Isles of Scilly holidays: 6-day island-hopping small group tours
Uncover the secrets of this beautiful and storied archipelago as you hop between five islands, tap into local expertise and find out more about how the Isles of Scilly wildlife is protected.
SELLING FAST - book your place for 2027
Prices from GBP £2,299.00 pp
12th - 17th April 2027
21st - 26th April 2027
10th - 15th May 2027
4th - 9th June 2027
5th - 10th July 2027
13th - 18th September 2027
1st - 6th October 2027
6 days / 5 nights
Highlights
Feel the salty sea air in your hair as a private boat whisks you between all five of the inhabited Scilly Isles, each one an adventure in itself.
Explore the famous Abbey Gardens on Tresco as a private tour with the head gardener and enjoy a pre-dinner illustrated talk from the CEO of Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Plus, the unique opportunity to join one of their rangers for a walk to meet their ‘no-fence’ goats.
For our April to July tours, we’ll do our best, weather permitting, to make sure you see puffins in their natural habitat.
Stay in wonderful boutique hotels at the archipelago’s Star Castle Hotel on St Mary’s, or St Mary’s Hall Hotel, and dine a la carte in the hotel’s restaurant every evening.
Late April and early June 2027 departures are 2-centre tours, with first 3 nights on St Mary’s and then 2 nights at the New Inn on Tresco Island.
Price includes an expert local tour leader and local tour guide, 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, *5 dinners (excluding 2 nights at the New Inn on Tresco), all transport and private boat trips when travelling between islands, and entry fees. We organise everything! Group size maximum 11.
View from the Turks Head pub, St Agnes
"Vickie's knowledge of sea birds was amazing and such a good day out with her. Jess was an absolute star, as well as her knowledge about the Islands she was so caring and helpful, such a wonderful asset to the tour."
Overview: GeoCultura Isles of Scilly holidays
Choice of seven departures in 2027, April to October. Book online now.
The Isles of Scilly are an unexpected, tropical-like paradise off the southernmost tip of England. The islands offer an exceptionally pure natural environment, with clean air, crystal-clear waters, internationally recognised dark skies, and unspoilt landscapes that provide a true sense of tranquillity and connection with nature.
These tranquil isles have weathered natural and manmade tempests to become a haven for artists, entrepreneurs and those who treasure a simpler way of life. Our small group tour takes you to their heart, with daily island-hopping excursions in the company of the local guides.
Over six days, you’ll build a picture of the archipelago’s jaw-dropping scenery, artistic flair and soul-stirring history. You’ll explore a tropical garden hiding a monastery, discover sites where our ancient ancestors laid their heroes to rest and sail to shorelines teeming with wildlife. Life here runs at a slower pace than on the mainland, so you’ll also have plenty of free time to pop into galleries, to head out on an adventure of your own or to sit and drink in the amazing views.
Stay at Star Castle Hotel or St Mary’s Hall Hotel; both on St Mary’s
All departures in 2027 will be staying at the Star Castle Hotel, or St Mary’s Hall Hotel for the three or five nights of each tour. The late April and June departures guests will stay the two final nights at the New Inn on Tresco. All three hotels as have excellent restaurants and welcoming staff.
Star Castle is steeped in history. It’s a complete example of an Elizabethan fort, built in 1593. In 1646, during the English Civil War, it was even a refuge for the future King Charles II.
As a GeoCultura guest, you’ll enjoy the full breakfast experience with flexibility on breakfast times and a la carte dinner every evening of your Scilly holiday for five of our seven departures in 2027. At Star Castle, guests will sleep in the hotel’s spacious, more-modern garden rooms with private entrances from the castle’s gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to a room inside the castle or a garden room with sea view, if you book early enough.
St Mary’s Hall is in the centre of town, so a good choice if you might find the steep, but short walk, up to Star Castle challenging.
In 2026 we trialled a two-centre 6-day tour with two nights on Tresco Island staying at the New Inn. Following very positive feedback from our 2026 guests, in 2027 we are offering two departures in late April and June when guests can enjoy the same experience and have more time to explore Tresco. Dinners are not included in the tour price when staying at the New Inn, but all our GeoCultura guests will automatically be booked into the restaurant for dinner on each of the two evenings. There is also the option to book a table at the Ruin Beach Cafe and Restaurant at the other end of the island – just a 20 minute walk from the New Inn.
Your Isles of Scilly tour activities
During the days, you’ll explore everything the islands have to offer. History soaks the islands through, and you’ll learn how the tranquil Isles have weathered natural and man-made tempests over the years.
Your expert local guides and guest speakers will help you make the most of this island paradise, showing you the wildlife and the history behind some of the most striking landmarks.
Useful details about our Isles of Scilly holidays:
- Start / finish: Your tour starts at 3pm on Day 1 on St Mary’s and finishes Day 6 at 10am on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, England (except for the late April and June departures, which finish at 10am on Tresco).
- Activity Level: LEISURELY, with gentle walks ranging from 1 to 3km (.8 to 2 mile) walks; longer walks are optional (view our activity level definitions). Access to islands off St Mary’s will require climbing on and off passenger boats.
- Transport
- Getting there: The Isles of Scilly can be reached by small plane from airports in Cornwall and Devon; by helicopter from Penzance Heliport, or by ship from Penzance Harbour. The choice is yours as we do not include travel to and from the mainland in the tour price. If this is your first trip to the Scillies, please call us, if you would like advice on the pros and cons of each of the options.
- Please note there are no scheduled flights or ferries on Sundays
- Getting around: Primarily on foot, with passenger boats between the islands.
- Weather: The Isles of Scilly benefit from a subtropical climate, meaning mild conditions and an average temperature ranging from 8 °C to 17 °C across the year. Rain is a possibility so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing, but any poor weather often passes quickly on the islands.
- Accommodation: Star Castle or St Mary’s Hall Hotel, St Mary’s. New Inn Tresco (for late April and June 2-centre tours)
Ready for more detail? Read the day-to-day itinerary
Where you will visit…
Star Castle Hotel
Whether you travel to St Mary’s, the Scillies’ biggest island, by boat, small plane or helicopter, the turquoise waters and beach-ringed islands will take your breath away.
Check in to Star Castle Hotel, get your bearings and then meet your GeoCultura Tour Leader and the rest of your group.
We’ll kick off your tour mid-afternoon, around 3pm, with a guided walk to some of the sights of St Mary’s, including Peninnis Head. The black-and-white Peninnis Head Lighthouse standing guard over the granite cliffs is always an impressive sight, whether it’s basking in the sun or showering in sea spray. Be sure to ask Tour Leader Jess all about it – she’s an expert on lighthouses!
Isles of Scilly tour guide, Jess Vian
Back on St Mary’s, we’ll regroup for dinner at Star Castle Hotel. Built in 1593, it’s a complete example of an Elizabethan fort and steeped in history. During the English Civil War, it was even a refuge for the future King Charles II. Before dinner, you’ll enjoy an illustrated talk from CEO of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe, and later during your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to head out with the rangers and meet the famous ‘no-fence’ goats. You’ll sleep extra sweetly tonight knowing that few tour groups get to stay here as the hotel is so popular; it’s one of the many benefits of travelling with GeoCultura!
- Hotel: Star Castle Hotel
- Group dinner at Star Castle Hotel’s Castle Restaurant
Gugh island off St Agnes
Today we hop on Calypso II, a charter boat that carries a maximum of 12, with boatman Rafe to see puffins, accompanied by one of GeoCultura’s local guides.* After the boat trip, Calypso will tie up at the St Agnes quay and then take you on a stroll to see seals, seabirds and the exposed granite rocks of this tiny, wild island.
Calypso II boat
We’ll polish off our time on St Agnes with some small-batch ice cream at Troytown, the only dairy farm on the Isles of Scilly. Take your pick from around 30 flavours before whizzing back to St Mary’s on the Calypso II. You could also stop for a drink at The Turks Head, the most south–westerly pub in the British Isles before heading back for dinner at Star Castle.
- Hotel: Star Castle Hotel
- Dinner at Star Castle Hotel’s Castle Restaurant
*April and July tours only. By September the puffins have moved on.
Visit to the no fence goats with Wildlife trust ranger on the Isles of Scilly
Today’s star of the show is the wildlife.
Spend the first part of the morning joining a ranger or conservation officer from Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust on their daily rounds. You could be checking in on the small herd of friendly English goats or observing beach nesting sites. Don’t miss your chance to ask everything you ever wanted to know about the array of landscapes and wildlife on the Isles of Scilly, from how donkeys can help manage gorse, to which bat species you might see flitting around at dusk.
