Journey through the idyllic landscapes of the Isle of Man aboard heritage railways and explore the rich Celtic culture of this scenic island

Your Isle of Man holiday starts by meeting the Tour Manager in Heysham, Lancashire. Here, we board the early afternoon ferry to the Isle of Man.

As we sail across the Irish Sea, you could look out for seabirds and possibly dolphins, along with glimpses of the island. Enjoy views of the Isle of Man's rolling landscapes as we are transferred by coach to our historic hotel in Douglas where we spend the next five nights.

Set a short distance from the seafront, the hotel has been a popular landmark in Douglas for more than a century and is the perfect base to explore the many attractions of the island. We gather for dinner this evening, and every night of our holiday, at the hotel restaurant.

This morning, we transfer to the station and board the Isle of Man Steam Railway for a journey along the stunning southwest coast. Passing seaside towns and fishing villages, we reach the town of Port Erin, set in a beautiful bay.

After some free time in Port Erin, we continue by coach around the headland to see the Calf of Man, a small island located at the southern tip of the Isle of Man. There's time at a wonderful viewing spot to absorb vistas of craggy cliffs and the small green island. At lunchtime, we arrive in Castletown, the island's ancient capital, where you are free to explore independently. Entry is included at The Old House of Keys - the former meeting place of the Manx parliament. Built in the 19th century, the house has been restored to its former glory and displays original furnishings, portraits and documents. During free time, you could visit the imposing medieval fortress, Castle Rushen, in its walled enclosure above the harbour.

We are transferred back to our hotel with time to unwind before dinner.

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

After breakfast this morning, your first stop is Tynwald Hill in the village of St John's. Here, our driver shares some insight into the village's history before continuing to the traditional fishing port of Peel.

There is time at leisure to explore Peel and you could visit its 11th-century castle or the House of Manannan. This museum showcases the island's rich history and culture through interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and stunning artefacts. Later, we head to the charming coastal town of Ramsey. There's time to look around its picturesque harbour or wander its quaint streets before you board the Manx Electric Railway back to Douglas.

Our journey back takes us through glorious countryside, across gorse-topped along the island's rugged coastline. This evening, we enjoy dinner back at our hotel.

Today, we hop aboard the Manx Electric Railway on a scenic journey to the fishing village of Laxey. Here, we experience the Snaefell Mountain Railway - the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

The railway takes us through beautiful landscapes and steep gradients up to the summit. From here, the views are glorious and, on a clear day, it is possible to view England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. After our scenic trip up the mountain, there's time at leisure to explore the village of Laxey. You could visit the Laxey Wheel, known locally as 'Lady Isabella'. This is the world's largest working water wheel and stands as testament to the engineers of bygone times. You could also wander along the river or stop for lunch at one of the harbour cafés or restaurants.

You are free to travel back to Douglas on the Manx Electric Railway at your leisure in time for dinner.

A day to discover the Isle of Man at your own pace awaits after breakfast this morning. With your 5-day Heritage Pass, there are countless things to do in the town of Douglas or beyond. The Manx Museum is a top attraction, displaying Viking treasures to wartime memorabilia. You could also visit the town's Villa Marina & Gaiety Theatre Complex on the seafront for a tour of the historic theatre.

On the outskirts of the town is Summerhill Glen, where you could walk up to a waterfall. If you'd like some sea air and a stroll along a beach, the island has 24 to choose from. The towns of Ramsey, Port Erin and Peel are also known for their expansive stretches of sandy beaches which can be reached by bus with your 5-day pass. You could also use your pass to take another independent trip on one of the Isle of Man railways.

This evening, dinner is served at our hotel on last night of our tour of this unique island.

The Isle of Man has revealed its blend of charm and unique culture, while fantastic views have been enjoyed while riding narrow-gauge railways and ascending to the summit of Snaefell. Picture-perfect port towns have also been explored during visits to Castletown and Peel.

After breakfast this morning, it's time to make our way to Douglas' Sea Terminal for the ferry back to Heysham. Docking in the Lancastrian port, your holiday to the Isle of Man concludes and you can begin your journey home.

Please be advised that, depending on departure date, this itinerary may run in a different order and the events of certain days may be reversed.

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

The narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway runs over a 15.3-mile route between Douglas, the island's capital, and Port Erin. The line was originally opened for service in the 1870s and is just a small section of what was once a much larger network of railway lines which connected many towns and villages on the Isle of Man. Passengers on the Isle of Man Steam Railway are taken on a scenic journey through verdant countryside and along the spectacular southern coastline in vintage carriages hauled by original steam locomotives bought for the railway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Manx Electric Railway is recognised as the longest narrow-gauge vintage railway in the British Isles at 17 miles long. The railway runs from Douglas to Ramsey and includes a stop in Laxey for connections with the Snaefell Mountain Railway. The railway takes passengers through beautiful countryside, across gorse-topped hills and along the stunning east coast in original rolling stock - widely acclaimed to be the oldest working tramcars in the world.

Travel the tracks of history on the vintage Snaefell Mountain Railway, aboard delightful wooden-bodied railcars dating back to 1895. The only electric mountain railway in the British Isles enjoys panoramic views of Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England on a clear day and connects the village of Laxey with the summit of Snaefell, where your journey is rewarded with a quaint café to savour the view and a snack before another scenic journey back down.

The 3-Star Ascot Hotel is a historic hotel in a central position on Douglas Bay, 100 yards from the seafront in delightful Douglas. The restaurant serves delicious local and international cuisine, while the bar offers a wide selection of drinks and cocktails. There is a lounge area that's perfect for relaxing with a drink or enjoying afternoon tea. The spacious and stylish guestrooms are equipped with a flat screen television, a desk, ironing facilities, a tea & coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi.

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