Spring in the Isles
A voyage to Lundy Island, the Isles of Scilly & the Channel Islands aboard the MS Serenissima
- 10 May 2020
Sometimes, a few days away in a totally different environment is just what the doctor ordered, particularly if it does not involve flights. Join the MS Serenissima in Plymouth and visit some of the most idyllic islands including Sark and Alderney, Tresco, St Agnes and St Martin’s, with their crystal-clear waters and fine white sandy beaches that would not disgrace a Caribbean island. We have also included a visit to Lundy Island where the puffins will be in abundance.
We will explore on foot amazing little-contained worlds as well as the stunning sub-tropical Abbey Gardens on Tresco. The MS Serenissima is the perfect small ship for such a venture. A maximum of just over 90 passengers allows us to explore places otherwise inaccessible to larger ships and, with our nimble Zodiac craft, we can land on out of the way coves and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger groups of passengers.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Our View
"The United Kingdom is surrounded by a number of island groups offering wonderful scenery, wildlife and small communities and our voyage will include time in two of these groups: the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Our small ship, the MS Serenissima, is able to anchor and use local boats or the ship’s Zodiacs to land at the small harbours which serve the islands and, with just 90 passengers we will not overrun the islands but instead will be absorbed into the towns and island life. Our time will be spent walking the nature trails, seeing the abundant birdlife and flowers and experiencing life in these remote communities.”
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Plymouth, England.
Embark the MS Serenissima this afternoon in Plymouth. Transfers will be provided from Plymouth Railway station at a fixed time. Enjoy the Welcome Dinner and drinks as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Lundy Island.
We have scheduled a whole day on Lundy, a remote island in the Bristol Channel. Although small, just three miles long by half a mile wide, its isolation has made it a home for a range of wildlife whilst it is home to a clutch of listed buildings and monuments. The towering cliffs and rocky shoreline are a haven for migrating seabirds, whilst Sika deer, red deer and Soay sheep can also be seen as we walk along its traffic-free lanes and paths. Spend the day being as active as you wish, maybe explore the wide bays and coves by way of hanging valleys, see ancient burial chambers, climb the lighthouse, have a drink or lunch at the tavern or buy the island’s ‘puffin stamps’ at the shop.
Days 3 to 5 - Isles of Scilly.
We will spend three days exploring the Isles of Scilly. From our central anchorage, we will use the local tenders to visit a number of the islands in the group. We will visit traffic-free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander at your own pace along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. On St Agnes we find the most southwesterly community in the UK. Surrounded by rocks and reefs this delightful tiny island offers marvellous coastal walks. The small island of Gugh lies across a narrow sandbar and here we find a single stone monolith called the ‘Old Man of Gugh’ which dates back to the Bronze Age. Maybe join a boat trip to the island of Annet, the second largest of the uninhabited islands and a bird sanctuary. We are not allowed to land here but will cruise the coastline alive with puffins, European storm petrels and shag. We will tender ashore to Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited Isles of Scilly. Take the chance to wander along the tracks that cross the island amongst hedgerows and fields bursting with wildflowers. The active may wish to climb Watch Hill, where in the past islanders would keep watch for ships in distress or alternatively take a stroll to one of the beautiful beaches. See the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or maybe join one of our birders on a guided walk.
Days 6 to 8 - Guernsey, Herm, Alderney & Sark, Channel Islands.
Over the next three days we will visit the islands of the Baliwick of Guernsey. On Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’ there will be the option of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th century battlement which guards the entrance to St Peter Port harbour. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive during which we will see the beautiful coastline and beaches and visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china, or join a cliff walk along the scenic coastline. We will sail the short distance to Herm, the smallest inhabited Channel Island and, at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, perfect for exploring on foot. Here, you will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach whilst our naturalists will be ashore on the lookout for wildflowers and birds. On Alderney, visit the island’s only town, St Anne, which has all the old-world charm of a Normandy village with tiny squares and pastel shaded cottages and shops. Maybe join a short walk to see the German fortifications or a longer walk with our naturalists heading to the cliffs to see the abundant birdlife. At Sark we will use our Zodiacs to land on this peaceful traffic-free island. Horse-drawn carriages take us along the narrow lanes alive with the songs of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle thrush as we see the narrow isthmus which joins Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting gardens at La Seigneurie. The more active may wish to hire a bicycle and explore independently.
Day 9 - Portsmouth.
Disembark
this morning. A transfer will be
provided to Portsmouth Harbour
Railway station at a fixed time.
SHIP TO SHORE
This cruise is not classified as an
expedition cruise; however Zodiac
landing craft may be used and
integral to the operation of the
voyage due to the small ports we
will be visiting where we may be at
anchor.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy10 to 18 May 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
2 Standard Stateroom | £3395 | |
3 Classic Stateroom | £3595 | |
4 Superior Stateroom | £3995 | |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £4195 | |
6 Junior Suite | £4595 | |
7 Owner’s Suite | £4995 | |
8 Serenissima Suite | £4995 | |
10 Standard Single | £4595 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE100520
Price Includes: Eight nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Our View
"The United Kingdom is surrounded by a number of island groups offering wonderful scenery, wildlife and small communities and our voyage will include time in two of these groups: the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Our small ship, the MS Serenissima, is able to anchor and use local boats or the ship’s Zodiacs to land at the small harbours which serve the islands and, with just 90 passengers we will not overrun the islands but instead will be absorbed into the towns and island life. Our time will be spent walking the nature trails, seeing the abundant birdlife and flowers and experiencing life in these remote communities.”
Tour Extensions
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For those who would like to spend some time in Dartmouth before embarking the MS Serenissima, we are offering the opportunity to join our two night extension staying at the Dart Marina Hotel & Spa. The hotel is in a wonderful setting by the river and offers exceptionally comfortable rooms. Situated a short walk from the town centre, you can take time to explore the historic centre or visit some of the nearby attractions including Agatha Christie’s former residence at Greenways, a boat trip on the River Dart, join the steam railway along the south Devon coast or visit the nearby naval college. In 2020 Dartmouth will be part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations which commemorate the Pilgrim voyage to the Americas which departed from Dartmouth in August 1620. We will also have some time in Plymouth, where the Mayflower visited before crossing the Atlantic, before embarking the MS Serenissima.
Picturesque Dartmouth harbour
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 10 May 2020 Category Price Standard room with balcony & partial sea view £355 King room with French doors & sea view £385 King room with balcony & partial sea view £395 Standard room for sole use £575 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Dart Marina Hotel & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers from Totnes railway station to the hotel and from the hotel to the MS Serenissima in Plymouth.
Not Included: Travel insurance. -
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