Artistic Umbria
A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 537290
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 537290
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Enjoy the highlights of England’s smallest island county.
South East England
Coast & Islands
Culture
Landscape
Jul
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
The Isle of Wight is a haven for walkers with over half of the island designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This small yet scenic destination is just 23 miles from west to east and 13 miles north to south, offering over more than 500 miles of marked footpaths and a coastline of peaceful sandy beaches.
You'll stay in the small town of Cowes, located on the northern tip of the island. This charming town is home to the oldest and largest sailing regatta in the world, known as Cowes Week. The sea comes alive with glamorous yachts during this prestigious event.
During your stay on the island, take in a selection of delightful villages and harbour towns including Yarmouth, Godshill and Newport.
Enjoy moments of relaxation at the scenic Freshwater Bay and explore the National Nature Reserve. Get your cameras ready at the famous and picture-perfect Alum Bay, as we follow coastal paths along its multicoloured sand cliffs to see the impressive Needles.
You'll visit fascinating English Heritage and National Trust properties, and take enjoyable boat rides to Newport and East Cowes. With gentle guided walks, you'll uncover the best parts of the Isle of Wight.
Making the most of the island's excellent public bus network, we encourage you to bring your bus pass. Considering the unpredictable British weather, your group leader may arrange alternative activities, or you can choose to explore independently. This Isle of Wight walking holiday promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation in a rambler's paradise.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
50150
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
You stay in the town of Cowes, located on the northern tip of the Isle of Wight. It is a quaint town filled with independent shops, boat shops, pubs, speciality restaurants and mini supermarkets. It is surrounded by fine waterside views along with beaches. It is home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world, known as Cowes week, where the sea is filled with glamorous yachts. Cowes is twinned with East Cowes, accessible by chain ferry.
You stay half board at the three star New Holmwood Hotel. With just 26 en-suite rooms, this comfortable hotel includes a restaurant with sea views, and a bar with easy access to the main promenade of Cowes and the waterfront.
You stay in standard double or twin bedded rooms which include the following facilities:
Trip Information
All Adagio holidays are expertly designed to allow you to immerse yourself in the destination. Leisurely exploration of the must-see, as well as lesser known, highlights together with relaxed enjoyment of local food and wines is what we have in mind.
There may be days of sightseeing on foot around a spectacular city or unchallenging strolls on easy terrain in open countryside interspersed with winery visits, guided tours, boat trips, cafe stops and traditional restaurants.
This Grade 2 holiday includes a busy sightseeing programme with longer days than some Adagio holidays. Some of the walks on this holiday include steep paths, ascents and descents on steps and cobbled paths. Although some of these ascents and descents are steep, they are also short. Walks are between 2-5 miles, with between 50-260m ascent and descent. The maximum altitude on this holiday is 233m.
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
We include the local travel costs and use private hire coaches, local buses, boats and a chain ferry. Our Adagio Leader will arrange everything. You just need to be at the right place at the right time.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Getting to your Holiday
Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00pm. Your Leader will meet with you prior to your evening dinner for a group welcome meeting. Your Leader will also offer a local walk in the afternoon, leaving at 4:00pm.
Travel by Ferry
There are a number of Isle of Wight ferry crossings (including vehicle ferry crossings) each day from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. The main links operate for passengers into Cowes, East Cowes, Ryde, Fishbourne and Yarmouth. Cowes is the most suitable arrival port as this is where your hotel is located. More information about ferries can be found at Visit of Isle of Wight, Wight Link and Red Funnel.
Travel by Rail
There are reliable rail connections to all the major ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.
Travel by Bus
The bus stations at Southampton and Portsmouth are a short distance from the passenger ferries meaning you can use coach travel from any connecting diestination. There are “all in one” tickets available which include coach travel to the port, ferry travel and a connecting bus service once you arrive on the island.
Travel by Air
Bournemouth and Southampton airports provide a short connection to the ferry ports. You will need to use a ferry to travel to the Isle of Wight.
The hotel has a car park with free parking. If you are not bringing your own vehicle, you may wish to arrange a taxi from the ferry port to the hotel. We suggest you pre-book a taxi such as Cowes Taxi's 01983 294444 or TJ Taxi Services 01983 520274.
Route planning to and from Cowes:
The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find the hotel.
An excellent website to assist in your travel plans is Rome2Rio.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
Breakfast and dinners are taken in the hotel’s restaurant where local dishes are cooked from fresh locally sourced ingredients. Lunches are not included in the holiday price.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Holiday Specific Kit
In addition, we recommend that you bring a flask with you on your walks each day. Due to the time of year, it is sensible to bring a hot drink out with you to help keep warm.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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