The Charms of the Channel Islands

Your holiday begins at Southampton airport, where you meet the Tour Manager and catch an early morning flight to Jersey. The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is surrounded by crystal clear waters, fringed with golden beaches and steeped in a long, rich history.

On arrival, we're introduced to some of the highlights of Jersey. Along with seeing some of the stunning bays, we also stop at the iconic La Corbière Lighthouse and visit the Grève de Lecq and Gorey Harbour, with its beautiful pier, where you can soak up views of Mont Orgueil Castle. We take a break during our tour to enjoy Jersey's best-known ritual, an elegant cream tea experience at a local hotel.

Later, we check in to our hotel in St Helier, Jersey's capital, moments away from a picturesque beach, and dine at our hotel this evening.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we travel to the Jersey War Tunnels; an underground complex built when Jersey was under Nazi occupation in World War Two. During our visit, we reflect on the past and learn about the history of the island during this period, including stories of the brave resistance shown by Jersey nationals at the time.

This afternoon, we return to our hotel where you're free to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Located in the heart of the town, the hotel is just a short stroll from a variety of attractions, including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Jersey Museum & Art Gallery. For those looking for something more relaxing, take a scenic walk along the waterfront or browse the charming boutiques and local markets nearby.

We enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A full day at leisure after breakfast allows you to explore Jersey at your own pace today.

You might choose to follow St Helier's mural art trail, showcasing colourful pieces by local street artists - many of which are a short distance from the hotel. History lovers may wish to visit Elizabeth Castle, perched on a tidal island just off the coast. This castle defended Jersey for more than 400 years and you can witness the firing of the musket and cannon during the Midday parade. Further afield, but easily accessible by bus, is the world-famous Gerald Durrell Jersey Zoo and La Hougue Bie Museum, which is one of the world's ten oldest buildings, built long before the Egyptian pyramids.

With no planned dinner this evening, it's the perfect opportunity to discover the town's famous local produce, from award-winning restaurants to cosy cafés and casual eateries. If you'd prefer to stay and relax at the hotel, you could book in at one of its dining bars.

• Breakfast

We head to Guernsey on the early morning ferry* after breakfast. The second largest of the Channel Islands, Guernsey offers a rich blend of natural beauty, maritime history and timeless charm.

Upon arrival, we discover the highlights on a guided tour, exploring quaint harbour towns, scenic coastal paths and historic landmarks. One of the most memorable stops is Castle Cornet, a 13th-century fortress that once stood on its own tidal island, guarding the entrance to St Peter Port harbour. Today, it houses several museums and offers panoramic views of the sea.

Later in the afternoon, we check in to our hotel where we will be staying for the next three nights. This evening, we enjoy dinner together as a group.

*Please note: on some departure dates we take an internal flight between Jersey and Guernsey/Guernsey and Jersey, due to late ferry sailing times.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a ferry ride to the enchanting Isle of Sark after breakfast. Car-free roads, quirky charm and breathtaking scenery are just some of the things which set it apart from other islands in the region.

Here we take a 90-minute sightseeing tour by private horse-drawn carriages, travelling through Sark's narrow lanes and lush landscapes. Along the route, the fascinating history of the Island is brought to life by knowledgeable driver guides with engaging stories and local insights. During the tour, we visit the beautiful La Seigneurie Gardens, set within the historic walled grounds of a 17th-century manor providing colourful displays. After the tour, enjoy free time to experience the relaxed pace of life in Sark. Walking trails reveal hidden gems along the unspoilt coastline - from secluded creeks and sea caves to quiet coves and rock pools along the untouched coastline. You may wish to discover the Buddhist Rock Carving, created by a Tibetan Monk to mark the Millenium.

Later, we return to Guernsey by ferry in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's a free day to explore Guernsey at your own pace after breakfast. You may choose to embrace the island's serenity with a visit to Candie Gardens, award-winning restored Victorian Gardens offering breathtaking views across St Peter Port harbour and the Isle of Sark. Along with beautifully manicured lawns, flowers and fish ponds, you'll find a museum, art gallery and café housed in a Victorian bandstand.

There are also plenty of wonderful walking trails to discover on the island of Guernsey that weave through its dramatic coastline, peaceful countryside and historic landmarks. From the World War Two occupation trails, where you explore bunkers and batteries from the island's wartime past, to walking in the footsteps of French artist, Renoir, on a trail featuring five frames positioned at spots that inspired his paintings in 1883. This trail takes you along some of Guernsey's most stunning coastal paths, offering ever-changing perspectives of bays, beaches and headlands.

After your day exploring independently, we have our final dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We have enjoyed an unforgettable journey through the Channel Islands, discovering the unique character and charm of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Sark. Though just 150 miles from Southampton, this breathtaking tour has transported us to a world that feels distinctly different - where the mild climate, relaxed pace of life and French-influenced culture set these islands apart from mainland Britain.

After breakfast, we make our way to the airport for our flight back to Southampton. Landing in the early afternoon, you are free to make your own way home.

• Breakfast