| Great Britain and Ireland |
| The four nations that make up Great Britain are an explosion of history and heritage. Given a lifetime, you will not be able to explore everything that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can offer the visitor. We believe that one solution is to select a theme that can then wind its way through your holiday, bringing together the fascinating, the picturesque and the intriguing. There is no better thread than the shining steel ribbons of the heritage railways. Britain invented steam railways, and as time moved on, Britain also invented railway preservation. The first railway to be preserved is in Wales, but nowadays an amazing collection of lines, both big and small, spread across the countryside like a string of living museums. These railways are not just the preserve of big boys and their toys. They are time capsules where timeless trains roll through magnificent countryside and pause at wonderfully preserved stations. Railways are only a small part of British heritage, and our tours reflect this with a balanced programme that includes visits to stately homes, castles, cathedrals, gardens and some of the smaller, quirky, British attractions .Your host will be there not only to impart facts and figures, but also the more human side of history - you are on holiday, and holidays should be fun as well as informative. If you speak English, British history is also your history. This common heritage is evident in many ways, both small and large. You can seek out a memorial to the architect of Washington DC, or visit the abbey where the dates we celebrate Easter were decided. Each year the tours are a little different but they all offer a tour with a balanced selection of preserved trains and general tourism. Geoff Cooke plans and hosts all of his tours personally. Born in London but educated in Africa, Geoff has now returned to his homeland and delights in showing visitors the many things that he finds so exciting and enchanting. Where you stay is an important part of your holiday, and we carefully select hotels that complement the style of your tour. They may be in cities or in the countryside, modern or historic, but we sincerely hope that they will all add positively to your experience. Meals are equally important and those that are included, either at the hotels or in restaurants, are planned to complement your experience. Not all meals are included, you may sometimes want to enjoy quiet time with your partner or friends. Geoff will always be there to suggest somewhere suitable. Our tours run with a maximum of 24 guests. Our coaches always have more seats than there are guests, with ample space to stretch out or move around. They offer excellent value for such intimate, fully escorted groups. Look at the itineraries, imagine travelling through Britain in good company with a knowledgeable host. If you have any questions, Geoff would love to hear from you. |
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| Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England Trains and Treasures season 04 to 28 August 2012 Click here for a full programme and prices |
