Departing from Bermuda’s Royal Navy Base at Ireland Island (Kings Wharf) 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. As you drive through the picturesque parish of Somerset, you will see Island life first hand. 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 short photo stop of 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. (There is not time to climb the lighthouse) Driving along the South Shore, look down on some of Bermuda's famous pink sand beaches, including Horseshoe Bay. Also stopping at Warwick Long Bay, Bermuda's Hidden Gem, to get a close-up look at some of the pink sand. Bring a little towel with you so you may dry your feet after walking in the pink sand.
Along the way, you will pass the botanical gardens. Originally opened in 1898 the Bermuda Botanical Gardens feature 36 acres of trees, flowers and shrubs. The gardens are also home to the Camden, the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier, and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art where every piece has some link to Bermuda.
You will then drive through a portion of Tuckers Town. This exclusive enclave for wealthy tourists includes a golf course and the Mid Ocean Club Hotel. Home owners over the years have included Abby Rockefeller and Childs Frick as well as Presidential candidate Ross Perot and New York City’s Michael Bloomberg. Unfortunately, due to high hedges and gates, few of the houses can be seen.
You will then drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. George which, due to a ship wreck in 1609, became the first settlement on the island and was therefore a major part of Bermuda’s history. During a brief driving orientation, you will pass by St Peter’s Church which is believed to be the oldest continually used Anglican church in the Western hemisphere.(1612). You will then have a short time to wander the narrow streets on your own. You may also have the chance to catch part of the performance of the Town Crier's dunking of the malicious gossip. Departing St George, you will drive to Hamilton via the north coast road.
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. As you drive through the city you will see the Hamilton Cathedral (1897) the city hall and views of the Italianate Government House, the Governor’s residence, that sits on nearby Langton Hill. Your tour ends at the Ferry Terminal in Hamilton.
