A Wonderful Wiltshire Christmas

Your vacation brimming with festivities begins in the cathedral city of Salisbury. Regular rail services travel between London Waterloo and this charming medieval market town and, on arrival, meet the Tour Manager at our Georgian hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the Mercure White Hart Salisbury is our base for this Christmas period and is just five minutes' walk from the 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral.

After checking in, there's time at leisure to get to know the city, and wander the medieval streets which are steeped in history. You could browse the Christmas markets or soak up the festive atmosphere in a cozy bar, enjoying a drink around a crackling log fire. This evening, we sit down to dinner at our hotel.

• Dinner

We get straight into the Christmas spirit after breakfast with a festive wreath-making workshop. Feel free to be as creative as you please, using a selection of berries, dried flowers, and pinecones to build your wreath. To add to the atmosphere, there's mulled wine, Christmas music, and hot chocolate. The wreath you make is yours to take home.

Next, there's time to explore Salisbury independently before an afternoon tour of Salisbury Cathedral. A local guide takes on a private journey of this 900-year-old architectural gem, including a visit to the Chapter House to see one of the only 13th-century copies of the Magna Carta. With time to explore independently, you may choose to visit the cathedral tower (payable on entry).

Later, we drive to the historic stately home of Longleat to experience the fantastic Festival of Lights event. With a different theme each year, the festival features hundreds of lanterns, which illuminate the landscaped grounds. As the winter sun sets, Longleat is transformed into a dazzling wonderland. Back at our hotel, we have a slightly later dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we take a short eight-mile drive to one of England's most famous landmarks, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge. Standing on Salisbury Plain for more than 5000 years, Stonehenge is a wonder to behold and, as our visit coincides with the Winter Solstice, this is sure to be a magical experience.

On arrival there's time to explore the museum before boarding a shuttle bus to this extraordinary neolithic monument. There's time to wonder at the huge sarson stones, weighing over 25 tons each, and to ponder on this awe-inspiring, mysterious locale.

After our trip into prehistoric Britain, we transfer to the small town of Calne for an indulgent experience at the Bowood Hotel & Spa. Here, we are greeted with a glass of prosecco before a festive afternoon tea, with seasonal sandwiches, delicious home-baked scones with mulled fruit jam & clotted cream and delicate pâtisserie made by the skilled pastry chef, alongside freshly brewed tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Arriving back at our hotel in the late afternoon, there's time to relax before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

It's Christmas Eve and the festivities are now in full swing. After breakfast, we drive to Bitton station for a vacation highlight. Boarding a private heritage carriage, exclusive to our group, we journey through the wintry countryside on the Avon Valley festive steam train. Our trip starts with a glass of mulled wine before we take our seats. Once the whistle blows and we leave the station, look out for a light dusting of snow (a special festive feature!) as we set off into picturesque scenery. Regardless of the weather, we will be warm and cozy in our carriage as we enjoy an afternoon tea served at our seats.

Arriving back at our hotel in the late afternoon there's free time before dinner, and you may like to wander around the Christmas Markets in town or warm up in an inviting pub. After dinner, you may choose to attend the Salisbury Cathedral midnight mass, watch the candlelit King's College Carol Service on television, or simply relax with your favorite tipple.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Happy Christmas one and all! With no planned activities today, you can enjoy the day entirely at your own pace, and be as active or relaxed as you wish. Naturally, we have all the Christmas Day meals covered. Once you have enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and opened presents, you might like to take a walk around the town to build up an appetite. Or simply relax in the hotel lounge, enjoying the warmth and festive cheer.

After a traditional Christmas day lunch, you might choose to celebrate in traditional British style by watching the King's Speech, before we start to indulge once again with an evening buffet meal. Ending the day with a final flourish, our Christmas evening buffet includes mini desserts.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There's a slightly later start today, known as Boxing Day in the UK. After breakfast, we head off to the characterful market town of Devizes to visit the Wiltshire Museum.

Here, we are given an exclusive private guided tour followed by time to look around at our own pace. The museum's displays describe Wiltshire's history, ranging from Stonehenge and Roman times to a Saxon Gallery and the story of the formation of the Kingdom of Wessex. After lunch provided by a local café, we visit one of the marvels of ancient Britain - Avebury. This picturesque village is surrounded by the world's largest stone circle. There's free time to explore this mysterious reminder of England's prehistoric past, and you could wander through the monoliths of West Kennet Avenue which connects Avebury Henge with a site known as The Sanctuary.

Once back at the hotel, there's time to unwind before the finale of the vacation, a Boxing Day dinner. We dine together for the final time this evening, enjoying a three-course meal, including chocolate treats.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your festive week in Wiltshire has introduced you to the wonders surrounding the historic city of Salisbury and Devizes. We've witnessed the iconic sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, the magnificent Salisbury cathedral and viewed the magna carta. We've seen the sparkling lights of Longleat and enjoyed a taste of the Wiltshire countryside during our festive experience on a heritage train.

After breakfast, your vacation draws to a close and you are free to check out and make your way to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you might like to continue to explore England and the amazing county of Wiltshire on your own.

• Breakfast