ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 SUMMER HOLIDAYS, SHORT BREAKS & DAY EXCURSIONS www.roymccarthycoaches.co.uk Book at: The Coach Depot, Snape Road, Off Queens Avenue, Macclesfield SK10 2NZ or book by telephone: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION AND INFORMATION........................................................................................................ 1 - 3 2015 HOLIDAYS NEW YEAR & festive time MYSTERY TOURs................................................................................................4 LONDON & WINDSOR BARGAIN BREAK...........................................................................................................5 CAMBRIDGESHIRE – THRIPLOW DAFFODIL Weekend...............................................................................6 WARNER BREAK – SPRINGTIME ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT............................................................................7 THE MALVERNS AT EASTER TIME.......................................................................................................................8 WELSH Weekend IN LLANDUDNO..................................................................................................................9 THE ISLANDS OF MALTA & GOZO....................................................................................................................10 COCKERMOUTH FOR THE GEORGIAN FAIR.................................................................................................11 THE GARDENS OF CORNWALL..........................................................................................................................12 THE ISLES OF SCILLY ADVENTURE...................................................................................................................13 ROUEN, MONET & THE GARDENS OF NORMANDY.....................................................................................14 CROMER - STEAMING THROUGH NORFOLK................................................................................................15 LIVERPOOL, THE LINER & THE THREE QUEENS..........................................................................................16 SIDMOUTH AND SOUTH DEVON.....................................................................................................................17 IRELANDS WEST COAST SPECTACULAR.........................................................................................................18 DOWNTON ABBEY & THE COTSWOLDS / PRINCE CHARLES’S GARDEN AT HIGHGROVE..................19 THE ISLAND OF JERSEY.......................................................................................................................................20 ELEGANT EASTBOURNE & THE SUSSEX COAST............................................................................................21 GARDENERS DELIGHT THE HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW & RHS WISLEY................................................ 22 THE SHUTTLEWORTH COLLECTION WITH WWI COMMEMORATION AIRSHOW & BLETCHLEY PARK...........23 THE ISLE OF MAN EXPLORER............................................................................................................................24 POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH & BROWNSEA ISLAND.........................................................................................25 TROON & THE AYRSHIRE COAST & COUNTRYSIDE.....................................................................................26 LONDON – LORDS, LADIES & WIMBLEDON...................................................................................................27 CRUISE – ICELAND & THE NORTHERN ISLES................................................................................................28 STEAMING THROUGH THE LAKES AND DALES ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY..................29 THE EDINBURGH TATTOO, ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA & THE KELPIES.................................................30 BIDEFORD & THE GARDENS OF NORTH DEVON.........................................................................................31 THE COTSWOLDS & THE PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL................................................................................32 LLANDRINDOD WELLS & THE VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA....................................................................33 TOURING THE WEST ISLANDS & HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND........................................................ 34 & 35 RIVER CRUISE – GERMANY – THE RHINE & THE MOSELLE ABOARD THE MS PRINSES CHRISTINA........ 36 & 37 PALACE, PARLIAMENT & THE MAGNA CARTA...............................................................................................38 RAVENSCAR & THE RAVENHALL HOTEL........................................................................................................39 CAPTIVATING KENT & THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND....................................................................................40 THE SOUTH LAKES & THE NETHERWOOD....................................................................................................41 AUTUMN TINTS IN CONSTABLE COUNTRY...................................................................................................42 CARDIFF CITY BREAK..........................................................................................................................................43 THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR......................................................................................................44 BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET & THE INTERNATIONAL TATTOO...............................................45 TURKEY TARTAN & TINSEL IN PITLOCHRY....................................................................................................46 DURHAM FOR THE CHRISTMAS MARKET.....................................................................................................47 MYSTERY WEEKEND BREAKS............................................................................................................................48 2015 TWIXMAS AND 2016 NEW YEAR MYSTERY WEEKEND BREAKS........................................................49 PICK UP AND DROP OFF POINTS .....................................................................................................................50 HOLIDAY trading charter ................................................................................................................. 51 - 54 HOLIDAY BOOKING FORM ....................................................................................................................... 55 & 58 DAY TRIP BOOKING FORMS ..................................................................................................................... 59 & 60 DAY EXCURSION PROGRAMME & INFORMATION .............................................................................. 61 - 73 DAY TRIP BOOKING CONDITIONS & PICK UP POINTS ..................................................................... 74 & 75 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WELCOME bch TO ROY McCARTHY COACHES BONDED COACH HOLIDAYS cpt THE COMPANY Roy McCarthy Coaches have 44 years experience as a Coach operator, having been established in Macclesfield since 1971. Whilst the coach industry has changed dramatically over those years, Roy McCarthy Coaches remain essentially a family run business striving to offer a professional yet personal and friendly service from their management, office staff and driver/couriers. Roy McCarthy Coaches are proud to have served the public in and around Macclesfield for 44 years and have maintained their high reputation for quality, service and reliability. WELCOME For 2015, we once again offer a wide choice of destinations in the U.K. and on the Continent - hopefully something to interest you whether travelling with us for the first time, returning again or just sampling one of our many day trips. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! QUALITY COACHES Modern recliner seated coaches with fitted seat belts are guaranteed on all our holidays and day trips. For continental tours, executive specification coaches (featuring toilet, washroom and drinks machine) are utilised. GROUP BOOKINGS Group bookings are welcome on all our tours and day trips. We are pleased to offer a discount. For further details please contact our office. Gift vouchers Roy McCarthy Coaches have Gift Vouchers on sale and can be bought in any denomination. They make an ideal Christmas or Birthday Gift. Hours of business Our office is open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm On Saturday 17th & 24th January we will be open 9.00am - 12.30pm for morning coffee. Please come and join us, you are more than welcome. Payment terms For all Holidays, Short Breaks and Day Excursions, payments are acceptable by cash, cheques, Delta or Maestro payable to Roy McCarthy Coaches. Visa or Master Card are also now accepted but a surcharge of 2% will apply. (Sorry American Express is not accepted). The coach depot, snape road, macclesfield, Cheshire, sk10 2nz. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 1 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WHAT IS included in the price • luxury coach travel throughout •the same coach and driver/courier throughout the tour •half board accommodation at all hotels (where stated) •ferry crossing where applicable or le shuttle or flights • local pick up points •v.a.t (we reserve the right to pass on any variation in this tax) •all coach excursions included in the price •on certain tours entrance fees, CREAM TEAS, MORNING COFFEE ETC. are included (clearly stated where applicable) •reserved and guaranteed seat WHAT IS not included in the price •any meals on outward or return journeys •any item ordered by you from the hotel or other suppliers •holiday insurance 2 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 important holiday information hotels All hotels in this brochure are Good Quality. Our price includes accommodation with bath or shower and W.C. Where we state a Hotel is situated on the Seafront, your room may not have a sea view. important - continental hotels Please note it is most unlikely for hotels on the Continent to provide tea/coffee making facilities in bedrooms. Occasionally we receive comments relating to the standard of food served for the evening meals. We can only emphasise that when travelling abroad, the menus offered are normally associated with the country in which you are staying. In addition whilst we endeavour to ensure that our clients receive a choice of menu for the evening dinner, there are a number of hotels, particularly on the Continent, where this facility is not offered. seats Seats are bookable on all Tours on a first come first served basis. Those passengers who prefer to sit at the front are strongly advised to book early. special diets These can normally be provided, ask at the time of booking special requests These are dealt with seriously and every effort is made to grant your request, but unfortunately CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. single rooms Only a limited number of single rooms are available on each tour, so we advise that you book early. passports For all Continental Holidays you will require a full 10 year British Passport. Passengers who are not British Citizens may require visas. non smoking policy The entire coach interior is designated a NON SMOKING AREA on all Holidays, Tours and Day Excursions shown in this brochure. We will however make courtesy stops to ensure that any smokers amongst our Clients are not inconvenienced. insurance We strongly recommend that you take our Travel Insurance or an Insurance which provides cancellation, general cover and assistance to bring you home in case of illness. brochure accuracy & alterations We do accept that in a changing world no brochure can be totally accurate. We make every effort to present a fair description in our brochure. The Company reserves the right to alter the contents of the tour without prior notification. The Company also reserves the right to cancel a tour due to lack of numbers etc. disabled We welcome disabled people on our Holidays, but please check carefully if hotel steps or other matters are a problem for you. We will gladly take folding wheelchairs, but only if space is booked and the person is not travelling alone. financial security Roy McCarthy Coaches is a member of the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Bonded Coach Holiday Scheme, protecting your holiday money by bank guarantee. Even in the event of the financial failure of the holiday company, this scheme ensures that you would receive full refund of all money paid upon proof of payment and repatriation to Great Britain if you are already abroad. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 3 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 mystery WEEKEND BREAKS FANCY A Weekend AWAY? THEN WHY NOT JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR MAGICAL MYSTERY TOURS STAYING AT ??????????????????????????? Fancy a weekend break in Britain? No cooking and definitely no washing up but not sure where to go? We have a multitude of destinations to take you to, but we won’t spoil the excitement of the surprise so the only thing that we will reveal is that you’ll travel by luxury coach, we’ll enjoy an excellent sightseeing itinerary benefiting from years of coaching experience and stay overnight in an excellent hotel with en-suite rooms, including full English Breakfast and Evening Dinner – LET THE INQUISITIVE SIDE OF YOUR NATURE TAKE OVER AND JOIN IN OUR ….. NEW YEAR MYSTERY TOUR! 4 DAYS 30th Jan – 2nd Feb 2015 £198.00 Per person sharing twin/dble £30.00 Single room supplement £21.50 Optional insurance WARNER FESTIVE TIME MYSTERY TOUR 4 DAYS 11th – 14th Dec 2015 Cost to be confirmed nearer the time. We would be happy to pencil you in. 4 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 21st-22nd February 2015 LONDON & WINDSOR BARGAIN BREAK Staying at The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross Our short break takes us firstly to Windsor, a town full of history and charm. The town is dominated by Windsor Castle which is over 900 years old and the largest inhabited castle in the world. You will have time to visit the Castle or perhaps take a stroll across the River Thames into Eton with its famous College. There are lots of shops to browse, parks and open spaces, cafes, restaurants and pubs to have a relaxing lunch in both sides of the river. Our second visit takes us to London, our fabulous capital city. Upon arrival in London the coach will take you to the Westminster area where you can explore some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Within a few minutes you will be able to catch views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch and Horseguards Parade to name a few. Across the river the London Eye dominates the view and a short walk from Westminster will see you walking down the Mall towards Buckingham Palace or taking a stroll through Green Park or St James Park to admire the snowdrops and daffodils. Our base for the weekend is The Bull Hotel situated in the charming town of Gerrards Cross. The hotel has recently undergone refurbishment and now offers a modern bar, pleasant lounge area and super restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite with up to the minute facilities including T.V., courtesy tea tray, trouser press and telephone. The hotel has a lift. Sat: Depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Windsor. We arrive in time for lunch and have the remainder of the day at leisure giving you the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle take a stroll through Eton or have a relaxing lunch and meander at leisure. Late afternoon we take the short journey to Gerrards Cross and our hotel for the evening. Sun: After a leisurely breakfast we venture into London to the Westminster area where you have the day to explore. Why not book a trip on the London Eye or perhaps take a sightseeing cruise on the Thames? There is so much to see and do. Late afternoon we head for home calling for tea en-route, we aim to arrive in Macclesfield late evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast. £95.00 per person sharing twin/double £12.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 5 2 DAYS 21st-22nd March 2015 CAMBRIDGESHIRE – THRIPLOW DAFFODIL Weekend Based at The Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon Our Springtime Daffodil weekend takes us firstly to Geoff Hamilton’s Barnsdale Gardens. With thirty nine individual gardens in an eight-acre site, there’s plenty to see and do at Barnsdale with an inspiring range of garden styles and planting schemes and an excellent cafe. The highlight of our Tour has to be our visit to Thriplow, a quiet village situated 8 miles south of Cambridge. Each year it celebrates ‘Daffodil Weekend’ where the tradition started in 1969. The weekend has a sense of occasion where the whole village joins in, there are craft stalls, open gardens, heavy horses, vintage tractor displays, Steam engines, a flower festival and music in the Church, Morris Dancers, home-made teas and lots and lots of Daffodils! Our base for the tour is the Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon, a modern luxury hotel situated on the outskirts of Huntingdon. The hotel offers a large indoor swimming pool and gym, a lounge bar the perfect place to unwind and an elegant restaurant for dining. All bedrooms have full en-suite facilities with complimentary toiletries, T.V., direct dial telephone and courtesy tea tray. Sat: Depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Barnsdale Gardens. Time for lunch and to explore the thirty nine individual gardens before we continue on to Huntingdon and our hotel. Time for a dip in the pool before dinner and evening at leisure. Sun:Now for our highlight of the weekend our visit to Thriplow. The Daffodil weekend is a traditional village fête-come flower festival, with open gardens, craft and home produce stalls, music and rural entertainments and much, much more! We allow plenty of time to wander at leisure and have time for lunch before we head for home. We make a comfort stop en-route and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast and entrance to Barnsdale Gardens and Thriplow Daffodil Weekend. £118.00 per person sharing twin/double £20.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance 6 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 5 DAYS 23rd -27th March 2015 WARNER BREAK – SPRINGTIME ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT Staying at Warner Bembridge Coast Hotel, Bembridge The Isle of Wight is one of the most picturesque of our smaller islands, just 5 miles form the South Coast and a very popular holiday destination. The island contains a wonderful mixture of bustling resorts, glorious countryside, small quaint villages, safe beaches and a stunning coastline. This year our tour is based at The Warner Bembridge Coast Hotel. The hotel is a modern hotel which sits quietly on a secluded eastern shore of the Isle of Wight just metres from the lapping, glistening Solent. With its 23 acres of grounds, its famously landscaped Spanish Gardens and its marvellous sea views, Bembridge Coast is the ideal place from which to explore the Isle of Wight. Boasting a modern dining room, bar and entertaining lounge where you can enjoy a fun filled evening with fabulous team shows, comedians and resident band. There is indoor and outdoor bowls, lots of leisure pursuits including an indoor leisure complex with pool, sauna, steam room and tropicarium. All bedrooms offer modern up-to-date en-suite facilities with colour T.V., courtesy tea trays, hairdryer and telephones. Mon: Depart Macclesfield calling for coffee and lunch en-route to Portsmouth where we board the ferry for our crossing to the Isle of Wight. We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Tue: Full day tour of the Island. The ideal way to view the island in a leisurely style. Wed: Our tour today takes us to Arreton Manor Craft Centre for morning coffee and then into the pretty town of Shanklin with its idylic cliff walks, picturesque old village with thatched cottages overgrown with Honeysuckle and Climbing Roses and Shanklin Chine, a delightful walk through a cleft in the cliffs. The town itself has numerous attractions with its own theatre, quaint pubs and an excellent little shopping centre. We have time for lunch and a stroll before returning mid-afternoon. Thu: This morning you have the option of visiting Osborne House. The peaceful rural retreat of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their family, they spent some of their happiest of times here (Entrance £13.80). Alternatively if you prefer you can spend the morning at Carrisbrooke Castle a historic Motte-and-Bailey castle located in the village of Carisbrooke, where Charles I was imprisoned. (Entrance £8.00) Both properties are English Heritage and entrance to members is free. Fri: We depart after breakfast and take the ferry crossing back to the mainland, where we join the motorway network north. We stop for lunch en-route and aim to arrive in Macclesfield early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, return ferry crossing, 4 nights dinner bed and breakfast. Guide for tour of the island. £315.00 per person sharing twin/double Nil single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 7 4 DAYS 3rd-6th April 2015 THE MALVERNS AT EASTER TIME Staying at The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern Our Easter time tour takes us to the stunning area of Hereford and Worcester. Ruined castles in the border country as well as Iron Age and Roman hill-forts recall a turbulent battle-scarred past. Now the landscape is peaceful, with comfortable small towns and villages. Hereford cattle graze in pastures beside apple orchards and hop gardens, and the quiet harmony is echoed in the music of Elgar, who was greatly influenced by the country of his childhood. Our base for the tour is Great Malvern a fashionable spa town in the last century, the town itself still echoes that period with its steep streets and Victorian and Georgian buildings. The Abbey Hotel is located in the heart of the town. It’s history dates back to the 1600s and the building retains some outstanding original Victorian architecture. Commissioned during the growth of the spa town in the mid 19th century, the hotel has a long history of welcoming guests and provides the highest levels of comfort demanded by today’s traveller. The hotel boasts a pleasant lounge and bar, the Priory View restaurant and Courtyard Cafe. All 103 guest rooms are en-suite with satellite T.V., alarm/radio, tea making facilities and hairdryers. Fri: We depart in the morning calling for coffee at Dobbies Garden Centre en-route to Berrington Hall. A fine Georgian mansion designed by Henry Holland set within one of Capability Brown’s final landscapes. (National Trust property members free, non-members £7.65). Mid afternoon we take the short journey to Great Malvern and our hotel for the next three nights. Sat: Our morning excursion takes us to the city of Hereford giving you the opportunity to visit the Cathedral and Mappa Mundi Exhibition, or if you prefer a browse around the shops. We return to Great Malvern for the afternoon at leisure. Sun: Firstly we visit Hellens Manor where we have arranged morning coffee and biscuits followed by a tour of the house. This beautiful historic house is a living monument to much of England’s history. It remains a home and not a museum although it contains a wealth of period furnishings, paintings and decorations. This afternoon we meet a Blue Badge Guide for a scenic tour of the Black and White villages of the area. Mon:After a leisurely breakfast we head to Eastnor, a dramatic fairytale castle situated in a 5,000 acre estate in the Malvern Hills within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The castle is surrounded by a lake, deer park and arboretum, with magnificent views of the rolling Herefordshire countryside. Mid-afternoon we join the motorway network north and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury transport throughout, 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast, Entrance to Hellens Manor with coffee/tea and biscuits, Eastnor Castle, Guide for Villages tour. £278.00 per person sharing twin/double £82.00 single room supplement £21.50 optional insurance 8 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 4 DAYS 17th – 20th April 2015 WELSH Weekend IN LLANDUDNO Staying at The Tynedale Hotel, Llandudno The rugged mountains of Snowdonia form a spectacular backdrop to the largest resort in Wales, beautifully situated on a magnificent crescent-shaped sandy bay and sheltered by the headlands of the Great and Little Ormes. The resort of Llandudno offers holidaymakers up to date resort facilities whilst still retaining its English Edwardian appeal. You can take a stroll along the flower lined promenade or visit the Victorian Pier, take a walk around the shops or just sit on the promenade and watch the world go by. Llandudno offers something for everyone. This year our visit to The Tynedale Hotel incorporates a Welsh weekend theme where we will be offered a Welsh tasting menu and be entertained by a Welsh Choir. The Tynedale Hotel is a very popular hotel with our passengers and enjoys a prominent position opposite the bandstand on the sweeping promenade and with no steps to the front of the hotel, its central position ensures easy access to all local amenities. The hotel offers a superb lounge, a dining room offering a bistro-style menu and evening entertainment. All bedrooms are en-suite with T.V. and tea/coffee tray. The hotel does have a lift. Fri: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to St Asaph Cathedral, the smallest Cathedral in Britain and one of the oldest in Wales. We have a guided tour of the Cathedral we then continue on to St Asaph Tweedmill for lunch and a browse. Mid afternoon we continue on to Llandudno and our hotel. Sat: Day at leisure in Llandudno. Sun: Our excursion today takes us to the Island of Angelsey. We have an optional visit to Plas Newydd, an enchanting mansion and gardens, with spectacular views of Snowdonia. (National Trust property members free, non-members £9.40). Alternatively you may wish to stay on the coach and continue on to Beaumaris with time for lunch. We return via Plas Newydd to collect the passengers and then back to Llandudno. Mon: We say a sad farewell to the Tynedale and Llandudno. We head for home calling at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre giving you time for morning coffee and a browse before we continue on our scenic cross country route up the Conwy Valley and on to Langollen where we stop for Lunch. Mid afternoon we continue our journey and aim to arrive in Macclesfield area around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast, Guided tour of St Asaph Cathedral. £260.00 per person sharing twin/double Nil single room supplement (very limited singles) £24.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 9 8 DAYS 22nd-29th April 2015 THE ISLANDS OF MALTA & GOZO Staying at The Seabank Hotel, Mellieha Our holiday by air this year takes us to the Island of Malta. Malta lies just a 3.5 hour flight from the UK. With a wonderful climate, beaches, diverse activities, tasty cuisine and 7,000 years of fascinating history, there is much to see and do, all nearby! The connections linking the Islanders and the many nationalities that settled in Malta over the centuries have created a unique lifestyle with a captivating culture. Many Maltese are, at least, bilingual and most speak English. Our base for our holiday is Mellieha Bay, set on the north coast of Malta. Up on the hill, there is a traditional old town where Maltese life takes an unhurried approach in the shops and restaurants. Take the road down to the sheltered bay, and there is a gorgeous sandy beach, several cafes, a couple of shops and our hotel. The Seabank is Malta’s newest and most complete all inclusive resort offering a range of facilities. Designed around a large swimming pool and extensive sun terraces, the resort offers a selection of dining and leisure options, a main bar area and an entertainment programme. All bedrooms are air-conditioned, en-suite bathroom with shower, safety deposit box, European satellite TV, mini-fridge and mini-bar on request. The hotel does have a lift. Wed: We depart Macclesfield early morning for Manchester Airport and our flight to Malta. Upon arrival in Malta we will be met by a representative who will then transfer us to the Seabank Hotel. The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure. Thu: Our guided tour today takes us to the historic city of Valletta. We will visit Barracca Gardens which are built atop the defensive bastions that surround this majestic city. We also visit St John’s Cathedral and have free time for lunch in the city. This afternoon you have the option of a cruise around the harbour or the chance to visit the famed Malta Experience, a multivision show that gives a pictorial film show of Malta’s history. The tour is part coach and part walking. Fri: At leisure. Relax in the sun or perhaps take the bus to the top of the hill and take a stroll around Mellieha town. Sat: Full day tour today. This morning we take the ferry across to the Island of Gozo. Gozo has a character entirely of its own. Gozo boasts of more greenery than Malta with its hilly landscape and picturesque countryside, making it an island full of charm waiting to be discovered. During our visit we stop at several places of interest and have a little free time for lunch and shopping. Sun: Free day today why not take the local bus into Sliema. Mon: Today we visit the ‘silent city’ of Mdina, where we walk the streets of this medieval town. Our guide will unravel its rich history and show us the city’s bastions from where a stunning almost 360 degrees panoramic view of the island can be seen. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon. Tue: We complete our week with a little rest and relaxation – free day to do as you please. Wed: We depart the hotel after breakfast for our late morning flight back to Manchester where a Roy McCarthy Coach will meet us on arrival for the short journey back to Macclesfield. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel to and from the airport, return flights to Malta, 20 kilos luggage, 7 nights All inclusive accommodation, (including drinks, lunch, morning coffee and afternoon tea) return transfers from airport to hotel, excursions as above. From £759.00 per person sharing twin/dble £90.00 single room supplement £48.00 optional insurance Our Malta Holiday is operated in conjunction with Henbury Travel. Henbury Travel is a franchise of the Personal Travel Agents at Mid-Counties Coop Travel. Consumer financial protection is afforded by ATOL 6053 10 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 4 DAYS 2nd – 5th May 2015 COCKERMOUTH FOR THE GEORGIAN FAIR Staying at The Trout Hotel, Cockermouth We venture once again to the pretty town of Cockermouth one of the oldest towns in Cumbria and the birthplace of William Wordsworth. On this special weekend the Georgian Fair takes place. There will be lots of things going on around the town, a ‘Made in Cumbria’ market, Musicians and dancers, a costume parade and a series of concerts. Our base for the tour is The Trout Hotel, situated in the centre of town and set in delightful gardens and just a stones throw from the riverside walks. The hotel offers a warm welcome and relaxed atmosphere with a bar and bistro, traditional restaurant and delightful lounge. All bedrooms offer a high standard of accommodation and are tastefully decorated with en-suite facilities, tea tray, T.V. and telephone. Sat: We depart Macclesfield and call for coffee en-route to Cockermouth to arrive in time for lunch and to spend the afternoon wandering at leisure and admiring all the happenings of the Georgian Fair. Our bedrooms at the hotel will be available after 3.00p.m. Dinner and evening at leisure. Sun: Today we venture to Eskdale where we have time for coffee before we take a trip on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Around lunch time we continue on to the award winning Muncaster Castle for the afternoon. Mon:Our scenic run today takes us firstly to Maryport, located on the beautiful Solway Firth and one of the few places that can offer stunning views to the Scottish mountains and back to the Lake District Fells. There will be free time to stroll around the harbour, have coffee and admire the views. We then continue down the coast to the Georgian port of Whitehaven where we visit ‘The Rum Story’, set in the original 1785 shop, courtyards, cellars and bonded warehouses of the Jefferson family. There will be free time for lunch in Whitehaven before we return to Cockermouth and our hotel. Tue: Sadly we say farewell to Cockermouth, we take the pretty route south stopping in Grasmere for morning coffee. We then continue south down the side of Lake Windermere to Grange over Sands for lunch. Midafternoon we head for home and aim to arrive in Macclesfield around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, entrance to ‘The Rum Story’ and Muncaster Castle and a trip on Eskdale Railway. £360.00 per person sharing twin/double £30.00 single room supplement £21.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 11 7 DAYS 7th-13th May 2015 THE GARDENS OF CORNWALL Based at The Restormel Lodge Hotel, Lostwithiel Cornwall is often described as the ‘garden capital of the world’ as the lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round. You don’t have to be a keen gardener to appreciate this tour, just a lover of natural beauty. Our tour takes us to view some of Cornwall’s Magnificent Gardens, where after a mild Cornish winter the gardens should be a riot of colourful blooms. Enjoying the warmth of the Gulf Stream these magical Cornish gardens are home to a wealth of the most exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees in the British Isles. Our tour this year is based in the pretty town of Lostwithiel situated in a beautiful wooded valley at the tidal reach of the River Fowey. Centrally located in Cornwall, it is within easy reach of both coasts and the moors and is very well placed for exploring. The Restormel Lodge Hotel offers modern comfort and traditional hospitality in a secluded and peaceful spot in this delightful little town. Rooms are elegantly furnished with en-suite bathrooms and feature traditional home comforts, with your relaxation in mind. The hotel offers a fully licensed restaurant, lounge bar and outdoor swimming pool. Thu: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee and lunch en-route to Lostwithiel and our hotel. Fri: This morning we meet our guide for a short walking tour to discover the delights of Lostwithiel. Late morning you have the option of visiting the Eden Project, or alternatively have lunch in Lostwithiel and then spend the afternoon in the pretty little fishing village of Charlestown with its Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. We will then return to the hotel collecting the Eden Project passengers en-route. Sat: Today we venture firstly to Looe for a morning stroll. We then continue on to Ken Caro Gardens, a five-acre connoisseurs’ garden with panoramic views that brim with year-round colour, set high above Bicton Manor Woods. There will be time to stroll through the gardens and perhaps partake of a cream tea before we return to the hotel. Sun: Our tour today takes us firstly the Cotehele situated on the banks of the river Tamar. There will be time to explore the Tudor mansion, gardens, orchards and estate. Just after lunch we continue on to Anthony Gardens where we spend the afternoon. (Both National Trust properties, NT members free, non-members to pay an entrance fee). Mon: Our excursion today takes us to the Roseland Peninsula and firstly to Poppy Cottage Garden, an inspirational plantsman’s garden. A small garden brimming with colour with plenty of places to sit and have a morning coffee and a slice of homemade cake (included). We then continue on to the pretty seaside village of St. Mawes for lunch and relaxing afternoon. Tue: Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens are our final garden visit. The garden boasts 6,000 species of plant spread across vibrant themed gardens, plus wildlife, a nursery and tearooms for that all important morning coffee before we return to Lostwithiel for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Wed: After breakfast we head for home calling for coffee and lunch en-route to arrive in Macclesfield early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 6 nights dinner bed and breakfast Ent: Ken Caro Gardens, Poppy Cottage Garden with coffee and cake, Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens and the guide for a tour of Lostwithiel. £545.00 per person sharing twin/double £60.00 single room supplement £28.50 optional insurance N.B. PLEASE NOTE THIS TOUR RUNS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ISLES OF SCILLY TOUR 12 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 7 DAYS 7th – 13th May 2015 THE ISLES OF SCILLY ADVENTURE Staying at The Bell Rock Hotel, St. Mary’s, Isles of Scilly Just 28 miles off the southwest tip of Britain, lies the small, beautiful archipelago of the Isles of Scilly ... a charismatic destination with unique charm and warmth: with mile after mile of white sandy beaches, acres of natural landscape to explore, a rich and fascinating history. The skies seem bigger here, the horizons further away, and the landscape broader. It all feels quite intimate and old-fashioned, as if you’ve stumbled upon an idyllic film set from a bygone era. Let the concerns of everyday life drift away on the falling tide. This is the stuff that holiday memories are made of: beautiful surroundings, a gentler pace of life, quiet conversation and nature’s soundtrack. The Bell Rock Hotel is probably in the best position in St. Mary’s situated on the level in Church Street, a quiet part of town, very convenient for the two beaches and the shops of High Town. The Hotel offers comfort and elegance, the highest standard of service and pleasant friendly atmosphere. It boasts a superb dining room, delightful lounge/bar and an indoor swimming pool. The attractive bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation with colour t.v, radio, direct dial telephone and courtesy tea trays. The Hotel has no lift. ISLES OF SCILLY FREE AND EASY TOUR Thu: Depart Macclesfield calling for coffee and lunch en-route to the Restormel Lodge Hotel, Lostwithiel. Dinner bed and breakfast. All rooms are en-suite. Fri: After breakfast we take the journey south to Lands End to board the aeroplane for our late morning flight across to St. Mary’s, where a mini bus will be waiting to take us to The Bell Rock Hotel. Sat/Sun/Mon: To explore at leisure. Tue: Mid-afternoon we catch the bus to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. A Roy McCarthy Coach will be waiting to take us back to Lostwithiel and the Restormel Lodge Hotel for our last night. Dinner and evening at leisure. Wed: After breakfast we head for home stopping for coffee and lunch en-route to arrive in Macclesfield early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel, 4 Nights Dinner bed & breakfast at the Bell Rock Hotel, St. Mary’s Isles of Scilly, 2 Nights Dinner bed & breakfast at The Restormel Lodge Hotel. Return transfers by plane. Mini-bus transfer on Isles of Scilly to the hotel. (Sea transfer will only be necessary if the plane is out of service) £855.00 per person sharing twin/double £40.00 single supplement £35.00 optional insurance Please note on the Free and Easy Tour you are more than welcome to join the adventure tour on any day. Boat trips and entrance fees payable on the day. ISLES OF SCILLY ADVENTURE Thu: Depart Macclesfield calling for coffee and lunch en-route to the Restormel Lodge Hotel, Lostwithiel. Dinner bed and breakfast. All rooms are en-suite. Fri: After breakfast we take the journey south to Penzance to board the aeroplane for our late morning flight across to St. Mary’s, where a mini-bus will be waiting to take us to The Bell Rock Hotel. We then meet our Guide for a walking tour of St. Mary’s. Sat: Morning at leisure this afternoon we visit the island of St. Agnes and Gugh. Sun: Tresco today and the world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens. Mon: Today we have a boat trip to the Island of St. Martins. Tue: Mid-afternoon we catch the bus to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. A Roy McCarthy coach will be waiting to take us back to Lostwithiel and the Restormel Lodge Hotel for our last night. Dinner and evening at leisure. Wed: After breakfast we head for home stopping for coffee and lunch en-route to arrive in Macclesfield early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel, 4 Nights Dinner bed & breakfast at the Bell Rock Hotel, St. Mary’s Isles of Scilly, 2 Nights Dinner, bed & breakfast at The Restormel Lodge Hotel. Return transfers by plane. Mini-bus transfers on Isles of Scilly to the hotel. (Sea transfer will only be necessary if the plane is out of service). Guided tour, all boat trips and entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens. £899.00 per person sharing twin/double £40.00 single supplement £35.00 optional insurance. N.B. This tour runs in conjunction with The Gardens of Cornwall Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 13 5 DAYS 18th – 22nd May 2015 ROUEN, MONET & THE GARDENS OF NORMANDY Staying at Hotel La Berteliere, Rouen Normandy is blessed with a huge choice of stunning gardens, making it one of the best destinations for any garden enthusiast. This tour highlights the variety of superb gardens in the region together with a taste of the rich Norman culture. Our base for the tour is Hotel La Berteliere set in extensive grounds and just a 5 minute drive away from Rouen city centre. The hotel boasts a dining room, cocktail bar and lounge, plus a lovely terrace leading on to the gardens. There are 22 bedrooms on the ground floor and 22 on the first floor without lift access. All have cable T.V., telephone, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, mini-bar and en-suite bath/shower with hair dryer. Mon: We depart Macclesfield calling early morning for coffee en-route to Folkestone. There will be time for lunch before we board the train for our shuttle crossing to Calais. We then continue our journey south to Rouen where we arrive at our hotel in time for dinner and evening at leisure. Tue: After breakfast we take a full day tour, starting with a visit to the Pays D’Auge landscaped gardens, a beautiful gardens in a peaceful setting. We then continue on to Chateau de Vendeuvre one of the most beautiful castles in Normandy with its utility, topiary, romantic and surprise water gardens, and the first collection of miniature antiques in the world. Wed: We start the day with a guided walking tour of the fascinating city of Rouen, you have the rest of the day to explore the city. Named as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ by Victor Hugo, Rouen houses many museums as well as the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, as seen in paintings by French impressionist Claude Monet, there is also a Botanical garden, the Jardin des Plantes, both a botanical and landscape garden with an orangery, rose garden, hothouses, collection of medicinal plants, rockery and rare trees. (entrance to the garden is free). Thu: Today our first visit is to the famous house and gardens of the impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny. Admire Monet’s house with its famous pink façade and green-painted shutters, the flower beds full of exuberant colour, the pergolas laden with climbing plants, the wisteria-covered Japanese foot-bridge and the famous lily pond. For a perfect end to the day we pay a visit to Chateau Du Breuil distillery for a tour and Calvados tasting. Fri: We depart after breakfast for Calais and our lunch time shuttle crossing home. Once in Folkestone we join the motorway network north. We make comfort stops en-route and aim to arrive in Macclesfield in the evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, return shuttle crossing, 4 nights dinner bed and breakfast, Guide for tour of Rouen, entrance to Pays D’Auge, Monet’s Garden, Chateau de Vendeuvre, and Tour and Calvados tasting at Chateau du Breuil. £462.00 per person sharing twin/double £76.00 single room supplement £33.00 optional insurance 14 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 5 days 21st-25th May 2015 CROMER - STEAMING THROUGH NORFOLK Staying at The Virginia Court Hotel, Cromer Once again by special request we re-visit Norfolk, one of Britain’s best kept holiday secrets. A county of undoubted scenic beauty, its rich in historical treasures and abundant wildlife. Our base for the tour is Cromer set amidst the pleasant countryside of North Norfolk with its country lanes, villages of flint cottages, and steam railways. There is also the Norfolk Broads, miles and miles of waterways weaving their way through this unique landscape. Norfolk provides the visitor with a wealth of things to see and do. Cromer, once a small fishing village is now a bustling, family holiday resort with superb sunshine records. This attractive small resort is full of character with its narrow twisting streets in the town centre, colourful gardens, sandy beach and lively seafront promenade. The Virginia Court Hotel is in a quiet tree-lined avenue just 3 minutes walk from Cromer town centre, the seafront and pier. This stylish hotel offers a very pleasant lounge bar and a restaurant serving award winning food. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, luxury linen, flat screen T.V./DVD players and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has no lift. Thu: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee and lunch en-route to Sandringham Country Park, making a brief call for afternoon tea. We then continue on to Cromer and our hotel for the next four nights. Fri: Today we take the coastal route to Wells-next-the-Sea where we call for coffee, you then have the option of boarding the light railway to Walsingham where the coach will collect you. There will be time for lunch in Walsingham before we go steaming through the Thursford Collection, the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. Sat: Free morning in Cromer. In the afternoon we venture to Sheringham for a trip on the North Norfolk Line Railway down to the pretty little town of Holt. Our train journey gives us views of the delightful countryside and the sea. Sun: After a leisurely breakfast we venture to Aylesham Station for a ride on the scenic Bure Valley Railway. The coach will then collect you at the end of the line in Wroxham where we take the short journey into town. There will be free time for lunch before we board the boat for a trip on the Norfolk Broads. Mon: We depart after breakfast calling at Dobbies Kings Lynn for morning coffee, we then continue on to the town of Grantham for lunch. The town is best known as the birthplace of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, and the place where Isaac Newton went to school. There will be time for lunch and a stroll around the town before we head for home. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast and entrance to Thursford, trip on North Norfolk Line, the Bure valley railway and a boat trip on the Broads. £428.00 person sharing twin/double Nil single room supplement on single rooms £80.00 double rooms for sole occupancy £24.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 15 2 days 24th -25th May 2015 LIVERPOOL, THE LINER & THE THREE QUEENS Staying at The Liner Hotel, Liverpool Why not join us on our short break to see the Three Queens and one Magnificent City. Maritime history is to be made in Liverpool in 2015 as Cunard celebrates its 175th Anniversary. All three Cunard ships will call at Liverpool for the first time on 25th May to salute a city that will be forever part of its history. Liverpool was Cunard’s home for 127 years from 1840 until 1967. The people of Liverpool still have a great affection for all things Cunard and the Cunard Building on the Pierhead remains one of the most significant buildings in the city, it is also one of the Three Graces and part of a World Heritage site. Our Hotel, The Liner is situated in the heart of Liverpool’s centre and a twenty minute stroll to the Pierhead, where the ships arrive. Based on a classic cruise ship the hotel offers nautical décor that includes the Seven Seas Brasserie, overlooked by a huge indoor fish tank, the Atlantic Room and the stylish Castaway Bar providing a wide range of drinks and a bar menu. All bedrooms are cabin-style with en-suite bathrooms, LCD TV, free WiFi, tea/coffee facilities, a hairdryer and a mini bar. Sun: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for morning coffee at The Liner Hotel, we then meet our Guide for a coach tour of this splendid City. The tour will finish around lunch time giving you the remainder of the day to explore the city and admire if you wish, Queen Mary II, Cunard’s flagship and the most magnificent ocean liner ever built, as she sails up the Mersey to her overnight berth. Dinner and evening leisure. Mon: Free and easy day in Liverpool to do as you please. This morning Queen Elizabeth (Cunard’s newest luxury liner), named in 2010 by Her Majesty the Queen, sails up the Mersey in the morning. To complete the line up of the Three Queens, Queen Victoria, known for her elegance and her graceful splendour, sails in, in the early afternoon. Once you have admired the Queens why not visit one of the many museums or art galleries or take a stroll around Liverpool One. There is so much to see and do in this splendid city. Late afternoon we board the coach and head for home. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast, morning coffee/tea and biscuits and guided tour of Liverpool. £115.00 per person sharing twin/double £37.50 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance 16 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 5 DAYS 27th -31st May 2015 SIDMOUTH AND SOUTH DEVON Staying at The Royal York and Faulkner Hotel Sidmouth is probably the most unspoilt resort in the Country and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Quiet and unhurried, ideal for that relaxing get away from it all holiday. In the resort you will find delightful gardens, cliff path walks, safe beaches and shops that still offer that personal service and friendliness of a country town. Our Hotel is situated on the Seafront on Sidmouths’ Esplanade and lies handy for all the resort’s amenities. The Royal York and Faulkner Hotel has been in the same family for 50 years and was the first Hotel to be built in Sidmouth. The Hotel boasts three lounges, cocktail bar, health complex with spa pool, sauna and solarium, short mat bowling and a full size snooker table. All rooms have en-suite facilities, T.V., telephone and courtesy tea trays and to complete the holiday there is occasional entertainment. The hotel has a lift. Wed: Depart Macclesfield by luxury coach calling for coffee en-route to Cadbury Garden Centre, where we call for lunch. A super garden centre, extremely large, with an excellent cafe. We then continue on to our Hotel to arrive late afternoon. Thu: This morning we have a scenic run calling for coffee at the pretty seaside village of Beer on to Bridport for lunch with the afternoon at Mapperton Gardens, a perfect valley garden. Time for a stroll and a tea before we return to our hotel. Fri: Today we venture north firstly to Tiverton and the banks of the Grand Western Canal where we board a canal barge for a scenic cruise. After our boat trip we head to Bickleigh Mill a Craft centre and mill set in a stunning location. Time for lunch and a browse before we take the scenic route back to Sidmouth. Sat: Day at leisure to explore the delights Sidmouth has to offer. Sun: After a leisurely breakfast we depart and head for home calling for a coffee en-route to Historic Gloucester Quays our lunch stop. We then rejoin the motorway north and aim to arrive in Macclesfield late afternoon/early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner bed and breakfast, canal cruise on the Grand Western canal and entrance to Mapperton gardens. £435.00 per person sharing twin/double • Nil single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 17 6 DAYS 7th – 12th June 2015 IRELANDS WEST COAST SPECTACULAR Galway, Conemara & The Aran Isles Bordered by the River Shannon and the Atlantic Ocean, this region lives up to its image as a traditional, rural and sparsely populated area with windswept mountains speckled with low stone walls and peat bogs. Known as the ‘City of Tribes’ Galway is an innovative city considered free spirited and bohemian with an appreciation for the good things in life. Stretched across the mouth of Galway Bay are the 3 mystical Aran Islands. During our tour we visit Inis Mor the largest of the Islands, with a strong Celtic heritage and ancient ruins. High on a cliff edge the prehistoric stone fort of Dun Aengus is one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. The islands are also home to the Aran sweater – an international success story. We travel across Ireland with an overnight stop at The Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield and then continue on to The Menlo Park Hotel, situated north of the city of Galway a stylish hotel combining old fashioned hospitality with modern facilities. All bedrooms are en-suite with up to date facilities including hospitality tea trays. Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: We depart Macclesfield and head for Holyhead and our 13.50 conventional ferry sailing to Dublin. We then continue across Ireland making our overnight break at The Johnstown House Hotel for dinner, bed and breakfast. After a leisurely Irish breakfast we continue our journey to Galway. We have free time for lunch in Galway before we meet our guide for a tour of this splendid city. On to our hotel, to arrive in ample time for dinner. Our excursion today takes us to the Burren, a stark haunting land with distinctive limestone pavements and outcrops. We travel along the shore of Galway Bay, passing Dunguaire Castle following the coastline of County Clare which climaxes at the world renowned Cliffs of Moher. We then carry on to the visitor’s centre in Kilfenora. Today our tour takes us across to the Aran Islands. A short boat trip takes you to the Island of Inishmor we have arranged for mini-buses to meet you for a tour of the Island including a visit to Dun Aengus and Kilronan village. Once back on the mainland the coach will meet you and transport you back to the hotel in time for dinner. Full day excursion taking us through the dramatic scenery of Conemara to admire the wonderful views of the bogland and magical mountains. We stop at Lettershea-Clifden for a visit to Dan’Ohara’s Heritage and History centre, for a humorous and informative tour. You will also be taught how to make a perfect Irish coffee and obviously once made you will have to sample it. We then continue on to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens before we return to Galway. We depart after breakfast and head for Dublin for our 14.30 fast ferry to Holyhead. We take the quickest route home making a short comfort stop en-route to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, return ferry crossing, 5 nights dinner bed and Irish breakfast, trip to the Aran Islands, Guide for tour of Galway, ent. to Dan O’Hara’s and Irish coffee, Kylemore Abbey and the Burren Visitors Centre. £562.00 per person sharing twin/double £91.00 single room supplement £35.00 optional insurance 18 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS DATE TO BE CONFIRMED DOWNTON ABBEY & THE COTSWOLDS If you are interested in the Tour please ring to put you name of our waiting list. We will then confirm dates once we have the availability. Fascinated by TV’s ‘Downton Abbey’? Then why not join us on our short break and discover where it was filmed. We venture to Bampton in the Cotswolds the location of Downton Abbey and to the fabulous Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey itself, one of England’s most impressive inhabited residences. We follow in the footsteps of the show’s cast, explore the beautiful grounds and uncover the Castle’s fascinating history. This tour is based over two days, calling at a Cotswold Village for lunch en-route and a visit to Bampton, the village which was used for many of the outdoor locations of Downton Abbey. We then spend the following day at Downton Abbey or rather Highclere Castle to see where the star-studded cast acted out the fortunes of the fictional aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 nights dinner bed and breakfast, entrance to Highclere Castle and Gardens. Approx Cost £99. 