Cornwall – Falmouth Bay & St Ives

Cornwall – Falmouth Bay & St Ives

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Cornwall – Falmouth Bay & St Ives

5 Days Starting and ending in Falmouth, UK

Visiting: Falmouth, Mevagissey, The Lost Gardens Heligan, Tintagel Castle, Padstow, Saint Michael's Mount, Cornwall, St Ives, Falmouth Bay

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

UKCW5

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:

English

Tour Overview

This varied tour combines the incredible highlights of Cornwall in just a short break, featuring the incredible Tintagel Castle, Lost Gardens of Heligan and St Michael's Mount. With a unique geographical setting, the river Tamar sets Cornwall apart from the rest of England, giving the locals a real sense of identity and belonging. Cornwall is blessed with both stunning natural features and a colourful history of maritime trade and smuggling. As well as these impressive coastlines, characterful little harbours and fishing villages, we will be sure to immerse ourselves in what it means to be Cornish. Imagine experiencing time-honoured Cornish cream tea overlooking the harbour or visiting a traditional cyder farm to see how the famous local drink is made.

 

Highlights

  • This varied tour combines the incredible highlights of Cornwall in just a short break, featuring the incredible Tintagel Castle, Lost Gardens of Heligan and St Michaelâ??s Mount. With a unique geographical setting, the river Tamar sets Cornwall apart from the rest of England, giving the locals a real sense of identity and belonging. Cornwall is blessed with both stunning natural features and a colourful history of maritime trade and smuggling. As well as these impressive coastlines, characterful little harbours and fishing villages, we will be sure to immerse ourselves in what it means to be Cornish. Imagine experiencing time-honoured Cornish cream tea overlooking the harbour or visiting a traditional cyder farm to see how the famous local drink is made.

  • Discover the world class Lost Gardens of Heligan on a guided tour

  • Discover St Michael’s Mount with its imposing medieval castle

  • Visit chic the charming coastal villages of Mevagissey and Padstow

  • Enjoy a visit to a family-run Cornish Cyder Farm with a tour and tasting

  • Enjoy a traditional Cornish cream tea

  • Explore spectacular Tintagel Castle

Itinerary

Expand All

DAY 1

Location: Falmouth

Accommodation: Hotel

Make your way to your well-appointed hotel in a way to suit you with time to settle in and explore Falmouth. A fantastic coastal town, Falmouth is attractively located at the mouth of the river Fal. Falmouth’s golden age was in the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its deep natural harbour which facilitated trade, and today it is one of the most famous destinations in Cornwall.

The town is conveniently located for exploring the rest of the county too, offering a wealth of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a renowned maritime museum which you can visit during your free time. The beautifully located Pendennis Castle is also worth a visit, with great views of the estuary from the top. Plus of course there are some of Falmouth’s excellent beaches just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. 

DAY 2

Location: Mevagissey, The Lost Gardens Heligan

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, this morning we take a drive to visit the world-class Lost Gardens of Heligan. These are amongst the finest gardens in England but they were rediscovered relatively recently, as they had been ‘lost’ since the start of WWI until a door in the ruins was found, which led to the restoration of this estate in the 1990s. There really is something for everyone in these gardens, from ornamental gardens to a wild subtropical ‘jungle’, so we will have a guided tour followed by free time to explore – you could easily spend the whole day in this captivating yet tranquil space.

We will then head to the nearby fishing village of Mevagissey, a picturesque spot for a leisurely lunch or a coffee overlooking the harbour. This small village is a maze of quaint, narrow streets, nevertheless Mevagissey is still one of the biggest fishing ports in Cornwall.

We will return to Falmouth in the afternoon where we will end our first day with a Cornish classic – cream tea at the hotel, with beautiful views over the bay. Just remember that the traditional Cornish method is to put jam first on your scone, followed by cream!

DAY 3

Location: Tintagel Castle, Padstow

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning a scenic drive awaits as we make our way to Tintagel Castle, set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. As the silhouette comes into view, you’ll begin to understand why this is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular historic sites in England. Tintagel Castle became famous for its links with King Arthur in the 12th century, when Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed that King Arthur was conceived there.
We will have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery and coastline that surrounds it, and we include a visit to the castle, now made more easily accessible thanks a new bridge which was completed in 2019. Centuries of erosion have resulted in the loss of parts of the castle and other buildings, eroding the land which divides the island from the mainland, but there are still plenty of medieval remains to be explored. For keen walkers, you can also walk along the coastal path for stunning views of the castle and dramatic coastline.

We continue to charming Padstow where we have free time for lunch and to explore. Padstow is an old fishing port but over recent years it has become one of Cornwall’s ‘trendiest’ destinations and is now filled with restaurants and chic boutiques. Some of this development is also thanks to its links with Rick Stein, who owns several establishments in the village, including restaurants, hotels, shops and pubs, so you will really be spoilt for choice here! Or for people who just want to get away from the bustle of the town, there is a huge sandy beach just a 10-minute walk from the harbour.

DAY 4

Location: Saint Michael's Mount, Cornwall, St Ives

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

 

History fans may recognise St Michael’s Mount as the famous tidal island boasting a medieval castle, linked to Marazion by a man-made causeway. This morning we drive to Marazion for a view of this intriguing part of the world. Enjoy a scenic walk across, or reach by boat during high tide, to enjoy a coffee on the terrace overlooking the causeway. Or perhaps visit the majestic castle and its terraced gardens (gardens are only open during specific times of the year), which is free for National Trust members.

We then continue to St Ives for lunch and free time. St Ives is renowned for its sandy beaches and there is a truly ‘arty’ atmosphere here thanks to the thriving artistic community, with interesting galleries and shops, plus of course Tate St Ives.

In the afternoon we will call at a Cornish Cyder Farm to enjoy a tour and tasting. Spelt with a 'y' in the traditional way, this fine product is created from a single pressing, like virgin olive oil. This is a family-run farm located in the Cornish countryside, they have been making cyders, wines, spirits and more for nearly 40 years - they even became Cornwall’s first distillery for 300 years. We will find out more about their success story and how their dreams of hand-pressing apples became reality after they bought a 150-year-old farm back to life, bought a 16th-century press and turned their passion into great local products. 

DAY 5

Location: Falmouth Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast

If you have time, why not stop to the pretty village of St Mawes before returning? Famous for its whitewashed buildings and beautiful location with views over Falmouth Bay, this is a great place for one more leisurely cream tea in one of the establishments facing the harbour.

What's Included

  • Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel

  • Covid Cancellation protection included as standard

  • Discover the world class Lost Gardens of Heligan on a guided tour

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What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Sharon Wal (Google Reviewer)  

Riviera are amazing attention to...

24-Mar-2025

Riviera are amazing attention to detail fantastic, staff and crew can't do enough for you. Food excellent drinks package great, cannot fault, definitely cruise with them again

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

David Chard (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

06-Feb-2025

We have just returned from the most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka is such a fascinating place to visit; the people, the sights, the food, the wildlife are extraordinary. Riviera have created a super itinerary which includes notable sights including visits to an Elephant Sanctuary and Yala National Park, whilst staying at top notch hotels. The Maldives leg - 7 days on a boat visiting numerous deserted islands and sandbanks, night time fishing expeditions, snorkelling, barbecue on the beach etc.....it was simply out of this world. i cannot praise Riviera too highly. Thank you.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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