DETAILS
National Trust Tours & International Seminar Design invites you to join a privileged group of members on a custom-designed cultural escape. Back by popular demand! Since it was established in 1969, the Bermuda National Trust has acquired more than 60 historic properties & open-space areas in Bermuda, & is a formidable force in the preservation of this fragile island, characterized by graceful Georgian houses of whitewashed coral limestone, manicured gardens, & sparkling turquoise waters. Taking place during the Bermuda National Trust’s festive “Christmas Walkabout”, discover Bermuda…”
- Pricing from
- $4,195
- Trip Type
- Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Dec 4, 2024 - Dec 9, 2024
Pompano Beach Club
Dramatically situated overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast, the Pompano Beach Club has one of the best beachfront settings on the island with superb water views at every turn. Enjoy deluxe-category rooms that are spacious and beautifully appointed and unwind while enjoying sea breezes and ocean sunsets from your private balcony.
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John Meffert
John Meffert, consultant on Heritage Conservation Services, has a long tradition with the National Trust. He has served as the Director for our Southern Office and was the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, the oldest nonprofit organization in the United States, responsible for preserving the historic resources of Charleston, S.C. John has delighted many study tour groups with his lectures and insights on preservation, and receives rave reviews as study leader.
Cancellation by participant must be made in writing to ISDI and is effective only upon acknowledged receipt by ISDI. There is a non-refundable registration and planning fee of $500 per person regardless of cancellation date. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or before August 17, 2024: full refund minus $500 per person registration and planning fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI between August 18 and October 12, 2024: full refund minus $2,000 per person cancellation fee (includes registration and planning fee). Written cancellation received by ISDI on or after October 13, 2024: no refund. Tour registration is non-transferable. In the case of cancellation, substitutions are not allowed. After the tour has commenced, no refunds will be issued for any reason including, but not limited to, unused portions of tour. If the tour is cancelled by ISDI or National Trust Tours due to low enrollment, active registrants will receive a full refund of all tour payments.
ITINERARY
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day 1
Welcome to Historic Bermuda
Arrive at the Bermuda airport and take an airport shuttle to the four-star Pompano Beach Club, located on a stunning ocean cliffside. Join study leader John Meffert for an introductory talk about Bermuda and celebrate your first night with a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
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day 2
Carter House & St. George
Set out for historic St. George, Bermuda’s capital until 1815 and arguably the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. Enjoy a walking tour along St. George’s narrow streets to see King’s Square; the Town Hall; Deliverance, a replica of one of two ships built by shipwrecked settlers; and St. Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use in the western hemisphere. At the 18th-century Tucker House, view Bermudian furniture, portraits, hand-sewn quilts, and silver. Next, drive to a spectacular private home and enjoy lunch with the owners. Proceed to Carter House, one of the oldest buildings on St. David’s Island. An example of early Bermudian vernacular architecture, it was built circa 1640 of stone rather than wood by the descendants of one of two crew members of the shipwrecked Sea Venture who remained in Bermuda when other survivors left for Virginia in 1610. Dinner is included at the hotel. (B,L,D)
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day 3
Estates & Antiques
Drive to Waterville, one of the oldest and most elegant houses on Bermuda, and the Bermuda National Trust’s current headquarters. The waterfront grounds include the Bermuda Rose Society’s showcase garden of old roses. Continue to one of the most splendid private historic estates in Bermuda, then visit Verdmont, a unique example of early Georgian architecture built around 1710, which has remained virtually unchanged for 300 years and houses a collection of Bermuda-made cedar furniture, portraits, and English and Chinese porcelain. At the Bermuda Natural History Museum, learn about the island’s unique geological history and diversity of habitats and see the museum’s 140,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit that showcases live corals and 200 species of fish, including large predatory fish. Continue to Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, for free time to enjoy lunch and explore the city. Following a sunset cocktail
cruise, enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B,D) -
day 4
Royal Dockyards & Christmas Walkabout
Discover the Royal Naval Dockyard on a special walking tour led by the Bermuda National Trust. Visit the National Museum of Bermuda, housed within a large fortress and dedicated to Bermuda’s maritime history. During a private visit to the Commissioner’s House, learn about the largest restoration project ever undertaken in Bermuda. Following free time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure, return to St. George to take in the festive celebrations of the Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout. Dinner is included at the hotel. (B,D)
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day 5
Art & Ancestry
Set out for Camden and explore highlights from the 36-acre Bermuda Botanical Gardens, featuring native palmetto trees, rose and hibiscus gardens, and banyan and ficus trees. Enjoy a curator-led tour of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, with a worldclass collection including works by Henry Moore, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Winslow Homer. Continue to another private home with magnificent gardens and be treated to lunch hosted by the owner, a sixth-generation Bermudian. This evening, bid farewell to Bermuda during a memorable dinner. (B,L,D)
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day 6
Departures
After a morning at leisure, take a shuttle to the airport for return flights to the United States. (B)
Everything you need to know about the tour
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