The Bailiwick of Guernsey, close to the Normandy coast, enjoys a delightful mix of both French and British culture and a long history stretching back 500 years. We begin our visit with a tour of the island, with its spectacular cliffs on the south coast and sandy bays on the west. We explore ancient burial sites from the Neolithic age, coastal defences from the Napoleonic period, and fortifications built by the Germans during the Second World War. In St Peter Port, the island’s capital, we visit Castle Cornet, guarding the Harbour, and dating from the 13th century; Hauteville House, Victor Hugo’s home in exile; and La Vallette Underground Military Museum, covering all aspects of Guernsey’s history.

We take a short ferry trip to the delightful island of Sark, the last feudal state in Europe and where the Dame of Sark provided such spirited leadership to the islanders during the German occupation. We visit Alderney, a 15 minute flight by air and just 8 miles from the French coast. Home to numerous species of sea-bird, fauna and flora, Alderney also has a darker side – as the site of four concentration camps built by the Germans during the Second World War, where thousands of people from many European countries were transported – and where an unknown number died.

Early in the Second World War, Britain decided that the Channel Islands were of no strategic relevance, while the Germans expected to fight for their occupation. In the event, they took the islands without a fight in June 1940, and remained until the end of the war. During the occupation, the islanders suffered much hardship and many deprivations – some were deported to camps in Germany and Eastern Europe, and some did not return. After the D Day landings in June 1944, the Islands were effectively isolated from the German supply routes – leading to even more deprivation and food shortages for occupiers and islanders alike.

During our tour, accompanied by Colonel Simon Doughty, we also visit the Occupation Museum, the German Underground Military Hospital, and meet islanders who lived through these difficult times. Our last day, Sunday 9th May, will be Liberation Day, the annual celebration of freedom and the ending of German occupation. This year, it will be a particularly poignant event, marking the 70th anniversary of the German occupation and the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the islands in 1945. A day to remember, since it is too easy to forget that these islands – British Crown dependencies - were indeed occupied by an enemy during the Second World War.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Tuesday): Travel independently by air or ferry. Tour begins at St Peter Port, the capital of Guernsey. Meet at 18:00 for a welcome drink and tour briefing. 6 night stay at Duke of Richmond hotel.
Day 2: Tour of Guernsey – across the centuries – and never exceeding the island’s 35 mph speed limit. Following lunch, we return to St. Peter Port, for a gentle walking tour of the capital, to include Victor Hugo’s house, the ancient Castle Cornet, and the Underground Military Museum. In the evening, an introductory talk on the Occupation years during the Second World War. Group dinner.
Day 3: A full day on Sark, to include a horse-drawn tour of the island, a visit to La Seigneurie, home of the Seigneur (Governor), and lunch at La Sablonnerie on Little Sark. Group dinner.
Day 4: We explore the history and hardships of the Occupation years. In the morning, a visit the Occupation Museum, the German Underground Military Hospital, and some of the coastal fortifications of the ‘Atlantic Wall’ built by slave labour. Following lunch break, we visit the German Naval Signals HQ, the Headquarters of the German Naval Commander Channel Islands, and other sites associated with the Occupation. An opportunity for sightseeing and shopping before dinner. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to meet islanders who lived on Guernsey during the war years. Group dinner.
Day 5: A 15 minute flight to Alderney, and a full day to explore the island. To include a visit to the sites of the German concentration camps built during WW2. We return to St Peter Port, late afternoon. Private dinner arrangements in the evening.
Day 6: Liberation Day, marking the 70th anniversary of the German occupation and the 65th anniversary of the liberation. There will be celebrations and commemorations throughout the day, including a cavalcade with military vehicles. Farewell group dinner in our hotel.
Day 7: Tour ends, following breakfast in our hotel. Depart – under own arrangements.