OLD BLIGHTY

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STYLE: Fun and light adventure

ACCOMMODATION: 4 – 5 star

SOLD OUT

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Special guest

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Fred Watson

Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell is an astrophysicist from Northern Ireland who, as a postgraduate student, discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967. The discovery eventually earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1974; however, she was not one of the prize's recipients.

 

Join Fred Watson, Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Marnie Ogg as they lead you through some of the quaintest English, Cornish, Welsh and Shetland villages; we'll see great engineering feats of Isambard Brunell, and his friend Thomas Telford, tread the creative paths of Dylan Thomas and Victor Hugo; and journey on trains, through Welsh National Parks, via Castles and under Dark Skies with Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell.

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Pre-DAY 1 – 11 September 2023 – Guernsey

Flying From London today (*Flight included), you will meet the group for your flight to Guernsey where we will spend 4 nights at the magnificent Cobo Bay Hotel.  Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands (48 km) west of Normandy, France, and roughly triangular in shape. We'll explore one of the many gloriously unspoilt stretches of sand for lunch, before heading to Cobo Bay - one of Guernsey’s gems. Join everyone at the hotel for a welcome dinner tonight.  (D)

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Pre-DAY 2 – 12 September  2023 – Guernsey

Heading to the Dark Sky Island of Sark today by boat, we’ll explore this islet by horse and carriage transporting around the island and back in time. This lovely little island was the first of its kind, declaring dark sky status with the International Dark Sky Association as the first island of its kind. Whilst we will not be there at night to enjoy its rich dark skies, we will embrace the island’s history, unspoilt island lifestyle and memorable lunch. (B,L)

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Pre-DAY 3 – 13 September  2023 – Guernsey

During our island visit today, we’ll explore some of the military histories that surround the area. Steeped in history that includes the English Civil War and the German occupation of the islands during World War II the German Military Underground Hospital and Ammunition Store is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands During the occupation of the islands, these wards accommodated up to 800 patients.(B,D)

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Pre-DAY 4 – 14 September  2023 – Guernsey

Today we journey to the southwest corner of the island and visit Hauteville House - the self-imposed exile of Victor Hugo. En route, we'll enjoy lunch at the Auberge du Val, and return with time to enjoy a walk on the coast. (B,L)

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MAIN TOUR

DAY 1 – 15 September 2023 –  Newquay

Boarding a Ferry this morning we'll be making our way to the famous seaside town of Newquay where we'll spend two nights at Fistral Beach Hotel. Please note if you are travelling from Guernsey the travel times are subject to extreme tidal differences and are announced only a few weeks ahead of departure. For those starting the tour here, we will coordinate a central point for the coach to meet you, most likely in Poole.(B,D)

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DAY 2 – 16 September  2023 – Newquay

Our first stop is a short train journey from Falmouth to Truro. On arrival, we’ll visit the Truro Cathedral one of only three cathedrals in the UK featuring three spires.  We’ll then head to St Alberts Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened by Prince Albert on 2 May 1859. We stop at a china clay pit that has been transformed into a living theatre of plants and people - the Eden Project before visiting the coastal towns of Mevagissey and Gorran Haven where Marnie in her late teen years we’ll enjoy lunch and a pint of Scrumpy Jack to celebrate old times in her local! For those keen on a seaside stroll, we can take the cliff walk together. (B,L)

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DAY 3 – 17 September  2023 – Bodmin

Today we head towards Goonhilly Downs. Situated just south of Helston and the Royal Naval Air Station famous as the location of the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station. At one time the largest in the world these huge satellite dishes seen for miles were an iconic landmark. The downs themselves are largely sparse heathland, making it the perfect radio-quiet destination for this work. We head to Bodmin in Cornwall where we will stay for two nights at a hotel with a difference. The Bodmin Jail! (B,D)

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DAY 4 – 18 September  2023 – Bodmin

Heading to the most western part of England, we board the Bodmin Railway, en route to Penzance. This station was originally constructed by the Cornwall Railway in 1859, and became part of the Great Western Railway in 1876 is located in the picturesque Glynn Valley, about 20 metres above the River Fowey. Subject to the weather this evening, we'll stargaze on the Bodmin Moor, with the Caraon Observatory astronomy society. (B,D)

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DAY 5 – 19 September  2023 – Bath

Leaving the Cornish Peninsular behind, we travel to the majestic city of Bath, taking in a stop at Port Isaac. This north-facing town is best known as the quaint setting for the TV Series starring Martin Clune – Doc Martin. Lunch will be a Cornish Pasty at an apt name shop. We overnight at the historic Abbey hotel situated centrally and surrounded by restaurants.(B.L)

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DAY 6 – 20 September  2023 – Llanelli

It was in the garden of the German-born British astronomer, composer, and brother of Caroline Herschel – William Herschel- that the planet Uranus was discovered. His home, now a museum, is filled with objects of astronomical and musical desire. Prior to entering into Wales, we’ll view the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The bridge is built to a design by William Henry Barlow and John Hawkshaw, based on an earlier design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We overnight in Llianell. (B,D)

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DAY 7 – 21 September  2023 – Betws-Y-Coed

One of the highlights, before we leave the south, is the Dylan Thomas Birthday Walk. In 1944, Dylan wrote 'Poem in October' a poem about his love of Laugharne and getting older on his 30th Birthday. We’ll visit the Discover PortmeirionGardens. The subtropical forest at Portmeirion, affectionately known as The Gwyllt (Wildwood in Welsh) features some of Britain's largest trees, secret gardens, a derelict castle and rare flowers. Staying three nights in the Waterloo Hotel in the dark sky park of Snowdonia, we get to some of the more rural areas of Wales. (B,D)

