A new hosted tour of the far-flung South Atlantic island of St Helena has been introduced by St Helena Line. The 22-day Hideaway Tour departs Cape Town aboard the RMS St Helena on June 17. Leading the tour will be Colin Lewis, professor emeritus at Rhodes University and an expert on St Helena, its history and natural environment. Professor Lewis will offer insight into this British outpost, taking travellers beyond the guidebook.
Arriving at St Helena on June 22, the group will be joined by island residents Basil George and Vanessa Thomas for a fascinating and diverse eight-day itinerary.
St Helena is perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile, and the tour includes a trip to Longwood House, his last home, in addition to other sites of historical importance, including his tomb. There is also a Botanical Day on which some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna will be identified, as well as a tour to spot the wirebird, endemic to St Helena. Other tour highlights include a boat trip, a scenic island tour, an evening talk by the National Trust of St Helena and a walking tour of the capital, Jamestown. The RMS arrives back in Cape Town on July 6.
The tour costs from R28 740 a person based on two sharing an A-deck cabin. The price includes eight nights’ accommodation on St Helena, entry fees and guide costs, all meals aboard the RMS St Helena and meals as specified in St Helena. International airfares are not included.
The 128-berth RMS offers a blend of passenger ship and cargo vessel, acting as the lifeline to St Helena, being the sole source of supply of all goods to her island namesake. Passengers are made up of tourists and St Helenians, or Saints as they are fondly known locally, travelling to and from the island.
Contact Suzanne at Andrew Weir Shipping on 021 425 1165 or email [email protected] - Weekend Argus