Nostalgic Little Trains Of The Isle Of Man - Jg Explorer

Itinerary

Description

Travel in deluxe style on this holiday aboard a JG Explorer coach!  

Mystical, captivating and beautiful, the Isle of Man is a unique destination peppered with enchanting stone churches, castles and forts, tangled trees and twisty trails, adding to the magical atmosphere of this sea-bound land. The Isle of Man also boasts several impressive heritage railways, offering nostalgic journeys for us to take in this dramatic Manx scenery, plus a traditional horse-drawn tramway along the seafront in Douglas. Step back in time as we experience the best of the Isle of Man’s sights and attractions during this relaxing week, uncovering the secrets of this extraordinary island and exploring its rich heritage.  

Itinerary

Day 1

From a morning pickup in your local area we catch the ferry from Heysham to Douglas, then onwards to our hotel.

Day 2 – Day at leisure in Douglas

Day 3 – Manx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel & Snaefell Mountain Railway (full day)

We take a trip on the historic Manx Electric Railway, which still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. From Douglas, our train journeys along the scenic east coast with views of the beautiful Manx countryside on one side and far-reaching vistas beyond the stunning cliffs on the other. We disembark in Laxey to visit the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world and known colloquially as the Lady Isabella. Admire this feat of Victorian engineering as we watch the mighty wheel turn and can even climb to the top for panoramic scenes from across the Glen Mooar Valley.

Day 4 – Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Ramsey & Peel (half day)

This morning we step back in time and enjoy a ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway along Douglas Promenade. The horse trams have been in existence since 1876 on the Isle of Man and have carried plenty of royal visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

We continue to the peaceful port town of Ramsey, the island’s second-largest town, sheltered against the magnificent backdrop of the North Barrule hills. Home to masses of sand and shingle beach, the town also boasts one of the biggest harbours on the island.

Next stop is Peel, a charming fishing port with a history spanning hundreds of years. Located on the west coast, Peel is renowned for its narrow lanes crammed with fishermen’s cottages, the striking red sandstone used to build its castle and the views of the Mountains of Mourne.

Day 5 – Day at leisure in Douglas

Day 6 – Castletown, Port Erin, Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway (full day)

After some free time in Castletown, the original capital of the island, we journey to Port Erin, a peaceful town with pretty gardens and a sandy beach that was first favoured by Victorian holidaymakers. Next is a brief photo stop at The Sound at the island’s southern tip, a hotspot for local wildlife, from sunbathing seals on the rocks to basking sharks and dolphins in the blue waters below. Continuing with more Isle of Man highlights, we discover the fascinating living museum of Cregneash Folk Village, one of the last settlements on the island that embraces the native Manx culture. Here we explore the crofting way of life in a carefully maintained village full of white, thatched cottages and period workshops, with painstaking displays of traditional practices and residents continue to use the old local dialect.

We end the day with a scenic trip from Port St Mary, a beautiful small harbour, back to Douglas on the well-preserved, narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway. As the island’s oldest Victorian rail system, this journey offers a mesmerising glimpse into the golden age of steam in restored vintage carriages, travelling through glorious countryside, sparkling shorelines, past quaint towns and charming fishing ports.

Day 7

We catch the morning ferry back to Heysham and continue our journey home.

Itinerary

Day 1

We fly to the Isle of Man and transfer to our hotel in Douglas, the capital of the island.

Day 2 – Day at leisure in Douglas

Day 3 – Manx Electric Railway, Laxey Wheel & Snaefell Mountain Railway

We take a trip on the historic Manx Electric Railway, which still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. From Douglas, our train journeys along the scenic east coast with views of the beautiful Manx countryside on one side and far-reaching vistas beyond the stunning cliffs on the other. We disembark in Laxey to visit the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world and known colloquially as the Lady Isabella. Admire this feat of Victorian engineering as we watch the mighty wheel turn and can even climb to the top for panoramic scenes from across the Glen Mooar Valley.

Day 4 – Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Ramsey & Peel

This morning we step back in time and enjoy a ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway along Douglas Promenade. The horse trams have been in existence since 1876 on the Isle of Man and have carried plenty of royal visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

We continue to the peaceful port town of Ramsey, the island’s second-largest town, sheltered against the magnificent backdrop of the North Barrule hills. Home to masses of sand and shingle beach, the town also boasts one of the biggest harbours on the island.

Next stop is Peel, a charming fishing port with a history spanning hundreds of years. Located on the west coast, Peel is renowned for its narrow lanes crammed with fishermen’s cottages, the striking red sandstone used to build its castle and the views of the Mountains of Mourne.

Day 5 – Day at leisure in Douglas

Day 6 – Castletown, Port Erin, Cregneash & Isle of Man Steam Railway

After some free time in Castletown, the original capital of the island, we journey to Port Erin, a peaceful town with pretty gardens and a sandy beach that was first favoured by Victorian holidaymakers. Next is a brief photo stop at The Sound at the island’s southern tip, a hotspot for local wildlife, from sunbathing seals on the rocks to basking sharks and dolphins in the blue waters below. Continuing with more Isle of Man highlights, we discover the fascinating living museum of Cregneash Folk Village, one of the last settlements on the island that embraces the native Manx culture. Here we explore the crofting way of life in a carefully maintained village full of white, thatched cottages and period workshops, with painstaking displays of traditional practices and residents continue to use the old local dialect.

We end the day with a scenic trip from Port St Mary, a beautiful small harbour, back to Douglas on the well-preserved, narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway. As the island’s oldest Victorian rail system, this journey offers a mesmerising glimpse into the golden age of steam in restored vintage carriages, travelling through glorious countryside, sparkling shorelines, past quaint towns and charming fishing ports.

Day 7

We transfer to the island’s airport for our return flight home.

Bullets

• Return coach travel on a JG Explorer Coach (see Helpful Information below)
• Ferry crossings
• 6 nights at the Hydro Hotel, Douglas (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• After-dinner tea & coffee
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Laxey Wheel, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown, Port Erin & Cregneash Folk Village
• Journey on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
• Heritage train journeys on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Isle of Man Steam Railway

Bullets

• Coach travel during your stay on a JG Explorer Coach (see Helpful information below)
• Return flights to the Isle of Man
• Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
• Airport transfers on the Isle of Man
• 6 nights at the Hydro Hotel, Douglas (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• After-dinner tea & coffee
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Laxey Wheel, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown, Port Erin & Cregneash Folk Village
• Journey on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
• Heritage train journeys on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Isle of Man Steam Railway

Search Bullets

• 6 nights at the Hydro Hotel, Douglas (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• After-dinner tea & coffee
• Entertainment some evenings
• Excursions to Laxey Wheel, Ramsey, Peel, Castletown, Port Erin & Cregneash Folk Village
• Journey on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
• Heritage train journeys on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway & Isle of Man Steam Railway

JG2

Hotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.

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Flight Information

*Air holiday prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to fluctuation and availability. Other regional airports may be available and the final price will depend on your chosen airport, airline and flight time. This will be advised at the time of booking.

One piece of checked-in hold luggage PER PERSON is included however; the weight allowance does vary between airlines. Please ask for details.

Hotel transfers may be in shared vehicles. You may also have to await passengers arriving on other flights; for your convenience we will do our utmost to keep the waiting time to a minimum.

Holiday operated by Just Go! Holidays under ATOL No.10889

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Booking Flights

Please note the following information when booking flights.

• We will need passenger names (First and Last name only) and dates of birth as per passport. These names MUST match with your passport (please add in the “notes” section of the booking process)
• Please note the flights will be booked in the names given to us during the booking and that changes to names will incur a charge from the airline which will be passed on to you, along with a £25.00 Just Go! amendment fee. (If you do not enter a full name during the booking process one of our reservations staff will contact you following your booking)
  
  
• Are you travelling on a British passport? (If not please let us know)
  
  
• Do you or any of you party require assistance at the airport
  
  
• Luggage will be booked as per the flight terms above. Where hold luggage is included this will be the airline minimum usually 15 or 20kg per person.
  
  
• Flight times will be given with final documents approximately two weeks prior to departure.  (Flights booked outside the hours of 0600-18:00 customers will be contacted.)
  
  
• Flight arrivals/departures are grouped for transfers and passengers may have to wait up to an hour on arrival for incoming/delayed flights.
  
  
• Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable once they are booked by our air department.
  
  
• All passengers are responsible to do their own on-line check-in

Helpful info

JG Explorer Coaches 

We are pleased to introduce JG Explorer – a brand-new deluxe coach, thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated coach experience and ensure your journey is special and memorable.

Exclusive to the JG Travel Group, the design of these coaches has been meticulously thought through with your comfort in mind – with only 44 seats meaning more room on board and padded seats. There’s improved legroom and a footrest, making certain that wherever you sit, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey. We know it’s the small things that make a big difference in terms of ease and added convenience, so our Explorer coaches feature a floor-level, rear-mounted toilet, accessible to all customers.

On-board entertainment throughout your journey is easy to find on the JG Explorer, with access to Azimut, our wireless media system, providing films and quizzes. Simply bring along your smartphone or iPad and enjoy this entertainment interruption-free, with the use of our extra reliable Wi-Fi, free to all passengers and a handy USB port at each seat.

The layout of the JG Explorer includes a floor-level, rear-mounted kitchen with a sink, an espresso machine to purchase delicious Nespresso coffee, dispensed by your driver during comfort breaks, and a fridge stocked with cold drinks and milk. Customers are welcome to help themselves to complimentary JG bottles, that can be used for refill at the built-in cold-water filter, cutting down on the need for disposable plastic bottles and doing our part for the environment. 

Accommodation

Hydro Hotel, Douglas (JG2 rating)

The Hydro Hotel is an elegant period hotel located right on the seafront in the island’s capital of Douglas. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a bar and restaurant. From its promenade vantage point, there are views across the bay of Douglas, which is also home to St Mary’s Isle, a partially submerged reef.