Explore the rich history of Norwich before experiencing Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes by heritage railway and riverboat, discovering historic towns and hidden treasures along the way

Your holiday begins in the cathedral city of Norwich, the historic capital of Norfolk, where you meet the Tour Manager at our hotel. After checking in, you're free to explore at your own pace.

Wander the city's medieval cobbled streets and admire the architecture from across the ages. With Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon roots, Norwich boasts a rich blend of half-timbered houses, Georgian and Victorian terraces, and medieval buildings. The River Wensum flows through the city centre and leads to the Romanesque castle, constructed under order from William the Conqueror after the Norman conquest.

Norwich's Cathedral Quarter is home to a bustling marketplace, while the Art Nouveau Royal Arcade offers charming independent shops. The city also enjoys a vibrant arts scene and rich literary heritage. This evening, we gather at the hotel for our first three-course dinner of the holiday.

Please note: on certain departures, the itinerary may run in a different order.

After breakfast, we transfer to Norwich station for a scenic rail journey along the Bittern Line to Sheringham. From here, we step back in time aboard the heritage North Norfolk Railway* for a picturesque, steam-hauled journey to Holt. The railway is famously known as the Poppy Line because of the vibrant red flowers that spring up along the route during the summer, adding a splash of colour to the countryside views.

After experiencing this slice of railway history, we continue to Sandringham, the beloved royal residence and former country retreat of Queen Elizabeth II. Enjoy time to explore the grand house, its fascinating museum and the beautifully landscaped gardens at your own pace.

We return to our hotel by coach, arriving in the late afternoon with time to relax before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Please note: on the 29th July & 19th August departures, we will visit Blickling Hall instead of Sandringham.

This morning, we set out with a local guide on a walking tour of Norwich's Old Town, uncovering the city's fascinating history. Dominated by its magnificent Anglo-Norman cathedral, Norwich is a striking blend of historic and modern architecture. Its charming streets and open squares reveal medieval churches, museums, public gardens and other hidden gems.

This afternoon is a chance to discover more of Norwich at leisure. Beyond Norwich Cathedral, consider visiting the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Nearby, the Plantation Garden provides a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city with its Gothic-style fountain, fragrant flower beds and Italianate terrace.

After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a relaxed evening. Or if you're feeling inspired, you may be tempted to see a live show at the Theatre Royal, where acclaimed West End shows often grace the stage.

A journey onboard the Mid-Norfolk Railway* awaits after breakfast this morning. A coach transfer takes us to Dereham, where we join the heritage railway for a journey through the picturesque countryside to the market town of Wymondham.

From here our coach takes us to Aylsham, an unspoilt market town where - after free time to grab a bite to eat at the station Whistlestop Café - we board another steam train for a scenic trip on the Bure Valley Railway*. Running through the Bure Valley, this line follows the meandering River Bure, passing serene meadows and the idyllic villages of the Broadland region.

Arriving in the popular waterside village of Wroxham, we have a short transfer to Horning where we experience the Norfolk scenery in a unique way. Stepping aboard a Mississippi paddle boat, we cruise along the Norfolk Broads, renowned for its wonderful landscapes and wildlife. Light refreshments are available on board. After our cruise, we transfer back to our hotel where there's time to relax before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead

From nostalgic journeys on the Mid and North Norfolk Railways to a picturesque cruise along the Norfolk Broads, the natural beauty and character of Norfolk have captivated us with their charm. We've explored the enchanting halls and gardens of Sandringham Estate, uncovered history on a guided tour of Norwich's Old Town and discovered hidden gems at our own pace.

Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Once you have checked out of our hotel, you are free to make your own way home or alternatively, you can continue exploring the area independently.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Running for nine miles through the picturesque Norfolk countryside, the route travels between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads', with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. Throughout, passengers can savour views of the picturesque countryside as the heritage railway follows the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture, stopping occasionally at small country villages.

What better way to discover the idyllic countryside of Norfolk than from the comfortable carriages of the Mid-Norfolk Railway? Covering 11 miles of Norfolk's classic British countryside, this enchanting railway covers some truly beautiful countryside as it curls through forests and meadows between Wymondham and Dereham. Timeless and endearing, the Mid-Norfolk Railway rediscovers the subtle majesty of the Great British outdoors. A variety of heritage railway societies operate on this line, many of which organise heritage train runs and preserve the track for all the passengers who travel on it. The track itself dates all the way back to the 1840s, and many of the stations reflect that time period, hailing from a time where rail travel was king.

The surviving section of the North Norfolk Railway was originally built by the Eastern & Midlands Railway. Trains began to run in 1887, and the route saw very little change for its first half century, before it closed in 1964. Residents believed that the idyllic scenery of the Norfolk Broads would ensure that many visitors would also use the line and, in 1976, it reopened as a heritage line and proved very popular. Soon, it was given the nickname the Poppy Line, thanks to the many flowers the line passes on its scenic route - and this pretty line continues to go from strength to strength.

Located a short walk from the railway station, this 3-Star hotel provides great access to Norwich city centre. Facilities include a lounge, bar and restaurant, while there is also a health and fitness club on site. Air-conditioned guest rooms are well-appointed and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Norwich. Please call us to discuss your requirements.