This is a very special holiday in terms of the country itself, the wildlife, the people and the food. It gets you away from the stereotypes and introduces you to the real Jamaica. To give you greater freedom and flexibility, it is recommended that this tour be self-driven and as always, you can mix and match any of the details to create a unique tour combination that best suits your individual requirements. Alternatively, if you prefer to be accompanied by a driver/guide, this can also be arranged.
Day 1
Direct flight from UK to Montego Bay, pick up your rental car and drive to Rhodes Hall Plantation, a magnificent property covering over 550 lush acres and located just 5 miles before Negril. The terrain covers all that Jamaica has to offer; from beaches to coral coastline and from jungles to mountaintops as high a 550 feet affording excellent views all the way to Negril. There are impressive stands of ancient bamboo and numerous types of trees and other tropical rainforest vegetation creating a bird watchers paradise. Dinner and overnight at Rhodes Hall.
Day 2
After breakfast, there will be a chance to visit the Negril Palm Reserve, a beautiful and tranquil forest within the Negril Great Morass and one of Jamaica's leading Eco-tourism attractions. You will find the Royal Palm, 114 plant species, and over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies and reptiles. The Morass Royal Palms are found nowhere else in the world. There is also a museum where you can learn about native plants and animals and you can take a guided tour along the wooden Royal Palm Boardwalk Trail through the morass swamp forest. In the afternoon, you may relax on the beach or try one of the activities at Rhodes hall, such as horseback riding. Dinner and overnight at Rhodes Hall.
Day 3
Drive to Bluefields in the south coast region, an area with numerous natural attractions and wildlife refuges. With its natural beauty and slow pace, Jamaica's south coast is sought after by more discerning visitors' intent on secluded relaxation rather than over-the-top glitz and glamour. Take an easy hike in the foothills of the Bluefields Mountain, gently climbing to around 400 ft. It is an ideal introduction to Jamaican nature and it is usual to see a range of endemic birds including the Jamaican Robin and Streamertail Hummingbird. In the afternoon you can go on a boat safari on the Black River, Jamaica's longest river, which flows through a swampy marshland that is the largest wetland habitat in the Caribbean. Over 100 species of birds and endangered American crocodile inhabits this area and sightings are very, very frequent. Continue on to Treasure Beach, where you will have dinner and spend the first of two nights at Marblue Villa Suites.
Day 4
Spend the day in the Treasure Beach area where there are deserted beaches all along the southern coastline with picturesque fishing villages and small sandy coves hidden among the rocks. You may hike along the coast from Great Bay, visit the Appleton's rum distillery, swim or relax at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Marblue Villa Suites.
Day 5
Drive to Kingston, with a choice of stops along the way. You may go via Mandeville and visit Marshall's Pen Estate, a 300 acre private nature reserve and working farm where you can have lunch and a guided tour of the historic Great House and grounds. Alternatively, you may follow the coast road and stop at delightful spots such as Lovers Leap or visit the old colonial capital of Spanish Town. In Kingston you will spend the night at The Visitor's Lodge at the University at Mona, set in the lovely quiet gardens of the University, close to Hope Gardens. This is the only evening when dinner is not included and the Reception of the Lodge will be able to advise you on the choice of local restaurants.
Day 6
You may start the day the day with a visit to Hope Gardens, followed by a guided tour of the historic and cultural attractions of Kingston. In the afternoon continue on to the Blue Mountains and Lime Tree Farm, where you will spend the next two nights in the most beautiful surroundings.
Day 7
Hike into the higher reaches of the mountains for a guided tour of Cinchona Botanical Gardens, one of the world's loveliest wild secret gardens. The mountain views are stunning and the landscaped gardens contain many delights. Dinner and overnight at Lime Tree Farm.
Day 8
The morning might be spent hiking the various trails or relaxing in the beautiful environment, before driving to Port Antonio. You can choose to follow the coast road around the North Eastern coast of Jamaica or go across the island. Either journey will take you approximately three hours, but you are sure to want to stop along the way. Your base for the next four nights will be Mocking Bird Hill situated in the hills above Port Antonio.
Day 9
Explore charming Port Antonio and its Marina, colourful market and historic Titchfield Hill, visit the Blue Lagoon or relax on one of the lovely beaches that line the coast to the east, such as Frenchman's Cove or SanSan. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 10
A relaxing but very interesting rafting excursion down the River Grande in the morning, followed by perhaps snorkelling and a boat trip around the harbour at Port Antonio. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 11
An early morning start with a packed breakfast for birding in the Ecclesdown area at the foothills of the John Crow Mountains or you could hike to Reach Falls and perhaps stop for lunch on the beachside at Long Bay on your way back. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 12
Head west along the north coast to the wonderful Greencastle Estate, where you will spend the next two nights. On the way, you will visit the Maroons at Charles Town, where you will witness a cultural presentation of drumming and dancing and then have lunch on the riverside, you may also have a swim. Once at Greencastle, you will have a guided tour of the working plantation and orchid farm before dinner and overnight.
Day 13
This morning you can visit Firefly, the former home of Noel Coward, set in a lovely location overlooking the coast and if you wish continue on to visit Ian Fleming's former home at Goldeneye, which is now one of Jamaica's most exclusive hotels. The afternoon can be pleasantly spent taking a personal guided tour of the gardens around the house at Greencastle followed by a delicious tea or relaxing by the pool or visiting the beach at Robins Bay. Dinner and overnight at Greencastle.
Day 14
After a leisurely breakfast, you can enjoy the facilities at Greencastle before your journey across to Kingston and your evening flight back to the UK.
Price Guide - From £1996
The price is per person sharing a double room and includes:
Return flights from the UK
All accommodation as described with breakfast & dinner
Car rental for 14 days
Local representatives
All taxes & service charges
Guided tour of Kingston on Day 6
Guided hike to Cinchona Gardens on Day 7
Rafting on Rio Grande on Day 10
Entrance to museum at Charles Town and lunch at riverside on Day 12
Guided tour of Greencastle Estate on Day 12 |
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