MONDAY Outward journey with suitable stops en route. Today is “Christmas Eve” – dinner will be followed by bingo and festive music.
TUESDAY “Christmas Day”. We start the day with time at leisure in Sherborne. Medieval and mellow-stoned, this Dorset gem boasts timber framed stone buildings, 15th century almshouses, two castles and a 12th century abbey. We continue to Shaftesbury, a small market town in Dorset with history dating back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill, made famous by the “Hovis” advert, and offers magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale. This evening, enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, followed by bingo and entertainment.
WEDNESDAY “Boxing Day”. This morning we visit Athelhampton House, one of England's finest Tudor manor houses. Dating from 1485, the Great Hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, and the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art. Later we drive to charming Dorchester, county town of Dorset, for some time at leisure before returning to the hotel.
THURSDAY “New Year’s Eve”. A morning excursion to the Isle of Portland. This unique, tied island marks the southernmost point on the Jurassic Coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach. Its isolated location, with Portland Bill lighthouse dominating the skyline, quaint villages and rocky coastal scenery all lend the island its own special atmosphere. We then have an afternoon at leisure in our resort. This evening enjoy a Hogmanay dinner, a glass of bubbly to see in the new year and party night entertainment.
FRIDAY We commence our homeward journey, making suitable stops en route.
Note: At the time of going to print the hotels may not have finalised their Turkey & Tinsel programmes, therefore they are subject to change. Exact details will be on your final itinerary.