotland. Whilst it must have been quite some throw, considering the Isle of Man HHH island’s 33 mile length, the giant’s punt fell short, creating an idyllic retreat This hotel features seaviews and gorgeous service, with a free drink accompanying each that truly has something for everyone. From bucket and spade beaches meal to look forward to, nothing sounds better. and sheltered bays to jagged cliffs, hills and a solitary mountain, the Isle of Enjoy carefree relaxation whilst merrily gazing Man’s attractions are, like its myths, larger than life. out your window onto the vast Irish Sea. The hotel has a lift . Day-by-Day Highlights Please Note: Due to architectural features, this hotel is less suitable for guests requiring a wheelchair, mobility assistance or Day 1 | Depart from the West Country and travel Day 5 | Legendary TT motorcycle races attract street level access. The hotel only has 1 ground floor room. The northwards to Preston for an overnight stay at international media coverage and riders from hotel has a lift however it is not suitable for wheelchairs. the Samlesbury Hotel HHHH. around the globe. We’ll follow their tracks, venturing West, to North and then to the East to Day 2 | Before taking the afternoon ferry from eventually wind up in the coastal town of Ramsey Heysham to Douglas, there’s time for a leisurely What’s included by late morning, being the second largest town awakening at the hotel, sipping freshly brewed in this Sapphire Tour… on the island, you’re sure to find something tea or coffee whilst the sound of bird song slowly worthwhile that you’ll thoroughly enjoy. After • Return ferry crossings. attunes you for the day. At Heysham it’s worth relaxing the morning away the afternoon will • Travel on the Manx Electric Railway. looking out for the Viking Hog’s Back tombstones see railways galore as we travel on not just one, • Travel on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. in Saxon St. Peters Church, if time permits, • but two railways. The late 1800’s saw the Manx Travel on the Isle of Man Steam Railway . before the 3 hour crossing to the Isle of Man and • Day at leisure in Douglas. Electric Railway being erected, bringing in fresh onward travel to the Chesterhouse Hotel HHH, • Excursions as detailed. tourism to the village of Laxey, or as the Old Norse • Entertainment at the hotel on two nights. our home for the next four nights. named it, ‘Salmon River’. All this before travelling • 5 nights hotel stay on half board, see page 3. Day 3 | Rail enthusiasts will be happy on a day on the Snaefell Mountain Railway, riding all the • Coach Travel, see page 36. that begins with a ride aboard the Isle of Man way to the summit for some amazing views before Steam Railway to Port Erin, where the coach will travelling back. meet us, then relax as we gently move towards Day 6 | Ferry sailing from Douglas to Heysham the Sound Visitor’s Centre. At Sound Visitor’s early morning to arrive at Heysham for 10am Centre guests can enjoy panoramic views of Calf before onward travels back to the West Country of Man, a hotspot for seals, or learn about tragedy and the surrounding areas. and shipwreck from the adjacent exhibition space. Whilst reflecting, enjoy tea and cake at the café to thoroughly complement the beautiful views, before going back to the hotel for some relaxation time. Day 4 | Relax with a leisurely breakfast on a day when the itinerary is yours to write. Douglas, the capital and largest town on the island is a lively seaside resort with plenty of shops and cafés to explore, or if you’d prefer some fresh air there’s Harris Promenade, edged by a wide sandy beach, Douglas Steam Railway where horse-drawn trams might coax you to take the weight off your feet. Over at Manx National Heritage Museum, the island’s 10,000 year Departure Date & Prices 2019 history is presented through films, galleries and 6 days & 5 nights interactive displays. Departure date: Saturday 13th April for only Single Supplement: None £455pp Travel insurance: £25
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 45 RHS COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
SWANTOURNEW
Royal Azalea Cardiff Pierhead Building RHS Flower Show Cardiff 2 days | 1 night
RHS Rosemoor and SwanTours have come together to bring you this Angel Hotel amazing Sapphire Tour visiting the RHS Flower Show Cardiff. Enjoy browsing a wide array of brilliant gardens at your leisure during the flower Cardiff HHH show and there’s time to explore the relaxed port-city of Cardiff, nestled Located in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre, this upscale Victorian hotel features all the on the south coast of Wales. The capital features a multitude of activities, amenities you’d expect, serving as a perfect including the beautiful Mermaid Quay and the Wales Millennium Centre, home from home. Enjoy the cosy bar and renowned for its fine-arts performances. restaurant areas as well as access to the local gym and health club nearby. The hotel has a lift. Flowers can relax the most stressed soul, so what inspired gardens and the ruins of Blackfriars Friary, better excuse is there to enjoy a tour to Cardiff all before unwinding upon a park bench amidst and see the extravagant RHS Flower Show. There true tranquility. are lots of exhibits on show, including fresh Relish in an evening of culinary treats as we enjoy a What’s included flowerbeds, gorgeous gardens and a number 3 course meal upon our return to the hotel, in this Sapphire Tour… of talks and shows to enjoy throughout the day. the perfect pick-me-up after exploring the • Savour the sweet fragrance and vibrant colours, in Time at leisure in Cardiff. capital of Wales. Maybe a glass of wine would be • Entrance to the Cardiff Flower Show. a day full of horticultural delights. the perfect accompaniment to this wonderfully • 3 Course Evening Meal at the Hotel. There’s time to explore Cardiff, proclaimed the prepared feast. • £15 Discount when you quote your valid RHS Membership number. nation’s capital in 1955, this city is rich in culture. There’s time to relax and reflect once more • 1 night hotel stay on half board, see page 3. Maybe you’ll find yourself inside Cardiff Castle, as we begin our return to the South West and • Coach Travel, see page 36. built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders, surrounding areas. There’ll be plenty of time to this gothic castle is truly a treat for the eyes. share a story or two with fellow travellers on board Perhaps Bute Park is a more appropriate visit, your SwanTourer, forming friendships that will last with it’s flowers very much in bloom; enjoy a stroll Quote your valid RHS Membership number and a lifetime. beside the River Taff, leading you through Victorian qualify for a £15 discount.
Cardiff City Hall Tulip Display
Please Note: Early booking discount does not apply on this tour. Departure Date & Prices 2019 Departure date: Friday 12th April 2 days & 1 night Single Supplement: None for only Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £35 £165pp Travel insurance: £12
46 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection RHS COACH TOURS
SWANTOURNEW
Wisley Flower Garden Delphiniums RHS Wisley Flower Show 2 days | 1 night
RHS Rosemoor and SwanTours have come together to bring you this Hilton Double Tree Hotel amazing Sapphire Tour visiting RHS Wisley Flower Show. RHS Wisley is one of the world’s greatest gardens and features as the perfect getaway Woking HHHH from your busy day-to-day routines. Travels towards the tranquil county This modern hotel features cosy rooms, a contemporary dining area and a well-stocked bar of Surrey ensue. Located on the outskirts of London, this magical county area and is a perfect location for discovering the features culture, charm and finesse. RHS Wisley Flower Show. Rooms feature WiFi, We’ll travel to the quaint village of Wisley, nestled including camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas coffee and tea-making facilities and TVs. The hotel in the pleasant county of Surrey, to enjoy The and magnolias. There’ll be time to explore the has a lift. RHS Wisley Flower Show, a show dedicated to the Oakwood, bathed in history, this feature was celebration of horticulture, featuring beautifully originally planted in 1878 onto an existing woodland presented, freshly bloomed flower exhibits for with the goal of growing rare and exotic plants What’s included you to breathe in and admire. Spend a whole day at originating from Asia and Japan. in this Sapphire Tour… leisure, enjoying talks from florists and horticultural There will be a plentiful three course evening meal experts, whom are ready to fill you with inspiration, • Entrance to the RHS Wisley Flower Show. to enjoy at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel, perfect a perfect gift to take home to your gardens and • 3 Course meal at the Hotel. for whetting your appetite. Sit back and enjoy a • £15 Discount when you quote your valid RHS flowerbeds. There’ll be lots of opportunities drink from the hotel’s well stocked bar as food is Membership number. to peruse the wide-array of stunning flower freshly prepared and assured to be a sensation • 1 night hotel stay on half board, see page 3. alignments, giving you ample time to breathe in the • for the tastebuds. Enjoy exchanging stories full of Coach Travel, see page 36. fresh scent of the vibrant plant-life on show. excitement for the flower show to come. Enjoy wandering around The Laboratory, built Sit back and relax as our SwanTourer cruises back to in 1907 as a hub for horticultural students, the South West and surrounding areas, reflecting Quote your valid RHS Membership number and before experiencing Battleston Hill, 20 acres of on the memories made that will last a lifetime. qualify for a £15 discount. land showcasing a variety of different plants,
Wisley Tulip Garden Pink Lily
Please Note: Early booking discount does not apply on this tour. Departure Date & Prices 2019 2 days & 1 night Departure date: Monday 2nd September for only Single Supplement: £55 £165pp Travel insurance: £12
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 47 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Head to the glistening islands of Guernsey and Sark, between England and France, where stunning natural CLIENT beauty, picturesque sea settlements, warm weather FAVOURITE and golden sandy beaches await. From world-class floral displays and pebbles. Savour the fragrances to shimmering medieval castles, at The Freesia Centre, and learn German war tunnels and sandy how traditional flowers are grown coves and beaches, not to mention under glass. Our full day excursion duty-free shopping; there really is to Sark takes us on a two hour horse something for everyone in beautiful and carriage ride around this Guernsey. There’s plenty of time to car-free island, to see some of the explore, whether it’s the cliffs and finest coastlines around. This is the coves, the comings and goings followed by time for individual at Saint Peter Port, or the menu at exploration or relaxation before a local café that takes your fancy. returning to Guernsey. It’s easy and cheap to get around Please Note: Photographic identification is too, using local buses. Included is a required on this tour and please read page 61 for important information regarding coach and full day’s guided tour of the island: baggage handling. Ferry timetable to be confirmed Among other highlights are The at a later date. Little Chapel perhaps the smallest in the world, built back in 1914 Gorgeous Guernsey beautifully decorated with seashells & Sedate Sark Peninsula Hotel What’s included | 5 days 4 nights Guernsey HHH in this Sapphire Tour… Located on a grassy peninsula • Return ferry crossings. leading to a sandy bay, this hotel • Full-day guided tour of Guernsey. occupies a prominent seafront • Boat trip to Sark and carriage ride. • position on the north-west coast. A day at leisure in Guernsey. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, 5 days & 4 nights With a large outdoor swimming Departure date: Monday 9th September see page 3. for only pool and a superb restaurant • Fully escorted throughout by a Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £80 £535pp you’re sure to feel at home. SwanTours representative. Travel insurance: £25 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
