Cornwall and Devon are in England’s rugged southwestern tip, and this tour is filled with the extraordinary. Cornwall, recognized as one of the Celtic Nations, has picturesque villages and the Cornish Riviera. The county of Devon borders Cornwall on the east. According to legend, both were once ruled by King Arthur. After an evening together in London, we head south with our guide to the market city of Wells for the most unusual Gothic cathedral in England. (The nearby Vicars’ Close is Europe’s oldest, continuously inhabited street.) That evening we’re in Dartmoor National Park, a dream of wild moorlands, rich history, and deep river valleys.

Next, we’re off to the seaside, staying in the village of Falmouth on Cornwall’s north coast. On the way, we’ll savor fresh-off-the boat seafood, and the pretty town of St. Ives, known for its beaches, British art, and seal colony. While in Falmouth, we’ll explore St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island just off Penzance, complete with medieval castle and gardens. Our travels to the Southwest Region include a stay at the village of St. Austell, home of the clay that created Wedgwood china, made famous by Queen Charlotte of Bridgerton film renown.

And, most exquisitely, we’ll tour the only tea plantation in England with one of the gardening team. This is a truly unique experience. Spend the next day in St. Austell at your leisure—we suggest the Eden Project’s biomes or Charleston’s Shipwreck Museum. On our last full day, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen—be amazed by the sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast and go fossil hunting! Our farewell dinner and night are spent in the ancient town of Salisbury. Breathe in the wonder.

Tour requirements: You are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (original two doses) to travel on one of our Small Group Tours; the only exception to this is if you are medically exempt from having the vaccine. You also must take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel on your tour. Insurance can be purchased through Authentic Vacations at time of booking or through your own provider.

Accommodation

1 Night

Luxury Central Park Hotel

1 Night

Romantic Dartmoor Retreat

2 Nights

Charming Georgian House in Cornwall

2 Nights

Clifftop Coastal Hotel

1 Night

Wiltshire Countryside Retreat

Transportation

Premium Mini-Coach Transportation with Professional Driver/Guide

Dining Options Included

English Breakfast Each Morning
1x Lunch
3x Evening Meals

Points of Interest

Visit Beautiful Wells Cathedral in The Medieval Heart of England's Smallest City
Journey Through Dartmoor National Park - One of The Last Great Wildernesses in The UK
Explore the Unique Castle on The Tidal Island of St Michael's Mount
Meander Through the Charming Seaside Town of St. Ives
Hunt for Fossils along the Jurassic Coast
Visit World Famous Biomes - the Eden Project
Experience the 13th Century Charm and Character of Salisbury

Itinerary

1
Day 1 London, Luxury Central Park Hotel
2
Day 2 Dartmoor National Park, Romantic Dartmoor Retreat
3
Day 3 - 4 Falmouth, Charming Georgian House in Cornwall
4
Day 5 - 6 St Austell, Clifftop Coastal Hotel
5
Day 7 Salisbury, Wiltshire Countryside Retreat
6
Day 8 Depart from London Heathrow Airport, London Central and Surrounds

Numbers on the map correlate and indicate arrival, departure cities and overnight stays of this itinerary.

Day 1

Accommodation

Luxury Central Park Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Arrive in London

After meeting the group in London, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner. Here’s to the start of an incredible adventure! Dinner included.

Arrive at

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, London Central and Surrounds

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport.

Overnight Location

London, London Central and Surrounds

On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.

London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.

Day 2

Accommodation

Romantic Dartmoor Retreat - Dartmoor National Park, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double / Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Wells & Dartmoor National Park

After breakfast, our first stop will be the tiny market city of Wells – known for its Gothic cathedral and peaceful Vicars’ Close. After we’ve spent some time wandering the cobbled streets and medieval buildings with our Tour Leader, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Wells Cathedral at our leisure. Later, our path will take us from the quaint country lanes of Somerset to the heather and gorse-clad tors of Dartmoor National Park. Tonight, we’ll enjoy another delicious dinner together. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Dartmoor National Park, Southwest Region

On The Map: Dartmoor National Park is located in Devon, in the southwest corner of England. Dartmoor National Park boasts a varied and dramatic landscape - from forested river vales to wild, heather dominated moorland. But Dartmoor is perhaps best known for its often striking 'tors' (rocky granite hilltops - pictured). In fact, Dartmoor is the largest area of granite to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom. Dartmoor is hillwalker and hiker heaven. A myriad trails of all levels of difficulty are available to the visitor, and the Park's Visitor Centres are well-stocked with maps and leaflets to help you explore the region. A multitude of prehistoric standing stones and circles are to be found in Dartmoor - Upper Erme Stone Row is the longest of its kind in the world at more than 2 miles. There is a great variety of visitor attractions at the Park, sure to keep the entire family entertained: Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, The South Devon Steam Railway, Buckland Abbey, Miniature Pony Centre and Canonteign Waterfall, to name but a few. Dartmoor is also steeped in myth and legend, reputedly haunted by pixies, a headless horseman, a large black dog and spectral hounds. The latter tale inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to pen one of Sherlock Holmes' most memorable mysteries, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.

Day 3

Accommodation

Charming Georgian House in Cornwall - Falmouth, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Fresh-off-the-boat Cornish Seafood

Today we’ll leave Dartmoor National Park for Cornwall’s northern coast – starting with a stroll around Port Isaac, the fishing village made famous by the Doc Martin television series. Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at The Seafood Restaurant, Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant in Padstow. Here, you can take your pick from a menu of fresh-off-the-boat Cornish seafood and international favourites. Then: we’ll take it easy as we travel further west to Falmouth. Breakfast and lunch included.

Overnight Location

Falmouth, Southwest Region

On the Map: Falmouth is a town on the coast of Cornwall in the South West region of England.

Home to the world’s third largest natural harbour, Falmouth boasts some of Cornwall’s best views. There are little spots along the high street where you can glimpse the sea just a few feet away, and the town is the ultimate gateway to coastlines, secret coves, and unspoilt creeks along the Fal River.

From attractions like the award-winning Maritime Museum, Falmouth Art Gallery and Cornwall's largest fortress Pendennis Castle, to great waterside activities, there's loads to experience and do in Falmouth!

Day 4

Accommodation

Charming Georgian House in Cornwall - Falmouth, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Land's End & St Michael's Mount

After a hearty breakfast we’ll pay a visit to Land’s End – England’s most westerly point – before setting our sights on St Ives. One of England’s prettiest towns, take some time to meander the cluster of cobblestoned streets, quaint seaside cottages and picture-perfect bays. Then, it’s back on the mini-coach for a visit to St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island just off the coast of Penzance. Here we’ll explore the village and the medieval castle and gardens – which are full of treasures and stories from the past. Back in Falmouth, we’ll enjoy an evening spent at our leisure. Please note: St Michael’s Mount is closed on Saturdays. In the event day 4 of our tour falls on a Saturday, we will visit St Michael’s Mount on day 5. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

Falmouth, Southwest Region

On the Map: Falmouth is a town on the coast of Cornwall in the South West region of England.

Day 5

Accommodation

Clifftop Coastal Hotel - St Austell, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

Tea Plantation Tour

There’s a treat in store for the green-fingered today: we’re off to explore Tregothnan Estate, one of Cornwall’s largest estate and home to the first tea plantation in Britain. A member of the gardening team will give us a private tour of the grounds and the tea plantation, where we’ll learn all about the only tea grown in England – with a chance to sample some of it for ourselves. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to St Austell Bay area where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Please note: Tregothnan Estate is closed to the public on weekends. In the event day 5 of our tour falls on a Saturday, we will visit Lower Lanner Farm instead – where we’ll enjoy a cream tea and plantation tour. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

St Austell, Southwest Region

On the Map: St Austell is a town in Cornwall, in the South West region of England, 10 miles south of Bodmin and 30 miles west of the border with Devon.

The old market town of St Austell is just a few miles from the coast and is one of Cornwall's biggest towns. The St Austell port is the lovely harbour of Charlestown where you will frequently see old sailing ships. The port has been used as a film location for such shows as Poldark. St Austell was for centuries an important mining town but it was the discovery of massive deposits of china clay in the mid 18th century that put the town on the map. The extraction of china clay became the mainstay of local industry and accelerated the growth of the town from the eighteenth century onwards. The china clay industry is now in decline but has left its mark on the landscape around St Austell. The Cornish Alps as they are sometimes referred to are the spoils from the clay pits which form large, originally white, conical mounds.

Another long running industry in the town is St Austell Brewery, founded in 1851 and now grown to become the biggest brewery in Cornwall with a string of pubs. St Austell also sits just a few miles from the extremely popular tourist attraction: the mighty Eden Project, biomes built in a reclaimed china clay pit and transformed into gorgeous gardens.

Day 6

Accommodation

Clifftop Coastal Hotel - St Austell, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am

Daily Itinerary

St Austell Bay

We have no set plans today, leaving you free to explore the sandy beaches and boutique shops of the St Austell Bay area at your leisure. You could visit the world-famous biomes of the Eden Project or uncover the world’s largest private collection of maritime paraphernalia at the Charleston Shipwreck Museum – you certainly won’t be short on things to do here! Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

St Austell, Southwest Region

On the Map: St Austell is a town in Cornwall, in the South West region of England, 10 miles south of Bodmin and 30 miles west of the border with Devon.

Day 7

Accommodation

Wiltshire Countryside Retreat - Salisbury, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11:00am.

Daily Itinerary

Jurassic Coast

Today we’ll make our way south along the coast, before our road takes us through picturesque Devon and Dorset. We’ll have some free time to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s heroines and take in sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast. Enjoy some free time hunting for fossils along Lyme Regis’s sandy beaches before we move on to Salisbury – where a farewell dinner awaits. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Salisbury, Southwest Region

On The Map: Salisbury is located in Southern England, 25 miles northwest of Southampton, and 88 miles southwest of London.

Known as the 'City in the Countryside', Salisbury retains much of its historic past & charm with timbered buildings, and an Early English Gothic Cathedral. The sight of the Cathedral rising from the surrounding green fields (pictured) is one to behold, and is often described as one of Britain's great views. Within the Chapter House at Salisbury Cathedral, you’ll find the best preserved of the four original Magna Carta manuscripts dating from 1215. 2015 marks the 800th anniversary of the signing of this momentous document, and many celebrations are taking place throughout the year. The Magna Carta was undoubtedly a landmark legal document. It is even cited as influencing the formation of the American Constitution in 1789, and is still held in high regard by legal scholars today. Salisbury is a thriving market, boasts a buzzing arts scene, delightful museums and some of England’s finest historic houses.

Day 8

Daily Itinerary

Return to London

After one last breakfast together, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral. Our journey will conclude upon returning to London.

You'll be arriving early afternoon into London so you may need to add an extra night's stay here, depending on your flight's departure time. Please ask your Authentic Expert for help facilitating this.

Depart From

Depart from London Heathrow Airport, London Central and Surrounds

Return to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

Low Season

Available Tour Dates

Oct

From $3,013 per person

Mid Season

Available Tour Dates

Sep

From $3,098 per person

High Season

Available Tour Dates

Aug

From $3,422 per person

Your 2022 Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

7 Nights of Superior Hotel Accommodation

TRANSPORTATION

Premium Mini-Coach Transportation with Professional Driver/Guide

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

English Breakfast Each Morning
1x Lunch
3x Evening Meals

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Visit Port Isaac Filming Location of Doc Martin
Private Tea Plantation Tour

POINTS OF INTEREST

Visit Beautiful Wells Cathedral in The Medieval Heart of England's Smallest City
Journey Through Dartmoor National Park - One of The Last Great Wildernesses in The UK
Explore the Unique Castle on The Tidal Island of St Michael's Mount
Meander Through the Charming Seaside Town of St. Ives
Hunt for Fossils along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset
Visit World Famous Biomes - the Eden Project
Experience the 13th Century Charm and Character of Salisbury

Prices Based On

All Taxes & Fees Included
Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"Solo Vacation to Scotland"

Aug 5, 2022

Joanne

Ontario

This is the second time that I have used Authentic Vacations and Lauren as my agent. Lauren listened to what I was interested in seeing and created a lovely trip to Scotland which included Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort Williams and Glasgow. She booked me a day trip to Skye with a wonderful company and I even went falconing.

It was an amazing vacation with only one blip that Lauren took care of immediately and called to check up all was well. I will definitely use Authentic Vacations and Lauren on my next great adventure to Europe.

"Ireland Honeymoon"

Aug 3, 2022

Nicole

I cannot thank Adina enough for putting together an exceptional experience for our long overdue honeymoon to Ireland. The hotels, rental car, and experiences were all top-notch. Traveling throughout Ireland is the most memorable trip ever!!!!

"Client's Graduation Celebration"

Aug 1, 2022

Niki

Lauren did an amazing job with planning the perfect trip for my client's needs and they loved the accommodations and the tours and said it was all seamless. Thank you and look forward to working together again soon!

"Birthday Celebration in Ireland"

Aug 1, 2022

Kellee

We had a pleasant trip. Ireland is full of beautiful landscapes, good golf, great entertainment, and more. I would highly recommend going if you have not been. Our trip consisted of a couple of days in Dublin, then a couple of days in Killarney, a day in Tralee, and then a few days in Galway. It was a lot of driving, but what better way of seeing the countryside, than to drive it. One recommendation I would make is to reverse the trip. Flying into Dublin then immediately driving to Galway. This way you are not in a rush or worrying that you are going to miss your plane because you had to drive from Galway. We would also skip the night in Tralee. One excursion we did not book but should have was the boat tour of Galway.

We booked this trip pre-COVID for the dates in the middle of COVID. It kept being delayed because we did not want to have to quarantine a week when we got there. Overall, we did not have any issues with the booking. Every place had our reservation with no questions asked.

"Ireland Vacation"

Aug 1, 2022

Kimberly

Texas

Our trip was planned perfectly by Adina. All of the accommodations exceeded our expectations. Adina was wonderful to work with and great with communication. The process of booking, paying for and receiving information was made so easy and convenient. We will definitely be using Authentic Vacations again. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!

"Ireland Family Vacation"

Jul 18, 2022

Karina

Authentic Vacations and specifically Adina did a fantastic job assisting my agency with planning my client's family vacation to Ireland. The hotels met their expectations, the itinerary flowed perfectly, and my clients raved about the tours and guides. Also, when we had an unexpected flight change - Adina was quick to respond and assist with adjusting the itinerary accordingly. Adina was an absolute pleasure to work with, knowledgeable, and always very professional.

"Anniversary to Ireland"

Jul 11, 2022

Denise

Minnesota

Wonderful time! Best guide and driver.

"Wonderful Ireland, Golf, Site Seeing, Relaxation"

Jul 1, 2022

Debbie

Texas

We had a wonderful experience visiting Ireland for the first time. All of the scheduled accommodations, sites and activities, golf courses and suggested restaurant were excellent. The people we met were very helpful and welcoming.

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