South Devon, Dartmouth, & The English Riviera

Our holiday begins in the seaside town of Paignton, described as 'one of the brightest jewels' in the English Riviera, where we meet our Tour Manager in the mid-afternoon at our hotel. After settling in, there's time to look around and maybe walk along the Victorian esplanade to take in the views.

The town has an unspoilt harbour, a promenade, a traditional pier and an attractive beachfront with colourful beach huts. Later we gather at the hotel restaurant for dinner with the rest of our group.

• Dinner

Our day starts with a coach transfer to the medieval town of Totnes for a boat cruise along the River Dart to Dartmouth, at the mouth of the Dart Estuary. We drift by idyllic riverside villages, the Sharpham Estate with its vineyards, and steep wooded hillsides until we reach Dartmouth.

On arrival, there's free time to look around the harbour town. You could visit the 14th-century Dartmouth Castle on the river bank, seek out a peaceful cove, or enjoy lunch at one of the modern restaurants, bars or traditional seaside fish and chip shops.

Later, we cross the Dart Estuary by ferry to the village of Kingswear, where - after some free time - we board the wonderful Dartmouth Steam Railway*, which takes us along the coastline back to Paignton. This scenic route passes the wooded slopes of Long Wood and the spectacular English Riviera Geopark coastline. In Paignton, we walk the short distance from the station to our hotel for dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible. However, due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a full free day to get to know Paignton at your own pace until dinner at our hotel. Paignton's picturesque harbour, promenade and public gardens are all easy to get around. You could also enjoy the views on a walk to the pier, or continue along the rugged headland.

The 18th-century harbour is the centre piece of the bay and a true maritime treasure, with colourful fishing boats and a historic harbour wall. There are restaurants and cafés here where you could sample some delicious freshly-caught local fish. You could also head to the bustling high street where you'll find everything from souvenirs to beach supplies.

However you decide to spend your day, dinner is served this evening at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our coach takes us to the historic town of Buckfastleigh this morning, where we take a seven mile journey on the South Devon Railway to Totnes and back. This steam-hauled round trip runs along the scenic valley of the River Dart, past babbling streams and charming woodland.

After a journey through some of Devon's most glorious countryside, our coach takes us to Buckfast Abbey. Home to a working community of Benedictine monks, there are award-winning gardens, an interactive exhibition, and a lovely chapel to discover at leisure.

This afternoon we visit the stunning coastal town of Teignmouth, with streets of elegant Georgian buildings, long sandy beaches and an enticing aroma of fresh local food. It's the perfect place to sit down to a traditional high tea, and we do just that in the Riviera Tearooms before a chance to get to know the town independently. We transfer back to our hotel by coach at the end of the afternoon with time to relax before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, our holiday draws to a close. It's time to check out and say your goodbyes before making your way home. Alternatively, you could continue to discover more of Devon on your own. Whichever direction you head to next, the memories of this relaxing holiday on the English Riviera are sure to remain with you.

• Breakfast