Officially the UK’s sunniest place, the Isle of Wight’s a perfect destination for sightseers and sun-seekers. Featuring a halo of great beaches and quintessential English countryside, there’ll be smiles for miles on this golden getaway. There’s little mistaking the holiday coves that embroider the fabric of feeling that comes as the ferry island life while Carisbrooke Castle leaves port on a journey across fashions a story from history’s the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The chequered clothes about King anticipation of arriving on ‘foreign’ Charles I’s imprisonment during the shores is soon met and after a short English Civil War. Turn back time as transfer to Shanklin, everything’s we enjoy a vintage steam railway ready for a perfect break. Sandy ride across the isle. Sit back and beaches are within easy reach of relax as thin clouds of steam pair the hotel and from here you can with the colours of luscious green see why the island’s proved such a as the Isle of Wight gently cruises popular resort with notable visitors. past your window. There’ll be free Isle of Wight Prince Albert felt the views rivalled time for guests to explore local those from the Bay of Biscay and attractions, with no Customs to fuss Queen Victoria felt it ‘impossible about when it’s time to go home. to imagine a prettier spot’. A visit to Spring Colours, Quarr Abbey refreshes the soul; an island tour reveals a rolling tapestry of hedgerows, chalky cliffs and Wight Delight What’s included 5 days | 4 nights in this Sapphire Tour… Channel View Hotel • Return ferry crossings. • Entrance to . Shanklin HHH Carisbrooke Castle Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Visit to Quarr Abbey and Departure date: Sunday 31st March This family-run hotel overlooks island tour. 5 days & 4 nights • the English Channel and is a great Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Single supplement: None • Excursions as detailed. for only base to explore the local area. Classic side sea view: £5pppn • 4 nights hotel stay on full board, £375pp Relaxed rooms feature tea and see page 3, from dinner on arrival Superior front sea view: £10pppn coffee-making facilities and many to breakfast on departure. Travel insurance: £20 have sea views. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
48 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
To walk through Oxford’s streets is to stroll through millennia of civilization. From St Michael’s Tower at the North Gate through to the University’s Bodleian Library, Oxford demonstrates fine examples of English SWANTOURNEW architecture at every turn. Rivalling any city in the world, autumnal splashes of colour. We Oxford has a cornucopia to offer visit Winston Churchill’s birthplace, visitors from around the globe. Blenheim Palace where the gilded Punt rides on the water, cobbled staterooms house some of Europe’s streets, boutiques, galleries and finest collections from antiquity museums all vie for attention in and where ‘Capability’ Brown’s this vibrant hub of activity that landscaped parklands provide elegantly combines traditional and a perfect backdrop for formal contemporary culture. On the banks gardens that are magnificent at of the Cherwell River the Botanical any time of year. A trip to the retail Gardens have been a seat of study outlet, Bicester Village, ensues for the medicinal benefit of plants before enjoying an entertaining Lake at Blenheim Palace since 1621, whilst easy-access walks guided walking tour of Oxford with through surrounding parks and time at leisure to do as you please meadows offer peace and tranquility completing this atmospheric escape Oxford: The City of to reflect on the timeless quality of from the ordinary.
Dreaming Spires Oxford Belfry Oxford HHHH What’s included 5 days | 4 nights in this Sapphire Tour… Ideally situated for exploring Oxford and surrounding areas, • Entrance to Blenheim Palace. this stylish hotel features a • Visit to Bicester Village swimming pool, sauna, steam retail outlet. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Guided Walking Tour of Oxford 5 days & 4 nights room, Medio bar and AA rosette Departure date: Easter Monday 22nd April with Free time in Oxford. for only award restaurant dining. All guest • Excursions as detailed. Double/Twin for £100 rooms have air conditioning and • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, sole occupancy: £375pp a TV. The hotel has a lift. Ground see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 floor rooms are also available. • Coach travel, see page 36.
Treat your Mother to a day she’ll never forget with this historic SwanTour – Travel to London to enjoy a day full of shopping and dining in the city-centre. Experience the beauty of Hampton Court where we’ll find out why SWANTOURNEW its flower show is truly not to be missed featuring must- see exhibits amongst a truly magical setting. Travel to the capital of England about and would like to show your and experience its magnificent appreciation to. Breathe in the fresh beauty. Our first port of call will fragrance of the stunning flower be The Bull Hotel, a 17th century arrangements on show, set through former coaching-inn. Awaken the ages showcasing how royalty and venture to Hampton Court, varied the presentations of their a royal palace decorated with garden features. Throughout the tall-standing trees and pristine day there will be flower arranging architecture where they’re hosting demonstrations to give you their annual Florimania, run by inspiration to try at home. After the Royal Horticultural Society; a day enjoying the wide array of Hampton court Florimania it’s a lovely way to treat your flower displays Hampton Court Mother or someone that you care has to offer, enjoy a trip to London to indulge in a spree of shopping, or maybe a Mother’s Day dinner is Mother’s Day Treat: The Bull Hotel more appropriate? The choice is yours. Flowers, Shops & Royalty Gerrards Cross HHHH Being a 17th-century former 4 days | 3 nights coaching-inn, our hotel for the weekend is soaked in history. Enjoy their British and What’s included Mediterranean style restaurant in this Sapphire Tour… or maybe unwind at the bar. Near • Visit Hampton Court. Departure Date & Prices 2019 the city centre, this hotel is the 4 days & 3 nights • Hampton Court Florimania. Departure date: Friday 29th March perfect hub to explore London. • Leisure time in London. for only The hotel has a lift.* • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: None £295pp *Please Note: Due to the historical nature of the see page 3. Travel insurance: £18 hotel there may be steps to some of the rooms. • Coach Travel, see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 49 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Newquay Treat yourself with an all-inclusive trip to the glistening Newquay sat in the heart of Cornwall. There will be good times, golden beaches, great dining experiences and excursions worth remembering for a lifetime. SWANTOURNEW There will be time to relax and too, set in 18 acres in the heart of reflect on our visit to Cornwall Cornwall, as well as a wonderful as we enjoy cream teas and live jewellery showroom you can entertainment at The Esplanade discover Cornwall’s only remaining hotel in Newquay, featuring a tin steaming mill which has been complimentary bar to enjoy regenerated to once again extract each evening. Explore the town tin from the land. The Tolgus Tin of Newquay which features the is then combined with the silver sun-kissed Fistral and Watergate and gold to create unique Bay beaches, perfect for unwinding jewellery pieces.
to the sound of crashing waves. Please Note: Our tour to Skinners Brewery Enjoy an excursion to Truro, the includes several flights of stairs, so those with capital of Cornwall, steeped in mobility issues may find the tour challenging. No rich-culture and magnificent gothic open-toed shoes are permitted in the brewery. architecture. We’ll have time to enjoy a tour of Skinners Brewery, founded in 1997; the brewery What’s included Cornwall’s All-Inclusive produces a wide array of award- in this Sapphire Tour… winning Cornish Beers. There’s • time to explore Cornwall Gold Cream tea at the hotel on arrival Escapade • Breakfast, lunch, dinner and complimentary bar between 6pm-9pm on selected brands. 5 days | 4 nights • Entertainment every evening The Esplanade at the hotel. • Free time in . Newquay HHH Newquay • Visit to Truro. Departure Date & Prices 2019 Featuring views overlooking • Tour of Skinners Brewery. • Fistral Beach, our hotel features Visit to Cornwall Gold. Departure date: Monday 18th March 5 days & 4 nights • Excursions as detailed. a casual restaurant, hot tub and Single supplement: None for only • 4 nights hotel stay all-inclusive, indoor pool, complimentary see page 3, from dinner on arrival Sea View: £15prpn £325pp bar and live entertainment each to breakfast on departure. Travel insurance: £20 evening. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
Guernsey’s Coastline Explore the sites around this plentiful coastal resort. Venture back in time exploring magnificent histories and discover architecture carved into cliffsides on a relaxing coastal cruise. This luxury is all yours for the taking. Bournemouth; a sunny seaside resort After indulging in intense histories, where travellers come from far and peruse as leisurely as you wish around wide to lounge and play, and that’s the gardens, dotted with pyramids exactly what you’ll be doing whilst of sculpted shrubbery. Enjoy a day of experiencing immense histories freedom, writing your own excursion and surroundings. An excursion to around pristine Bournemouth. With Athelhampton House and Gardens 7 miles of beaches, cosy shops and will surely stir excitement into any Victorian architecture to be spotted, holiday goer. This 15th Century there’s loads to do! A boat trip along country manor house was built by Sir Dorset’s Heritage Coast is to follow William Martyn and was passed down before boarding a train to Norden and his family for more than a thousand subsequently the most relaxing day Dorset’s Heritage Coast years. Much of the house you’ll see to be had. has stood the test of time, standing over five centuries.
Revitalising Coasts in Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa Sunny Bournemouth Bournemouth HHH What’s included in this Sapphire Tour… Located on the prestigious East 5 days | 4 nights Cliffs overlooking the beautiful • Entrance to Athelhampton bay, just a two minute stroll down House and Gardens. to the sand and minutes from the • A boat trip along Dorset’s iconic Bournemouth Pier and Heritage Coast. Gardens. This hotel is perfect • A train ride to Norden. • for relaxation with an outdoor Time at leisure in Swanage. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Day at leisure in Bournemouth. 5 days & 4 nights solar heated swimming pool and Departure date: Sunday 12th May • Excursions as detailed. for only panoramic sea views whilst sitting • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: None £345pp on the terrace of the popular see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 Italian Café. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
50 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
Amidst an abundance of mountains and dense forestry lies an array of beautiful Welsh towns and ports just awaiting to be discovered and explored. Scale the tallest mountain in Wales by railway, enjoy excursions through SWANTOURNEW Beddgelert and Porthmadog and relax perusing Plas Newydd House and Gardens. Wales, or ‘Cymru’ as the locals may There’s also excursions to the call it, is a country steeped in history impressive Beddgelert and and rich culture. On our travels, we’ll Porthmadog, who’s national park venture to Plas Newyd House and features 840 miles of expansive Gardens, home to Lord and Lady mountains and green forests. Anglesey. The gardens makes the There will also be time to explore perfect viewing point for Snowdon Caernarfon at your own leisure, Mountain, the tallest mountain perhaps exploring Caernarfon in Wales, which we’ll be climbing Castle, or maybe just a stroll around by train. Sink into your seat as you the village is enough to quench the transverse awe-inspiring valleys and thirst for adventure. Charming, Snowdon Mountain mountaintops before reaching the cultural and calm, Wales features tallest point of Wales. Continue on the perfect combination for to the beautiful Betws-y-coed; this a holiday that’s sure not to quaint village features a 13th century be forgotten. Pristine Peaks forest and the beautiful Swallow Falls - listen as it’s waters burble and & Mountain Railways ripple hypnotically, the perfect place What’s included to forget about your worries. in this Sapphire Tour… 5 days | 4 nights • A ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Celtic Royal Hotel • Entrance to Plas Newyd House and Gardens. HHH Caernarfon • Excursions to Beddgelert and This beautiful hotel was built Porthmadog. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Time at leisure in Caernarfon. 5 days & 4 nights back in 1794 and features all the Departure date: Monday 14th October • Excursions as detailed. for only amenities you’d expect as well • 4 nights hotel stay of half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £120 £385pp as a pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 steam room. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
We’ll be travelling as far back as the 11th century to discover how England developed throughout the ages becoming one of the most culture-rich countries in the world. Grand cathedrals, proud castles and quaint SWANTOURNEW gardens await… There’s something magical about walking tour of the city, followed the past, especially when it’s by time for you to explore at your entwined with an upbringing of a own pace. The Beamish Museum is nation. Raby Castle features 200 the perfect finale to a truly historic acres of deer park and is truly an trip; experience the story of North architectural spectacular, built England’s rich-past from the 1800’s by John Neville between 1367 and all the way through to the late 1390, there’s time to explore this 1900’s in this open-air experience, medieval castle to it’s fullest with featuring live actors and walk-in it’s luscious surroundings and shop exhibits. To add the icing to magnificent interiors. There’s lots the cake, we’ll be staying at the to see and do in Durham City, with majestic Whitworth Hall Hotel, Durham Cathedral the botanic gardens of Durham County Durham which rests University, the Romanesque alongside a quaint deer park - Durham Cathedral and the Durham perfect for unwinding. Castle built in the 11th century, all at Grand Adventures your disposal. We enjoy a half day in Durham Whitworth Hall Hotel What’s included | 5 days 4 nights County Durnam HHH in this Sapphire Tour… This grand country house • Entrance to Raby Castle. features an array of spectacular • Guided Walking Tour of amenities, including its own deer Durham City. • park, a relaxed brasserie and a Free time in Durham City. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Visit to Beamish Museum. 5 days & 4 nights more formal dining room. Departure date: Sunday 15th September • Excursions as detailed. for only The hotel does not have a lift • 4 nights hotel stay of half board, Single supplement: £80 £335pp however ground room floors are see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 available upon request. • Coach travel, see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 51 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Enjoy a day at the races and visit Newmarket Racecourse watching the horses in training. Leisurely wander the Royal Sandringham House before exploring the gothic Cambridge. SWANTOURNEW The city of Cambridge is one of dining on a roast chicken lunch to magnificence, glorified by the proud revitalise. Formally opened by Her standing Kings College Chapel and Majesty The Queen, The National prestigious Cambridge University. Heritage Centre specialises in fine Take a trip to Sandringham House, art for horseracing and sports, the much-loved retreat of Her browse the art exhibits to finish off a Majesty The Queen, and experience day at the races. Awaken to a day of fine architecture coupled with 24 free time around Cambridge, doing hectares of beautifully pristine as you please for the day: Enjoy gardens. Take a short journey botanical gardens, wander beside to Newmarket Thoroughbred the still waters of the River Cam Racecourse, before watching the or see the popular Kings College horses training in the gallops, Chapel, masked in an abundance of flaunting their elegance and history, the day is yours to enjoy. Sandringham House athleticism. Enjoy a tour of The National Stud and get an insight into Thoroughbred breeding before Royal Retreats & What’s included a Day at the Races in this Sapphire Tour… Hallmark Hotel • A visit to Sandringham House. • A visit to | Newmarket 5 days 4 nights Cambridge HHHH Racecourse watching the horses training in the gallops. Enjoy the traditional • A tour around The National Stud contemporary country hotel and lunch. which features many amenities • A visit to the National you’re accustomed to. Relax in Heritage Centre. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Free time around Cambridge. 5 days & 4 nights their bar or dine in their brasserie Departure date: Monday 3rd June • Excursions as detailed. for only restaurant. There’s also a spa, hot • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: £120 £355pp tub and fitness centre to revitalise. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach Travel, see page 36.
Trafalgar Square, London We’ll be following in Royal footsteps as we experience two stately homes in London. Frogmore House and Clarence House both feature quaint gardens, impressively decorated interiors and royal heritage. SWANTOURNEW London’s streets are always bursting botany influenced the grand interior. with charm, whether that’s the Clarence House is the next point beautifully paved Trafalgar Square of interest - Being one of the last with its assortment of statues and remaining aristocratic townhouses street performers, or perhaps the in London; you’ll be pleasantly luminous hustle of Oxford Street, surprised with the gorgeously considered the heart of the city’s decorated interiors, painted from shopping - Wherever you are, there’s top to bottom with exquisite artwork always something going on. Savour hanging from wall to wall. This stately a tour that visits not one but two house was built between 1825 and royal homes. Begin with a visit to 1827 and is currently the residence Frogmore House, nestled amongst of The Prince of Wales and The 33 acres of private gardens. The Duchess of Cornwall. There’s free garden was enhanced in time for time in London to do as you please Her Majesty The Queen’s Silver before setting off home to the South Jubilee and makes for the perfect West and surrounding areas. opportunity for a pond side walk Royalty to Riches taking in the fresh air. There’s plenty to look out for inside the house in London as Queen Charlotte’s passion of What’s included | 2 days 1 nights Raddisson Blu in this Sapphire Tour… Edwardian • Visit to Frogmore House and Gardens with guided tour. HHHH Heathrow • Visit to Clarence House with This stylish hotel follows suit with the guided tour. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Free time in London. 2 days & 1 nights stately manor of this tour flaunting Departure date: Saturday 10th August • Excursions as detailed. for only a bar and lounge, a spa and three • 1 nights hotel stay on half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £20 £165pp different bars and restaurants. see page 3. Travel insurance: £12 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
52 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
Leave the bustle of the city behind on a journey that leads to England’s most north westerly county, Cumbria, where mountains meet the sea and the nation’s finest lake, Windermere, casts charms on all who visit. Cumbria’s calming waters most visited places, which we’ll are perfectly placed for quiet visit as well as taking a trip to a local reflection. Flanked by Lakeland’s gingerbread shop, should time be fells, Windermere encourages on our side! Holker Hall and Gardens visitors to stop a while, soak up is truly a memorable experience, the scenery, and consider what it set in gorgeous countryside means to be a part of nature. Such surroundings hosting some of the thoughts have occupied some of best gardens and grounds around, Britain’s best-loved writers who it is true bliss. Enjoy an excursion stumbled upon this area and never travelling through the Lake District, moved away. Wordsworth’s writing taking in some of the best sites led to the birth of tourism as people the area has to offer, and as well Along the coast, Grange-over-Sands wanted to see the beautiful places as all this there’s a boat trip on the poet described for themselves, Lake Windermere travelling from and Wordsworth’s former home at Ambleside to Bowness. Captivating Cumbria Grasmere is now one of Cumbria’s & The Lakes The Cumbria Grand Hotel Grange-over-Sands HHH 5 days | 4 nights What’s included Set in 20 acres of woodland in this Sapphire Tour… and gardens with views over Morecombe Bay, this traditional • A visit to Grasmere. hotel occupies a sprawling • Boat trip on Lake Windermere. • Victorian mansion. Great leisure Entrance to Holker Hall and Departure Date & Prices 2019 Gardens. 5 days & 4 nights facilities including snooker tables Departure date: Monday 10th June • Excursions as detailed. for only and all guest rooms are en-suite • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: £60 £335pp with hospitality trays as standard. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
We’ll be heading to the North of England where we’ll discover the rich city of Liverpool to its fullest. Enjoy ports, an open-top bus tour, a Titanic experience and best of all there’s time for you to explore this city at SWANTOURNEW your leisure. Liverpool served as a key trading at leisure for you to explore the city port from the 18th century all the as you please; maybe the hotel’s way through to the 20th century Titanic style will tempt you into and is still just as crucial for the exploring the Merseyside Maritime movement of goods around the UK Museum, which features it’s newest today. Where best to explore this exhibition, ‘Titanic and Liverpool: culture-rich city than the Titanic The Untold Story’, ready for you to themed hotel: 30 James Street peruse at your own leisure. There’ll voted the number 1 hotel in the be time to explore the large seaside UK by Travel Republic. Enjoy an town of Southport, which features open-top guided bus tour exploring 22 miles of beautiful coastline, Liverpool, perfect for getting a perfect for sitting back and The Three Graces, Liverpool real feel of what this busy city has gazing across crystal clear waters, to offer before enjoying a leisurely unwinding on the adventures had river cruise on the River Mersey to and those yet to come. experience the city from the water. Titanic Adventures After seeing the sights, there’s time in Liverpool 30 James Street What’s included | 5 days 4 nights Liverpool HHHH in this Sapphire Tour… Voted the number 1 hotel in the • Open-top guided bus tour UK by Travel Republic, return to of Liverpool. • the glamorous era in this Titanic Cruise across the River Mersey. • Time at leisure in Liverpool. Departure Date & Prices 2019 themed hotel which features • Time at leisure in Southport. 5 days & 4 nights an upscale restaurant, roof-top Departure date: Monday 20th May • Excursions as detailed. for only champagne bar and a chandelier lit • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £355pp grand hall, perfect for high tea. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 53 UK COACH TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
If you enjoy historical buildings, fine art and outstanding surroundings, this holiday in Harrogate has your name written all over it. Another fine reason to look forward to summer. Charles Dickens famously described Gallery contains over 2000 works Harrogate as ‘the queerest place of art from the 19th and 20th with the strangest people, leading Centuries, all this before heading the oddest lives of dancing, to RHS Harlow Carr Botanical newspaper reading and dining’. Gardens for some horticultural With lives like these, who’d want enjoyment. Enjoy some more to be ordinary? Harrogate has an history at the Royal Pump Room extraordinary habit of transferring that now houses an international positive energy to those that visit collection of Egyptology or nearby and this could be why the spa town Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has previously topped the list as Water Garden where stunning the happiest place to live in the UK. backdrops of gorgeous countryside Other reasons might include a fine and Georgian landscaping keep legacy of Edwardian gardens and holidaymakers coming back. Harrogate City Park buildings that continue beguiling visitors, like the former promenade Heavenly Days rooms, where the Mercer Art in Harrogate The Cairn Hotel Harrogate HHH What’s included in this Sapphire Tour… 5 days | 4 nights An elegant Victorian entrance welcomes you to a charming hotel • Entrance to Fountains Abbey and that makes a grand impression Studley Royal Water Garden. on all visitors. Located within five • Entrance to Royal Pump Room. minutes’ walk of town, the Cairn • Entrance to RHS Harlow Carr Hotel has en-suite bathrooms, Botanical Gardens. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Visit to Mercer Art Gallery. 5 days & 4 nights tea and coffee making facilities, Departure date: Monday 26th August • A visit to York. for only and comfortable beds that mark • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: £60 £345pp the end of perfect days. The hotel see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
Why is it that certain places ignite sparks of creativity and send them flying in all different directions? What is hidden in the heart of Suffolk that inspires generation after generation of artists, writers and musicians? SWANTOURNEW Beyond the capital, few places of Suffolk’s expressive secrets have captured and channelled as we enjoy a Gardeners Tour of creative genius of artists like the Beth Chatto Gardens with time county of Suffolk. John Constable at leisure in Colchester to follow. and Benjamin Britten might have We’ll discover Constable Country been stimulated by the landscapes which helped inspire and shape sense of timelessness, the big the artwork of John Constable, skies and wide expanses of sea with its luscious surroundings and that form defining features in East picturesque landscapes. A nostalgic Anglia’s topography. Actor Bob visit to Tiptree, famous for its jams Hoskins, music aficionado John and preserves follows, all before Peel and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey excursions to the medieval market were all local lads. Alice Sewald, town of Saffron Walden and Audley Delia Smith and Claudia Schiffer End House & Gardens. Secluded Garden in Colchester are, or have been, leading ladies. We’ll see if we can unearth some What’s included Colchester & in this Sapphire Tour… Constable Country Marks Tey Hotel • Gardeners Tour of Beth Chatto Gardens. Colchester HHHH • Leisure time in Colchester. 5 days | 4 nights • Half day guided tour of Containing everything our clients Constable Country. have come to expect, this hotel’s • Visit to Tiptree. excellent facilities and guest rooms • Visit to the market town of will not disappoint. Featuring a Saffron Walden. • four-star environment to relax and Visit to Audley End House Departure Date & Prices 2019 & Gardens. 5 days & 4 nights unwind, guests can enjoy a 15m Departure date: Sunday 14th July • Excursions as detailed for only leisure pool, steam room, and sauna. • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £365pp There is no lift but 50% of rooms are see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 on the ground floor. • Coach travel, see page 36.
54 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK COACH TOURS
Adrenaline fuelled adventures are sure to ensue as we get up close and personal with a wide array of exotic animals from all corners of the world. There’ll be time to explore quaint market towns and enjoy river cruises, SWANTOURNEW ensuring a pleasant trip for all. Have you ever wondered how the wild helping us savour the commentary animals of Africa live? Or what makes accompanying the cruise. Leisure Tigers and Lions so magnificent and time in the market town of Ludlow proud? Look no further as we enjoy helps bring our travels to an end. a full day visit to the West Midland There will be ample time to enjoy Safari & Leisure Park, winners of the castle ruins and churches steeped British Coach Tourism Awards 2017. in history. We’ll be escorted by a Safari Ranger, prosperous with an informative commentary for us to savour as we peruse across four miles of safari land which is home to an array of exotic animals including giraffes, the world’s West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park Giraffes rarest deer; the Philippine spotted deer, and elephants in Elephant Valley. Unwind with a cruise on the River Shrewsbury Severn which winds around the quaint Wild Safaris & town of Shrewsbury. We’ll enjoy a cup of tea and biscuit on-board, What’s included The West Midlands in this Sapphire Tour… Hallmark Hotel • Visit to the West Midland 5 days | 4 nights Stourport Manor Safari & Leisure Park with Stourport HHHH onboard commentary. • Visit and leisure time in Shrewsbury. Set in 23 acres of tranquil • River cruise on the River grounds, this hotel features all the Severn with commentary, tea/ amenities guests come to expect coffee and biscuits. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Visit to and leisure time in Ludlow. 5 days & 4 nights as well as a pool and health club, Departure date: Monday 1st July • Excursions as detailed for only gym, steam room and brasserie • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £325pp restaurant, perfect for dining. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
Winchester is the perfect hub for tourism and features the famous Winchester Cathedral, the ruins of Wolvesey Castle and the grand Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey. Join us on a tour that takes in visits to the busy SWANTOURNEW city of Winchester, the port city of Southampton and the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Winchester is well-known for it’s from the distillery to the glass! bustling streets, medieval cathedral The port city of Southampton is next and floral summers. Enjoy free on our itinerary; enjoy exploring the time exploring the city at your own city the Titanic set sail from back in leisure, giving you ample time to 1912. There’s time to experience the really experience the area and it’s SeaCity Museum which features in- historical landmarks. There’s time depth exhibits on the majestic Titanic to explore the peaceful Winchester and how it affected the city. Once Cathedral, wander the remains of we’ve experienced Southampton Wolvesey Castle or get lost in time to it’s fullest we’ll have time to enjoy at Winchester Castle. There’s also an afternoon tea and a glass of Bombay Sapphire Distillery a wide array of shopping outlets for Champagne whilst savouring the those who wish to escape in the cities ambience at The Grand Café - the lengthy streets. Once Winchester perfect way to round off a truly has been savoured we’ll enjoy tours enjoyable experience to Winchester Gin Tasting, Tours & and tasting sessions at the Bombay and Southampton. Sapphire Gin Distillery, perfect for an insight on how the spirit is produced, Tea in Winchester What’s included 4 days | 3 nights Norton Park Hotel in this Sapphire Tour… Nr. Winchester HHHH • Free time in Winchester. • Tour and Tasting at The Bombay Set across 54 acres of land, this Sapphire Distillery. stately manor house hotel has • Free time in Southampton. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Afternoon tea with a glass 4 days & 3 nights won 12 awards and features all Departure date: Thursday 26th September of Champagne. for only the amenities you would expect • Excursions as detailed. Double/Twin for £75 including WiFi and in-room tv’s. • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, sole occupancy: £315pp There is also a pool, sauna and gym. see page 3. Travel insurance: £18 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel, see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 55 SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK FESTIVE TOURS
Cumbria in Winter It’s not hard to imagine the mountains in the Lake District as upturned Christmas puddings with a brandy sauce of snow and while we can’t guarantee the weather, we can promise all the ingredients that make Christmas merry. What makes Christmas special? with a dress rehearsal and an early Is it a glass of fizz that gets those celebration at the Cumbria Grand. taste buds tingling or a warm There’ll be entertainment every sip of sherry? Is it rose and gold evening, shared with a community reflections in baubles on the tree, of fellow travellers and plenty of the sound of carol singing or a good mince pies throughout your stay. film on the TV? Is it a well-laid table Add in excursions to Ambleside and with Christmas crackers, party Grasmere, a visit to Kendal and a hats, a traditional dinner and all the tour of Hawkeshead Brewery and fine trimmings? Or is it the pudding you’ll be getting the festive period with custard or brandy sauce, off to a perfect start. and after-dinner entertainment *This is a Christmas themed tour and meals will be with friends and family? These are themed around the festive season. some of the questions you can **Please Note: Hawkeshead Brewery includes ask in advance of the special day steep stairs and is unsuitable for wheelchair users. Christmas Prequel The Cumbria Grand Hotel in Cumbria What’s included Grange-over-Sands HHH in this Sapphire Tour… 5 days | 4 nights Set in 20 acres of woodland • A tour of Hawkeshead Brewery** and gardens with views over including a pint of beer. Morecambe Bay, this traditional • A visit to Kendal. hotel occupies a sprawling • Excursions to Ambleside and Victorian mansion. Great leisure Grasmere. • facilities including a snooker table Excursions as detailed. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • 4 nights entertainment. 5 days & 4 nights are available and guest rooms are Departure date: Monday 18th November • Pre-dinner drinks reception. for only en-suite with tea/coffee making • 4 nights hotel stay on half board* Single supplement: £60 £240pp facilities as standard. The hotel see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
Christmas is such a magical time of year where friends and family can unite together and celebrate the year past, indulge in a holiday that is full of festivities and get Christmas off to a cracking start. SWANTOURNEW Begin your break with refreshments assemblage of recreated Victorian at the Hotel where we’ll enjoy Streets. There’s free time to explore tea or coffee served upon arrival the seaside town of Torquay which accompanied by a festive mince pie. features gorgeous coastlines, There’s time to chat with friends both before heading back to the hotel new and old over a complimentary for hot refreshments and the chef’s drink in the hotel’s Gallery Lounge shortbread. Dress to impress as we Bar before enjoying an exquisite six enjoy a ‘mock New Years Eve’, with a course meal served in the restaurant. six course Gala Dinner in the historic Awaken bright and early the next day Romanoff Restaurant where you may with a visit from Santa Clause himself enjoy dancing the night away with before taking a short journey to the a glass of mulled wine singing the seaside town of Paignton where traditional song of Auld Lang Syne. there will be free time for you to do as you please. Retire to the hotel to a traditional Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings! We’ll enjoy a visit to What’s included Christmas Festivities Bygones, which features 3 floors of in this Sapphire Tour… British history exhibits, set across an • Tea or Coffee with a Mince Pie in Torquay upon arrival. Headland Hotel • Pre-dinner drinks reception. • Admission to . | Bygones 4 days 3 nights Torquay HHH • Time at leisure in Torquay. • Visit from Santa. This quaint hotel is nestled in the • Excursion to Paignton . heart of Torquay and features a • Christmas Dinner with all the relaxed dining area and 2 lounge trimmings. • bars. There’s also an indoor Six course Gala Dinner in the Departure Date & Prices 2019 historic Romanoff Restaurant. 4 days & 3 nights heated pool, sauna and gym to Departure date: Friday 29th November • Excursions as detailed. for only enjoy. Most rooms are accessible • 3 nights hotel stay on half board, Single supplement: None £240pp by lift and a small number of see page 3. Travel insurance: £18 ground floor rooms are available. • Coach travel, see page 36.
