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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Charms of the Channel Islands

Seven-day escorted island tour of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm

Illustration of The Charms of the Channel Islands

Great Rail Journeys operates a seven-day escorted tour of four Channel Islands, departing from Southampton with flights and returning by air. The itinerary spans Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Herm, combining guided coach exploration, cultural heritage sites, and leisure time to wander independently. Travellers spend three nights in St Helier, Jersey and two nights in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Day one brings a guided walking tour of St Helier with local tastings; day two explores Jersey's 48 miles of coastline and includes a fresh oyster tasting at Faulker Fisheries overlooking the Atlantic. Day three offers complete flexibility to pursue options such as Elizabeth Castle or scenic coastal walks. The Guernsey portion features a farm-to-glass cider experience at Rocquette Cider, a visit to the Little Chapel with its shell and pebble mosaic, and day trips by ferry to the car-free islands of Herm and Sark, where a private horse-drawn carriage ride winds through unspoilt landscapes and the 17th-century La Seigneurie Gardens. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, handling all logistics and leading guided excursions. This tour suits couples seeking comfort and structure, history lovers interested in Neolithic sites and castles, and food-and-wine enthusiasts keen to sample local produce and cider.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a coach and ferry tour, not a rail journey; train travel is not included in the base price, though optional UK rail connections from local stations can be booked separately.
  • The single-room supplement (GBP 2,599 from GBP 1,699 double) is substantial; solo travellers should confirm the final single price before booking.
  • Group size is capped at 30 passengers; smaller numbers cannot be guaranteed.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: St Helier, Jersey

    Arrival in Jersey and discovering St Helier

    Your holiday begins at Southampton airport, where you meet the Tour Manager and catch an early morning flight to Jersey. On arrival, transfer to St Helier for a guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable local expert, discovering the bustling Central Market, the historic Parish Church of St Helier and the bronze statues at the former Cattle Market. Enjoy local tastings including traditional Jersey fudge, the famous Black Butter and locally brewed beer. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore St Helier and settle into the hotel overlooking Liberation Square, before the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: St Helier, Jersey

    Exploring Jersey's coastlines

    A full day of exploration across Jersey's diverse landscapes, starting with a visit to Seafield House (a private Regency residence) with formal gardens featuring rare botanical treasures. Continue to St Aubin, Noirmont Point, St Brelade's Bay, Corbière Lighthouse and St Ouen's Bay. Savour freshly harvested Jersey oysters paired with crisp wine at Faulker Fisheries, set within a converted German bunker. Journey east to discover hidden coves and Gorey, dominated by Mont Orgueil Castle. Visit La Hougue Bie, a Neolithic passage grave over 6,000 years old, with a medieval chapel and local storyteller.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: St Helier, Jersey

    A day at leisure in Jersey

    A full day at leisure to explore Jersey at your own pace. Options include St Helier's mural art trail, Elizabeth Castle on a tidal island, Gerald Durrell Jersey Zoo, or scenic coastal walking routes. No planned dinner this evening, the perfect opportunity to discover local restaurants, cafés and eateries.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: St Peter Port, Guernsey

    To Guernsey for a cider tasting experience

    Transfer to the harbour to board a ferry to Guernsey. On arrival, head to Rocquette Cider for an immersive tour of this family-run cider estate and authentic farm-to-glass cider experience, including orchards of over 5,000 apple trees. Transfer to the hotel in St Peter Port, with the afternoon free to explore. Options include Castle Cornet, the Victorian Candie Gardens, and the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: St Peter Port, Guernsey

    Discovering Guernsey and idyllic Herm

    Explore Guernsey's coastline, passing through Val de Terre, Fort George, Sausmarez Manor, and beaches at Perelle, Vazon and Cobo Bays. Visit the Little Chapel, covered entirely in a mosaic of seashells, pebbles and broken china. After lunch, board a ferry to the car-free island of Herm to explore pristine white-sand beaches and quiet coastal paths at leisure. Return to Guernsey by ferry and transfer back to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: St Peter Port, Guernsey

    Uncovering the Isle of Sark, the 'Jewel of the Channel Islands'

    Ferry ride to the enchanting Isle of Sark after breakfast. Take a 90-minute sightseeing tour by private horse-drawn carriages through Sark's narrow lanes and lush landscapes, with knowledgeable driver guides. Visit the beautiful La Seigneurie Gardens set within the historic walled grounds of a 17th-century manor. Enjoy free time to explore walking trails, secluded creeks, sea caves, coves and rock pools, and optionally discover the Buddhist Rock Carving created by a Tibetan Monk. Return to Guernsey by ferry in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, make your way to the airport for the flight back to Southampton. Landing in the early afternoon, you are free to make your own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Guided walking tour of St Helier with local tastings of traditional Jersey fudge and a visit to the historic Parish Church of St Helier.
  • Day 2Full-day tour of Jersey's coastlines, including Corbière Lighthouse and St Brelade's Bay, with fresh Jersey oyster tasting at Faulker Fisheries in a converted German bunker.
  • Day 4Ferry to Guernsey followed by an immersive farm-to-glass cider experience at Rocquette Cider, a family-run estate with over 5,000 apple trees.
  • Day 5Visit to the Little Chapel, covered entirely in a mosaic of seashells, pebbles and broken china, followed by ferry to the car-free island of Herm.
  • Day 6Ninety-minute sightseeing tour of Sark by private horse-drawn carriage through narrow lanes, then exploration of the 17th-century La Seigneurie Gardens and coastal walking trails.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 3 & 4-Star accommodation
  • All ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flights from Southampton to Jersey and Guernsey to Southampton
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
No. The tour uses flights, ferries and coaches. Optional UK rail connections from local stations to Southampton can be booked separately through Great Rail Journeys.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish, and all guided tours and excursions are led by local experts or the manager.
What is included in the price?
The price includes flights from Southampton to Jersey and back from Guernsey, six nights' accommodation in three and four-star hotels, all ferry and coach travel, breakfast daily, five dinners, and all guided tours and excursions.
Which islands are visited?
Jersey (three nights), Guernsey (two nights), Sark and Herm. Sark and Herm are reached by ferry from Guernsey as day excursions.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes a guided walking tour of St Helier, coastal exploration, a 90-minute horse-drawn carriage ride on Sark, and optional leisure walking on Herm and Jersey. Day 3 offers a full leisure day with optional coastal walking routes.
When does the tour run?
Departures are scheduled in April, May, June, July, August and September, with eight dates across 2026 and 2027. Confirm exact departure dates with Great Rail Journeys.

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