2021 Wessex Continental Travel
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Wessex Continental Travel
2021
Essential Information
We are pleased to present our programme for THE SAILING TO SANTANDER Classic Tours
2021/22 In addition to our regular programme of breaks we are planning a series of retro holidays this
Our crossings to Spain are based on sailings on the year in which we are delving back into the archives to select a few of our best trips from bygone
We look forward to our 46th year of arranging travel for flagship cruise-ferry “Pont Aven” and a 2-berth cabin years.
our discerning clientele. As we’ve always done, our aim with shower and WC is provided. On board this excellent
to is to arrange relaxing, value-for-money holidays with 40,000 tonne vessel are many facilities to enhance your We dropped these holidays in recent years because the progress of cheap flights from Provincial
nice company, interesting excursions, good food and journey – swimming pool, live music, live cabaret, fine
dining, self-service restaurant, coffee shop, two cinemas airports made them appear expensive in comparison. However, the cheap flights rarely turned
accommodation and above all , with no-hassle. As out to be so cheap when adding the extra costs involved and were certainly a lot more
simple as that! showing the latest films, shops, piano bar and sun deck.
inconvenient than just stepping on a coach near your home or driving to the port of departure
ABOUT US Alternative cabin options: where there is easy parking.
We have been operating holidays since 1974 and we are A 4-berth cabin for exclusive use of 2 persons costs an We feel that coach holidays will come back into their own in 2021 for various reasons and one of
totally independent, don’t belong to any associations or extra £90 per cabin, return.If you’d like an outside 4- the main reasons is no-hassle! Another point to consider is that we have never told our hotel
have any connection with any other company or berth cabin it can be arranged for an extra £50 per cabin partners what to charge. We have always accepted their price with no argument whatsoever. We
organisation. We have no debt. We don’t borrow and return (i.e. a total of £140 return).There are NO 2-bedded use 3* and 4* hotels offering room with private facilities; breakfast and dinner with wine though
have neither the need nor the intention to do so in cabins on the ship i.e. cabins with 2 ground berths.If you on Wine Tours we take lunch rather than dinner on the estate or at a nearby restaurant.
future. need ground berths you have to request a 4-berth cabin
for 2 persons and pay the supplement shown above.All Above all, we have strived to bring value for money. Doing holidays at the lowest cost inevitably
THE COACHES Single Supplements include sole use of a 2-berth means cutting corners which is never in the passengers’ interest. Our job is to do the work, yours
cabin.There are NO 2-berth outside cabins available.We
cannot obtain Club Class, De Luxe or Commodore Class to enjoy and relax and we will go all out to maintain that ethos.
Our tours will be in modern vehicles fitted with reclining
seats, toilet and drinks machines. The coaches have seat cabins .
belts and most are air conditioned. The coach travels all
THE HOTELS AND CATERING
Short Breaks
the way (unless otherwise stated). We operate a non Our nearest Continental neighbours are just 120 miles across the Channel, closer than travelling
smoking policy on board the coach. to Wales if you live in the South West but you will need a passport! For a complete change of
All rooms will have private facilities ie. toilet and bath/
shower. Generally, buffet breakfast is always provided scene and an interesting break ,French-style, come with us to Brittany for a relaxing travel
SEAT ALLOCATION experience, some good food and new sights. Nothing too complicated there!
and on tours with half board, dinner is also provided
This is made at the time of booking. We will try and usually with wine included. The wine is not unlimited
satisfy specific requests but ordinarily you will be seated and usually follows the convention of a quarter bottle of
in order of acceptance of booking from front to rear. We wine per person. You can purchase more if you wish. Wildlife Tours
never place anyone in the back seats unless they have Our modest programme of tours is based solely in Northern Spain . A Minicruise from Plymouth
requested them or without notifying you that they are On the vast majority of coach holidays dinner is to Santander starts and ends the tour with an interesting variety of locations in Green Spain in
all that remain. normally a set meal for the group but dietary variations between. Good company, nice hotels and good food are guaranteed!
can usually be accommodated within reason. You
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT should note that in countries bordered by the Atlantic,
fish is commonly served. We limit any fish dinners to a
maximum of two per tour. Wine Tours
Sadly we have no control over this and usually we We’ve been running Wine Tours for over 40 years to France, Spain and Portugal. Mostly they are
subsidise the rate charged to us. If you pay the single for private organisations such as firms, associations, wine societies but we have also had a public
supplement you will always have a room to yourself and Other dinners reflect the country in which we travel and
we ensure that no bizarre local tastes (snails, razor programme each year. Our aim is to provide an interesting holiday with friendly company and
where applicable, a cabin to yourself. You will never be featuring an appreciation of wine, mental and physical! Importantly, it gives you the opportunity
required to share. shells etc etc) are served.
to bring back plenty of “samples” , a feature denied to air travellers!
TOUR ESCORT THE EXCURSIONS Apart from the wine, we know that fine cuisine is an essential part of a wine tour and without
making a song and dance about it we incorporate this aspect within all the tours.
On some tours we will have a Tour Escort but increasing All the excursions described in the brochure are
completely free of charge.
costs have caused us to limit this aspect these days.
Jazz Tours
Their prime function is to ensure that the trip runs BOARDING THE SHIPS We can’t emphasise enough that this is first and foremost a holiday and whether you like jazz or
smoothly, they are not employed as local historical not, the travel experience is what it is all about. We’ve taken Bands to France, Germany, Portugal
experts. We have no control whatsoever of this process. We are and Spain and the significant aspect has always been good company, nice hotels, interesting
obliged to follow the instructions of the ferry company. excursions and great music.
