Silversea Luxury Cruises A Basseterre, St. Kitts

Experience the picturesque beauty and historic landmarks of St. Kitts during this half-day sightseeing excursion of Basseterre and its environs.

Your tour guide will take you through Basseterre, the oldest town in the Eastern Caribbean where elements of French and British colonization have been carefully preserved - Berkeley Memorial, Independence Square (a former slave market) and the impressive architecture of the buildings surrounding them both.

Brimstone Hill Fortress and National Park

This most impressive and imposing fortress has a correspondingly significant history. Known as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, it protected British interests in this part of the Caribbean during the 18th and 19th centuries. This architectural marvel is a tribute to the skills of British military engineering and African slave labour and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stunning views of the national park and the neighbouring islands can be had from atop the Citadel or anywhere on the parade ground.

Caribelle Batik

Watch as local artists transform Sea Island Cotton into stunning Batik fabrics. As you watch the secrets of this ancient art form unfold, you will be treated to a full explanation. Caribelle Batik's sought after products are all available in a lovely West Indian Great House setting.

Romney Manor

Set in extensive and meticulously maintained grounds, this 12-acre botanical paradise is a wonder to behold. Tropical blooms, exotic palms, flowering shrubs and delicate orchids offer a riot of colour, while humming birds, egrets and wandering green vervet monkeys go their merry way. Samuel Jefferson, the great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the USA, was the original owner of this splendid estate.

Fairview Great House

Step back in time as Fairview Great House provides a true representation of a colonial St. Kitts Great House with the Great House rooms furnished in authentic colonial style. The Great House as displays a historical information room where you can learn more about previous owners of the property, life on the island in colonial times and the process undertaken to fully restore this historic gem. From the cobble stone courtyard view the original kitchen with its volcanic stone and brick oven; the original bathing room with its large sun warmed volcanic stone bath; and stone bridge leading from the rear veranda of the Great House to the rear area of the tropical botanical garden. While in the courtyard don't forget to wander into the old stone cellar where you will find a gift shop offering unique Fairview gifts and souvenirs for your shopping delight. The meticulously landscaped tropical botanical garden feature settings and plants of the 1700s - 1920s with a wide variety of fruit trees, palms, shrubs and flowering plants.

Timothy Hill

Your final stop will be for photos at the top of Timothy Hill. Prepare to feast your eyes on absolutely breathtaking scenes. Here you see the vast expanse of the Frigate Bay Resort Area with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches, the foaming crests of the Atlantic waves to the north and the tranquil Caribbean Sea to the south, separated by only a few hundred yards.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 26 optional steps at Brimstone Hill. The upper gardens at Romney Manor Gardens and Caribelle Batik Factory are wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, sun protection and bring your camera from the ship. The order of sites visited may vary. A minimum number of guests per guide is required for operation of this tour.

Unlock the secret to preparing West Indian cuisine during this flavourful, half-day culinary excursion and tasting at the Fairview Great House.

Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden, nestled at the foot of Olivees Mountain. Upon arrival, proceed for a demonstration of West Indian cooking. Discover the history and wonderful flavours of West Indian cuisine, which blends Old and New World cooking with African, European and Indian influences. Afterward, sample the dishes accompanied by homemade refreshments, and receive complimentary copies of the recipes used to prepare them.

Free Time and Great House

Following your demonstration and tasting, some free time is made available to explore the Fairview Great House at your leisure. The main floor of the Great House is furnished in authentic Colonial style. On display is the dining room, with the table set for a delicious West Indian dinner; living room; a gentleman's study; and an historical information room. Here, you can learn more about previous owners of the property, life on a Plantation Estate in St. Kitts during the 18th century and the process undertaken to fully-restore this historic gem. Upstairs is the master bedroom with a large veranda offering a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, South-East Peninsula and St. Kitts' sister island of Nevis.

Botanical Garden and Gift Shop

You may also choose to take a delightful stroll through the different areas of the beautifully landscaped, approximately 2.5-acre (about one-hectare) Botanical Garden, and/or browse the gift shop for souvenirs, handicrafts and rum. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 164 yards (about 150 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and up to 35 steps at the Fairview Great House. Walking at the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended; camouflage or suggestive clothing is not permitted. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the picturesque beauty of the Caribbean Sea during this half-day snorkelling and sunset sailing excursion.

Snorkelling at Shittens Bay

Depart the pier aboard a 'Maxi-Cat' catamaran for the scenic, approximate one-hour ride to the cliff-side snorkelling cove at Shittens Bay. En route, see mountains and beaches on one side and the open Caribbean Sea on the other. Upon arrival, receive your safety instructions and snorkelling gear, and begin your snorkelling session in crystal-clear waters teeming with volcanic rock formations, sea fans, sponges and tropical fish.

Sunset Cruise

Next, your ride continues along the pristine coast of the southeast peninsula of St. Kitts to Nag's Head, the southernmost tip of the island. As the catamaran begins the sail back to port, experience the spectacular colours of a Caribbean sunset to the west before the lights of Basseterre begin to emerge in the twilight glow. Enjoy the open bar including fruit juices, rum punch, beer and soft drinks. Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the boat and in/out of the water. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sun protection and bring a towel from the ship. Guests must remove their shoes while on board the catamaran as it is a barefoot cruise. A waiver must be signed by guests who plan to enter the water. Guests who enter the water must know how to swim and in good physical condition and must not have had any alcoholic beverages to drink prior to entering the water. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcoholic beverages.

The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is a spectacular Caribbean golf course. Originally opened in 1976 and recently renovated, Royal St. Kitts is one of the best conditioned and most scenic golf courses in the Caribbean.

After closing for renovations in the spring of 2002, the first nine holes and the beautiful new clubhouse opened for play in November 2003. The full 18-hole championship course then reopened on November 8th, 2004. The magnificent layout has 125 irrigated acres of lush grass and allows golfers to play two full holes on the Caribbean Sea and three complete holes on the Atlantic Ocean. The redesign was done by famed architect Thomas McBroom of Toronto, Canada.

Royal St. Kitts plays as an 18-hole, Par 71 course at 6,900 yards / 6309 metres from the championship gold tees. But with three other sets of tees it is fun for every level of player. This extraordinary layout boasts water hazards on 10 holes, 80 bunkers and a multitude of coconut palm trees along the Atlantic Ocean.

Please note: This programme includes roundtrip transportation, green fees and shared cart. Golfers must adhere to the course's dress code and policies. Please advise Shore Concierge Staff upon embarkation of your rental needs. Rental Clubs: Taylor Made Burner - $70 per set. All rentals and purchases are to be paid directly to Pro Shop. A minimum of 4 golfers is required to operate this programme at the price noted.

Experience the splendid beauty and legacy of Nevis, sister-island of St. Kitts, during this half-day excursion via land and sea.

Coastal Cruise to Nevis

After a short transfer to the Ferry station, board the public ferry for the approximately 40-minute journey en route to the sister-island of Nevis, also known as the 'Queen of the Caribbean'. Upon arrival in the capital city of Charlestown, disembark the boat and board a mini-van for the brief drive through this tranquil town.

Alexander Hamilton Museum

Your first stop is at the Alexander Hamilton Museum. During a guided tour of the museum, explore the history and culture of Nevis and the life of Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America and the island's famous son. From here, drive through several sleepy villages before arriving at the eight-acre (3.2-hectare) Botanical Gardens, the highlight of your tour.

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens feature a wide array of diversified tropical flora collected from the islands and around the world. See the cactus garden, bamboo grove, water-lily pools, and orchid and tropical fruit gardens. A spectacular glass conservatory houses a tropical rainforest and a vast Mayan temple with waterfalls, ponds and streams. After a stop at the unique onsite gift shop and a complimentary local iced tea, drive back to the pier and embark your boat for the return ride to the ship in St. Kitts.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and boat, and approximately 12 steps at the venues. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera from the ship. There may be queues at the ferry landing and this tour may exceed the noted duration by as much as an hour depending on traffic and sea conditions. Depending on local events and total guest count, a public ferry may be utilized for the transportation.

