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.

Day 1 - Thursday 1st October 2008 - 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 - Friday 2nd October 2008 - Abbey Gardens and Tresco Walk
Departing the hotel at 10.00am we walk to the Abbey Gardens for a two-hour conducted tour. Alternatively you can travel by tractor departing at 10.30am (2 miles). Optional lunch at the New Inn or the Island Hotel. Afternoon guided walk 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, and to stroll along beautiful beaches and cliff paths. 5 miles 3 hours.

Day 3 - Saturday 3rd October 2008 - Chartered Boat Tour of the Islands
Leave the hotel and walk the short distance to the jetty at Old Grimsby (depending on tides) where we embark at 10.00am on our chartered boat for a visit St Martin's, the third largest of the Isles of Scilly. 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 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. 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).

Sail for the Eastern Isles to watch sea-birds and seals in their natural habitat, returning to Tresco via the northern coast of St Martin's, passing close to Tean and St Helen's.

Day 4 - Sunday 4th October 2008 - St Mary's
Walk across the island (15 minutes) to the jetty at New Grimsby for the boat service departing at 10.00am for the neighbouring island of 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 and enjoy an optional lunch. 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. Embark at The Quay for the return boat trip to Tresco.

Day 5 - Monday 5th October 2008 - 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 The Gulf. Continue via Hell Bay along the coastal path for an optional lunch at Hell Bay Hotel. Continue the 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. Great Porth Beach, Gweal Head and Hell Bay to Shipman Head. 4 miles 3 hours.

Day 6 - Tuesday 6th October 2008 - Depart by Helicopter
It's time to go home. After breakfast in the hotel, we are collected by a tractor-drawn bus for transfer to the Heliport for our return flight to Penzance.

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, with three-course dinner parties each evening.

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:

Outbound - Thursday 1st October 2008

Inbound - Tuesday 6th October 2008

Inclusive price per person, sharing a twin/double Garden Wing room £995.

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