Current as of: August 6, 2019 - 09:01 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2030 Self-Guided Bermuda Islands Discovery Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays, 15 Days Land only Trip Code: Premium Adventures Min age: 12 Leisurely Destinations: Bermuda, Caribbean W14BM Programmes: Walking & Trekking Trip Overview This self-guided walking holiday is the perfect mix of gentle walking and independent exploring allowing you to discover the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda at your own pace. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, this sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the eight largest of which form the fishhook- shaped mainland. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters in a whole rainbow of blues, incredible pink sands and coral reefs home to hundreds of colourful fish, Bermuda is a beach-lover's heaven and, as Britain's oldest colony, it is packed with history too. Beyond the postcard-worthy bays, the islands offer a lush interior alive with a multitude of birds and flowers, making it perfect to explore on foot. As Mark Twain commented, 'You go to heaven if you want. I'd rather stay here in Bermuda'. At a Glance 14 nights accommodation Centre-based 6 idyllic walks and independent local exploring Fabulous year-round climate Countries visited: Bermuda, Caribbean Trip Highlights Discover a pocket-sized paradise of sugary pink sands, secret turquoise bays, sea grottoes and pastel villages Luxurious hotel with swimming pool, tennis court, panoramic ocean views and outstanding cuisine Gentle traffic-free trails, spectacular coastal paths, lush woodland tracks Lots of opportunities for independent exploring Colourful flowers, birds and fish. Also look out for humpback whales Is This Trip for You? A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda's diminutive 21-mile length and we provide detailed routes for 6 different walks, each exploring it's own diverse sections of the islands. From hidden sea grottoes to panoramic forts, lush flower-speckled fields to the sun-kissed sands of the South Shore Trail, the kaleidoscope of colour is unforgettable and the diversity of flora and fauna unbeatable. To help you get around, a 14-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, will brief you about how everything works; he has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda's flora, fauna and history. Terrain varies between earthen surfaces, sandy trails, asphalt and gravel.The walking is predominantly flat with no real ascents or descents but walking boots are recommended. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Group As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the fortnight to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps, for the walks, are provided pre-departure. Adult min age: 12 Min group size: 1 Max group size: 6 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Hamilton, Bermuda End City: Hamilton, Bermuda Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Bermuda Your base in Bermuda for the next 14 nights is the exclusive 64-room 4H-rated Coco Reef Hotel, staying in a Deluxe Ocean View Room (with either balcony or terrace). The hotel is just 15 minutes from the capital, Hamilton and perfect for independent exploring. You stay at the Coco Reef Resort for 14 nights on a Room Only basis. Breakfast and evening meals are available at a supplement - please request prices at time of booking. Days 2-7 The Walking Routes Bermuda is the perfect destination for a mix of relaxation and gentle walking. We provide six detailed walking routes to help you discover the historic, cultural and natural highlights of the island, but there's no set itinerary so you're free to choose when and where to walk - you are on holiday after all! To help you get around, a 14-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda's flora, fauna and history, and will brief you about how everything works. You're free to choose when and where to walk: Somerset and Ireland Island 7km/4.5mi/2hr or 8km/5mi/3hr Begin at Somerset Bridge, the world's smallest drawbridge, and follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar, reaching C19 Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a coastal track out along Ireland Island to Bermuda's most westerly end. Exploring the East End 11km/7mi/4.5hr You start the day in charming St George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's time to explore the tangle of colourful streets and pretty harbour, before a dazzling path lined with prickly pear and casuarina leads to Gates Bay where Sir George Somers first came ashore in 1609. You continue along a herb-scented coastal track to Ferry Reach, with its C17 forts and Corsican tower. St David's and Cooper's Island 4km/2.5mi/2hr or 5km/3mi/2.5hr At tranquil St David's, fragrant hibiscus scents the salty ocean air as you visit Red Hole bay. Then it's on to St David's Battery, with cliff views stretching infinitely across the ocean, before heading over to Cooper's Island, Bermuda's newest nature reserve, a truly isolated and unspoilt area. Sights of the South Shore 13km/8mi/3.5hr From Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, balcony views span the entire west end across the azure waters of Great Sound, dotted with white sailboats. From here you descend to the sugary pink sands of the South Shore Trail, a string of nine gorgeous bays linked by a scented path of flowering morning glory and oleander. There's time for a dip at Chaplin Bay before a shaded path leads past cassava fields to the hotel, in time for a dip in the hotel's pool. Coast and Caves 12km/7.5mi/4.5hr Colourful prickly poppies dot the sparkling coastal route towards Flatts Village, where friendly locals cast their nets into the azure expanse of Harrington Sound, an inland lake littered with sea grottoes. It's then onwards with views over the northern shore to reach Blue Hole Park, a tiny treasure trove of caves filled with aquamarine waters. Maybe savour a Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail after visiting the fascinating Crystal Caves, then take the bus back to the hotel. Botanical Gardens and Spittal Pond 5km/3mi/1.5hr or 4km/2.5mi/2.5hr Alive with the noisy chatter of yellow kiskadee, a gentle allspice-scented trail brings you to Paget Marsh, a wetland oasis, home to herons and warblers. Then it's on to the Botanical Gardens - John Lennon's Double Fantasy album is named after the purple flower he spotted here - before heading to Spittal Pond; maybe spot herons, egrets and flamingos before following the coastal path, vibrant with sea lavender, looking out for humpback whales basking in the warm Atlantic waters. Days 8-14 Independent Exploring There's plenty to see and do for the remainder of your stay, with the hotel's private beach an obvious attraction! The island boasts many other beautiful beaches, such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, and several excellent golf courses too. Pay a visit to the island's capital, Hamilton, and stroll along the harbour where pastel-coloured colonial buildings mix with high- end shops. Perhaps visit the stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity and climb the tower for glorious city views befroe relaxing in one of the many harbour-side cafes for a spot of people watching. The UK Royal Naval Dockyard is also well worth a visit: once the largest naval base outside the UK, the beautifully restored buildings now house a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the UK's and Bermuda's naval past. Nearby you'll also find the National Museum of Bermuda where you can discover more about the island's history and wildlife and pay a visit to Dolphin Quest to learn more about these fascinating animals, while the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo on the shores of Harringston Sound, offers the chance to see seals, turtles, fish, monkeys, birds, and the first living coral reef exhibit in the world. Day 15 Leave Bermuda The hotel has a gorgeous swimming pool or Elbow Beach is a short walk away. The hotel will provide a courtesy room (by the pool area, if necessary for late departures). All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders.