Plymouth

Day 1

We depart the local area and with a lunch stop on route we arrive at Duke of Cornwall Hotel ready to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

Today we visit Saltram (NT). High above the River Plym, with magnificent views across the estuary, Saltram's rolling landscape parkland is situated on Plymouth's outskirts. Saltram was home to the Parker family from 1743 and the house reflects their increasingly prominent lifestyle during the Georgian period. Outside, the garden's planting offers something of interest all year, and there are also an 18th-century orangery and follies to explore.

Day 3

Today we enjoy a scenic drive through the Tamar Valley to the market town of Tavistock, the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. This afternoon we visit Buckland Abbey (NT). Hundreds of years ago, Cistercian monks chose this tranquil valley as the perfect spot in which to worship, farm their estate and trade. The Abbey, later converted into a house, combines furnished rooms with museum galleries bringing to life the story of how seafaring adventurers Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake changed the shape of Buckland Abbey and the fate of England.

Day 4

This morning we board a one hour Plymouth harbour cruise. On departing the Mayflower Steps, your skipper will provide an informative commentary, as you sail across the Plymouth Sound flanked by the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts. Passing Plymouth Hoe, the famous Drakes Island, heading for the river Tamar and pulling into one of the largest Naval Dockyards in Western Europe - where the mighty warships and nuclear submarines await. This afternoon we head back to Plymouth for time at leisure, why not visit the Mayflower Museum, Plymouth Gin Distillery, Hoe Park or the National Marine Aquarium all are within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 5

We depart after a leisurely breakfast and return home with a lunch stop on route, arriving back late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast