In most of the British West Indies, common English traditions like afternoon tea and watching rugby are paid lip service to, but they’re often viewed as anachronistic. Not so in Bermuda, where taking the Queen’s name in vain is almost as vulgar as using white vinegar on fish and chips. All things polite British society deems proper are observed religiously in Bermuda. Gentlemen open doors, ladies wear hats, and it just wouldn’t do to be rude to even the most obnoxious lad who’s downed one too many John Courage ales at the local pub. Crumpets and china, bangers and mash, cricket and rugby—Bermuda is one of England’s proudest moments.

The island has endured a tragic past, however, with over 400 shipwrecks clinging to reefs  rimming these idyllic chain of islands. Shakespeare’s The Tempest is actually based on the downed ship that planted the first inhabitants on Bermuda in the 17th century. All of that naval history is recounted in the 75-acre Naval Dockyard, a stately fortress once known as the "Gibraltar of the West" when it protected English interests against the upstart Americans after the War of Independence. Within the walls bounding the cliff side promontory are a series of historic buildings originally built to store munitions and military men. Today, they’re linked together to form the Bermuda Maritime Museum, plus restaurants, shops and a dolphin interaction facility.

Anchoring the eastern half of the island, the quaint township of St. George was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Self-guided tours are a must along the rambling streets to take in the many intimate museums, churches and gardens.

Bermuda’s capital city is Hamilton, a gracious and spotless community lining the waterfront with pastel-colored British Colonial buildings housing boutiques, pubs and museums. Overlooking everything is the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, the neo-Gothic seat of the Anglican Church in Bermuda. Official law states that no structure on the island may supersede the Cathedral’s height.

Bermuda has the highest standard of living in the western hemisphere, and as such, the island’s recreational options maintain a certain elite appeal. Many of Bermuda’s beaches are distinctly pink with a talcum powder consistency due to reddish-tinged micro-organisms living in the reefs. Fronting these sands are a collection of recently upgraded resorts constantly ranked among the best in the tropics. The major hotels boast outdoor and indoor dining where the lobster comes from Maine, the lamb is flown in from New Zealand, and the champagne is always French.

Official language: English

Government: Parliamentary democracy

Temperature: 68-84ºF

Rainfall: 2.5-6 inches per month; no rainy season

Official currency: Bermuda dollar (equivalent to U.S. dollar)

Entry requirements: Passport or birth certificate with raised seal or official stamp, or certified copy with photo ID

Departure tax: $25

Golf: 8

Gaming: No casinos

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact: One of our Vacation Specialist at 1-888-898-3628.   CLICK HERE  to request our assistance or visit us at www.cmtravelonline.com to learn more about our top vacation destinations.