Agatha Christie’s Hidden Riviera REFRESHED ITINERARY
Monday 17 August 2026 to Friday 21 August 2026
£750pp
- Destination
- Itinerary
- Full inclusions
- Hotel
- Booking request
Why stay on the English Riviera? Torbay's unique microclimate means that you consistently get some of the warmest, sunniest weather in the country. Summer here means palm trees, bright blue water, and that slightly surreal “is this really England?” feeling. Parts of this refreshed itinerary subtly link back to one of the world's most celebrated authors - Agatha Christie - who was born here. Sail along the River Dart to Agatha's atmospheric family home at Greenway and take a guided walking tour of Agatha's birthplace - Torquay - with a friendly local guide.
Why visit with Shaws? In 2024 99% of our holiday customers said they would book again and 99% also said they would recommend us to a friend. In 2025 passengers rated our holidays 4.7/5 for value for money and we've earned the same 4.7/5 star rating on Google reviews. 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? "The whole thing was excellent and well organised" • "Good value for money, friendly (hotel) staff and coach driver" • "All trips were excellent - overall organisation was excellent"
Tour code: C3520
Monday
Check in at your cliff-top hotel with tea/coffee & biscuits, and get to know your fellow guests with hotel entertainment tonight.
Tuesday
There’s time for a short morning stroll along the quayside, or a local coffee, in Dartmouth before sailing along the River Dart to Greenway House (NT). This beautiful Georgian property was Agatha Christie’s cherished holiday home and provided inspiration for ‘Dead Man’s Folly’. The family were great collectors, you’ll find everything from Middle Eastern artefacts to a WWII frieze in the library. Sail back to Dartmouth, passing Sit Walter Raleigh’s boathouse, before returning to the hotel, with more entertainment tonight.
Wednesday
History and mystery fans alike will love today’s Agatha Christie English Riviera Experience. A local guide will meet you at the hotel to give a short overview of Agatha’s life before a one hour walking tour, which finishes on Torquay’s Princess Pier (where Agatha used to roller skate). From here, take a guided coach tour through the scenic Riviera before disembarking at Kents Cavern where we’ve included a light lunch on arrival. Then, head underground for an exciting cave tour, surrounded by 400 million-year-old rocks that ancient humans once called home! Note: The walking tour is approx. half a mile over flat terrain and Kent’s Cavern has paved floors, handrails and just nine shallow steps.
Thursday
Enjoy a morning of peace and serenity at Buckfast Abbey. This impressive 11th century Abbey is complimented by fragrant summer gardens and we’ve included access to the Monastic Way Exhibition - a visually engaging display giving a glimpse into the unique life of a monk. Spend a final afternoon in Torquay or at the hotel, perhaps adventure along the rugged SW Coastal Path for glorious views across the Channel.
Friday
Time to head home
- 4 night stay with breakfast
- 3 course dinner with tea/coffee each evening (min 3 choices)
- Return sailing from Dartmouth to Greenway House
- Entry to Greenway House (NT)
- Guided walking tour of Torquay
- Guided Riviera coach tour
- Cave tour and light lunch at Kents Cavern
- Three nights of hotel entertainment
- A visit to Buckfast Abbey with entry to the Monastic Way Exhibition
- Free time in Torquay and Dartmouth
- Tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival 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 control
- 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
- LOW DEPOSITS! Just £50pp with the balance due 8 weeks prior to departure
- 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
- £5pp DISCOUNT for National Trust Members
- *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 2025 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor (ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor!)
- Rated 4.5/5 by Shaws customers in 2024
- Ensuite rooms with TV, phone, hairdryer, free WiFi & 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)
- Singles are true singles
ACCESS: Lift to most floors, 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