Isles of Scilly tours: 4-night inclusive short break

Isles of Scilly tours: 4-night inclusive short break

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5 Days From

$2318

$2208

Isles of Scilly tours: 4-night inclusive short break

5 Days Starting and ending in St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, England.

Visiting: St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Tour operator:

GeoCultura

Tour code:

T035

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

6 - 12

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

15-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat, Vegans, Gluten Free

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2318 $2208 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$110

NB: Prices correct on 11-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Uncover the secrets of this beautiful archipelago as you hop between four islands, meet the locals, and stay at Star Castle Hotel The Isle of Scilly are an unexpected, tropical-like paradise off the southernmost tip of England. This is a place of white-sand beaches, turquoise seas and swaying palm trees. It’s also a place of shipwrecks, art and astonishing gardens. Our exclusive small group tour shows you how the archipelago’s deep time history made possible the striking scenery and the incredible tales told by generations of Scillonians.

Highlights

  • Stay at the archipelago’s renowned hotel, Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s with a la carte dinner every evening.

  • Explore Tresco’s Abbey Gardens with a private tour from the head gardener.

  • Visit St Agnes Island with an expert ecologist Dr Vickie Heaney to see seals and seabirds such as gannets and puffins.

  • Enjoy day trips to St Martin’s or Bryher, mostly by exhilarating ‘Special’ Jet Boat trips.

  • Be part of a friendly small group of no more than 12 guests.

Places You'll See

Canon At Cromwell's Castle

Tresco And Bryher

Puffin On The Isles Of Scilly

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive On St Mary’S, Check Into Your Hotel And Meet Your Fellow Travellers

Location: St Mary's

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Star Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

If you choose to arrive by sea, your luggage will be collected from the ship and taken to the Star Castle hotel. You would then walk the short distance up to the hotel with your hand luggage. If you arrive by plane or helicopter, the Star Castle minibus driver will meet you at the airport and take you and your luggage for the short drive to the hotel. Once checked in, you’ll meet GeoCultura’s local guide and the rest of the group and enjoy a short, guided afternoon walk around St Mary’s.

Day 2 - 4 : Explore The Islands, With Flexible Schedules And Semi-Guided Tours

Location: Isles of Scilly

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Star Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Island life runs at a slower pace than on the mainland, and our itinerary reflects this. The weather also plays a part, so we will adapt the itineraries to suit the weather and tides, taking into account the special requests of the group. Whatever the conditions, there will always be plenty to catch your attention during your stay on Scilly. During this tour, some or all of the following will be included, depending on the time of year:

Guided short walk of the Garrison Walls, the excellently preserved defensive measures located right outside the Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s.
Private tour with head gardener, Andrew Lawson, of Tresco Abbey Gardens, where tropical conditions support an abundance of exotic flora.

Explore the English Civil War history still visible on Tresco, and hear about the struggle to wrest control of the islands.
Head to St Agnes in the company of ecologist Dr Vickie Heaney to see close-up seals and seabirds such as gannets and lesser backed gulls. Spend time in Britain’s most south-westerly pub. St Agnes has the only dairy farm on Scilly, selling delicious ice creams for passers-by to sample.
Private boat trip beyond the main islands to see the puffin colonies*, bobbing seals, and playful dolphins and then land on either Bryher or St Martin’s for a short visit. Find out about the key Bronze Age burial discovery on Bryher and visit the local art gallery, full of art, photography and ceramics from local creators.
Pre-dinner talk and dinner with a local historian, artist or wildlife expert.
*April and July only. By September, the puffins have moved on.

N.B For the July tour, with only three full days, there will be a trip to either Bryher or St Martin’s.

Our tours are designed to suit you, so there will also be plenty of free time to pop into galleries, head out on an adventure of your own or simply sit and enjoy the amazing views.

Day 5 : Tour Ends

Location: Isles of Scilly

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Star Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Savour the final breakfast of your Scilly Isles holiday at the Star Castle Hotel, then head to the airport, harbour or heliport to catch your ride home.

Note: this provisional itinerary may be subject to change.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming two people sharing a double room. Single occupancy of a double room is available for a surcharge of £415

  • Meals

    All breakfasts and four a la carte dinners at the Star Castle

  • Transport

    Mostly private boat trips when travelling between islands

  • Guides

    Local experts, one of whom will accompany the group on each daily excursion

  • Service charge

    All service charges and most gratuities

  • Garden tour

    Entry to Tresco Abbey Gardens plus private guided tour

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

    Extra or optional activities not described in the tour

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Transportation to the start venue or from the end venue of the tour.

    Participants will need to make their own arrangements for travel to and from St Mary’s.

    Please email or call us and we will provide detailed advice to explain the transport options

  • Insurance

    Travel insurance.

    Guests should carry their own health and travel insurance.

  • Meals

    Lunches not included

Mode of Transport

Transport will be by licensed passenger boats between the islands, and primarily on foot the rest of the time.

Accommodation

You’ll stay at the renowned Star Castle Hotel for the duration of your tour – something that few groups get to experience as the hotel is so popular. You’ll soon see why Star Castle is so loved.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, the tour price will include all the entrance fees for the planned visits in the itinerary.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes, we are happy to discuss your arrival and departure needs and arrange accommodation for any additional nights before or after the tour. We can make these bookings for you and add to the final invoice.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    We ensure all solo travellers have a double-bedded room for their own use. The supplement for this tour is £875.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    No more than 10 places on this tour. We like there to be plenty of room for your luggage on the bus, and spare seats too, so it's cramped!

  • How much walking is involved?

    As you will be part of a small group (maximum 12 people) it's easy for us to adapt the itinerary, and any walks, to suit your mobility and fitness level. Sometimes guests choose to opt out of a short walk or only do part of it. If any of the group want a longer walk that can always be arranged.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Detailed itinerary and joining instructions. We also ask about dietary requirements and any other information which you would like to share to ensure the tour meet your needs.

  • How do you choose the accommodation?

    In England, where distances between our tour stops are shorter, we choose hotels or Inns in small towns or villages, where it's easy for you to wander out to explore, when you have free time. In remote locations, with limited choice, we check out the options to ensure you won't be disappointed. We look for high standards of cleanliness, a warm welcome and an emphasis on good local food.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please see our terms and conditions. We will always try and offer you an alternative date and tour.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Judy C   United Kingdom

Isles of Scilly Holidays

16-Apr-2024

Best bits were visiting St. Agnes, being taken round the Abbey Gardens, Tresco, the talks and guided walks. Organisation was excellent, as were meals at the hotel. A very good introduction to the Scillies, particularly when the sun shone!

Francoise F   United Kingdom

Isles of Scilly Holidays

17-Apr-2024

The visit to Tresco was my highlight and the purpose of going to the Scillies. Having the head gardener to guide us was a great bonus. And a dry day! (Enjoyed) staying in a good hotel, in a very comfortable small castle room with views out to sea. Also, seeing the way of life of islanders, flower growing, and talking to locals including Jess and the couple, retired divers, who had dinner with us.

Alison J   United Kingdom

Isles of Scilly Holidays

16-Apr-2024

The whole experience was great as a taster for the Isles of Scilly – I enjoyed the small boat trips more, the larger ones less so. I really liked St Agnes. I enjoyed exploring St Mary’s and finding gems like the community garden, Penninis Head, and the amazing crab sandwich and view from Juliet’s garden. I appreciated the small group size and the tour gave me an excellent overview of the beautiful Scillies and was a good balance of activities and free time. And thanks to Julie in the office who coordinated everything so well.

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Friday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$2318 $2208 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$110 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025
$2318 $2208 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$110 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.