THE AMAZING THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

WHAT’S INCLUDED

2 days 1 night duration

Departing on 24th November 2010

Return Executive Coach Travel

Local pick up points

1 night half board at the 3* Best Western Knights Hill Hotel in Kings Lynn

All rooms with private en suite facilities

Included performance of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular with pre-booked tickets on Wednesday 24th November

Included itinerary (+ 1 lunch) as outlined   overleaf

BEST WESTERN KNIGHTS HILL HOTEL

Formerly a traditional working farm. Extensive original buildings now blend with new facilities creating an ideal location within easy reach of King's Lynn, Sandringham and the North Norfolk coast. The hotel's extensive grounds compliment the property's relaxing and informal atmosphere. Just in case you have any spare time the hotel has some wonderful facilities including a gym, a swimming pool, sauna + spa pool and of course a lovely restaurant and bar. Bedrooms are all en-suite and have hairdryers, T.V.  

PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Price based on 45 passengers £164.00pp Twin share
Price based on 40 passengers £169.00pp Twin share
Price based on 35 passengers £174.00pp Twin share
Single supplement  £12.00pp (limited availability)
Deposit (non-refundable) £50.00pp
Balance due in full by 18.10.10
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SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Departing this morning, our journey takes us towards the historic city of Cambridge, home of the famous University, carols in King's College Chapel and punting on the river Cam. Cambridge is a compact cosmopolitan city with outstanding architecture both old and new & the beauty of its ancient centre is preserved with its walkable medieval streets, college courts, gardens and bridges. This city is a delight to visit in any season: relax in its many pubs, restaurants and cafes or explore the independent shops around the historic market place. Departing here we continue onto Kings Lynn where having checked in, you will have an early dinner before we depart for your included evening performance of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular with pre booked tickets. You will be returned to the hotel later this evening.

Day 2 - Today you will have some free time in the historic medieval port of King's Lynn. The town is now a treasure trove for history lovers with narrow streets and handsome merchant houses in the old town, the only surviving Hanseatic warehouse in the country and plenty of fascinating visitor attractions to help bring the olden days alive.

We then depart, retracing our steps making a lunch stop en route in Thetford, as we follow the Dad's Army Trail. Written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. 'Dad's Army' started in 1967 and Thetford was chosen because the BBC had obtained permission to film at a Stanford Practical Training area. Apart from the occasional bomb going off or overhead jet aircraft, filming could go ahead undisturbed. The stars would come to Thetford for six weeks at a time, staying in the Bell and Anchor Hotels. This was usually in April or May each year until the last series in 1977. The very first scene from the first episode 'The Man and the Hour' was filmed inside the Anchor Hotel, in the 'Norvic Room', which is now a dining area. Here you will be given a 90 minute guided tour of the town finishing at the Bell hotel, for an included lunch before continuing our journey homeward, arriving back at your original departure point(s) later in the day.

Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

THE RHINE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
& SHOPPING CRUISE

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Departures in  November & December
From 4 days 3 nights duration
Return executive coach travel (flight and rail options are also available)
Selected local pick up points
Return Eurotunnel/short ferry crossings
Twin share cabins with private en-suite facilities on board the MV Virginia
Full board including breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning  coffee & afternoon teas
A Christmas theme on board with a visit from Santa including 1 night of live entertainment & other nights with music & dancing.

M.V. Virginia is stylishly furnished and decorated, with lounge and pleasant bar, a dance floor on the promenade deck and a superbly appointed restaurant. The twin bedded cabins are all tastefully decorated, comfortable and are outward facing. Each cabin has private facilities including a shower, hand basin & toilet as well as  satellite TV with in house movies. The boat will be decorated in festive Christmas regalia and you will also be visited by Santa on one evening.  Dinner (which may be buffet style) will be served in the restaurant once you have had time to freshen up.

