BLUEBIRD Holidays 2008

Enjoy this unique weekend break as we travel along the “Shakespeare Line” between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, steeped in culture, history and natural beauty. You will be travelling in a historic rail carriage hauled by a heritage steam engine, all restored to their former glory! Experience the sights, sounds and senses of main line steam travel as it was in the good old days. Unlike so many preserved railways, here the locomotive is often allowed to run at full-steam with a maximum permitted speed of 60 mph – it’s exhilarating and a spectacular sight. Places are limited so be sure to book early for this special tour!

Renaissance Hotel, SOLIHULL

1 night stay with Evening Dinner and Breakfast – This 4 star hotel has you ideally situated. Comfortable too, with a level of amenities, stylish decor and attentive service you'd expect from a luxury venue. Stunning guest rooms achieve the perfect balance of comfort and function, and feature luxurious new bedding, private bathroom, air-conditioning, tea tray, satellite tv, hairdryer and minibar. For dining, the 651 Restaurant offers an elegant setting to enjoy beautifully prepared and presented traditional cuisine. To unwind try the indoor pool and spa bath, the gymnasium or simply discuss the days sightseeing and events over a drink in the Warwick Bar.

ITINERARY

SATURDAY – Morning departure from Dorset to Worcester, were we make our stop for lunch. This afternoon continue into Birmingham and a visit to the Tyseley Locomotive Works & Visitor Centre. The home base of The Shakespeare Express, it houses a collection of mainline steam locomotives and is often host to visiting engines. Extensive workshops maintain and restore steam and diesel locos and coaches to Network Rail standards. Later that afternoon continue to our hotel in nearby Solihull with maybe time for a dip in the pool before dinner is served.

SUNDAY – After breakfast make the short drive by coach to Birmingham Snow Hill Station, where we shall be joining the 10:20 departure of the Shakespeare Express – a hour and a quarter main-line journey under steam to Stratford-upon-Avon. Through the carriage windows you will see an ever changing landscape, from Birmingham’s industrial past to Warwickshire’s beautiful countryside. Arrive Stratford at 11:35 – you now have over 4 hours to explore this wonderful town. Why not try the open top bus tour, which provides a commentary and you can get on and off as often as you wish. The return train leaves Stratford at 16:00 (please be prompt) and may reach its maximum permitted speed of 60 mph on the way back to Birmingham! Rejoin the coach for our homeward journey – arriving back in Dorset late that evening.

Tour Price : ONLY £99.00 per person

Optional Travel Insurance Premium : £4.60 Single Room Supplement : £20.00

Price includes: Executive coach travel as itinerary, 1 night half board hotel accommodation, Admission to Tyseley Loco Works, Standard class return fare for The Shakespeare Express, Financial Protection Insurance and VAT.