SAMPLE ITINERARY

Unspoilt Dominica offers an authentic Caribbean island holiday experience, with excellent walking and diving opportunities, surrounded by the beauty and wonders of the natural world. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, and lacking the plethora of beaches found elsewhere in the Caribbean, the much smaller island of Dominica is an unspoiled hidden gem, with mountainous peaks and valleys swathed in lush rainforest and waterfalls. Dominica also offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Caribbean. It is home to hot springs, tropical rainforest, deep valleys, freshwater lakes, Morne Trois Pitons volcano and the eerie steam-covered Boiling Lake, heated by its volcanic surroundings. Other natural wonders include the Trafalgar Falls, reaching a height of 65 metres, as well as the spectacular Titou Gorge.

The capital of Roseau has a stunning setting between the Caribbean Sea and the mountains. Tiny and charming, it showcases Creole architecture from the 18th century. Although you can walk the entire town in about an hour, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll to get a much better feel for the place. See Fort Young Hotel, an 18th century fort built by the British, tour the Dominican Museum, walk along the Bay Front Sea Wall and view chattering native parrots at the local bird sanctuary. You can visit the 19th century cathedral, the museum and the botanical garden, then feast on fresh lobster and drink Kubuli (a local beer). You can also browse the markets, with the sounds of reggae drifting down the streets.

Fort Shirley, part of Cabrits National Park, was built in a volcanic crater and was part of a network of defences in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can climb the walls and enjoy panoramic coastal views.

Dominica's tropical landscapes are perfect for hiking, with trails through the rainforests catering for all levels, allowing you to get close to endemic birds and an array of rare plants. Look out for the country's national bird, the Sisserou parrot, found only on this island and featured on the flag.

Diving in these warm crystal-clear Caribbean waters is excellent. You can dive amongst corals and volcanic pinnacles and come face to face with exotic marine life. You can also spot whales all year round. Visit during July for the Dive Fest.

Dominica also has exciting and colourful festivals all year round - from ‘Pan in the Sand’ (a celebration of steelpans) in January and Carnival in late February/early March, to World Creole Music Festival and Jounen Kweyol (Creole Day) in late October and Independence Day on 3 November.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Economy flights from London and local airport transfers are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.