SAMPLE 5 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 The coach will depart from your allocated pick up point and take the Eurotunnel/ferry to France and on to Cologne, where you will board the M.V. Virginia later this afternoon

Day 2 You will begin the cruise down the mighty Rhine from Cologne to Konigswinter at the foot of the Siebengebirge (7 mountains). The Drachenfels, literally translated as ‘Dragon Rock’ dominates the skyline at over 1010 ft and perched on top is Trutzburg castle. There is a funicular cog railway (the oldest in Germany) from town to the summit. After lunch on board you will have the afternoon to discover the town. You might like to take the cog railway up the Drachenfels (not included), as well as visit the Lord Byron square and wine fountain before boarding the cruiser in time to freshen up before dinner

Day 3 After breakfast you continue to the beautiful city of Koblenz. The history of the city dates back to 9 B.C, which was when the city was founded and named "Castrum ad Confluentes" meaning "at the confluence". You will be given a guided walking tour of the city centre and have time to explore Koblenz at your leisure this afternoon. We highly recommend a journey to Ehrenbreitstein fortress that provides wonderful views over the Rhine as well as the ‘Deutsches Eck’ at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers

Day 4 You will depart from Koblenz this morning arriving back in Cologne in the afternoon. You will have time to explore the ancient city, named after the Roman Emperor "Colonia Claudia Ara Aggrippinsum". Present day Cologne still remains as one of the most important centres of Europe. Despite being partially destroyed during the air-raids of hte second world war, many of the cities ancient buildings, incuding the stunning cathedral remain to this day, which are well worth a visit.

Day 5 After disembarking you will travel into the southern most region of Holland and spend some time in the pretty town of Valkenburg.  You will have time for some lunch (not included) before returning via Eurotunnel/ferry to your original departure point later in the day.
Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control

SHANKLIN & THE WONDERFUL ISLE OF WIGHT

WHAT’S INCLUDED
·    4 days 3 nights duration
·    Departing on Friday February
     25th  2011
·    Return Executive Coach Travel
·    Local pick up points
·    3 nights half board
     accommodation at the
     Medehamstede Hotel in             
     Shanklin
·    All rooms with private en suite
     facilities
·    House entertainment on most evenings
·    Included excursion programme (see itinerary overleaf)

THE MEDEHAMSTEDE HOTEL SHANKLIN
he Medehamstede Hotel is a family owned hotel, with a friendly atmosphere. It is situated in attractive gardens and close by is the cliff lift giving easy access to the esplanade and beach, the town of Shanklin and the famous Old Village.....all of which are within easy walking distance. The dining room is spacious, light and airy, and has a good reputation for its food. The hotel has 53 bedrooms, all en-suite which have tea and coffee making facilities, colour televisions, radio alarm clocks and hair dryers. Some of the rooms have superb sea views. The bar area is the heart of the hotel in the evenings, offering regular entertainment. It has an excellent team of staff, who are always prepared to "go the extra mile’.
         
PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Price based on 45 passengers £149.00pp Twin share
No single supplement - limited availability on request
Deposit (non-refundable) £ 40.00pp
Balance due in full by 10.01.11
Insurance if required is £18.00pp (no upper age limit - NO MEDICAL SCREENING IS REQUIRED)

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Departing your pick up point this morning, we travel west, making a stop en route at the living history museum of Milestones (entrance included). Imagine an open-air museum inside a massive modern building… a network of streets with shops, a village green and even a pub... dating from Victorian times and the 1930s… it's fun... a surprise around every corner! You will have a couple of hours at your leisure here and you will also be able to purchase lunch in the fully licensed Milestones Cafe and quench your thirst in the Baverstock Arms, an Edwardian pub. From here we continue on to the coast for your mid afternoon crossing to the Isle of Wight and the Medehamstede Hotel in Shanklin. Having checked in and freshened up, dinner is included this evening.
Day 2 – Included today is a full day guided tour of many of the sights on the island, during which we will visit the Needles and various other places of interest. We will also visit Arreton Barns Craft Village & the pretty village of Godshill during the day. We return to the hotel for a leisurely evening + entertainment.
Day 3 – Today we start with a visit to Osborne House where entrance & a guided tour is included. This was Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea and after first visiting Osborne House, England’s longest-reigning monarch wrote: ‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot’. Look out for Victorian opulence, extravagant interiors, and jaw-dropping Indian décor in the Durbar Room. However, Osborne was also built as a family home and as you walk through the Queen’s bedroom, the nursery rooms and even royal bathrooms, you get an intimate glimpse into royal family life. There are acres of grounds and gardens to relax in, horse and carriage rides to take and a delightful restaurant and café. It is not surprising that Osborne House, come rain or shine, is one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions. This afternoon we travel on to the famous Waltzing Waters where a 40 minute performance is included of the world's most elaborate water, light & music production! Visitors are overwhelmed by thousands of dazzling patterns of synchronised moving water! Our last visit of the day is to the pretty ‘chocolate box’ village of Shanklin. Here you will have some free time before we return to the hotel for your evening meal and entertainment.
Day 4 - Checking out of the hotel after breakfast we take a mid morning crossing back to the mainland as we then travel to Chichester. Compact and intimate, with Roman walls and a medieval heart, Chichester is made for exploring. There’s history on every corner, from the Tudor Market Cross to the Georgian terraces, a stunning backdrop to 21st century life. But Chichester does modern too – Pallant House Gallery's new high-tech, high spec addition to the 18th century townhouse, which was just as cutting edge in its time. You will have free time here to explore and purchase lunch before we continue on to your original departure point(s), arriving back later in the day.

Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

DUTCH BULBS CRUISE & STAY TOUR   

4 days 3 nights
Departing on Friday 01.04.11

Return executive coach
Selected NATIONAL pick up points
Return ferry crossings to Calais

3 nights full board accommodation on the M.V. Virgina - twin share cabins - all lower beds (no bunks) with en suite facilities

Full board includes, morning and afternoon tea / coffee + breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. If the itinerary means that you are not onboard the ship for lunch, then a packed lunch will be provided.

Included excursion package - see itinerary for more details

PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS

Price @ 45pp £319.00pp (twin sharing)
Single cabins are on request only at a supplement of £59.00pp
Deposit of £50.00pp (non refundable)
Balance is due by 11.02.11
Insurance if required is available @ £24.00pp (NO upper age limit but subject to medical screening)

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 - Departing your area, we travel south for the short channel crossing to France this morning. We will make a stop en route in Ostende for you to purchase lunch before continuing onward towards Amsterdam arriving later today, where you board the MV Virgina. The boat is moored in Amsterdam tonight and after dinner you are free to explore the city at your leisure, should you choose to do so.

Day 2 - The boat departs Amsterdam at 8am and travels leisurely north towards the traditional fishing village of Volendam. Legend has it that the Volendam coat of arms is a compliment to the beauty of the Volendam girls ! As a result of its completely insulated location, this village has preserved its character for six centuries and also because of the stubborness and lifestyle of the local fishermen. The characteristic small houses, which together with the canals and the drawbridges form the most picturesque spots, present the visitor with an atmosphere of geniality and romance. We will take you to Simonhoeve this afternoon where the staff are dressed in national costune. They will explain how the famous Dutch cheese is made and afterwards you can visit the big clog where you can see how wooden hand carved shoes are made. You will get to taste some of the traditional farmhouse cheeses and as cheese and wine go together, there is a glass of Dutch fruit wine for everyone. You will return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

Day 3 – Departing Volendam you cruise back to Amsterdam where lunch will be taken on board. This afternoon you are free to explore the city of Amsterdam , maybe visiting the famous Singel canal and its flower market, Dam Palace or the Rijks Museum (extra cost) or explore the shopping street (Kalver Straat) where many bargains can be found. Anne Frank's house is often on the list of places to visit (steep stairs) or you can just soak in the atmosphere of the city in one of the many street cafes that line the squares and streets. This evening you will enjoy an included three-course meal onboard the vessel - a great way to end a memorable day. A pre-bookable optional 2 hour candle-light canal cruise of Amsterdam is available this evening which includes cheese and wine on board (extra cost). This is an excellent opportunity of experiencing the city's sights for yourself and comes highly recommended.  

Day 4. After breakfast it is time to disembark the vessel as we travel south by coach to the famous Keukenhof Gardens for your included visit. Set in 77 acres of wooded parkland, Keukenhof is one of the world's most spectacular flower gardens. Established in 1949 as a showcase for Dutch bulb-growers, every spring more than seven million buds reach to the sky. The growers compete for the most imaginative display, interplanting species for effect. The impact on the eye and nose of overwhelming colour and scent is an unforgettable experience. Japanese cherry trees, azaleas and rhododendrons flower behind the rows of spring bulbs and displays are regularly refreshed with new plantings to ensure a consistently dazzling array. Dramatic competitive flower arrangements are featured in conservatories which also display large collections of orchids and more beds of flowers (useful retreats if the weather is cool or wet). You will have the morning at your leisure here before re-joining the coach early afternoon and travel onto Calais for an early evening crossing back to the UK and then onwards to your original departure points. 

Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.