PAYMENT Usually passengers have to walk on and off the ships
but sometimes this is changed without prior notice.
We take a deposit of £50 per person for tours of at least
If you have walking difficulties you must notify us at the
Private Groups
5 days’ duration and £20 for short breaks. The balance is Over the years we have arranged tours for many diverse groups to various destinations. From
normally requested a month before departure. We time of booking and we will be able to ensure that you Firms’ Groups, Football Clubs, Bridge Clubs, Farmers’ Groups,Marathon Runners, Golfers, Military
charge 2% of the balance cost for the use of credit or go on board in the coach. Groups, Social Groups - you name it, we’ve probably done it!
debit cards. Contact us if you have a group wishing to go away for a few days.
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Classic Tours
Table of Contents
Classic Tours
Brittany Tour
Brittany Tour 5
Brittany Ferries’ first passenger sailing from Plymouth to Roscoff was on January 1st 1974 and we were
San Sebastian 6 on it! Since then we have been arranging holidays and breaks to various parts of the Province so you
can be assured that we know what people want and we have the knowledge to provide it. On this tour
Beach Break in Asturias Spain 7 we’ll show you parts of the southern area and then cross country to the northern coast.
Costa Verde Portugal 8 Friday - We leave Plymouth on the 1345 sailing and arrive in Roscoff at 1945. From here we travel
southwards to the Hotel de l’Ocean at Concarneau but will arrive too late for dinner. We stay for four nights.
Costa Verde Portugal 9 The hotel sits across the road from the beach which is on the Baie de la Forêt.
This local area is known as Cornouaille in Breton, where the Celtic language similar to Welsh is spoken, and
Brittany Weekends 10 our Saturday morning visit is to its capital, Quimper where it is Market Day. The outdoor market is a bustling
and typically French affair. This pleasant town is situated on the River Odet and its old Quarter is cobbled
Short Breaks 10 and lively. We leave in the early afternoon and return to Concarneau with a refreshment halt at the bustling
resort of Bénodet.
Concarneau Weekend 11 On Sunday - Morning we’ll make a short drive to the famous artists’ town of Pont Aven where we spend the
morning before returning to Concarneau for an afternoon at leisure, on the beach or around the walled old
St Malo Weekend 12 town, Ville Enclos.
On Monday - We drive northwards to Audierne and then on to the most westerly point of France, Pointe du
Wine Tours Raz. Here you have views to the Isles de Sein where Brittany Ferries’ ships returning from Spain thread their
way through the islands. Our next stop is the medieval village of Locronan where we tarry a while before
British Wine Tour 13 returning to our hotel.
Tuesday -We leave Concarneau and start our journey to the north coast. We’ll reach St Malo in the late
Rioja Wine 14 afternoon and check into the Hotel Ibis Styles for three nights. The hotel is in St Servan and is 15 minutes
stroll from the old walled town known as the City of Corsaires.
Rioja Wine 15 On Wednesday - We travel inland for a short distance to the riverside of Dinan where we stop for
sightseeing. We continue into the town itself with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings. On leaving
Wildlife Tours 16 Dinan our final stop is at a cider maker for some local refreshment before returning to the hotel.
On Thursday - We take a coastal drive to one of France’s most important heritage sites, Mont St Michel. In
Steppes Wildlife 16 the afternoon we’ll make a stop at Cancale, a famous oyster port and resort.
Friday - We leave St Malo morning and travel westwards to Roscoff for our final leg stretching before we
Steppes Wildlife 17 catch the 1500 sailing to Plymouth. The ship arrives at 2010 and after disembarkation the coach returns to
the original pick up points.
Jazz Tours 18
Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach ;ferry crossing ; seven nights’ 3 hotel accommodation ;
Jazz in Asturias 18 one night B & B only; 6 nights with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; dinner on final day; all
excursions as described.
Single supplement £210
Departure dates: 2021
September 10th Cost £765
Pick up points: Exeter - Newton Abbot - Torquay-Paignton-Totnes-Ivybridge-Plymouth Ferryport
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Classic Tours Classic Tours
San Sebastian- The Basque Country Beach Break in Asturias Spain
This break is run in conjunction with our Wildlife tour to the same destination. By sharing the
transport costs we are able to create a viable holiday.
This is the first Province of the region known as Green Spain( the others are Cantabria, Asturias and
Galicia). Green Spain is so-called because it is green! Very green! Most of us recall sunshine, sangria and
Our hotel is the 4* Mirador de la Franca which sits on a secluded beach at Ribadedeva in the Province of
sandy beaches backed by somewhat sparse landscape and arid fields. This region enjoys lots of sunshine
Asturias. The main feature of this region is its magnificent scenery ranging from sandy beaches and rugged
and also some rain as the Picos de Europa mountain range( the end part of the Pyrenées) backs its
coves on its superb coastline to rolling fields of maize and apple orchards which stretch into the Picos de
coastline. The North of Spain has all this( though less sangria) fantastic golden beaches , stunning
Europa, the western end of the Pyrenees mountain chain. Woods and forests compete with tumbling
scenery and easy-on-the-pocket living. It’s less crowded than the south and just waiting to be discovered.
streams and larger rivers for your attention and the absence of crowds enhances the experience. The 4*
We’ve been taking clients to this region – from the French border to the Portuguese border -for over 30
hotel sits on a secluded beach and you have the choice of chilling out on this beach or joining the excursions
years and they return with us year after year. After all the Covid-19 restrictions of the past year and
where we will make alternative arrangements for non-Wildlifers.
more, this will seem like heaven!