56 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK FESTIVE TOURS
Imagine having two Christmas seasons in one year, sounds perfect right? Join us on an adventure to peaceful Cornwall and have a Christmas holiday, before Christmas. This year, indulge in two Christmas Eves, Christmas Days, Boxing Days and New Year’s Eves. The first day of the tour is our the night away. Day 3 of our tour ‘Christmas Eve’, head to Newquay unfolds and ‘Boxing Day’ is here, to begin the festivities as our hosts enjoy a trip to the city of Truro, for at the hotel greet us in a fitting some free time exploring gorgeous spirit. Enjoy an evening meal, live cobbled streets and spectacular entertainment and complimentary views over calming waters, return bar throughout the night. again for dinner, entertainment and As ‘Christmas Day’ unfolds, awaken a complimentary bar. Awaken to, to a full English breakfast before ‘New Year’s Eve’; enjoy a scenic tour enjoying a day at leisure full of of Cornwall which highlights all of festivities and in true Christmas the delight and beauty this county fashion, Santa Claus may pay a visit has to offer before heading back to Christmas dinner with gifts and treats for everyone! our hotel and taking advantage of As the evening arrives enjoy a their delicious meals and open traditional Christmas Dinner with all bar once more, fancy dress is an the trimmings before bingo, quizzes option tonight! Christmas Has Come Early and a complimentary bar to whittle in Cornwall The Esplanade | 5 days 4 nights HHH What’s included Newquay in this Sapphire Tour… A picturesque and contemporary hotel overlooking the world • An Open Bar between 6-9pm at Departure Date & Prices 2019 famous Fistral Beach in Newquay. the hotel. • A day at leisure in Newquay. Departure date: Monday 9th December 5 days & 4 nights Relax and unwind enjoying • An excursion to Truro. stunning views in a home from Single supplement: None for only • A scenic tour of Cornwall. home hotel offering use of an • 4 nights stay on half board, Seaview supplement: £15prpn £255pp indoor pool, sauna and hot tub. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
New Year’s Eve themed party Enjoy a turkey and tinsel themed break to Bournemouth as we celebrate an early Christmas. Explore this beautiful seaside town to it’s fullest before experiencing picturesque excursions to Beaulieu and nightly festive themed entertainment. Leisurely travels await as we journey ponies and even fallow deer whilst towards the bustling town of weaving through a mass of Scots Bournemouth for a holiday of fun Pine and English Oak. There’s plenty and festivities. Afternoon sherry of time to enjoy the seaside town and Christmas cake await, along with of Bournemouth too. Sit back and a game of guess the weight of the unwind in their gorgeous park that’s cake before it’s eyes down for bingo. filled with an abundance of squirrels Savour a traditional Christmas Fayre and other wild animals. Carry on before letting your hair down with a walking through the park to find night of dancing. A visit to Beaulieu, yourselves at the beach and pier SWANTOURNEW where we will have plenty of time walkway, which features stunning to make the most of the activities views across the sea. After a morning available, including the world famous of relaxation, we’ll be ready for an motor museum, a 13th century Afternoon Tea Dance at the hotel. abbey surrounded by picturesque Nightly entertainment rounds off gardens and a quaint stately house. this festive tour including a New Fayres & Festivities The village is nestled beside the Year’s Eve themed party. stunning New Forest National Park. in Bournemouth Keep a look out for wild horses, What’s included 5 days | 4 nights Ocean Beach Hotel & Spa in this Sapphire Tour… Bournemouth HHH • Free time in Bournemouth. With views overlooking the bays • Admission to Beaulieu. Departure Date & Prices 2019 of Bournemouth, guests can • Nightly entertainment including enjoy a hotel with all the amenities a New Year’s Eve party. Departure date: Monday 4th November 5 days & 4 nights • Bucks Fizz Drinks Reception. you would expect including use Single supplement: None for only • Afternoon Tea Dance. of an indoor pool, and a relaxed • 4 nights hotel stay on half board Seaview supplement: £40prpn £315pp restaurant to unwind and dine in. see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 57 UK FESTIVE TOURS SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Warm clothes, rosy cheeks and festive smiles are around every corner. On our travels we take in traditional German Christmas markets, Victorian Christmas fayres, and a festive knees-up for SWANTOURNEW good measure. The festivities begin as soon as you that glitters truly is gold. Visits to the step onto the SwanTourer. Head Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre North to Birmingham where mulled give an insight into a truly authentic wine and mince pies await at our Victorian Christmas, perhaps the country house hotel, the perfect Greyfriars House and Gardens will opportunity to exchange a few be festively decorated too. Enjoy a festive stories, before being seated good old-fashioned knees-up back in the hotels relaxed Brasserie for a at the hotel with a New Year’s Eve three course meal. Awaken to a day Gala Dinner, a drinks reception and at leisure in Birmingham for a spot of entertainment throughout the night Christmas shopping in the Bullring to keep the festivities rolling. shopping centre before enjoying a Christmas Market Mulled Wine crisp stroll beside the city’s canals. The magical Christmas Market awaits; enjoy browsing festive market stalls What’s included as the sweet smell of mulled wine fills in this Sapphire Tour… the air. Excursions to the birth town Christmas Markets & • Mulled wine and mince pies of William Shakespeare follow, with upon arrival. Festivities in Birmingham a canal boat trip as well as free time • Excursions to Birmingham and in Stratford-upon-Avon where all the Christmas Market. • Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. 5 days | 4 nights • Canal boat trip in Stourport Manor Stratford-upon-Avon. • Visit to the Stourport-on-Severn HHHH Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. This red-bricked country house • New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner hotel is comfortably nestled with bubbles drinks reception and Departure Date & Prices 2019 entertainment. 5 days & 4 nights amongst 23-acres of grounds. Departure date: Monday 25th November • After Dinner Quiz. for only Guests can enjoy modern rooms, • 4 nights hotel stay on half board Single supplement: £80 £295pp an indoor pool, steam room and see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 plenty more. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
Celebrate the start of a New Year in style with a last holiday of 2019 and the first of 2020 when we travel to Britain’s favourite destination, Blackpool, for a good old- fashioned knees-up and extravagant ‘black-tie’ bash. Blackpool’s 518ft spire is an best before a night including a iconic landmark looking out over sparking reception with canapés, north-west England, the Irish Sea a lavish six course choice menu, and onwards to the Isle of Man. and entertainment from a fabulous It’s a great place to focus on fine band ready to rock and roll the old detail, like people passing on the away and welcome in the new. And promenade below, or to take in a let’s add leisure time with friends to broader perspective, the sweep of let the New Year glide in perfectly. a bay or the lie of the land. And this Please Note: Black-tie is strictly over 18’s. is the same with the New Year. It allows us to look over our shoulders and reflect on details that make up the past twelve months, as well as giving time to look ahead, to let go New Year’s Black-tie party of the past and look forward to the future. And the best way to do that, tradition tells us, is to have a great New Year’s Gala big party. So let’s make it happen, with time to pamper and look your in Blackpool Imperial Hotel Blackpool Tower | 4 days 3 nights Blackpool HHHH Set on the promenade with views What’s included looking out over the Irish Sea, in this Sapphire Tour… Departure Date & Prices 2019 this charming Victorian Hotel is an • 2 days at leisure in . absolute seaside classic with a fine Blackpool Departure date: Monday 30th December 4 days & 3 nights • Evening entertainment. history of looking after guests since Single supplement: None for only • New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. 1867. There’s free Wi-Fi, porterage • 3 nights hotel stay on half board Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £75 £385pp and use of leisure facilities. see page 3. Travel insurance: £18 The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
58 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Sapphire Collection UK FESTIVE TOURS
When does the turkey need to be in the oven? When does the veg need peeling? When are the guests arriving? Will there be enough to go around? Who’ll be doing the washing up? None of this concerns you on a break away this Christmas. Forget the stress and strain of ready to give you a Christmas worth catering and settle down to some remembering. There’s full English good old-fashioned relaxation and breakfast every day throughout entertainment this Christmas with a your stay, entertainment each great escape to Cheshire where the evening and all you’d expect to find mince pies are fresh from the oven at the table for a Christmas feast and a festive cream tea gets this with all the trimmings. We’ll be high-spirited break off to a perfect exploring the local surroundings start. Pack the golf clubs for a too, with visits to Buxton and a spot round on the 18-hole championship of sales shopping at the Trafford course, or the swimming costume Centre in Manchester, making sure for a few laps of the pool while you don’t miss out on a bargain to The Pavilion Gardens - Buxton the staff at the Shrigley Hall Hotel take back home. make sure everything is in place and Please Note: Christmas Day will include Christmas lunch in addition to a hot/cold evening buffet. Shrigley Hall Hotel, Christmas Escape Golf and Country Club What’s included in this Sapphire Tour… to Cheshire Shrigley HHHH • Bucks Fizz breakfast Christmas Pull up a pew to any window and Day morning. 5 days | 4 nights enjoy picturesque views of the • Deer spotting nature walk Borders Peak District National through hotel grounds. Park, in the hotel of stately style that • Traditional Tea dance with cream boasts an 18-hole championship tea on Boxing Day. Departure Date & Prices 2019 golf course, swimming pool and • Local themed evening meal on superb facilities throughout. Boxing Day. Departure date: Monday 23rd December 5 days & 4 nights • A visit to Buxton. Also featuring an AA Rosette Single supplement: None for only • Evening entertainment. restaurant, this is the perfect • 4 nights hotel stay on half board Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £495pp retreat for ladies and gentlemen of see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 distinction. The hotel has a lift. • Coach travel see page 36.