The Seven Stones Inn terrace, St Martin’s
Next, we set sail for a private cruise on Calypso II, Skipper Rafe Ward will drop us off on St Martin’s, a 2-mile-long island ringed by some of the finest beaches you’ll ever see. There is an opportunity to visit Scilly Flowers at Churchtown Farm with your GeoCultura local guide. Learn how this family-run ‘kitchen table’-based flower business took off when they hit on the idea of sending flowers by post.
It’s up to you what to do for the next hour or so. For the more energetic you can walk the cliff path, or simply café hop and people watch. Or just relax on one of those spectacular beaches.
For a light lunch, options on St Martin’s include the Seven Stones Inn , the Karma St Martin’s and The Island Bakery.
Returning on Calypso II in the late afternoon, you’ll have some free time before dinner.
- Hotel: Star Castle Hotel
- Group dinner at Star Castle Hotel’s Castle Restaurant
Tresco channel between Tresco and Bryher
Another day, another island! After breakfast, a private jet boat transfer whisks you to the tiny island Bryher. Only 80 people have the privilege of calling this place their home.
On a guided walk, your Tour Leader will show you the secluded coves, rugged headlands and Bronze age burial sites that dot the island. You’ll also visit the island’s gallery, crammed with art from local creators. By now, it should be clear to you that Scillies’ sea air and beautiful landscapes can do wonders for creativity!
For lunch, take your pick from the island’s cafes or pick up something from the little stalls set up along the tracks and trails that criss-cross the island. Or, we recommend the lobster and bacon burgers at Island Fish Café or pre-booking a table at Scilly’s only 3 AA Rosette restaurant at the luxurious Hell Bay Hotel.
Island Fish supply the Isles of Scilly with quality fish and shellfish – image credited to Tresco Island and James Darling
The jet boat will carry us back to St Mary’s mid-afternoon, for some down time before dinner.
- Hotel: Star Castle Hotel
- Dinner at Star Castle Hotel
Tresco Abbey Gardens
The Isles of Scilly might seem wild and untameable, but they’re a gardener’s dream – as you’ll find out today.
Today we jet over to Tresco. After a Cornish Origin coffee with wake-you-up waterfront views at The Flying Boat Café, we’ll stroll to the famous Tresco Abbey Garden. Head gardener Andrew Lawson will be waiting to give you a private guided tour of this 19th-century sub-tropical paradise. Twenty thousand plants from more than 80 countries flourish here. What Andrew doesn’t know about succulents and palms isn’t worth knowing!
Red squirrel on the Isles of Scilly
After lunch, you have the option to visit the northern end of the island or the Old Blockhouse, a ruined 16th-century fortification, with a local guide. English Civil War history is tangible on Tresco, and you’ll hear all about the struggle to wrest control of the islands.
- Hotel: Star Castle Hotel
- Group dinner at Star Castle Hotel’s Castle Restaurant
Jet boat on passage to Tresco
Make the most of your last breakfast in Star Castle Hotel, check out by 10.30am, then spend the time until you depart doing whatever you please. Perhaps you’ll take one last walk around this beautiful island, return to a gallery to buy that piece of art you’ve been thinking about, or watch the comings and goings on the quay.
However you pass the time, don’t worry about your luggage – it’s taken care of and will be delivered to the quay or airport ready for your journey back to the mainland. We hope to see you on another GeoCultura tour soon.
Note: If required for reasons beyond our control, GeoCultura reserves the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.
The Isles of Scilly can be reached by Skybus from airports at Land’s End (20 minutes), Newquay (30 minutes) or Exeter (1 hour); by helicopter from Penzance Heliport (15 minutes), or by the Scillonian ship from Penzance Harbour (2 hours 45 minutes).
We recommend arriving by flight or the Scillonian ferry no later than 1–2pm to ensure you can join the 3pm afternoon guided walk. Please also note that there are no flights on Sundays, so you may wish to consider arriving a day early.
If you choose to arrive by sea, your luggage will be collected from the ship and taken to the Star Castle hotel or St Mary’s Hall. If you arrive by plane or helicopter, the Star Castle minibus driver or Airport Transfer team will meet you at the airport and take you and your luggage for the short drive to the hotel.
Arriving on the Scillonian at the town quay, guests can walk up to the Star Castle hotel. This takes about ten minutes, but includes a short, but steep, walk up the hill to the hotel which guests will need to do at least once each day. You will never need to do this steep walk with your luggage, as the hotel team take care of that!
St Mary’s Hall Hotel is an easy level walk from the quay.
For more information, please call or email us. We will be pleased to assist with all your questions about getting to St Mary’s, on the Isles of Scilly, with hints and tips, based on our experience.