You’ll travel with the Wildlife group throughout though you will part with them at certain stages as they go
off to search for the local wildlife.
Sunday - We sail from Plymouth and a cabin is provided. The ship has many diversions to keep you occupied
such as live entertainment, swimming pool, cinema amongst others and fine dining or self-service
If you prefer, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy the beach and the local area and miss the excursions
restaurants.
entirely. Visit the Asturias Wildlife page for the precise details of the excursions.
Monday - Arriving in Santander we leave town and travel eastwards , past the major Basque city Bilbao and
thence to the elegant resort of San Sebastian, one of Europe’s finest resorts with two excellent beaches and
On the final day we will all travel to Llanes together and the Wildlife group will drop the rest in the port and
a range of top class shops(if you have the time and money!). We are staying at the 4* Hotel San Sebastian
go off and do their thing. You'll have a couple of hours to stroll around this pleasant resort and fishing port
which is located about 300m from Ondaretta Beach in the western area of the city. We stay for three nights
and take some refreshment before we resume our drive to Santander and the 1545 sailing to England.
with breakfast and dinner with wine included.
Tuesday - Is a free day to explore the area at your leisure. However, for those interested, the coach will take
you to the harbourside next to the city centre where you’ll find world-class tapas bars, many of which
Departure date 2021
specialise in seafood. Ondaretta Beach will appeal to many and the larger La Concha Beach is separated from
September 12th £465
it by a well known café, La Perla.
Cost include: Ferry with 2-berth cabin;4* hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinners with wine;
Wednesday - We travel eastwards on excursion to the last town before the France, Hondaribbia. We spend
excursion;transport to and from hotel.
the morning here before turning to San Sebastian.
Thursday - We depart the hotelin morning and drive westwards into Cantabria and the fishing port and
Single Supplement £110 (Cabin & room)
resort of Castro Urdiales where we’ll stop for a stroll and refreshment by the harbour. We continue to
Santander and stop at the Hypermarket to pick up essential supplies . Our sailing leaves at 1545.
Friday - We arrive in Plymouth at 1045 in morning and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original
pick up points.
Collection point :Plymouth Ferryport
The cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights half-board at
the 4* hotel; excursions;Tour Guide.
Single supplement: £125 4-berth cabin(for two) £90 4-berth outside. £140 (NB There are no 2-berth outside
cabins)
Departure date 2021
September 19th & October 10th Cost £525
Pick up points: Exeter- Newton Abbot- Torquay-Paignton-Ivybridge-Plymouth(Millbay Docks)
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Classic Tours Classic Tours
Costa Verde Portugal Costa Verde Portugal
In our opinion this is the perfect coach holiday combining as it does, a mini cruise, a trip through the
mountains, a stay by a beach, interesting excursions, excellent hotels and the opportunity to see parts of
Europe that few British travellers visit especially this very fertile and lush region of Portugal. The 4* hotel
Departure date 2021
sits on the long, sandy beach and is an ideal base for the holiday. There are large grounds in which there
September 5th £745
are a swimming pool, tennis courts, mini golf, superb football pitch, paddling pool and inside the hotel
are pool tables, table-tennis ,tenpin bowling, bar, poolside restaurant and fitness centre. The
Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach with WC; ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin;
comfortable bedrooms are air-conditioned and most have a balcony The dining room overlooks the beach
seven nights’ 4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; all
and each evening the main event is the spectacular disappearance of the sun over the horizon .Dinner is
excursions as described; Tour Escort or local Guide.
a buffet and offers a choice of menu and there is some form of entertainment most nights including a
Folklore Show every Tuesday. The Staff are extremely courteous and helpful and, all in all, the hotel runs
Single supplement (room & cabin) £245 ; Guaranteed sea view £50 per room
a most professional operation designed to give their guests the ideal holiday experience – we can’t
recommend it enough and we go there ourselves! The hotel has lifts.
Pick up points : Truro- Bodmin-Liskeard-Saltash – Plymouth
Sunday - We leave Plymouth at 1645 and cross the Channel to Spain
Monday - We arrive in Santander at 1400. After disembarkation we then drive across northern Spain and into
Portugal to spend our first night at Chaves in the mountain region of Tras os Montes at the first class Hotel
Aquae Flaviae with a superb Brazilian Buffet for dinner.
Tuesday - We resume our journey southwards with a short stop at pretty Amarante before continuing to the
coast and our resort hotel at Ofir where we stay for the next five nights.
Wednesday - We travel inland to Braga which has more churches than any other town in Portugal. After
sightseeing we continue to outskirts to visit the famous basilica of Bom Jesus and then return to the hotel.
Thursday - We plan a completely free day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. We recommend a
stroll along the beach to nearby Apulia at lunch time to have an interesting lunch with the locals at one of
the intriguing restaurants which back on to the beach.
Friday - We travel southwards to the main city, Porto. Here we will visit a Port Lodge on the river then have
time for sightseeing and shopping. The “Ribeira” is in the Old Quarter and is a fascinating mix of old cobbled
streets and quays along which are scores of restaurants and bars serving the freshest of local produce. The
cruise ships which traverse the Douro start from here as do the harbour sightseeing boats.
