Today we see why artists have long been drawn to Cornwall. We begin with the holiday town of St Ives, the perfect place to stroll along one of the sandy beaches, watch the fishermen launch their boats from the harbor, wander through the maze of cobbled streets and admire the pretty cottages. Here take in the artwork on display at the Cornwall branch of the Tate Gallery, which showcases stunning pieces from artists that have attracted international attention.

We then visit the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, the former home and studio of the eminent British sculptor. Opened in 1976 by Hepworth’s family, it contains the largest collection of her works and a stunning garden with sculptures placed by the artist herself, decades ago. As we wander around here and feel the sea breeze, it's easy to see why 'finding Trewyn Studio was a sort of magic…here was a studio, a yard and garden where I could work in open air and space.'

Our next stop is Roswarne House, once an ancient farmhouse and extended in 1810 by landed gentry. Nestled in six acres of picturesque parkland, the property has now returned to its former glory, after an extensive restoration project, and highlights include a delightful Orangery, Ballroom, Library and Drawing Room. We find out more when we meet the current owner, and also enjoy some refreshments here.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Any travelers who have seen the British TV series Doc Martin or the Fisherman’s Friends movies will no doubt recognise charming Port Isaac. We visit various filming locations in the small fishing village, which boasts winding streets lined with whitewashed cottages and a quaint harbor with clear waters (when the tide is in!), sheltered by rolling verdant scenery. Don’t miss the lovely pasty shop here – it’s a must when in Cornwall!

A warm Cornish welcome awaits at Pencarrow House, nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor and the family home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for almost 500 years. Our guided tour uncovers the secrets of this magnificent house, along with hidden passageways, glorious portraits, fine porcelain and marble busts sporting a variety of hats upon the wishes of the Lady of the Manor. There is plenty to explore outside too, from a colourful Italian garden and wild woodlands to walking routes, an Iron Age hill fort and a grotto, believed to have once been a secret meeting place.

We continue with a guided tour of Prideaux Place on the north coast, located close to Padstow and the home to fourteen generations of the Prideaux-Brunes. Completed in 1592, this Elizabethan manor house has changed little over the last four centuries and the magnificent rooms offer a captivating slice of history and plenty of unique treasures, including Italian paintings, elegant antiques, an ever-growing collection of teddy bears and you can also find England’s oldest cast iron canon in the armoury. The author of Poldark, Winston Graham, became a great friend of the family and regularly visited the house, and part of the estate was used for dramatic clifftop scenes in the 2015 BBC adaptation of the popular novel. Outside, the grounds are gradually being restored to their former glory with an 80-tree lime avenue and a remodelling of the Victorian formal garden.

For an early dinner we head to the charming port resort of Padstow, famous for its connection to chef Rick Stein and pretty harbor.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After checking out of the hotel, we enjoy some time in Charlestown, an unspoiled example of a late Georgian working port, constructed in response to the growth of the local mining industry. Other businesses were established such as pilchard curing and ship building, with many attractive period properties built up in the village. Charlestown is also a popular filming location with credits including the BBC’s hugely successful Poldark TV series, and there are often square rigger ships in the harbor.

We travel to Plymouth, a handsome city with a wonderful waterfront that boasts the historic Sutton Harbor and Barbican, a vibrant place of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. Lunch is served at Rockfish, which specialises in local, fresh fish on the harborfront, before we take a look at the famous Mayflower Steps. Flanked by British and American flags, this spot marks the final departure point of the pilgrims who journeyed to the New World, reaching America after a gruelling 10 weeks at sea.

Later we check into the Lincombe Hall Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a journey on the foot ferry we arrive at Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of Christie and her family. Nestled on the side of the River Dart and surrounded by a picturesque woodland garden, this atmospheric house is set in the 1950s and contains many of the family’s collections. As you wander through the atmospheric rooms, imagine Christie reading her latest mystery novel to her guests here.

We then take a special trip to the beautiful Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, accessed by a unique sea tractor from Bigbury on Sea Beach. Built in 1929 and extended in 1932, the hotel has been restored to its 30s glamour and previous guests include Winston Churchill, Josephine Baker, Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. You can just visualize Agatha Christie writing two novels here (Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None), with the glitz of the hotel appealing to her as a literary setting.

Later on, we return to Torquay, not only famous for its continental harbor and palm-tree lined promenade, but also as the birthplace of The Queen of Crime. Did you know that this is where Agatha Christie learned about poisons while working as a pharmacist? We take a walking tour of the Agatha Christie Mile and tick off the seafront locations connected to her life and works.

Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Leaving Cornwall, we travel to Thomas Hardy’s birthplace, Hardy’s Cottage. Little altered since the Hardy family left, this delightful cob and thatch cottage is surrounded by a typical cottage garden of honeysuckle, climbing roses and japonica, and is where Hardy wrote some of his early poetry and novels including Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd.

We continue to the outskirts of Dorchester and the atmospheric Victorian house Max Gate, designed by Hardy in 1885 and where he lived until his death in 1928. Hardy wrote some of his most famous novels here including Tess of the d’Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure.

For our final visit we head to Clouds Hill, the idyllic retreat of writer, army officer, archaeologist and friend of Thomas Hardy, T.E. Lawrence, perhaps better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Designed and furnished to his personal taste, the fascinating rooms have largely been unchanged since Lawrence lived, wrote, read and entertained guests here. Other highlights include his shed where he kept his beloved motorcycles, the lovely views from the hill that overlooks the cottage and the little Greek inscription above the front door: 'why worry?'

Later, we check into the Castle Hotel in Windsor, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.