Scilly Islands --Abbey Gardens --Tresco
 

Any guess if there will be flowers still in bloom at the beginning of September?

have you tried emailing Tourist Information to ask them?
[email protected]

Tresco Abbey has some things in bloom year round. But early September will have a LOT in bloom . . .

Definitely. One of the best times to go, IMHO. Should be amaryllis belladonna, lots of south African plants, crocosmia, agapanthus, and loads more.

https://www.tresco.co.uk/enjoying/abbey-garden

how are you getting there?

So glad to hear that the flowers will be in bloom...not familiar with that area but I have been Googling it. Thanks for the website.

We generally like to visit Europe in general in Sept. because the flowers are still in bloom. We went in May one year and it wasn't as pretty. Being further north we weren't quite sure what to expect.

We will be on a day stop off the Windsurf sailboat (Windstar cruises)

Looking forward to that stop...very different than any big city stop.

Reviews from the same cruise/same time last year said that William & Kate were there and came out in a small boat and circled the ship, waved for some great photos. Probably won't happen again this year.

oh, that's a new one - sounds fun. Most people arrive on a boat from St Mary's or [until they stopped it about 3 years ago] on the helicopter from Penzance. we did that a few times and it was a great experience. Where else will your boat be visiting?

Once you have finished with the gardens, it's nice to stroll around the island - there is a nice pub [and a few shops and a gallery] about ¼ mile away, and the beach is gorgeous if the weather's nice - so I would take cossies with you if you fancy a swim.

Depending on the time you have, it's worth walking right round the island too - but you would need a couple of hours for that.

I'm sure that you will enjoy your stop on Tresco.

annhig......I don't know where the ship docks, maybe St. Mary's but there is a shore excursion to Abbey Gardens. It's a 600 ft. Sailboat with about 300 passengers. We've sailed on her before and it was quite fun.
This trip goes to:
Dublin
Waterford
Scilly Islands
Brest
El Ferrol
Vigo
Oporto
Lisbon
Check it out.....
https://www.windstarcruises.com/yach...surf/overview/

It's so nice to get info from someone who's been there. That's what Fodors is all about.

Found it, TPAYT:

https://www.windstarcruises.com/crui...=1056#port-ISC

The excursion itinerary says that you'll be taken off the ship by tender so I'd have thought that you'd be anchored somewhere nearby, but it's not that clear as the St Mary's excursion doesn't mention how passengers are getting there at all. Anyway, it all looks terrific - what a lovely boat.

The overall itinerary looks good too - have you decided which excursion you're going to do from Brest? the Quimper and Concarneau/Pont Aven ones appeal to me, but that's probably because I've been there. Can't help with the others I'm afraid - I've either never been there or it's so long ago I can't remember enough to be of any help.

hope you have a wonderful trip!

We did choose the Concarneau/Pont Aven excursion so I'm glad to hear you liked the area. It will be a long bus ride (not our favorite thing to do) but I think it will be worth it.

I just read a book that took place in that area so that' s
why I chose it...I might recognize some of the things mentioned in the book.

We'll also spend 4 nights in Lisbon after the cruise, looking forward to that.

This is an odd itinerary but rang our bell for that reason.

oh, good choice. [despite the long coach ride - but there will be things to see en route I'm sure]

Lisbon is on our list - have you seen Rick Stein's recent prog about it? if you can find it it's very informative especially [not surprisingly] about the food.

TPAYT, my husband and I are doing that same cruise in September - our fifth cruise with Windstar. May I ask what book you read about the Concarneau/Pont Aven area? I try to read books set in each area we are visiting - as it adds to my appreciation.
Thank you!

nicenancy......here's a link to the book I mentioned. We have spent much time driving around France but never in Brittany so we are looking forward to seeing the area. Hope to meet you & chat a bit during the cruise.


https://www.amazon.com/Little-French...ro+nina+george

Her 1st book "The Littlest Paris Bookshop" was one of my favorites as we've spent much time in the areas it covered.

Both are definitely light novels in descriptive locations.

This will be our 3rd Windstar cruise, once on Windsurf, and once on Windspirit.

annhig......yes, I did see it. Lisbon sounds very interesting. I'll let you know what I think in a TR when we return.
I have enjoyed reading your many TR's and made notes on your information.

TPAYT,
Thank you and I have download that book to my Kindle - looking forward to chatting with you during the cruise.

Thanks, TPAYT - another one coming up, hopefully, about our trip to Switzerland. A bit different to our normal trips, but still a lot of fun.