History & Heritage Tour

The Channel Islands have a fascinating and varied heritage, spanning from the arrival of the first people over 250,000 years ago, through the Islands’ rich sea-faring and military pasts, to the compelling events of the 20th century. With the History & Heritage Tour, you will have a chance to explore the Islands’ wealth of major historic sites and award-winning museums which celebrate the Channel Islands’ unique history.

 

Day One - Arrival in Jersey

You will be met by your local guide on arrival in Jersey and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

Day Two - North & East Jersey

This coach tour is designed to acquaint you with Jersey’s majestic cliffs and small secluded bays. Head eastwards from town past quaint La Rocque and towards the pretty harbour town of Gorey with the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle. Historically, the castle protected Jersey against French invasion for 600 years, but it is now open for the public to explore its maze of staircases, towers and secret rooms. Carry along to St Catherine’s breakwater, past Rozel harbour, Bouley’s pebbled beach and further along through leafy little roads and tucked away bays in the magnificent cliff lined coast. Stops and visits, such as La Hougue Bie, one of Europe’s finest passage grave or the beautiful gardens of Samarès Manor can be included as well.

Day Three - St Helier

A walking tour will immerse you with the rich and varied history of St Helier. Despite being the Island’s capital and main retail centre, St Helier retains much of its traditional French heritage, such as the old French street names and shop fronts that still bear the names of their founders. The town’s highlights include the covered Central Market, the town church dedicated to the 6th century hermit and namesake of the parish, Hellerius, as well as the bronze statues of some of Jersey’s most famous residents in the former Cattle Market at West Centre. Conclude your morning by visiting one of the Jersey Heritage museums, Elizabeth Castle or the pretty Howard Davis Park. The afternoon is free for your own activities.

Day Four - Guernsey

Day trip to the neighbouring island of Guernsey. Your day trip to Guernsey will begin with a walking tour of the Island’s capital, St Peter Port, arguably the most beautiful town in the Channel Islands. The idyllic little town consists of steep, narrow streets and features the Island’s best selection of shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. In the afternoon the tour will follow the beautiful Guernsey coastline by coach, passing through Val de Terre, the former garrison of Fort George and Sausmarez Manor. The tour will then continue along the west coast of the Island taking in its many picturesque beaches such as Perelle Bay, Vazon Bay and Cobo Bay. You will visit the Little Chapel, which is thought to be the smallest chapel in the world. It is beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and colourful pieces of broken china.

Day Five - Day at Leisure

Day Six - Sark

Sark is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands and has a well-earned reputation for its unique history, “olde worlde” charm and tranquil atmosphere. As there are no motor vehicles on the Island except for tractors, you will explore everything that Sark has to offer by horse and carriage. In addition to the selection of quaint shops and cafes to be found in the Island’s main village, you will discover beautiful scenery with an abundance of wildflowers and sea birds, as well as the Island’s 22 miles of stunning coastline and dramatic cliffs, concealing picturesque inlets and secluded bays. The group will visit La Seigneurie Gardens, some of the finest formal gardens in the Channel Islands. Lying in the grounds of the official home of the Seigneur, the gardens feature a diverse range of flora and have been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society. Parts of the gardens are thought to date back as far as the 6th Century, with the main house having been originally constructed in 1675 and acting as testament to Sark’s unusual heritage.

 

Day Seven - South & West Jersey

Enjoy your last day in Jersey exploring the south & west of the island. The first stop on the tour will be St Matthew’s Glass Church at Millbrook. The Glass Church earned its name due to its world-renowned interior, which contains furniture designed by René Lalique made from moulded white glass, or verre blanc moulé-pressée. The Church features windows, screens, communion tables and an altar cross all made by Lalique, as well as a glass font which is thought to be the only one to be found anywhere. You will pass through the harbour village of St Aubin, stop to take in the spectacular views at Noirmont and then go into St Brelade’s Bay. This is arguably the Island’s most beautiful bay and rated one of the top 25 beaches in Europe! Time allowing, you stop in the bay for the group to visit the small 12th century Fisherman’s Chapel with its superb medieval wall frescoes. At the south-western tip, you can enjoy views over Corbière with its iconic white lighthouse. Along the 5-mile stretch of St Ouen, you will join the stunning north coast with its headlands, cliffs, bays and walking paths. Visits to private gardens, Jersey War Tunnels, La Mare Wine Estate or others can be included as required.

Day Eight - Departure

Enjoy a leisurely morning before you are transferred to your departure flight or ferry.