Your tour starts in the capital city of Basseterre. Founded in 1627 by the French, it served as capital of the French colony. By 1639, the town had become a large successful port and was made the capital of the entire French West Indies colony, which included the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

When the British took control of the island in 1727, the city was made capital of the island. You will see the British influence in the Georgian architecture, cobblestone streets, squares and monuments.

The city of Basseterre has had a tragic history, having been destroyed repeatedly by colonial wars, fire, earthquakes, floods, riots and hurricanes. Despite this, a considerable number of well-restored buildings still exist in downtown Basseterre.

Next, you will visit Caribelle Batik set on the grounds of Romney Manor. Using ancient Indonesian methods to keep the dye from reaching the material, Caribelle has created many designs for which they have become associated. During your visit, you will see the artists demonstrating the techniques while you listen to an explanation from one of the experts. Then it is on to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is a monument to the ingenuity of the British military engineers who designed it and to the skill, strength and endurance of the African slaves who built and then maintained it. It is one of the best preserved historical fortifications in the Americas. At the fort, a video presentation on the fortress is shown. This magnificent fortress, sitting impressively atop 38 acres of limestone and sulfur composites, is the result of 100 years of slave labor and has endured many wars fought between English, French and Spanish troops, for its control.