Somerset & the Torbay Express 2012 

Your tour begins in Bristol, as you meet your Tour Manager at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel. You are free to explore this attractive city before dinner. (D)

This morning we travel by coach to Bishops Lydeard, located at the foot of the Quantock Hills, to join the fantastic West Somerset Railway. This is the UK's longest stretch of private heritage railway, operated by a dedicated army of almost 1,000 volunteers. Our journey takes us to Dunster, to visit Dunster Castle, perched dramatically atop a wooded hill. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a scenic rail journey on the superb Torbay Express, travelling along the route of Brunel's Great Western Railway. Our 214-mile steam-hauled return journey takes us across Somerset and around the Devon coastline, often right along the beachfront, only yards from the sea. The train passes through tunnels in the cliffs, skirting alongside rock pools and past red sandstone inlets and coves. The train takes a well-earned break at Kingswear, allowing free time at Dartmouth, just a short ferry crossing away, before returning to Bristol. (B)

The SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was the world's first great ocean liner. Now dry docked in Bristol harbour, the ship has been transformed into a fantastic interactive museum, where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board the Victorian ship. We return to the hotel via the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge. (B,D)

Today we travel by rail to Bath, an incredibly well-preserved show-piece Georgian city. Your time in the city is free for you to explore. A visit to the Roman Baths & Museum brings Roman Britain back to life and is an absolute must-see for first-time visitors. You can see the true Georgian curved terraces by visiting The Circus and Royal Crescent, whereas a visit to the Assembly Rooms offers you chance to see beautifully restored Georgian interiors. A visit to Bath Abbey will give you a fantastic bird's eye view of the city from its tower. After breakfast on Day 6 our tour concludes, and you are free to depart at your leisure. (Day 5-B,D; Day 6-B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday