Jules Verne adds eight new small group UK tours for 2021

As lockdown restrictions begin to lift and the promise of domestic travel starts to become a reality, what better way to explore the delights of the UK than on a companionable escorted tour with small group specialist Jules Verne (www.vjv.com), which has added eight fascinating new itineraries to its 2021 collection?

Encompassing unforgettable destinations stretching from the far west of Cornwall to England’s eastern corner, and from majestic Northumberland to the north of Wales, each tour has been carefully curated by Jules Verne’s expert team to offer its customers a superb array of experiences, whilst also allowing time within each itinerary to enjoy the holiday at a relaxed pace.

Jules Verne’s eight NEW tours for 2021 in the UK are…

In ENGLAND:

NEW –Secret Devon & Cornwall
Certain to be one of the most sought-after regions for UK holidays this year, Devon and Cornwall’s myriad charms need little introduction. Escape the crowds to enjoy some of the two counties’ more off-the-beaten track experiences on this five-night tour. Marvel at dramatic landscapes - from the Dartmoor Tors to mystical Bodmin Moor and the heather-filled cliffs of St. Agnes, stroll through magical valleys and their beautiful estuaries including the Teign, the Fowey and the Fal, explore stunning gardens such as Trelissick and Lanhydrock, and visit the wonderful seaside settings of Falmouth, St. Ives and St. Mawes. More details here.Departing 27 June, 4 July and 17 October, five nights cost from £1,465 pp (two sharing), including B&B (two nights on Dartmoor at a five-star thatched inn, three in the picturesque Cornish village of Mitchell), two dinners, excursions, and the services of an expert driver/guide.

NEW – Northumbrian Majesty
A must for lovers of history and heritage, Northumberland is home to a plethora of Roman, Norman and Viking influences, as well as superb scenery. This five-night holiday promises private tours of the spectacular castles along its coastline, including Alnwick, Bamburgh, Warkworth, Tynemouth Abbey, haunted Chillingham Castle and the mystical Lindisfarne, travels to Hadrian’s Wall (visiting Housesteads, the most complete Roman Fort in England, with a walk along the wall to Sycamore Gap) and the Roman excavation site at Vindolanda, and visits exquisite gardens. . Departing 4 July, 26 September and 10 October, five nights cost from £1,495 pp (two sharing), including B&B (two nights in Hexham, three on the Northumberland Coast), two dinners, one lunch, excursions, and the services of an expert local driver and guides.

NEW – A Different Kind of Broad
Discover heritage from Boudicca to Boleyn, explore Constable Country and learn more of Benjamin Britten’s fine musical legacy at his former home, Aldeburgh, during a seven-night visit to glorious Suffolk and Norfolk, in England’s Eastern Corner. This fascinating small group tour also takes in the family home of Oliver Cromwell and Blickling Hall (believed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn), as well as spectacular Ely Cathedral and pretty Bury St. Edmunds. Travel by steam train during a coastal journey on the Poppy Line to the Georgian town of Holt and by boat during a scenic trip on the Norfolk Broads, and sample local beers at the historic Greene King Brewery. More details here. Departing 13 June, 12 September and 10 October, seven nights cost from £1,695 pp (two sharing), including B&B (four nights in Norwich, three in Ipswich), three dinners, excursions, and the services of expert local guides and a tour manager.

NEW – The Charm of the Cotswolds
Covering no fewer than five counties across west-central England, the Cotswolds is a delightful tangle of golden-hued villages, market towns and undulating countryside dotted with thatched cottages. Experience 2,000 years of history and grandeur during a five-night tour that explores highlights such as Sudeley Castle and Gardens, spectacular Broadway Tower (from where you can see 16 counties, and into Wales), Chedworth’s Roman Villa and the beautiful city of Bath. There are gardens galore to enjoy too, including Hidcote Gardens (for a talk on the wonderful Arts and Craft garden courtyards, designed by Lawrence Johnson), Westonbirt Arboretum and a private tour of Highgrove, country seat of HRH The Prince of Wales.. Departing 13 June, 12 & 26 September, and 10 October, five nights cost from £1,695 pp (two sharing), including B&B (three nights in Moreton-in-Marsh, two in Tetbury), two dinners, one picnic lunch, excursions, and the services of expert local driver/guides and a representative.

NEW: In God’s Own Country
Renowned for its spectacular natural assets, historic cities, rich Roman, Viking, Norman and medieval heritage, and delicious local produce, Yorkshire is a treat for all the senses. This five-night holiday visits magnificent abbeys (Bolton and Fountains), wonderful Malham Cove (with its famous limestone pavement and huge, curved amphitheatre) and Aysgill waterfall, with an impressive drop of around 40 ft. Travel by train from Settle over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, sample delicious cheeses at the Wensleydale Creamery, and something a little stronger at the Theakston’s and Black Sheep breweries, drop in for lunch at York’s world-famous ‘Bettys Tea Rooms’, and enjoy a falconry display at Bolton Castle, plus walking with alpacas and a private sheepdog demonstration. More details here. Departing 27 June, 19 September and 3 October, five nights cost from £1,545 pp (two sharing), including B&B (two nights in Skipton, three in Hawes), two dinners, one lunch, excursions, and the services of a local tour manager, driver/guide and a representative.

