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Channel Island escorted  tours for seniors

The opportunity to embark on a small group guided tour for senior and mature travellers to the Channel Islands, a British crown dependency in the United Kingdom, holds significant allure. Comprising two self-governing bailiwicks, Guernsey and Jersey, these islands assert their autonomy under a 1204 charter. Notably, they even have their own currencies, the Guernsey pound and the Jersey pound, pegged at par with the UK pound. While Guernsey reflects a predominantly British culture, Jersey, positioned closer to France geographically, showcases a unique linguistic heritage with locals speaking Jerriais, a French-derived language that traces its origins back to the Norman era.

Crafted tours for mature world travellers

Channel Island Tours

mount of Mont Saint Michel, France
Guaranteed
From $12,554 USD

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France, Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people.  For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.

22 days
Channel Islands, England
Departing Apr, May, Sep
Castle, Gorey - England, Jersey - England, France, Grouville
From $10,779 USD

Channel Islands | A small group walking tour for seniors

Another Small group tour of the British isles of the Channel Islands. This fully escorted, small group walking tour, takes the active senior off the beaten path  with local guides to Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm.

18 days
Channel Islands
Departing Sep, May

Despite a tumultuous past marked by German occupation during World War II, evidenced by the compelling German fortifications now transformed into the La Vallette Underground Military Museum, the Channel Islands today exude a quaint charm with their serene old-world villages, majestic castles, and pristine coastal beaches. The capital of Jersey, St Helier, boasts the notable four-star hotel, Pomme D’Or, a site of historical significance where the Union Jack was raised in 1945 upon Jersey’s liberation from German rule. Additionally, the island of Herm showcases intriguing Neolithic sites, while art galleries dot the landscape, adding a cultural dimension to the Islands’ rich history and stunning vistas along the rugged coastline.

Basking in sunnier days and enjoying milder winters compared to the British Isles, the Channel Islands beckon visitors to embark on guided tours, revealing Europe’s hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Articles about Channel Islands

The need to know

Touring the Channel Islands

Getting around

Odyssey’s guided tours offer a comprehensive exploration of destinations using a variety of transportation modes, from coaches to local trains and ferries, as detailed in the tour itinerary. The Channel Islands boast a well-established bus service that conveniently accesses key attractions. Additionally, cycling is a popular and secure means of getting around the islands, where cars have a restricted speed limit of 35 miles per hour. For seamless island-hopping, a ferry remains the optimal choice, ensuring a scenic and enjoyable journey between these picturesque locations.

Accommodation

During our guided tours of Channel Islands, Odyssey ensures a comfortable stay by selecting centrally located 3-4 star hotels that offer convenient access to public transport. Alternatively, guests have the option to explore on foot. In quaint villages or rural settings, our accommodations typically include cozy family-run hotels or guesthouses, especially during our guided walking tours.

Tour Guides

Odyssey prioritizes engaging local guides with deep regional knowledge to offer travellers an authentic experience, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the rich history and culture of each destination. Whether exploring the Jersey war tunnels, delving into German fortifications, or embarking on a guided tour of Mont Orgueil castle, the emphasis is on venturing off the beaten track to gain profound insights into the locality.

Geography environment & weather

The Channel Islands consist of two ‘Bailiwicks’, Jersey and Guernsey, each functioning as self-governing British Crown dependencies, complete with their own parliament, laws, and government structures.

Found in the English Channel proximate to the French coast, Jersey and Guernsey make up the primary islands, encompassing a substantial 92% of the total landmass. Complementing these main islands are the smaller isles of Alderney, Sark, and little Sark, which collectively account for the rest of the land area. Notably, the region also features various smaller islets, rocks, and reefs interspersed throughout the archipelago.

Benefiting from a temperate maritime climate, the Channel Islands are hospitable to tourists throughout the year. Uncommonly, severe weather phenomena are rare occurrences, providing pleasant summers and cool winters, perfect for leisurely outdoor walks. However, the island weather can be fickle, occasionally exhibiting all four seasons within a single day. Therefore, it is advisable for visitors to carry a waterproof coat to be prepared for any abrupt shifts in the weather.

