SHELL TRAVEL CLUB

17th June 2026

On Wednesday, 17th June 2026 we are arranging a guided tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden at 1pm (however, access to the garden will be earlier from 11am). 

 

The Chelsea Physic Garden was established as the Apothecaries’ Garden in London in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to grow plants to be used as medicines, edible and useful plants and has a world woodland garden. The garden is among the oldest botanical gardens in Britain and became a registered Charity in 1987 when it was opened to the general public for the first time. It is Grade 1 listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest.

 

Public Transport: The 170 bus from Victoria Station stops directly outside the Chelsea  Physic Garden. The nearest underground station is Sloane Square.

 

Refreshments / toilet facilities are available. 

 

8th October 2026

Set on the banks of the River Aude is our Five-Star Hotel, du Roi & Spa by Sowell. This luxurious hotel boasts excellent facilities and beautiful views of the fortress and its ramparts.

Highlights include:

· Guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage fortress town of Carcassonne.

· Explore the fascinating Châteaux de Lastours

· Experience a stunning panoramic view of four historic Cathar fortresses perched among rugged hills, with the option of walking up the hills to see the ruined castles

· Indulge in lunch and a wine tasting in the grand 17th-century Château de Pennautier

· Discover historical Narbonne and Mirepoix market

Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish

Eurostar Plus and First Class rail travel, coach travel throughout

6 nights' 5-Star hotel accommodation

All guided tours and excursions

Eurostar Light Meals, Breakfast each day, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

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* Bookings would be made directly with Great Rail, this makes individual requests etc easier to handle and removes any ‘contact lead booker only’ restrictions. Great Rail are be aware that there is an STC trip booking for this date, and we now have sufficient numbers for there to be a 5% discount applied to the ‘headline price’ (Other discounts may apply at the time you make your booking). Please do contact Dave Lee via email on home38@outlook.com to advise your interest, or with any queries.

28th June 2026

Following the success of recent mystery tours to Worcestershire, Cornwall and Gloucestershire, next year we're off to Shropshire!  We've booked a Grade 1 listed hotel with ensuites with walk-in showers and an AA Rosette restaurant.  If you're genuinely interested in joining us, contact Rob at robert.jenkins@hotmail.co.uk.

18th May 2027

With this 8 day and 9 night holiday, we will be staying in two hotels on a B&B basis but with either lunch or dinner included each day.  We will be visiting Domaines for tastings in both regions.

The trip is in the very early stages of being put together, however, based on current thinking, the trip is likely to come in at around £1950 per person sharing a room with a single supplement of £500 for those members in a room on a sole occupancy basis. 

This trip is now sold out.  However, if you'd like to be added to the waiting list please contact Rob at robert.jenkins@hotmail.co.uk.

11th September 2026

Fancy a seven night cruise on a five star ship with your drinks package and return flights from a choice of Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick all included?  Then look no further!  This trip also includes 

• 11 included experiences

• Full board dining

• Complimentary on-board tea & coffee

• Free on-board Wi-Fi

• Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge

• All port charges & airport taxes

Lower deck cabins exclusively for sole occupancy at £2,873.75pp, Middle deck £2899pp, Upper deck ££3149

These prices are being held until 26th March 2025 only.  If you are interested in joining this cruise, contact Bruce ASAP at brucestc75@gmail.com. 

6th September 2027

Marvel at the sights along the Rhine River, including passage through the amazing Rhine Gorge and the river bend outside of Boppard. Visit six historic towns and cities, including Basel,Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Breisach and Lucerne. Drive through the folkloric scenery of Black Forest on a visit to the old town of Freiburg. See stunning mountain vistas on a railway journey up the Bernese Oberland Mountain range.This itinerary includes the following:

• Free drinks package

• 7 nights on board a five-star ship

• Return flights & transfers

• 10 included experiences

• Full board

• Complimentary on-board tea & coffee

• Free Wi-Fi

• Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge

• All port charges

• All additional taxes

• Checked luggage

For more information, including on how to book, contact Bruce at brucestc75@gmail.com