Saturday - In the morning we make a short drive to the port and resort of Viana do Castelo where it is market
day and usually a Folklore Group will be performing in the main square. In the afternoon we drive inland to
the old Roman town of Ponte da Lima situated on the river of that name.
Sunday - We leave the hotel and drive southwards and then across central Portugal to the Spanish border at
Vilarformosa. We stop at the lovely little town of Cuidad Rodrigo for sightseeing and refreshment. We then
continue to the outskirts of Valladolid where we spend the night at the excellent Hotel La Vega.
Monday - We resume our drive to Santander where we catch the 1700 sailing to England. Enjoying the cruise
we reach Plymouth in the late afternoon of the tenth day and then return to the original pick up points.
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Short Breaks Short Breaks
Brittany Weekends Concarneau Weekend
Enjoy a brief visit to France and Brittany with our weekend breaks to Concarneau and St Malo, Our nearest Continental neighbours are just across the Channel in Brittany and our no-hassle
not forgetting our Brittany Special for some Christmas Shopping in Morlaix. weekend break is an ideal opportunity to get to know this pleasant part of France. We say no-hassle
because there’s no queueing, no waiting around, your break starts as soon as you board the ship.
Everything is taken care of, you just sit back, take in the local scene, relax and make the most of your
Concarneau brief holiday!
We plan a series of breaks which will take in some of the destinations in the Province which we have
visited over the past 45 years. The sailing programme is the same for each break unless otherwise
indicated. Meet coach on Thursday for the 2045 sailing to Roscoff. On arrival, we proceed leisurely to
the hotel where we stay for 2 nights, breakfast and dinner with wine included, all rooms have private
facilities. During the Friday and Saturday we’ll be on excursion. On Sunday we drive to Roscoff and
then catch the 1500(or 1600) sailing to Plymouth.
A free Reclining seat is provided on the overnight sailing but cabins are available at a supplement.
Concarneau Our 3* Hotel de l’Océan overlooks a sandy beach on the Baie de la Forêt. There’s a
covered, heated swimming pool and jacuzzi for your indulgence. All rooms have private facilities,
breakfast and dinner with wine included. There is a lift.
Friday - We sail for France at at 1315 and we reach Roscoff at 1945. After disembarkation and we are all
aboard the coach we’ll set off to Concarneau and arrive too late for dinner at the hotel.
Saturday - After a buffet breakfast we drive to Quimper, the ancient capital of Cornouaille, where it is market
St Malo day. Stroll amongst the stalls, have some refreshment and absorb the unique atmosphere. There’s plenty of
time to visit the impressive cathedral or take a walk by the river. We depart in the late morning and make a
shopping / lunch halt at the Carrefour Hypermarket before we continue to the small resort of Bénodet.
Dinner at the hotel
Sunday - A leisurely day today. We leave after breakfast and drive to the famous Artists' town of Pont Aven
on the river Aven. Returning to Concarneau we'll park in the centre to allow you time for sightseeing in the
resort and particularly the Ville Enclos, the walled town. Dinner at the hotel.
Monday- We depart after breakkfast and head for the little village of Huelgoat for a refreshment stop.
Continuing we reach Roscoff in time for the 1500 sailing to England which gets in to Plymouth at 2020.
Departure date 2021
July 30th; September 17th; October 22nd £335
Morlaix Includes: Ferry crossing; three nights' 3* hotel accommodation (1 x B & B; 2 x Half-board);excursions
as detailed.
Single Supplement £60
Pick up Points: Exeter - Newton Abbot - Torquay - Paignton - Totnes - Ivybridge - Plymouth
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Short Breaks Wine Tours
St Malo Weekend
British Wine Tour 8 Days
Our visit to North Brittany takes in some of the most interesting places in this fascinating coastal region.
For the first time we have devised a wine tour at home to offset all the cancelled tours we have had to
We will be staying in the famous Pirates’ city of St Malo and the highlight of the trip will be an excursion
endure in the past 17 months. It’s an opportunity to look closer at the expanding British wine industry,
to Mont St Michel, one of the top visitor attractions in all France.
have a break and meet up with old friends.
Monday June 28th - Meet us at the Ageas Hilton Bowl,Southampton (as seen on TV if you are a cricket lover)
- (Or en route as detailed below). We’ll ensure that the coach arrives in good time but if you are travelling
Friday - We set off from Plymouth at 1315 and reach Roscoff at 1945. After disembarkation we drive to St Malo
direct, check in at any time after 1500 and tell them that you are with us.
and to our hotel where we stay for the next three nights with breakfast and dinner with wine. However, it will
1800 Meet in the bar for greetings all round and we’ll have dinner at 1900.
be a late arrival on Friday so no dinner will be provided.
Hampshire will be playing Middlesex this evening. Ageas Hilton Bowl Southampton website
Tuesday June 29th - Our first appointment today is with Hambledon’s Vineyard 1100. Our afternoon visit
On Saturday- We drive out of St Malo and along the coast to Mont St Michel. We spend the morning here and
will be at Wiston’s Estate . We’ll then make our way back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
in the early afternoon we’ll head back to St Malo for sightseeing in the Old Town before dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday June 30th - After breakfast we’ll depart the hotel at 1000 and head northwards and into Surrey
for a visit to Denbies Vineyard where we’ll have - Vineyard Train Tour Lunch Wine Tasting Tour. We’ll then
On Sunday - We leave the hotel after breakfast and make a short drive to the oyster port of Cancale where we
make our way back to the hotel for a relaxing late afternoon, make use of its facilities and for anyone
will have time to sightsee and take refreshment before resuming our excursion to the charming medieval
interested in cricket there will be the opportunity to watch Hampshire v Surrey.
town of Dinan. We return to St Malo for dinner and overnight.