 

DAY 8 – 22 September  2023 – Betws-Y-Coed

Combining two great men of steel constructions today, we journey on the Ffestiniog railway to Menai/Porthaethwy; referred to colloquially as Y Borth. This overlooks the Menai Strait and lies by the Menai Suspension Bridge, built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, Menai Heritage Bridges Exhibition celebrates the Menai Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford, and the Britannia Bridge, built by Robert Stephenson. In stark contrast, we stop at the prehistoric Bryn Celli Dhu burial chamber and the Beaumaris Castle, before returning home to our hotel. (B,D)

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DAY 9 – 23 September 2023 – Betws-Y-Coed

Today we head north to Conwy, visiting the Bodnant Gardens, and taking another rail journey on the Orme Tramway.  The Great Orme Tramway is Britain's only funicular, or cable-hauled, a tramway that travels on public roads. Delighting visitors since it opened in 1902. The Tramway climbs a mile (1500m) through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the Great Orme's spectacular summit. Tonight, we meet the Conwy Astronomical Society for dinner and some *stargazing! (B,D)

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DAY 10 – 24 September 2023 – Knutsford

Moving back into England, but before we cross the Welsh English border en route to Knutsford we cruise along The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Designed by Thomas Telford the 18-arched stone and cast iron structure is the longest aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world. You may be aware of Jodrell Bank as a world-leading astronomical telescope, but did you know it is also listed as a World Heritage space by UNESCO for its dark sky significance? Today we’ll explore the site with a behind-the-scenes tour with Fred’s colleagues from the SKA. We spend the nights at Cottons Hotel Knutsford. (B,D)

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DAY 11 –25 September 2023 – Manchester Airport

Our tour ends today with a transfer to Manchester Airport in the early after. 

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Post Tour - Shetland Islands

Post DAY 1 –25   September 2023 – Busta 

Flying from Manchester today (*included on Logan Air), we will be collected and taken to our hotel for the night - Busta House Hotel. Here we spend one night, with good food and wine. This dark, mostly unlit area, maybe just the ticket to see the Aurora Borealis. En route will visit the Sumburgh Head Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of mainland Shetland. The area is rich in military and maritime history, and the bird and marine life at Sumburgh Head. The Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements in Shetland are one of the most important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland. Jarlsholf is located at Sumburgh Head near the southern tip of Mainland Shetland.(B,D)

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Post DAY 2 – 26  September  2023 – Busta

Moving further north today, we'll meander along the country lanes, taking in the rich Viking history at

Lerwick's largest open space lies around the Loch of Clickimin, on the southwest side of the town. Dating back 3,000 years: Clickimin Broch or the Broch of Clickimin. Mousa Broch may be the most well-preserved on Shetland, but Clickimin Broch is certainly the most easily accessible. .(B,D)

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Post DAY 3 – 27 September  2023 – Magnus Bay

A visit to the Shetland Islands would be completely incomplete without seeing For many, visiting the dramatic cliffs at Eshaness. We'll travel through the Tingwall Valley, stopping to meet some of our native Shetland ponies and views many locations from the ‘Shetland’ TV series on your way. Lunch at the Braewick café with some beautiful views. Tonight we overnight at St Magnus Bay Hotel. (B)

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Post-DAY 4 – 28 September  2023 – Magnus Bay

Today, we'll get a taste of the space race as we head over to the island of Unst. From here the UK's first orbital rocket launch is set to blast off from the Shetland islands in October ... just weeks after we visit. Our last night will be a special one with dinner with the locals! (B,D)

 

Post-DAY 4 – 29 September  2023 – Home

Everything must come to an end. After breakfast, we'll make our way back to Lerwick where your connecting homebound flights or the Ferry await.(B)

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Inclusions:

· Tour Host – Fred Watson

· Tour Manager – Marnie Ogg

· Get behind the scenes tours at Jodrell Bank, Goonhilly Downs and SaxaVord Space Centres

· Accommodation as listed

· Breakfast and Dinner daily

· Entry to all sights listed

· Train travel in Wales, Ffestiniog and Cornwall

· Air-conditioned motorcoach and driver

· Local Guides

· Flights / Ferry crossings as listed

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Not included:

· International Flights

· Tips

· Drinks

· Items of personal nature

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NOTES

Tour itinerary and pricing are subject to change and currency exchange at any time. Pre and post-tours are available as stand-alone tours with the additional fee of $500 pp. Your place is confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit. Bookings close 90 days before departure of the first tour. Final payments are due 75 days prior to departure. Please see our terms and conditions for cancellation details. All prices are in Australian dollars and are based on the currency exchange rate 1 GBP = 1.88980 AUD

 

If the minimum numbers (12 pax) are not met, alternative travel arrangements may be made, however in the instance that this is not possible, the tour may be cancelled. and your deposit returned. Please note twin rooms are based on two co-travellers sharing a room - if you choose this option as a single traveller, you may be required to pay the full supplement in the event no other single traveller wishes to share. There are only 4 single rooms available throughout the journey and travel insurance is required to participate. 

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Deposit:

$1000 pp - 1 tour

$1500 pp - 2 tours

$2000 pp - 3 tours

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To secure a place on the tour, please email Marnie using the booking link below.