World Heritage Sites

The Channel Islands may not have UNESCO World Heritage sites, but they offer a wealth of historical and natural attractions. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the majestic Elizabeth Castle from the sixteenth century, the historic Mont Orgueil Castle that traces back 800 years, and explore Neolithic sites on Herm, the smallest island in the group. Moreover, visitors can immerse themselves in the Jersey war tunnels and German fortifications, which are commonly featured on guided tours across the Channel Islands.

Festivals & events

Both Jersey the largest island and Guernsey celebrate Tennerfest, a six week long food festival that takes place in autumn. Both also celebrate the Channel Island Heritage Festival, a five week focus on the history of the islands that marks the anniversary the end of the Nazi occupation during World War Two. Be sure not to miss Jersey’s ‘Battle of Flowers’, one of the biggest carnivals in Europe. Not to be outdone, Guernsey has a rival Floral Festival and a Nerine Festival which coincide with the best bloom times on the island.

Reading list

  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
  • Island Madness by Tim Binding
  • Island Gardens by Jackie Bennett and Richard Hanson
  • Jersey: Witches, Ghosts and Traditions by Sonia Hillsdon

Eating & Drinking

The Channel Islands boast a rich culinary heritage with a focus on fresh, locally sourced food. Thanks to their coastal location and abundance of high-quality cattle, residents take pride in their offerings of fresh meat and seafood.

Unlike areas overrun by fast-food chains, the Channel Islands have preserved their traditional way of sourcing food. Both locals and tourists frequent ‘Hedge Veg’ stalls, quaint roadside markets where produce is sold on an honor system.

From cozy pubs to beachside cafes and outdoor dining spots, the islands provide a diverse dining scene catering to various tastes. Visitors can relish in a blend of French delicacies, classic English dishes, and authentic local cuisine, ensuring a gastronomic experience for all.

Health & Safety

While the Channel Islands are typically safe for travel, maintaining vigilance for any anomalies is essential. It is advisable to remain attentive and safeguard your possessions diligently throughout your journey.

Electrical supply

The Channel Islands operate on Greenwich Mean Time, maintaining a single time zone across the islands, excluding its overseas territories. Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October in the region.

FAQs

The Channel Islands operate on a single time zone, following Greenwich Mean Time, except for its overseas territories. Daylight Saving Time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October in the region.

When touring with Odyssey, tipping is conveniently handled for you. Nevertheless, when traveling independently, it is crucial to ensure that you tip adequately, following the custom prevalent in much of Europe. Typically, tipping ranges from 10 to 15% of the total bill at restaurants, or 1 to 3 GBP at more casual dining spots. It is considered courteous to round up the bill to the nearest whole amount or leave the change when purchasing beverages.

Internet access is readily available on Channel Islands, with most hotels and many cafes offering this service.

Ensure you contact your cell phone provider to inquire about the possibility of making calls and using data while in The Channel Islands. Most providers offer a daily fee option that enables you to make calls and browse the internet without incurring additional charges. Nevertheless, it is crucial to notify your provider of your international travel plans to avoid any disruptions in service due to potential security measures similar to those employed by banks.

Jersey and Guernsey are the predominant islands, comprising 99% of the population and 92% of the total area. Alongside these, other inhabited islands within this region encompass Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, and Brecqhou. Additionally, there are 13 uninhabited islets that contribute to the archipelago’s geographical diversity.

The Channel Islands, situated in the English Channel near the French coast of Normandy, form an archipelago comprising two Crown dependencies: the Bailiwick of Jersey, the largest island, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, and several smaller islands. Historically linked to the Duchy of Normandy, these islands, while autonomous, fall under the UK’s jurisdiction concerning defense and foreign affairs.

English is the official language in Jersey and is widely spoken among its inhabitants. Additionally, a Norman-French dialect persists among a portion of the population, particularly on the island of Jersey. Furthermore, French continues to be utilized in legal proceedings within the region.

