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The Isles of Scilly

The warm waters of the Gulf Stream ensure the Scilly Islands have an exceptionally mild climate and their relative remoteness has an Englishness of a bygone age in an unspoilt sub-tropical paradise.

  • England

  • 6 nights
  • Half Board
  • Wildlife & Nature

    Coast & Islands

  • Apr

    May

    Oct

Leisurely

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Walking grade

Grade 3

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Adagio Collection

The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Explore diverse islands, hopping freely across the enchanting archipelago's natural wonders.
  • With your Adagio Leader discover the natural beauty and historical sites of the Isles of Scilly.
  • Unwind in the comfort of your hotel on St Mary's, strategically perched overlooking the harbour.
  • Explore the local wildlife on a guided boat tour.

If you're in search of a tranquil getaway, the Isles of Scilly beckon you with their pristine white sand beaches, a sub-tropical climate, and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Once you set foot on these islands, it's like stepping back in time. The Isles of Scilly are a collection of small, secluded gems, boasting a tight-knit community of just 2,200 residents across five inhabited islands, where warm hospitality awaits.

Your home base will be the enchanting St Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. Nestled in an idyllic location overlooking the picturesque harbour, your hotel offers breath-taking views of the neighbouring islands. The beach is just a stone's throw away, and the charming Hugh Town is merely a five-minute stroll from your doorstep.

During your stay, you'll embark on island-hopping adventures using the convenient local ferries. Each day unfolds with a new island to explore – St Mary's, Bryher, Tresco, St Agnes, and St Martin's. Guided leisurely walks will accompany your daily itinerary, allowing you to intimately acquaint yourself with the islands' beauty, including their stunning beaches.

On St Mary's, don't miss the chance to visit the churchyard where Harold Wilson rests in peace, and consider a hike to the ancient Halangy Down Iron Age village. Bryher boasts the quirky Fraggle Rock café, while St Agnes tempts you with the irresistible Troytown Farm ice cream.

Local boat transportation seamlessly whisks you away to these island paradises each day. Your every need is thoughtfully arranged, so you can simply unwind and immerse yourself in the captivating scenery that the Isles of Scilly have to offer. Whether you're exploring historic sites, savouring delectable treats, or basking in the natural wonders, the Isles of Scilly promise an unforgettable escape that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

  • Return flights from Lands End to St Mary's
  • Airport transfers
  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation on half board basis
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach/public bus/boat
  • All entrances as noted in the itinerary
  • All local tips
  • Services of a local guide on a wildlife boat trip
  • Services of an Adagio Tour Leader
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Lunches
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Tour Codes

50140

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Fly to St Mary’s, take a short minibus ride to your Hugh Town hotel. Your Adagio Leader offers a brief town walk before dinner.

Transfer Time = 10 minutes

Day 2

Hugh Town & Old Town St Mary's

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    7 hours

  • Distance

    9.7 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    30m

Indulge in the charms of St Mary’s. Uncover the delights of Hugh Town, leisurely stroll to the Old Town, and, if time permits, venture across to explore the historical Halangy Down Iron Age village. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of St Mary's, taking in its captivating history and scenic landscapes at a relaxed pace. 

Note: The walk has three sections; times and distances are for all, shorter options exist.  

Day 3

Bryher

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4 hours

  • Distance

    4.3 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    30m

You'll take a boat to the tiny island of Bryher, exposed to Atlantic breakers on the west and featuring tranquil sandy beaches on the east. Experience the dramatic contrasts of this untamed Scilly gem.

Day 4

Tresco

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 (plus sightseeing time) hours

  • Ascent/Descent

    30m

Embark on another boat trip to Tresco, where you'll have time to explore the thriving variety of plants at Tresco Abbey Gardens. Nestled on the island, Tresco Abbey carries a rich history, providing a serene backdrop to the vibrant gardens. Discover the Abbey's heritage as you wander through the lush landscape adorned with succulents, towering palm trees, and giant red flame trees.

Day 5

St Agnes

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    2 hours

  • Distance

    2.8 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    34m

As you explore St Agnes, the most southwest inhabited landmass in the British Isles, you'll discover its unspoiled and tranquil beauty. Consider bringing binoculars for your boat trip to the Western Rocks, where a knowledgeable guide from the Isle of Scilly Wildlife Trust will join. This dedicated organization plays a crucial role in conserving the islands' diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and seasonal puffins, enhancing your island experience while supporting the conservation efforts of the Isle of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

Day 6

St Martin's

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    42m

On your final day, take a boat to the island of St Martin’s, north of St Mary’s. Enjoy the scenic boat ride between islands, where the local beaches are renowned as the best in the Scillies. Explore the island, and during your day, indulge in a tour of the local vineyard followed by a delightful wine tasting experience.

Day 7

Departure day

Meals

Breakfast

Depart after breakfast to St Mary’s Airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Departure dates for your selected tour

10th Apr 2024 - 16th Apr 2024 (6 Nights)

16th Apr 2024 - 22nd Apr 2024 (6 Nights)

14th May 2024 - 20th May 2024 (6 Nights)

5th Oct 2024 - 11th Oct 2024 (6 Nights)

15th Oct 2024 - 21st Oct 2024 (6 Nights)

Travel Details

We fly from Lands End to St Mary’s and return with Skybus. The flight takes approx. 15 minutes. Flights are also available from Exeter at a supplement. Please ask for details at the time of booking. Please see this website for details of your baggage allowance and baggage size. 

