A&Tventures Isle of Man

Tuesday

We have an early start to travel to Heysham for the 2.15pm sailing across to Douglas, Isle of Man. It's then just a short journey to the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club. This 4 star Hotel is set in 200 acres of countryside with all the en suite facilities you would expect. There is an indoor swimming pool and golf course.

Wednesday

This morning we visit the Manx Museum, bursting with artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man. The Story of Mann is presented through films, galleries and interactive displays. You will also have some time to explore Douglas with its seafront trams, shops and make sure you fit lunch in.

About 2.00pm we will make the journey to the National Folk Museum at Cregneash. A living museum of a Manx upland crofting community including thatched cottages and farm buildings illustrating a traditional way of life around the 19th and early 20th century.

We will finish the day at Peel, where you can either, take a look at the ruins of the castle, stroll along one of the best beaches on the Island or taste the delicious ice creams on sale.

Thursday

Today we start with politics; The Old House of Keys has been restored to provide visitors with an insight into the political life and times of the Island. Manx politics stretches back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the Viking Kings ruled the Isle of Man.

We then travel on to Castle Rushen, which is situated in the heart of Castletown, the Island's ancient capital. Castle Rushen is one of Europe's most finely preserved medieval castles and fortress of the Kings and Lords of Mann. (Not suitable for persons with walking difficulties).

Also in Castletown is The Nautical Museum a fascinating 'tardis like' building. This tiny museum originates from the discovery of the 18th century armed yacht, the 'Peggy', walled up in her boat cellar and now seen as being of 'extraordinary' maritime importance on the National Historic Ships Register. We then take the coach to "The Sound" to see beautiful panoramic views of Manx coastal scenery and views of the "Calf of Man". There is a café for lunch and if lucky we may see seals, porpoises, dolphins or whales.

Next on the agenda is St Johns where we visit Tynwald Hill. Each year this quiet rural village takes centre stage for the annual open air Tynwald ceremony. During the proceedings, Acts passed by the Manx parliament in the preceding year are promulgated. Adjacent to the hill is a lovely arboretum.

Friday

Our first point of call this morning is The Great Laxey Wheel or Lady Isabella (as she is also known), turns majestically in the peaceful Glen Mooar Valley, where she proudly stands

as the largest surviving working waterwheel in the world. Climb the steep spiral staircase to the viewing platform above the wheel if you dare or see what it was like to be a miner or just take in the picturesque views.

Next today is the Snaefell Electric Mountain railway, over 100 years old it runs from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell at 2,036ft. The line is five miles long, takes 30 minutes for a one-way journey. View the six kingdoms: England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Mann and Heaven. We will have lunch at the top, before our return journey down. Garey Ny Cloie is a woodland garden that has served as the headquarters for forestry technical operations on the Island although during that time many changes have taken place. During the 1930's extensive fruit orchards were developed for experimental purposes and in the early 1960's major renovation works resulted in a newly relocated forest nursery and garden centre which was for many years open to the general public. In springtime the shrub borders of evergreen azalea, dwarf rhododendron and camelia provide added colour and diversity to an already varied collection of Japanese flowering cherries.

Saturday

Following an early breakfast we travel to the port of Douglas to catch the 8.45am ferry to Heysham. We will then continue our journey home with comfort stops on route.

Terms and Conditions

1. A £100 deposit is required within 14 days of booking. This is non-refundable. Final balance due by 14th February 2012.

2. Cancellation: Bookings cancelled between 6 to 12 weeks of the date of arrival will be charged 50% of the booking, less than 6 weeks and the full cost will be forfeited. If we are able to resell your place a full refund will be given.

3. All prices quoted are per person on a half-board basis. All coach travel and admission prices are included. Please advise of any dietary requirements on booking.

4. All drinks must be paid for and any other extras before departing the hotel.

5. The hotel is non-smoking.

6. We reserve the right to change the itinerary if necessary, but will only do so by circumstances out of our control.

7. Holiday insurance is advisable.

8. A&Tventures Ltd normal terms and conditions apply.

9. The Isle of Man does not have the same disabled facilities as the main land. Where there is not good access, we have tried to provide an alternative place for you to visit. We can not be held responsible for this.