Today, spend the morning on Guernsey – the Island of Flowers. During the years 1940 to 1945, the Channel Islands were under German occupation, and many of the massive concrete towers, gun emplacements and bunkers remain today. First visit the German Occupation Museum, which includes a life-sized street, bunker rooms, an armory of weapons and communications equipment, as well as files of local propaganda newspapers. Next drive around the winding coastal road to see one of the many WWII gun casements and visit the charming Little Chapel before returning to St Peter Port.
Alternatively, guests may choose to explore Guernsey’s natural beauty. Your walking tour begins Icart Point, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the south coast cliffs and small coves. Following your local guide around the point and down into Saints Bay valley, have fantastic views of the Peastacks, Petit Port, Moulin Huet and the small fishing harbour at Saints Bay. Your walk continues past one of 15 granite towers built in Napoleonic times to defend the islanders from the French. A long, gradual climb takes you to the Hotel Bon Port, which offers great cliff top views along with delicious cream tea.
In the afternoon, Silver Explorer will reposition to anchor off the Isle of Sark. As you approach the picturesque coastline of steep cliffs, keep watch for peregrine falcons, dolphins and porpoises. Stepping ashore is like stepping back in time, as there are no automobiles on the island; locals get around by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or the only motor vehicle permitted on the island – a tractor affectionately known as “The Toast Rack” which will transport you to the top of Harbor Hill. At the top of the hill, a horse and carriage awaits to take you on a gentle, hour-long exploration of this unique island. Your tour proceeds at a lazy trot past granite farmhouses and green pastures, making a stop at La Coupee, a narrow isthmus that joins the two islands of Great Sark and Little Sark together. This high natural land bridge offers spectacular views from approximately 300 feet above the sea.