Please note, that your hold bags should not weigh more than 15kg. Excess luggage will be charged at £3 per kg. There is a bus transfer service available from Penzance railway station to Lands End Airport. The service costs £7 each way per person. If you wish to book please contact our travel department on 01707 386732 or email flights@adagio.co.uk. The transfer takes around 20 minutes and is timed to coincide perfectly with your flight. When you arrive back at Land’s End, the bus will aim to meet you within 15 minutes. You can find information here.

We can pre-book your car parking from Land’s End Airport. If flying from Exeter, you will need to pre-book parking via the airport website; www.exeterairport.co.uk. You may wish to look at the following website for more information on parking: https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/plan-your-trip/parking/.

We include a transfer from St Mary’s airport to the Tregarthen’s Hotel and return. The transfer time is about 10 minutes. If you intend joining and leaving the party in the Isles of Scilly, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at the Tregarthen’s Hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Tregarthen's Hotel

The three star Tregarthen’s Hotel boasts outstanding sea views and is located just yards from the Quay and only a five minute walk to the centre of Hugh Town. The hotel is the perfect base for your holiday, overlooking the harbour and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the islands of Tresco, Bryher, Sampson and St Martin’s.

Dinner each evening will be in the hotel restaurant looking out across the sea to the Round Island lighthouse. The restaurant has an excellent reputation, and all dishes are homemade, using fresh local produce wherever possible. There is also a spacious lounge bar and garden terrace where you can relax and enjoy a drink before or after dinner.

En suite hotel room facilities include:

  • Flat screen television
  • Hairdryer
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Complimentary bathroom toiletries
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel
  • Laundry service is available upon request

There is no lift in the hotel. Please note there are 15 steps leading to the hotel entrance. There are no bedrooms on the ground floor and all rooms are accessed via steps.

This holiday is on a half board basis. Breakfasts and evening meals will be taken in the hotel restaurant. Lunches will be at your expense and we suggest you allow at least £7 per day.

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

To fully enjoy the walking on this holiday you should be able to walk along uneven undulating paths at about 1½ to 2 miles per hour for distances of between 3 to 5 miles with walks lasting up to 3 hours. Some days will be devoted largely to sightseeing, where you can walk as much or as little as you wish. The walk offered on St Marys is split into three sections and if all sections are completed, the length of the walk is close to 10 miles, which is longer than our usual Adagio grade, however it is optional, and the walking is flat. 

On the islands we visit there will be some walks which frequently follow coastal paths that are uneven in places with some short sections of rocky surfaces. Each of the walks will be taken at a relaxed pace. Proper walking shoes (not sandals) are therefore essential for this holiday.

Walks & Excursions

Flowers & Gardens

We believe that the best flower holidays are the ones where you not only get to see a dazzling variety of blooms in their natural environments – but also where your travelling companions share the same passion for the natural world as you do. For those with an interest in parks and gardens this range of holidays will lead you to those destinations which either are synonymous with flora, famous for their national parks or boast stunning private and public gardens. 

As you step out on your coastal walks, head for Tresco Abbey Gardens or set off across the wilder heathlands, enjoy the garden of Scilly in its entirety. Throughout the winter into early spring, scented narcissi prevail, and then from March through to September the islands come alive in a riot of colour and texture. The Isles of Scilly has a warm, maritime climate which is why these immigrant sub-tropical plants and flowers thrive amongst native species. 

Known as 'Scilly's Subtropical Gem' is Tresco Abbey Garden which you'll get to visit during your holiday. It is a beautiful 19th century garden like no other - a perennial Kew without glass, home to 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries. The face of the garden changes throughout the year, but even at the winter solstice, there are usually around 300 species of plants in glorious bloom. 

Local Costs

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Travel Plans

Getting to your Holiday

We fly from Lands End to St Mary’s and return with Skybus. The flight takes approx. 15 minutes. Flights are also available from Exeter at a supplement. Please ask for details at the time of booking. Please see this website for details of your baggage allowance and baggage size. Please note, that your hold bags should not weigh more than 15kg. Excess luggage will be charged at £3 per kg. 

Travelling by train? There is a bus transfer service available from Penzance railway station to Lands End Airport. The service costs £7.50 each way per person. If you wish to book please contact our travel department on 01707 386732 or email flights@adagio.co.uk. The transfer takes around 20 minutes and is timed to coincide perfectly with your flight. When you arrive back at Land’s End, the bus will aim to meet you within 15 minutes. You can find information here.

Travelling by car? You can park at Lands End Airport for £7.50 per day, which is managed by JustPark. Parking can be booked through their website or the App, or pay on exit using the machines in the car park. If flying from Exeter, you will need to pre-book parking via the airport website; www.exeterairport.co.uk. You may wish to look at the following website for more information on parking: https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/plan-your-trip/parking/.

We include a transfer from St Mary’s airport to the Tregarthen’s Hotel and return. The transfer time is about 10 minutes. If you intend joining and leaving the party in the Isles of Scilly, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at the Tregarthen’s Hotel. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Luggage Allowance & Tickets

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passport Information

General Passport Advice

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. 

General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.

Meals

This holiday is on a half board basis. Breakfasts and evening meals will be taken in the hotel restaurant. Lunches and drinks will be at your expense. 

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Holiday Specific Kit

In addition, we recommend that you bring a flask with you on your walks each day. Due to the time of year, it is sensible to bring a hot drink out with you to help keep warm.  

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Travel Document Checklist

To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday currency
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps & Guidebooks

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Further Health Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Our Ethos

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. 

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

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