The Isle of Man is the home of motorcycle racing and as such draws fans of the sport from all over the world.  If you have been nervous about riding motorbikes but have always wanted to  just have a go, at least once, this tour will let you fulfill this dream as passengers on a specially designed 3-seater Trike. The emphasis of this tour is on enjoyment rather than high speed; though when you are traveling at 30 mph it will feel more like 60 mph on the Trike when the wind is blowing through your hair!  You will experience the course that the world’s most daring riders have experienced, though you will not reach the 200 mph+ that they do. You will travel through some very pretty towns and villages, around tight twisty roads, over the renowned Ballaugh Bridge before riding over the spectacular Mountain area. You will have a short stop at the Creg-ny-Baa, before returning to Douglas.

 

Please note: This tour is sold per vehicle with 2 passenger seats available per trike. The route may be altered due to traffic or weather conditions.  This tour cannot operate in heavy rain/high winds. Helmets, jackets, and gloves will be provided.

 

 

 

Depart your yacht this morning and travel via the “Plains of Heaven,” the magnificently scenic elevated highway that bisects the island running east to west, and the Southern Hills which offer panoramic views of the south of the island down to Cregnaesh where you will pause for photographs.  Cregnaesh is the oldest settlement on the Isle of Man, a hamlet of white-washed, stone-walled thatched cottages, just as they were in 1900. Travel to The Sound, the most southerly point of the Island and one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. With excellent views of The Sound and the Calf of Man Nature Reserve, enjoy the sights and sounds of the flourishing Manx ecosystem with its abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. Often seals can be spotted basking on the rocky Kitterland (islet in The Sound) and sometimes dolphins and basking sharks can be seen. Look across to the Calf of Man, a renowned bird sanctuary where many migrating birds stop off for a rest on their journey to or from warmer climates. The visitor centre at The Sound Café provides a wide range of information about the local wildlife and the many wrecks of sunken ships that lie off the shore. Afterwards return to your yacht via the legendary “Fairy Bridge.”  Don’t forget to say Laa Mie (good day) to the fairies!                                    
 
Please note:  This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users as the ground at Cregneash is uneven and sometimes muddy. Any wheelchair guests must be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour.

 

 

This is one of the most beautiful walks on the island, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, bird life and archaeological remains.  Your tour will begin with a 30-minute drive by coach via the famous Fairy Bridge, where according to legend, you should greet ‘the little people’ to ensure a good journey. You will arrive at Castletown, the former capital of the Isle of Man. After a short stop and comfort break at Castletown, your walk will begin following part of the ‘Raad ny Foillan’ (the Way of the Gull). This is the Isle of Man’s long distance coastal footpath around Scarlett Head and here you will have the opportunity to see sea birds, plants, limestone outcrops and volcanic rocks against a backdrop of stunning scenery. This part of the exposed southern coast has an abundance of historic sites. There are traces of ancient forts, chapels, old farms, a WWII radar station and a now disused, flooded quarry which once supplied stone for the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The historic highlights of the walk are at Chapel Hill, Balladoole. Here you will see a Bronze Age burial site, an Iron Age hillfort, a Viking ship burial site and Keeill Vael (St Michael’s Chapel) which has extensive views over the south of the Island and the Iron Age and Norse promontory fort at Close ny Chollagh.  At the conclusion of your walk, rejoin the coach and return to Castletown and then on to Douglas via a route with views over ‘the Plains of Heaven’ across the central valley and to the northern hills.

Please note: The route involves crossing several stiles with up to 9 steep wooden steps on both sides and walking on a mix of coastal grassland and farm tracks. This is a coastal location exposed to the weather. Uneven surfaces with occasional rabbit holes which can be slippery when wet and some areas can be muddy. Guests MUST bring warm, waterproof clothing appropriate to the weather on the day, carry water and wear sturdy footwear (boots or trainers / sneakers) with thick tread and ankle support. Walking poles may be helpful, but this route is not suitable for users of wheelchairs, walking sticks or other walking aids.This is a walking tour and is not suitable for guests with limited walking or walking aids.

Departing from the pier, take a scenic drive to Castletown and enjoy a visit to the magnificent Castle Rushen which stands alongside the harbor. Castle Rushen is one of the best examples of a medieval castle in Europe and was the former seat of the Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle’s oldest part dating back to the time of Magnus, the last Norse King of Mann, who died here in 1266. The exact date when the Castle was built is unknown, though it is believed to be around 1200. Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings, wall hangings and medieval speech bringing the Castle's medieval and 17th century periods to life. Following your visit of the Castle, time permitting, you will enjoy some free time before re-joining your coach for the short transfer to Castletown station. Board the vintage steam train for a delightful and traditional journey to Douglas.  Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the Island’s oldest Victorian rail impressive Victorian terminus in Douglas and re-join your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users as the rooms of the castle can only be accessed by stairs, some of which are narrow and spiral.Order of the tour may be reversed i.e. train first then Castle Rushen.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, and English-speaking driver/guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.
 
Please note:  Capacity: 1-3 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, and English-speaking driver/guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with driver/guide as long as it does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

 

 

 

Your tour today begins with a panoramic tour of the city of Edinburgh. See the Georgian Architecture of the New Town, Princes Street and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots and is now the King’s official residence in Edinburgh.  Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle. This majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colorful history, is the best known and most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. Also take the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. You will be transferred to the airport.

Please note:  Bring local currency, a light jacket or cardigan as it can be windy at Edinburgh Castle. Any guests with limited mobility wishing to see the Crown Jewels can ask for a guide to take them up in the lift instead of the stairs.  Airport drop off for guests with flights no later than 3:00PM.       

 

 

Your tour today begins with a panoramic tour of the city of Edinburgh. See the Georgian Architecture of the New Town, Princes Street and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots and is now the King’s official residence in Edinburgh.  Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle. This majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colorful history, is the best known and most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. Also take the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. You will be transferred to the Windstar-appointed hotel.

 

Please note:  Bring local currency,  a light jacket or cardigan as it can be windy at Edinburgh Castle. Any guests with limited mobility wishing to see the Crown Jewels can ask for a guide to take them up in the lift instead of the stairs.