NEW: Letters from the Lakeside
Explore Cumbria’s literary legacy during a delightful five-night tour of the Lake District that explores why so many great writers were inspired by a region so aptly described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. Enjoy a poetry recital, house and garden tour, and a lecture (accompanied by wine and gingerbread) at Wordsworth’s former home, visit Beatrix Potter’s beloved Hill Top and explore Brantwood, John Ruskin’s residence on the banks of Coniston Water. Highlights also include a ride on the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola (rebuilt to its Victorian glory), and visits to Furness Abbey, Holehird (home to a host of exotic and beautiful plant life), and the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston, birthplace of Stan Laurel. More details here. Departing 26 September and 10 October, five nights cost from £995 pp (two sharing), including B&B at a former coaching inn in Kendal, five dinners (with wine), a picnic lunch, excursions, and the services of an expert local driver/guide and a representative.

NEW: A Jurrasic Journey
With incredible geology dating back millions of years, the Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a superb slice of southern England. Your base for this five-night tour is the stylish Hotel Du Vin, close to Poole’s historic quayside, from where excursions include a visit to the elegant 17th century, Italian-inspired country mansion, Kingston Lacy, brimming with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian and Bruegehl as well as one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Explore the Isle of Portland at Dorset’s southern tip, the historic seaside town of Lyme Regis (dating back to the 8th century, it is famous in more recent times as the setting for The French Lieutenant’s Woman) and the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury, home to Gold Hill, its familiar steep cobbled streets forever synonymous with Hovis! More details here. Departing 23 May, 20 June, 19 September and 3 October, six nights cost from £1,445 pp (two sharing), including B&B, one lunch, two dinners, excursions, and the services of expert local driver/guides and a representative.

In WALES:

NEW – Wonderous Wales
From its impressive collection of castles and proud Celtic heritage to its towering mountain peaks, expansive beaches and incredible artisan foods, Wales has something for all to enjoy. This five-night tour focuses on the culture and landscapes of North and Mid Wales, staying in exceptional accommodation and experiencing a different aspect of the country every day, from the beautifully wild and romantic Llanddwyn Island (home to St. Dwynwen, patron saint of lovers) to ‘the town that roofed the world’: Blaenau Ffestiniog, home to Llechwedd slate mine, where you’ll travel deep into the caverns and see how, today, they help in the creation of some fine Welsh cheeses. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Cwrw Llyn (a little Welsh brewery), discover how Anglesey Sea Salt is made, take a steam train journey to Torpantau and enjoy a ranger-guided drive of the Elan Valley Estate, famed for its six spectacular dams. More details here. Departing 18 July, 8 August, 26 September and 10 October, five nights cost from £2,295 pp, including B&B (three nights in Beaumaris, two in Llangammarch Wells), three dinners, excursions, and the services of expert local driver/guides and a representative.

These eight new tours join Jules Verne’s established UK & Ireland programme which also includes, in Wales: Tracks of the Welsh Dragon (four nights from £2,250 pp), in Scotland: Lord of the Glens (six nights from £1,595 pp), A Highland Fling (eight nights from £3,995 pp), The Flying Scotsman (three nights from £1,699 pp),  Caledonia Calling (seven nights from £2,095 pp) and, in Ireland: In the Footsteps of the Giants (ten nights from £2,395 pp), Majestic Castles of the Emerald Isle (ten nights from £4,295 pp) and The Shores of Ireland (seven nights from £2,095 pp).

Booking with Confidence with Jules Verne:

• Jules Verne has over 40 years’ experience of creating extraordinary adventures, pioneering voyages and inspirational journeys in the UK and worldwide.

• With travel guidelines constantly in flux, Jules Verne has introduced a Flexible Booking Policy on all reservations for tours departing more than two months ahead. Whether making a new booking or re-booking a tour, Jules Verne customers may alter their plans later, free of charge, providing the original tour departure date is outside the 61-day ‘balance due’ period. If a customer’s circumstances change or they feel unsure about a chosen destination, they can switch to a new date and/or destination. If a tour is cancelled or rescheduled on Government advice at any time up to the departure date, Jules Verne will respond to the new guidelines, and there will be no charge for transferring to other options.

• Fully ABTA bonded (Jules Verne’s overseas tours are also bonded with ATOL) and winner of many travel awards, Jules Verne’s experienced team of Personal Travel Experts have genuine first-hand knowledge of the company’s tours and destinations and are on hand throughout to organise every detail of each holiday, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence.
   
• This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.
   
• Jules Verne is among the travel companies applauded by Which? Travel in its 2020 report for complying with Package Travel Regulations in respect of giving customer refunds during the coronavirus crisis.