2024 Hovercraft VIP Experience & Maritime Portsmouth

Experience the sheer thrill of a VIP hovercraft 'flight' on the world's longest running commercial foot passenger service, across The Solent to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. This exclusive experience features 360 degree turns, a chance to meet the 'pilot', a close-up tour of this amazing machine and of course, leisure time in Ryde

Continue Hampshire's maritime theme with a day out to England's favourite 'City by the Sea', Portsmouth, with included entrance to the magnificent Spinnaker Tower. There is also a visit to charming Chichester on market day and to the impressive Fishbourne Roman Palace. All this and a fabulous 4* waterside resort hotel on the northern shore of Hayling Island

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Inclusions
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome drink & porterage- Use of hotel leisure facilities & pool- Three included excursions as stated- Hovercraft VIP Experience to Ryde- Visit to Portsmouth- Entrance to Spinnaker Tower- Visit to Chichester- Entrance to Fishbourne Roman Palace

Itinerary
Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, enjoy a scenic drive to the South Coast to arrive late afternoon. Breakfast & dinner included

Days 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions.
Langstone Quays Resort lies between Portsmouth Harbour to the west, and Chichester Harbour to the east. It is a tranquil and beautiful location and a haven for fishing boats, yachting, dinghy sailing, wind-surfing and water skiing

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

Hovercraft VIP Experience to the Isle of Wight
Your unique day out starts at Southsea to check in for your exclusive 'flight' across the Solent. The VIP experience demonstrates the capabilities of the Hovercraft including 360 degree turns, deflating the skirt in the water to 'float like a boat' and a spin around the Solent forts. Upon arrival in Ryde meet the pilot for an external tour of the hovercraft to see how these amazing machines work- up closer than the general public ever gets to see! Then enjoy time at leisure along Ryde's beautiful and inviting beaches or in the town's boutique shops, bars and restaurants before the 10 minutes flight back to the mainland. Time permitting, make a brief stop in Southsea to enjoy the delightful Victorian seafront promenade and Clarence Pier before heading back to the hotel

NB High winds and swells in the Solent may stop operation of the hovercraft service for safety reasons
The hovercraft is fully accessible with ramps and the external tour is all on flat ground. If required, there is also capacity to carry a mobility scooter / wheelchair on board
Charming Chichester & Fishbourne Roman Palace
Enjoy a visit to the historic city of Chichester, the county town of West Sussex. Located at the foot of the South Downs, it is almost entirely encircled by medieval walls. There will be time at leisure to explore the streets of elegant 18th century town houses as well as the magnificent 900-year-old Norman Cathedral. Don't forget Wednesday is market day! In the afternoon continue to Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens which houses the largest collection of Roman mosaic floors in Britain.which houses the largest collection of Roman mosaic floors in Britain. Follow in the footsteps of our Roman ancestors as you wander around the recreated Roman gardens, the earliest gardens in the country and the lavish centre piece of the Palace

Maritime Portsmouth & the Spinnaker Tower
Portsmouth is the Great Waterfront City - packed with world-class attractions, fabulous shopping and centuries of history. Spend time at leisure to perhaps stroll around Old Portsmouth and explore the cobbled streets and narrow lanes where press gangs plied their sinister trade. Or perhaps enjoy some retail therapy at the impressive Gunwharf Quays with over 90 premium designer outlets and 30 cosmopolitan bars and restaurants before an included entrance up the iconic Spinnaker Tower. Experience the 'wow' of miles of spectacular views across the Solent from the 100m high viewing deck (complete with the amazing glass Sky Walk - if you dare!) as well as the open air Sky Deck at 110m

Day 5 - After breakfast your homeward journey commences and with a refreshment stop on the way you will arrive back in your local towns mid eveningLangstone Quays Resort Hayling Island
This modern, low-rise 4* resort is located just 8 miles from Portsmouth, outside Havant on the northern shore of Hayling Island. The hotel offers stunning views over Langstone Estuary and Chichester Harbour. Spacious guestrooms are smartly decorated and equipped with all mod cons including hairdryer and tea / coffee making facilities. The Waterside Restaurant occupies a prominent position overlooking the water and serves freshly prepared cuisine in comfortable surroundings. Informal snacks, light meals and drinks are served in the comfortable lounge bar. The Lifestyle Health and Leisure Club with its indoor pool, gymnasium, hot tub, sauna and steam room is complimentary for residents.There is no lift but there are ground floor rooms.

Hotels
• Langstone Quays Resort, Hayling Island (Hayling Island) - View Information