Christmas is a time for spreading joy and spending time in the company of others. Leave behind the troubles and stress of planning Christmas and join us on a perfect holiday to the North of Wales. Enjoy crisp, clean air and joyful festivities. Venture to Mold, North Wales carols, before enjoying a three and let the holidays begin with course Christmas lunch with all a hot drink and mince pie. Once the trimmings, and who knows, refreshed, the coastal town of Father Christmas may pay us a visit! Llandudno is our next port of call Christmas evening holds a light as we let the festivities continue, buffet dinner – if you have room strolling the crisp North Shore. – and evening activities to keep Inspiration ensues as a male voice the festive spirits glowing bright. choir sings us our favourite holiday Chester is our post-Christmas classics and more back at our hotel. destination to help blow away Enjoy a three course meal before the cobwebs. Let the festivities deciding whether to get some continue in this Roman city located Christmas lights rest, or head to a midnight mass.* in Northwest England. A three Awaken fresh on Christmas day, course buffet lunch with tea and with a game of guess the weight cake finishes our festive tour off of the Christmas cake and singing elegantly! A Merry Christmas *Please Note: This midnight mass is not included in your SwanTours holiday, however you will have in Wales Beaufort Park Hotel the opportunity to attend the event. Mold HHH What’s included 5 days | 4 nights Set in the countryside of Mold, in this Sapphire Tour… this hotel features an informal bar, whilst still housing a restaurant • Cup of tea and mince pie for fine-dining, serving local on arrival. Departure Date & Prices 2019 produce. Become immersed with • A visit to Llandudno. • the creature comforts you’re A visit to Chester. Departure date: Monday 23rd December 5 days & 4 nights • Entertainment at the hotel. accustomed to, including Wi-Fi, Single supplement: None for only • 4 nights stay on full board, from TVs and tea and coffee facilities. dinner on arrival to breakfast on Double/Twin for sole occupancy: £100 £485pp The hotel doesn’t have a lift, ground departure, see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 floor rooms available on request. • Coach travel see page 36.
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 59 MYSTERY TOUR SwanTours Sapphire Collection
Have you ever wanted to throw caution to the wind and just go with your sense of adventure? Then this is your dream holiday, travel in to a mist of discovery with a variety of twists and turns around every corner. The best part of a holiday is all the this holiday so exciting. As standard things you don’t expect to happen, throughout all SwanTours’ holidays; they’re always the highlights, quality, relaxation and joy are all going and this tour is full to the brim to be the stars of the show, wherever with unexpected moments! It’s a the road may take us. So join us on this mystery where this tour will take adventure to wherever-land and find us, whether it’s a new destination your perfect paradise on Earth. or an old time favourite, either way you’re sure to have an excellent time full of excitement and curious horizons as our SwanTourer guides us to gorgeous locations. Close your eyes and drift away to a world full of promising destinations. Golden Mystery Excursion sands may await us upon arrival, or maybe a quaint cobble-paved town full of history and heritage will be our It’s all a Mystery... destination? One can only speculate, and in essence that is what makes 5 days | 4 nights Mystery Hotel HHH Mystery Location + What’s included The hotel selected for this in this Sapphire Tour… mystery holiday will be a minimum of 3 stars with comfort • 4 mystery admissions. Departure Date & Prices 2019 • Guided Tour. 5 days & 4 nights and relaxation assured for your • Departure date: Thursday 12th September Themed Dinner. for only enjoyment. The hotel does not • An evening of entertainment. Double/Twin for £100 have a lift but has lots of ground • 4 nights hotel stay on half board, sole occupancy: £395pp floor rooms and has an indoor see page 3. Travel insurance: £20 pool, sauna and gym. • Coach travel, see page 36.
SwanTours Gift Vouchers Give the gift of money off a SwanTours Holiday to a loved one with our SwanTours gift vouchers, starting from as little as £20. No matter where they choose to travel, you can be assured you’ve gifted them a future treat! For more information, or to purchase a voucher, please call 01805 603706.
60 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours 2019/20 TERMS & CONDITIONS
Important Information 2019/20 Furthermore would all scooter and wheelchair users kindly note you Please read the following pages carefully. must be able to negotiate the five steps to board the coach, in order The introduction to this brochure and the questions and answers on these pages, to manage and enjoy our holidays. 12. Special requirements form the terms under which we offer our tours to you, and form the contract that If you prefer a ‘low floor room’, a special diet, or perhaps a walk-in exists between us once we have accepted your booking. If you have any queries that shower, we will happily discuss this with the hotel, but we can’t guarantee that they will meet your request. Therefore, if your request are not covered here, please feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to help. is a condition of booking, you must let us know at the time of your initial enquiry, and we can then approach the hotel at that time to ensure your request will be met. In respect of requests for a ‘low floor room’, hotels tend not to attach too great importance to these if they Fair Trading Agreement have a lift; if therefore your requests for such a room are for a reason Our Fair Trading Agreement and holiday information sets out clearly and simply the responsibilities which SWANTOURS other than finding stairs difficult, i.e. a dislike of heights, please advise have to you and which you in turn have to us when a contract is made between us. The contract is made when you make a at the time of booking. booking and we accept it by written confirmation on the terms set out in this document. 13. Credit card payments When signing the Booking Form for your holiday you will sign on behalf of yourself, and the others named in your party, that you We are able to accept credit card payments for a tour deposit but we have read, understood and have accepted this Fair Trading Agreement and the Holiday Information provided in this brochure. Your are no longer able to accept Credit Cards for final balances. obligation is to pay the price of the holiday and recognise your liabilities if you wish to alter the holiday or have to make a cancellation. Debit Cards are accepted for deposit and final balances. On our part we have obligations to provide you with the holiday you have booked. Our specification of that holiday and our terms are clearly stated in this brochure. Your contract is entered into with SWANTOURS. Any other subsidiary companies of SWANTOURS 14. International Passenger Protection involved in the booking or management of your holiday shall be deemed to act as our agents. This Fair Trading Agreement applies to all In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Holidays and holidays sold from SWANTOURS. Your Contract with SwanTours. Package Tours Regulations 1992” all passengers booking with SwanTours are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, including repatriation if required, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel 7. Conditions of carriage arrangements due to the insolvency of SwanTours. This Insurance Your Contract with When you travel on a coach, aircraft, train or ship, the conditions has been arranged by International Passenger Protection Limited SwanTours of carriage of that carrier apply and are subject to National and and underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s. For further information please go to www.ipplondon.co.uk 1. You pay a deposit International conditions which may limit or exclude liability. Your contract made under the terms of this Fair Trading Agreement When you make your booking you must complete a booking form, 15. Luggage is subject to English Law and jurisdiction. Some coach journeys are accepting on behalf of all your party the terms of this Fair Trading A medium size suitcase up to 20kg per person for UK and European operated by vehicles other than those owned by SWANTOURS and Agreement and pay a deposit of £50 per person on all coach holidays. holidays, with an overnight bag if required. Please make sure all the specification may be different to that detailed in this brochure. medication and valuable items are carried in your hand luggage. 2. You pay the balance The Public Service Vehicle (Conduct of Drivers, Conductors and The balance of the fare must be paid at least 6 weeks (8 weeks for Eire Passengers) Regulations as amended 1990, apply to all coaches 16. Free Car Parking and Continental tours) before the holiday departure date. throughout any holiday in the UK. All vehicles are parked a the owners own risk. If you book within the applicable balance due period you must pay 8. Other terms 17. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) the full holiday cost at the time of booking. If the balance is not paid in On holiday you may not: We retain your full contact details and other information in secure time, we reserve the right to cancel your holiday, retain your deposit, files and electronic storage facilities. We may use this information and apply cancellation charges set out in Paragraph 4 “If you cancel a) Bring a pet or any other animal (other than Registered Assistance to contact you by post, telephone or email. We must pass your your holiday”. dogs in the UK and Eire only, by arrangement). b) Play a radio, ipod, cassette/mp3 player on the coach; use mobile information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements 3. If you change your booking phones unless in the case of extreme emergency on the coach; and we take responsibility for ensuring that proper measures are If, after our confirmation has been issued, you wish to change to consume alcohol on the coach. in place to protect your information. In making this booking you another of our holidays or change departure date, we will do our consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons c) Smoking is prohibited by law. Vaping (E-Cigarettes) is prohibited utmost to make the changes, provided that written notification is or suppliers. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website at on board the coach and in many hotels. received by us from the person who signed the booking form not www.swantours.co.uk or by submitting a written request. later than the date which the balance of the original holiday cost was SWANTOURS reserves the unconditional right to refuse a booking due for payment. This must be accompanied by a payment of £10 to or terminate a client’s holiday arrangements in the event of cover administration costs. Any alteration by you made later than the unreasonable conduct which in SWANTOUR’S opinion is likely Our Promise to You original balance date will be treated as a cancellation of the original to cause damage, distress, danger or annoyance to other clients, 1. We reserve your holiday booking and will be subject to the cancellation charges set out below. employees, property or to any third party. If you are prevented When you have ascertained that we have available space on the Other alterations such as the addition of requests or change of pick- from travelling or continuing your holiday by such a termination holiday of your choice, and sent us the appropriate deposit a up point that require a reconfirmation to be issued must be notified SWANTOURS responsibility for your holiday thereupon ceases. confirmation/invoice will be forwarded to you normally within 14 and accompanied by a payment of £10 to cover administrative costs. Full cancellation charges will apply and SWANTOURS will be under days of receipt of your signed booking form and the contract is made no obligation for any refund, compensation or loss which you may between us when we issue you this confirmation. 