SAMPLE ITINERARY

Flights connect the UK with Jersey and Guernsey/Alderney. A ferry connects Jersey and Guernsey. Ferries also connect Guernsey with the smaller islands of Sark and Herm.

Suggested Itinerary, which can be tailor-made to your requirements:

• Jersey - 4 nights (fly)

• Guernsey - 4 nights (by ferry)

• Herm - 2 nights (by ferry)

• Sark - 2 nights (by ferry)

• Alderney - 2 nights (fly)

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and offers the greatest selection of hotels and activities. It is has some of the best sandy beaches, and a 50 mile network of ‘Green Lanes’ where pedestrians, cyclists & horse riders have priority over vehicles. The compact capital of St Helier is located on the south of the island, with Liberation Square at its epicentre. In these charming pedestrianised streets, stylish hotels, designer boutiques, fashionable cocktail bars and Michelin-starred restaurants jostle for attention. There are also plenty of galleries, as well as the Jersey Museum and Maritime Museum waiting to be explored. Elizabeth Castle, set on a rocky outcrop overlooking St Aubin’s Bay, has defended Jersey for over 300 years. It can be reached on foot during low tide or by the amphibious Castle Ferry. The Botanic Gardens at Samares Manor are also well worth a visit. The east of the island has a multitude of picturesque towns, including the fishing port of Gorey which is overlooked by historic Mont Orgueil Castle. Resembling famous Mont Saint-Michel in France, this castle protected Jersey from invasion by the French over 600 years ago and has a labyrinth of secret staircases and rooms.

Note: Jersey Heritage Pass gives unlimited access to Mont Orgueil Castle, Elizabeth Castle, La Hougue Bie Museum, Jersey Museum & the Maritime Museum.

Scenic Guernsey has inspired writers and artists for generations. French poet Victor Hugo was exiled here for 14 years, during which he completed Les Miserables and the painter Renoir was mesmerised by the shimmering light of Moulin Huet Bay. The capital is St Peter Port, a sparkling marina filled with yachts and fishing boats. Roads are steep and often cobbled and fresh crab, lobster and prawn regularly feature on the menu. For six weeks during October and November, the fabulous Tennerfest food festival is held here. Lovely green spaces include Saumarez Park and the flowers of the Candie Gardens. Picturesque Fermain Bay can only be reached on foot. The island is steeped in history, having been occupied by Nazi Germany during World War Two, and you can visit the German Underground Hospital. The 800 year old Castle Cornet that guards the harbour is another must-see, complete with its noon-day gun fired by scarlet-clad gunners. Traditionally this island has attracted families looking for a relaxing beach holiday, as its coastline is spectacular, but couples are increasingly discovering it, as Guernsey has become more fashionable.

Herm is a small car-free island only 20 minutes by boat from St Peter Port. With many tranquil turquoise beaches and masses of wildflowers, it will take you about 2 hours to walk around the entire perimeter of the island. Be sure to walk along famous white sands of Shell Beach, visit St Tugual’s Chapel and perhaps take a kayak tour in search of marine life. Between May and June you should see nesting puffins. The island also holds an annual Real Ale and Cider festival.

Sark is a 55 minute boat crossing from St Peter Port, the smallest of the Channel Islands. This tiny island is also car-free, so you will need to explore its wooded valleys and hedgerow-lined paths on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn trap. Don’t miss viewing the narrow La Coupee isthmus, which connects the island to Little Sark and is gradually being eroded away, and the Venus Pool. The formal gardens of La Seigneune are also enchanting and star gazing at the observatory is outstanding.

Laid-back Alderney is the most northerly and the third largest of the Channel Islands and offers a slower pace. It has over 50 miles of cliff walks, fortresses, World War Two batteries and a 9-hole golf course. This quirky island is home to the rare blonde hedgehog, which can sometimes be seen scavenging for food in the capital of St Anne. With beautiful sandy beaches, and grassy sand dunes on the north and east coasts, the island is also home to dozens of other birds and animals. You can explore the cobbled streets of St Anne, visit the Alderney Railroad and the Alderney Lighthouse. In early August, the popular Alderney Week festival is held.

Note: Car hire can be arranged in Jersey and Guernsey, but be aware that some hotels in St Helier & St Peter Port have limited or no parking & public car parks in St Peter Port require a parking clock, which can be purchased locally or on the ferry.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Flights from Southampton to Jersey; Guernsey to Alderney; and Alderney to Southampton are included.

Local ferries from Jersey to Guernsey and Sark are also included., as well as hotel transfers. The ferry to Herm must be paid locally (approx £13.50 pp return).

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Photographic ID is required to travel to the Channel Islands (e.g. passport). It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, and an appropriate driving licence if you plan to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.