Thursday July 1st - We leave the hotel after breakfast and travel westwards and into Devon. Our lunchtime
stop will be at Plymouth where we will visit the famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, the oldest in the World,
We leave the hotel on Monday and travel to Roscoff where we can relax and sightsee before taking the 1500
before a little time to wander around the Hoe and the Barbican. In the late afternoon we’ll settle down for
sailing to England.and will reach Plymouth at 2010 when the coach will return to the original pick up points.
the drive across the River Tamar into Cornwall and thence to Newquay to check into the Great Western Hotel
for three nights. The hotel only offers B & B so you have plenty of choice for dinner in Newquay town or in the
Departure dates 2021 hotel itself. Great Western Hotel Newquay website
July 9th & October 8th £295 Friday July 2nd - This morning we’ll travel the short distance to Knightor vineyard for an 1100 visit and
tasting. Then we return to Padstow for our Cornish Day. No meals other than breakfast are laid on today so
The cost includes: travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; two nights 3* hotel
you are free to make your own choices. A pasty at lunch time perhaps; a trip on the river or the ferry to Rock
accommodation with breakfast and dinner with wine; excursions as detailed.
;a boat ride out to sea. Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant is obviously a popular option as are Paul
Ainsworth’s two restaurants. Search the internet! There are other good eating establishments in Padstow
Single Supplement : £90
from which to choose as well as harbourside pubs. Your choice!
The coach will return to Newquay at 1700.
Pick up points; Exeter-Newton Abbot-Torquay-Ivybridge-Plymouth
Saturday July 3rd - We drive southwards this morning to St Austell where we will visit a brewery for a
change. In the afternoon we’ll spend some time at Mevagissey before our final visit to Trevibban Mill
vineyard. (These visits awaiting confirmation). Return to hotel for overnight.
Sunday July 4th - We begin the return journey to Southampton.
Departure date 2021
June 28th £825
The cost includes: all transportation; three nights’ accommodation at Southampton with breakfast
and three dinners; three nights B & B accommodation at Newquay ; all entrances as described; lunch
at Denbies; Tour Guide;
Supplements:
Superior pitch-side room at Southampton : day/night cricket on June 28th & 30th ) £150 per room (for the
three nights).
Superior room at Newquay : £50 per room (for three nights)
Pick up points : Plympton –Totnes- Newton Abbot – Exeter – Salisbury – Hilton Hotel Ageas Bowl
Southampton (parking included if required)
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Wine Tours Wine Tours
Rioja Wine Rioja Wine
Ever popular, ever successful. Our wine tour programme would not be complete without a visit to La Rioja
where quality and value go hand in hand. Over the years we have tried to ring the changes so that it Departure date 2021
appeals to those who love the region and once again there are small differences in the programme. This October 3rd £1465
year we've added additional elements to it. Needless to say, the cuisine is almost as important as the
wine and we have yet to meet anyone who is not impressed with the local standard. The cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; two dinners on board ship;
five nights 3* hotel accommodation; two nights 4* hotel accommodation; one meal each day as
Sunday - We pick up as shown below and sail from Plymouth at 1645 on the "Pont Aven”. We have dinner detailed; all visits and tastings; Tour Escort.
together this evening as we sail through the Channel.
Monday - Enjoy the ocean breezes as we pass the west coast of France and into the Bay of Biscay. . We reach Single supplement - (Room & cabin) £245
Santander at 1230 and after disembarkation we head east towards Bilbao then south to La Rioja. We now
carry on to Logroño and check in to the central Hotel Marques de Vallejo in the Old Quarter where we stay for Pick up points - Portsmouth-Bridport-Exeter-Newton Abbot - Plymouth
five nights. We have dinner nearby at Restaurante Herventia.
On Tuesday - We travel to Samaniego and visit the prestigious Bodegas Baigorri in Rioja Alavesa.This
astonishing modern winery sits like a glass box on top of a hill but descends into the ground through seven
storeys. We’ll see the entire wine making process and then have a tasting followed lunch on the estate. In the
afternoon we visit Bodegas Casa Primica in La Guardia which is located in the oldest building in town with
medieval tunnels. We return to the hotel for a free evening.
Wednesday - We travel eastwards to Haro where we visit Bodegas Bilbainas. From here we continue outside
the town to La Vieja Bodega for lunch. In the late afternoon we’ll head to La Guardia for a visit and tasting at
the ultra modern Bodegas Ysios before we return to the hotel and a free evening .
On Thursday - We set off on the short journey to San Vicente Sonsierra where we visit Bodegas Ramirez de la
Piscina, owned by a genial character whose ancestors included El Cid and whose family has been linked with
the Kings of Navarra since the 13th C. After our visit we drive into Haro for individual sightseeing and lunch. In
the early afternoon we have a visit and tasting at Ramon Bilbao and then return to Logroño for some
sightseeing and in the evening we have dinner at Restaurante El Cacheterro in Calle Laurel.
On Friday - We travel south east and into Rioja Oriental which has a different climate, landscape and
winemaking style. We begin with a visit to the vineyards and then to Vina Hermina for a tasting and snacks.