4. If you cancel your holiday incur. You are responsible for ensuring that you are at the correct You, or any members of your party, may cancel your holiday at any departure point at the correct time, and we cannot be liable for any 2. Your holiday price time provided that the cancellation is made by the person signing loss or expense suffered by passengers because of their late arrival Holiday prices include all coach travel, hotel accommodation, the booking form and is received by us in writing. As this incurs at any departure point. Excursions are included in the price of most meals, excursions and entrance fees (where indicated) as specified administrative costs we will retain your deposit and in addition, apply holidays and refunds cannot be made for passengers not wishing in the holiday description including VAT at the current rate where cancellation charges as shown below: to go on these excursions. Admission fees to buildings, grounds etc. applicable. Morning coffee, afternoon tea and other refreshments are not included in the price of the holiday unless otherwise stated are not included (other than complimentary on board coach drinks Period before departure Amount of in the brochure. where indicated). departure within which cancellation charge Some hotels may make a small additional charge for tea or coffee written cancellation shown as % of 9. Passports served after lunch and dinner. Gratuities to the hotel staff and driver/ is received holiday price Identification (passport or photo driving licence) is advisable when couriers are discretionary. More than 42 days The whole deposit travelling to Ireland. Passports and European Health Insurance Card The price of your holiday is subject to surcharges on the 42-28 days 30% of the tour cost (EHIC) are recommended for continental travel. For all Continental following items: Governmental action, VAT, currency, aircraft 27-14 days 45% of the tour cost holidays you will require a full 10 year British Passport. Some fuel, overflying charges, airport charges and increases in scheduled Continental countries have been known to refuse entry to a person 13-7 days 60% of the tour cost air fares. if their passport expires within 3 months of the date of entry into that 6 days or less 100% of the tour cost Even in this case, we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of country. If your passport is due for renewal shortly, it is advised to the holiday price which excludes insurance premiums and any Day of departure or after 100% of the tour cost renew it early, to ensure that you have at least 3 months unexpired amendment charges. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be portion remaining at date of travel. If you have any doubts about your surcharged but where a surcharge is payable there will be an Note: If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of an status as a resident British subject or you do not hold a full British administration charge of 50p per person. If this means paying more insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Passport, you must check with the Embassies or Consulates of the than 10% on the holiday price, you will be entitled to cancel your 5. If you have a complaint countries to be visited to confirm the passport or visa requirements holiday with a full refund of all money paid except for any premium needed in your particular circumstances. We cannot accept paid to us for holiday insurance and amendment charges. Should you If you have a complaint during your holiday, please inform our driver/ responsibility if passengers are not in possession of the correct decide to cancel because of this, you must exercise your right to do so courier, or representative who will do his/her utmost to resolve the travel documents. within 14 days from the issue date printed on the invoice. Surcharges problem immediately. If you do not tell us at the earliest opportunity will not be imposed within 30 days of departure. about a problem giving rise to your complaint we cannot take steps 10. Health to investigate and rectify it. In deciding how to respond to your Under normal circumstances most Western European Countries 3. If we change your holiday complaint we will take into account the date you first drew the do not require visitors to be vaccinated. However, we will indicate The arrangements for holidays in our brochures are made many problem to the attention of our driver/courier or representative. any known vaccination or other health requirements where possible months in advance and changes are sometimes unavoidable. Most If the matter cannot be resolved immediately, you must notify us in for each country to be visited. If you are not sure of the health of these changes may be very minor but where they are significant requirements of the country you are visiting, you are advised to check writing within 28 days of the completion of your holiday quoting your we will notify you as soon as is reasonably possible before your with your own doctor before travelling. reference number, holiday number and departure date. Failure to departure date. A significant change would be regarded as changes in the departure date, departure point, or resort area, reducing the establish your complaint immediately in accordance with the above 11. Wheelchairs/Motorised Scooters quality of your main hotel (not single overnight hotels on touring procedure may affect the outcome. We can accept compact electric mobility scooters. Our definition holidays) or a change of tour itinerary which involves a destination 6. Statutory authorities of compact is that the scooter is class 2 specification, ie, it must be being completely eliminated from the revised itinerary or reducing designed to be dismantled so that it can be loaded into the boot the specification of the coach. This brochure is issued subject to applicable Acts of Parliament and of a car. The actual maximum sizes of a class 2 mobility scooter is: Government Regulations and the company reserves the right to Length – 1200mm Width – 700mm max. We CANNOT accept class 3 In the event of a significant change you may decide to: modify itineraries to conform with requests from the competent scooters as these are too large and heavy to lift. Electric scooters can a) Continue with the holiday as amended or authorities in the United Kingdom and any other sovereign state be hired at most of our chosen destinations however, if you wish to b) Accept an alternative holiday which we may offer to you or through which the tours run. take your own it will be your responsibility to dismantle and assemble. c) Cancel your booking
www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm 61 SwanTours 2019/20 TERMS & CONDITIONS
4. If we cancel your holiday at the discretion of the provider of the service. Entertainment (particularly live entertainment) provided by hotels is Important Information All the tours in this brochure are offered subject to our obtaining Regarding Channel Island Holidays sufficient bookings for each departure. If this is not the case, we frequently subject to demand and its nature and/or frequency will usually advise you some months before the tour departs, may be varied if there is lack of demand or insufficient numbers staying in the hotel. It is not possible to take the SwanTourer to Guernsey or Jersey. giving you the option to book an alternative tour or date. However, We use a coach supplied by a local operator and this may not ii) Some excursion itineraries include the use of ferries and we reserve the right to withdraw any tour up to four weeks before feature increased legroom, on board refreshments or WC. other forms of transport which can be affected by inclement departure for tours of six days or more, and two weeks before In addition, luggage handling is not available at the port - you weather, and may have to be cancelled or arrangements departure for tours of fewer than six days. In all cases, we will have to check-in your own luggage (similar to an airport changed. Whenever possible a suitable alternative excursion offer you an alternative tour or a full refund. In the case of “force check-in), after which the luggage is loaded onto trolleys for will be offered. majeure” we reserve the right to cancel at any time, giving you a the transfer to the ferry. At the end of the crossing, you have 100% refund or credit note. We regret we are unable to consider to reclaim your own luggage from the carousel, after which claims for interest on monies which have been held by us. A little more information about twin and double rooms trolleys are available. 5. What happens to complaints? Twin rooms (one room containing two single beds) are All complaints that are received are thoroughly investigated and increasingly common at hotels, and if you book a double room customers are kept informed at each stage of the investigation. (one room with one large bed), you might occasionally be Single Supplements Sometimes the investigations can take time when awaiting a allocated a twin. At hotels abroad, a twin room can sometimes The demand for single rooms continues to increase response from hoteliers. We can normally agree an amicable contain what appears to be a double bed, but is in fact a double substantially year on year and hotels find it increasingly settlement of the few serious complaints we receive, if the bed base and headboard with separate mattresses and bedding. difficult to meet this demand. It is probably true to say that we complaint is found to be genuine. This is known as a ‘continental twin’. could fill every tour with singles, such is the demand! This situation brings problems of its own; hotels are becoming 6. Our responsibility to you What does ‘a room with private very reluctant to allocate a large number of single rooms, We accept responsibility for ensuring that all component parts of facilities’ mean? particularly if they have to use doubles for sole occupancy. your holiday are as described in this brochure and are supplied to This means the room will have an en-suite shower and toilet, Please note: that unless stated the supplement you at a reasonable standard and this includes optional excursions bath and toilet, or bath, shower and toilet. If you have a strong does not mean a single traveller will have a double room purchased through our employees or agents. preference for a bath or shower, please advise us before making for sole occupancy. i) Please remember that some amenities (e.g. hotel lifts, your booking. swimming pools etc.) require servicing and cleaning and may not therefore be available at all times. Some services may be affected by weather conditions and their availability is entirely
Travel Insurance - Important Information
