The islands are wonderful. Sark was a revelation. The two tour leaders made this trip memorable. Their personalities and sense of humour made this trip extra special. Over and above the normal range, we enjoyed moth traps, star gazing and bat observing.
K.P, Cambridgeshire, May '23
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Channel Islands - Guernsey, Herm & Sark
Tour Code: GBR313A peaceful 10-day holiday encompassing the very best of the British Channel Islands of Sark, Guernsey and Herm.
£3,495 (Inc flights)
£3,195
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Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The British Channel Islands have been little-explored by mainland-based naturalists. This pioneering 10-day holiday explores three of the archipelago's islands, led by a Channel Island resident expert naturalist. Our stay begins on the beautiful island of Sark, which lies 9 miles to the south-east of Guernsey and is described by the Daily Telegraph as one of the 20 most tranquil and most "desirable great escapes on the planet”. Sark is also one of the sunniest places in the British Isles and hosts a wonderful selection of wildlife which we shall seek on serene excursions.
After a most enjoyable 6-day exploration of Sark’s flora and fauna, we’ll take a 50-minute ferry crossing back to Guernsey where we will be based for our next four nights. The picturesque island of Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands and is packed with award-winning beaches, picture-postcard towns, and world-class cuisine. Guernsey hosts an interesting fauna and flora including such specialities as Glanville Fritillary, Loose-flowered Orchid and Short-toed Treecreeper. On one of the days based on Guernsey we shall make a day trip to our third Channel Island of the holiday, Herm, which is just a 15-minute ferry crossing from Guernsey's St Peter Port Harbour. Herm is one of the smallest of the inhabited Channel Islands and with a population of just over 60 is beautifully unspoilt and with no cars, incredibly peaceful.
We'll return from our holiday having had a most restful yet fascinating insight into our most southerly islands.
For detailed information, please download the itinerary document above. Please note that the second departure in each year is usually operated in the reverse direction i.e. starting in Guernsey and ending in Sark.
- Explore three British Channel Islands on one holiday!
- See wonderful species rarely, or not, found on the British Isles mainland including Glanville Fritillary, Loose-flowered Orchid and Short-toed Treecreeper
- Led by a Channel Island resident expert naturalist
- Bird-ringing and moth-trapping demonstrations undertaken
- Visit beautiful habitats such as the Ramsar sites of L’Eree Shingle Bank, Gouliot Headland and Lihou Island
- Ferry option available for those who wish to make this a flight-free holiday
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
We’ll stay in one of Sark’s traditional farmhouses, set in extensive, beautiful, sheltered gardens with an indoor swimming pool, dining in the luxurious Georgian hotel next-door each evening. On Guernsey we'll stay in an elegant 4-star hotel in a beautiful secluded valley where upgraded Gold Balcony rooms are used as standard for our tour. All rooms en suite.
- Food:
The tour price includes a wonderful 3-course meal on each of our nine evenings. Lunches are not included in the tour price and will be taken at cafés featuring local produce, and where light lunches such as soups and sandwiches are available, as well as more substantive plates of food.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Andrew Cleave
Having taken early retirement from his job teaching and running an Environmental Education Centre a few years ago, Andrew is now able to concentrate on writing, photography, lecturing and tour leading. His published works, numbering over 30 titles so far, cover a range of natural history and environmental subjects, and include field guides to Trees, Wild Flowers, Seashore Life and Birds, Biology Revision Guides and numerous articles in magazines and journals. Andrew is a frequent lecturer to National Trust and RSPB groups, and has also run courses on dormouse conservation and ecology. He is a committee member of the Lundy Field Society and is presently involved with a survey of the island's flora. He has travelled extensively, especially in Europe, and led tours for Naturetrek in various parts of the Mediterranean region and Galapagos. Andrew was appointed MBE in 1995 for services to Environmental Education.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
EnquireWhy Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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