Call to book01904 521 936
Tour Search
#Favourites
UK & Ireland

The Charms of the Channel Islands

Save
You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20232024
7 days From £1,595 £1,495 per person
4.5 stars(37 reviews)
Gallery
Map

A rich history, natural heritage and beautiful beaches on the tranquil Channel Islands.

Save up to £100pp

Save up to £100pp on selected UK 2024 holidays when you book by 31st October 2023.

View terms and conditions

Mobility Rating 1

2024 Tour code: CAS24

About the tour

The stunning Channel Islands are scattered between England's south coast and France, and boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the British Isles. We discover the history and scenery of Guernsey and Jersey with local guides, visiting the Jersey War Tunnels and secluded Castle Cornet.

With plenty of time to discover the islands at leisure, experience the stunning bays of Jersey, find the viewpoints of Renoir's inspirations, and explore Sark's untouched coastline. Experience the nearby islands that make you feel you're a world away.

View Dates & Pricing

Unforgettable Experiences

Guernsey
Guernsey
Discover beautiful Guernsey, in the centre of the Channel Islands, within sight of the French coastline.
Jersey War Tunnels
Jersey War Tunnels
Explore the Jersey War Tunnels that illustrate what life was like in Jersey under Nazi occupation during WWII.
Isle of Sark
Isle of Sark
Spend a day relaxing on the island of Sark, enjoying its beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and clear sea.
Jersey
Jersey
Experience the islands at your own pace with lots of chances to choose how you spend your time.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - A relaxing island atmosphere in Jersey

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. When we arrive, we're introduced to the highlights. As well as seeing some of the stunning bays, we also stop by the iconic La Corbière Lighthouse and visit the gorgeous 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.

*Please note selected departure dates operate on a reverse itinerary, starting in Guernsey and finishing in Jersey. See 'Info Button' when you click into 'Dates and Prices' for more information.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - Jersey War Tunnels

Our excursion this morning reflects on the sombre days of World War II. We travel to Jersey War Tunnels; an underground war tunnel complex, built when Jersey was under Nazi occupation. During our visit, we have the 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, Elizabeth Castle, and 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - At leisure in Jersey

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. A little further afield, you could visit a number of its alluring bays, including St Aubin's Bay, St Ouen's Bay, and St Brelade's Bay - which has the island's most popular beach. After a day soaking up the charms of Jersey, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Discovering Guernsey

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 is famed for its beautiful beach resorts, gorgeous 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 which is based in an 18th-century manor house. We dine at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Uncovering the treasures of Sark

Today we sail on the ferry to the Isle of Sark. With no cars, paved roads or street lights, the island has a unique character which sets it apart from the others in the region. You have time at leisure to unwind in the relaxed pace of life here. You'll find walking trails all over the island as well as lots of hidden gems on the unspoilt coastline like creeks, rock pools and sea caves.

You could visit La Seigneurie Gardens, a walled garden filled with beautiful and unusual flowers. For a more spiritual experience, seek out Buddhist Rock Carving which was carved out 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.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - At leisure in Guernsey

Enjoy a delightful day at leisure in Guernsey today. You could embrace the island's serenity with a visit to Candie Gardens, award-winning, restored Victorian gardens. Aside from the beautiful 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 with scenic landscapes to discover on the island, including the fifteen views of the bay and the beach of Moulin Huet that inspired French artist, Renoir. After your day exploring, we meet for dinner together at the hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Homeward bound

Following breakfast and a relaxed morning, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Southampton. Landing in the early afternoon, it's time to say goodbye as our holiday comes to an end.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Les Rocquettes Hotel, Guernsey

Les Rocquettes Hotel, Guernsey

View hotel

Pomme D'or Hotel

Pomme D'or Hotel, St Helier

View hotel

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK Rail Connections

Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 37 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (24)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (2)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

R Moore

5 stars

Submitted 23/Sep

This holiday gave a great overview of the two main islands with time on Herm also included. It was a small group of sixteen with an excellent tour manager. We have travelled all over the world with Great Rail Journeys and have never been disappointed.

Collected by Trustpilot

Brian WAKEFIELD

5 stars

Submitted 22/Sep

Excellent tours, good accommodation and brilliant Tour Guide.

Collected by Trustpilot

ROSEMARIE NASH-SMITH

5 stars

Submitted 22/Sep

Lovely holiday. A small group of like minded people and a great Tour Manager

Collected by Trustpilot

T Lomer

5 stars

Submitted 22/Sep

A very good well organised taster tour of Guernsey and Jersey.

Collected by Trustpilot

C Edward

5 stars

Submitted 3/Aug

Fantastic tour rep. Excursions and guides excellent.

Collected by Trustpilot

Patrick

5 stars

Submitted 3/Aug

Excellent tours with very competent and pleadent guide.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
UK by Rail 2024

UK by Rail 2024

Pre-order our definitive guide to our 2024 UK rail holidays.

Download brochure

Tailor made for you

Customise this tour with Great Rail Journeys Independent

TailormadeEnquire
Related inspiration from our journey blog