Silversea Expedition Cruises A ST PETER PORT

Discover the charm and history of St. Peter Port, including the iconic, ancient Castle Cornet on this three-hour tour. Take a guided walking tour of the harbour with your knowledgeable local guide, and then enjoy the chance to see the legendary, 800-year-old Castle Cornet and its many museums housed within.

Departing the ship, begin your St. Peter Port walking tour and learn the incredible history of this bustling place that has been an active port since Roman times. The harbor's remoteness from France and safe anchorage have made it a major destination among the Channel Islands. Keep your camera handy as you stroll the cobblestone streets, charming alleys and regal buildings of this picturesque harbor.

Castle Cornet

Your walking tour leads you to Castle Cornet, where you may opt to take another guided tour or explore the place at your leisure. Castle Cornet was originally built on a smaller island, but was connected to Guernsey with a raised walkway made in the 19^th century. The tiered castle appears as a fortified village just beyond the forest of masts in the bustling Fish Quay.

Castle Cornet has seen many iterations over the centuries, as it has been built, destroyed and rebuilt from Medieval to Tudor to World War 2 and has remnants of these and other periods. The original castle was begun in the 13^th century as an English fortification against the French following the loss of Normandy. Over the centuries the castle has served as a prison, a garrison and even an arsenal.

Militia Museum

There are several museums with fascinating museum collections on this small fortified island, including the 201 Squadron RAF (Guernsey's Own) Museum and the Militia Museum. Spend an hour and a half at Castle Cornet, visiting the "Story of Castle Cornet" exhibition or perhaps just wandering the buildings and four small gardens, including an apothecary's garden and a kitchen garden.

Following the exploration of Castle Cornet, you may choose to return with your guide or make your way back on your own time to St. Peter Port harbour and the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at least 1.5 km and additional walking at the guest's discretion, with natural terrain that is uneven in some places, minimal steps, with slight hills and slopes in and around the venue and at least 15 steps leading into the castle. Because of the steps and substantial uneven terrain, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or scooters and is not recommended for guests with otherwise limited mobility. Children may attend but this is up to parents' discretion as the tour is not geared towards children; the amount of walking may be unsuitable for very young children. Guests are recommended to bring camera and sunglasses and to wear suitable walking shoes. Dress according to the weather in layers, with a light waterproof jacket often useful for this island's changeable weather. Space on this tour is somewhat limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Feast your eyes on some of the most charming gardens in Europe on this half-day tour of three gardens in Guernsey. The climate on this island is mild enough to grow a diverse array of plants that allow these gardens to be in bloom nearly all year round. Today see the subtropical garden at Sausmarez Manor, the charming Saumarez Park Victorian Walled Kitchen garden, and the gloriously colorful Candie Gardens.

Sausmarez Manor

Drive just 15 minutes from the pier to Sausmarez Manor to visit one of Britain's southernmost subtropical gardens. Parts of this manor date to the early 13th century, which has been home to the Sausmarez family since this time. The manor gardens as they exist today were planted around 1870 and improved over the decades ever since. Highly recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Sausmarez Manor Subtropical Gardens boasts picturesque collections of bamboo, camellias, palm trees, ginger lilies, cyclamen and snowdrops. Home to a lovely sculpture park and a range of shrubs and trees, this extensive collection of subtropical plants looks stunning all year round.

Saumarez Park Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden

Next drive a short distance to the Saumarez Park Victorian Walled Kitchen Garden, which dates back to the 1800s but was lovingly restored by volunteers beginning in 2006. As suggested by its name, the garden is primarily home to fruits and vegetables, planted in organized fashion across five sections. Learn the rich history of the gardens from volunteers who are almost always on site maintaining and planting, and note the garden's strong connection to the local area as evidenced by the Guernsey parsnips and chives growing.

Candie Gardens

Another 15-minute drive brings you to Candie Gardens, a delightfully designed floral Victorian garden that gives the visitor a new beautiful scene at every turn. This award-winning garden is a rare example of an existing Victorian public flower garden and not only showcases a range of flowers, but also provides glorious views of the other Channel Islands over the rooftops of St. Peter Port. Stroll around the flower beds photographing your favorite blooms.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll back through the town to the ship, or stay and explore some more.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at least 1.45 km and additional walking at the guest's discretion, with natural terrain that is uneven in some places, minimal steps, and a downhill walk from Candie gardens to the pier. Because of substantial uneven terrain, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or scooters and is not recommended for guests with otherwise limited mobility. Children may attend but this is up to parents' discretion as the tour is not geared towards children. Guests are recommended to bring camera and sunglasses and to wear suitable walking shoes. Dress according to the weather in layers, with a light waterproof jacket often useful for this island's changeable weather. Space on this tour is somewhat limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the splendid natural beauty and flavours of Guernsey during this panoramic, half-day cliff-walking excursion.

Guernsey, Guided Cliff-Walk, Country Lane and Moulin Huet Bay

Depart the pier for the short drive to the starting point of your panoramic cliff-walk. Upon arrival, begin your guided trek on-foot down a picturesque country lane towards Moulin Huet Bay. It was in this area that Pierre-Auguste Renoir spent many hours painting, and produced a series of 15 paintings in 1883 whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Wildflowers, Pea Stacks, Cliff-Tops, South Coast Cliffs, and Petit Port Bay

Next, proceed for the long, gradual climb past an abundance of wildflowers and splendid views of the pea stacks leads to the cliff-tops, which offer breath-taking panoramic vistas overlooking the south coast cliffs. Your guided cliff-walk tour continues past the pretty Petit Port Bay before ending at the clifftop Jerbourg Hotel.

Jerbourg Hotel, St. Peter Port and Guernsey Cream Tea

Upon arrival at the Jerbourg Hotel, enjoy a cup of delicious Guernsey cream tea, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.8 miles (about three kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a light, weatherproof jacket from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the splendid beauty and flavours of Guernsey during this half-day island drive, and a stop for morning coffee.

Little Chapel

Depart the pier for a short drive to visit the quaint Little Chapel. Situated along a tree-lined path in the quiet countryside, the Little Chapel is beautifully adorned with pebbles, shells and many pieces of coloured broken china. As you climb the steps around the Little Chapel and perhaps enter the tiny interior, you can appreciate the dedication shown in the creation of this unique religious symbol.

Gold and Silversmith Workshops

Next, a visit is made to the renowned gold and silversmith workshops, which are located in an attractively converted barn dating

from 1582 and situated amidst five acres (two hectares) of landscaped gardens. During your self-guided visit, you can observe

the smithing process and browse the elegant showroom for items available for sale.

Island Tour and Refreshment

Continue on a scenic drive of the West coast of the island. Along the way, see the picturesque harbour, waterfront and wonderful, 18th-century hillside Georgian houses lining St. Peter Port. Your drive journeys through the centre of the island. Admire some of the estimated 1,400 species of wild plants that flourish in Guernsey's mild climate, and pass by an abundance of greenhouses. Upon reaching the west coast, drive past splendid stretches of sandy beaches, rock pools and rocky cliffs. Finally, stop at a local hotel for a cup of tea or coffee served with Guernsey fruit bread, or 'gache' before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 820 feet (about 250 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on and off the coach and 10 optional steps at the Little Chapel. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.

Explore the hardships of life in Guernsey under occupation by German forces during this memorable, half-day excursion to the La Valette Underground Museum.

La Valette Underground Museum, and World War I and World War II Memorabilia

Depart the pier for the short drive to the La Valette Underground Museum. Upon arrival,visit the museum for a self-guided tour, which houses a massive collection of World War II memorabilia from the German occupation of Guernsey, as well as World War I memorabilia. It is all housed in the original building and contains many excellent displays, including a life-sized street, bunker rooms, an armoury of weapons and communications equipment, files of local propaganda newspapers, and a brief audio-visual introduction, which effectively sets the scene. The museum tells the story of the islands being occupied by German forces; it offers a truly unique insight into the lives of the islanders who lived during those times, and the way they were treated.

West Coast Drive, Vazon Bay, Fort Hommet, Gun Emplacements, and Little Chapel

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the beautiful west coast of Guernsey, which winds around the coastal road to Vazon Bay and Fort Hommet. From here, you can see one of the many coastal gun emplacements that remain today as a reminder of five years of military occupation by the German Armed Forces. Leaving the west coast, re-board your coach and head to the Little Chapel, the smallest consecrated church in the world. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 500 yards (about 457 metres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at La Valette. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the spectacular beauty and wildlife of Guernsey and nearby Herm in a unique and exciting new way during this unforgettable seascape expedition.

Depart the pier for the brief walk to your awaiting custom-built, 12-passenger Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). After receiving your safety instructions, depart the pier for a unique, hour-long interactive experience that combines stunning scenery, breath-taking wildlife, intriguing history and professional commentary.

From the dramatic cliffs, maritime heath-land, sheltered valleys, bluebell woods, and coves along the south coast to the long stretches of white-sand beaches, shingle banks, and sand dunes, Guernsey has it all. Enriched by the currents of the Gulf Stream that bring in vital nutrients, the waters around Guernsey and its neighboring islands support a wealth of enchanting bird- and marine-life.

The Humps, situated to the north of Herm, is a nature reserve and protected breeding ground for auks, cormorants, seasonal seabirds and the rare peregrine falcons that grace its cliffs. Your tour will visit an historic island fort, a local colony of Atlantic Grey Seals and view rarely-seen puffins on the rocks and in the water (mid-March to end July only). Your expert guide will tell you some of the islands' history as you go along. Following your RIB excursion, return to the pier and walk back to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of activity, with a few steps to negotiate to embark the rigid inflatable boat (RIB).This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible; guests must be able to embark and disembark the boat. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing and raingear with flat, non-slip footwear (no high-heels), and carry cameras in a suitable waterproof bag or pouch. Guests must be at least 3 years old to participate on this tour. Although commonly observed on this type of excursion, bird and mammal sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Waterproof jackets and lifejackets are provided for everyone.

Discover the story behind the best-selling book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Guernsey, Jerbourg, La Bouvee, and the Channel Islands and France Viewpoint

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Jerbourg, area of La Bouvee. En route, take in lovely views of Castle Cornet and Havelet Bay, then ascend the Val des Terres. Upon arrival in Jerboug, where many scenes from the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, are set on the southeast cliff-top, take a guided stroll to La Bouvee. Here, see where Dawsey. Amelia and Isola 'lived', as well as the rutted lanes, foggy meadows and farmhouses where the colourful characters in the book conducted their lives. Walk to the viewpoint for splendid vistas of the other Channel Islands and France on a clear day, where Elizabeth met her German lover Christian and watched the German warplanes flying over to drop their bombs on London.

Little Chapel, West Coast, Guernsey Pearl and Refreshment Stop

Next, re -board your coach and drive to the Little Chapel that Dawsey took Juliet to see. Built by Brother Deodat, it is now regarded as the smallest consecrated church in the world. In order to impress his Bishop, Brother Deodat decided to cover the Little Chapel with many different types of shells and broken pieces of pottery. Juliet was delighted to be able to step inside this beautiful little church. Leaving the Little Chapel, drive down to the west coast, and stop at Guernsey Pearl for refreshments and a slice of Guernsey gâche.

Witches' Stone, Les Trepieds Dolmen, White Rock Pier, and World War II Memorial

Afterward, re-board your coach and head to the White Rock Pier, opposite a nearby memorial dedicated to local residents who perished in a German bombing raid on 28 June 1940. En route, see many German fortifications, as well as the Witches' Stone and Les Trepieds Dolmen that Dawsey showed Juliet. The harbour played host to one of the darkest days in Guernsey's history. German aircraft dropped bombs upon what they thought were vehicles carrying troops, but were actually just trucks filled with tomatoes, causing the deaths of 34 innocent civilians. After a photo stop at the memorial, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), at times over uneven and gravel surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, layered clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.