Then we move on to a sister vineyard, Fincas de Azerbache where we will have a lengthy lunch. We return to
our hotel for a final evening in Logroño. Last chance to hit Calle Laurel’s tapas bars!
We leave the hotel on Saturday and make our way into Navarre where we stop at Olite to visit Bodegas Ochoa
and then a little sightseeing. We resume the drive in the afternoon and travel to the elegant city of San
Sebastian where we check into Hotel San Sebastian for two nights.
This region is renowned for its culinary skills so we are not arranging dinner tonight so that you can explore
its attractions individually. The hotel has a restaurant but there are others nearby and the harbour area has
some of the best tapas bars and restaurants in Spain.
Lie in a while on Sunday before we set off out of town to visit Bodegas Gorka Izigarre at Larrabetzu. After the
tasting we have lunch in their Michelin starred restaurant Eneko. We return to the hotel for a free evening.
Monday - We depart the hotel in the morning and make our way along the coast to the resort and port of
Castro Urdiales for a brief sightseeing halt. We’ll continue to Santander before we board the ferry for the 1515
sailing to Portsmouth. We have dinner together this evening in Le Flora restaurant .
Next day, Tuesday, continue taking advantage of the sea airs. The ship arrives in Portsmouth at 1430 and
after disembarkation the coach returns to the original pick up points.
14 15
Wildlife Tours Wildlife Tours
Steppes Wildlife Steppes Wildlife
On this short visit to Northern Central Spain we’ve been able to combine two interests, pelagic and
terrestrial bird watching , and package a short visit to encompass both. Of course, we can’t guarantee will begin as the heat leaves the day and in due course we return for dinner.
that the advertised wildlife will appear on cue but no doubt this is something you’ve lived with for years. Thursday We leave for the coast after breakfast and a final stroll in the area of the hotel. We’ll have a little time
However, our expert Guides are confident that the dates selected are quite propitious for our purpose. We in Santander before we board the ship for the 1545 sailing to England. Once again, Paul Burley will be on hand
use a Spanish coach on this programme and everyone meets at the Ferry Terminal in Plymouth. If you'd during the sailing to offer advice and assistance as we sail throgh the Bay of Biscay to once more look for sea
like to have more information on the birds/cetaceans just send an e-mail and we'll pass it on to our birds and cetaceans. As soon as we board we’ll have our final dinner together.
experts for reply. Friday - Enjoy the cruise homewards on the “Pont Aven” as we cross the Channel to look for birds and
A complete contrast to the coastal programme is the area near Palencia in what is regarded as the Spanish cetaceans. We’ll arrive at Plymouth on Friday at 1045.
Steppe and we’ll be taking a close look at Lago de la Nava. The bird target may be really interesting for
birdwatchers who have already been in one of our previous groups or are making a first visit with us : Great
Bustard, Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Montagu´s Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Departure date 2021
The Nava lagoon is the main area of passage for this species in Spain. It will be hot, so the last thing you’ll October 3rd £510
need is foul weather clothing! The paths are quite flat so it’s going to be easy going all the way and we have
built in recuperation breaks to make the bird watching as comfortable as possible.
Sunday - We’ll set off from Plymouth’s Millbay Docks at 1645 on the flagship cruise-ferry “Pont Aven” to sail The cost includes: Travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; ; coach travel in Spain as
to Santander on Spain’s north coast. A 2-berth cabin is provided for both sailings. detailed; three nights 4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner each day at the hotel
We''ll sail the English Channel towards the Ushant on the north western tip of France. . In Summer we can with wine; one lunch; excursions with local wildlife Guides; activity with Cetacean Guide as detailed.
look forward to the wealth of wildlife that can be found in the English channel and into the Bay of Biscay Supplements : Single room and cabin - £90
where we can see good numbers of Manx Shearwater and occasional sightings of Great Skua, sea birds and
many species of cetaceans that include dolphins , Beaked whales and Fin whales. Pick up point: Millbay Docks, Plymouth
Monday - When we land in Spain at 1615 the local coach meets us at the Ferry Terminal and we drive out of
the city and southwards over the Cantabrian Cordillera . With us now will be our two local Guides, Javier
and/or Angel and they’ll have an in depth talk with you on the journey to the Palencia. We’ll check into the
Hotel Real Monasterio San Zoilo for 2 nights. In the late afternoon the Guides will show you the immediate
area before dinner.
Tuesday /Wednesday
La Nava Lagoon
The area of Palencia in North-Central Spain is an amazing place to enjoy Steppe birds like Little Bustard,
Crested Lark, Woodlark, Short-Toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Black-Bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse,
Raptors like Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagus Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Red and black Kite, Booted Eagle
and of course hundreds of Storks. But without any doubt, the Great Bustard is one of the most amazing and
special birds in the Iberian Peninsula and this is probably one of the best places to enjoy it.
La Nava Laggon is without any doubt one of the most interesting wetland in the Iberian Peninsula. It Is located
in northwest Spain on the “Tierra de Campos Plateau” near Palencia. It is a RAMSAR site, a wetland of
international importance since 2002. La Nava is an internationally important nature reserve and resting place
for migratory birds. 225 species of birds were counted (among them 50 % of the species living in Spain, and
more than 60 % of the birds registered in the Red List). Furthermore , Ducks, rails, waders, gulls…etc, Special
birds like Purple Heron or the Cattle Egret, congregate in the scenery one of the highest ornithological quality
in Spain.
