The Peak District

Our holiday begins in the historic city of Derby where we meet up with our Tour Manager and the rest of our group at our hotel in the Cathedral Quarter this afternoon. Perfectly placed for exploring the main attractions of the Peak District, you are free to start getting to know the local area at your own pace.

Derby is described as a 'city in the countryside' and if you fancy a stroll, you could visit the first public-owned urban park in Britain - the wonderful Derby Arboretum, a vast open space within a mile of the city. Or you could choose to meander along the riverbank of the Derwent. The Cathedral District is a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and cafés where you might like to stop for a cup of tea this afternoon.

Tonight and each evening of our tour, dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

• Dinner

Today we discover Bakewell, the capital of the Peak District, on the banks of the River Wye. After breakfast, we travel by coach to this characterful market town, where you are free to explore. You'll find bakeries with many tempting treats including the famous Bakewell tart, impressive stone buildings, and historic alms houses.

Our next visit is to Chatsworth House. This stately home, set in acres of parkland, has been the residence of the Cavendish family since 1549 and was the inspiration behind Pemberley in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

With entry included, you're at leisure to look around Chatsworth's regal halls, grand corridors, and opulent staterooms. There are several restaurants and cafés to choose from for lunch, including the Chatsworth Farm Shop Café. You could also wander through the grounds of the estate. The historic 105-acre garden was established in 1555, and is known for its unusual water features, a remodelled Rock Garden, sculptures, and the redeveloped Trout Stream and Jack Pond. Later, our coach transfers us back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we transfer to the elegant spa town of Buxton where - at the town's Edwardian opera house - we meet an expert guide who takes us through the town's history, culture, and natural beauty. Hearing tales of the town's Roman origins and its significance as a spa destination along the way, we see the iconic Buxton Crescent with its stunning Georgian architecture, and the peaceful Pavilion Gardens.

After free time over lunch, we transfer to Wirksworth for a roundtrip journey on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway*. Aboard Derbyshire's longest heritage railway, you can gaze out at the rolling hills, farmlands and small villages of picturesque Derbyshire as we pass pretty meadows and sparkling rivers. From Wirksworth, we transfer back to our hotel by coach, with free time before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a journey on the Peak Rail heritage railway. After breakfast, we are transferred to Rowsley South train station by coach to board the steam-hauled preserved railway.

After travelling into delightful Derbyshire countryside by heritage train, we continue by coach to the Peak Village, where there's time to find lunch independently.

Next, we continue with our local guide on a tour of the Peak District by coach, travelling through the valley villages of Baslow and Calver into the dramatic moorlands to Surprise View. This viewpoint is one of the best in the Peak District, sitting just above the village of Hathersage.

We continue through the pretty scenery and picturesque villages of Hope Valley before discovering Castleton and Bradwell. Arriving in Eyam, a quintessential English village of stone cottages and flower-filled gardens, we learn about the town's dark history during 1665. At the end of the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel for the final dinner of our holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast it's time to say our goodbyes as we check out of the hotel in Derby and make our way home. Of course, you may decide to continue exploring the beautiful landscapes and impressive landmarks of the Peak District on your own. Whichever direction you head to next, you're sure to hold on to memories of this unique and scenic region of England.

• Breakfast