Torquay is a destination that brings to mind images of seaside promenades, palm trees, beautiful beaches, and grand Italianate villas on the hills overlooking Tor Bay.
However, there's more to this resort town than meets the eye… this is where the most famous mystery writer in literary history, the incomparable Agatha Christie, was born and raised. The town and its many landmarks and historic buildings provided inspiration for some of Christie's best-loved books.
This tailor-made tour will immerse you in the life and times of the Queen of crime fiction. You'll be joined by the Footage Detectives at Burgh Island Hotel, which inspired the settings for both And Then There Were None and the Poirot mystery Evil Under the Sun. Here, you'll hear a talk about the hotel's role on screen, from Agatha Christie to Catch us if you Can.
You can trace the literary heroine's steps along the "Agatha Christie Mile" where you'll be able to visit the Agatha Christie Gallery at the Torquay museum. You'll even get a chance to participate in a Murder Mystery dinner, so you can play detective yourself!
You'll be based at the Imperial Hotel, which sits on the cliff tops on the edge of Torquay and boasts stunning sea views. One of the town's most iconic hotels, it exudes traditional elegance and the old-school charm of a bygone world.
Mike is an English radio disc jockey, writer, journalist and television presenter. He has been a broadcaster since 1976 and won ten National Broadcaster of the Year Awards, an International Music award, and was awarded the coveted Gold Badge of Merit for his special contribution to Britain's music industry. He has presented a number of television programmes and in 2021, he joined the Talking Pictures TV archive programme The Footage Detectives.
Noel is a film aficionado who is passionate about preserving film history and is forever uncovering and spotting famous film locations. Noel is the founder of the innovative and successful Talking Pictures TV and is one half of their hit TV show, The Footage Detectives, a Sunday teatime must watch.
Arrive at the Imperial Hotel, Torquay and meet your Tour Manager and the Talking Pictures team. Enjoy a welcome drink at the hotel this evening, and listen to a talk on Agatha Christie and the itinerary for the next few days, before a special Talking Pictures quiz. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
After breeakfast this morning, you'll depart for Greenway and enjoy a visit of the house and gardens independently. There will be time for lunch (not included) after which you will arrive at the Torquay Museum and visit the Agatha Christie Gallery for a self-guided visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel with a murder mystery performance of Murder on the Riviera.
After breakfast this morning, depart your hotel for a visit to Torre Abbey for an 'Agatha Christie Potent Plants' guided tour of the garden. There will also be free time to explore the Abbey Museum.
Afterwards, your group will depart for the Moorland Hotel where you will enjoy a two course lunch with two glasses of wine included. In the afternoon, you'll travel back to your hotel and have dinner at your own leisure. This evening, enjoy a film screening with a talk from the Talking Pictures team.
Today, after breakfast and checking out of your hotel (luggage can be stored until you return from your day of sightseeing) you'll head to the iconic Burgh Island Hotel, a former haunt of Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and other renowned writers of the 1930s. Built in 1929 and now restored to its 1930s Art Deco glamour, Burgh Island is reached by sea tractor at high tide, or by landrover or on foot when the tide is out.
Here you will enjoy a two-course lunch (with two glasses of wine), before a talk and Q&A discussing Burgh Island on screen. There may be time to explore the island and stroll along its lovely footpaths. You might choose to have a drink in its delightful pub, the Pilchard Inn.
You'll return to your hotel in Torquay in the late afternoon, when you can collect your luggage and make your way home independently.
The Imperial sits on the cliff tops on the edge of Torquay, boasting stunning sea views, just a stone's throw from many of south Devon's tourist attractions.
Soak up faded grandeur in one of the town's most iconic hotels where heritage remains at the heart. Distinctly decadent with its marble floors and huge chandeliers, the hotel exudes a traditional elegance - expect large comfortable bedrooms, formal dining and plenty of amenities including a health club, fitness suite, tennis court and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £154. Deposit 30%. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.