Both The Steppe and the Lagoon are amazing places to look for passerines in spring. In Spring, birds defend
their breeding territories and court other mates by using elaborate birdsongs. This is the best moment to
enjoy passerines like Penduline Tit, Bearded Reeding, Iberian Chiffchaff, Zitting Cistícola Cetti´s Warbler, Cirl
Bunting, Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Rock Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Woodlark, Bee-
eater, Crested Lark, Short-Toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Spectacled Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Western Subalpine
Warbler…etc
We start out in the morning for our first session and will return to the hotel for lunch. Our afternoon session
16 17
Jazz Tours
Wessex Con�nental Booking Form & Condi�ons
1. Reserva�ons
A contract exists between you and Wessex Con�nental Travel Company Ltd. when we receive your completed
Jazz in Asturias booking form and deposit. You will then be sent a confirma�on and the balance of your holiday costs will be
requested 4 weeks prior to departure. All bookings are made and accepted under the terms set out below.
Once again we will be taking the Band to Green Spain ,so called on account of its rolling
meadows,extensive woodlands, tumbling streams and glorious sandy beaches dotted with rocky 2. Changes
outcrops. It's a glimpse of the real Spain and you will be surprised at the landscape if you've never been In the unlikely event that we have to make a major altera�on to the planned i�nerary we will no�fy you
here before.For the past few years we have made this a 5-day tour because of the ferry schedule but for
2021 Brittany Ferries have reverted to a previous schedule which means we can now spend 3 nights at the immediately. By a major altera�on we mean change of resort, departure �me by more than 12 hours or an
hotel and thus make a longer holiday of the trip. As in the past , we will be staying at the Hotel Mirador de enforced change of hotel to one of lower official category or without all the adver�sed ameni�es. If such a
la Franca in Asturias where we had our first Spanish jazz tour in the 90’s. The hotel has been upgraded to change occurs you will have the following op�ons: - Transfer to an alterna�ve holiday or departure date -
4* in recent years and sits on a secluded,sandy beach overlooking the ocean. It has pleased our travellers Cancel your holiday and receive a full refund - Con�nue with the revised arrangements and receive
for over 26 years who love the hotel's idyllic situation and the friendly attention from all the staff. A copious
buffet breakfast starts the day and no one goes hungry at dinner! compensa�on in accordance with the following scale: If no�fied within 14 days of departure - £40 pp. If
Sunday - We’ll depart Plymouth on Sunday and sail to Santander. A 2-berth cabin will be provided for the no�fied 14-28 days before departure - £20pp. If more than 4 weeks no�ce - no compensa�on.
overnight crossing. The ship has many diversions for your pleasure- swimming pool; two cinemas; fine dining;
live entertainment; bingo; quizzes ; piano bar and a large observation deck. 3. Cancella�on
Monday - On arrival at Santander at 1400 we disembark and travel westwards to the 4* Hotel Mirador de la It does happen from �me to �me that we receive insufficient support to run a holiday. When this occurs we
Franca which sits on a secluded, sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic. We stay for three nights with buffet
breakfast and dinner with wine. Each evening, the Band plays after dinner for your entertainment. will give a minimum of 4 weeks no�ce and offer an alterna�ve holiday. On short breaks the no�ce of
Tuesday - We make a drive into the Picos de Europa mountain range along the spectacular Hermida Gorge to cancella�on is 2 weeks with an offer of an alterna�ve departure date. If this alterna�ve is not acceptable you
Fuente Dé where there is a cable car. We’ll have some time here before visiting the little mountain town of will receive a full and prompt refund of all monies paid. THE ONLY EXCEPTION TO THE COMPENSATION IN 3 &
Potes. Returning to the hotel for dinner, the Band will play for your entertainment until late. 4 ABOVE IS FOR MATTERS BEYOND OUR CONTROL SUCH AS FERRY BREAKDOWN, WAR, STRIKES, CIVIL
Wednesday -We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to the resort and fishing port of San Vicente de la
Barquera where we’ll do some sightseeing and have lunch before travelling eastwards to Santillana del Mar, DISORDER, NATURAL DISASTER AND OTHER EVENTS WHICH AMOUNT TO FORCE MAJEURE.
one of Spain’s major heritage sites. We return to our hotel for dinner and entertainment.
Thursday -We leave the hotel and drive to Santander where you’ll have some time for sightseeing before we 4. Our Liability
board the ferry for the 1545 sailing to England. Enjoy the cruise homewards and make the most of the ship's Our undertaking is to provide the holiday as described in this brochure and to a reasonable standard, take full
amenities. responsibility for any loss, injury, illness or death as a result of negligence on the part of our staff whilst
Friday - We reach Plymouth at 1045 and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original pick up points.
carrying out their du�es. All claims however shall be subject to English Law and all proceedings shall be under
The Panama Jazz Band the exclusive domain of the English Courts. We accept no responsibility however for the ac�ons of the sea
carriers whose liabili�es are in any event, governed by Interna�onal Conven�on. Furthermore, all bookings are
subject to the condi�ons of carriage of the relevant ferry companies.
