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INTRODUCTION
The summer crowds have gone and September is a great time to visit these delightfully unspoilt islands.
We stay at the Island Hotel on Tresco, which has become an exclusive destination for discerning visitors
who appreciate luxury accommodation and fine dining.
We have planned a programme of gentle walking and exploration
on Tresco itself and the surrounding islands, to provide an à la carte holiday experience.
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Travel to Penzance is under your own arrangements, either by rail or car - the holiday begins at the Heliport, where
we embark for the 20 minute helicopter flight with British International Helicopters that takes us over Land's
End and across the sea to Tresco. There are no vehicles on the island apart from tractors and trailers, one of
which meets us at the Heliport to take us to the Island Hotel.
The emphasis on this holiday is to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the island, with a walking programme
that is leisurely and non-challenging.
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| Dates: |
4 - 9 September 2010 |
| Guide Price per person : |
£1,100 (to be confirmed) |
| Grade: |
Easy [E] More info |
| Availability: |
Places available |
| Book this holiday now |
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The Island of Tresco
Tresco is more than just a holiday retreat - it has a small but thriving community of islanders (population 150),
with everyday life revolving around the movements of boats and tides. The pace of life is slow and tranquil, and our
visit should provide an opportunity to enjoy a welcome break from the stress and noise of the mainland. The island
is owned by the Dorrien Smith family, who live on the island, and is part of the Duchy of Cornwall. Most of its
inhabitants are employed by the Tresco Estate and the Abbey Gardens.
An interesting highlight of the holiday is a guided tour of the world-famous Abbey Gardens, which are a lush green
maze of paths meandering between palms, tree ferns, camellias and lilies. Also of interest are the medieval
ruins, delightful sculptures, and a fascinating collection of shipwrecked figureheads. In addition to our guided
tour, you will have the opportunity to re-visit the Abbey Gardens at your leisure. To set the scene, we have
arranged an illustrated talk about the history, culture and shipwrecks of the island.
Bryher Boat Services
We have chartered a boat from Bryher Boat Services for a day's exploration of neighbouring islands including
St Martin's and the Eastern Isles, and in particular to get a close look at sea birds and seals in their natural
habitat. We also use their inter-island boat service to visit St Mary's and Bryher. Bryher Boat Services hold
current licences, and each boat has ship-to-shore radio and radar.
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Day 1 - Saturday 4th September 2010 - Arrive by Helicopter
Check in at the British International Heliport at Penzance for the flight to Tresco. Met on arrival by the Island
Hotel's tractor-drawn open bus, which takes us across the island to the hotel. Welcome Reception at 7.30pm,
followed by dinner at 8.00pm.
Day 2 - Sunday 5th September 2010 - Abbey Gardens and Tresco Walk
Departing the hotel at 10.00am we walk to the Abbey Gardens for a two-hour conducted tour. Optional lunch at
the New Inn. Afternoon guided walk around the cliffs of Tresco during which we plan to visit Cromwell's Castle
and the ruins of King Charles' Castle - the scene of the last battle of the English Civil War. We stroll along
beautiful beaches and cliff paths. Total of 4-5 miles walking. 3 hours. Grade: Easy
Day 3 - Monday 6th September 2010 - St Martin's
Leave the hotel and walk the short distance (15 minutes) to New Grimsby to catch the Bryher Boat Service to
St Martin's, where we spend the day exploring this lovely island. Disembark at the Lower Town jetty, where we
stop at the hotel for an optional coffee, before setting off to explore the island on foot. There are several
choices for the walk today with probably the best option being to walk around the island along a very good cliff-top
footpath in a clockwise direction via White Island, Great Bay and St Martin's Head to Higher Town, passing
beautiful sandy beaches and secluded coves. Optional lunch at Higher Town. 6 miles. 3 hours.
An easier option is to walk the self-built roadway via the small community of houses and galleries at Higher Town
and on to New Quay where our charter boat will be waiting for us to re-embark. 2 - 6 miles (your choice).
Day 4 - Tuesday 7th September 2010 - St Mary's
Walk across the island (15 minutes) to the jetty at New Grimsby for the Bryher Boat Service to St Mary's.
On arrival free time has been allowed to explore Hugh Town with its fascinating shopping area and optional coffee
in a local café. Meet up and follow the cliff path around the Garrison headland, along Porthcressa Beach
and follow the cliff path to Peninnis Head and Pulpit Rock to Old Town Bay. This is a good place to linger awhile,
enjoy an optional lunch at Tolman Café and sample their excellent crab salad. Cross the island following
the nature trail to Porth Loo and follow the cliff path back to The Quay to catch the boat back to Tresco.
5 miles. 3 hours.
Day 5 - Wednesday 8th September 2010 - Bryher
Walk to the jetty at New Grimsby and take the boat service to Tresco's little sister, Bryher, to enjoy the
unpretentious charm of this delightful island (population 70). We walk around the island, going north via Kitchen
Porth, passing Hangman Island to Badplace Hill and and Shipmans Head. We continue via Hell Bay along the coastal
path for an optional lunch at Hell Bay Hotel. After lunch we walk along Great Porth Beach, Rushy Bay and the church,
arriving at Anneka's Quay in good time to catch the boat back to Tresco. 4 miles, 3 hours.
Day 6 - Thursday 9th September 2010 - Depart by Helicopter
It's time to go home. After breakfast in the hotel, we are collected by a tractor-drawn bus for the transfer to
the Heliport for our return flight to Penzance.
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The Island Hotel
You will be impressed by the comfort and quiet luxury of the hotel and its exceptional position right on the edge
of the sea. The bedrooms are of a high standard with private facilities, a sitting area and terrace with stunning
sea view. Outside, the hotel gardens stretch down towards the beach, and behind the hotel there is a tennis court
and heated outdoor swimming pool.
A particular feature of this holiday is the excellent quality of the hotel's restaurant, where we have breakfast
and dinner.
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There is a good rail service to Penzance or, if you are driving, the M5/A30 road link to Penzance is very good. The British International Heliport is close to Penzance and well sign-posted. You can leave your car in their secure car park for the duration of the holiday.
Fly by British International Helicopters:
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Outbound - Saturday 4th September 2010
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Depart Penzance
Arrive Tresco
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1610
1630
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Inbound - Thursday 9th September 2010
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Depart Tresco
Arrive Penzance
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1045
1105
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Guide price per person, sharing a twin/double Garden Wing room: £1,100 (to be confirmed)
There is no single supplement (limited availability).
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES
- Return helicopter flight by British International, Penzance-Tresco
- Five nights at the Island Hotel in Garden Wing room with private facilities, sea view and terrace
- Half a bottle of champagne in your room on arrival
- Illustrated talk on Tresco and its history
- Conducted tour of the Abbey Gardens
- Free entry to the Abbey Gardens each day of the holiday
- Guided walking tours of Tresco, St Mary's and Bryher
- Private chartered boat for a tour of the islands
- Return boat journeys to St Mary's and Bryher
- Airport taxes
- Accompanying tour leader
E&OE
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