Excursion Best of st. kitts and fairview tour at Basseterre

Experience the picturesque beauty and historic landmarks of St. Kitts during this half-day sightseeing excursion of Basseterre and its environs.

Your tour guide will take you through Basseterre, the oldest town in the Eastern Caribbean where elements of French and British colonization have been carefully preserved - Berkeley Memorial, Independence Square (a former slave market) and the impressive architecture of the buildings surrounding them both.

Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park

This most impressive and imposing fortress has a correspondingly significant history. Known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, it protected British interests in this part of the Caribbean during the 18th and 19th centuries. This architectural marvel is a tribute to the skills of British military engineering and African slave labour and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stunning views of the national park and the neighbouring islands can be had from atop the Citadel or anywhere on the parade ground.

Caribelle Batik

Watch as local artists transform Sea Island Cotton into stunning Batik fabrics. As you watch the secrets of this ancient art form unfold, you will be treated to a full explanation. Caribelle Batik's sought after products are all available in a lovely West Indian Great House setting.

Romney Manor

Set in extensive and meticulously maintained grounds, this 12-acre botanical paradise is a wonder to behold. Tropical blooms, exotic palms, flowering shrubs and delicate orchids offer a riot of colour, while humming birds, egrets and wandering green vervet monkeys go their merry way. Samuel Jefferson, the great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the USA, was the original owner of this splendid estate.

Fairview Great House

Step back in time as Fairview Great House provides a true representation of a colonial St. Kitts Great House with the Great House rooms furnished in authentic colonial style. The Great House as displays a historical information room where you can learn more about previous owners of the property, life on the island in colonial times and the process undertaken to fully restore this historic gem. From the cobble stone courtyard view the original kitchen with its volcanic stone and brick oven; the original bathing room with its large sun warmed volcanic stone bath; and stone bridge leading from the rear veranda of the Great House to the rear area of the tropical botanical garden. While in the courtyard don't forget to wander into the old stone cellar where you will find a gift shop offering unique Fairview gifts and souvenirs for your shopping delight. The meticulously landscaped tropical botanical garden feature settings and plants of the 1700s - 1920s with a wide variety of fruit trees, palms, shrubs and flowering plants.

Timothy Hill

Your final stop will be for photos at the top of Timothy Hill. Prepare to feast your eyes on absolutely breathtaking scenes. Here you see the vast expanse of the Frigate Bay Resort Area with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches, the foaming crests of the Atlantic waves to the north and the tranquil Caribbean Sea to the south, separated by only a few hundred yards.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Basseterre, Berkeley Memorial, Independence Square, Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park, Caribelle Batik, Romney Manor, Fairview Great House, Timothy Hill

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 26 optional steps at Brimstone Hill. The upper gardens at Romney Manor Gardens and Caribelle Batik Factory are wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, sun protection and bring your camera from the ship. The order of sites visited may vary. A minimum number of guests per guide is required for operation of this tour.