BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS

Departing from the quayside, we will embark on a journey to some of Barbados’s most beautiful and important historical sites. Our journey will begin as we head north along the West Coast, also known as the Platinum Coast. It is not only home to Holetown, the site where the first settlers landed in 1627, but is also home to the rich and famous.

Arlington House Museum, located in Speightstown, an old merchant settlement and port, is our first stop. Here we will have the opportunity to explore the 18th century ‘single house’ that closely resembles the single houses of Charleston, south Carolina whilst learning about and visually meeting the business people of Speightstown, schooner trade, plantation life and other aspects of early Barbados.

Continuing we shall proceed to the East Coast along Cherry Tree Hill with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. As we look down, we will hopefully catch a glimpse of the Historic Morgan Lewis Mill, before we reach the quaint Edgewater Inn where we will stop for a Barbadian buffet lunch.

Edgewater boasts a nine mile coastline view of the Atlantic Ocean side and the cool calming waters of the Joe’s River on the western side of the property. Here we will be able to spend some time in the most picturesque setting on the island and relish the friendly environment of New Edgewater. A camera is a must, as there are many dramatic views that create excellent photo opportunities!

Following lunch, we will have a short transfer to the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, which are nestled on a cliff overlooking the picturesque East Coast. The six acres of carefully landscaped grounds are a nature lover’s delight! Huge limestone boulders create a natural rock garden planted with bougainvillaea, orchids, tropical palms and ferns. A small stream cascades between the exotic tropical plants. There are some very old trees including the ‘Bearded Fig Tree’ from which the island derives its name. The Portuguese first discovered the island and on seeing the long roots hanging into the sea, they called the ‘Los Barbados’ meaning the ‘Bearded one’.

Once our tour of the garden has concluded we shall return to our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that this tour does involve approximately two and a half hours of walking and standing over varying terrain’s, including cobblestone paths and sloping gardens. There will also be steps to negotiate at each of the sites visited. Unfortunately this tour is not recommended to passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users due to the difficulty in accessing the sites visited. Toilet facilities will be available.

TEXT IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLISHING