8 Days
The Channel Islands are showcased at their very best on this luxurious journey. Discover the unique and rich history of these often-overlooked islands on a trip filled with private experiences and stunning accommodation.
Travelling by privately chartered boat, sail from Guernsey to Jersey, Sark, and the walled Breton port city of Saint-Malo. History lurks around every corner on the Channel Islands, the only part of the Commonwealth to be occupied by Germany during the Second World War. Even if your interests lie elsewhere, there is much to see as you travel through stunning landscapes and discover the islands’ secrets courtesy of your knowledgeable chauffer-guide.
Finish your trip on the Isle of Wight and discover why it was a favourite of Victorian high society and remains a renowned spot for a peaceful getaway.
GET IN TOUCHDream Escape’s programme could include any of the following unique experiences:
Here are the accommodation choices we suggest for your trip to the Channel Islands;
On Guernsey enjoy the panoramic views from a historic property in the heart of St Peter Port, complete with all the modern comforts you would expect from a luxury hotel.
A member of the Relais & Châteaux collection, your boutique hotel on Jersey is housed in a restored manor house. At one point during your stay you will be able to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea in a luxury setting.
Osborne House was designed by Prince Albert in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo and was built between 1845 and 1851. Upon seeing it for the first time, Queen Victoria said “It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot”.
Mont Orgueil Castle is one of the world’s finest examples of a medieval castle which has cast its shadow over the beautiful fishing village of Gorey for over 800 years.
Board a privately charted 44ft luxury yacht for a day trip across to Brittany and the historic port city of Saint-Malo. Be greeted by an experienced skipper, steward and a glass of champagne and see if you can catch a glimpse of a dolphin amongst the waves.
In the Second World War, the Channel Islands were the only part of the Commonwealth to be occupied by the German Army, and were under German rule from June 1940 to May 1945. Jersey offers several sights that will provide a fascinating insight including the chilling German Military Underground Hospital, La Vallette Underground Military Museum, and the German Occupation Museum as well as many fortifications around the island that were a part of Hitler’s “Atlantic Wall”.
Take a privately guided tour of La Mare Wine Estate, complete with a chance to sample their unique products in a sun-drenched vineyard.
St Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey is a bustling and picturesque harbor almost as prosperous today as it was in Roman times, when ancient trading routes helped to put it firmly on the global map.
Jersey is the largest and most southerly of the Channel Islands. It lies just 14 miles from the French coast in the Bay of Mont St Michel. The arrival by ferry is breath-taking – see the rocky grandeur of La Corbière, the sweep of St Aubin’s Bay and picturesque Elizabeth Castle.
Guernsey, the second largest of the Channel Islands, is 75 miles south of the English coast and 30 miles from France. It has recently put itself firmly back on the map due to the success of Mary Ann Shaffer’s best-selling 2008 book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society being made into a film starring Lily James and Jessica Brown Findlay. The film puts the spotlight firmly on the island’s wartime tribulations.
If you want a slower pace of life, then Sark is perfect. Only approachable by boat, there are no cars on the island, just tractors, bikes and horse-drawn carriages. It was described by National Geographic as one of the top ten must-see destinations for 2015.
The Isle of Wight is 23 miles wide and 13 miles long, and is littered with picturesque villages and bustling small towns. It has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Over the years, the island has attracted many famous visitors, but its best-known resident is perhaps Queen Victoria. She was so smitten with the place that she moved her summer residence from Brighton to here
