This excursion departs from Bermuda’s Royal Navy Base at Ireland Island (Kings Wharf) where you will have a brief orientation on the history, purpose and some of the buildings of the arsenal and fortress that date back to the 1700s. Your first stop is at the Heydon Trust, a 43 acre preserve most famous for its chapel, once a laborer’s cabin, that dates from 1620. Most mornings and afternoons, the nuns who care for the chapel sing the Psalms in the manner prescribed by St. Gregory more than 1,400 years ago. Nearby is Scaur Hill Fort and Park where the remains of a British fort dating to the 1860s still stand. The park also offers majestic views of the Great Sound.

Next you will cross the smallest drawbridge over the Atlantic Ocean as you drive over the Somerset Bridge and its 18-inch opening. The bridge dates back to the 17th century and links Somerset with the main island of Bermuda. Traveling to the South Shore in the Parish of Southampton, you will make a stop at the Gibbs Lighthouse. Built in the mid 1840s, this 117-foot tall lighthouse offers pastel views over the South Shore as well as the Great Sound. Those wishing to climb the 185 steps to the top, can see from The Royal Naval Dockyard to the Eastern End of the island on a clear day (lighthouse admission is not included).

Driving along the South Shore you will look down on some of Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches. The wide, lazy arched Horseshoe Bay Beach is popular with families, while the steep cliffs and shrub covered hills of Warwick Long Bay are popular with joggers, horseback riders and sunbathers looking for privacy.

The town of Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and is located on the protected shores of Hamilton Harbor. Although not the oldest town on the island, it was made the capital in 1815. An orientation drive through the city will show you Front Street with its shopping, the Hamilton Cathedral (1897) the city hall and views of the Italianate Government House, the Governor’s residence, that sits on nearby Langton Hill.

You will then begin your trip back to the West End of the island with a drive along the Harbour Road where you will get picturesque views of Hamilton across the harbor, sailboats and some of the many little uninhabited islands that make up Bermuda’s total of more than 125 islands. Your tour ends back at the cruise pier at King’s Wharf.

Please note: This excursion begins and ends in King's Wharf. To reach King's Wharf, guests can take either the ferry or a 35 minute taxi ride. The cost of this transportation is not included in the price of this excursion.