Guernsey, Sark and Jersey - A Heritage Tour in the Channel Islands

Just off the coast of France, the beautiful isles of Guernsey, Sark and Jersey stud the warm waters of the Gulf of St Malo. Not quite English and not quite French, these independent self-governing islands have their own character and culture. Their distinctive histories date back 250,000 years and include a period of Nazi occupation during WWII, which left a poignant legacy of war tunnels, bunkers and coastal fortifications.

The Channel Islands enjoy sunnier days and milder winters than the UK, this warmer microclimate produces subtropical plants and many species of birds. Late April is a particularly lovely time to explore, with wildflowers covering clifftops, woods and verges. Combined with stunning scenery, charming old-world towns and superb local food, these islands are a literal breath of fresh air.

This tour will explore the history and landscapes of Guernsey and Jersey with guided visits and meetings with local experts who will provide fascinating personal insights into the islands, their history and culture. The tour is based in two independent boutique hotels, with time to relax and explore at leisure.

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Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

GBR0526- 1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Guernsey

Friday

April

Arrival in Guernsey and at leisure. Welcome dinner at the Copenhagen Restaurant at the hotel.

Guernsey

Saturday

April

Walking tour of St Peter Port followed by a guided tour Castle Cornet and watch the ceremonial firing of the Noon Day Gun. Continuel to Hauteville House, the home in exile of the writer Victor Hugo, explore the house and gardens. At Leisure.

Guernsey

Sunday

April

Visit the Occupation Museum and Little Chapel followed by lunch at the Farmhouse Hotel in the country parish of St Saviour. Drive along the coast visiting bays, Neolithic graves, standing stones and 19th and 20th century fortifications. Continue to Sausmarez Manor, learn about the Potato Peel Pie Literary Society, the Sausmarez family and the history of the house.

Guernsey

Monday

April

Ferry ride to the isle of Sark and take an exclusive guided horse and carriage tour of the island. At leisure or take a walking tour with the guide, Elizabeth Gardener-Wheeler.

Guernsey / Jersey

Tuesday

April

Morning at leisure or optional walk. Take the ferry to St Helier, Jersey (option to fly at an additional cost) and transfer to the historic Pomme d’Or Hotel. Visit Jersey Museum and watch a film introducing 100,000 years history of Jersey followed by a short orientation tour through centre of St Helier.

Jersey

Wednesday

April

Specialist-led tour of La Hougue Bie, enter the Neolithic tomb, visit the longhouse, a medieval chapel and the WWII bunker. Enjoy a “Tastes of Jersey” picnic in the gardens, sample local delicacies. Scenic drive to the imposing Mont Orgueil (Gorey) Castle and explore the magnificent medieval fortress overlooking the harbour and surrounding village.

Jersey

Thursday

April

See St Matthew’s (Glass) Church exhibiting the glass work of Rene Lalique, on to the Village of St Aubin and Noirmont Point, where Nazi bunkers and observation towers stretch along the coast. Explore and lunch at St Brelade’s Bay before visiting the golden, wildlife rich sands of St Ouen’s Bay. Arrive at the “harbour that failed” at St Catherine, return via historic harbours La Rocque and Le Hocq.

Jersey

Friday

May

Stroll through Liberation Square, Royal Square and onto Victorian Markets of St Helier. Visit the harbour and learn of the maritime history of the isle. At leisure with option to visit Castle Elizabeth before farewell dinner at the hotel.

Jersey

Saturday

May

Depart the hotel or extend.