We are increasingly aware that many clients have their own For EU Travel (including The Channel Islands); the with our final reply, you may have the right to refer your complaint travel insurance cover either by taking out an annual policy or traveller MUST inform ERV via the health check phone to The Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London by courtesy of their credit card or bank. However, for those line on 01403 288 423 if they or any person upon whose E14 9SR. Further details about our complaints procedure can be who do not have cover, we are pleased to offer comprehensive health the trip depends; found in the attached ‘About our Insurance Services’ document. travel insurance. The additional cost of this is indicated on each 1. Has any existing or on-going medical condition(s) Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) - specific tour and must be paid at the same time as remitting You may be entitled to compensation from the Financial your deposit. If you decline the above travel insurance, you must 2. Is taking any prescribed medication Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”) should we be unable notify us of your alternative insurance company together with 3. Has or has had any medical condition(s) still requiring to meet our obligations and subject to eligibility. Details of the the policy number. The full terms, conditions and exclusion periodic review circumstances in which you can make a claim – and instructions clauses are incorporated within the insurance document that 4. Is awaiting any tests, treatment, investigation, referral or the on how to do so – can be found on the FSCS website: alone constitutes the contract of insurance between you, the results of these www.fscs.org.uk. holidaymaker, and the Underwriters. Shown here are brief details only. 5. You must notify Medical Screening immediately of any change in your medical circumstances between the policy issue date Taw and Torridge Limited t/as SwanTours is an appointed and time of departure. representative of Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited This information is correct at the time of printing, but may be which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct subject to change. Please refer to your policy document to check Authority. Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55 your cover. Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland Company Number: SC108909. Cancellation Rights - If your cover doesn’t meet your requirements, please let SwanTours know within 14 days of We only offer travel insurance from a single insurer – Europaische receiving your policy document and return all your documents Reiseversicherung AG (ERV). This travel insurance is suitable for for a refund of your premium. Any premium already paid will be those who wish to insure themselves when travelling against the refunded to You providing you have not travelled, no claim has specified financial loss of unforeseen circumstances and events been made or is intended to be made and no incident likely to give relating to your trip. A list of the covers and corresponding limits rise to a claim has occurred. can be found below. This summary provides only a brief guide to Full details of how to make a claim and how to appeal your Travel Insurance cover and exclusions. It does not contain Claims - should your claim not be successful can be found in the policy the full terms and conditions of the policy, which can be found document. in the policy document. We have not provided you with any recommendation or advice about whether this product meets Complaints - Should you have a complaint about the sale of your your specific insurance requirements. It is your responsibility to travel insurance policy, please contact The Travel Manager, Arthur decide whether this policy suits your needs. J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, 6th Floor, Temple Circus House, Temple Way, Bristol, BS1 6HG. Should you remain unhappy Important Notice – Information We Need To Know About - You must take reasonable care to provide complete and accurate answers to the questions we ask. You should be aware that if the information provided by you is not complete and accurate, your insurer may; cancel your policy and refuse to pay any claim, or not pay any claim in full, or revise the premium and/or change any excess, or revise the extent of cover or terms of this insurance. Travel Policy We recommend that you keep a record (including copies of For full details about your cover and all exclusions please refer to the Policy document. letters) of all the information you provide to us for your future reference. We also draw your attention to any conditions, Cover Limit Excess Payable limitations, exclusions and excesses within the policy wording Cancellation up to £2,000 Excess: £50 l Deposit only: £10 SIGNIFICANT EXCLUSION: If your medical condition Curtailment up to £2,000 £50 cannot comply with the following terms then any claim Emergency Medical & Repatriation Expenses up to £2,000,000 £50 related to that medical condition will not be covered: Missed Departure (not UK) up to £600 £50 For UK Travel (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Personal Effects and Money up to £1,500 £50 Ireland or Scilly Isles). You DO NOT need to declare your up to total of £200 for valuables £50 medical conditions; however, you must comply with the up to £200 for lost passport £50 following; Luggage Delay up to £100 NIL 1. You are not aware of any reason why the trip could be cancelled Personal Liability up to £2,000,000 NIL or cut short Personal Accident up to £15,000 NIL 2. You are not travelling: (a) against the advice of a medical up to £25,000 NIL practitioner (b) for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment Legal Cost & Expenses (c) if you have been given a terminal prognosis 3. You are not receiving or awaiting tests, treatment or investigations for any illness or injury as a hospital day case or inpatient. Any claim arising from this illness or injury will not be covered 4. If you are on medication at the time of travel your medical condition must be stable and well controlled 5. You must notify Medical Screening immediately of any change in your medical circumstances between the policy issue date and time of departure.
62 www.swantours.co.uk To book call 01805 603706 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm SwanTours Booking Form 2019/20
How to book your SwanTour
1. Please call us on 01805 603706, and we will make a reservation for you. 2. When calling, please don’t hesitate to ask for any advice or information you may need to ensure that the holiday you have chosen is right for you. 3. Please make sure you have read the booking conditions, to familiarise yourself with our terms of business. 4. Now please fill in the tour title and departure date of the tour you have booked.
Tour title Departure date
Tour title Departure date
Tour title Departure date
5. Next, please list the names, addresses, seat numbers you were allocated, and pick-up point of each person travelling. If any member of your party declines our travel insurance, they must provide the name and policy number of an alternative insurer. SwanTour Traveller 1
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
SwanTour Traveller 2
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
SwanTour Traveller 3
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date ✁ SwanTours Booking Form 2019/20
How to book your SwanTour
1. Please call us on 01805 603706, and we will make a reservation for you. 2. When calling, please don’t hesitate to ask for any advice or information you may need to ensure that the holiday you have chosen is right for you. 3. Please make sure you have read the booking conditions, to familiarise yourself with our terms of business. 4. Now please fill in the tour title and departure date of the tour you have booked.
Tour title Departure date
Tour title Departure date
Tour title Departure date
5. Next, please list the names, addresses, seat numbers you were allocated, and pick-up point of each person travelling. If any member of your party declines our travel insurance, they must provide the name and policy number of an alternative insurer. SwanTour Traveller 1
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
SwanTour Traveller 2
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
SwanTour Traveller 3
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date ✁ SwanTour Traveller 4
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
6. To help us make sure everything is to your complete satisfaction, please let us know if you have any special requirements - and we will endeavour to arrange these for you. (We are very pleased to pass on requests to hotels i.e for lower floor rooms etc., but unfortunately we cannot guarantee that these will always be met. If therefore your request is a condition of your booking, please advise us and we will contact the hotel(s) to obtain their confirmation that they can accommodate).
Traveller 1 Traveller 2
Traveller 3 Traveller 4
7. Will you be bringing any additional items of luggage, 8. Remittance (see below for payment options). ie. wheelchair, walking aids etc. Deposit required £50.00 per person Insurance required £ ...... per person Remittance (see below if paying by credit/debit card) No. of persons Total Deposit per person @ £ £ Insurance per person @ £ £ Full remittance per person @ £ £
Total enclosed £
9. How to make a payment We accept payment by bank transfer, debit card, cheque or cash. Details for each type of payment are as follows:
Bank transfer: please make the payment to Payment by cheque: cheques should be made Payment by card: If you wish to pay by card please the following account. payable to SwanTours and sent to: call 01805 603706. Please note we are no longer able Account name: SwanTours SwanTours, Grange Lane, Merton, Okehampton, to accept credit card payments for final balances. Sort code: 20-04-59 Devon EX20 3ED Account number: 43237249 Please write your surname and tour name Please quote tour name as a reference. on the back of the cheque.
If you are travelling on your own, it would be useful to have the contact name/telephone number/email address of a friend/relative. Name Relationship Contact No. Email address
On behalf of the above mentioned persons I confirm that I/We have read the booking terms and conditions detailed and we have also read and understood the insurance declaration.
Signed Date
10. Now please send this form, together with your insurance, deposit or the full amount if you are booking within six weeks of travel (eight weeks for Eire Tours and Continental Tours), to: SwanTours, Grange Lane, Merton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 3ED. SwanTour Traveller 4
Title Initials Forename(s) Room type: Double Twin Single (1 large bed) (2 single beds) Surname Pick up point (if not home address) Address
Postcode Date of birth Postcode Tel (inc. Std code) I require your travel insurance Yes No Email address If NO please supply alternative insurer’s name
Allocated seat numbers: Tour 1 Tour 2 Tour 3
Policy no. Expiry date
6. To help us make sure everything is to your complete satisfaction, please let us know if you have any special requirements - and we will endeavour to arrange these for you. (We are very pleased to pass on requests to hotels i.e for lower floor rooms etc., but unfortunately we cannot guarantee Diamond & Sapphire Coach Tours that these will always be met. If therefore your request is a condition of your booking, please advise us and we will contact the hotel(s) to obtain their confirmation that they can accommodate).
Traveller 1 Traveller 2
Traveller 3 Traveller 4
7. Will you be bringing any additional items of luggage, 8. Remittance (see below for payment options). ie. wheelchair, walking aids etc. Deposit required £50.00 per person Insurance required £ ...... per person Remittance (see below if paying by credit/debit card) No. of persons Total Deposit per person @ £ £ Insurance per person @ £ £ Full remittance per person @ £ £
Total enclosed £
9. How to make a payment We accept payment by bank transfer, debit card, cheque or cash. Details for each type of payment are as follows:
Bank transfer: please make the payment to Payment by cheque: cheques should be made Payment by card: If you wish to pay by card please the following account. payable to SwanTours and sent to: call 01805 603706. Please note we are no longer able Account name: SwanTours SwanTours, Grange Lane, Merton, Okehampton, to accept credit card payments for final balances. Sort code: 20-04-59 Devon EX20 3ED Account number: 43237249 Please write your surname and tour name Please quote tour name as a reference. on the back of the cheque.
If you are travelling on your own, it would be useful to have the contact name/telephone number/email address of a friend/relative. Name Relationship Contact No. Email address
On behalf of the above mentioned persons I confirm that I/We have read the booking terms and conditions detailed and we have also read and understood the For when it’s more than just the destination that matters insurance declaration.
Signed Date
10. Now please send this form, together with your insurance, deposit or the full amount if you are booking within six weeks of travel (eight weeks for Eire Tours and Continental Tours), to: SwanTours, Grange Lane, Merton, Okehampton, Devon EX20 3ED.