Autumn On The Riviera new itinerary
Monday 22 September 2025 to Friday 26 September 2025
£690pp
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why visit Devon? Palm trees swaying in the breeze, bustling harbour towns, dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters - The English Riviera awaits. With a mild climate and gorgeous views to rival the Mediterranean, you really will feel a million miles away. This refreshed itinerary, at one of our customers' most favourite hotels, is perfect for late summer - there's free time to enjoy pretty Devonshire towns at your own pace, combined with fascinating history from Powderham Castle and a refreshing cruise along the River Dart. Torquay is the birthplace of Agatha Christie and you'll pass her home at Greenway Estate and much of the scenery that inspired her novels during the cruise.
Why visit with us? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. Shaws Coaches has a strong reputation for a dependable service, with a proven track record for punctuality and professionalism. Our friendly booking team and highly-rated tour drivers are ready to welcome you.
What do our customers say? "I felt safe and comfortable. Driver was first class" • "Good value for money, friendly staff and coach driver" • "All trips were excellent - overall organisation was excellent too" • Hotel rated 4.4/5 by Shaws' customers in 2024
Holiday Insurance. We always recommend taking out adequate holiday insurance, that's why we’ve partnered with David Oliver Associates who offer cover specifically designed for your coach holiday. Find out more and get your free quote.
Tour code: C3491
Monday
Check in at your coastal hotel with tea/coffee on arrival.
Tuesday
Enjoy a leisurely start to your holiday and take advantage of the hotel’s delightful position, just moments from the South West Coast Path, with wonderful views from the outdoor terrace and gardens. This afternoon, hear six centuries worth of stories during a guided tour of Powderham Castle, hear tales from French knights to the War of the Roses, to WWII. This unique landmark was originally built in 1391 and enhanced over the years with Tudor, Georgian and Victorian influences, can you spot secret doors in the State Rooms that pass through the original medieval walls? Please note Powderham is a cashless venue.
Wednesday
Spend the day at leisure - perhaps use the hotel’s complimentary taxi service to Torquay Harbour (departs approx. 10:00 and returns 16:30, pre-book before 09:30 on the day), relax in the hotel’s Wellness Centre or adventure along the rugged South West Coastal Path. Torquay is famous for its palm trees and public gardens – take a stroll along the flat promenade or adventure along the cliff path through ‘Rock Walk’ to enjoy wonderful coastal views.
Thursday
Totnes is a delightful little market town situated in a picturesque spot on the River Dart, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s a wealth of cafés to choose from, many with outdoor seating and some lovely little shops along the High Street. From here, set sail along the River Dart, enjoying nine miles of beautiful scenery before arriving in the harbour town of Dartmouth. You’ll pass Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate, the magnificent Britannia Royal Naval College and pretty riverside villages. Enjoy free time in Dartmouth, amongst a wealth of ice cream shops and tea rooms, before returning to the hotel.
Friday
Time to head home.
- 4 night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee every evening (min 3 choices)
- Guided tour of Powderham Castle
- River Dart Cruise
- Free time in Torquay, Totnes and Dartmouth
- Three nights hotel entertainment
- Welcome tea/coffee & biscuits at the hotel
- Porterage
- All travel including home collection*
- International Passenger Protection
- Reserved coach seat
- 18kg suitcase pp
- Executive touring coach featuring a refreshment station, reclining seats, reading lights, curtains, foot and arm rests, toilet, safety belts, air suspension and individual air-flow controls
- An experienced, friendly, highly-rated and professional tour driver
- Friendly booking team on hand to answer any questions you might have in the run up to your holiday
- HALF PRICE DEPOSIT OFFER! Book before 31 July 2025 and pay just £25pp with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure (deposit rises to £50pp thereafter)
- LOYALTY DISCOUNT! Book 3 holidays (in any calendar year) and save £15pp, book 4+ and save £20pp, just let us know in special requests that you'd like to redeem your discount
- SAVE £10PP by meeting the coach at Maxey, Stamford Bus Station or Peterborough Extra Services
- *Providing you live in Bourne, Stamford, Peterborough, Uppingham, The Deepings, Spalding, Whittlesey, Oakham and most of the villages between them and Maxey (we're happy to collect from outside of our free pick-up area with a small additional charge)
- *We’re pleased to offer home collection from the Welwyn area following our successful partnership with Reg’s Coaches. Departures from Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Codicote, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hatfield, Stevenage and many of the nearby villages incur a small supplement of £30pp. We’re happy to pick up outside these areas, please enquire
The Headland Hotel & Spa, Torquay 
- Occupies a quiet spot on the headland with stunning sea views and direct access to the South West Coastal Path
- 20-minute walk to Torquay Harbour or make use of the free daily taxi service from hotel to harbour (departs approx. 10:00 and returns 16:30, prebook before 09:30 on the day)
- Winner of a 2024 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor (ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor!)
- Rated 4.4/5 by Shaws customers in 2024
- Ensuite rooms featuring TV, phone, hairdryer, free WiFi and complimentary tea/coffee tray
- Restaurant and lounge/bar
- Garden and terrace with sea views
- Hydro pool, sauna, steam room and mini-gym
- Beauty treatments (pre-booking advised)
- Lift to most floors
ACCESS: Steps to some bedrooms, limited ground floor rooms and walk-in showers, steps to the pool and at the garden entrance
Ask us about sea view rooms which may be available at a supplement