Go from Great British to Gallic culture on this island-hopping trip, which immerses you in the Channel Islands’ natural beauty and it’s fascinating history. Hear about Guernsey’s wartime occupation first-hand from locals, enter a bygone world on Sark and admire Jersey’s exquisite landscapes.
THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE
- Spend a day on Sark, the iconic ‘dark sky island’ and visit a chapel made of sea shells
- Explore the only part of the British Isles to be occupied during WWII
- Enjoy a morning at Mont St Michel, one of France’s most iconic sites
Tour Inclusions
- 10 nights in boutique accommodation
- Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader/Driver
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- Daily European-style breakfasts (B), 5 evening meals (D)
- Ferries to Guernsey, Sark, Jersey, Isle of Purbeck and St Malo
- Entrance included to: Winchester Cathedral, Sausmarez Manor, German Occupation Museum, Elizabeth Castle, La Hougue Bie, Mont Orgueil Castle, Mont St Michel, Château de St Malo, Château de Fougères, Corfe Castle and Chartres Cathedral
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Day 1
DAY 1 LONDON – WINCHESTER – DORSET From London we journey to the Winchester Cathedral before we meet with the sublime Isle of Purbeck, via Corfe Castle. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner together. (D) Accommodation: Mortons House Hotel
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Day 2
DAY 2 DORSET – GUERNSEY It’s off the coach and all aboard the morning ferry to Guernsey. At St Peter Port, enjoy free time to roam before we meet to explore the Sausmarez Manor where we’re treated to a private tour of this grand establishment. (B) Accommodation: Duke of Richmond Hotel
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Day 3
DAY 3 GUERNSEY – SARK – GUERNSEY We’re off to a flying start this morning as we ferry over to Sark. Getting about involves a stroll or the ‘toast-rack’ – a tractor-drawn bus – or you could simply hire a bicycle. The day is all yours until our return ferry back to Guernsey and our sit-down dinner together. (B,D) Accommodation: Duke of Richmond Hotel
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Day 4
DAY 4 GUERNSEY First on the agenda today is a stop at Little Chapel – built entirely out of sea shells before a visit to the German Occupation Museum reveals an extensive collection of rare artefacts steeped in history. After an eventful day filled with history and knowledge, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. (B) Accommodation: Duke of Richmond Hotel
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Day 5
DAY 5 GUERNSEY – JERSEY Our morning in Guernsey is a relaxed one as we ready ourselves to depart for our next island adventure in Jersey. We get acquainted with St Aubin – a fishing harbour with buckets of charm before returning to Jersey for dinner. (B,D) Accommodation: Green Hills Hotel
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Day 6
DAY 6 JERSEY Jersey isn’t just about exquisite sea-and-sand views. At La Hougue Bie we discover one of Western Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic sites, with prehistoric mounds and a museum packed with ancient treasures. Then it’s onwards to Mont Orgueil Castle, which has stood watch over Jersey for over 600 years before retiring in Jersey for the night. (B) Accommodation: Green Hills Hotel
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Day 7
DAY 7 JERSEY – ST MALO Walter Raleigh’s stronghold and Charles II’s refuge – Elizabeth Castle has played a huge role in Jersey’s history. Today we can see its wartime bunkers and the causeway that permits entrance at low tide. Later, we swap Britain for France and sail to the old walled city of St Malo. (B) Accommodation: Le Grand Hotel de Courtoisville
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Day 8
DAY 8 ST MALO St Malo’s labyrinthine streets are best covered on a walking tour – and that’s how we begin today. Marvel at Château de St Malo, once owned by the Dukes of Brittany and now a town museum, and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish. (B) Accommodation: Le Grand Hotel de Courtoisville
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Day 9
DAY 9 ST MALO – MONT ST MICHEL – DINAN – ST MALO It’s time to wind our way along Normandy’s coast to the rocky islet of Mont St Michel. We then explore Dinan by ourselves before coming back together for a taste of classic French cuisine at a traditional restaurant. (B,D) Accommodation: Le Grand Hotel de Courtoisville
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Day 10
DAY 10 ST MALO – FOUGÈRES – SAINTE SUZANNE – LAVAL As one of Europe’s biggest fortresses, Château de Fougères captivates at first sight and we learn about its ups and downs this morning. The afternoon takes us to Sainte Suzanne, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Before we rest our heads in Laval, we indulge in a delicious farewell group dinner. (B,D) Accommodation: Hotel Perier Du Bignon
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Day 11
DAY 11 LAVAL – CHARTRES – PARIS We end our tour with a trip to the Cathedral of Chartres – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautifully preserved examples of Gothic architecture. It’s a fitting finale to our travels, which come to a close in Paris. (B)
