Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man

Our holiday begins when we meet our Tour Manager and the rest of our group in Heysham, Lancashire before boarding the early afternoon ferry that takes us to the Isle of Man. As we sail across the Irish Sea, on a clear day we can enjoy expansive views during our crossing, while keeping an eye out for seabirds, and possibly spotting dolphins if we are lucky.

We catch our first glimpse of the Isle of Man's gentle rolling landscapes as we approach Douglas. Stepping off the ferry in the early evening, we take a short stroll along the waterfront, passing an impressive parade of Victorian buildings to the Claremont Hotel, where we stay for the next five nights. After checking in, there's time to settle in to our rooms, before we gather again for dinner.

• Dinner

Today is one of the highlights of our tour - a trip to the summit of the island's only mountain, Snaefell. Our day starts as we board the Manx Electric Railway for a nostalgic journey, enjoying scenic coastal views on our way to the fishing village of Laxey.

In Laxey we board the Snaefell Mountain Railway - the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles. The railway takes us through rolling hills, beautiful landscapes and steep gradients as we ascend to the summit. The views from here are renowned and, on a clear day, it is possible to see England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

After descending, there's time to explore the village of Laxey independently. We recommend you visit The Laxey Wheel, or 'Lady Isabella' as she's known locally, the world's largest working water wheel. You could also stroll beside the river or find lunch at one of the restaurants or cafés in the harbour.

The Manx Electric Railway transports us back to Douglas, where we enjoy a short nostalgic trip on a horse-drawn tram whose tracks take us halfway to our hotel before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, our first stop is Tynwald Hill in the village of St John's. Here, our coach joins the Isle of Man's famous TT racing circuit and we enjoy commentary from a former TT rider as we drive along part of the renowned route.

Next, we arrive at the traditional fishing port of Peel, known for its 11th-century castle. This medieval fortress served as a defensive stronghold for centuries and with entrance included, you can take a self-guided tour of its chapel, dungeons, and towers. You could also visit the House of Manannan - a museum dedicated to the island's rich history and culture with interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and stunning artefacts.

Later, we re-board the Manx Electric Railway back to Douglas. Sit back and relax as we travel once again through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped hills and along the island's rugged east coast. In Douglas, you are free to return to our hotel in your own time, before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we board the vintage carriages of the Isle of Man Steam Railway. Our train chugs through idyllic countryside, passing seaside towns and fishing ports before arriving at Port Erin, set in a beautiful bay on the southwest coast.

We continue our scenic drive across the headland to see the Calf of Man, a small island at the southern tip of the Isle of Man, from a wonderful viewing spot at The Sound Café. There's time here, to soak up the wild beauty of the island - its craggy cliffs, windswept fields and rugged coastline - and you could order coffee with a view.

Arriving in Castletown at lunchtime, there's time to explore the island's ancient capital independently. Entry is included at The Old House of Keys where the Manx parliament used to meet. Built in the 19th century, this important site is beautifully restored, with original furnishings, portraits, and documents on display. You could also visit the medieval Castle Rushen, a magnificent fortress with imposing walls and towers. We return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

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

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you are free to discover the Isle of Man at your own pace. If the weather is warm, you could spend a relaxing day on one of the many stunning beaches. Each has its own unique charm, ranging from secluded coves to lively stretches of sand bustling with activity.

In Douglas you could wander down to St. Thomas' Church, set back from the seafront at the heart of the town. Designed by architect Ewan Christian in the 19th-century in a Victorian Early Gothic style, the beautiful murals inside make it well worth a visit.

If you are on the island in July, the annual Viking Long Boat Championships is held at Peel harbour, an exciting event that celebrates the shared Celtic culture. July also brings the island's folk festival, which has Celtic roots too.

For nature lovers, a boat trip from Douglas to the Isle of Calf is a must. With wonderful wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and rare plants, a visit to the island is a unique opportunity to connect with nature. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, it's time to make our way to Douglas' Sea Terminal for the ferry back to Heysham. On our return sailing across the Irish Sea to Heysham, there's time to enjoy the views before saying goodbye to our Tour Manager, new friends and fellow travellers.

As we head homewards we are sure to take with us treasured memories of our holiday on the unique and peaceful Isle of Man.

• Breakfast