Europe · 10 days

New for 2026

The Channel Islands

Where English charm meets French sophistication, surrounded by the sea

DatesSep 3–12, 20262 departures
Duration10 days
Tour Pace2 of 5 ?
Tour Pace

On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we've rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; high elevation setting; and average amount of walking per day.

Walk Challenge3 of 5 ?
Walk Challenge

This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).

Group SizeMax 24
PriceFrom $5,995

Choose Your Departure

The Channel Islands

The Channel Islands sit in the English Channel like a world unto themselves — neither fully British nor fully French, but something entirely their own. Walk dramatic coastal cliff paths on Jersey, explore the car-free island of Sark, wander Guernsey's harbor towns, and hop between islands by boat. Castle ruins, wildflower meadows, cream teas, and tides that reveal hidden causeways make this a walking adventure unlike anything on the mainland.

Some of our coastal walks cover longer distances on rugged terrain — but every walk offers a shorter, gentler alternative. Your guides will go over the options each morning so you can choose the route that fits your day.

📄Want the full picture? Download our brochure with the complete day-by-day itinerary, pricing, and trip details.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key
Incline
Gentle — gain < 200 ft
Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft
Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft
Terrain
🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement
🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles
⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand
Day 1
Arrive St. Helier, Jersey · Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands — where French charm meets British tradition in a landscape shaped by sea breezes and history. Arrive in St. Helier; boats bobbing in the harbor, café terraces buzzing, the scent of salt and sea on the wind. Our elegant base offers coastal vitality and small-town sophistication. Welcome Dinner this evening — share first impressions and toast the beginning of our island adventure.
Day 2
St. Helier Harbour Walk · Elizabeth Castle · Jersey Museum & Art Gallery
1 walk · 5 km
Leisurely stroll through St. Helier's harbor with a local guide — a perfect introduction to Jersey's maritime spirit. St. Helier Harbour Stroll — 3.5 km, rated 1A. Depending on tides, walk across the sands or take a small ferry to Elizabeth Castle, a storied fortress perched on a tidal island with centuries of military history and sweeping coastal views. Afternoon: Jersey Museum and Art Gallery — the island's complex heritage from Ice Age settlers to the Occupation years. Optional: tea and garden stroll at nearby Samares Manor.
St. Helier Harbour Walk5 km🏙️ Paved
Day 3
Southwest Coastal Path: Corbière Lighthouse to St. Aubin · Jersey War Tunnels
1 walk · 11 km
Jersey's magnificent southwest coast — sea cliffs and golden beaches. Begin near the striking Corbière Lighthouse, trace the South Coast Path: undulating trails past wildflower meadows, coves, and sweeping headlands. Southwest Coastal Path — 11 km, rated 3C. Options to pause at St. Brelade's Bay for seaside coffee. Continue to St. Aubin, a harbor village of cafés and historic lanes. Afternoon: Jersey War Tunnels — the only part of Britain occupied by Nazi forces during WWII. Immersive exhibits honor islanders' courage and endurance. Evening free in St. Helier.
Southwest Coastal Path: Corbière to St. Aubin11 km⛰️ Rugged
Shorter route and/or easier terrain available
Day 4
Northwest Coastal Path: Grosnez Castle to Devil's Hole · La Mare Wine Estate · Hamptonne Museum
1 walk · 11 km
Jersey's wilder northwest coast — windswept cliffs, sea-carved arches, sweeping vistas. Begin at Grosnez Castle ruins, a medieval fortress above the sea. Northwest Coastal Path — 11 km, rated 3C. Rolling headlands and quiet coves, optional pause at Grève de Lecq Beach. Reach Devil's Hole, a natural blowhole formed by the sea's relentless power. Included lunch at La Mare Wine Estate — fine local wines and artisanal products. Afternoon: Hamptonne Country Life Museum — restored farmsteads, apple orchards, centuries-old buildings revealing rural Jersey.