Experience the exquisite flora and fauna of St. Kitts during this picturesque, half-day rainforest safari.

Romney Gardens and Caribelle Batik Studios

Depart the pier for the short, scenic drive to Old Road Village. Upon arrival, a brief stop is made to view the Carib Rock Drawings. From here, continue on to the delightful Romney Gardens at Wingfield Estate. This lovely, 12-acre (4.9-hectare) setting is also the site of the renowned Caribelle Batik Studios. During your visit, explore the stunning manicured grounds and take a brief orientation tour of the batik studio. Some time is also made available to browse the wall hangings and apparel available for sale.

Rainforest Trek

Next, re-board your coach and journey into St. Kitts' lush, tropical rainforest. Upon arrival, begin your exhilarating guided nature trek deep into the cool green chambers of this rare, bio-diversity-rich rainforest. Along the way, see and learn about its beautiful flora and fauna, and take in wonderful panoramic vistas and photo opportunities. Afterward, relax with fresh, home-made Caribbean juices, local rum, seasonal fruit, pastries, and spring water, and hear tales of years gone by.

The drive to-and-from the ship winds along the idyllic Leeward Coast, and passes through picturesque valleys and sugar cane fields that are lined on one side with lush green mountains, and on the other by the turquoise Caribbean Sea. At the conclusion of your journey, commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy a full island tour of this smaller, most scenic Caribbean island in a fun, comfortable open safari vehicle

After driving through town, proceed westwards to the renowned Caribelle Batik and Romney Manor Gardens. Here you have some time enjoy this spectacular location and see batik -making in progress.

Then re-board the vehicle and continue your scenic ride around the island, as your entertaining and knowledgeable guide points out places of historical and cultural interest. Information will be presented on historical Old Road Village, where the British first landed, on Middle Island and on the world famous Brimstone Hill Fortress as you pass by.

Your next stop is Gibbon's Hill, from where visitors may see the Atlantic Waters meeting with the Caribbean Sea in a splash of waves that never ceases to fascinate visitors. Your tour continues round the island to Black Rocks where another stop will be made to enjoy this natural wonder and to stretch your legs and be refreshed. Your tour then continues via the Kim Collins Highway to Frigate Bay and the scenic look out at Timothy Hill.

After a tour that has revealed so many visual treats, it is time to return to your ship with a host of memories and, hopefully, some excellent photos.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of travel by open-air safari truck with some easy walking. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear light-weight, comfortable clothing and rubber-soled walking shoes and to bring protection from the sun and a camera from the ship. This tour operates in an open-air safari-style vehicle which has no air conditioning; guests are advised to dress accordingly.

Experience the thrill of zip-lining St. Kitts during this half-day adventure.

Depart the pier for the brief drive to the historic Wingfield Estate. Upon arrival, receive your safety briefing and equipment, then participate in a training session and your first zip-line practice run. Afterwards, board a 4wd vehicle for a trek up the famous Valley of the Giants, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Brimstone Hill National Fortress, Old Road Village, former sugar estates, the Caribbean Sea, and the volcanic crater ridge of Mount Liamuiga.

Zip Line

Next, commence the next four zip-line rides. Using the world's most technologically advanced zip-line equipment, zoom along lines up to 1,400 feet (427 metres) in length and 250 feet (about 76 metres) above the ground at speeds of up to approximately 50 mph (about 80 km/hour) on our North American Engineered Cable System utilising a cutting edge four point paragliding harness, hands free braking and our patented Skyline Trolley and Catch-Block System, all certified to North American Amusement Park Standards. Soar through trees and tunnels of vegetation, across valleys and over a stream before reaching the landing point. En route, take in panoramic views of the rainforest below, and the coast and sea in the distance.

