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Channel Islands and Normandy - 14 Day Extended Tour - (Tour No. CIF) |
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Day One - Saturday There's an indefinable and timeless quality about the island of Guernsey
and no-one can say they know the United Kingdom until they've spent
some time here. The 'back-roading' opportunities are legion and no two
tours of ours are seemingly ever the same as our guides use our flexible
touring schedules to mould each individual tour according to weather,
local festivals and events, and the particular interest of participants. Excellent for sandy beaches in secluded coves, wild flowers and rocky promontories, and for the gentle walking which can be taken amidst breathtaking scenery. In addition to the nature element of the tour, there is an opportunity to visit sites associated with Guernsey's interesting history. Like its neighbours, Guernsey has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is rich in Bronze and Iron Age monuments. Perhaps most interesting will be our discovery of the many castles, fortresses and watch houses that cover the island and have sought to protect it from invasions, a threat to the Channel Islands since King John lost the Crown's French possessions. We'll be visiting the Fortress Guernsey Exhibition as well as a selection of castles, e.g. Chateau des Marais, Vale Castle and Castle Cornet. We'll also be spending time at St Peter Port, the island's attractive capital. Highlights will include Victor Hugo's house, who lived here in exile, the Maritime Museum, and the old harbour. We'll have two days to explore the many facets of this small island. On one of our days, we'll be taking a short ferry to the island of Sark - the last feudal fief in Europe and the smallest independent state in the Commonwealth. Here, no cars are allowed to pollute this haven of rural and maritime peace and one of the day's undoubted highlights will be our mode of transport - horse-drawn carts! Other highlights will include La Colinette, and La Coupee, a scene so inspiring to Turner. Days Six & Seven - Thursday & Friday A short morning ferry crossing brings us to Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands (12.5 by 5.5 miles). Here we'll spend our next two days and nights exploring the island. In addition to its lovely scenery, we'll also be seeing fine historical sights such as the 13th century, one time home of Sir Walter Raleigh, Mont Orgueil Castle at Gorey, the mythical Grosnez Point and St Ouen's Bay with its vast sandy beach. In terms of contemporary history, we'll be visiting the concrete labyrinth of the German occupation force's Underground Hospital, built during World War II as well as numerous coastal fortifications. A visit to Jersey Pottery is also on the agenda. There'll be the opportunity, too, of visiting Jersey Zoo (not included in the price) established by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell. Here, animals live as closely as is possible to their natural environment while preparing to be re-released into the wild. Day Eight - Saturday We take another catamaran ferry crossing of about three hours to the Celtic region of Brittany in France. We'll arrive at Saint Malo around midday (except for October departure which involves an afternoon crossing). This harbour town was originally built as a fortress and a haven for French pirates who raided ships in the English Channel and beautifully restored after almost complete destruction in WW2. Days Nine & Ten - Sunday & Monday An early start this morning as we head west to one of the best preserved 'old towns' in Brittany, Vitre. Later, we'll visit the incredible abbey church at Le Mont St Michel, undoubtedly one of the regions most famed attractions. Leaving Brittany, we'll pass through Avranches and from here on we'll come across many more reminders of our recent history. Our destination for today is the medieval city of Bayeux. Dinner on both days will be taken on the shores of the English Channel at Arromanches overlooking the site of Mulberry B Harbour, a truly remarkable location. Our tour continues with visits to some of the D-Day Beaches - Omaha, Gold and Juno. A visit to the war cemeteries of allied dead will be a poignant reminder never to be forgotten. As a contrast, a relaxing afternoon in the beautifully restored city of Bayeux is on our itinerary. Visit the famed tapestry, the cathedral, one of the many museums or spend time exploring the town. Day Eleven & Twelve - Tuesday & Wednesday One gentle day's touring is in store for us first as we discover 'Calvados' country. Among rolling, green hills, we'll see the black and white manors, stop off at cheese makers and cider farms, and generally fit the day around the groups' interests. Beuvron-en-Auge is a beautiful example of a Calvados village. We'll pass through the Victorian resort of Deauville and drive along the Cote de Grace before arriving at Honfleur. Honfleur, a harbour that inspired artists, saw the launch of daring
expeditions to the New World, and is today a thriving centre of fishing
and tourism, which warrants the day of personal discovery we give it.
It's an ideal climax to this truely relaxed holiday tour. There are
local museums and art galleries, unique shops and atmospheric ancient
back alleys to explore. Perhaps you'll even enjoy a fishing trip! We'd
certainly recommend a leisurely seasfood lunch at one of the harbour-side
cafes. It's 'au revoir' to France today but we've a very full final day before we board our early evening, fast ferry from Dieppe bound for England. As any Canadian knows, Dieppe is known for the Dieppe Raid on August 19,1942. On the local beach thousands of Canadian soldiers were killed along with other allied soldiers in an assult that laid the groundwork for the later, successful , D-Day landings. There are several monuments in the town paying tribute to those who died and it's another moving visit for all who want to see it. But Dieppe has much more to offer those who'd like to broaden their
visit and its attractions will fill our day. Dieppe is not just a ferry
port, it is also a pleasant resort. At the foot of high cliffs facing
the English Channel, it is delightfully small-scale with the port, the
shops and the beach all within easy reach. Pastel-coloured houses line
the quay where fishermen sell scallops, sole and turbot, straight off
the boats. The medieval castle, overlooking the promenade, houses the
Musée du Château, which has a vast collection of ivory
objects shipped back from Africa by early explorers, as well as more
than 100 sketches by the French artist Georges Braque, the co-founder
of cubism, who spent his summers in Dieppe and is buried near the town
at Varengeville-sur-Mer. Disembarking our ferry, and having dined on board, we make our way
to our final accommodation of the tour. Today you have a choice of either being dropped at London's Heathrow airport (transfers by coach to Gatwick) in time for your flight home, or returning to your London hotel base to extend your stay (tonight's accommodation, should you be extending your stay is not included in your tour price). |
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