Northwest Coastal Path: Grosnez to Devil's Hole11 km⛰️ Rugged
Shorter route and/or easier terrain available
Day 5
Northeast Coastal Path: Bouley Bay to Rozel Bay · La Hougue Bie · Mont Orgueil Castle
1 walk · 5 km
Jersey's quieter northeast corner where history and landscape intertwine. Northeast Coastal Path — 5 km, rated 3C. Cliffside paths shaded by woodland, views of the French coast on clear days, through secluded inlets and lush valleys to Rozel, a picture-perfect fishing harbor. La Hougue Bie — one of Europe's most remarkable prehistoric sites, a Neolithic tomb 6,000+ years old, among the ten oldest man-made structures in the world. Lunch on own in Gorey. Mont Orgueil Castle — spectacular medieval fortress rising above the sea with breathtaking views across to Normandy. Final evening in St. Helier.
Northeast Coastal Path: Bouley Bay to Rozel5 km⛰️ Rugged
Day 6
Ferry Jersey to Guernsey · St. Peter Port Intro Walk · Welcome Dinner
1 walk · 3 km
Scenic 90-minute ferry from Jersey to Guernsey, the second largest Channel Island. Glide past rocky islets and sea birds in flight. Arrive in St. Peter Port, Guernsey's capital — settle into hotel, lunch on own amid harbor café terraces and flower-filled lanes. St. Peter Port Intro Walk — 2–3 km, rated 2B, with a local guide exploring maritime heritage and wartime stories. May follow the Potato Peel Pie Occupation Walk (inspired by the beloved novel) or the Seafront Bombings & Historic Gardens Route. Welcome Dinner in Guernsey.
St. Peter Port Intro Walk3 km🏙️ Paved
Day 7
Day Trip to Sark · Car-Free Island · Clifftop Paths to La Coupée & Little Sark
1 walk · 10 km
A journey highlight: day trip to Sark, the car-free island that time forgot. Short ferry ride, then step into a world of flower-strewn lanes, horse-drawn carts, and sweeping ocean vistas. Island of Sark Walk — 10 km, rated 3B. Clifftop Paths to La Coupée and Little Sark — the narrow causeway linking Sark's two halves, rolling pastures, rugged sea cliffs, breathtaking contrasts. Lunch in one of Sark's cozy cafés or outdoors overlooking the sea. No cars, few crowds — serenity rarely found in today's world. Return by ferry to Guernsey. Evening free.
Island of Sark Walk10 km🥾 Trails
Shorter route and/or easier terrain available
Day 8
Guernsey Island Walk · Castle Cornet · Little Chapel · Victor Hugo's Hauteville House
1 walk · 8 km
Guernsey reveals itself as a walker's paradise. Guernsey Island Walk — 5–10 km, rated 2B–3C. May explore Beautiful Bays and Castles Trail or tranquil Nature Trails and Woodland Walks — turquoise bays, granite cliffs, fields divided by ancient hedgerows. May visit Castle Cornet (eight centuries guarding St. Peter Port), the Little Chapel (exquisite miniature chapel decorated entirely with seashells, glass, and pottery fragments), and Hauteville House (Victor Hugo's exile home). Final plan to be confirmed after WAI scouting trip. Evening free — sample local seafood.
Guernsey Island Walk8 km⛰️ Rugged
Day 9
Day Trip to Herm Island · Shell Beach · Belvoir Bay · Farewell Dinner
1 walk · 8 km
Final island excursion: Herm, the smallest and perhaps most idyllic Channel Island. Short ferry ride to a world of turquoise coves, white-sand beaches, and winding footpaths. Entirely car-free, explored on foot. Herm Island Walk — 5–10 km, rated 2B–3C. Circular trail past Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay, where the water shimmers in shades of blue and green. Time to swim, relax, or enjoy lunch at a casual café or picnic overlooking the sea. Return to Guernsey in the afternoon. Farewell Dinner — celebrating our days amid the Channel Islands' beauty and hospitality.
Herm Island Walk8 km🥾 Trails
Day 10
Depart Guernsey (or continue to London Extension)
Those concluding depart from Guernsey Airport (GCI) for flights home, carrying memories of wild coasts and timeless island culture. Guests joining the London Extension fly early afternoon to London, arriving mid-afternoon. Settle into hotel near Kensington Palace. May venture to Kensington Gardens — Sunken Garden, Italian Garden, the historic Orangery, and meandering garden paths. Evening free for dinner or a London performance.
CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

