Transatlantic Spring Voyage I

Description

Meet Alexander Hamilton on Nevis, the charming island where he was born.
Whether or not you read Ron Chernow’s 700+ page biography of Alexander Hamilton or have seen the Broadway play, “Hamilton," you will be enchanted by this storytelling visit to the historic and sublimely scenic island of Nevis. A leisurely, unhurried pace in this tour invites you to fully know the island as Alexander Hamilton almost certainly did.
From our mooring, a comfortable air-conditioned van will drive us into the island’s capital town of Charlestown, rich with Georgian architecture and charm all around. Upon alighting in front of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, established in 1680, our guide, an engaging Nevisian-born gentleman, begins the tale with how young Hamilton, having been born of unwed parents and unable to attend school, nevertheless began educating himself. We will ‘meet’ some of Alexander's age-group friends through the stories their gravesites and gravestones tell. Next, we’ll cross the road and visit the fascinating Museum of Nevis History and the newer Alexander Hamilton Museum, entry fees included, on the same grounds. Our deeply knowledgeable guide will enhance both with his local and historical knowledge as well as tying current events and institutions (think the US Treasury, among others) to initiatives begun by Hamilton.
A slow drive through Charlestown heads to a stop at the Jewish Cemetery. Jews in 17th century Nevis? Who knew? When the sugar industry was developing in Nevis in the late 17th and 18th centuries and the Sephardic Jews were expelled from Brazil, many moved to Nevis and a substantial community developed. This small walled-in cemetery holds headstones dating from 1679, some with inscriptions in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish and Hebrew.
The story continues with a drive on the Main Road while noting the majestic Nevis Peak viewed from every side as we circumnavigate the island. We pass through scenic village of Gingerland, where Hamilton’s maternal grandparents lived, taking in views of the 18th century Methodist Church and the nearby islands of Montserrat and Antigua (clouds permitting).
The last stop on the tour is the remarkable ruin of Cottle Church, a 19th century testament to Blacks and Whites worshiping together and today the beautiful site of weddings and other gatherings. Our guide brings the story full circle in telling this history of the “Queen of the Caribees” – i.e., the historical nickname of Nevis.

Notes

Water is provided as well as chilled towels during this YLA. There is minimal walking although there are three-four small steps in several of the stops.

Duration

3 hour(s)

Price

199 (USD)

Book Land Adventure

Description

This is the yachting land adventure that you will certainly tell your friends and family about when you get home!
Cooking with Ras (as in Rastafarian) Iroy (that’s the farmer’s name) is a completely immersive, authentic adventure that has you gathering, chopping, cooking and enjoying this vegan lunch feast.
The guided tour begins with an easy drive in an air-conditioned van, from our moorings toward the north of the lovely, green island of Nevis, often unvisited by typical cruise ship visitors. We stop at the Rastafarian farm and will be welcomed by Iroy and his partner with a refreshing drink of local fruit juices as they begin to tell the story of their neighborhood and their dedication to their land, their vegan farm and lifestyle.
Then it’s off to work! Each couple or team of two or three is given a locally made earthenware pot (which is made from Nevis clay right across the road at the Newcastle Pottery store) to begin collecting their lunch ingredients. Guests compare this to ‘shopping local markets with the Chef’ although this is true farm-to-table. Iroy leads an easy stroll around the small farm while he plucks and identifies each plant and herb. He encourages visitors to harvest their choice of herbs—be it lemongrass, parsley, rosemary, thyme or perhaps a more unusual herb such as Hyssop, with its anise-like flavor and aroma or Borage with a cucumber-like flavor. Your taste buds dictate your choices! Next, to the tables where root vegetables are brought out and each team makes their choice. The root vegetables are chopped by the team, added to the pot, taken to the fire, basics such as lentils and rice are added in—this is where everyone gets truly hungry—and lunch is cooked over the open wood fire.
Remarkable tastes and flavors, nothing like lunch back at the office, and a memorable experience all together. Photographs are welcome and encouraged as guests report Cooking with Ras Iroy is one of their all-time favorite excursions. Guests will want to take photos to document this day trip.

Notes

Duration

3 hour(s)

Price

199 (USD)

Book Land Adventure

Description

Be a True Explorer: Mount Pleasant Plantation hike and discovery tour!
This unique tour is for those who always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones and discover a mostly-as-yet-undiscovered gem of ancient ruins. This 2-hour hike into Nevis jungle leaves you feeling like a true explorer.
Here is everything you have dreamt of in your exotic dreams of exploring unknown civilizations—except, and this is important: Nevis has no snakes!
The day begins with you being picked up in a roomy, air-conditioned van where you will then set off towards the jungle high in Nevis Peak above an area known as Mount Lily Village. Departing the van, you will follow our expert qualified horticulturist and jungle-knowledgeable guide and begin the hike through the hills, noticing the changing vegetation and temperature as it cools and you go higher into the thickening jungle.
The gentle breeze and cooler temperatures always surprise and delight with the decidedly “this feels like air-conditioned air” feeling as we walk higher. As the guide leads the path through the lush vegetation, he will explain the different plants, which ones are edible, which are not, and perhaps you will sample a deliciously juicy fresh mango picked from a towering tree along the way.
Suddenly you will discover you are surrounded by a host of centuries-old stone buildings which have been overtaken by jungle trees and vines. The site, an old plantation, is yours to explore and discover. You will wander and wonder about all that history has not revealed, as there is no record of who might have owned or worked in this ancient building, nor even how old it is.
Expect a knowledgeable hiking guide/storyteller, unimaginably beautiful yet wild landscapes and mysterious ancient ruins.
For solo, family or friend groups, this is for those outdoor lovers who want to get off the beaten track and discover a bit about history and a bit more about themselves.

Notes

Closed toe shoes are appropriate for hiking about 2 +/- miles. Participating guest(s) should be able to navigate uneven grounds. Water will be available,

Duration

2.5 hour(s)

Price

199 (USD)

Book Land Adventure