Experience Overview
This self-guided walking holiday explores the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda, a sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the 8 largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. The oldest British colony, this tiny treasure trove is packed with history and natural beauty. 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. 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'.
A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda's diminutive 21-mile length; we've split it into 6 diverse sections to offer gentle walks exploring every corner. 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 7-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.
Profile
— 7 nights accommodation — Centre-based — 6 idyllic walks — Fabulous year-round climate
At a Glance
— 7 nights accommodation — Centre-based — 6 idyllic walks — Fabulous year-round climate
Trip For You
A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda's diminutive 21-mile length; we've split it into 6 diverse sections to offer gentle walks exploring every corner. 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 7-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. The walking is predominantly flat with no real ascents or descents. Terrain varies between asphalt, gravel, and earthen surfaces as well as some sandy trails. 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 Description
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 week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps are provided pre-departure.
Eating Drinking
This holiday is on a Room Only basis however buffet breakfasts and evening meals can be paid for in advance as a supplement. Bermudian cuisine is based around seafood, not surprising given its location. A real speciality is the fish chowder; a divinely thick soup made with rockfish or snapper and flavoured with a splash of sherry pepper sauce or local rum. Other traditional dishes include ‘Peas and Plenty’ (black-eyed peas with onions, pork and rice), paw-paw casserole and Hoppin’ John (peas and rice). Fish is often served as a main course and rockfish or wahoo have to be tried! They are both ‘meaty’ white fish with a delicate flavour. Cod fishcakes are popular too as well as ‘johnnycakes’ (cornmeal griddle 1cakes). Rum is the local spirit of choice and has been blended on the island by Gosling Brothers since the 1860s. Two local specialities made from dark rum are the ‘dark ‘n’ stormy’ (rum mixed two-to-one with ginger beer) and the ‘rum swizzle’ (rum with pineapple and orange juices and grenadine). As a general rule, dark ‘n’ stormy is considered the ‘national’ tipple favoured by locals and the rum swizzle generally preferred by visitors! Why not try both and make up your own mind?!
Transportation
The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.
Joining Instructions
The flight inclusive prices for this holiday include our standard transfers. Transfers included from Bermuda airport at 18:30, and back to Bermuda airport at 17:45. For land only packages and those booked on non-standard flights transfers are available at a supplement.
Weather Information
Bermuda has a fabulous year-round climate. The warmest month to visit is August (average temp. 28 C) and February being the coolest (average temp. 18 C). On average the wettest month is October.
Spending Money
— You will need extra money for all meals unless the Breakfasts and Dinners are paid for in advance. Eating out, for lunch, in Bermuda can range between BMD $18-25 without drinks. Alternatively, picnic supplies are widely available from grocery stores, markets and cafes. — National Trust Card — If you have a membership card, make sure you take this with you to Bermuda, as you will receive discount/free entry to many museums and attractions. Details will be given to you locally during your briefing.
Tipping
A service charge (typically 10%-17%) is added to most restaurant bills, it's customary to leave something extra if the service has been good, however, it isn't necessary. Be wary of whether a service charge (normally the basic 15%) has been included in the bill before leaving more! Check your bill and don't be shy about asking if you're not sure what's included.
Highlights
— Discover secret turquoise bays, sea grottoes and pastel villages — See colourful flowers, birds and fish - look out for humpback whales! — Relax in a luxurious hotel with swimming pool, tennis court and panoramic ocean viewsTrip Details
Product Code: 4291
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: service.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: W07BM
Starts: Hamilton, Bermuda, Bermuda
Finishes: Hamilton, Bermuda, Bermuda
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating: Unknown
Includes
— Room only accommodation (see accommodation section) — Route notes and maps provided — 7 day travel pass — Transfers to and from the airport when flights are booked — Local taxes, resort levy and service chargeAccommodation
HotelYou stay at either the Coco Reef Resort or the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. The Coco Reef is on the edge of the best private beach on the island and just 15 minutes from the capital, Hamilton. The Grotto Bay Beach Resort sits within a lush tropical estate, with 3 private beaches and a wealth of excellent facilities. Room upgrades: Available on request, please ask for details. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2635 (CAD 329 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner overlooking the ocean. You stay at the Coco Reef Resort for 7 nights on a Room Only basis. Breakfast and evening meals are available at a supplement - please request prices at time of booking.