The band’s motto is “Happy Jazz” and this certainly reflects the
members attitude to their music. They excel in playing the jazz
classics but are not averse to playing old music hall songs etc. if that 5. Booking and Payment
brings happiness to the audience. Your reserva�on will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of £50.00 per person plus any applicable
Don’t be misled by their fun attitude for they are also deadly serious insurance premium. The balance of the holiday will be requested 4 weeks prior to departure. If the balance
exponents of fine jazz. We’ve been taking them abroad for over 25 has not been received by us 7 days before departure we will assume the reserva�on is cancelled.
years and they have consistently delivered the goods to their
dedicated followers and won over new fans each trip.
6. Changes by You
If you wish to amend your booking you must do so in wri�ng. No charge will be made. If you wish to transfer
from one holiday to another a wri�en request must be made and an administra�on charge of £20 per booking
Departure date 2021 form will be added to your final balance.
October 24th £520
7. If you Cancel
(The cost includes ; all travel by executive coach; ferry sailing with cabin(upgrades available); two If you cancel your holiday it must be done in wri�ng. If the cancella�on is received at least 5 weeks prior to
nights with half-board at a 4* hotel; entertainment by the Panama Jazz Band and excursions as
detailed.) departure it will result in the loss of your deposit. If you cancel between 28-42 days before departure the
charge will be 30% of the cost of your holiday. Between 14-27 days it is 45%, 7-13 days in 60% and 1-6 days it
Single supplement (cabin & hotel room) £110 will be 100%. Some of these charges may be recoverable if you have taken out insurance but will be refunded
by the Insurance company and not Wessex Con�nental. The contract is governed by English Law. This
Pick up points: Bath-Bristol-Gordano-Exeter-Newton Abbot-Plymouth programme was produced in October 2020.
18 19Wessex Con�nental Booking Form Wessex Con�nental Booking Form
Your Non refundable deposit of £50 per person should accompany this form or £20 deposit for weekend trips. Your Non refundable deposit of £50 per person should accompany this form or £20 deposit for weekend trips.
Tour Title No of Days Departure date Tour Title No of Days Departure date
From 2013 it will be necessary to supply us with more detailed personal informa�on to gain entry to France From 2013 it will be necessary to supply us with more detailed personal informa�on to gain entry to France
and Spain. We will need to know your full name; date of birth and na�onality in order to pass this on to the and Spain. We will need to know your full name; date of birth and na�onality in order to pass this on to the
Border authori�es in each country. We regret this intrusion and despair at the extra work entailed but we have Border authori�es in each country. We regret this intrusion and despair at the extra work entailed but we have
no choice in the ma�er. no choice in the ma�er.
Mr/Mrs/Miss First name Surname DOB Na�onality Type of Room Joining Point Mr/Mrs/Miss First name Surname DOB Na�onality Type of Room Joining Point
Special Requests: Special Requests:
Please note the request cannot be guaranteed but will be forwarded to the Hotels etc concerned. (i.e. Cabin Please note the request cannot be guaranteed but will be forwarded to the Hotels etc concerned. (i.e. Cabin
Upgrade; Dietary constraints) Upgrade; Dietary constraints)
Address to which all correspondence and travel documents will be sent: Address to which all correspondence and travel documents will be sent:
Address: Address:-
Post code:
Post code:
REMITTANCE ENCLOSED
REMITTANCE ENCLOSED
Deposit / Full amount _____ @ £ ____ TOTAL=
Deposit / Full amount _____ @ £ ____ TOTAL=
On behalf of the above named persons I confirm that I have read the booking terms & condi�ons detailed in
the current brochure. (Please print name)
On behalf of the above named persons I confirm that I have read the booking terms & condi�ons detailed in
Signed: the current brochure. (Please print name)
Signed:
Telephone No: Emergency No:
Signature __________________________________________________________________ Telephone No: Emergency No:
Signature __________________________________________________________________
A £50 deposit is required per person and a Confirma�on will be sent as soon as it is received. Thank you. A £50 deposit is required per person and a Confirma�on will be sent as soon as it is received. Thank you.
20 PAYMENT PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND US A CHEQUE OR PHONE US WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT PAYMENT PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND US A CHEQUE OR PHONE US WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT 21
CARD DETAILS CARD DETAILSWessex Con�nental Booking Form
Your Non refundable deposit of £50 per person should accompany this form or £20 deposit for weekend trips.
Tour Title No of Days Departure date
From 2013 it will be necessary to supply us with more detailed personal informa�on to gain entry to France
and Spain. We will need to know your full name; date of birth and na�onality in order to pass this on to the
Border authori�es in each country. We regret this intrusion and despair at the extra work entailed but we have
no choice in the ma�er.
Mr/Mrs/Miss First name Surname DOB Na�onality Type of Room Joining Point
Special Requests:
Please note the request cannot be guaranteed but will be forwarded to the Hotels etc concerned. (i.e. Cabin
Upgrade; Dietary constraints)
Address to which all correspondence and travel documents will be sent:
Address:-
Post code:
REMITTANCE ENCLOSED
Deposit / Full amount _____ @ £ ____ TOTAL=
On behalf of the above named persons I confirm that I have read the booking terms & condi�ons detailed in
the current brochure. (Please print name)
Signed:
Telephone No: Emergency No:
Signature __________________________________________________________________
A £50 deposit is required per person and a Confirma�on will be sent as soon as it is received. Thank you.
PAYMENT PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND US A CHEQUE OR PHONE US WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT
CARD DETAILSWessex Con�nental Travel Ltd 1 King Edward Road Saltash Cornwall PL12 4EQ Tel: 01752 - 846880 Website: www.wessexcon�nental.co.uk
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