The fun starts as you leave the cruise ship port in an air-conditioned vehicle to spend the day in Montego Bay, the tourism capital of Jamaica and the second-largest city on the island. Discover the city through the lens of history beginning with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Hear stories about Montego Bay’s early days as a sugarcane port as well as its darker days of slavery.

Head to the heart of the city, where you will head to your first stop of the tour–the beautiful Montego Bay Cultural Center, which is a museum and art gallery. This cultural center traces the history of the city from the Arawak era to the present. You’ll learn about Montego Bay’s early days as a sugarcane port. You may even have the opportunity to sample some sugar cane. You’ll get the chance to stand on the cobblestone streets of Sam Sharpe Square, named after a national hero who was hanged for leading the revolt against slavery in 1832. While in the main square you will see other notable spots such as the civic center and the National Heroes Monument. Amid the colorful Georgian-style buildings you will find the Cage, a small stone structure that was once used as an overnight jail for drunks and vagrants. After visiting the museum, you’ll be treated to a Jamaican beef patty–a local snack, which is a flaky pastry shell filled with seasoned meat.

Stop at St. James Parish church and gaze up at the elaborate stained glass window installed in 1911. This 200-year-old church is laid out in the shape of the classic Greek cross and is surrounded by centuries-old tombstones. Continue to Richmond Hill, a property once owned by the Dewar family of Scotch whiskey fame. Stand on its terraces 500 feet above sea level and enjoy panoramic views of the city below.

Continue to Rose Hall Great House and tour the house and gardens as you learn about the slaves and its infamous owner, Annie Palmer. Legend has it she lived here in the early 19th century and killed three husbands as well as several male slaves she took as lovers before she was murdered by one of her slaves. Locals dubbed her the White Witch of Rose Hall as it is said her ghost can be seen in the upstairs portion of the house. Her legend lives on in the Johnny Cash recording “The Ballad of Annie Palmer.”

Your expedition begins as you board an air-conditioned vehicle to spend the day in Montego Bay, the tourism capital of Jamaica and the second largest city on the island. Discover the city through the lens of history beginning with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Hear stories about Montego Bay’s early days as a sugarcane port as well as its darker days of slavery.

Head to the heart of the city, where you will head to your first stop of the tour–the beautiful Montego Bay Cultural Center, which is a museum and art gallery. This cultural center traces the history of the city from the Arawak era to the present. You’ll learn about Montego Bay’s early days as a sugarcane port. You may even have the opportunity to sample some sugar cane. You’ll get the chance to stand on the cobblestone streets of Sam Sharpe Square, named after a national hero who was hanged for leading the revolt against slavery in 1832. While in the main square you will see other notable spots such as the civic center and the National Heroes Monument. Amid the colorful Georgian-style buildings you will find the Cage, a small stone structure that was once used as an overnight jail for drunks and vagrants. After visiting the museum, you’ll be treated to a Jamaican beef patty–a local snack, which is a flaky pastry shell filled with seasoned meat.

Richmond Hill also boasts a 1700’s English-style manor that hosted many notables including Richard Nixon, Roger Moore, Dustin Hoffman, Paul Newman and Eddie Murphy as well as various government heads. Entrance to the house is optional for an additional fee (not included, approximately $5 US per person) payable at the site.

Conclude your tour with some fun in the sun at the famous Doctor’s Cave Bathing Beach. The famous British Osteopath Sir Herbert Barker declared in the 1920’s that the water has curative powers when he was restored to good health after visiting the beach. Since then many locals and foreigners have visited this beach hoping to cure their ailments.

Escape the 50-person cramped environment on this small group (usually by van) tour. After driving from Montego Bay, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes west of Ocho Rios, you will arrive at Dunn’s River Falls. Smaller groups allow you to actually ask questions of your guide, in addition to just hearing them tell you about their island.

After walking down to the bottom of the falls on the adjacent flights of stairs, you will begin your climb back to the top. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to climb all the way up the mountain. There are places along the way where you are able to slide down into pools of water, take a swim and climb again. For those who wish to stop climbing, there are multiple points where you can leave the falls and walk on the adjacent path. There are local “guides” at the falls who will lead you up. These guides are separate from your tour and will expect a gratuity when you reach the top.

After your climb, your driver will be waiting to take you into Ocho Rios, where you will have approximately 45 minutes to shop, grab a cold one or maybe sample jerk-spiced meats on your own. On the return to Montego Bay, a photo stop will be made at Columbus Park, which commemorates Columbus’ visits to the island at Discovery Bay.