Port
Willemstad, Curacao
Activity Level
Easy
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$64.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
3¼ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Experience some unique Curaçao culture on this introduction to the Netherlands Antilles. Stop at Riffort Village for photos and view the famous "swinging lady" Emma Bridge, the colonial-style merchant mansions, and Fort Amsterdam.
Drive to Chichis Gallery & Workshop. Chichis is a nickname for women from Curaçao. At this factory, local women make sculptures in typical island form and paint them in charming tropical colors. Each and every sculpture is unique. You'll gain an impression of the jobs created for low-income families through this social project.
Next up is the Dinah Veeris Herb & Historic Garden. Legendary traditional herbalist Dinah -- the 'herb medicine woman' -- or a member of her team will lead you through this wonderful garden. In a colorful and entertaining way, you will learn about the trees here and the enormous variety of herbs and their various uses. Enjoy the serene gardens. You will find small cottages at the back of the garden, which showcase how people lived in the old days. In the shop, numerous natural products and herbs are for sale. A healthy, botanical refreshment will be served.
Move to the shaded area of the garden to watch a charming folkloric show. Dancers in costume demonstrate the Tumba and Wapa -- the rhythmic dances of the island. They'll also teach you some local songs and, if you are up for it, feel free to join in the dancing. A brief 'workshop' is included -- a great opportunity to meet the local population and tune into some Caribbean vibes.
A scenic drive returns you to the ship -- watch for some slave houses and estates along the way.
Notes:
The Chichis Gallery is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays; a visit to Fort Nassau will be substituted. Named for the House of Orange-Nassau, 16th-century Fort Nassau provides a charming 360⁰ view over a large part of the island.