Most of our guests choose to depart from Penzance but please call if you want to discuss other options.
We recommend the Premier Inn, Penzance for the night before departure. Book early to get best rates.
Please note: Travel to or from the Isles of Scilly can be weather dependent and is prone to disruption. Please bear this in mind when booking on this tour. Ideally you will allow for a little flexibility, especially at the end of the tour. Please note there are no scheduled flights or ferries on Sundays.
2027 tours: Double room for single occupancy has a supplement of:
£350 early and late April and October departures
£550 for May, June, July & Sept 2027 departures
Each tour starts at 3pm and finishes at 10am on St Mary’s* in the Isles of Scilly, England.
*Except late April and June tours which finish on Tresco at 10am.
GWR offers off-peak tickets to Penzance which includes the train, plus ferry from Penzance or flights from Lands End to St Mary’s. Enquire from 12 weeks before your departure when the tickets are available to book by calling 03457 000 125, selecting option 4 then 2.
The activity level is rated as LEISURELY (view our activity level definitions) with generally leisurely walks ranging from 1 to 5km (.8 to 3 miles) on paved roads, coastal paths and sandy beaches.
This tour does involve climbing into and out of passenger boats to reach other islands, along with descending and ascending stone steps on quays. There is one very important short, but steep, walk up to the Star Castle which guests will need to do at least once a day, so a moderate level of fitness is required. It takes about five minutes. You will never need to do this steep walk with your luggage, as the hotel team take care of that!
St Mary’s Hall Hotel (late April and October 2027 departures) is more accessible as located a level walk from the quay.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential.
To enjoy the full experience, a good level of fitness is required.
Transport will be by licensed passenger boats between the islands, and primarily on foot the rest of the time.
The Isles of Scilly benefit from a subtropical climate, meaning mild conditions and an average temperature ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F) across the year.
Rain is always possible, so we recommend you bring warm and waterproof clothing, but any poor weather often passes quickly on the islands.
The tour includes:
- Local experts, one of whom will accompany the group on each daily excursion
- Mostly private boat trips when travelling between islands
- Entry to Tresco Abbey Gardens plus private guided tour
- All accommodation costs for the five nights
- All breakfasts and 5 a la carte dinners, except for the 2-centre tours, when dinner is not included for the 2 nights at the New Inn on Tresco (late April & June tours)
- All service charges and most gratuities
The tour excludes:
- Travel insurance; guests should carry their own health and travel insurance
- Extra or optional activities not described in the tour
- Lunches not included
- Dinner when staying at the New Inn on Tresco (late April and June tours)
- Personal expenditures, any drinks with meals, and extras at the hotel such as laundry bills
- 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
- Passport and visa fees
Photo by Mark Bolton
You’ll stay at the Star Castle Hotel, St Mary’s. Originally an Elizabethan artillery fort, it’s nowadays known for its excellent, fresh, local food and the warm welcome it gives its lucky guests! You’ll soon see why Star Castle is so loved. There’s something to marvel at wherever you look, from the thick walls of The Dungeon Bar to the sea views from the ramparts. There are even cannons in the gardens. Stories are everywhere.
As a GeoCultura guest, you’ll have flexibility on breakfast times and a la carte dinner every evening of your Scilly holiday. You’ll sleep in the hotel’s spacious, more-modern rooms with private entrances, in the castle’s beautiful gardens (with the opportunity to upgrade to a sea-view room or a room inside the castle if you book early enough; details on request).
Star Castle’s award winning Castle restaurant
(3 nights late April 2027 departure and 5 nights October 2027 tour)
Based around an elegant town house, originally built by Count Leon de Ferrari and surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean gardens, St Mary’s Hall Hotel offers contemporary style and comfort blended into a traditional setting.
Situated just 2 minutes from Porthcressa beach and only 5 minutes level walking from the quay, St Mary’s Hall Hotel reflects the relaxed and timeless lifestyle of the Isles of Scilly, with our friendly staff on hand to help you get the most from Scilly’s amazing and unique environment.
Lounge, St Mary’s Hall Hotel
(2 nights late April and June 2027 departures).
The New Inn has 16 recently refurbished ensuite rooms. Guests will automatically be booked a table for dinner in the New Inn for the first evening. For the second night, guests could choose to book at the Ruin Beach Cafe & Restaurant, located beach-side on the other end of the island or book to eat in the New Inn again. There is a guest lounge just for residents. Tresco stores are within walking distance and there are spa treatments available as well as free access to the indoor pools, which are open from early in the morning.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the tour price is due upon registration for a tour.
