Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly

At London Paddington, we meet at the First Class lounge ahead of our rail journey to Penzance. Or arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Carbis Bay or Falmouth (departure dependent) where we enjoy dinner. On Day 2, we explore the beauty of Cornwall, catching the train to pretty St Ives, where there's free time. From here, we drive along stunning Cape Cornwall to Land's End, Britain's most south-westerly point, then onto Penzance for some free time before returning to our hotel for dinner.

• Day 1 - Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

We transfer to Land's End airport this morning for the short flight to St Mary's, the largest island in the Isles of Scilly. After checking into our hotel, the rest of your day is free to start exploring the delightful surroundings. Perhaps get to know Hugh Town, with its independent shops, quaint churches, and friendly pubs, as well as the Isles of Scilly Museum. There are also three pretty beaches to discover - Porthcressa, Town Beach and Porthmellon Beach. We enjoy a guided walking tour on Day 4, taking in some of the loveliest sights of the Old Town. The church here is the final resting place of Sir Harold Wilson, who summered here every year with his family. We also visit the unfinished fort of Harry's Walls and follow the Lower Moors nature trail.

• Day 3 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we enjoy a highlight of our holiday, travelling by boat to visit Tresco's famous Abbey Gardens. You'll be forgiven for thinking you've been transported to Italy as we wander around, as the gardens are filled with a stunning array of sub-tropical plants. Built in the 19th century around a ruined Benedictine Abbey, the gardens are home to flora from all over the world. The warmer climate of this archipelago means flowers from Brazil and Myanmar to South Africa and New Zealand can flourish here. There's an ever-changing landscape of scents and sights to enjoy and you're free to wander freely before we return to St Mary's.

Day 6 is free, giving you the perfect opportunity to visit one of the Scilly's smaller islands, such as St Agnes or Bryher. St Agnes is the most south-westerly island, offering unspoilt beaches and wild landscapes. Next door, the uninhabited island of Annet is a dedicated bird sanctuary, home to unique sea birds like European storm-petrels, black-backed gull and manx shearwaters. If you're looking for a touch of culture, why not stop off at the Pot Buoys Gallery? Showcasing the work of artists across the Scilly Isles, admire pieces inspired by the idyllic local scenery. Bryher is known as the setting of the film 'When the Whales Came', based on the novel by author Michael Morpurgo, and the local shop is a great place to pick up freshlymade bread and tatty cakes. There are some charming cafés and pubs to visit too, including Fraggle Rock, one of Britain's smallest bars, or you can sample the wares at Veronica Farm Fudge.

• Day 5 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to the ferry port where we board the ferry to Penzance. After dinner at a local restaurant, we enjoy a fantastic rail experience, boarding the overnight sleeper train, the Riviera Sleeper, for a night-time journey back to London Paddington.

• Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 8 - Breakfast