EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
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.”
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