Final payment: Full payment is due 60 days before a tour begins, or upon registration if within the 60-day window.
Cancellation by participant: A participant may cancel a registration after securing a confirmed place on a tour for any reason. The following refund terms will apply:
- Greater than 60 days before tour begins : Any monies paid will be refunded but the non-refundable deposit is forfeited.
- 45 to 59 days before tour begins : 30% of the balance of the tour price, payable 60 days before the tour begins, will be refunded
- 15 to 44 days before tour begins : 20% of the balance of the tour price, payable 60 days before the tour begins, will be refunded
- Within 14 days of tour or during the tour : No monies will be refunded
Cancellation by GeoCultura: GeoCultura reserves the right to cancel any tour due to low enrolment, inability to run the tour or concerns about the safety, health or welfare of participants. If a tour is cancelled before it begins, all monies paid will be refunded (including any deposit).
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page for additional details.
Your tour leaders
Vickie Heaney
Tour guide
Dr Vickie Heaney’s background is in zoology with a PHD specialisation in seabirds. During the winter months, her ornithology expertise takes her to the far south, helping to engage expedition cruise ships passengers about wildlife in places like the Falklands Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica.
The Isles of Scilly provide plenty of birdlife for her to study and conserve. As a part-time seabird ecologist with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Vickie’s work includes monitoring the Isles’ avian visitors, and improving conditions through initiatives like the Seabird Recovery Project. Among other outcomes, this has been credited with bringing successful breeding populations of Manx Shearwaters and Storm Petrels back to Scilly.
Vickie’s other passion is printmaking, and from her studio on St Mary’s she creates limited runs of linocut prints inspired by seabirds, nautical themes and island life, together with hand decorated ceramics with striking designs.
With Jess Vian, Vickie runs Isles of Scilly tours and our GeoCultura tours have benefitted from their input, working closley with the local boatmen, artists and producers to design unique tours to delight GeoCultura guests.
Meet Vickie on our Isles of Scilly tour, Isles of Scilly tours: 4 night inclusive short break and visit our scheduled tours page for a full list of GeoCultura tours.
Jess Vian
Like many, Jess caught the Isles of Scilly bug from a young age after visiting the islands on holiday. After moving to the islands to work the 2001 summer season, Jess has never looked back. Throwing herself into island life, she has held an impressive number of roles over the years, working in the agricultural, tourism and transport industries.
Jess has a particular interest in the history of Scilly, with a specialisation in the lighthouses that dot the coastline and surrounding islands. Additionally, she has previously chaired the Isles of Scilly Museum Association and continues to support the organisation, as both a Trustee and the current Vice Chair.
Alongside Dr Vickie Heaney, Jess runs Isles of Scilly Tours, helping to guide visitors across and around the islands. Outside of guiding, Jess manages her smallholding of goats, chickens and ducks, and runs a small business making soap from goats’ milk.
Meet Jess on our Isles of Scilly tour, Isles of Scilly tours: 4 night inclusive short break and visit our scheduled tours page for a full list of GeoCultura tours.
Boat trip with skipper Rafe
Local lobster at The New Inn on Tresco
St Mary's walking tour
Bryher, one of the smallest inhabited islands on the Isles of Scilly
Jet boat ready to depart with GeoCultura guests
Testimonials
Jess our guide was quite outstanding and went way above expectations every day. The walks and visits were all interesting especially the tour of Tresco with the head gardener. The menu at Star Castle was superb with fresh fish every day.
Isles of Scilly holiday, Pam K, September 2026
Jess the tour leader was exceptional – she organised everything so well to ensure that all interests/abilities were catered for, each day went smoothly. She also provided a wealth of information about the islands including an insight into everyday life and she was excellent company! I think everyone in the group felt the same and we all bonded as a group partly I think because of Jess’s excellent guiding.
Isles of Scilly holiday, Lindsey D, September 2026
I spent more time with Jess and know how lucky you are to have her as your guide. As well as being a mine of information, she is also so kind and caring making my first solo trip far more pleasurable.
Isles of Scilly, June B, April 2026
Excellent guides and very good daily planning. Tour organisation was excellent and pre-tour information always informative.
Isles of Scilly holiday, Sue S, April 2025
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.
Isles of Scilly holiday, Alison J, April 2024
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