The Charms of the Channel Islands

Meeting at Southampton airport, we begin our holiday with an early morning flight to Jersey. The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is surrounded by blue waters and fringed with pristine, golden beaches - the island has a long and rich history.

On arrival, we're introduced to some of the highlights of Jersey. Besides 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 into our hotel in St Helier, Jersey's capital, moments away from a lovely beach, and dine at our hotel.

• Dinner

Our excursion this morning reflects on the sombre days of World War II. We travel to the Jersey War Tunnels; an underground war tunnel complex, built when Jersey was under Nazi occupation. During our visit, there's a chance to learn about the history of the island during this period, from 1940 until the end of the war, including stories of the brave resistance shown by Jersey nationals at the time.

Returning to our hotel this afternoon, you're at leisure for the rest of the day. There's a range of attractions close to our hotel including the Maritime Museum and the Jersey Museum. With no planned dinner this evening, you could take the chance to experience one of the town centre's many eating options, from fine dining to casual bites. If you'd prefer to stay and relax at the hotel, you could book in at one of its dining bars.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, explore Jersey at your own pace today. You could follow St. Helier's mural art trail to find colourful pieces from local street artists - many are within a ten-minute walk from our hotel. Near Liberation Square in St Helier are two great museums, the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery and the Nautical Museum with its Occupation Tapestry. You may also wish to explore Elizabeth Castle, nearby. 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. After a day soaking up the charms of Jersey, dinner is served at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We head to Guernsey on the early morning ferry* after breakfast. The second largest of the Channel Islands, the island is bursting with history and local charms. We discover the highlights on a guided tour.

The island of Guernsey is best loved for its beach resorts, coastal cliffs and rich cultural heritage. A standout moment on our tour is Castle Cornet, once a tidal island before its natural bridge was cut off from the mainland. Later this afternoon, we check into our hotel for the next three nights, where we dine this evening.

*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 Isle of Sark. With no cars, paved roads or street lights, the island has a unique character which sets it apart from others in the region. Here we take a two-hour sightseeing tour of Sark island, travelling in private carriages through the narrow lanes of the island, to places of outstanding natural beauty. Along the route, the history of the Island is narrated by enthusiastic driver guides.

We visit the walled La Seigneurie Gardens, after which there's free time to experience the relaxed pace of life in Sark. Walking trails reveal hidden gems along the unspoilt coastline - creeks, rock pools and sea caves.

You could seek out the Buddhist Rock Carving, created for the Millennium by a Tibetan Monk, or head to the commemorative Sark Henge, built in 2015. We return to our hotel in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a chance to explore Guernsey at your own pace. You could embrace the island's serenity with a visit to Candie Gardens, award-winning, restored Victorian gardens. Aside from the flowers, lawns, and fish ponds, you'll find a museum, art gallery, and cafe housed in a Victorian bandstand.

There are plenty of wonderful walks in scenic landscapes to discover on the island of Guernsey, including the 15 views of the bay and beach of Moulin Huet that inspired French artist, Renoir. After your day exploring, we have our final dinner at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast and a relaxed morning, we make our way to the airport for our flight back to Southampton.

This tour of the Channel Islands has taken us just 150 miles from Southampton, but we have experienced islands which are closer in distance, climate and culture to France than to Britain. Landing in the early afternoon, it's time to say goodbye as our holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast