8-night A Journey of Cultural Immersions in the Caribbean

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an old city of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and shaded courtyards. It reflects its Spanish past in such famous fortresses as El Morro and San Cristobal. San Juan is also a modern world capital -- a cosmopolitan metropolis of wide boulevards, lively cafes and highly regarded shops and galleries. San Juan is two unique destinations -- and you'll be fascinated by them both.

A lively blend of French and English cultures, St. George's has steep hills to climb, spectacular views to photograph and a rum distillery to tour. St George's has one of the prettiest harbour settings in the Caribbean. Tourist infrastructure is still generally small-scale and locally owned and offers a good balance between comfort and price, making Grenada a great getaway for those who want to avoid the resort experience.

See the whole panoply of tropic splendor, lagoons, white sand, coral reefs and the island of Bequia and the stunning approach to St. Vincent and its rugged grandeur.

The island’s capital, Bridgetown, is one of the Caribbean's major free ports, bustling with activity. Trafalgar Square features the monument to Horatio Nelson. Facing the square are handsome structures of the House of Assembly and the Legislative buildings. George Washington worshipped at St. Michael’s Cathedral during the only trip he made outside of the United States. Housed in former British military prison buildings, the Barbados Museum is divided into various galleries that feature exhibits depicting the history of Barbados from the pre-Columbian period to modern times. Built in 1816, Gun Hill Signal Station is the finest of several signal stations on the island. The white limestone lion behind the garrison is a well-known landmark. Barbados boasts excellent golf courses. A wide range of watersports is available at hotels and special watersports centers.

Set in a large bay on the leeward side of the island looking out onto the Caribbean sea, Fort de France became the capital of Martinique when St Pierre was wiped out by the eruption of the volcano Montagne Pelée in 1902. The town has mushroomed from less than 10,000 inhabitants at the time of the eruption to its current level of nearly 100,000 people. The historical centre grew around the strategic point of the Fort Saint Louis, which was first established in 1638. There are numerous cultural and historical places of interest in Fort-de-France, as well as a wide choice of quality shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, selling French and Creole products. English is widely spoken and understood, and US Dollars are accepted in most outlets.

There was never any hope of lucrative sugar plantations in St.Barths. It was too dry, too steep, too rocky, and, finally, too small. Unsuitable for agriculture, the island was never coveted as a prize during the colonial wars of the 18th century. The place had a serviceable harbor, and this allowed the town that grew around it, Gustavia, to play a key role in that intermittent conflict, a role that was to presage much of its future. Overflowing warehouses surrounded a harbor packed with ships from many nations, and a mercantile and architectural tradition was established that has lingered to the present day. Today, Gustavia has adjusted itself to satisfy the increasing number of visiting tourists. Restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops now line streets once busy with merchants, merchant seamen, and adventurers.

Basseterre, St. Kitts’ capital, still shows signs of colonial architecture. However, its setting against the emerald green hills ensures a distinct Caribbean ambiance. Many travelers agree Basseterre is one of the prettiest of the Caribbean’s small capitals.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an old city of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and shaded courtyards. It reflects its Spanish past in such famous fortresses as El Morro and San Cristobal. San Juan is also a modern world capital -- a cosmopolitan metropolis of wide boulevards, lively cafes and highly regarded shops and galleries. San Juan is two unique destinations -- and you'll be fascinated by them both.