Wingfield Estate

After your zip-line experience, time is made available to explore the ruins of the Wingfield Estate, the oldest English settlement in the West Indies, and a former tobacco and sugar plantation. In addition, you can take a brief stroll to the Romney Manor, home of Caribelle Batik, where you can view the enchanting gardens, batik studios and gift shop. Following your visit, re-board the coach for the brief return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of activity and is only recommended for guests in good physical condition. It is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with heart conditions, back or neck problems, limited mobility, those who suffer from vertigo, or guests who utilise a wheelchair. Participants' weight must be over 60 pounds (28 kilograms) and less than 270 pounds (about 122 kilograms); guests are weighed prior. We suggest you wear light-weight, comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes (required), and bring protection from the sun. Guests must sign a waiver, wear a helmet, and use the carriage during this tour. Participation is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

All aboard the 'Last Railway in the West Indies', the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. This unique island tour runs in a complete circle around St. Kitts allowing guests the opportunity to see the entire country by rail and highway in only three hours.

St. Kitts Scenic Railway

No trip to this two-island federation is complete without the experience of traveling on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway. This one-of-a-kind narrow gauge railroad was built almost a century ago to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mill in the capital city of Basseterre. The railway now provides a fascinating way to see the island from the comfort of double-deck railcars built specifically for touring the island of St. Kitts. The upper level features a spacious open-air observation deck with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The lower level provides air-conditioned comfort with expansive six-foot vaulted windows. Island ambiance is evoked with comfortable rattan furniture, complimentary specialty drinks, island music sung by the Scenic Railway Choir, and a colorful narrative history of the Caribbean.

On this memorable journey, the railway hugs the Northeastern coastline where rippling fields of sugarcane stretch from the shoreline up to the mountains. The high volcanic peaks rise nearly 4,000 feet above sea level, coated with lush green rainforests. The train rolls across tall steel bridges spanning deep 'ghuts', or canyons, and winds through small villages and farms. Your railway tour narrator will point out abandoned sugar estates with overgrown chimneys and windmills, and provide insight into the island's unique history. The duration of the train ride is approximately 1.5 hour.

Scenic Drive

Your experience is complimented by a scenic drive on board the along the Southwestern coast. Enjoy vistas of Brimstone Hill Fortress, the British 'Gibraltar of the West Indies', Middle Island where Thomas Jefferson's great-grandfather is buried, and the neighboring island of Nevis, birthplace of American statesman Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

Please note: This tour involves minimal walking and is recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests utilising a wheelchair. Wheelchair guests must be able to embark and disembark the coach (2 steps) and the train (3 steps). The order of train and bus tour portions of the program may be reversed.

Unwind under the blue Caribbean sky during this invigorating, half-day yoga excursion at the Fairview Great House.

Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden, nestled at the foot of Olivees Mountain. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of this wonderful property, built by the French in the early-18th century. The rich history of the site and the island is well-displayed, with a superbly furnished historical information room. Here, you can learn more about previous owners of the property, life on a Plantation Estate in St. Kitts during the 18th century and the process undertaken to fully-restore this historic gem.

Botanical Garden, Yoga Session and Gift Shop

Next, proceed to the beautiful, approximately 2.5-acre (about one-hectare) Botanical Garden of the Fairview Great House. Here, amidst your lush, beautiful surrounds, experience a therapeutic yoga session with a Hatha Yoga teacher, Afterward, some free time is made available to explore the Botanical Garden at your leisure, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs, handicrafts and rum. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 65 yards (about 60 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and up to 15 steps at the Fairview Great House. Walking at the Fairview Great House and Botanical Garden is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear yoga pants/sweatpants and a cotton t-shirt with flat, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sun protection, a yoga mat and towel from the ship; jeans are not permitted. Guests must be at least eight years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.