Norwich & Norfolk

Our holiday begins in the cathedral city of Norwich, the historic capital of Norfolk, where we meet our Tour Manager at our hotel. After checking in, you're free to familiarise yourself with the city before dinner this evening.

As you wander the city's medieval cobbled streets, you'll notice architecture from many eras. With Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon roots, Norwich has a well-preserved mix of half-timbered houses, Georgian and Victorian terraces, and medieval buildings. The River Wensum flows through the city centre and leads to the fantastic Romanesque 950-year-old castle, constructed under order from William the Conqueror after the Norman conquest.

Norwich has a bustling marketplace, in the Cathedral Quarter, and the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade with independent shops. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and a rich literary heritage.

This evening, a three-course dinner is served at our hotel.

• Dinner

This morning we set out with a friendly local guide on a walking tour of Norwich's Old Town to learn more about the city's fascinating history. Dominated by its magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral, Norwich is a pleasing jumble of historic and modern architecture. Its streets and open squares reveal museums, medieval churches, public gardens, and other attractions. Deceptively compact, Norwich is rewarding to explore on foot.

This afternoon is a chance to discover more of Norwich at leisure. Besides Norwich Cathedral, the city has a second cathedral you could visit. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is one of the finest examples of great Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture in the UK. Next to this masterpiece, you'll find Plantation Garden, a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city with a Gothic-style fountain, fragrant flower beds and Italianate terrace.

After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at our hotel. Or you may be tempted to see a live show at the Theatre Royal, where London West End productions can often be seen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we enjoy a heritage railway excursion. After a coach transfer to Dereham, we join the Mid-Norfolk Railway* for a journey through the picturesque countryside to the market town of Wymondham. From here our coach takes us to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where - after free time to grab a bite to eat at the station Whistlestop Café - we board another steam train for a scenic trip on the Bure Valley Railway*. Running through the Bure Valley, this delightful line follows the meandering River Bure passing serene meadows, and the idyllic villages of the Broadland region.

Arriving in the town of Wroxham, we have a short transfer to Horning where we experience the lovely Norfolk scenery in a unique way. Stepping aboard a Mississippi paddle boat, we cruise along the Norfolk Broads, renowned for its wonderful landscapes and wildlife. Light refreshments are available on board. After our cruise we transfer back to our hotel where there's 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, we transfer to Norwich station for a scenic rail journey along the Bittern Line to Sheringham. There, we join the heritage North Norfolk Railway* for a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt. The railway is famously known as the 'Poppy Line' because of the vibrant red flowers that spring up along the route during the summer.

After experiencing this slice of railway history, your day continues with a visit to Sandringham, the Royal residence that was a favourite country retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II. There's time to explore the stunning house and its acres of beautifully landscaped gardens before our coach transfers us back to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Tonight we enjoy the last dinner of our holiday.

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

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after our final breakfast, it's time to say our goodbyes as our holiday draws to a close and we check out of our hotel. From here you can head homeward with wonderful new memories of this special corner of the British Isles.

From the fabulous historic city of Norwich and the majestic gardens of Sandringham to the serene river network of the Norfolk Broads, these special experiences are yours to treasure.

• Breakfast