THE SCILLY ISLES:   Three tours during 2008:  May 10-17, August 18-23 (5 nights) and August 23-30 (7 nights). Spaces are available for all three dates, but only twins or doubles (available all three dates). Crystal clear azure waters by Cromwells Castle on Tresco, Isles of Scilly  Walking and exploring these island’s unique ambience, landscapes, wildlife and archaeology - with the best sea-scapes in the western world! Also really great swimming (in August!) and wonderful food... View from St Martins towards The Easern Isles. The Scilly Isles are an exquisite archipelago of about 100 granite islets, many un-inhabited - but some five with permanent populations. We shall stay on St Mary’s (the largest - some 12 miles in circumference) and we will use the wonderful wooden passenger launches (one owned and run by an old school friend of mine) to access a different island each day. We shall walk on St Mary’s, St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco, St Martins and perhaps the un-inhabited island of Samson. These islands are composed of granite and they do not have any real hills - the highest point being only 150 feet above sea level. However, there are still spectacular granite headlands with cliffs some 100 feet high. On most of the islands there are numerous white sand beaches and incredibly eroded granite outcrops - with a face on every one! Western Maritime Heath is common here. The islands have a wonderful flora, being bathed by the Gulf Stream, which keeps them mild the year round. They are famous for their heathlands and their early spring flowers - particularly NARCISSI and daffodils, echium, wild geranium - and later, great swathes of sea pinks and beautiful succulents such as mesembryanthemum and Hottentot fig. In summer, agapanthus and other exotic flora are to be seen - and you might well think you are on a sub-tropical isle. On Tresco, there is a famous walled garden called “The Abbey Gardens”, which is set amongst the ruins of an old medieval priory from the 13th century. Created by Augustas Smith in the 1800's, the gardens now have many exotic rare plants and are truly sub-tropical in nature. The islands are home to a large number of prehistoric monuments: in particular, chambered burial tombs dating from the Bronze Age. It seems that in ancient times, it was most desirable for tribal chieftains to have themselves laid to rest on these islands - which says something about their mysterious beauty. Some even believe that King Arthur is buried here... The wildlife is very varied, with seals, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, cormorants and many other species. There are numerous boat trips we can take to view the wildlife and the spectacular scenery. The waters are exceptionally clear and turquoise in colour, with fantastic sea weeds in abundance. We could even spot a turtle, dolphins or a shark. Boat trips to the other islands from St Mary’s obviously depend to a certain extent on the prevailing weather, although they usually run every day. Our plan is to spend a good day (perhaps more) exploring the largest island (St Mary’s) where we shall stay. This island has a circumference of approximately 12 miles and has the largest footpath network. It is also the most rural island, with large arable areas under cultivation. Then we propose that we boat to at least four of the other islands and walk clear around them in a day. Most of these islands are considerably smaller and can easily be explored in a day - leaving enough time to visit the Abbey Gardens on Tresco and also to be able to relax a little on remote beaches and on stunning cliff tops - covered in wild flowers - with spectacular “island studded” views in all directions. Here, there is always time for quiet contemplation... Of all the beautiful qualities that these islands possess, the unique light is probably the one that is most commented on. The sea is usually an incredible azure turquoise blue/green - and so very very clear. The boat trips to and from the outer islands are a real treat in themselves. There is an ancient legend in Cornwall that there once existed an advanced culture on those islands then called Lyoness, which was destroyed in a great cataclysmic inundation back in the dark ages. There is some geological evidence that this may have in fact occurred… The island’s history is long and convoluted - having been the home of many famous personages over historical time - if even just for a brief time. For example, King Charles 2nd came here to try and escape from Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. Ultimately he failed! Price in 2008 for the seven night holiday is £850 per person and for the five night holiday £650 per person. No single room supplements - if space permits. Includes fine B&B accommodation in wonderful guest house directly overlooking the sea; superb 3 course evening meals in a variety of very good local restaurants and excellent character pubs - most specializing in fish and other international cuisines. Also included are return boat rides to the outer islands and full guidance on each of the days. Not included are any picnics - but sandwiches and fruit, etc are easily picked up each morning on our way to the boats. Flights/ferry not included. Guide price for the "Scillonian" ferry from Penzance (2.7 hours), £95 return.There are daily flights from several mainland airports: such as Southampton, Bristol, Newquay and St Just (Lands End). There is also a regular helicopter service from Penzance. Fully illustrated itinerary available by email: adventureline@btinternet.com Protea (from S Africa) in the famous Abbey Gardens of Tresco