2 DAYS DATE TO BE CONFIRMED PRINCE CHARLES’S GARDEN AT HIGHGROVE If you are interested in the tour please ring to put you name of our waiting list. We will then confirm dates once we have availability. We are pleased to offer a short break to Gloucestershire and to Highgrove. Since 1980 when The Prince of Wales first arrived at Highgrove, His Royal Highness has devoted much energy to transforming the gardens around the house. With the help and advice of notable individuals and the dedicated assistance of the garden staff, what was once a somewhat bleak landscape is now one of the most creatively inspired gardens of today. A series of interlinked areas, each with their own character and purpose, weave magically around the garden, with the house always visible in the distance. The tour is based over two days, calling at Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury, home to the Naked Gardeners and to the Gardens at Highgrove. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 nights dinner bed and breakfast, entrance to Highgrove Gardens and Abbey House Gardens. Cost and dates to be confirmed. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 19 7 DAYS 20th – 26th June 2015 THE ISLAND OF JERSEY Staying at The Hotel Ambassadeur, St Clements Bay Jersey, the most popular of the Channel Islands, has a pace of life that is refreshingly relaxed and easy going. A delightful blend of France and England, with a character all of its own. Here you will have no passport or language problems yet enjoy a climate which is the envy of the British mainland resorts. There are broad bays, and super sandy beaches to bask the days away on, pretty fishing harbours, beautiful parks, historic castles and fascinating museums all providing excellent sightseeing. This year we visit the Island whilst the Jersey in Bloom Festival takes place. June in Bloom encapsulates the blooming best that the island has to offer. The Hotel Ambassadeur is conveniently located on the coast road overlooking St Clements Bay and just a mile from St Helier centre. The hotel offers its guests a very high standard of comfort and service with a modern cocktail bar, a quiet lounge, a large restaurant serving breakfast and table d’hote dinner. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool and a large sun drenched terrace overlooking the sea. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, T.V., direct dial telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel does have a lift. Sat: Sun: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Depart Macclesfield for the short journey to Manchester Airport. Mid-morning flight to Jersey. Upon arrival in Jersey we will be met by a representative at the airport who will then escort us by local coach to our hotel. Afternoon at leisure. This evening we have a welcome meeting by a local representative. Full day tour of the island today taking in many of the pretty sights, calling for lunch whilst we are out and about. Day at leisure to explore the many coastal paths, have a browse around the shops in St. Helier, or take a stroll around Howard Davis Park Half day tour taking us to Jersey Lavender. We arrive in time for a guided Tour, we then have free time for lunch in the little café before returning to the hotel. Today why not catch the train that runs along the seafront to St. Aubin’s and stop half way to visit the Famous Glass Church with its Lalique window. Optional morning visit to Samares Manor situated just a short walk from the hotel. The Manor boasts a beautiful garden and carriage museum (Ent approx £8.00 adults £7.50 seniors). Mid-morning we head for the airport and our lunch time flight home. We are met in Manchester by a Roy McCarthy Coach and continue our journey home to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. (flight times subject to change). Tour includes: coach transfers to and from airport, return flight to Jersey, transfers by local coach operator on Jersey, 6 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. Full day guided tour and tour to Jersey Lavender. £698.00 per person sharing twin/double £48.00 single room supplement £45.00 insurance Roy McCarthy Coaches act as Retail agents for Destination Specialists is protected under ATOL 9503 20 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 7 DAYS 25th June – 1st July 2015 ELEGANT EASTBOURNE & THE SUSSEX COAST Staying at The Best Western York House Hotel Sheltered by the South Downs and the towering cliffs of Beachy Head, Eastbourne enjoys a mild, sunny climate which is how it earned the nickname ‘Suntrap of the South’. Beautifully laid out parks and gardens are a feature of this popular resort, and the entertainment and leisure facilities are excellent. Our carefully selected excursions to local beauty spots and places of interest will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment of this delightful tour. The Best Western York House Hotel enjoys a relaxed, laid-back seafront location in Eastbourne, just 20 yards from the sea, a few hundred yards from the pier and a pleasant stroll away from the town centre, enabling you to enjoy everything this delightful resort has to offer! The hotel offers the Verandah Restaurant, a smart bar, lounge with occasional entertainment and an indoor swimming pool. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities with T.V., telephone, iron and ironing board, courtesy tea trays and WiFi. The hotel does have a lift. Thu: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Bicester Garden Centre where we break for lunch. We continue south aiming to arrive in Eastbourne late afternoon. Fri: Morning at leisure this afternoon our excursion takes us over the South Downs to the delightful Cuckmere Valley and to the charming village of Alfriston, where we have time for afternoon tea. Alfriston is one of the oldest and prettiest villages in Sussex. Sat: Today firstly we visit the seaside town of Hastings for morning coffee we then continue on to the ancient town of Battle for lunch. We spend the afternoon at Herstmonceux Castle to explore the gardens and grounds. Sun: Day at leisure. Today is Armed Forces Day in Eastbourne, lots going on and lots to see. Mon: Our excursion takes us to Brighton famous for its graceful Regency buildings, the exotic irondomed Pavilion built by the Prince Regent (well worth a visit), its two piers and the enticing series of byways know as the Lanes, with their many small shops. We complete the day with a relaxing train ride on the Bluebell Railway. Tue: Relaxing day in Eastbourne. Wed: After breakfast we head for home calling for coffee and lunch en-route. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area around tea time. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 6 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, entrance to Herstmonceux gardens and grounds and a journey on the Bluebell Railway. £525.00 per person sharing twin/double £90.00 single room supplement £28.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 21 2 DAYS 4th-5th July 2015 GARDENERS DELIGHT THE HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW & RHS WISLEY Staying at The Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Hayes. The highlight of our weekend break is The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, the largest annual flower show with twenty-five acres of parkland transformed into a blaze of colour. Set in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace the show features floral displays, show and water gardens and several marquees filled with displays and plants to be enjoyed, as well as an abundance of gardening and outdoor accessories. Whether you are a novice or expert, whatever your tastes or budget, there is something for everyone. To compliment the flower show we have included a visit to the RHS Gardens at Wisley. This flagship garden captures the imagination with richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and the state of the art glass house. Gifted to the society in 1903, Wisley has evolved over time into a world-class garden. Our hotel is The 4* Radisson Blu Edwardian, ideally situated for both our visits. A modern hotel with a buzzing Bar called Bijou, the Trunk restaurant and soothing Pegasus Spa. Within each en-suite bedroom you will find a mini bar, safe, iron and trouser press, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and complimentary wireless Internet access. Sat: Depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to RHS Gardens at Wisley. We arrive around lunch time and have the whole afternoon at the gardens. Late afternoon we take the short journey to the hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Sun: After breakfast we depart for Hampton Court Palace, where we spend the full day at the Flower Show. (If you would prefer to visit the Palace instead we are happy to deduct the cost of the Flower Show allowing you to pay direct at the Palace). We head for home late afternoon calling for afternoon tea en-route to arrive in Macclesfield late evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast, Full day ticket to Hampton Court Flower Show and RHS Wisley. £158.00 per person sharing twin/double £30.00 single supplement £14.50 optional insurance 22 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 5th-6th July 2015 THE SHUTTLEWORTH COLLECTION WITH WWI COMMEMORATION AIRSHOW & BLETCHLEY PARK Staying at The Swan Hotel, Bedford Our short break gives you the opportunity to visit Bletchley Park, also known as ‘Station X’, the centre of the World War II Enigma code-breaking operation, regarded as the birthplace of modern computing and communications. We will also visit the Shuttleworth Collection Military Pageant with WWI Commemoration Airshow dedicated to recognising the contribution of our Armed Forces – past and present. Shuttleworth is home to the largest and most impressive collection of genuine airworthy First World War aircraft in Europe. There will be a living history area providing the opportunity to experience many aspects of the life of a First World War soldier together with a First World War replica tank, lorries and motorcycles. Our base for the overnight stay is the The Bedford Swan Hotel, a traditional style hotel situated in Bedford town centre by the side of the River Ouse. Each bedroom is equiped with soft duvet, free WiFi, T.V. and courtesy tea tray. The hotel also boasts a Roman style indoor pool, the terrace bar to relax in and the River Room restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Sun: We leave Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Old Warden for the Shuttleworth Collection and Military Pageant Air Show. (Please do not forget to bring your own folding chair with you). There will be lots of activities going on throughout the day and plenty of places to buy a bite to eat should you not want to bring a picnic. Late afternoon we board the coach for the short journey to our hotel. Mon: After a leisurely breakfast we head for Bletchley Park, upon arrival each passenger is given a multi- media guide allowing you to visit all the sights at leisure. There are also guided tours that you can book upon arrival. There will be several cafes where you can buy coffee and lunch. Mid-afternoon we head for home. We join the motorway network for our journey north and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast, Entrance to the Shuttleworth Collection and entrance to Bletchley Park. £135.00 per person sharing twin/double £30.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 23 5 DAYS 7th-11th July 2015 THE ISLE OF MAN EXPLORER Staying at The Ascot Hotel, Empire Terrace, Douglas The Cats have no tails, the sheep have four horns and the Coat of Arms has Three Legs – The Isle of Man may just be a short distance from the British mainland but it has a unique character that sets it apart. The pace of life is less hurried and the air is cleaner, as the ravages of industry have largely passed the island by. The wild scenery of heather clad hills, wooded glens, rocky headlands and secluded coves will testify to this. Our base for the tour is The Ascot Hotel, a warm, friendly and contemporary Isle of Man hotel which enjoys a fantastic location just 100 yards off Douglas sea front and promenade with all of the islands main tourist sites such and the Manx Museum, the Gaiety Theatre and shopping centre just a short walk away. The hotel boasts a relaxing bar where guests can unwind with a drink and Mackey’s restaurant offering a selection of traditional Manx cuisine and dishes from around the world. All rooms are en-suite with T.V., WiFi connection, hair dryer and courtesy tea trays. Tue: We travel north to Heysham near Morecambe, where we board the early afternoon sailing to Douglas. It’s then just a short drive to our hotel and our base for the next four nights. Wed: Today we meet our guide for a full day tour of the island with the chance to see the beauty and surprising variety of the Manx landscape including the famous Laxey Wheel. Thu: Our tour today takes us south to the Calf of Man and Sound at the very tip of the Island. There will be time for morning coffee before our visit to Cregneash – a living village with working illustrations of Manx Crofting Life. We return to the hotel via Castletown where you have the chance to visit the Old House of Keys or the Nautical Museum. The entrance cost is nominal however if you are a National Trust Member the entrance is free Fri: Today we head north to Peel where we have organised a combined ticket to visit both the ruins of Peel Castle and The House of Mannan, a museum guiding you through the Island’s rich, Celtic, Viking and maritime past. We return to the hotel around lunchtime to spend the afternoon at leisure. Why not take a trip on the narrow gauge steam train or perhaps a ride on a horse drawn tram. Sat: After breakfast we take the short journey to Douglas and board the boat for our morning crossing to Heysham. Once in Heysham we head for the motorway network for our journey home. We aim to arrive in Macclesfield late afternoon. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, return ferry crossing, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Guide for tour of the Island, entrance to Cregneash, Peel Castle and House of Mannan. £485.00 per person sharing twin/double £60.00 single room supplement £33.00 optional insurance 24 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 6 DAYS 12th – 17th July 2015 POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH & BROWNSEA ISLAND Staying at The Thistle Poole Hotel, Poole Poole is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. With its bustling quay, the best beaches in England and a stunning natural harbour. Located in the delightful county of Dorset, Poole makes an excellent base with lots of places to explore from small market towns, quaint villages and a fantastic coast line. Our hotel base for the tour is The Thistle Poole Hotel, ideally located on Poole Quay and offering superb views over one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills beyond. All bedrooms are ensuite, with T.V. and tea/coffee tray. Additional facilities include the harbour view restaurant, garden terrace and bar lounge. The hotel has a lift. Sun: Depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Bicester Garden centre where we stop for lunch. We then continue south to arrive in Poole late afternoon. Mon: Morning at leisure to enjoy Poole, why not visit the famous pottery situated just a short walk from the hotel? This afternoon you have the opportunity to visit the elegant country mansion of Kingston Lacy, set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland. A lavish family home built to resemble an Italian Palace. (National Trust Property, NT members free, non-members £12.50). If you prefer why not catch a boat across to National Trust Brownsea Island and spend the afternoon exploring. Tue: Today we visit the Isle of Purbeck, firstly to the Georgian market town of Wareham and then on to the lovely Victorian seaside resort of Swanage. In the afternoon we explore the Purbeck countryside with a trip on the Swanage Railway with stunning views of the ruins of Corfe Castle en-route. Wed: Scenic run today through the New Forest to Lyndhurst where we call for morning coffee. We return via the popular seaside resort of Bournemouth where we stop for lunch and a stroll along the promenade. Thu:Leisurely day, free morning in Poole. This afternoon we have a scenic cruise, we enjoy the beauty of Poole Harbour, (the second largest natural harbour in the world) past Brownsea Island, beaches and bays. Fri: After breakfast we depart and head for home taking the motorway network north calling for morning coffee and lunch en-route to arrive in Macclesfield around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast Single journey on Swanage Railway and Poole harbour cruise £498.00 per person sharing twin/double £55.00 single room supplement £26.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 25 5 DAYS 20th – 24th July 2015 TROON & THE AYRSHIRE COAST & COUNTRYSIDE Staying at The South Beach Hotel, Troon Ayreshire – The Land of Robert Burns – where the Gulf streams’ warm current brings with it the blessing of a mild climate. The coast is dotted with holiday resorts set among rocky coves and sandy beaches. Inland are lofty hills cut by rivers flowing through wooded valleys. Here too are ruined strongholds reminders of old feuds and the landscape towns and villages that inspired Scotland’s National poet. Our base for the tour is the small seaside town of Troon, with its turreted red sandstone Victorian buildings looking out across Ayr Bay. The town itself has a sandy beach, marina, harbour and a small selection of shops for you to browse around. The South Beach Hotel is a privately owned hotel situated on the seafront with superb views to Arran and Ailsa Craig on the horizon. The hotel boasts a delightful conservatory/dining room, quiet residents lounge, the popular Millars Bar and pleasant gardens. All bedrooms are en-suite with colour T.V., radio, tea/coffee making facilities and direct dial telephone. Mon: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to the market town of Dumfries where we stop for lunch. Mid-afternoon we continue on our scenic journey north west to Troon and our hotel. Tue: Today we venture south to Alloway and the Robbie Burns Birthplace Museum. The museum comprises the famous Burns Cottage where the poet was born, gardens and a modern museum housing the world’s most important collection of his life and work. We then continue on to Culzean Castle for the afternoon, with its dramatic clifftop setting, Robert Adam Architecture and fascinating history. (Both properties National Trust for Scotland, N.T. Members free, non-members entrance fee payable) Wed: After breakfast we head to Dalgarven and the Museum of Country Life and Costume, We spend the morning at the museum. We then head past Camphill Reservoir to the seaside town of Largs. Free time for a stroll along the seafront and lunch before we head back to our hotel. Thu: This morning we visit Dumfries House, set in 2,000 acres. This stunning estate and 18th-Century house with its unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture. We arrive in time for coffee and shortbread followed by a tour of the house. We return to Troon in time for lunch and have the afternoon at leisure. Fri: After breakfast we head south calling at Threave Gardens, a 64 acre ornamental garden with a large and varied plant collection and landscape features. (National Trust for Scotland, NT members free, non-members £9.00) alternatively the coach will take you into the town of Castle Douglas for lunch. We then continue our journey south making an afternoon tea stop en-route. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, entrance to Dalgarven Museum and Dumfries House with coffee/tea and shortbread. £368.00 per person sharing twin/double £60.00 single supplement £24.50 optional insurance 26 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 26th-27th July 2015 LONDON – LORDS, LADIES & WIMBLEDON Staying at The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross New for this year is our sporty tour, taking us to two of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. You can visit both or either one, the choice is yours. Firstly we visit Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, the largest tennis museum in the world. The museum was inaugurated at The Championships centenary event in 1977. On the 12 April 2006, HRH The Duke of Kent declared the brand new Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum open to the public inside the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. This museum has exhibits and artifacts dating back to 1555. Memorabilia from many famous players from Victorian times up to present day are included in several different exhibits. Our second visit takes us to Lord’s Cricket Ground, the most famous cricket ground in the world. Lord’s has always been known as the ‘home of cricket’ and its spiritual headquarters. It is an important place in the world of cricket hosting International Test matches as well as major domestic competitions. During our visit we take a tour that allows us to go behind the scenes of this historic ground. An expert guide will spend over an hour and a half taking you through the history, architecture and current activities of this iconic sight. Our base for the weekend is The Bull Hotel situated in the charming town of Gerrards Cross. The hotel has recently undergone refurbishment and now offers a modern bar, pleasant lounge area and super restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite with up to the minute facilities including T.V., courtesy tea tray, trouser press and telephone. The hotel has a lift. Sun: We depart from Macclesfield calling for coffee and lunch en-route to the famous Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. We have a guided tour at the Museum that lasts around an hour and a half and takes you to the most recognisable and exclusive places in the grounds. We then have time to explore the museum at leisure and have tea in the Wingfield Café. Alternatively you can visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (payable direct to Kew on the day). The coach will pick both groups up late afternoon and head for the hotel. Dinner and Evening at leisure. Mon:This morning we head to Lord’s for our tour of the Cricket Ground where you get the opportunity to go behind the scenes, and see many of the most famous sights in world cricket. If cricket isn’t your thing our alternative is to spend time in London. The coach will drop you off on Park Lane at the side of Hyde Park giving you free time to go shopping on Oxford Street or perhaps take a stroll in the park or visit Kensington Palace. The coach will collect both groups mid to late afternoon for the journey home. We head north joining the motorway network, making a comfort stop en-route, we aim to be back in Macclesfield late evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach hire throughout, 1 night dinner, bed and breakfast. £106.00 per person sharing twin/double £12.00 single room supplement Adults £19.50 Snr £17.00 entrance to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Adults £18.00 Snr £12.00 entrance to Lord’s Cricket Ground £14.50 optional insurance. PLEASE STATE CLEARLY ON YOUR BOOKING FORM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT EITHER MUSUEM Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 27 11 DAYS 30th July – 9th August 2015 CRUISE – ICELAND & THE NORTHERN ISLES Cruise & Maritime – MV Azores Cruise Ship New this year is our cruise from Liverpool on the MV Azores, chosen for its fabulous itinerary. We sail to Denmark’s delightful Faroe Isles and to fascinating Iceland with its geysers, glaciers, lava flows and volcanic craters, bubbling mud pools, stunning waterfalls and geothermal hot springs. Iceland has one of the world’s most dynamic landscapes. You’ll step ashore in four fascinating ports of call as you circumnavigate the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’. Stornoway in Scotland’s beautiful Outer Hebrides is a stepping-stone in the North Atlantic on what promises to be an exciting voyage. With a handsome profile and a traditional walk around deck Azores, carries about 550 passengers, giving it Cruise & Maritime’s trademark intimate feel, and offers a wide selection of well-appointed public lounges and comfortable cabin accommodation spanning eight passenger decks serviced by two lifts. It’s size also allows it to access some of the smaller ports that the larger vessels have to pass by. As soon as you walk on board you will be impressed with the beautiful marbled reception area, the Olissipo Restaurant with its lovely sea views, the buffet dining facility in the Lotus Lounge. There is a choice of five comfortable lounges and bars, including the impressive Calypso Show lounge, where you can watch the colourful floor shows, and a separate nightclub where you can dance the night away. Other entertainment facilities include a cinema and casino, there is also a well-stocked shopping area, photo shop, library, internet café and card room. Allow yourself to be pampered in the fitness and health centre or work off the extra calories in the gym. Outdoors the Azores is famed for her wide and ample deck spaces, especially her traditional full walk-around Promenade Deck, and a lovely outdoor pool. All cabins have private facilities, T.V., hairdryer, a fridge with minibar facilities and telephone. For Cabin availability and any questions you may have please contact the office. Thu: Fri: Sat: Sun: Mon: Tue: We depart Macclesfield and head to Liverpool to board MV Azores. Day at sea. Sit back relax and watch the world go by. Stornoway the capital of the Isle of Lewis, Hebrides Kollafjorour a small fishing port on the remote Faroe Islands. Eskifjordour a charming yet isolated village that lies in the middle of Iceland’s East Fjords. Akureyri the capital of the north which was founded as a trading post,is today an attractive town with colourful houses and well kept gardens. Wed: Isafjorour, a nature lovers paradise is situated just below the arctic circle. Thu: Reykjavik the Icelandic capital has a quirky character of its own. A popular excursion from is the ‘Golden Cricle’ and the popular geothermal Blue Lagoon. and is situated within Fri/Sat: At sea. Sun: We arrive in Liverpool, where a Roy McCarthy coach will be waiting for us for our short journey home. Tour includes: Luxury return coach travel to Liverpool, Cabin of your choice. All meals and snacks throughout the cruise, all entertainment and leisure facilities, all port taxes and porterage on board. Prices start from £816.00 per person sharing inside twin cabin Single cabins available but limited number Please note Cruise and Maritime reserve the right to levy a fuel surcharge at any time. Roy McCarthy Coaches act as retail agents for South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd and is protected under Atol 4619 and ABTA V9945 28 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 4th-5th August 2015 STEAMING THROUGH THE LAKES AND DALES ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY Staying at The Salmesbury Hotel, Salmesbury Our short break gives you the opportunity to enjoy this fabulous train journey without having to get up at the crack of dawn. We stay overnight close to where we board the train. We then embark on a beautiful scenic run on the very popular steam hauled ‘Fellsman’. We take a return journey over the spectacular ‘Settle to Carlisle Railway’. We travel through the Yorkshire Dales and over the roof of England with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys. The legendary ‘Settle to Carlisle’ line is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering including the magnificent 24 arched viaduct at Ribblehead. Upon arrival in the border city of Carlisle there will be time for sightseeing. We arrive about 13.00 for a stop of up to two hours. You may choose to stroll between the castle and cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum – all surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained so creating the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Our base for the tour is the recently renovated Salmesbury Hotel, ideally located just a short journey from Blackburn where we board the train. The Hotel offers en-suite accommodation with free WiFi, a restaurant serving fine local cuisine and seasonal dishes with a twist, a bar serving a wide selection of drinks and cocktails and 24-hour room service. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary toiletries. Tue: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee at Gordon Riggs Garden Centre. We then continue on to Bronte Country and to Oxenhope Station where we board the steam train for a ride on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. The coach will then pick you up in Keighley at the end of the line. We then take the short journey into Howarth where we have time for a leisurely lunch and a browse. Late afternoon we head for our hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Wed: After breakfast we head for Blackburn railway station for 09:10 where we board our Steam Train for this truly amazing journey on a 73 mile long main line track, more commonly known as the Settle to Carlisle Line. On the train you will be able to purchase drinks and snacks. We arrive in Carlisle around 13:00 you then have free time. Around 15:00 we board the train for our return journey. We alight the train in Blackburn at 19:35 where the coach will be waiting to whisk you off home. We should arrive in the Macclesfield area around 21:45. Tour includes: Luxury travel throughout, 1 night dinner, bed and breakfast, Seat on the ‘Fellsman’, single trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. £175.00 sharing twin/double £20.