Gardens of Barbados

ALL TOURS
diamond-gold

DETAILS

At 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, Barbados is a small and perfectly-formed vision of pure Caribbean paradise. This is a place of upbeat welcomes, radiant seas, sandy beaches, golden palms, and thick gleaming rainforest – the quintessential island idyll. It’s also a place where private gardens blossom, lilies and heliconias burst vibrantly out of the undergrowth, and species of orchid thrive in their thousands. Escape the bustle of mainland life, and channel your inner castaway.

Pricing from
$4,125
Trip Type
Closer to Home, Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Voyages
Departure Dates
Nov 6, 2024 - Nov 13, 2024

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Cancellation by You

If you or any member of your party wish to cancel your holiday, or if you fail to pay the full cost of the holiday within the specified time you will be liable, as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancellation, in addition to any non-refundable items*. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been cancelled. Notification from the person who made the booking must be received at our offices. This can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter. The cancellation charge will be calculated according to the date this is received, or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of non-payment.

*Non-refundable holiday costs charged including upgraded air tickets, hotel upgrades, extensions, extra nights, transfers etc., will be charged at 100% and the charges shown below will then apply to the remainder of the holiday cost and any amendment charges are not refundable. Additional accommodation costs for reduced occupancy or other components, may be payable in the event that one or more passengers cancels but where remaining passengers still wish to travel.

Group Bookings – cancellation charges will apply to any guests in the group who may wish to cancel in the unlikely event of cancellation by the lead passenger.

Note: If your cancellation falls within the provisions of your travel insurance policy you may be able to make a claim which must be made direct to your insurance company.

Cancellation Charges – if you cancel your holiday:

In order to compensate our expenditure, we charge a cancellation fee according to the following scale:

Up to 84 days: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
83-64 days:
35% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
63-46 days: 55% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
45-31 days: 75% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
From 30 days to departure: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs

Lord of the Glens: Up to 6 months: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs | 6 months-0 days: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs.

Emerald Isle Explorer:
Up to 5 months: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
5-3 months: 65% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs.
3 months – 0 days: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs.

Maharajas’ Express:
Up to 140 days: deposit and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
139-84 days: 45% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
83-46 days: 65% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs
From 45 days to departure: 100% and any invoiced flight or hotel costs.

Variation by You

Booking alterations: If, after our booking confirmation/invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes (subject to agreement by our suppliers) but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be received at our offices, this can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking. You will be asked to pay an administration charge starting from £50 per person in addition to any associated costs of the changes imposed by our suppliers and any extra arrangements, these costs are non-refundable. Quotes normally have a 24-hour time frame before they expire, and the price is therefore subject to change. You should be aware that these costs could increase as the departure dates becomes closer and you should contact us as soon as possible. Additional fees may be charged, depending on the cost and work caused to us by the requested change.
Booking transfer to another person: You can transfer your existing booking to another person suggested by you (subject to agreement by our suppliers) *. Notice be made must be received at our offices, this can be by phone, or in writing, either by email or letter from the person who made the booking at least 25 days before departure. The replacement traveller must satisfy and fulfil any conditions that apply to the holiday, and all costs of the original booking. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying all costs we incur before the transfer can be made by us. The cost of the transfer will consist of both an administration charge of £50 and any costs which our suppliers impose*.

ITINERARY

  • day 1

    Barbados

    On arrival in Barbados we transfer to our hotel, the 3-star Dover Beach Hotel, which is located on the south coast a few miles from the capital Bridgetown. As well as direct access to the beach, facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, sun deck, spa and wellness centre and poolside bar. The afternoon is free to rest and relax in the hotel, before dinner is served in the evening.

  • day 2

    Barbados

    After breakfast our tour of Barbados begins at the George Washington House, also known as Bush Hill House, a historic plantation house where the young George Washington and his ailing brother Lawrence resided for two months in 1751. Barbados was the only country ever visited by the future “First Father” of his country and Bush Hill House the only house he ever lived in outside of the continental United States. This afternoon we will visit the Barbados Museum where we can learn all about the rich heritage of the island.

  • day 3

    Barbados

    We begin today with a visit to Hunte’s Garden, located in a gully in the centre of Barbados’ rain forest. Thanks to such an interesting location, the garden offers a multidimensional experience, with vigorous plants densely growing on many levels, from sunny and open spaces, down to a mysterious, dark heart of real Caribbean jungle. We will be welcomed by the genial host who will show us around the garden. Our next visit provides a most colourful and fragrant experience as we explore the Tropical Gardens, home to more than 20,000 orchids. A meandering path lined with orchids leads through a coral grotto to the five orchid houses. Keep your eyes on the trees for orchids such as Schomburgkia that bloom once a year with spectacular results. Species such as Vandas, Phalaenopsis, Calanthe, Cattleya, Ascocendas and Dendrobiums, to name but a few, can be found throughout, with some of the rainforest orchids appearing to hang in mid-air with their roots completely free of soil.

  • day 4

    Barbados

    This morning we depart for a visit to Harrison’s Cave, a crystalline limestone cavern which lies in the centre of the island. Flowing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water and towering columns characterise this living cave, which is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites of all colours and sizes. We will also take a leisurely walk along the nature trail that has been created here.
    We continue with a visit to the Flower Forest, located in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of Barbados and built on a former sugar plantation. The views from the garden over the hills offer fantastic photo-opportunities – the forest towering and lush, the pathways lined with flowering plants, the tone quiet, peaceful and serene.

  • day 5

    Barbados

    After breakfast we explore the St. Nicholas Abbey Plantation. Located in the hills of St Peter, St Nicholas Abbey encompasses over 400 acres of undulating sugar cane fields, lush tropical gullies, mahogany forests and formal gardens. We will also enjoy a scenic ride on the heritage railway that winds through the plantation fields and mahogany woods with expansive views of the east coast from Cherry Tree Hill. Later we visit historic Speightstown, which dates back to 1630 and has a pleasing blend of colonial and modern architecture along with excellent shopping and dining options.

  • day 6

    Barbados

    We explore the island’s capital Bridgetown today, which was founded by English settlers in 1628. Historic Old Bridgetown and its Garrison is now inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our tour of the city there will be time to shop and sightsee at leisure.

  • day 7

    Barbados

    Today is free to stroll along the beach, take a swim or perhaps venture further afield. Alternatively, join our optional excursion, a cruise aboard a Catamaran yacht, ideally suited for sailing in these shallow, sheltered waters. Relax on board a catamaran and watch the beautiful coastline of Barbados slip by, then drop anchor in a quiet bay for a swim in the crystal clear waters, followed by a sumptuous Barbados lunch.

  • day 8

    Barbados

    After breakfast the morning is free for some last-minute shopping before we transfer to the airport where the tour concludes.

Everything you need to know about the tour

Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.

Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan

Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans