Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal
Basseterre, St Kitts
St Kitts tells you so much about the colourful Caribbean history. The capital is French in name, yet British in spirit. Beautiful Basseterre’s Georgian centrepiece is the Circus, modelled on Piccadilly, with its charming Victorian clock. This scenic island looks simply stunning from the Fortress of Brimstone Hill. Volcanic slopes, verdant sugar cane and neighbouring islands are on view.
Highlights
BRIMSTONE HILL FORTRESS NATIONAL PARK
This rambling 18th-century compound, once known as the “Gibraltar of the West Indies,” was previously a major British garrison until it was abandoned in 1850. A major restoration was undertaken in the 1960s and much of the fortress has been returned to its earlier grandeur. The main hilltop compound, the Citadel, is lined with 24 cannons and provides excellent views of St Eustatius.
BASSETERRE
Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, is host to structures that date back to the 17th century, with architectural influences from French and English settlers. The Circus, built in the style of London’s famous Piccadilly Circus, is the centre of the tourist area and features a lovely old clock tower.
NEVIS
Nevis is an approximately 45-minute ferry ride from her sister island, St. Kitts. The capital is Charlestown and the island is the birth place of Alexander Hamilton. There is a small museum dedicated to Hamilton and a lovely botanical garden to explore.
SOUTHEAST PENINSULA
St Kitts’ southeast peninsula is wild and starkly beautiful, with barren salt ponds, grass-covered hills, and scrubby vegetation. The main inhabitants are green vervet monkeys and a few wild deer. Frigate Bay, the main beach resort area on the island, spans the northern end of the peninsula.
Shore Excursions