A Tale of Two Cities
Manchester vs Liverpool - the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England.
Manchester vs Liverpool - the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England.
Manchester vs Liverpool – the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England. Although only 30 miles apart both have a strong sense of civic pride, fierce identities, vastly differing dialects and a wealth of unique tourist attractions. It can be difficult to choose one of them over the other, so we have included both in this new holiday which showcases their fascinating history, bucket loads of cultural attractions, architectural highlights and a renowned hospitality. We haven’t forgotten the surrounding countryside either, and plan to explore the rural delights by means of steam train and barge cruise giving a richer experience of this unique region.
Itinerary
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways with comfort breaks as appropriate to arrive Bolton that afternoon. After checking in and porterage of bags enjoy a 3 course dinner in the restaurant.
Tuesday - Manchester: Enjoy a panoramic coach tour of this great city. You will see Britain's grandest town hall, the world's first railway station, Chinatown, Salford Quays, iconic football stadiums, historic cotton warehouses and Coronation Street locations. A local guide will regale us with facts, history and stories. This afternoon we board a boat cruise on The Manchester Ship Canal - travelling through locks and under bridges through the heart of the North West's industrial past with a commentary of the history and points of interest.
Wednesday - Enjoy stunning scenery and traditional market towns as we ride on the East Lancashire Railway from Bury to Rawtenstall and back - 12 miles behind a thundering steam locomotive in effortless elegance and style. Later we drive to Whalley Bridge on the Upper Peak Forest Canal, where we board a 72 foot long canal barge for a cruise through outstanding countryside. Take in views of the Goyt Valley and surrounding uplands and wave at those walking the tow path. A day of nostalgia, scenic beauty and tranquillity to contrast your city experiences.
Thursday - Liverpool: Experience the city from both water and land! First we join a 50 minute cruise with the iconic Mersey Ferries to take in incredible views of Liverpool's world famous waterfront - learn about the city's maritime history and rich musical heritage as you sit back and relax. Later we switch to an open-top double-deck bus which will show us some of the city landmarks, including the Royal Albert Dock, Cavern Quarter, Chinese Arch and Cathedrals. A commentary brings it all to life. There is time to make your own discoveries this afternoon.
Friday - We head homewards with fond memories of two contrasting yet equally fascinating and welcoming cities. Returning to Dorset by early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Last Drop Village Hotel, Bolton
Ideally situated just 30 mins from Manchester and an hours drive from Liverpool, the hotel is set in parkland with views across the Pennine Moors. A large 4 star hotel which has been developed from a collection of 17th century farmhouses, it offers 135 luxury bedrooms. All are equipped with private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, telephone, TV, iron, safe, tea tray and free wifi. The Courtyard Restaurant serves traditional British cuisine and the adjacent bar offers a range of cocktails, snacks and beverages. There is a fully equipped leisure centre for guests use featuring an indoor pool, gym, steam/sauna and jacuzzi.
TOUR PRICE : £549.00 Per Person Single room supplement: £110.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Manchester guide services, Manchester Ship Canal cruise, East Lancs Railway fare, Peak Forest Canal cruise, Mersey Ferry cruise, Open-top bus tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
