SunTours Special

The SunTours Special is indeed that – special, because it incorporates an eclectic mix of Barbadian built and natural heritage, wildlife and history. This tour takes us through two historic towns. Holetown, the site of the first English settlers in 1627 and Speightstown, which was settled three years later and became the first major port and commercial centre. Ships heavily laden with sugar and other goods left Speightstown headed for London earning this quaint little town the moniker “Little Bristol”.

At the heart of the Island visit one of Barbados’ natural wonders, Harrison’s Cave. At the Cave a tram takes you on an exhilarating forty minutes of underground exploration. This is still an active cave with 1.5 miles of crystalline limestone passageways of continuously growing stalactites and stalagmites and flowing streams and pools of crystal clear water. The largest cavern called the Great Hall reaches to heights of 50 feet (15 metres) crystal, here you can take as many selfies as you would like. For the architectural buffs St. Nicholas Abbey is a delight. This former sugar plantation, in the parish of St. Peter, was built in 1658 making it over 350 years old and is one of three striking examples of Jacobean architecture still surviving today. To the north east of the Abbey is Cherry Tree Hill which offers a commanding view of the Scotland District and the rugged coastline of Barbados’ East Coast. Another great place for those selfies with the breath-taking view in the background.

Close by is another fine example of the built heritage. The Morgan Lewis Windmill is the largest, of two still functioning wind driven mills in the Caribbean. This mill was used to grind sugar in the 18th and 19th centuries but ceased operations in 1947 and stands today as a testament to the once booming sugar industry. For the nature and animal lovers, the “residents” of the Barbados Wildlife Reserve will charm you. Stroll freely in this natural habitat and view animals like green monkeys, iguanas, deer, caiman and snakes to name a few. No need to worry, the most dangerous of these are kept in enclosed areas. Added to this tour is a sumptuous, traditional Bajan lunch.