Arriving on St Helena on 2nd September, the group will be joined by Island residents Basil George and Vanessa Thomas for a fascinating and diverse eight-day itinerary. Basil is the former principal of the Prince Andrew School, a local historian and an enthusiastic conservationist.

St Helena is perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile. The tour includes a trip to Longwood House, the last house of the French revolutionary, in addition to other sites of historic importance, including his Tomb. There is also a Botanical Day where some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna will be identified, plus a tour to spot the Wirebird, endemic to St Helena.

Other tour highlights include a boat trip, scenic island tour, evening talk from the National Trust of St Helena and a walking tour of the capital, Jamestown. The RMS arrives back in Cape Town on the 15th September.

Tour Programme on Board

28 August 2013 – 15 September 2013

28 August – 1 September
Sail from Cape Town to St Helena aboard RMS St Helena.  A variety of activities are available on board, and Prof Lewis will give an introductory talk and presentations during the voyage.

2 September
Arrive St Helena and settle in.  Meeting to discuss itinerary. In the afternoon a town walk explores lower Jamestown and introduces you to the Island and its people.

3 September
A morning boat trip introduces the seabirds, dolphins and coastal fortifications of the island. Evening talk at the Museum arranged by the National Trust.

4 September
A full day tour exploring the Napoleonic sites of the Island – Briars Pavilion, Longwood House and The Tomb, along with other places of interest, including Halley’s Observatory and the world’s remotest golf course. Packed lunch included.

5 September
A half day looking at aspects of the colonial landscape of St Helena. Visits will include the grounds of Plantation House, the Island’s cathedral, the Boer Graves and the Castell Collection of old prints and etchings of St Helena. The tour ends with tea in a typical St Helena home.

6 September
Half day tour focusing on the eastern vistas of St Helena, visiting Deadwood Plain, site of a Boer camp and ideal location for spotting endemic wirebirds. This is followed by the chance to contribute to St Helena’s environmental future by planting an endemic tree at the Millennium Forest.

7 September
Set aside for your own interests and activities. You could visit the Island Archives or venture to Sandy Bay beach, or enjoy the walk to the Heart-Shaped Waterfall. In the evening, there will be a talk hosted by the St Helena National Trust at the St Helena Museum.

8 September
A full day scenic Island tour starts with an optional morning service at St James Church in Jamestown and includes a packed lunch at the SHAPE Centre in Sandy Bay and tea at Farm Lodge. Evening meal at the Wellington House Hotel.

9 September
A half day tour, led by Island specialist Vanessa Thomas, focussing on the endemic plants of the Island. The tour visits the Conservation Section of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Department and the George Benjamin Arboretum. The evening sees a meal together at the Sunflower Cafe.

10 September
Depart St Helena for Cape Town on board RMS St Helena.  Enjoy the on-board activities and life of the ship.

25 May
Arrive Cape Town

Prices for The Hideaway Tour

Price Includes
Prices are per person and include return sea passage Cape Town/St Helena/Cape Town including relevant grade cabin accommodation and all meals on board; accommodation, including breakfast, on St Helena; programme of tours, activities and talks as shown.

Not included
Air flights to Cape Town; accommodation in Cape Town before/after tour; landing fee for St Helena; items of personal expenditure.

Note
Order of tours on island itinerary subject to local conditions. Minimum numbers and booking terms and conditions apply.