Day 1: Depart North Wales and journey south to Norfolk and a 4-night stay at the Holiday Inn Norwich North. There will be comfort stops enroute.
Day 2: Bure Valley Railway, a ‘Broads’ Cruise and Wroxham Barns
One of the highlights of this tour is a trip to Aylsham, where you will board the Bure Valley Railway for a journey through nine miles of countryside to Wroxham. Afterwards, board the ‘Broad Tours’ boat to enjoy a picturesque cruise along Wroxham Broads where you can see the magnificent views and local wildlife, followed by a visit to Wroxham Barns, a beautifully restored 18th century barn which now homes a collection of craft shops.
Day 3: Holkham Hall and Sandringham
This morning, we travel to Holkham Hall, home to the Earl of Leicester. Here we will have access to the magnificent Palladian style house with marble hall, Holkham stories experience and tranquil Walled Gardens.
Afterwards, we visit the neighbouring Sandringham Royal Estate – the private home to five generations of British monarchs. This beautiful country retreat was much-loved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is managed to an exceptionally high standard for the enjoyment of not only the Royal Family, but the thousands of visitors who flock here year after year. A highlight is the opportunity to see the actual rooms where the family spends time when in residence. These main ground floor rooms, used by the Royal Family, are filled with treasured ornaments, splendid portraits and elaborate furniture.
The house is set in stunning landscaped gardens and remains much as it was in Edwardian times. Don’t miss the fascinating museum and the collection of vintage and recently retired royal motor cars.
Day 4: North Norfolk Railway ‘Poppy Line’, Cromer and Thursford
After breakfast we travel to the Thursford Collection, the world’s largest collection of steam engines, organs and fairground attractions hidden away in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. There’s an opportunity to hear resident organist Robert Wolfe playing the mighty Wurlitzer in a unique 30-minute performance. We also take a backstage tour and talk to discover the secrets behind the Christmas Spectacular.
In the afternoon we take a ride on the steam-hauled ‘Poppy Line’, a nickname given to the North Norfolk Railway because of the fields of poppies that can be seen during the late spring and early summer. Relax on the 10-mile steam train round trip through this delightful area of North Norfolk, designated as being of outstanding natural beauty. To the south are wooded hills and the Norfolk beauty spots of Kelling Heath and Sheringham Park and to the north, the sea.
On our way home we visit the picturesque seaside resort of Cromer, famous for its crabs. Take a walk on the pier, admire the lighthouse and relax in one of the independent coffee shops.
Day 5: We depart Norfolk after breakfast and make the return journey to North Wales. Once again there will be comfort stops enroute.