Today's route begins at Somerset Bridge, the world's smallest drawbridge, to follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar trees, reaching 19th century Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a coastal track to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda's most westerly end. Maybe visit vibrant Hamilton before meeting Tim Rogers at the hotel who will talk you through the suggested programme for the rest of your walking week. Two options: 7km/4.5mi/2hr or 8km/5mi/3hr
You start the day in charming St George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's time to explore the tangle of colourful streets and picturesque 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 17th century forts and Corsican tower.
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. Two options: 4km/2.5mi/2hr or 5km/3mi/2.5hr
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.
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.
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. Two options: 5km/3mi/1.5hr or 4km/2.5mi/2.5hr
The British Airways flight leaves in the early evening, so you have most of the day at leisure.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Harvey Trop - Traveled, December 2019
Bermuda in Seven Days and One Pair of Shoes This was an fantastic trip. If you like sandy beaches, azure waters, history, and good walking/hiking, this is great adventure. In seven days, you will see most of Bermuda and the daily itineraries can be rearranged and adjusted to meet your personal interests. The Bermuda bus system is excellent and makes getting from place to place easy. Most Inspirational Moment Watching the sunset on Elbow Beach was one of the highlights. Another was visiting Fort St. Catherine on St. Georges. Thoughts on Group Leader Since this was a self-guided trip, I can't talk highly enough about my leadership during this trip. [The arrival briefing provided by the Headwaters staff was excellent.] Advice for Potential Travellers The South Shore hike is the longest and seemed much longer than the distance in the guide. I would recommend using the bus system to bypass some sections of the Railway Trail on this hike. Alternatively, you can choose to forego one or more of the side trips, especially Hog Bay. [Definitely do the Horseshoe Bay section, however.) Carefully read all the daily guide materials before setting out. Some of the directions are dependent upon distances and having a good pedometer is useful. However, you're on an island, so even if you miss a trail marker, you can't get too far afield.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2019
Jane van der Ploeg - Traveled, March 2018
Beautiful sea views. Wonderful people This is a self guided 6 day walking holiday. You stay in a wonderful hotel the whole week on a half board basis. Most Inspirational Moment The views and the colours of the sea are mindblowing. The location of the hotel cannot be beaten. We were right next to the sea. We found the people charming, gentle and friendly. Blue Hole Park - red cardinal birds and resident white eye vireos Spittal Pond - peaceful nature reserve Crystal Caves - fascinating and awesome stalactites and stalacmites Gibbs lighthouse - panaramic viesw of the whole island The history of the islands is very interesting - it was uninhabited untill 500 years ago Thoughts on Group Leader Tim was very informative and enthusiastic about his adopted homeland. To be honest we just got on with it - and this is what the set up was. We had no problems so we didn't need to contact him after the first meeting. Advice for Potential Travellers To be honest Bermuda isn't, in my opinion, a natural choice for a walking holiday. It is 24 sq miles with 64,000 inhabitants ( and their cars). Everywhere was pretty busy and you're never far from the noise of traffic. However we did find a few oases of quiet. ( Helped by the excellent walking notes). Beware the cruise ships which disgorge up to 3,000 passengers at a time. They fill up the buses, which then don't stop if you're not getting on at a terminus. Other that this the included travel pass was great. Bermuda is eyewateringly expensive - cheapest bottle of quaffing wine from hotel list was $45 + 17% gratuity - about £40. They add 17% on to all bills. A simple lunch set us back $50 - no alcohol. The meals at the hotel are good, but the dinner menu didn't change for the week. I am vegetarian. However they let you mix and match and also choose stuff off the lunch menu - or cobble something together with a couple of sides. There's a fridge in the room so you can stock up with pre dinner drinks if you want. Money is easily available. The day you leave you have the whole day free, so you can fit in a couple of bits you missed during the week - or loaf around the pool/beach.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2018
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