Barbados, Taste of the Caribbean 2017 1
Itinerary beaches, sites of fascinating history and vibrant culture as you enjoy short walks and sightseeing around the island. Walks are generally between 1-5 miles (1.5-8km), with only short sections of ascent. Extensions to some walks may be possible. Day 1: Arrive in Barbados After being met at the airport and transferred to the hotel, you will have time to swim and explore the hotel and surrounding area before dinner. (Meals included: Day 2: Speightstown and Holetown We have programmed an unforgettable holiday to show you the best of Barbados, the most easterly of the Caribbean islands. This island offers historical interest, unique geology and fascinating flora and fauna. UK and Barbados have had close links for over 400 years, mainly due to the cultivation of sugar cane, as a result of which Barbados has gained the nickname of Little England. Barbados was the only island that did not change ownership in the Caribbean as the ambitions of European powers continued to change during the 17th and 18th centuries. Barbados also offered George III a sanctuary if Napoleon got too close to London, and supported Britain in the Second World War. It is interesting to note that Elizabethan words, now unknown in the UK, can still be heard on the island. This holiday offers you the chance to relax and soak up scenes of tropical We begin our exploration of the island by taking a tour of historic Speightstown (Little Bristol), a settlement which has remained virtually unchanged over the last 100 years. Our walk includes a section of the Arbib Trail. We walk through the town and pass a house that was the prototype of early dwellings in South Carolina, and a fort that was part of the island s historical defences. 2
We are then shuttled to Heron Bay, where we enjoy a short walk along its west coast to Folkestone Marine Park and then on to Holetown, where the first European settlers landed. The walk visits the place where the island was claimed for the Crown (Distance: approx 2.5 miles/4km in total). We ll lunch at a seaside restaurant before returning to hotel in the early afternoon, giving us plenty of time to relax. Day 3: Farley Hill/St. Nicholas Abbey We start out from the Farley Hill National Park, the location of the historic Farley Hill Great House ruins. By way of cart roads we make our way past the Wild Life Reserve, through a nearby farm and onto the village of Moore Hill. We then proceed through the grounds of an outstanding heritage site, St. Nicholas Abbey, a 355 year old Jacobean styled plantation great house, and also have lunch. Our trail continues on up to the very scenic lookout point of Cherry Tree Hill. Descending Cherry Tree Hill we pass by another heritage site, the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. (Distance 4 miles/6km) Day 4: Pre-European Barbados Today we explore pre-european Barbados with an easy walk from Gemswick and the Salt Cave Cove, passing the old gun (HARP project) behind the Barbados Defence Force. We walk along the magnificent white sands of Long Beach to Chancery Lane swamp, one of the best archaeological sites on the island. This is also an important resting area for migratory birds. After lunch we continue our walk to Silver Sands Beach (Distance: 5 miles/8km in total). Day 5: Free day (Meals included: breakfast, Day 6: Turner s Hall Woods Our morning walk today enjoys an exploration of Turners Hall Woods. With at least 32 different species of trees and 30 species of shrubs, this is the only remaining area of the original forest that greeted English settlers when they arrived in 1627. The 3
removal of the forest and some remarkable agricultural developments led to Barbados becoming the richest place in the English-speaking world by 1650 s and a significant coloniser of North America (Distance: 3.5 miles/6km). Day 7: Bridgetown/Garrison We visit the capital city of Barbados, Bridgetown, for a walk to discover the history of the city. We will see the Nidhei Israel Synagogue, originally built in 1654, and the Parliament Buildings, and we ll learn about the country s constitution, one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. We ll have the opportunity to hear about the country s development, politics, battles and religion, before we enjoy a picnic lunch. There s time to swim after lunch, before we go on to explore the Garrison site, where the fort dates back to 1702, and is home to a Cromwellian cannon. Day 8: Andromeda & Old Train Route We start at one of the signal stations constructed in the early 1800s to improve island wide communications, walking on the paved country road for a few minutes before we arrive at St. Joseph s Parish Church. Then it s off road through the Hackleton s Cliff Forest main trail down to the St. Elizabeth Primary School. Along this shaded forest trail we will see flora, fauna and history and the significance of the Hackleton Cliff area. We walk downhill from the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, named after the mythical Greek maiden who was tied to a rock as a sacrifice for a sea monster, to the coastal community of Bathsheba. We continue along this rugged coast to our lunch venue on the terrace at the historic Round House overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As we walk along the old railway route, be treated to memorable stories and train photos of Barbados 50 year old train service. (Distance Approx 5 miles/8km) Day 9: Sunbury Great House Today we start our walking from Long Bay to Bottom Bay, followed by a short drive to Culpepper Island. Culpepper 4
is a rock formation in the sea located about 250 feet off Barbados. We continue our walk to Skeete s Bay, a picturesque bay in a quaint fishing village. After a 10 minute drive we ll arrive at the historical Sunbury Plantation where we ll enjoy a buffet lunch followed by a tour of the great house (Distance: approx 3 miles / 5km in total). (Distance Approx 2 miles/3km) Day 10 Harrisons Cave & Welchman Hall Gully Day 11: Departure day This morning we drive to Harrisons Cave where a solar-charged train takes us through the Cave, one of the largest caves in the Caribbean and a popular attraction on the island. After the tour we will then take a second walk, through Welchman Hall Gully, an area developed as a national park and a home to a host of exotic plants and fruits. We board the bus for a short drive to the Flower Forest for our walk through this magnificent garden, approximately 12 acres of tropical flowers, plants and trees sourced from all over the world. Take time to relax, swim or just take a leisurely stroll around the area before transferring to the airport for the return flight. (Meals included: breakfast) After the tour we enjoy a light lunch at the Flower Forest café, before returning to the hotel. 5
Accommodation The tropically decorated, air conditioned rooms include fridge, microwave, toaster, satellite TV, personal safe and either a balcony or patio. We stay at the Coconut Court Beach Hotel, located on a white-sand beach on the south coast of Barbados. This is a comfortable hotel with excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, a cold water spa tub, beachfront dining, and poolside barbecues. Most evenings at the Coconut Court Beach Hotel offer opportunities to listen to local music, dance, try a little cocktail, or to do some star-gazing under the tropical night skies. 6
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (May 2016). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces. You may prefer to take walking ( approach ) trainers as well/instead of your boots, depending on the level of ankle support you require Walking sandals. Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Universal sink plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, 7
plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, (if you usually use poles at home, you may find them useful on this holiday), camera, umbrella, binoculars, swimming costume, snorkelling gear and towel. If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of stay. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian, USA passport holders staying for less than six months. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. Diphtheria and Typhoid vaccines are sometimes recommended too. Please be aware that cases of Dengue Fever and Zika virus have been found in Barbados, so please take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, 8
and no later than 96 hours before travel. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for 9
you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 119. Please then call our emergency number (see page 7) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate The island has a delightful climate with mild subtropical weather that varies little throughout the year. The lowest recorded temperature on Barbados is 15ºC. During the winter the evenings can be cool. Rain, which usually consists of short showers, is most likely to occur from July through to November. Most of the walks take place either in the early morning or in the afternoon - the period between 11am and 2pm tends to be the hottest part of the day making walking less comfortable. Local currency & money matters Barbados Dollars (BD$). Credit cards are widely accepted. Cash should be in US Dollars. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and Maps Barbados Footprint Handbook To Hell or Barbados Sean O Callaghan The Sugar Barons Matthew Parker Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 115V, 2 pin flat blade plugs Time difference GMT/UTC -4 hrs 10
HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 11