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance There are upgrades available on the train if you prefer to travel first class or include meals on board. Please enquire for prices. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 29 3 DAYS 14th -16th August 2015 THE EDINBURGH TATTOO, ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA & THE KELPIES Staying at The Westerwood Golf & Spa Hotel, Cumbernauld The famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo held every August is the World’s most famous military spectacle – an unforgettable blend of music, colour, pomp and pageantry. Steep rocks form the dramatic back-drop to the Tattoo’s Castle setting and when subtle lighting picks out the lone piper playing a lament from the ramparts, few in the audience fail to be moved by the atmosphere - all the ingredients for a truly memorable event. You also have the opportunity to visit the former Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence. To complete our weekend break we visit the Kelpies, the 30 metre high horse-head sculptures designed by sculptor Andy Scott. The amazing sculptures form a gateway at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal and are a monument to horse powered heritage across Scotland. Our base for the weekend is The 4* Westerwood Golf and Spa Hotel, situated in the heart of Scotland between Glasgow and Edinburgh with stunning views of the Campsie Hills. The hotel has recently been refurbished and offers a lounge, dining room, bar and a state of the art leisure club. All bedrooms offer subtle décor, bathrooms, flat screen T.V., telephone, hairdryer and complimentary refreshment trays. Fri: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Carlisle where we have time for lunch and a little shopping or to visit one of the museums. We then continue on to our hotel to arrive in time for dinner. Sat: Today we head for Edinburgh where we meet our guide for a tour of this splendid city. You can then choose to either visit the former Royal Yacht Britannia returning to Edinburgh on the coach late afternoon or alight the coach after the tour and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in the city centre. The Royal Yacht is situated by the side of a shopping complex with lots of places to buy lunch. The coach will collect everyone early evening for the short journey to the 7:30p.m. performance of the famous Military Tattoo. (Approximatly 15 minute walk uphill to the Tattoo). After the performance we return to the hotel where a supper of soup and sandwiches are waiting for us. Sun: After a leisurely breakfast we take the short journey to Falkirk and The Kelpies. We have a 45 minute guided walking tour that takes you through the vision of Andy Scott, the story of the real life working horses of the area and the history of the canals. There will be free time for morning coffee at the Visitors centre before we head south for home. We call for a late lunch and a comfort stop en-route and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury Coach Travel throughout, 2 nights bed and breakfast, 1 dinner, 1 supper, Guided tour of Edinburgh, Ticket for the 7.30p.m. performance of the Tattoo. Tour of The Kelpies £268.00 per person sharing twin/double room £40.00 single room supplement £18.50 optional insurance £11.20 Ticket for the Royal Yacht Britannia Please clearly state at the time of booking if you require tickets 30 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 6 DAYS 16th-21st August 2015 BIDEFORD & THE GARDENS OF NORTH DEVON Staying at The Royal Hotel, Bideford The lovely scenery of North Devon is complemented by wonderful gardens, offering a wide variety of styles. Pleasant countryside of lush green pastures and dramatic moors provide the attractive backdrop to our tour of selected gardens in Devon. We visit Hartland Abbey Gardens set in a beautiful valley, Tapeley Park, a magical balance of nature and nurture. We also visit Marwood Hill, a 20 acre garden tucked away in north Devon, and no garden tour to north Devon would be complete without a visit the internationally renowned gardens at RHS Rhosemoor. Our base for the tour is the little white town of Bideford set on the banks of the River Torridge with its historic buildings along the quayside, delightful shopping centre, Pannier market, town hall, museum, cafes, restaurants and park. The Royal Hotel is situated in an ideal location just over the river from the town centre and boasts a pleasant lounge, bar and dining rooms serving traditional fayre. All bedrooms are en-suite with colour T.V.. courtesy tea tray and telephone. Sun: We depart Macclesfield taking the motorway network south and calling for coffee en-route to Congresbury and Cadbury Garden Centre where we stop for lunch. We then continue our journey to arrive at the Hotel late afternoon. Mon: This morning we venture to Clovelly village visitors centre where we stop for morning coffee. We then continue on to Hartland Abbey, an Augustinian Monastery set in a beautiful valley leading to the Atlantic coast. Tue: A day at leisure with the option of visiting the internationally renowned RHS Rosemoor for a stroll through the beautiful gardens in the afternoon. There will be a mixture of new gardens as well as Lady Anne’s original garden. Time for afternoon tea before we journey back to the hotel. (entrance approx £6.90) Wed: Today we venture to Barnstaple with its historic pannier market and museum. We spend the morning in Barnstaple, we then continue on to Marwood Hill gardens for the afternoon. This magical 20 acre private garden with three lakes is set in a valley tucked away in north Devon. The gardens are a wonderful haven in which to relax and enjoy the impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees and experience the views and peaceful atmosphere. Thu: This morning we visit Tapeley Park and Gardens, there will be time for a stroll around the gardens and morning coffee in the Tea Rooms before we return to Bideford for the afternoon at leisure. Fri: We depart after breakfast calling at Richs Cider Farm for morning coffee and a homemade cake or sample a cider and visit the shop. We then continue north to Tewksbury where we stop for lunch. We rejoin the motorway network and continue north and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast. Entrance to Tapeley Park, Marwood Hill Gardens and Hartland Abbey. £498.00 per person sharing twin/double • £50.00 single room supplement £26.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 31 3 DAYS 21st – 23rd August 2015 THE COTSWOLDS & THE PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL Staying at The Salford Hall Hotel, Nr Evesham When it comes to an image of idyllic rural England, few regions in Great Britain can compare to the sleepy, honeystoned village image of the Cotswolds. Here time seems to slow down, where age old traditions and local life remains comparatively undisturbed. The plateau of the Cotswolds also provides an impressive array of charismatic and historic attractions including the pretty villages of Broadway, Winchcombe, Moreton in the Marsh and Stow on the Wold. The highlight of our tour to the Cotswolds is our guided tour and visit to the Pershore Plum Festival. Held in and around the riverside town of Pershore an unspoiled, picturesque Market Town, famed for its elegant Georgian architecture and magnificent Abbey. Pershore loves its plums and for the whole of August it dresses up its elegant town in purple for the Plum Festival which celebrates the strong commitment the town still has to its fruit growing heritage. Our base for the tour is The Salford Hall Hotel, a fascinating Tudor Manor almost unchanged by time. The hotel has been lovingly restored, boasts lots of character and is ideally located in the picturesque Vale of Evesham. In the evenings you can relax in front of warming log fires in the oak-panelled rooms and enjoy dinner in the awardwinning restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite with modern facilities. Fri: Depart Macclesfield in the morning. We call for coffee at Dobbies Garden Centre en-route to Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare and steeped in culture and history. There is lots to see and do in Stratford. Alternatively you can visit nearby Charlecote Park a grand 16th century country house surrounded by its own deer park on the banks of the River Avon. (National Trust Property entrance free to members non-members approx. £9.50). Late afternoon we take the short journey to our hotel and our base for the next two nights. Dinner and evening at leisure. Sat: After a leisurely breakfast we head off on our “Plum Day Out”. We meet our guide who will provide us with an entertaining and educational insight into the fruit which made Pershore internationally famous. During our tour we call for Plum treats at the Wayside Farm Shop, learn of the delights of the Bredon Hills and visit Pershore and Plum Alley. Sun: Our tour today takes us on a beautiful run through the typical Costwold village of Broadway to Snowshill Lavender where we stop for coffee. We continue our scenic run to our lunch stop, the delightful market town of Stow on the Wold. Our picturesque journey continues across country to where we rejoin the motorway network and head for home. We make a comfort stop en-route and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Guide for the plum tour. £189.00 per person sharing twin/double £30.00 single room supplement £18.50 optional insurance 32 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 4 DAYS 24th – 27th August 2015 LLANDRINDOD WELLS & THE VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA Staying at The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells This delightful tour gives you the opportunity to experience the magical appeal of Wales – a land of song, choirs, castles Celtic connections, splendid countryside and coastline of outstanding natural beauty. The surprising little Victorian town of Llandrindod Wells offers leisurely shopping, beautiful gardens, a museum, theatre, bowling greens and superb walks by lakes, woods and mountains, not forgetting the Victorian Extravaganza which takes place during our visit. It will be a magical week of events including a Flower Festival in the church, Barbershop singers on street corners, people dressed in Victorian costume, shows and concerts. The extravaganza has something for everyone. The Metropole Hotel is located in the heart of Llandrindod Wells, assuring a warm welcome from its Victorian reception to its modern leisure facilities, which include a small gym, swimming pool and sauna. The hotel boasts the excellent Radnor restaurant, a delightful conservatory and lounge bar. All bedrooms are en-suite with colour T.V., telephone and tea/coffee making facilities. Mon: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Welshpool where we then stop for a quick lunch break. We then take the short journey to Glansevern Gardens. There will be time to stroll through the gardens and have an afternoon cuppa before we continue south to Llandrindod Wells and The Metropole Hotel. Tue: Our tour today takes us to Elan Valley. Set within 70 square miles of beautiful rolling hills, the Elan Valley National Nature Reserve is a magnificent succession of reservoirs and dams that form Wales’ ‘Lake District’. We have a guided tour on the coach and time for coffee before we return to Llandrindod Wells to spend the afternoon at leisure. Wed: This morning we travel through wonderful scenery calling at Ryader and Welsh Royal Crystal for a browse and coffee. We then continue on to the University town of Aberystwyth and the glorious views across Cardigan Bay. This afternoon you have the option of returning part way on the Vale of Rheidol Railway that runs over almost 12 miles of track up to Devil’s Bridge, where the coach will meet you. (Optional, cost approx £10.00). We then return to the hotel. Thu: We depart after a leisurely breakfast calling at Ludlow for lunch and a stroll around the local market. We head north on one of the most scenic roads in Britain to Tattenhall Ice Cream Farm where we finish the tour off with a delicious Ice Cream. We aim to arrive in Macclesfield around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Entrance to Glansevern Gardens and guide for Elan Valley. £299.00 per person sharing twin/double £30.00 single room supplement £21.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 33 8 DAYS 30th Aug - 6th Sept 2015 TOURING THE WEST ISLANDS & HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND This year our tour to Scotland is based in the magnificent West Highlands of Scotland on the Atlantic coastline. This is a unique tour combining the beauty of the inner Hebridean Islands together with the rugged west coast. It truly is a tour with a difference. We explore the unspoilt and more inaccessible regions of the West Highland coastline. Included are 2 cruises – one to the mystical Isles of Eigg and Rum and the second a Summer Isles cruise with the opportunity to see abundant wildlife including whales, eagles, dolphins, basking sharks, seals and more. We complete the tour with a visit to the Osprey Centre. Sun: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Moffatt, where we take a break for lunch. We then continue after lunch on to Langbank for our overnight stay. The Gleddoch House Hotel is a traditional hotel over-looking the Firth of Clyde. Boasting modern amenities including an indoor swimming pool. All bedrooms en-suite. Mon: After breakfast we take the scenic route along the banks of Loch Lomond. We then enter the Highlands with the scenery ever changing, through Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan and Loch Morar. Hotel Morar is our base for the next three nights. This friendly little hotel is situated on the romantic “Road to the Isles” with breathtaking views of the famous Silver Sands of Morar and the Isles of Rum and Eigg. The hotels offers Scottish Highland hospitality with a pleasant bar, lounge and restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite. Tue: Very few tours venture this far, only seeing these two beautiful islands from the mainland. A cruise from Mallaig to Rum passing Eigg is quite simply “a different kettle of fish”. Not only will you have the opportunity of hopefully seeing abundant wildlife around the islands, from dolphins and whales to sea eagles and basking sharks, but also experience the island life style which has little changed for generations. On Rum, we have arranged a specially guided tour of the flamboyant Kinloch Castle. (There is an approx 20 minute walk from the ferry terminal to the castle, a shuttle buggy is available £3 one way £5 return, payable on the island. Walking shoes recommended). Wed: A relaxing day to do as you please. Why not take a stroll on the beach or take the train or bus to Mallaig or Fort William. Thu: Today we take the ferry over to Skye driving along the coast before reaching the bridge to join the mainland again. We stop off at Plockton made famous by Hamish MacBeth with its palm trees. We drive through the glens of the Northwest Highlands and along Loch Maree and Lochcarron. Arriving at the loch side Dundonnell Hotel where we stay for the next two nights. The Dundonnell Hotel is situated in beautiful Wester Ross in the Scottish highlands and boasts two bars, a very pleasant lounge and the Claymore Restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite. 34 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 Fri: Sat: After an early breakfast we head to Ullapool to catch the MV Summer Queen 10:00 hrs sailing for a truly captivating day. Firstly, Mussel Bay, and the colony of Atlantic seals, past Annat Bay and the huge bird colony before heading to the Summer Isles. It is here that there will be the most likely sightings of dolphins, minke and killer whales and other marine wildlife. We stop at Cathedral Cave – a wonderful photo opportunity. We venture onwards through the narrow channels to land on Tanera Mhor, the last inhabited Summer Isle and the last place in Britain to print its own stamps. We go ashore, explore the island and visit the Post Office or café. On return we pass other seal colonies at Horse and Goat Islands concluding an unforgettable cruise with an abundance of wildlife and scenery which only the Summer Isles can offer. Back on land we head to the Caledonian Hotel for a welcoming cuppa before driving back to our hotel. We depart the hotel after breakfast and head for Inverness. There will be free time for a stroll and lunch before we continue on to our last night in Scotland. We will stop overnight in a hotel of a good standard. All bedrooms are en-suite. Sun: Sadly we say farewell to Bonnie Scotland and head south. We make stops en-route for coffee and lunch and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area in the early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel, 7 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Cruise to Rum and Eigg, entrance to Kinloch Castle, Summer Isles Cruise and tea and biscuits at the Caledonian Hotel. £685.00 per person sharing twin/double £97.00 single supplement £31.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 35 10 DAYS 12th-21st September 2015 RIVER CRUISE – GERMANY – THE RHINE & THE MOSELLE ABOARD THE MS PRINSES CHRISTINA A Rhine Cruise offers a different kind of holiday, combining the relaxing and peaceful style of river cruise with the opportunity to visit some of Germany’s finest towns and cities. The romantic Rhine welcomes you with unrivalled hospitality and wonderful scenery, where you can admire the fairytale world of castle’s perched on rocky cliff tops and picturesque villages with vine clad half timbered houses nestling along the river bank. Join us on this cruise, relax and watch the wonderful world of the Rhineland glide by. The MS Prinses Christina is an extremely warm and welcoming ship, which has already provided many passengers with an unforgettable holiday. Whether you relax in the bar/lounge with its panoramic windows, the light airy restaurant or partially covered sun deck, you will feel at home onboard this ship almost instantly. The vessel has a length of 80 metres and has a capacity of 102 passengers across 51 cabins. All cabins offer air-conditioning, shower and toilet, twin beds and satellite T.V. Sat: Depart Macclesfield around lunch time for our journey to Hull where we board the P&O Ferry for our overnight sailing to Rotterdam. Cabin with facilities and two low bunks included. Sun: After breakfast we depart for Cologne. Where we board MS Prinses Christina late afternoon. Mon: Cologne to Andernach. We set sail early morning, where you will pass Remagen, famous as the site of the World War II battle for the town’s bridge. We then continue towards the pretty town of Andernach, one of the oldest towns in Germany, which is renowned for its impressive 13th-century ‘Liebfrauen’ Church. Tue: Andernach to Cochem. We depart today on the picturesque Moselle River, fabulously set at the heart of the Moselle Valley’s wine-growing region. By lunchtime we have reached the enchanting medieval town of Cochem, overlooked by the colossal 11th-Century Reichsburg Castle perched high on a hill above the town and one of the most beautiful castles in the region. Wed: Cochem to Boppard. This morning we sail back along the Moselle and join the Rhine once more, passing some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes on the way. We arrive late afternoon in the charming town of Boppard where you’ll have some free time to explore the ancient town. 36 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 Thu: Boppard to Rüdesheim. This morning, we cruise to Rüdesheim and en route, marvel at some of Rhine Valley’s most famous landmarks including the 130 metre high Lorelei Rock, named after Rhine Maiden sirens and the Mäuseturm, an ancient customs post now used as a beacon tower shipping. The afternoon is free to explore Rüdesheim, a picturebook wine town overlooked by towers of ruined Ehrenfels Castle, and perhaps stroll along the charming paved Drosselgasse. the the for the Fri: Rüdesheim to Koblenz. This morning we depart and make our way along the Middle Rhine to Koblenz, arriving in the early afternoon. The historic city of Koblenz is located on the convergence of two rivers with the ‘Deutsches Eck’, proudly marking the place where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. The city dates back to Roman times and is a centre of the German wine trade. Sat: Koblenz to Cologne. After an early morning departure we arrive in Königswinter, an elegant resort at the foot of the Sieben Gebirge Mountains. In the early afternoon we leave the town and cruise past the city of Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven, to the city of Cologne for an overnight stay. Cologne dates back to Roman times and is one of Germany’s largest and liveliest cities. Its river skyline is dwarfed by the soaring twin steeples of its spectacular Gothic cathedral. Enjoy free time to explore this historic city at leisure. Sun: Cologne. After breakfast we disembark and head for Rotterdam. Overnight on board P&O Ferries for our sailing back to hull. Cabin with facilities and two low bunks included. Mon: We arrive in Hull after breakfast and take the motorway home calling for coffee en-route. We arrive in Macclesfield around lunch-time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 2 overnight crossings with P&O Ferries, inside cabins with facilities. 7 nights on board MS Prinses Christina, outside cabin with facilities, 7 nights full board including tea/coffee and late night snacks. £1050.00 per person sharing standard cabin £1340.00 single cabin £70.00 supplement per person deluxe cabin £45.00 optional insurance Optional return meal package P&O crossing - £42.00 per person Please note the dates may change slightly due to circumstances beyond our control. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 37 2 DAYS 20th-21st Sept 2015 PALACE, PARLIAMENT & THE MAGNA CARTA Staying at The Bull Hotel, Gerrards Cross Our short break takes us to historic Windsor where we will stop for lunch, and then on to to Runnymede. Seen by many as the birthplace of modern democracy. This picturesque open landscape beside the Thames was witness to King John’s historic sealing of the Magna Carta nearly 800 years ago, on 15 June 1215. Today Runnymede is an ideal place to relax outdoors or to pause and reflect on the history of the struggle for freedom. As well as a monument to the democratic legacy of the Magna Carta, you will find further memorials to John F. Kennedy and the Commonwealth Air Forces. Our tour also includes a visit to the Houses of Parliament, where we have a guided tour, a unique combination of one thousand years of history, modern day politics, and stunning art and architecture. The finale to our tour is a visit the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace to discover its many treasures and magnificent state rooms. Our base for the weekend is The Bull Hotel situated in the charming town of Gerrards Cross. The hotel has recently undergone a refurbishment programme and now offers a modern bar, pleasant lounge area and super restaurant. All bedrooms are en-suite with up to the minute facilities including colour T.V., courtesy tea tray, trouser press and telephone. The hotel has a lift. Sun: Depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee en-route to Windsor where we have time for lunch. We then continue on to Runnymede for a stroll around the Memorials. Situated just a short distance from Windsor and our hotel. Late afternoon we head for Gerrards Cross and our hotel for the evening. Dinner and evening at leisure. Mon: After breakfast we venture into London firstly to visit the Houses of Parliament. Upon arrival we meet our guide for a tour of these historic buildings. We then have a little free time for lunch before our visit to the fabulous State Apartments at Buckingham Palace. The State Rooms form the heart of the working palace and are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. Late afternoon we board the coach and head for home making a comfort stop en-route, we aim to arrive in Macclesfield around 10:00p.m. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner, bed and breakfast. Entrance to The State Apartments at Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament. £148.00 per person sharing twin/double £12.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance N.B. Please note this tour involves quite a lot of walking. 38 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 5 DAYS 21st – 25th September 2015 RAVENSCAR & THE RAVENHALL HOTEL Staying at The Raven Hall Hotel, Ravenscar Ravenscar – the town that never was, at the beginning of this century a Victorian entrepreneur decided that a town should be developed around the village then known as Peak. A railway line was being built to link the towns of Scarborough and Whitby and Peak was the central point. Roads were built, sewers were laid and plots of land sold to city dwellers who liked the idea of living by the beach. The plan was badly researched as the route to the shore is precarious and the area, though beautiful is very exposed. The building company folded in 1913 having built less than a dozen houses but it has altered the area forever. Peak was re-named Ravenscar, the wide roads remained and the houses built for a new town look strangely out of place in the middle of open countryside. Our base for this tour is the Raven Hall Hotel dramatically situated 600 feet above sea level, overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay in Ravenscar and ideally located to explore this beautiful area. The hotel has beautiful gardens, a cliff side golf course, tennis courts, fitness suite and heated indoor swimming pool. It also boasts a very pleasant bar and dining room overlooking the sea serving traditional cuisine. All bedrooms are en-suite with colour T.V., telephone and courtesy tea trays. The hotel does have a lift to the second floor. Mon: We depart Macclesfield calling for morning coffee en-route to the pretty market town of Bedale in North Yorkshire. There will be free time for lunch and a stroll around the town. We then continue on our scenic journey across country to Ravenscar and our hotel. Tue: Today we venture south to Bridlington and to the much loved and cherished landmark building, the Bridlington Spa. We have coffee on arrival followed by a guided tour of this interesting building. There will be free time for lunch in Bridlington and a stroll along the promenade before we return to the hotel. Wed: After breakfast we take the short journey to Robin Hood’s Bay for morning coffee. We then continue on to Whitby, where Fish and Chips is a must for lunch. This afternoon we have a scenic run through the North Yorkshire Moors down to Pickering and on to Thornton Le Dale where we take a short break for afternoon tea. Thu: Our excursion today takes us to Flamborough Head to view the lighthouse, time for morning coffee before we head to the famous Victorian sea-side resort of Scarborough. Why not catch the open top bus that takes you along the seafront to Peasholm Park or perhaps take a stroll along the promenade, a ride on a donkey or a browse around the shops. We return to the hotel mid-afternoon, giving free time for a stroll into the village or around the hotel’s grounds. Fri: This morning we say farewell to Ravenscar and head for home calling at Wolds Way Lavender for morning coffee. We then take the main road south to Leeds where we visit Temple Newsam, a magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion and one of the great historic estates in England. Set within 1500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland landscaped by Capability Brown. You will have time to visit the mansion, stroll through the grounds and have lunch before we head for home. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area around teatime. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, morning coffee and guided tour of Bridlington Spa entrance to Temple Newsam. £432.00 per person sharing twin/double £15.00 single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 39 5 DAYS 30th Sept-4th Oct 2015 CAPTIVATING KENT & THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND Staying at The Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Maidstone The county of Kent is often referred to as the Garden of England due to its rolling countryside and abundance of picturesque gardens. The county has more castles and historic houses than any other in England. It was Henry VIII’s order to plant fruit trees at Teynham that gave Kent its reputation. From ancient woodland to landscaped parkland, flower gardens, herb gardens, vineyards and orchards – the beauty of nature has been tamed for your enjoyment. Our base for the tour is in the heart of the ‘Garden of England’ and close to Leeds Castle at the Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Maidstone. Tudor Park offers a private 18 hole golf course, indoor swimming pool, gym and spa. The Conical Grill offers simple, seasonal and stylish food and the Zest Restaurant has an international menu, with views of the golf course and landscaped gardens. The bedrooms are all en-suite and have views of the beautiful grounds or courtyard and benefit from modern facilities that include flat screen T.V.’s, and complimentary tea and coffee. Wed: Thu: Fri: Sat: Sun: We depart Macclesfield in the morning calling for coffee and lunch en-route to Igtham Mote, a medieval moated manor house, described by David Starkey as ‘one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses’. (National Trust property members free, non-members approx £8.80). After our visit we continue south and on to our hotel. This morning the coach will take us the short journey to the fashionable spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. There will be free time to visit the museum, art gallery and to stroll along the Pantiles, the town’s famous colonnaded shopping street. After lunch we visit Hever Castle, with 700 years of history and award-winning gardens it was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Our first port of call today is the Historic town of Rochester where you will have free time to visit the cathedral, take a browse around the shops and have coffee. Around lunchtime we take the short journey to Chatham for our afternoon visit to the Historic Dockyard. Once the home to the Royal Navy and birthplace of many of Britain’s finest ships of the age of sail, the most famous being HMS Victory. The dockyard has more than 100 listed buildings with galleries, museums, ships, and attractions including the RNLI’s national collection of lifeboats, it has also been the film location for many films and TV series including ‘Call the Midwife’. Today we visit the Sissinghurst Castle Garden – a garden that provides outstanding design and colour throughout the season (National Trust members free, £10.80 non-members). Around lunch time we head for Great Dixter House and Gardens, previously the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd – it was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, garden, centre of education, and a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world. Our final visit in Kent is to Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. We have time for coffee and to visit the house, exhibition and gardens before we join the motorway network and head for home. ( National Trust Properties, members free non-members approx £10.70) We make comfort stops en-route and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour Includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, entrance to Chatham Historic Dockyard and Great Dixter House and Gardens and Hever Castle. £446.00 per person sharing twin/double £88.00 single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance Not a member of the National Trust, then why not join? To join for the year is approximately £45.00. Membership can be bought on line or at any National Trust Properties. The membership for free entrance to National Trust properties lasts for 12 months. 40 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 3 DAYS 5th-7th October 2015 THE SOUTH LAKES & THE NETHERWOOD Staying at The Netherwood Hotel, Grange over Sands The Lake District is often referred to as England’s greatest beauty spot and a good time to visit is when the air is crisp and clean. William Wordsworth devoted his whole life to exploring and describing the beauty of this region of astonishing natural beauty, which he called ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found’. The Lake District is a National Park where villages and towns have kept their particular character and culture for all to experience. Our base at Grange over Sands makes this region so easy to explore at this autumnal time of year. Our hotel for the short break is the Netherwood Hotel, a former stately home. The hotel is set in extensive gardens in a stunning location, with dramatic views across Morecambe Bay and just a short walk from Grange-over-Sands town centre with its delightful Victorian promenade. A daily changing menu of local produce is served in the Hazelwood restaurant, there are two very pleasant lounges, the Jacobean bar and wellness centre with indoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub. All bedrooms boast en-suite bathrooms, flat screen T.V. hairdryers and courtesy tea trays. The hotel does have a lift. Mon: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route at Williamson Park in Lancaster. At this time of year the colours will be stunning in 54 acres of beautiful parkland, with breathtaking views to the Fylde coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. The park features the momentous Ashton Memorial, Edwardian Butterfly House and Pavilion Café. We then continue on to the pretty village of Kirby Lonsdale, where we have time for a leisurely lunch in one of the quaint pubs or cafes as well as a browse around the shops before we head to Grange over Sands and our hotel. Tue: Morning at leisure in Grange, there will be time for a stroll along the promenade and to have coffee before we board the coach for our visit to Holker Hall and Gardens. The home of the Cavendish family, it is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain. Magnificently situated it is only a short distance from Grange-over-Sands and the expanse of Morecambe Bay. Holker Hall is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills. We spend the afternoon at Holker returning to the hotel with time for a little rest and relaxation before dinner. Wed: After breakfast we board the coach for our scenic run home, we travel up the side of Lake Windermere and on to the pretty village of Grasmere where we make our morning coffee stop. We then continue on to Appleby in Westmorland, there will be free time for lunch before our tour of the Moot Hall. For several centuries, Appleby was the county town of Westmorland. With the creation of Cumbria in 1974, the name of the town was changed to preserve the name of the ancient county and as a reminder of the town’s heritage. The Moot Hall has a plaque dated 1179 to commemorate Appleby’s first written charter. After lunch we head for home making a comfort stop en-route. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast, including entrance to Holker Hall and Gardens and guide for Moot Hall. £226.00 per person sharing twin/double £12.00 single room supplement £18.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 41 5 DAYS 12th-16th October 2015 AUTUMN TINTS IN CONSTABLE COUNTRY Staying at The Legacy Mill Hotel, Sudbury Our Autumn Tints tour this year takes us to Suffolk with its pretty villages, ancient towns and countryside that inspired the painter John Constable. The whole area is a delight with picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows, ancient woodlands and a wide variety of local wildlife all combining to create what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape. The Legacy Mill Hotel is an Old English style hotel located in the centre of Sudbury, on the banks of the River Stour. It has a bar, restaurant and sun terrace each with picturesque views over the meadows. Many of the bedrooms overlook the river and meadows. Each guest room is spacious and decorated in contemporary style with en-suite bathroom, complimentary wireless internet access, coffee/tea makers, T.V. and hair dryers. Mon: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to the pretty town of St. Ives where we stop for lunch. We then continue south to arrive at the hotel with ample time to settle in before dinner. Tue: After breakfast we meet our Guide for a tour of Constable Country taking in the many sights. Wed: Free morning in Sudbury to explore. There is lots to see and do. If you don’t fancy a browse around the shops why not take a stroll by the river or visit the Heritage Centre or Gainsborough’s House. There will be free time for lunch. This afternoon we venture to the little village of Tiptree and the Wilkin and Sons Jam Museum. The Wilkin family have farmed in Tiptree for nearly three hundred years. We have time to visit the little museum before we sit down to a Cream Tea. Thu: Today we visit Bury St Edmunds, a unique and dazzling historic gem. An important market town with a richly fascinating heritage, the striking combination of medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and glorious Cathedral and Abbey gardens provide a distinctive visual charm. After lunch we visit the gardens at the Rotunda, Ickworth, where at this time of year they are ablaze of autumn colours. (National Trust Property members free, non-members £5.50 gardens and parkland £11 to include the house) Fri: We head for home calling for coffee en-route to Melton Mowbray where we stop for lunch. We then continue across country and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area around teatime. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Guide for tour of Constable Country and Cream Tea at Wilkin & Sons. £398.00 per person sharing twin/double £60.00 single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance 42 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 4 DAYS 23rd – 26th Oct 2015 CARDIFF CITY BREAK Staying at The Best Western Maldron Hotel, Cardiff This year our city break takes us to Cardiff. The vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of Wales magically combines the old with the new, its stunning castle with 2000 years of history stands a short distance away from the futuristic Millennium Stadium. In the newly developed Cardiff Bay area, red bricked buildings and old wharfs sit next to new piers and glass fronted restaurants, while the Pierhead Building dating from 1896 sits alongside the iconic Millennium Centre. The city also features the fantastic new St. David’s 2 shopping area and an abundance of restaurants and bars. Our base for the tour is the Maldron Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of this vibrant city and within a five minute walk of Cardiff Castle and St David’s shopping centre. The hotel offers a stylish bar serving a range of beverages and snacks in contemporary surroundings and The Maldron Restaurant boasting an international menu. All the air-conditioned bedrooms have a luxury bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has a lift. Fri: We depart calling for coffee en-route to Rhos-on-Wye were we make our lunch break. We then continue on to Caerleon, a village, situated on the River Usk and home to the National Roman Legion Museum. We make a short visit to the museum enabling you to step back in time and explore life in a far-flung outpost of the mighty Roman Empire. Late afternoon we take the short journey to Cardiff and our hotel for the next three nights. Sat: This morning we meet our guide for a tour of Cardiff, we have a scenic panoramic tour on the coach and a short walking tour. The remainder of the day is for you to explore at leisure. Why not take a tour of the Millenium Stadium or Cardiff Castle with it’s inspiring architecture and unique history, or perhaps one of the many museums. The choice is yours. Sun: After breakfast we venture to Penarth also known as Cardiff-by-the-sea. We have time for coffee and a stroll along the Victorian era Pier and Art Deco Pavilion before continuing on to St. Fagan’s National History Museum. Commonly referred to as St Fagan’s after the village where it is located, it is an openair museum in Cardiff chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people. Mon: This morning we head for home making our way up through the Forest of Dean passing by Tintern Abbey and calling at the Wye Valley Craft Centre for coffee. We then continue our journey north making our lunch break in Worcester. Whilst in Worcester why not visit the Royal Worcester Pottery Museum or the Cathedral. Mid-afternoon we board the coach for the final leg of our journey. We make a quick comfort stop en-route and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Guide for tour of Cardiff, Caerleon Museum (free), St Fagan’s Museum (free) £275.00 Per person sharing twin/double £69.00 Single room supplement £21.50 Optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 43 3 DAYS 19th – 21st November 2015 THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Staying at Barnham Broom Golf and Spa Hotel, Barnham Broom, Norwich The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a truly wonderful experience. Be enthralled by the sight and sounds of gigantic mechanical organs, wonder at the display of colossal traction engines and be astounded with the live entertainment at the ‘Mighty Wurlitzer Show’. Our hotel for the tour is The Barnham Broom Golf and Spa set in 250 acres of beautiful Norfolk countryside, this idyllic country hotel has an award-winning restaurant and superb relaxation facilities, including two golf courses and a heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers the Sports bar café and the Valley bar and lounge. All 46 stylish en-suite guest rooms offer modern luxury combined with traditional charm. This hotel has ground floor bedrooms. Thu: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Spalding and the Springfields Shopping Outlet, where we have time for a wander and lunch. We then continue across country to Barnham Broom and our hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Fri: After breakfast we head into Norwich. Why not take this opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping, take a look in the famous Colman’s Mustard shop or one of the many places of interest in this fascinating City has to offer? This afternoon we head for Thursford and its fabulous Christmas Spectacular. (Tickets will be for either the afternoon or evening performance). Sat: After breakfast we head across country to the historic town of Ely with its Cathedral, traditional shops cafes and pubs. Early afternoon we head for home making a comfort stop en-route. We aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area late afternoon. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, Ticket for the Thursford Spectacular. £264.00 per person sharing twin/double £20.00 single room supplement £18.50 optional insurance 44 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 29th-30th November 2015 BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET & THE INTERNATIONAL TATTOO Staying at The 4* Hilton Metropole, Birmingham New for this year is our weekend break to Birmingham combining a visit to the fabulous Frankfurt Christmas Market, offering over 180 stalls in the city centre. This event brings a fabulous atmosphere and an even better aroma to the city each year. Stalls offer gifts, handmade toys, decorations, food and drink. We will also visit the Birmingham International Tattoo, where you can experience the world’s finest military bands and spectacular displays as they perform a three-hour spectacular that will have your toes tapping, your fingers drumming and you begging for more. The tatto culminates in a spectacular grand finale featuring hundreds of musicians and performers. The 2015 Birmingham Tattoo is the chance to enjoy the world’s most wonderful music and superb display teams in an atmosphere of history, pomp and pageantry. Our hotel for the weekend is the 4* Hilton Metropole Hotel, a modern hotel situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The hotel offers the Birmingham lounge bar, a conservatory area, three restaurants and a health club with indoor pool, sauna and steam room. The bright and airy bedrooms are decorated in calm tones and offer an easy chair to relax in and a bathroom with modern facilities to re-energise in. The hotel has a lift Sun: We depart Macclesfield calling for a browse and early lunch at Trentham Shopping Village. We then continue on to Birmingham to take our seats for the afternoon performance of the fabulous Birmingham Tattoo. After the Tattoo we board the coach for the short journey to our hotel. Dinner and evening at leisure. Mon: Breakfast will be leisurely this morning before we head into Birmingham for the fabulous Frankfurt Market the largest authentic German market outside Germany and Austria and the centrepiece of the city’s festive calendar. Explore over 180 stalls selling gifts, jewellery, decorations, handmade toys, delicious German fare and of course the ever popular Glühwein. We depart Birmingham around 3:00pm for our journey home, making a quick comfort stop en-route and aiming to be in Macclesfield around tea time. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast, ticket for the afternoon performance of the Birmingham Tattoo. £133.00 per person sharing twin/double £10.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 45 5 DAYS 30th Nov – 4th Dec 2015 TURKEY TARTAN & TINSEL IN PITLOCHRY Staying at The Fishers Hotel, Pitlochry Our Turkey and Tinsel tour this years takes us north of the border to Scotland and to the popular holiday resort of Pitlochry. Its development as a tourist destination dates principally from Victorian times when the enthusiasm of Queen Victoria’s physician for the pure air of the Perthshire Hills encouraged others to try it for themselves. The town’s attractions include the dam and fish ladder which allows salmon to detour around the hydro–electric station en-route to their spawning grounds. At this time of year all the shops and the town are adorned in Christmas lights and there is a feeling of joy and merriment from everyone waiting for Father Christmas to call. The Fisher’s Hotel is a traditional Scottish hotel, located in the centre of town. The hotel has recently undergone a refurbishment programme and now offers the Courtyard Restaurant and three bars, which includes the popular Kingfisher Pub. During our stay there will be occasional festive entertainment. All bedrooms are en-suite and have trouser press, hairdryer, hospitality tray, T.V., direct dial telephone and room service. Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to Moffatt where we break our journey for lunch. We then continue north on to our Hotel aiming to arrive late afternoon. We are greeted at the hotel with a Mulled Wine drinks reception. This morning we have a short drive to the Queen’s View at the head of Loch Tummel – Queen Victoria’s favourite spot. We then continue on to The House of Bruar little shopping arcade for morning coffee. We return to Pitlochry for an afternoon at leisure. Christmas dinner is served this evening. Who knows you may even have a visit from Santa! After a leisurely breakfast we head south calling at the pretty town of Dunkeld where we have time for coffee and to visit the Historic Cathedral. We then continue south to Perth to visit the Traditional Christmas Market with Alpine style stalls, street food, mulled wine and entertainment. There will be free time to purchase all those Christmas Goodies before we head back to the hotel for an evening of rest and relaxation. Today we take the short journey to Atholl Museum situated in the Atholl Palace Hotel. It tells the stories of the people who built, worked at, and visited the Atholl Palace from the time building began in 1874, until today. Rooms have been set up with audio stories in accordance with the original hotel plans, to show the working life of a Victorian hydropathic establishment, including the medical room of the resident physician. The museum stories show a fascinating glimpse into life in the past. Entrance to the museum is free and the hotel serves morning coffee. The remainder of the day at leisure. Now its time to don your best attire as it’s Hogmanay! A Scottish themed dinner is on the menu tonight with entertainment to bring in Ne’er Day. After a leisurely breakfast we journey south calling for morning coffee at the New Lanark Visitors Centre. We make a late lunch stop at Tebay Services with its fabulous farm shop. Continuing on home we aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 4 nights dinner bed and breakfast. £299.00 per person sharing twin/double £40.00 single room supplement £24.50 optional insurance 46 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 2 DAYS 6th – 7th December 2015 DURHAM FOR THE CHRISTMAS MARKET Staying at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham Back by popular demand we have a mini-break to the City of Durham. Our visit this year takes us to the North East for Durham’s award-winning annual Christmas Festival. The festival is host to a wide range of entertainment in and around the World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and the Castle that includes live reindeer, children’s arts and crafts and local musicians and entertainers. There is also a huge heated Craft and Gift Marquee on the Palace Green with over 190 stalls. This year we have included a Guided tour of the Magnificent Cathedral and a little more free time in Durham. Our base for the tour is the 4* Radisson Blu Hotel, situated on the banks of the River Wear in the heart of charming Durham. A short walk from Durham’s Castle, cathedral and marketplace, the hotel offers 207 elegant guest rooms and suites, the Filini restaurant and bar and the casual Lobby Bar serving light meals, coffee and snacks. The hotel also boasts the Lime House Spa with a spa bath, sauna, steam room, gym and indoor pool. Sun: We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee en-route to the city of Durham. We arrive in time for lunch with the afternoon at leisure to explore the fabulous Christmas Market and Craft and Gift Marquee. Dinner at the hotel and evening at leisure. Mon: After a leisurely breakfast we have an optional visit, for passengers wishing to join us we have arranged a guided tour of Durham Cathedral. We meet at the Cathedral for a tour of this amazing building giving you an insight into its history. (cost £5.00 please confirm at the time of booking if you wish to join the tour). After our visit you have free time for a leisurely lunch before we head for home. Alternatively spend the day doing a little more Christmas shopping, the choice is yours. We depart Durham mid-afternoon and head for home. We make a comfort stop en-route, and aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area early evening. Tour includes: Luxury coach travel throughout, 1 night dinner bed and breakfast, Entrance to Craft and Gift Marquee. £108.00 per person sharing twin/double £24.00 single room supplement £14.50 optional insurance Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 47 4 DAYS 11th – 14th Dec 2015 MYSTERY WEEKEND BREAKS FANCY A Weekend AWAY? THEN WHY NOT JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR MAGICAL MYSTERY TOURS STAYING AT ??????????????????????????? Fancy a weekend break in Britain at a Warner Hotel, no cooking and definitely no washing up but not sure where to go? There are several Warner destinations to take you, but we won’t spoil the excitement of the surprise. The only thing that we will reveal is that you’ll travel by luxury coach, we enjoy an excellent sightseeing itinerary benefiting from years of coaching experience and stay in an excellent Warner hotel with a full entertainment programme in en-suite rooms, including full English Breakfast and Evening Dinner – LET THE INQUISITIVE SIDE OF YOUR NATURE TAKE OVER AND JOIN IN OUR WEEKEND BREAK….. WARNER FESTIVE TIME MYSTERY TOUR 4 DAYS 11th – 14th Dec 2015 Cost to be confirmed nearer the time. We would be happy to pencil you in. 48 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WEEKEND BREAKS TWIXMAS AND 2016 NEW YEAR MYSTERY STAYING AT ??????????????????????????? Cost to be confirmed nearer the time. We would be happy to pencil you in. 4 DAYS 27th-30th December 2015 TWIXMAS If you get fed up between Christmas and New Year then why not join us on our Twixmas Tour? Please enquire at the office for further details. 2016 NEW YEAR MYSTERY TOUR 4 DAYS 29th Jan – 1st Feb 2016 DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 49 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 PICK UP AND DROP OFF POINTS Please state on the booking form at which point you would like to board the coach: STOCKPORT TOWN CENTRE - Pineapple Inn, Heaton Lane DAVENPORT - Bus Stop, end Woodsmoor Lane, Nr Stockport Grammer HAZEL GROVE - Wynsors Shoes / ASDA Hazel Grove Carpet Right / Fiveways / Fiveways Travel / POYNTON - Bargain Booze (opposite Texaco Garage) Southbound / Texaco Garage London Rd South Northbound BOLLINGTON - Turners Arms / Waggon & Horses / Cock & Pheasant MACCLESFIELD - Brocklehurst Arms / Hulley Rd, Corner of Hurdsfield Rd / The Woodman / Queens / Thornton Square HANDFORTH - The Paddock WILMSLOW - The Bluebell / Bank Square / Kings Arms ALDERLEY EDGE -Nat West Bank KNUTSFORD - Bus Station CONGLETON - Grove Inn / Kwik Fit BRAMHALL - Outside the Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South FOR ADDITIONAL PICK UPS PLEASE ENQUIRE AT THE OFFICE. ON THE RETURN JOURNEY PASSENGERS WILL BE DROPPED OFF AT THEIR DESIGNATED PICK UP POINTS TO CATCH A TAXI OR MEET A FRIEND OR RELATIVE. DEPOSITS All tours require a deposit of £50 per person with the exception of Jersey is £150 each, Malta is £300 each and both cruises are 20% of the total cost. Further information can be found in our Trading Charter. LUGGAGE COLLECTION On all tours of 6 days or more, luggage will be collected the evening before departure for Clients living within a 5 mile radius. ALL OTHER PASSENGERS PLEASE ENQUIRE AT THE OFFICE WHEN BOOKING. Please note luggage for Jersey, Malta & the cruises cannot be collected due to security regulations. SURCHARGES We guarantee that the price of your holiday will not be subject to any surcharges except those resulting from Government action, V.A.T. exchange rate variations and fuel increases. Any surcharges levied by third parties. If this means paying more than 10% on the holiday you are entitled to cancel your holiday with a full refund of all monies paid, except for the premium paid for holiday insurance. Should you decide to cancel because of this you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the date printed on the second invoice. All prices quoted in this brochure are based on the following exchange rate: Euro €1.199 50 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 HOLIDAYbch trading charter BONDED COACH HOLIDAYS Roy McCarthy Coaches Ltd, The Coach Depot, Snape Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NZ: Our Trading Charter with you. 1. Why should I read this? Because it is very important. Our Trading Charter forms a key part of our agreement with you because it not only comprises the booking terms and conditions for the booking of your package, but also the Consumer Guarantee (described below) from The Bonded Coach Holidays Group (“BCH Group”), part of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK, providing protection for the money you pay to us for the booking should we go out of business. Both the booking terms and conditions and the Consumer Guarantee, together with the confirmation of booking we give you at the time we commit to your booking for you, together make up the legally binding contract between you as the lead name making the booking, anyone else in your party and us. When you make this booking as the lead name you undertake that you are 18 and have the authority to accept, and do accept, on behalf of your party the terms of this Trading Charter. This contract is made subject to the terms of this Trading Charter, which are governed by English Law, and the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. However, if you are resident in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you are able to choose the law and courts in your country, but if you wish to do so we would ask you to request this before placing your booking. This Trading Charter and the Consumer Guarantee will not apply to any booking involving any type of flight. Instead, if you are booking a holiday which includes a flight, you will be supplied with the full booking conditions of the ATOL holder arranging your holiday with whom you have a contract. Your booking agent will have a copy or alternatively you can request one prior to booking your holiday. 2. How and when do I make this contract with you? We welcome you making contact with us in a number of ways. You can write to us, phone us, use a travel or booking agent, email, or visit our website. Whichever way you contact us, the contract is made when your booking is entered on to our reservation system and we issue a confirmation of booking. Please check this confirmation very carefully to ensure all the information is correct and tell us, or your agent, immediately of any errors. 3. How is my money for the package I book protected? Your money is protected by the Consumer Guarantee described below and provided to you by the BCH Group. This is possible because we subscribe to the Code of Conduct of the BCH Group, which requires us to take out a bond from a financial entity in favour of the BCH Group for it to use to provide protection for your package money in the unlikely event that, for financial reasons, we can’t carry out our booking obligations to you. 4. BCH Group Consumer Guarantee The Bonded Coach Holiday Group guarantees to you that in the event of our failure through insolvency to provide your package as booked, BCH Group will: 4.1 wherever possible, arrange for your package to be completed; 4.2 where failure occurs after your package has begun, arrange for you and those in your party covered by the booking to be returned by an appropriate means of transport to their UK area of departure; 4.3 if the package cannot be completed as booked, to reimburse your booking-payments received by us, provided that BCH Group will first take in to account and withhold an appropriate amount if any part of the service has already been provided (including any substituted service) or you are entitled to a refund from your credit card provider. In the event that you are to be reimbursed under the BCH Group consumer guarantee, you will be asked to assign absolutely to BCH Group any right, claim or cause of action which you may have arising out of or connected with the subject matter and will be asked to assist BCH Group in any claim brought by them connected with the subject matter. 5. Payments by Credit Card If you made payment for the booking of any services using a credit card it is likely in many circumstances that you have recourse against the credit card company in the event of services not being supplied in whole or in part due to the supplier’s financial failure. In those circumstances, you will be advised to check that you have exhausted your remedies against the credit card company. 6. When do I need to pay for my package and how much? We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the packages that we advertise. At the time of booking you will be told the current price of the package. You can book by paying a deposit for each person named on the booking. You will be told at what point in time you will become committed to a booking, but we are not committed to the booking until such time as we provide you with our confirmation of booking. Our commitment is always conditional upon any balance being paid before the dates listed below. If you book within our balance due period you will need to pay the total package cost at the time of your booking. cpt If you do not pay the outstanding balance for your package on or before the date when it is due we may cancel your booking and you will be required to pay the cancellation charges detailed below. The date of cancellation will normally be the date on which we receive your written confirmation that you intend to cancel or 15 days after the balance due date, whichever comes first. The deposit on all tours in this brochure is £40.00 with the exception of flying holidays which is £150 and Fred Olsen at 20% of the holidays total cost. Your balance is due 8 weeks prior to departure. Where optional items are purchased as part of the package these are payable on the balance due date except where items, such as theatre tickets, have been specifically purchased for you. In this case the cost will be payable at a separate date notified to you and will not normally be refundable unless we obtain a refund from the supplier we use. 7. Can you change the price of my package after you have issued the booking confirmation? Yes we can, but only in very limited circumstances and not within 30 days of your departure. The price of your package can be varied due to changes in:• Transportation costs such as fuel and/or fuel tax, ferry operator fares and tolls, embarkation or disembarkation fees at terminals; • Exchange rates applied to the particular package booked; or • Dues and taxes including changes in VAT or any other Government imposed charges. In the case of any variation described above, an amount equivalent to 2% of the price of your package, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges, will be absorbed. An administration fee of £2 per person will be paid by you. If this means that you would have to pay an increase of more than 10% of the price of your package before increase, you may cancel it and receive a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on your revised invoice. Alternatively, you can accept an offer of an alternative comparable package of equivalent or superior quality, if available, or an alternative package of lower quality, if available. You may then transfer payment made in respect of the original package to the alternative package. If the cost of the alternative package is less than the original package, the difference in price will be refunded. We will also pay compensation as set out below. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your package due to contractual and other protection in place. We calculate the price of your package using the exchange rates quoted in the Financial Times Guide to World Currencies on 29/11/13 using the following currencies Country Exchange rate: £/Euro 1.199 8. Can I change my package arrangements? After we have issued our booking confirmation we will do our best to accommodate any changes you may want to make but we cannot guarantee to do so. Any changes must be notified to us in writing and signed by the person who signed the booking form. If we are able to make the changes an amendment fee of £10.00 will be payable plus the cost that we incur in making the amendment. The costs of making a change increases the closer to the departure date you want to make it. Some arrangements, like particular types of tickets, cannot be changed without paying a cancellation charge of up to 100% of the cost of the ticket. 9. Can I transfer my booking to someone else? You can transfer your booking to someone else provided you give us reasonable notice. This person must be able to satisfy all the conditions for the package and a change cannot normally be made later than seven days prior to departure. We will make an administration charge of £10.00 per booking for every transfer we make plus any reasonable additional costs caused by the transfer. You will remain responsible for ensuring that the package is paid for by the balance due date. This is in addition to (and does not affect) the separate liability of the transferee to us. 10. How can I cancel my package? You, or any member of your party, may cancel at any time provided that the cancellation is made by the person in whose name we issued the confirmation of booking and is communicated to us in writing via the office at which you made your original booking. You will have to pay cancellation charges set out in the scale below to cover our estimated loss resulting from the cancellation. If you are insured against cancellation you may be able to recover the charges from your insurers. Your cancellation will take effect from the date when either the travel agent or we receive your written confirmation of your cancellation. You must also return any tickets or vouchers that you have received. A reduction in room occupancy may increase the charges for the remaining passengers by the application of supplements for low occupancy of rooms. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 51 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 HOLIDAY trading charter 11. Scale of Cancellation Charges Coach Tours Period before departure within which written cancellation of package price is received Amount of cancellation Charge as a % of total package cost More than 42 days 28 - 42 days 14 - 27 days 7 - 13 days 0 - 6 days Deposit only 30% or Deposit, if greater 45% 60% 100% Flying (Malta) Period before departure within which written cancellation of package price is received Amount of cancellation Charge as a % of total package cost More than 98 days 98 - 57 days 56 – 42 days 41 – 22 days 21 – 15 days 14 days or less Deposit only 30% or Deposit, if greater 50% 75% 90% 100% Jersey Period before departure within which written cancellation of package price is received Amount of cancellation Charge as a % of total package cost More than 56 days 42 - 55 days 28 - 41 days 8 - 27 days 0 - 7 days Deposit only 30% or Deposit, if greater 60% 90% 100% Cruise Period before departure within which written cancellation of package price is received Amount of cancellation Charge as a % of total package cost More than 112 days 58 – 112 days 57 - 43 days 42 - 17 days 0 - 16 days Deposit only 60% or Deposit, if greater 75% 85% 100% 12. What happens if you change my package? The arrangements for your package will usually have been made many months in advance. Sometimes changes are unavoidable and we reserve the right to make them at any time. Most of these changes are likely to be minor and we will do our best to keep you. If, after booking and before departure, we make a significant change to your package you will have the option of withdrawing from the package without penalty or alternatively you may transfer to another package without paying an administration fee. In either case we will pay you compensation according to the scale set out below. A significant change includes a change in departure time or return time of more than 12 hours, a change of departure point, location of resort or type of hotel, (excluding single overnight hotels on touring packages where the quality of the hotel is comparable), a change of mode when crossing the Channel, or the specification of the coach. If you withdraw from the package because we have made a significant change or if we have to cancel your package for any reason other than non-payment by you we will offer you the choice of: • A comparable replacement package if available; • Or: a replacement package of lower quality together with a refund of the price difference; • Or: a full refund of the money you have paid. When we have notified you of the changes and options available, you must tell us your decision as soon as possible and within any timescale we may set bearing in mind the need to safeguard the booking arrangements of other customers. 13. Scale of Compensation We will pay you compensation for significant changes on the following scale: Period before departure in Tours 6 days or over Tours of 5 days & under which significant change is Amount per person Amount per person notified to you or your agent More than 56 days 29 to 56 days 15 to 28 days 8 to 14 days 0 to 7 days Nil £10 £15 £20 £25 Nil £10 £15 £20 £25 Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will not affect your statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all the circumstances, you remain dissatisfied. If, prior to departure, we make a significant change to your package arrangements or cancel your package we will pay you compensation on the above scale unless:• the package is cancelled because the number of persons who agreed to take it is less than the minimum number required, and you were informed of the cancellation in writing within the period indicated in the description of the package; or • the package is changed or cancelled by reason of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. These circumstances, which we call force majeure, include, but are not limited to, war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, fire, quarantine, epidemic or health risks, natural or nuclear disasters, port and terminal closures and adverse weather conditions. Payment of compensation according to the scale set out above will not affect your statutory right to claim further compensation if, in all the circumstances, you remain dissatisfied. If, after departure, we need to make a change to a significant proportion of your package we will do our best to make suitable alternative arrangements at no extra cost to you. If it proves impossible to make suitable alternative arrangements, or if you have reasonable grounds for refusing the alternative offered, we will arrange transport back to your point of departure, or to an alternative location that we agree to, Unless the change is as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control (force majeure as described above), you will also be entitled to compensation. 14. What is the extent of our liability? Your package contract with us will be performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. We accept responsibility if you or customers named in the booking suffer death or personal injury, or the contractual arrangements are not provided as promised as a result of the failure of us or our agents or suppliers or the employees of each whilst acting in the course of their employment unless the failure or improper performance is due to:• you, or • any of the following: o a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements, or o unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or o an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall provided that in these 3 events we would still endeavour to give prompt assistance if you are in difficulty and, if you inform us that you don’t believe you have received the contracted service, we will make prompt efforts to find appropriate solutions. For claims which involve death or personal injury we do not impose any restriction upon our liability to the extent that it arises from our negligence. For all other claims which do not involve personal injury or death: • the most we will have to pay if we are liable to you is twice [see note 31] the price you’ve paid for your package (not including insurance premiums and amendment charges). • Our liability will also be limited in accordance with/or in line with all relevant international convention. These include the Athens Convention (applies to transport by ship), the Berne Convention (applies to transport by rail), the Geneva Convention (applies to transport by road) and the Paris Convention (applies to accommodation). You can get copies of the relevant conventions from the Internet or from us. You should also note that these conventions limit or remove the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We will apply the limits of these Conventions to any payments to you as if we were the carrier. The above suppliers (such as accommodation or transport providers) have their own booking conditions or conditions of carriage, and these conditions may limit or remove the relevant transport provider’s or other supplier’s liability. You can get copies of such conditions from our offices, or the offices of the relevant supplier. We will pay you in accordance with these conditions which are incorporated into the Trading Charter. 52 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 HOLIDAY trading charter If we make any payment to you or any member of your party for death or personal injury or illness, you will be asked to assign to us or our insurers the rights you may have to take action against the person or organisation responsible for causing the death, personal injury or illness. NB: this clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities during or outside of your package. 15. What do I need to do if I have to complain? If you have a complaint during your package you should tell the driver/representative or supplier at the earliest opportunity so that they can do their utmost to resolve the problem immediately. If, on your return from your package, you remain dissatisfied you should write within 28 days to the Managing Director, Roy McCarthy Coaches, The Coach Depot, Snape Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NZ. In your letter you will need to quote your booking reference number, holiday number and departure date. If you do not tell us at the earliest opportunity about a problem giving rise to your complaint we cannot take steps to investigate and rectify it at the time. We will take into account the date you first drew the problem to the attention of our driver/representative or supplier when responding to your complaint and it may affect your rights under this Trading Charter if we have not been able to investigate and remedy the situation at the time. 16. Our Coaches We will always use our reasonable endeavours to provide a coach to the specification as described in our brochure or advertisement but reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle should unforeseen circumstances arise. There is a seating plan of the coach for each package, but it is possible that on occasions operational reasons will require a coach with a different configuration to be used. We therefore reserve the right to alter a coach-seating plan and allocate seats other than those you have booked. Requests for particular seats can be made on most packages when booking but because allocations are made on a first come, first served basis you are recommended to book early. When your booking is confirmed you will be offered the best seats that are available at that time. If you know someone who may want to book later but sit near you please discuss this with the booking clerk at the time you make your booking. Specific seats will not be allocated on coaches which operate on feeder services between joining points and main package departure points, on coaches which carry out transfers to and from seaports or on any excursion carried out by a third party. 17. Hotel Facilities Some hotel facilities, such as indoor or outdoor swimming pools or leisure facilities, may from time to time be withdrawn for routine maintenance or be subject to seasonal availability. The provision of these facilities is therefore not guaranteed. 18. Health & Safety during your package In some foreign countries, standards of infrastructure, safety and hygiene may be lower than those to which we are accustomed in the UK. You should therefore exercise greater care for your own protection. Further information can be obtained from your GP or from Roy McCarthy Coaches who can provide you with the leaflet “Health Advice for Travellers” published by the Department of Health. Some people may be at risk from discomfort or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if they remain immobile on a journey for a long period of time. If you are planning to undertake a bus or coach journey of more than 3 hours you should consult your doctor if you have ever had DVT or pulmonary embolism, a family history of clotting conditions, cancer or treatment for cancer, a stroke, heart or lung disease or if you have had major surgery in the past 3 months. We reserve the right to refuse any booking in the absence of a doctor’s certificate confirming that you are fit to travel. During the journey we will provide comfort stops as frequently as possible. During these stops you are encouraged to get off the coach and walk around. Exercise reduces any discomfort which may be caused by periods of immobility. During any journey you should drink alcohol only in moderation as it leads to dehydration. 19. Passenger behaviour We want all our customers to have a happy and carefree holiday. But you must remember that you are responsible for your behaviour and the effect it may have on others. If you or any member of your party is abusive or disruptive or behaves in a way which, in our reasonable opinion, could cause damage or injury to others or affect their enjoyment of their holiday, or which could damage property, we have the right, after reasonable consideration, to terminate your contract with us. If this happens we will have no further obligations or liability to you. The coach driver/representative, ship’s captain, or authorised official of other means of transport is entitled to refuse you boarding if in their reasonable opinion you are unacceptably under the influence of drink or drugs or you are being violent or disruptive. If you are refused boarding on the outward journey we will regard it as a cancellation by you and we will apply cancellation charges according to the scale set out above. If the refusal is on the return journey we have the right to terminate the contract and will have no further obligations or liability to you. [See note 35] 20. No smoking policy Smoking is not permitted on our coaches. 60 21. Pets We do not allow pets to taken on our packages. Registered Assistance Dogs will normally be accommodated on UK packages but not on overseas packages. 22. Pick up point, itineraries, travel documents and passport You are responsible for ensuring that you are at the correct departure point, at the correct time, with the correct documents and we cannot be held liable for any loss or expense suffered by you or your party because of an incorrect passport or late arrival at the departure point. If you are a British citizen travelling outside the United Kingdom you must have a full UK passport valid for a minimum of three months after your scheduled date of return. Non-UK citizens must seek passport and visa advice from the relevant consulates or embassies of the countries you plan to visit prior to making a booking for one of our packages (and you are advised to check with the relevant consulate or embassy to ensure you allow sufficient time before your departure to apply for a visa). The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made you must tell us immediately so that we can issue the ticket in the new name. Approximately 2 weeks proior to depoarture we will send the lead named passenger all the necessary labels and travel tickets so that you can receive them in good time for your holiday. Certain travel documents may have to be retained by us and your driver/courier will then issue them to you at the relevant time. If you lose a travel document after it has been issued to you we will require you to meet the direct cost charged by the carrier/supplier for the issue of a duplicate or replacement. Roy McCarthy Coaches reserve the right to modify itineraries to conform with requests from the competent authorities in the United Kingdom and any other sovereign state through which the tour will operate. Excursions which are included in the cost of your booking and are part of your package are detailed on the relevant brochure page and refunds will not be made for any excursion not taken. Optional excursions may be booked and paid for in resort but these will not form part of your booking. Admission fees to buildings, grounds etc. are not included in the price of the package unless otherwise stated on the relevant brochure page. 23. What happens if I am delayed? Your travel insurance may cover you for some delays. In addition where you are delayed for more than six hours in any one day we will seek to minimise any discomfort and where possible, arrange for refreshments and meals. 24. Do I need to take out travel insurance? We strongly advise all our customers to take out travel insurance to cover medical and repatriation costs, personal injury, loss of baggage and cancellation charges. If you do not have adequate insurance and require our assistance during your package, we reserve the right to reclaim from you any medical repatriation or other expenses which we may incur on your behalf which would otherwise have been met by insurers. 25. What assistance will you give me if things go wrong when it is not your fault? In addition to what has already been stated (and without affecting that), if you, or any member of your party, suffer death, illness or injury whilst overseas arising out of an activity which does not form part of your package travel arrangements or an excursion arranged through us in the UK, we shall at our discretion, offer advice, guidance and assistance. Where legal action is contemplated and you want our assistance, you must obtain our written consent prior to commencement of proceedings. Our consent will be given subject to you undertaking to assign any costs, benefits received under any relevant insurance policy to ourselves. We limit the cost of our assistance to you and any member of your party to £5000 per party. 26. Passengers with disabilities You confirm that you will notify us before you book if you or any member of your party has a disability so that we may consider what reasonable adjustments we or any relevant supplier should consider in the context of your package. We want to ensure the arrangements for your package are suitable and appropriate. If you have specific needs for equipment (such as scooters) or medication, or you will need assistance or particular facilities in the hotel, port or train station, or may have difficulties in taking part in excursions or boarding and travelling on the coach or other means of transport you must let us know in advance. If any assistance is required it must be brought to our attention at the time of booking or, if it arises later, as soon as possible. Not all the packages in this brochure may be suitable for you and if we reasonably consider we cannot provide what is required, we will not accept the booking or, if details are not given at the time of booking, cancel it. We want you to enjoy your package and will try to help you select an appropriate trip. If you need advice or further information either you or your booking agent should contact our booking staff. 27. Special requests If you require a special diet please tell us before booking, or as soon as you are medically advised, and send us a copy of the diet. We will notify the hotel or hotels identified in your booking but please note Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 53 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 HOLIDAY trading charter that some hotels may not have facilities to provide special diets and we cannot be held liable for their failure to do so unless the hotel has confirmed in writing that a special diet will be catered for. Where we think that a hotel is likely to be unable to cope with a special diet, we will tell you prior to your booking confirmation being issued so that you can exercise your right to cancel your package booking without charge. Any extra costs incurred by you during your package must be paid to the hotel by you prior to departure from the hotel. You should also detail any other requests, for example, low floor rooms, particular rooms or locations on the special requests section of the booking form. We will pass your request to the relevant supplier but this does not necessarily mean that your request will be fulfilled. If a request can be fulfilled you may incur an extra charge payable either to us or direct to the hotel. Please note that requests cannot be guaranteed unless we confirm on your booking confirmation that this is a guaranteed requirement. 28. Single Occupancy Single occupancy of rooms when available may be subject to a supplementary charge and this will be shown on the brochure page. 29. Entertainment Some of our hotels arrange additional entertainment. Where this is part of the package details are given on the respective brochure page. Where it is not specified it may still be available but is at the discretion of the hotel and is not guaranteed. It may be withdrawn if there is a lack of demand or for operational reasons. 30. Data Protection Act In order to process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we, Roy McCarthy Coaches need to use the information you provide such as name, address, any special needs/dietary requirements etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper measures are in place to protect your information. We must pass the information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such as hotels, transport companies etc. The information may also be supplied to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Additionally, where your package is outside the European Economic Area (EEA), controls on data protection in your destination may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We will not, however, pass information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information that you give to us such as details of any disabilities or dietary/ religious requirements. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, whether in the EEA or not, we cannot provide your booking. In making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons. Please note that where information is held by your travel agent, this is subject to your agent’s own data protection policy. Your data controller is Max McCarthy. You are entitled to a copy of your information held by us. If you would like to see this, please contact us. We retain your full contact details and other information in secure files and electronic storage facilities. We may use this information to contact you by mail, telephone or electronic means. We will provide you with details of other goods and services including those of selected third parties. If you do not wish to receive the further information about products and services from either ourselves or third parties please write to the data controller. 31. Publication date and details This brochure was published in the United Kingdom by Roy McCarthy Coaches, The Coach Depot, Snape Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NZ. December 2013. HOLIDAY TRAVEL INSURANCE Roy McCarthy Coaches believes passenger protection and safety vitally important to you enjoying your holiday. We therefore believe it is important for your protection and peace of mind that you are adequately insured when travelling outside of the UK. For holidays taken within the UK our travel insurance is optional. Please note Roy McCarthy Coaches cannot be held responsible for any out of pocket costs or expenses in respect of any of our Holidays should you not be suitably insured. Our insurance is arranged with ETI – International Travel Protection - ERV (the UK branch of Europäische Reiseverscherung AG) who are Licensed by the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BAFIN – www.bafin.de) and approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA – www.fca.gov.uk) to undertake insurance business in the UK. DEMANDS AND NEEDS This insurance policy will suit the Demands and Needs of an individual or group(where applicable) who have no excluded pre-existing medical conditions, are travelling in countries included within the policy terms and who wish to insure themselves against unforeseen events detailed in the cover section below. Subject to the terms, conditions and maximum specified claim limits. 54 IMPORTANT We will not provide you with advice about the suitability of this product for your individual needs but will be happy to provide you with factual information. We summarise below the details of the insurance cover provided which also includes SPECIALTY ASSISTANCE LTD - 24-hour emergency service. The following is a brief summary of the cover available. Full details of Cover, Policy Warranties and Exclusions will be forwarded with your confirmation of booking. In any event you may ask for a specimen copy of the Policy Wording before booking should you wish to examine this in advance. COVER Cancellation Missed Departure/Travel Delay Personal Accident Medical and other Expenses including Curtailment Medical Inconvenience Benefit Personal Property/Loss of Passport Personal Liability Delayed Baggage Legal Expenses SUM INSURED UP TO Up to £3,500 £600/£60 £15,000 £2,000,000 £450 (£15 per day) £1,500/£200 £2,000,000 £100 £25,000 POLICY EXCESS Loss of Deposit £15, Cancellation, Curtailment, Holiday Abandonment £50, Medical and Other Expenses, Personal Property and Money £50 each and every incident per Insured Person. HEALTH CONDITIONS If you are travelling within England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Isles of Scilly: You are not required to declare your medical conditions. However, you must be able to comply with the following: 1. you are not aware of any reason why the trip could be cancelled or cut short 2. you are not travelling (a) against the advice of a medical practitioner (b) for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment or (c) if you have been given a terminal prognosis 3. you are not receiving or awaiting treatment for any illness or injury as a hospital day case or inpatient as any claim arising from the illness or injury will not be covered. 4.if you are on medication at the time of travel, your medical condition must be stable and well controlled. If your medical condition cannot comply with these terms then any claim related to that condition will not be covered. If you are travelling outside of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Isles of Scilly: This insurance carries Health Conditions so you need to inform the Towergate Medical Screening Department of any medical condition(s) that may affect the Underwriters acceptance of your cover. If anyone to be covered by this policy or anyone upon whose health the trip depends: 1. Has an existing or on-going medical condition(s) 2. Is taking any prescribed medication 3. Has or has had any condition(s) still requiring periodic review 4. Is awaiting any tests, treatment, investigation, referral or the results of these. You must telephone the Towergate Medical Screening Department on 0844 892 1698 to inform them of your medical condition(s). Office hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays. You may be required to pay an Additional Premium. Failure to notify them may cause your circumstances to fall within a policy exclusion. PLEASE NOTE – you must also notify the Towergate Medical Screening Department immediately of any changes in medical circumstances arising between the date the policy is issued and the time of departure for the trip. We must be informed of any fact which is likely to influence us in the acceptance, assessment or continuance of the insurance. Additional Terms may apply. Failure to do so may invalidate the insurance, leaving you with no right to make a claim. The Policy contains the following General Exclusions: YOU ARE NOT COVERED for anything caused directly or indirectly by you suffering from stress, anxiety or depression unless it has been investigated and diagnosed as such by a Consultant specialising in the relevant field, who must confirm in writing at your cost that you are fit enough to take this trip. Please note our Holiday Travel Insurance Scheme is only available to United Kingdom Residents. Roy McCarthy Coaches is an Appointed Representative of ITC Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 BOOKING FORM Please reserve...................................Seats......................................Departure Date..................................... For the tour to............................................................................................................................................ Pick up point (1) Pick up point (2) Accommodation:Single.........................Twin........................Double........................... Triple......................... Tickets Required for.............................................................................................................................................. Special requests (Noted but not guaranteed)............................................................................................................................................ Mr/Mrs/Miss*.................................Initial....... Mr/Mrs/Miss*.................................Initial....... * Please delete as appropriate * Please delete as appropriate Address............................................................... Address............................................................... ..........................................Postcode.................... ..........................................Postcode.................... Tel:....................................................................... Tel:....................................................................... Emergency Contact Nº:..................................... Emergency Contact Nº:..................................... Please put both names and addresses for friends booking and travelling together. Deposit Enclosed.......................... Persons at £.............................................=.£............................................... Insurance.................................... Persons at £.............................................=.£............................................... Total amount of Cheques/Cash enclosed £............................................... Date of booking................................................................Signed......................................................................... Holiday Insurance is Obligatory If you do not require our insurance you must complete the following: ‘I have arranged an alternative Insurance Policy which provides cover comparable with or greater than Roy McCarthy Tours Policy’. My insurers are:.......................................................... Policy No:................................................................... Signed:........................................................................ Your tour booking will only be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form together with the required deposit (and insurance if required) Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 55 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? Poynton Post Express/ Advertiser 56 Friend / Colleague Travelled with us before Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 BOOKING FORM Please reserve...................................Seats......................................Departure Date..................................... For the tour to............................................................................................................................................ Pick up point (1) Pick up point (2) Accommodation:Single.........................Twin........................Double........................... Triple......................... Tickets Required for.............................................................................................................................................. Special requests (Noted but not guaranteed)............................................................................................................................................ Mr/Mrs/Miss*..................................Initial...... * Mr/Mrs/Miss*.................................Initial...... Please delete as appropriate * Please delete as appropriate Address............................................................... Address............................................................... ..........................................Postcode.................... ..........................................Postcode.................... Tel:....................................................................... Tel:...................................................................... Emergency Contact Nº:..................................... Emergency Contact Nº:..................................... Please put both names and addresses for friends booking and travelling together. Deposit Enclosed.......................... Persons at £.............................................=.£............................................... Insurance.................................... Persons at £.............................................=.£............................................... Total amount of Cheques/Cash enclosed £............................................... Date of booking................................................................Signed......................................................................... Holiday Insurance is Obligatory If you do not require our insurance you must complete the following: ‘I have arranged an alternative Insurance Policy which provides cover comparable with or greater than Roy McCarthy Tours Policy’. My insurers are:.......................................................... Policy No:................................................................... Signed:........................................................................ Your tour booking will only be confirmed on receipt of a completed booking form together with the required deposit (and insurance if required) Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 57 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? Poynton Post Express/ Advertiser 58 Friend / Colleague Travelled with us before Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIP BOOKING FORM 1 Mr/Mrs/Miss:*........................................................................................................................... Initial:................ * Please delete as appropriate Address:................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................ Postcode:............... Tel No:.................................................................................................................................................................... Tour:....................................................................................................................................................................... Date:....................................................................................................................................................................... Pick up Point/s:..................................................................................................................................................... No. seats:Adult................................. O.A.P...................................Child........................................ I enclose a cheque for:........................................................................................................................................... DAY TRIP BOOKING FORM 2 Mr/Mrs/Miss:*........................................................................................................................... Initial:................ * Please delete as appropriate Address:................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................ Postcode:............... Tel No:.................................................................................................................................................................... Tour:....................................................................................................................................................................... Date:....................................................................................................................................................................... Pick up Point/s:..................................................................................................................................................... No. seats:Adult................................. O.A.P...................................Child........................................ I enclose a cheque for:........................................................................................................................................... Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 59 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? Poynton Post Express/ Advertiser 60 60 Friend / Colleague Travelled with us before Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 2015 DAY EXCURSION PROGRAMME & INFORMATION WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU ABOARD TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING JUST FOLLOW THE FIVE EASY STEPS • • • • • Choose your destination Telephone the office to ensure space is available Place your booking. The seat will be provisionally held for 14 days Send off the full payment straight away Upon receipt of payment your tickets will be sent to you. we offer a discount off the adult fare to all o.a.p’s Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 61 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Tue 13th Jan NEW YEAR TREAT Firstly to Broadstone Mill for a little retail therapy and morning coffee we then continue onto Daisynook Garden Centre where we have Soup and Sandwiches. After lunch we take our seats for a Flower arranging demonstration. After the demo you have free time to browse and before we head for home we complete the day with tea/coffee and cake. So go on treat yourself you’re worth it. (inc demo, light lunch, tea/coffee and cake) Ad £27.00 Snr £26.00 Wed 21st Jan – BOUNDARY MILL – SHOP TILL YOU DROP We head to Boundary Mill for a full day. Ad £18.00 Snr £17.00 Wed 21st Jan TIFFANY GLASS & BOUNDARY MILL Firstly we venture to Boundary Mill where we have time for browsing and lunch. Around 2.00p.m. we head to Accrington and the Haworth Art Gallery where we have tea & biscuits and a guided tour around the largest Tiffany Glass Collection outside the USA. (inc coffee/tea & biscuits and guided tour) Ad £25.00 Snr £24.00 Tues 27th Jan – MYSTERY DAY TRIP WITH LUNCH Do you fancy a day out but not decided where to let the driver decide! We call for coffee en route to ….. where we will stop for a two course lunch. After lunch you will have some free time for a walk or a relax before we head for home. Ad £25.00 Snr £24.00 Tues 10th Feb LIVERPOOL FOR ALBERT DOCK, MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES & SHOPS Spend the full day in Liverpool at leisure taking in the many sights. Why not take a trip on the Hop on Hop off Bus or have lunch at Jamie Oliver’s Restaurant,situated a short walk from Albert Dock. Lots to see and do and the choice is yours. Ad £17.50 Snr £16.50 Tues 10th Feb LIVERPOOL TWO CATHEDRALS TOUR Firstly we head for the Catholic Cathedral where we have time for coffee before our guided tour. We then have a little free time for lunch at Albert Dock before we cross town to the Anglican Cathedral for our tour. To complete the day we finish with tea and cake in the Cathedral cafe. (inc both tours and tea/coffee and cake) Ad £26.50 Snr £25.50 Thu 19th Feb TRENTHAM & SNOWDROPS AT RODE HALL We spend the morning at Trentham with its fabulous garden centre and little shops. Time for lunch, we then take the short journey to Rode Hall to admire the Snowdrops. Ample time to meander along the Snowdrop Walks and have tea before we head for home. (inc. ent to Rode Hall gardens) Ad £21.00 Snr £20.00 62 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Wed 25th Feb MARKS & SPENCERS & CHESHIRE OAKS OUTLET Why not join us on our visit to the largest Marks and Spencers store ever built and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet shopping centre. Our coaches have large boot space for all those lovely bargains. Ad £17.50 Snr £16.50 Wed 25th Feb WINTER WARMER DAY OUT – SCENIC WIRRAL WANDERER Beat the Winter Blues with our scenic run on the Wirral peninsular, calling for lunch at Port Sunlight and then take the coastal road through the pretty villages onto Gordale Garden Centre for afternoon tea. Very little walking. Ad £20.50 Snr £19.50 Mon 9th Mar CROCUS TIME AT CHIRK CASTLE Firstly, we will call at Grosvenor Garden Centre for a browse and coffee, then we continue onto Chirk Castle which was completed in 1310 and still lived in today. The castle includes a medieval tower and dungeon, 17th century Long Gallery and grand 18th century state apartments, servants hall and historic laundry. The newly refurbished east wing depicts the life of Lord Howard de Walden during the 1930’s. After our visit to the Castle we have time to stroll through the gardens, which at this time of year should be covered with crocus. (National Trust Property members free, non-members £8.75 payable on the day). Ad £18.00 Snr £17.00 Pick up Ref: B & W Fri 13th March THE CHOCOLATE HOUSE & MORE Firstly, we will visit The Chocolate House where we are greeted by a chocolate taster and a coffee, we then take our seats for a Chocolate making demonstration. After the demo the chocolates made are raffled off and to finish our visit we have a Chocolate Truffle. The second part of our tour takes us to Oswaldtwistle Mills for lunch and a little retail therapy. (Includes visit to Chocolate House and coffee) Ad £25.50 Snr £24.50 Pick up Ref: D Fri 20th March WE’LL MEET AGAIN - ‘HIT’S FROM THE BLITZ’ We head to Lytham firstly for a stroll and lunch, then we take the short journey to The Lowther Pavillion and take our seats for a traditional variety show. For those who remember the 40s “We’ll Meet Again” brings back memories of the stars who kept Britain smiling through her darkest days - for those who don’t the show is an authentic introduction to the swinging music including songs by Max Miller, George Formby, Vera Lynn, Gracie Fields and Bing Crosby together with good clean comedy of the period. So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and join us! (ticket included) Ad £29.50 Snr £28.50 Pick up Ref: B Tues 31st Mar SPRINGTIME IN WALES & A VISIT TO PORTMERION Our scenic run takes us through the lovely Welsh countryside, calling for coffee en-route to Portmerion. We arrive in time for lunch, there are several places to choose from whether you fancy dining in one of the hotels or a snack in one of the cafes. Afternoon at leisure in this famous village. (Includes entrance) Ad £21.50 Snr £20.50 Pick up Ref: A & W Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 63 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Thurs 2nd April CHESTER EASTER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL or CHESTER If you have never been to this event before then you really don’t know what you are missing. From the time you enter your senses are enticed with the most marvellous smells, colours and tastes. This is a journey through food and drink. Alternatively spend the day in Chester visiting the historic City Wall or a little retail therapy in the unique Rows galleries. Food & Drink Ad £24.50 Snr £23.50 Chester only Ad £17.50 Snr £16.50 Pick up Ref: B Sun 5th April THE LAKE DISTRICT AT DAFFODIL TIME Why not join us on our spring day trip up to the Lake District? We will call at Bowness on Windermere in the morning where you will have time for a trip on the lake, or to visit Beatrix Potter World. In the afternoon we venture up to Grasmere passing Rydal Water en route. At Grasmere you will have time to visit Wordsworth Daffodil Garden and visit a tea room for a spot of afternoon tea. This is truly one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Ad £22.50 Snr £21.50 Pick up Ref: A Tues 7th April LUNCH ON THE BORDER OF THE TROUGH OF BOWLAND Firstly we go to the village of Whalley with its famous Abbey for morning coffee, and then onto Ferrari’s Country House Hotel for lunch. We enjoy a three course lunch and then continue our journey home along the border of the Trough of Bowland. (Unfortunately coaches are not allowed in the Trough of Bowland) Ad £30.00 Snr £29.00 Pick up Ref: D Fri 10th April STEAMING THROUGH WALES We venture to St Asaph Tweedmill for a little shopping and lunch. We then take the scenic route over the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen, where there is time for a stroll and a cuppa. We then board the Steam Train and enjoy the journey alongside the River Dee offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The coach will meet you at Carog at the end of the line where we board the coach for our journey home. (Inc train ride) Ad £27.00 Snr £26.00 Pick up Ref: D Sun 26th April PIPES IN THE PEAK SUMMERTIME SPECIAL Our day trip today takes us firstly to the Bulls Head Hotel, Foolow for a two course Spring Time lunch. We then continue to The Pipes in the Peaks where the Compton Organ has come a long way since it was originally built and installed in the Ex-Regal/ABC Derby Compton Cinema Organ. It is now installed in the unique home of the Dovedale Garage, along with many other musical instruments. Phil Kelsall MBE from Blackpool Tower Ballroom will be playing. (inc. lunch and ticket for Pipes in the Peaks concert) Ad £39.50 Snr £38.50 Pick up Ref: Z Thurs 30th April BLUEBELL TIME AT RENISHAW HALL Calling at Carsington Water for coffee we then continue onto Renishaw Hall to visit the Italianate Gardens, museum and café. You will also have time to stroll in Broxhill Wood, which at this time of year will hopefully be carpeted with the most glorious azure carpet of Bluebells (Ent. to gardens included) Ad £25.50 Snr £24.50 Pick up Ref: C & W 64 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Sat 2nd May ARTISAN CHEESE FAIR AT MELTON MOWBRAY Calling for coffee en-route we head for Melton Mowbray and the Artisan Cheese Fair with over fifty Cheese Makers. At the Fair you have the opportunity to taste some of the UK’s rarest cheeses and find the hidden gems you never knew existed. There are also talks, demonstrations and other goodies for sale, including pies, wine, cakes, beer and chutneys. Entry to the fair is just £2 payable on the day. Ad £20.50 Snr £19.50 Pick up ref: E Mon 4th May SKIPTON FOR THE WATERWAYS FESTIVAL We call for coffee en-route and then the remainder of the day is for you to have lunch and to enjoy the Waterways Festival, which is an annual gathering of narrowboats in the canal basin. There will also be stalls, activities and family entertainment, including Morris dancers, brass bands and Punch & Judy shows. Ad £ 19.50 Snr £18.50 Pick up ref: B Sat 16th May HAWORTH 1940s WEEKEND The village of Haworth in the heart of West Yorkshire’s Bronte Country is famous (amongst other things) for hosting a very special 1940s weekend. The event usually involves locals and visitors alike getting togged up in 1940s gear to enjoy a wide range of nostalgic events, which often include an RAF vintage plane flypast, a morale boosting visit from ‘Sir Winston Churchill” as well as spivs peddling their wares. Why not join us on our trip back in time. Ad £20 Snr £19 Pick up Ref: B Fri 22nd May CRUISING THE CANALS OF LANCASHIRE We spend the morning at the fabulous Barton Grange Garden Centre and have time for lunch before we board the Canal boat for a leisurely cruise along the Lancaster canal. (Cruise included) Ad £25.50 Snr £24.50 Pick up Ref: B Tues 26th May LLANDUDNO SEASIDE SPECIAL OR BODNANT GARDENS We call for a quick coffee en-route to Llandudno. We drop the passengers off wishing to spend the day in Llandudno, we then continue onto Bodnant Gardens where at this time of year the rhododendrons should all hopefully be at their best. The coach will collect the Bodnant Gardens passengers mid-afternoon and return to Llandudno and then head for home. (Bodnant Gardens National Trust, members free, non-members £9.50 payable on the day) Llandudno & Coach only to Bodnant Gardens Ad £20.50 Snr £19.50 Pick up Ref: A & W Thurs 28th May RAF COSFORD WITH A GUIDED TOUR First we call for coffee en-route to RAF Museum at Cosford, it is a museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force in particular. Situated next to an active airfield, this is the only place in the Midlands where you can get close to so many breathtaking aircraft for free. Upon arrival we are met by a guide for a tour that takes in Warplanes, Transport and the Test Flight collections. Your guides will take you through the wartime hangars picking out highlights such as the world’s oldest Spitfire. Brief historical information will be given on the aircraft including what makes the individual exhibits special. Free time for a late lunch and the afternoon to explore at leisure This day trip runs in conjunction with Attingham Park (ent free includes guided tour). Ad £22.50 Snr £21.50 Pick up Ref: E Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 65 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Thurs 28th May NATIONAL TRUST ATTINGHAM PARK We call for coffee en-route to Attingham Park. An 18th-century mansion and estate shaped by a story of love and neglect. Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, Attingham Hall and its beautiful parkland were owned by one family for more than 160 years. As their fortunes rose and fell they proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours - providing a fascinating story of love and neglect whose mark still stands in Attingham’s rooms today. Not to be missed are the contrasting rooms in the “masculine” and “feminine” sides of the mansion and the tranquil space of the Walled Garden. (A National Trust Property entrance for members free non-members £12.25 payable on the day). This day trip runs in conjunction with RAF Cosford trip. Ad £20.00 Snr £ 19.00 Pick up Ref: E Sun 31st May HOLKER GARDEN FESTIVAL We visit Holker Hall for this spectacular mix of all that is good in the garden and countryside. There are Horticultural and Floral Art Marques, stalls offering local produce, traditional crafts, demonstrations, entertainment and much much more. (Entrance included) Ad £29.50 Snr £28.50 Pick up Ref: A Tues 2nd June THE WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY We venture to Caernarfon calling for coffee en-route. We arrive in time for lunch and a stroll before boarding The Welsh Highland Railway for a two hour ride taking us coast to coast through the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia to Porthmadog. The scenery is stunning and changes all the way along as the train twists and turns through the landscape. Light refreshments are served on board. The coach will collect you at Porthmadog for the scenic journey home. (single ticket included) Ad £39.50 Snr £38.50 Pick up Ref Z & W Sat 6th June CALKE ABBEY – THE HOUSE THAT TIME FORGOT Calling for a browse around the market and coffee in Ashbourne, and then onto Calke Abbey – telling a fascinating story of the country house in decline. The interior has remained unchanged for over a century, and houses an intriguing collection and the family history. (National Trust property members free non-members £11.00 payable on the day) Ad £19.00 Snr £18.00 Pick up Ref: E Sat 13th June THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM AT ALREWAS First we call for coffee en-route to Alrewas and the National Arboretum, where we spend the day. Take a stroll through the parkland to see the many moving memorials that honour those that have fallen in war. For those with creeky knees why not take a tour on the little train. There is a café serving hot and cold food. (entrance is free but donations are greatly appreciated) Ad £19.50 Snr £18.50Pick up Ref: A & W 66 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Tues 16th June SUE BEESLEY’S COTTAGE GARDENS We firstly call for a browse and an early lunch at High Legh Garden Centre, which has completed it’s recent refurbishment, with a large selection of plants, a craft shop, clothing section and the Topiary coffee shop and restaurant offering a large selection of cakes and lunches to tempt your taste buds. After lunch we visit Sue Beesley’s Cottage garden, former BBC Gardener of the year. We arrive and enjoy a welcome talk on the gardens and how they have developed over the years. We then have free time for a meander around these beautiful gardens and we finish with tea/coffee and cake. (Includes entrance to gardens along with tea and cakes) Ad £25.00 Snr £24.00 Pick up Ref: C & W Tues 23rd June A VISIT TO GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND TRAINING CENTRE We spend the morning with a tour of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Centre, giving us an insight into how the dogs are trained. We then continue onto Rochdale Garden Centre and Gordon Riggs Bistro where we stop for lunch and a browse before returning home. Ad £20.00 Snr £19.00 Pick up Ref: B Sat 4th July BUXTON MILITARY TATTOO & HIGH TEA What a fantastic day out. First we call for High Tea at The Bulls Head, Foolow en-route to the afternoon performance of the Buxton Military Tattoo, for one day only, inside the magnificent Dome in Buxton. Here you will see a whole host of bands and a superb military spectacle (Lunch & Tattoo ticket included) Ad £44.00 Snr £43.00 Pick up Ref: Z Mon 6th July SUMMERTIME SURPRISE Fancy a day out with a difference! Why not join us on our mystery tour, which includes luxury coach travel throughout, an excellent sightseeing itinerary and a two course lunch with a scenic run en-route. (Two course lunch incl) Ad £26.50 Snr £25.50 Pick up Ref: B Sun 12th July BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM LIVING MUSEUM We head to Black Country Museum. We call for a quick coffee en route and we then spend the day exploring this lively open air museum. Covering 26 acres of former industrial land, Black Country Living Museum is uniquely placed to tell the story of the creation of the World’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region when its manufacturers bought worldwide fame to Black Country Towns. Take a trip on the tram to explore the canalside village, where you can meet and chat to the costumed characters. Explore the underground mine and experience the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past. A super museum very similar to Beamish. (Entrance included) Ad £31.50 Snr £30.50 Ch £20.50 Pick up Ref: E Sat 18th July WEM SWEET PEA FESTIVAL Calling at the pretty market town of Nantwich for coffee en-route to Wem for the wonderful sweet pea festival held every year to celebrate the association the town has with Henry Eckford. Time for lunch and to visit the show (entrance payable on the day approx £3.00). We then take a scenic run home through the Shropshire countryside, calling at Bridgmere Garden World for afternoon tea. Ad 19.50 Snr £18.50 Pick up Ref: C Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 67 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Wed 22nd July SHREWSBURY WITH A BOAT TRIP ON THE RIVER SEVERN We spend the day in Shrewsbury. The town centre is packed with timber-framed black & white buildings, steep narrow streets and alleyways. In fact it boasts over 600 listed buildings including the Castle, now a regimental museum and the world-famous Shrewsbury Abbey, home of the fictional Brother Cadfael. Time to browse at leisure before our afternoon cruise on the River Severn. We board the boat Sabrina for a 45 minute cruise with informative and entertaining Commentary. (includes cruise) Ad £26.00 Snr £25.00 Pick up Ref: E Sun 26th July THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTERS GARDEN Firstly to Grosvenor Garden Centre where we stop for a browse and an early lunch we take the short journey onto the home of the Duke of Westminster, and the magnificent Eaton Gardens which are only open to the public four times a year (entrance included) Ad £25.00 Snr £24.00 Pick up Ref: Z & W Tues 28th July CHESTERFIELD MEDIEVAL MARKET Chesterfield steps back to the Middle Ages for the day. Visit the Medieval Encampment complete with knights and sword fights in the grounds of the ‘Crooked Spire’ Church. Meet a Medieval Miller at Chesterfield Museum or take a trip up the Tower of the ‘Crooked Spire’ Chesterfield’s Market steps back in time with stall holders in fancy dress as well as the ducking stool! A fun day out for all. Ad £20.00 Snr £19.00 Pick up Ref: B Tues 4th Aug CHRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE FOR THE WW2 HOMEFRONT Step back in time to 1940s Britain with Crich Tramway Village 1940s Event. Expect air-raid warnings and the sound of low flying aircraft and you will need your identity card for a real taste of life during the Second World War. We call for coffee en-route and aim to arrive at Crich around lunch time giving you the remainder of the day at the village. (entrance included) Ad £31.50 Snr £30.50 Pick up Ref: Z & W Thu 6th Aug YORKSHIRE EXPLORER GRASSINGTON & KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL Firstly to Pendle Village Mill for coffee before heading onto Grassington for lunch. We then continue to the delightful Yorkshire village of Kettlewell to see the unusual array of scarecrows on display at this time of year. Ad £19.50 Snr £18.50 Pick up Ref: A Mon 10th Aug WELSH WANDERER TOUR Our visit today takes us to Grosvenor Garden Centre for morning coffee before continuing through the beautiful Welsh countryside and onto Betws-y-Coed in time for lunch. After a leisurely lunch we continue down the Conwy valley to spend the afternoon in Rhos on Sea where we have time for a stroll along the prom and an ice cream before heading for home. A lovely relaxing scenic run. Ad £21.50 Snr £20.50 Pick up Ref: D 68 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Wed 12th Aug HIDDEN GEM OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS We call at Leek on market day with time for a coffee and a wander around this very popular market where you may pick up a bargain. We then continue onto Consall Hall Gardens – set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Churnet Valley in 70 acres of picturesque gardens with breathtaking views, six lakes, numerous follies and summer houses along with a delightful tearoom serving homemade cakes and light lunches. After spending a lovely afternoon at leisure we take the scenic journey home. Ad £21.50 Snr £20.50 Pick Up Ref: C Sat 15th Aug CLITHEROE & STONYHURST COLLEGE We call for coffee and time for lunch at the historic market town of Clitheroe. Here you can visit the wonderful market or why not visit Clitheroe Castle said to be the smallest Norman Castle in England. After lunch we enjoy the short journey to Stonyhurst, where you have the opportunity to see the chapels and historic rooms including the Great Hall and see the table on which Cromwell is reputed to have slept the night before the Battle of Preston in 1648. (Ent to Stonyhurst College & Gardens incl) Ad £26.00 Snr £25.00 Pick up Ref: A Tues 18th Aug CRUISING THE MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL - FROM LIVERPOOL TO MANCHESTER Our journey by boat on the Manchester Ship Canal, starting from Liverpool, travelling the 35 miles of the canal, enjoying spectacular scenery and a lively commentary along the way, telling the history of the waterway and how it has shaped Manchester and the northwest. You will be taken through locks and bridges that have remained largely unchanged since their construction 100 years ago; plus you will see some of the region’s most stunning architectural and natural sights. The coach will drop off in Liverpool at the beginning of the journey and collect you in Manchester at the end of the journey and return you to the Macclesfield area. (includes cruise) Ad £51 Snr £50 Pick up Ref: A & W Sun 23rd Aug SUMMERTIME SEASIDE DELIGHTS IN SCARBOROUGH Enjoy a day out to Britain’s first seaside resort. Today the bustling town lies between the North & South Bay’s. The two bays are broken by a rocky headland on which stands a reminder of its historic past - Scarborough’s Medieval Castle. In the 12th century, Henry II built the stone castle to defend the North Sea coastline. Why not visit the castle, take a stroll along the prom or a donkey ride on the beach. The choice is yours. Ad £24.50 Snr £23.50 Pick up Ref: A Tues 25th Aug EYAM THE PLAGUE VILLAGE AT WELL DRESSING TIME Scenic day out calling at Chatsworth Garden Centre for coffee we then pass Chatsworth House on our way to Eyam. We spend the remainder of the day in the village giving you time for lunch to explore the Well Dressings, visit the little craft centre or the little museum giving you the village history about the Plague and Eyam Hall, now run by the National Trust. (NT Members free, non-members £7.50) Ad £20.00 Snr £19.00 Pick up Ref: B Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 69 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Thur 27th Aug LOUGHBOROUGH BELL FOUNDRY We call for coffee en route at Findern Garden Centre, with its exciting array of plants, gifts and its restaurant serving morning coffee. After our coffee stop we venture on to Loughborough with its Bell Foundry, the largest in the World and operational since the 14th Century. We first make a lunch stop in Loughborough town centre for lunch before heading to the foundry for our guided tour. We will be shown around the works of the working foundry which is spread over two floors, spend time in the museum and with a room full of bells you can try them all out. This tour runs in conjunction with the Grand Central Railway. (Includes Guided tour). Ad £29.00 Snr £28.00 Pick up Ref: E Thur 27th Aug GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY – LOUGHBOROUGH TO QUORN Today you have the opportunity to spend the day on the Great Central Railway, the UK’s only double track main line heritage railway. The line runs between Loughborough and Leicester. We have included a rover ticket giving the option to travel at your own pace and time to stop at each station. There are cafes at each station and some trains have a buffet car, so there are plenty of meal choices. This tour runs in conjunction with Loughborough Bell Foundry. (Includes Rover Ticket) Ad £35.00 Snr £33.00 Pick up Ref: E Tues 1st Sept CATHEDRAL, CRAFTS & A CREAM TEA Firstly we call at Amerton Craft Centre for morning coffee. We then continue onto the Cathedral City of Lichfield, a city that’s steeped in heritage. Free time for a browse and lunch before we meet outside the Cathedral for our guided tour, we complete our day out with a Cream Tea in the Cathedral café. Ad £26.00 Snr £25.00 Pick up Ref: E & W Fri 4th Sept NANTWICH FOOD FESTIVAL The Nantwich Food and Drink Festival takes place over the first weekend in September each year in the historic market town of Nantwich, Cheshire. It is one of the few UK food festivals based in a town centre and makes the most of this lovely Cheshire town, which is full of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. During the festival, Nantwich is transformed into a food lovers’ paradise, with 2 huge marquee food halls filled to the brim with delicious treats, wines, beers, cheeses, pies, preserves and more, as well as a wide variety of street food stalls. This year more than 150 visiting traders will attend. Entrance to the food festival is free. Ad £19.50 Snr £18.50 Pick up Ref: C Sat 12th Sept THE CITY OF YORK We head straight to York making a quick comfort stop en-route to give you the majority of the day to spend in this fantastic city, renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets, iconic York Minster and wealth of visitor attractions. A day to do as you please. Ad £22.00 Snr £21.00 Pick up Ref: A 70 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Thu 17th Sept ‘BRIEF ENCOUNTER’ – CARNFORTH TO GRANGE OVER SANDS WITH THE OPTION OF AFTERNOON TEA AT THE NETHERWOOD HOTEL As we head north where we call for coffee at Carnforth Station, where ‘Brief Encounter’ was filmed. Here you have time to wander around the visitors centre and explore the platform where it all began. You then have the option to catch the train to Grange over Sands or reboard the coach. If you do choose to travel by train you go through stunning scenery, cross the River Kent and have great views of Morecambe Bay (single fare approx £4.00). The remainder of the day in Grange with the option of a Srumptious Afternoon Tea at The Netherwood Hotel. Ad £21.00 Snr £20.00 Afternoon Tea Included Ad £36.50 Snr £35.50 Pick up Ref: B Sat 19th Sep SOUTHPORT FOR THE AIR SHOW OR SHOPPING We spend the day in Southport, whether you wish to watch the Air Show, prefer to spend the day around the shops or on the beach, the choice is your. At the start of the day you can see aircraft landing on the beach on the purpose built runway, a spectacle unique to Southport Air Show. Get up close to them and the micro lights as they park on the beach for the show. The Air Show is free. Ad £20.00 Snr £19.00 Pick up Ref: D & W Mon 28th Sep AUTUMN TIME SURPRISE Fancy a day out with a difference! Why not join us on our mystery tour, which includes luxury coach travel throughout, an excellent sightseeing itinerary and a two course lunch with a scenic run en-route. (Two course lunch incl) Ad £27.00 Snr £26.00 Pick up Ref: C Mon 5th Oct BLACKPOOL FOR FISH & CHIP SUPPER & LIGHTS No walking – Fish & Chip Supper – through the famous lights and home (includes supper) Ad £26.00 Snr £25.00 Pick up Ref: G Sat 10th Oct HARROGATE & HARLOW CARR GARDENS AUTUMN FOOD & WOOD FESTIVAL We visit Harrogate making a quick comfort stop en-route you then have the choice of spending the day in the stunning town of Harrogate or staying on the coach and heading to Harlow Carr Gardens for their Autumn Food and Wood Festival. Ad £21.00 Snr £20.00 Harlow Carr Ad £29.00 Snr £28.00 Pick up Ref: A Fri 16th Oct SHERWOOD FOREST & THE TALES OF ROBIN HOOD We visit the town of Worksop on market day where we have time for lunch. We then venture to the Sherwood Forest and the visitors centre where we have time to stroll to the Big Oak and learn all about the tales of Robin Hood. We complete our day at Edwinstowe Craft Centre with time for tea. Ad £20.00 Snr £19.00 Pick up Ref: D Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 71 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Tues 20th Oct HASSOP STATION AND LUNCH AT CARSINGTON WATER This morning we call at Hassop Station for morning coffee. We then continue onto Carsington Water, at the heart of the site is the visitor centre with an interactive exhibition which teaches visitors all about water and the little things we can all do to save this precious resource. We have a three course lunch upon arrival in the Mainsail restaurant, which boasts stunning views across the water. Time for a stroll and a browse after lunch before taking the scenic run home. Ad £29.50 Snr £28.50 Pick up Ref: D Mon 26th Oct AUTUMN TINTS IN THE COTSWOLDS A delightful tour taking us through the Cotswolds where at this time of year the Autumnal colours are at their best, blending with the mellow colours of the Cotswold Stone. We drive through several of the pretty villages calling at two of them with time for lunch and afternoon tea. Ad £22.00 Snr £21.00 Pick Up Ref: Z Wed 28th Oct DISCOVERING THE DELIGHTS OF THE PEAKS & POTS Calling at The Peak Village Rowsley, we enjoy a relaxing coffee and a browse around the shops. We then continue onto Denby Pottery where we have a mini guided tour and time for lunch. We also have free time to wander around the outlets that offer an abundance of gifts and watch the cookery demonstration at 2.30pm. (Includes guided mini tour) Ad £26.50 Snr £25.50 Pick Up Ref: D Sat 7th Nov EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT BOUNDARY MILL We head straight to Boundary Mill for all the fantastic bargains and the ideal opportunity to start your Christmas shopping early. Ad £19.50 Snr £18.50 Pick up Ref: D Mon 16th Nov CHRISTMAS AT CHATSWORTH HOUSE Once again we head back to Chatsworth House to view the house bedecked in all its Christmas finery and the Christmas market. We call at Bakewell for morning coffee before continuing onto Chatsworth House and Gardens where we have free time for lunch before enjoying our timed tour through the house. A lovely day out that proves popular year after year so book early to avoid disappointment! (Entrance to Hall & Gardens Included) Ad £30.00 Snr £28.00 Pick up Ref: Z & W Thur 26th Nov FESTIVE LUNCH AT THE BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED HANGING GATE Why not enjoy our scenic tour and festive lunch. We call for morning coffee en-route to The Hanging Gate, beautifully dressed for Christmas. We then have a three course lunch followed by an afternoon of entertainment. (3 course festive lunch and an afternoon of entertainment incl) Ad £29.50 Snr £28.50 Pick up Ref: B Sun 29th Nov LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE New for this year is our visit to the Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre - From the bone-crunching Plantagenet Combat Knights, wassailing and dancing to St Nicholas in his magical den, there is entertainment, hands-on-history and activities for all the family all day throughout the castle. With over 100 stalls selling gifts, food & drink, historical goods and more. We call for coffee en-route and spend the remainder of the day at the Fayre. (entrance included to the Fayre) Ad £29.50 Snr £28.50 Pick up Ref: Z 72 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIPS 2015 Tue 2nd Dec TYNEDALE AT CHRISTMAS TIME FOR LUNCH Calling for a quick coffee en-route to The Tynedale Hotel in Llandudno where we have a Traditional Christmas Lunch. The hotel is beautifully decorated throughout. After lunch you have time for a little Christmas shopping before boarding the coach and heading for home. (Including Festive 3 course lunch) Ad £39.50 Snr £38.50 Pick up Ref: D Sun 6th Dec ARLEY HALL CHRISTMAS FLOWER EXTRAVAGANZA We call for coffee and an early lunch at Bents Garden Centre, with lots of beautiful Christmas decorations, great Christmas gift ideas, a large gardening section and a choice of three cafes for lunch. In the afternoon we make our way to Arley Hall to see the Hall beautifully decorated with thousands of fresh flowers by local florists and floristry college students. Ad £26.50 Snr £25.50 Pick up Ref: B & W Sun 13th Dec PIPES IN THE PEAKS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Our day trip today takes us firstly to the Bulls Head Hotel for a two course seasonal lunch. We then continue to The Pipes in the Peaks where the Compton Organ has come a long way since it was originally built and installed in the Ex-Regal/ABC Derby Compton Cinema Organ. It is now installed in the unique home of the Dovedale Garage, along with many other musical instruments. Let Pipes in the Peaks get you into the Festive Spirit. We spend the afternoon celebrating Christmas listening to all the seasonal favourites! – Includes sherry and mince pies. (inc lunch and Pipe in the Peaks concert, sherry and mince pies) Ad £39.50 Snr £38.50 Pick up Ref: Z Sun 13th Dec YORK FOR THE CHRISTMAS MARKET A full day in York for the St Nicholas Christmas Fair, which is held on the cobbled streets of this beautiful city. Fair includes market stalls, crafts, music and entertainment. There is lots going on to keep you entertained and get you in the Christmas spirit. Alternatively you could visit the Minister or one of the many museums. Ad £23.00 Snr £22.00 Pick up Ref: A ‘WARNER WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS LUNCH’ Fancy joining us on a festive day out! We call for coffee and a browse at all the Christmas Goodies at Fryers Gardens Centre. We then continue onto Alvaston Hall to arrive in time for Christmas Lunch. We are greeted on arrival, then enjoy Christmas Carvery before relaxing for the afternoon’s entertainment. A festive treat not to be missed. (Three course Carvery lunch and entertainment included) Date and Cost to be confirmed. Pick up Ref: C WE HAVE LOTS MORE IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS, DETAILS TO FOLLOW ONCE THE DATES BECOME AVAILABLE…………… Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 73 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIP BOOKING CONDITIONS GENERAL CONDITIONS These conditions apply to any excursion or tour advertised in this brochure or otherwise, providing it includes no overnight accommodation. Tickets are issued by Roy McCarthy Coaches only. TICKET Every Passenger must possess an authorised ticket which must have been paid for in advance of travel. The ticket is non transferable. The ticket will be evidence that the passenger accepts these booking conditions. Tickets are valid only for the date and journey stated thereon. CANCELLATION If you wish to cancel, the Company is under no obligation to make any refund, but providing you cancel no later than FIVE days before the proposed journey we will without obligation refund any money paid less £2.00 per passenger cancellation and less any cost of admission, meals, etc. if such proves irrecoverable by us. The company may change any tour route, itinerary or excursion, but will not change the departure time or the general destination or purpose without notice. In the latter instance the customer may cancel up to three days before departure to obtain a full refund of all monies paid, which shall be the limit of the Company’s liability. RESPONSIBILITY / LIABILITY We do accept liability to clients for negligence of our employees, however we do not accept liability for the actions or omissions of those involved in your travel arrangements, over whom we have no direct control, and who are not employed by us as our employees. The company shall not be liable for loss or additional expense caused by delay resulting from events beyond its control. We reserve the right at any time to withdraw any excursion on which few bookings have been made. 5674 Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIP BOOKING FORM 3 Mr/Mrs/Miss:*........................................................................................................................... Initial:................ * Please delete as appropriate Address:................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................ Postcode:............... Tel No:.................................................................................................................................................................... Tour:....................................................................................................................................................................... Date:....................................................................................................................................................................... Pick up Point/s:..................................................................................................................................................... No. seats:Adult................................. O.A.P...................................Child........................................ I enclose a cheque for:........................................................................................................................................... DAY TRIP BOOKING FORM 4 Mr/Mrs/Miss:*........................................................................................................................... Initial:................ * Please delete as appropriate Address:................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................ Postcode:............... Tel No:.................................................................................................................................................................... Tour:....................................................................................................................................................................... Date:....................................................................................................................................................................... Pick up Point/s:..................................................................................................................................................... No. seats:Adult................................. O.A.P...................................Child........................................ I enclose a cheque for:........................................................................................................................................... Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? Poynton Post Express/ Advertiser Friend / Colleague Travelled with us before Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 ROY McCARTHY TOURS 2015 DAY TRIP BOOKING CONDITIONS PICK UP POINTS & TIMES PRINCES WAY (NR CORALS) BROKEN CROSS LATE SHOP IVY ROAD MACCLESFIELD FLOWER POT IVY LANE MACCLESFIELD HARVEST PRINTERS PARK LANE MACC THE TOWERS PARK LANE MACCLESFIELD QUEENS WATERSGREEN MACCLESFIELD WOODMAN HURDSFIELD MACCLESFIELD HULLEY RD/CORNER HURDSFIELD RD MACC BROCKLEHURST ARMS TYTHERINGTON COCK & PHEASANT BOLLINGTON bargAin booze (opp texaco GARAGE) poynton texaco GARAGE POYNTON FIVEWAYS PUB LAYBY HAZEL GROVE FIVEWAYS TRAVEL BUS STOP HAZEL GROVE A B C D E F G 08.00 09.00 10.10 08.30 09.25 12.20 15.00 08.04 09.04 10.07 08.34 09.22 12.24 15.04 08.05 09.05 10.05 08.35 09.20 12.25 15.05 - - 10.00 - 09.15 - 08.10 09.10 - 08.40 - 12.30 15.10 08.15 09.15 09.55 08.45 09.10 12.35 15.15 08.16 09.16 09.54 08.46 09.09 12.36 15.16 08.20 09.20 09.50 08.50 09.05 12.40 15.20 08.25 09.25 09.45 08.55 09.00 12.45 15.25 08.29 09.29 09.41 08.59 08.56 12.49 15.30 - -09.20-08.30- 08.50 09.50-09.20-13.10 15.45 08.55 09.55 - 09.25 - 13.15 15.50 - - 09.15 - 08.25 - - Time amendments – Please note these times may change slightly. Please read your travel ticket to confirm the correct time of pick up. Booking reference Z is a non-standard pick up time and the time will be confirmed on your travel ticket. Pick up reference W denotes that this trip will pick up in Wilmslow, Handforth and Bramhall please contact the office for more information. ADDITIONAL PICK-UP POINTS On certain day trips we will also pick up at the following stops: BRAMHALL Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South HANDFORTH The Paddock Shopping Centre WILMSLOW Bank Square HAZEL GROVE Carpet Right / Asda / Wynsors Shoe Shop DAVENPORT Stockport Grammar School/Woodsmoor Lane STOCKPORT Pineapple Inn, Heaton Lane HIGH LANE Library/Dog and Partidge, Buxton Road DISLEY Rams Head CONGLETON The Grove Inn / Kwik Fit Please ring to confirm which route we will be taking on your chosen day trip. If you have a group of ten passengers or more we would be happy to pick you up at a point to suit your group. PICK UP TIMES WILL BE CLEARLY PRINTED ON YOUR TICKET Telephone Bookings: 01625 425060 75 Interest Holidays Group Travel and Private Hire For groups large and small wishing to undertake private extended tours in the United Kingdom or in Europe, our Executive Pullman Coaches are at your disposal. For such tours we offer a fully comprehensive service which includes hotel reservations, ferry bookings, insurance and itinerary planning in consultation with yourself. We will take care of all the details involved in organising your tour, whether it be long or short, at home or abroad. For day trips, we offer private hire coaches and are happy to quote competitive rates for any journey near or far. ROY McCARTHY TOURS 01625 425060
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