Hays Travel Exclusive Island Hopping in the Caribbean from Cardiff

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1-2: Bridgetown, Barbados (Overnight)

  Fly from Cardiff to Bridgetown and embark on board P&O Iona for your 14-night cruise. The port city of Bridgetown nestles on Barbados' southwest coast. It's easy to see why Bridgetown is known as 'Little England' with its colonial architecture, Lord Nelson Statue, and Parliament Square. Explore National Heroes Square, Trafalgar Square, St Michael's Cathedral, the 1000-year-old Baobab tree in Queen's Park, and the Garrison Historic area. Delve into Barbados's Jewish history on a visit to the UNESCO-listed Nidhe Israel Synagogue's museum and indulge in retail therapy on Broad Street. Make a beeline for Carlisle Bay with its six shipwreck dive sites, Browne's Beach, and yacht club. Admire stunning views and rugged island landscapes on a jeep island safari or witness the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison's Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience - sail on a catamaran to swim with hawksbill and green sea turtles.

• Day 3: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 4: Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Basseterre is the capital city of St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. Explore the shops and bars of The Circus or pay a visit to the cathedral, courthouse, and fountain of Independence Square. On the outskirts of the city, you'll discover Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens and to the northwest are Romney Manor and the Wingfield Estate. Take a ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway to discover deep ravines, black-sand beaches, and Mount Liamuiga volcano. Admire the views over sugarcane fields from the 17th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.

• Day 5: Tortola, Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands

  Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands. Powder-white sands, azure seas, and verdant green mountains set the scene; equally matched by tasty culinary experiences, luxurious holiday resorts, and a wealth of famous attractions. Explore the eclectic mix of shops in Road Town or escape to the tranquillity of J R O'Neal Botanic Gardens. Get up close to nature at Sage Mountain National Park or visit the giant boulders and rock formations at The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Go surfing at Cane Garden Bay or snorkel amongst tropical fish and coral at Smuggler's Cove. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery or sample locally-made rum at Callwood's Rum Distillery.

• Day 6: St Maarten

  The Leeward Island of St Maarten is dual-owned - one side is French and the other side is Dutch - and offers a cosmopolitan culture, first-class dining, international shopping, and a laid-back atmosphere. Ride down the world's steepest zip line - the Flying Dutchman at Rockland Estate eco-adventure park. Relax in a treehouse-style cabana or experience the fun Fly Zone at Loterie Farm nature sanctuary in Pic Paradis. Visit Philipsburg to buy duty-free goods along Front Street and local crafts, fabrics, and handmade jewellery on Old Street. Head to Maho Beach to watch aeroplanes taking off and landing at close quarters at the island's airport. Encounter an array of macaws and iguanas at St Maarten Zoo or see the colourful butterflies and tropical flora at The Butterfly Farm. Savour a mouth-watering mix of French, Caribbean, and Creole cuisine at the beach town of Grand Case. Ascend the steps from Marigot up to the old Fort Louis for incredible island views or witness the historic cannons atop Fort Amsterdam near Philipsburg.

• Day 7: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 8: Fort de France, Martinique

  Today, the ship docks in Fort de France, the capital of Martinique. Gaze in awe at the stained-glass windows at St-Louis Cathedral, before visiting La Savane Park to admire the Empress Josephine statue and nearby Fort St-Louis. Shop for local handicrafts at Le Grand Marche or explore the designer perfume and fashion boutiques on Rue Victor Schoelcher. Spend some time at Habitation Clement - part plantation/part rum distillery/and part museum and heritage site! Travel to the southwest of the island to view the white stone effigies at Anse Cafard Slave Memorial.

• Day 9-10: Antigua (Overnight)

  St John's on the Caribbean island of Antigua is your next stop. This pretty capital city not only gives you access to Antigua's 365 stunning beaches; but is also packed with attractions including English Harbour and the historic Nelson's Dockyard. A visit to the colourful St John's street market is a must, and you’ll also find great shopping and dining in Heritage Quay. Travel to Shirley Heights Lookout for superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours. A 90-minute ferry ride from Bryson Wharf takes you to Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, to explore the Arawak Caves and Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

• Day 11: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 12: Grenada

  Grenada is a Caribbean country comprising smaller surrounding islands and the main island also called Grenada. Referred to as the 'Spice Isle'; Grenada is home to numerous nutmeg plantations. A crater lake in an extinct volcano, Grand Etang Lake, is a fascinating place to visit. Discover the art of traditional-style rum-making at River Antoine Rum Distillery and marvel at scenic views from the hilltop early-18th-century Fort George. The cascading waters and lush surroundings of Annandale Falls will leave you in awe and the pretty harbour and fishing destination of The Carenage is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll along the water's edge. Splash in the water, sunbathe, or snorkel near the powder-white shores of Grand Anse Beach.

• Day 13: Castries, Saint Lucia

  Arrive in Castries, the capital city of St Lucia. Step ashore and shop for bargains at La Place Carenage Shopping Plaza in downtown Castries, or venture to the heart of the city to the vibrant Central Market. Pay a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Derek Walcott Square, and the Government House; before climbing to the top of Morne Fortune to view Fort Charlotte. Spend a few hours at Vigie Beach or head south to Marigot Bay. Take an island tour and admire the majestic Piton Mountains, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Half-Moon Bay, or enjoy a picnic on a lemon grass lawn at Pigeon Island National Park.

• Day 14: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 15: Bridgetown, Barbados

  Today your cruise comes to an end.