The Sensational Isles of Scilly

Your holiday starts at London Paddington railway station as we are welcomed by our Tour Manager in the First Class lounge. Once the rest of our travel group has arrived, we board the midday train to Penzance, enjoying the comfort of our First Class seats.

This picturesque journey features everchanging scenery from the train window as we travel from the suburbs of London through the rural West Country and into Cornwall's wild open landscapes.

On arrival in the early evening, we are transferred by coach to our cliffside hotel, Cape Cornwall Club in St Just, for an overnight stay and an evening meal with our group.

• Dinner

After an early breakfast, we transfer by coach to Penzance to join the ferry to the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Sailing along the Cornish coastline, our journey begins with views of quaint villages, rugged cliffsides and Land's End peninsula.

After travelling 28 miles west from Land's End, our ferry docks at St Mary's, the largest of the Scilly islands. There we transfer to historic Hugh Town, for a stay of seven nights at a harbourside hotel with views across the bay. After checking in, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure, and you are free to begin exploring.

Hugh Town is the heart of St Mary's island and its unofficial capital, with eclectic shops, quaint churches and cosy pubs. You could find out more about the islands' maritime heritage and history at the new Isles of Scilly Cultural Centre and Museum or pop in to one of the art galleries or craft studios. There are also three beaches to discover -Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon Beach. Dinner is served at our hotel tonight and each evening of our stay.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we set out from our hotel in Hugh Town on a full-day guided walking tour of St Mary's, with the option of taking part in only half of the day. Our guide introduces us to this charming island, telling us tales of its history and local legend. Wandering through the cobbled streets of the island's Old Town, the oldest settlement on the island, which appears to be untouched by time, we pass quaint cottages and granite houses from the Georgian and Victorian periods.

On our walk we see the historic church where the late British Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson rests in peace, having spent many summers with his family on St Mary's. We also discover the story behind the unfinished fort of Harry's Walls and uncover the secrets of the Lower Moors nature trail. At the end of the afternoon, we return to our hotel, where there's free time to relax before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, we walk down to the harbour, where we take a short boat trip to Tresco's world-famous Abbey Garden. With free entry included, there's a full day to enjoy this special place.

Built in the early 19th century around a ruined Benedictine Abbey, this exceptional garden is a sanctuary for around 2,000 subtropical plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. Thanks to the warm weather of the Scilly Isles, exotic species from countries including Brazil, Myanmar, South Africa and New Zealand flourish here. There's plenty of time to wander through the winding paths at your own pace among mature palm trees and vivid flowers.

Besides its stunning plant life, Abbey Garden has other hidden gems, including red squirrels, golden pheasants and magnificent sculptures. You could also visit the Valhalla Figurehead Museum to see its collection of beautifully preserved ship figureheads, each with its own unique story and history. We sail back to St Mary's at the end of the afternoon, and you could make the most of the hotel's terrace and enjoy a drink with a view before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a free day to continue looking around or simply relaxing at your own pace. You could catch a ferry from Hugh Town's harbour to the smallest Scilly Isle, Bryher. With a population of around 80, this untamed island was the setting of Michael Morpurgo's novel Why the Whales Came and is a pleasure to explore. Unwind on the peaceful sandy beaches of Rushy Bay, discover rocky coves, or climb the small granite hills and watch the Atlantic waves crash into Hell Bay.

If you prefer to stay in St Mary's, there's plenty to enjoy here. Besides visiting the churches, galleries and cafés of Hugh Town you could walk up Garrison Hill to the Star Castle, stroll along the Porthcressa promenade, or unwind on one of the other local beaches.

How ever you decide to spend the day, dinner is served at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after a relaxed breakfast we walk down to the harbour to catch the boat to St Agnes, the most south-westerly of the Scilly islands at the very tip of the British Isles. We have a few hours to get to know this fascinating island. With nothing but 3,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean between here and America's shores, this remote outpost offers panoramic views, Bronze Age burial sites and the Bishop Rock lighthouse.

The island is easy to explore on foot and the town is a short walk from the ferry port. Here you could visit the Pot Buoys Gallery, which features the work of a variety of local artists, including paintings, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture. The island's most popular pub is the Turks Head, with great views, a highly rated menu and a range of real ales. Other options are the Coastguards Café and Covean Cottage, which serves pizzas, freshly baked cakes and scones. We sail back to St Mary's harbour in the afternoon, where you are free until dinnertime.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Another day on the Scilly Isles brings a boat trip to another island - St Martin's. Here your day can be as busy as you wish, with a choice of activities, from snorkelling or beachcombing to peaceful places to sit and soak up the scenery.

This two-mile-long island has some of the best beaches in the world. You might be tempted to take a dip in the clear blue waters of Par Beach or stroll along the soft sands of Great Bay, Little Bay or Bread and Cheese Cove.

St Martin's also has a great arts and crafts scene, with independent shops and galleries. You could lunch on local lobster at a pub garden with a beautiful view, such as the Seven Stones Inn, pick up a home baked pasty from the Island Bakery, or order a delicious cream tea from the tearooms. We sail back to St Mary's at the end of the afternoon with more time to relax before dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is our last full day on peaceful St Mary's island, a day to enjoy as you please. You may like to make the most of the island's gentle pace of life and the tranquil surroundings, where nature runs wild and time slows down.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a final leisurely stroll along one of the island's picturesque beaches, such as Porthcressa or Old Town Bay. You may prefer to take a boat trip around the island to spot some of the marine life, including seals and dolphins. Or you might choose to walk along the stunning coastline, visit an archaeological site, or follow a nature trail. Today is also your last chance to enjoy a meal at one of the enticing eateries in Hugh Town.

This evening, we take our seats for the last dinner of our holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We say goodbye to St Mary's this morning as we transfer to the airport to board a flight to Lands' End. Back on the mainland, we are taken by coach for lunch at the Cape Cornwall Club restaurant. Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the wild Atlantic, the Cape Cornwall restaurant has breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and sky. The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, with rustic wooden furnishings.

After lunch, we transfer back to Penzance station to board our train to London Paddington, travelling in First Class. As our train pulls into London, our holiday draws to a close and it's time to continue our journey home, with memories of our holiday on the sensational Isles of Scilly.

• Breakfast, Lunch