London: A Walking Portrait

Arrive early and explore London before your Channel Islands adventure

Sep 12–16 · 5 days · From $2,295 per person

This extension can be added during registration for The Channel Islands.

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

  • 9 nights hotel accommodation (Jersey and Guernsey)
  • all breakfasts
  • 3 group dinners
  • all inter-island ferries
  • guided walks
  • castle and museum admissions
  • WAI guide service. Based on double occupancy.

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • lunches
  • most dinners
  • travel insurance
  • single supplement
  • personal expenses

Ready to Explore The Channel Islands?

Reserve Your Spot
Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Single Supplement — Pre-Night
Single room supplement for the pre-night in Jersey (both departures).
$169
Single Supplement — Main Tour
Single room supplement for the main tour (both departures).
$1,595
Pre-Night in Jersey
Arrive a day early and settle in. We'll arrange your hotel near the group's meeting point in St. Helier.
$230/night1 night
Single Supplement
For the London: A Walking Portrait
Single room supplement for the London extension.
$670
Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral Day Tour
For the London: A Walking Portrait
A full-day excursion from London to Stonehenge and the medieval Salisbury Cathedral, with guided commentary throughout.
$389/personFull day

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

To register, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. If you've already pre-registered for this tour ($200), all that is required is an additional $300 to lock in your place. Deposits are non-refundable after this time.

Modified Payment & Cancellation Policies for the Channel Islands (and London Extension)

Due to the popularity of these destinations and WAI's desire to secure the best options in terms of experience and comfort for our travelers, we commit to key arrangements early. This requires a modified payment schedule that aligns with our partners’ non-refundable deadlines. Therefore, normal WAI cancellation policies (see the General Tour Conditions) are superseded by those of the supplier.

We will use the following payment schedule that synchronizes with the operator's non-refundable deadlines. All payments received from travelers are non-refundable after the due date.

Interim non-refundable deposits:

  • April 1, 2026 – $2,000 per person

Final Payment – May 15, 2026:

  • Channel Islands: $3,495 + any upgrades purchased per person
  • London Extension: $2,295 + any upgrades purchased per person

Once a tour has a viable number of participants, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

Please follow this link to read our full General Tour Conditions.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

Most days include a morning guided walk (5–8 miles along coastal cliff paths, harbor towns, or island circuits), followed by lunch at a local pub or restaurant. Afternoons offer a mix of optional excursions, free time to explore on your own, or a second shorter walk. Evenings feature group dinners at carefully chosen restaurants showcasing local seafood and island cuisine.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1Gentle (gain < 200 ft)
2Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)
3Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)
🏙️ PavedAPaved (almost entirely on pavement)
🥾 TrailsBTrails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)
⛰️ RuggedCRugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

🏙️ Paved🥾 Trails⛰️ Rugged
Gentle🏙️ Paved🥾 Trails⛰️ Rugged
Moderate🏙️ Paved🥾 Trails⛰️ Rugged
Steep🏙️ Paved🥾 Trails⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.
Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.
Yes. The Channel Islands are British Crown Dependencies. US citizens need a valid passport (no visa required). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.
All inter-island ferry crossings are included. Jersey to Guernsey is about an hour. Day trips to Sark and Herm are by smaller boats (20-40 minutes). All logistics handled by your guides.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

Ready to Explore The Channel Islands?

Reserve Your Spot