Sugar, Sea & Stone: Antigua's Historic Treasures
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Port
St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Travel from the island's quaint northern capital, St John's, through the heart of the island to a sugar plantation, where the past lies in ruins, but the remaining mills and restored sugar trains bring it all to life. You'll also see the natural phenomenon of Devil's Bridge and visit the historical town of Parham.
Ride 20 - 25 minutes through Antigua's countryside to charming Betty's Hope Plantation. Built in 1674 by Sir Christopher Codrington, it was the site of one of the earliest full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua. To say the plantation influenced the lives of many generations of Antiguans would be an understatement -- the wealth generated here was amassed on the back of slavery. This is the only twin sugar mill in the Eastern Caribbean. The two mills remain in place and are quite impressive. Restored sugar trains make for some great photographs.
Don't miss Devil's Bridge -- the natural bridge at the head of Indian Creek where blowholes and spouting surf supply a mesmerizing soundtrack.
Parham, Antigua's oldest town (1632), sat at the heart of Antigua's sugar industry. See St Peter's Anglican church -- an architectural masterpiece featuring a ribbed wooden ceiling and stucco walls.
Watch for the Police Station and Magistrate's Court built around 1917, the Old Post Office, and the Emancipation Bell, reputedly rung to signal the end of slavery. Nowadays, it rings in the New Year.
Return to St John's and the ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.