Both Jersey and Guernsey accept British Pounds, but they also have their own distinct currencies known as the Guernsey Pound and Jersey Pound, respectively.

In India, there are three major airports: Alderney Airport, Guernsey Airport, and Jersey Airport, offering convenient daily flights connecting cities like London and Paris. Additionally, ferry services efficiently link Jersey to Saint-Malo, France, providing travelers with multiple transportation options for their journeys.

The Channel Islands boast mild temperatures throughout the year, yet due to their geographical location, the weather can be quite unpredictable. Abundant green spaces provide a stunning backdrop for wildflowers that bloom profusely in spring. The sea gradually warms up starting in May, and the months of September and October are notably quieter, with fewer tourists crowding the islands. Odyssey’s tours primarily take place in May to coincide with the peak of flower blossoms and the delightful spring-like weather that graces the islands during this time.

Jersey boasts captivating beaches and stunning cliff trails, a testament to its natural beauty. Just beyond the bustling town of St. Helier lies the Jersey War Tunnels complex, offering a poignant narrative of the island’s experience during the WWII German occupation.

On the other hand, Guernsey is renowned for its exquisite beach resorts such as Cobo Bay and the breathtaking coastal cliffs that offer panoramic views. In the heart of St. Peter Port, Castle Cornet stands as a historic 13th-century harbor fort, now home to engaging history and military museums. Additionally, visitors can explore the opulent Hauteville House, once the residence of renowned French writer Victor Hugo.

For a comprehensive exploration of the Channel Islands, Odyssey offers a diverse range of daily activities and immersive visits, ensuring that travelers depart the islands with a profound understanding and expertise on their unique charm and history.

These small group guided tours of the Channel Islands cater to mature and senior travelers who relish learning and exploration. Whether strolling through historic towns along cobbled streets and ancient squares to reach the main Channel Islands harbor for a ferry ride to another island—a brief boat journey before embarking on a day’s walk—or partaking in a day trip delving into medieval to contemporary history, including guided tours of Mont Orgueil Castle, the German fortifications, and Jersey War Tunnels, there is a wealth of knowledge to uncover.

Embracing Odyssey’s walking holiday, which places participants on a different island each day for exploration, offers a fantastic opportunity to visually absorb and learn about the surroundings. The guided walking tour is leisurely, yet encompasses the rugged island coastline and striking cliffs that overlook the sea as you traverse, culminating in leisurely meanders along sandy beaches. Should this guided walking tour of the Channel Islands or the enticing discovery tour of the island pique your interest, note that there are two scheduled departures annually.

Articles about the Channel Islands published by Odyssey Traveller.

For all the articles published on Britain by Odyssey Traveller, please click through on this link to view.

External articles to assist you on your visit to the Channel Islands

  • How come the Channel Islands, though so close to France, are part of the UK? (The Guardian)
  • Seven amazing reasons to visit St Peter Port: the tiny capital that’s big on charm (The Telegraph)
  • Eat Do Sleep Guernsey (The Luxury Editor)

Top Tips for Responsible Travel in the Channel Islands:

1. Familiarize yourself with local greetings to connect with residents and enhance your cultural experience. While English is widely spoken, learning some native phrases can enrich your time in the country.

2. Keep a business card from your hotel on hand to assist in finding your way back if you get lost during your exploration.

3. Prioritize travel insurance for comprehensive coverage during your trip. For guidance on suitable plans, don’t hesitate to reach out to Odyssey for expert assistance.

4. For independent travelers, verify the operating hours of shops and museums to make the most of your visit. Note that museums and galleries may be closed on Mondays, and be mindful of any public holidays that could impact your itinerary.

5. Notify your bank in advance about your international spending to prevent any disruptions due to flagged transactions. Identify ATMs and banks compatible with your cards to minimize withdrawal charges overseas.

6. Before your departure, ensure you have a mix of British pounds in various denominations. While carrying excessive cash is not recommended, having sufficient cash on hand enables convenient payments at establishments that may not accept credit cards, while also simplifying tipping practices.

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