Guests are met at the airport with private transfers to our hotel, The Hamilton Princess.

This evening, we will have a welcome reception and dinner with an introduction by Dr. Michael Jarvis to our program.

Michael will introduce us to Bermuda's turbulent and dynamic past, spanning from the dramatic shipwreck of the Sea Venture in 1609 to the dissolution of the Bermuda Company in 1684. Bermuda holds the distinction of being the first English colony to produce a successful staple, establish a stable community, generate a profit, transplant civic institutions, and harness the knowledge and labor of bound Africans. As a blank slate, Bermuda ignited the imaginations of English thinkers aspiring to create an American utopia. Notably, it was also England's first Puritan colony, founded in 1612 as a covenanted Christian commonwealth by settlers dedicated to building a moral society.

A pre-night stay is available for those who wish to arrive one night early. It includes meet-and-greet transfers, breakfast, and all taxes and fees.

Overnight at The Hamilton Princess.
(R,D)

This morning, we begin our day early with an exploration of the historic town of St. George, established in 1612 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval-style village, with its winding alleys and stone buildings, provides a captivating glimpse into Bermuda’s colonial past. Our guide, Michael Jarvis, will lead us through the town’s early layout and original coastlines. Highlights of our tour include:

• St. Peter’s Church: Founded in 1612 and rebuilt in 1714, this is the oldest Anglican Church in continuous use outside the British Isles. Explore its historic interior, featuring a triple-tier wooden pulpit from the 1660s, communion silver from the 1600s, and an early baptismal font. Learn about its rich history, from Bermuda’s first Parliament in 1620 to Jane Austen’s brother’s wedding in 1807.

• State House: Built in 1620, this was Bermuda’s first purpose-built house of assembly.

• Tucker House (1752): An excellent example of early 18th-century English-Bermudian architecture.

• Globe Hotel: A stone house from the 1690s, now home to an exhibition on Bermuda’s role in the American Civil War as a Confederate blockade-running hub.

After lunch, we will head to St. David’s Island for a tour of the 17th-century Carter House and Settler’s Cabben, a recreated 1620s timber frame and palm-thatched dwelling. Built by Sea Venture castaway Christopher Carter, this well-preserved stone house is part of a restoration project showcasing Bermuda’s first 100 years. The site is enhanced with endemic and native trees and plants to reflect its historical appearance.

Following this full day of exploration, we will enjoy an early dinner at Tom Moore’s Tavern, a historic landmark and one of Bermuda’s finest restaurants. This Jacobean house, built in the mid-16th century as the private home of Robert Walsingham (a Sea Venture and Patience crew member), was later owned by Samuel Trott. The Irish poet Tom Moore visited in 1804, adding to its storied past. Much of the beautiful 17th-century architecture remains preserved, offering a unique and enchanting dining experience.

Overnight at The Hamilton Princess.
(B,L,D)

This morning, we will venture into Hamilton. Our day begins at the archives with Michael, followed by an afternoon of either free time or a private tour of Bermuda’s exquisite gardens, organized by the Garden Club of Bermuda.

We have planned a visit to Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Bermuda and the Bermudian head-of-state when in Bermuda. Our exploration continues with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at historical treasures spanning the island's 400-year history at the Bermuda Archives. Here, we will see documents from the commission of Bermuda's first governor, Richard Moore, as well as papers related to the Somers Island Company. Highlights include original documents from 1616, an island survey from 1663 detailing the locations of houses, farms, and forts, and a trove of historical documents associated with an 18th-century ship captured by a Bermudian privateer. Additionally, we will view rare maps, plans, charts, paintings, photographs, journals, and records from Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, or you may choose to join members of the Bermuda Garden Club for a tour of some of the island’s most beautiful private gardens.

Overnight at The Hamilton Princess.
(B)

Today, we will explore the National Museum of Bermuda, located in the territory's largest fort, The Keep, at the Royal Naval Dockyard on the island’s western end. Designed by the Royal Engineers, these historic buildings were constructed to defend the channels and approaches to the Dockyard. Within The Keep’s ramparts and bastions lie eight buildings, including the hilltop Commissioner’s House, renowned as the world’s first cast iron residence.

For over five centuries, Bermuda's treacherous reefs have claimed hundreds of vessels, victims of storms, inaccurate charts, and historical navigation challenges. These shipwrecks are more than mere artifacts; they are vivid records of Bermuda's interactions with the Atlantic World, offering invaluable insights into past maritime life, technology, and cultures. The "Shipwreck Island" exhibit at the National Museum of Bermuda showcases these submerged treasures and their stories, providing a rare and fascinating glimpse into Bermuda's rich maritime heritage.

Overnight at The Hamilton Princess.
(B,L,D)