Overview
This island has more culture and highlights than most!
This Tour Includes:- Driver and air-conditioned bus
- Narrated drive
- Inside visit to the Habaai Estate
- Drive to Vista Royal and beyond for views of Table Mountain and Spanish Waters
- Stop at Chobolobo Mansion for a tasting of curacao liquor
- Scenic drive over the Queen Juliana Bridge
- Entrance fees and tasting
Of the many islands that populate the Caribbean waters, Curacao is definitely unique. It is rich in culture, very different and special. And it is beautiful, perhaps because it has not been inundated with tourists, as other islands in the area. This tour will give you an overview of some of the highlights and an introduction that may bring you back in the future. Begin this tour with a visit to the Habaai Estate. A former plantation house, "Landhuis Habaai" was built at the second half of the 18th century. It is one of the oldest on the island. The Landhuis was first owned by the Protestants, Catholics, and also Jewish families. Though it began as a plantation, it was subsequently turned into a country residence, then a boarding school, yet its architecture remained intact. You will have an interior visit and learn about the life at the time from locals. It is now serving a new purpose, as an art gallery and cultural center, and you will have time to walk through on your own after your introduction.
Your drive continues to Vista Royal, the newer part of the neighborhood Jan Thiel. It is located along the sea on the south side of the island, and some call it the most beautiful neighborhood for a villa on Curacao. The views are incredible and you will make a stop to take in the breathtaking scenery. From this location you can see Table Mountain, or The Tafelberg. This is a picturesque table mountain in Curaçao that is mined for its valuable minerals. The view of the Tafelberg, which is 3,366 ft. high, is spectacular.
Heading downward, you will see that Curacao still possesses many beautiful country houses; some of them are meticulously restored and definitely interesting to visit. Landhuizen are the remnants of the colonial times, and usually former plantation houses. They are smartly built, and are maximally adjusted to the tropical climate: usually on a hill, overseeing the plantation and the neighboring houses, lots of windows on the north-eastern side for cooling, shaded verandas, etc. This colonial Caribbean architectural style still amazes visitors with its grace and splendor. Many country houses are now monuments. Below are descriptions of some of the houses that are open for public viewing. The beauty of the Spanish Waters from your viewing point is lovely.
One in particular comes to mind and it is one reason why this island is called Curacao. The Chobolobo Mansion was built in the early 1800s. This country house is located at the center of a large former plantation. The fact that here you can find the Curacao Liquor Distillery makes it particularly interesting. You can experience how the Blue Curacao Liquor has been made for the last 100 years with a tasting and you may want to bring a bottle home as a souvenir.
Your tour concludes with a scenic drive over the Queen Juliana Bridge, a magnificent feat, and one the locals are proud of. This four-lane bridge across St. Anna Bay in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao and formerly, the Netherlands Antilles, will give you a perfect view of the most populated area of the island and the land that stretches beyond. The bridge is named after Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
- There is minimal walking on this tour.
- There is a minimum of 15 people on this tour. This is a public tour and we will do our best to help fill it so this tour will run.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 10:00 AM, duration: 2.5 hours Length is appoximate
- 01:00 PM, duration: 2.5 hours Length is appoximate
