DAY 1 | THE CAPITAL IS KINGSTON
You'll fly into the Kingston airport. Then, transfer to the three-star Liguanea Gardens Hotel in the heart of the city. Kingston, as the capital of the country is the largest city and cosmopolitan. But it's the nightlife you want. Pubs and clubs, restaurants and city tours give the city its spin. Eat out at any of the restaurants or street stands. Return to the hotel for the night.
DAY 2 | CULTURAL TREASURES IN THE CAPITAL
Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel. Leave those guide books behind because you're about to be immersed in the culture of the capital. And you don't want to be buried in a book. Tour the ruins of the former capital of Jamaica, Port Royal. When Port Royal was demolished in an earthquake, Kingston became the capital in 1872. Jamaica's National Gallery and its African-Caribbean Centre, features modern and contemporary art. Devon House, the first plantation house owned by a black businessman is closeby. The house is a splendid example of nineteenth century Jamaican architecture. You'll want to stop here for lunch at the restaurant where authentic Jamaican cuisine is du jour. Next, it's to the home of Bob Marley. The music man's former residence is a national shrine. See where Marley and his Wailers made some of their revolutionary music. By this time, you probably want to head back to the hotel for a respite. Then it's back to town to paint it red, green and gold! The city is alive with street music, theater and art galleries. Kingston's nightlife is there for you one last night. Enjoy. [B]
DAY 3 | GO EAST TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
After breakfast, it's an early morning drive into the Blue Mountains. The mountain range is about 28 miles long. Some areas are so steep that driving from the coast to certain elevations of 7,000 feet takes an hour! Think of it as the first climb of a roller coaster. This is not as daunting as it sounds. The up and down ride of the Blue Mountains just adds to the journey. Be sure to stop by the 190,000 acre Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountain National Park, named after the turkey buzzards in the area. You might spot the national bird, the Doctor Bird or any of the other 200 native plants and animals that only call Jamaica home. If you missed your morning cup of joe in your early start, swing by one of the Blue Mountain coffee estates for a tasting. Jamaican coffee is known world wide for its robust flavor. See firsthand how the process, from planting to picking to roasting the beans takes shape along the mountainside. Next to many of the larger estates, there are smaller farms where local growers have their own special brews. After the drive, you will stay overnight in Forres Park, a guesthouse with 12 rooms in the middle of a coffee plantation. You may or may not want to have coffee after dinner. [B,D]
DAY 4 | THE AROMA OF CINCHONA
Since you're already surrounded by the glory of the mountains, it's time for a colorful change of pace at the Cinchona Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical gardens in the Caribbean. The gardens were established in 1868 to grow cinchona trees for quinine, a common treatment for malaria. When the project failed, the Jamaican government took over the property and created an English garden 5,000 feet in the air. It's a rough drive there, or a two hour hike is not much better, but well worth the effort. The vistas and winds wrap around you with orchids, ferns and lacy moss along your trail. The Green River is below. Head back down the mountain to take a breather at Forres Park. Wind down the day there or if the mood and energy strikes you, go back to the Blue Mountains for more sightseeing, this time at night. Catch the sunset as is lowers and rests steadily on the mountain tops then disappears until the next day. Return to the hotel for the night. [B,D]
DAY 5 | THE BLUEST DAY
Make your way back to the mountains after breakfast at the hotel. For those who just could not get enough of the blue day yesterday, a drive via Newcastle and Buff Bay lend a different perspective. Newcastle is a Jamaican Defense Force Training Camp, 4,000 feet in the Blue Mountains. It's strategic location, oddly enough, has some of the most spectacular views of the island. You can see all the way to Kingston and Port Royal. Buff Bay is a detour but well worth the visit. Your sight line is blue as far as the eyes can see. In the afternoon, there's time to gather your things for check out. Your next move is to the Mockingbird Hill Hotel, another resort in Port Antonio that will cater to your every whim. Settle in to the over six acres of landscaped gardens. This will be your homebase for the rest of your stay in Jamaica. [B,D]
DAY 6 | THE RIO GRANDEST DAY
After breakfast, you'll have a chance to sit back and relax. The Rio Grande Valley is tucked between the blue sea and the Blue Mountains. The tour begins mid morning when the sun is half as high but just as bright. Your knowledgeable guide will share the ins and outs of the valley, from Stanton to Tom's Hope. With the Rio Grade running through it, the valley cuts a majestic figure on Jamaica's northeastern shores. Next, go coastal. It's over the mountains through the valley, to the coast. Port Antonio's coastline is dotted with secluded coves and secret beaches. When you get to Reach Water Falls, you know it’s time to get out and stretch. Cool and cobalt blue, the waters of Reach Falls will refresh you like none other. This small and not often frequented waterfall is the perfect place for reflection. There are some stairs to descend before you get there. Or, walk up the Duns River and bathe. If still water only gets you moving then go rafting leisurely down the Rio Grande or stroll the Nonsuch Caves. The caves consist of nine chambers of stalagmites and stalactites with bats dangling from the cave walls some 13 feet in the air. Not for the squeamish, for sure. Wind down the day in the cool waters of the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon is surrounded by trees like a stadium wall. The lagoon itself is more blue-green (and some think more green than blue). The waters are a wonderful compliment to your hot and tired body. Return the Mockingbird Hill hotel for the evening. [B,D]
DAY 7 | THESE DAYS ARE YOURS
The next three mornings are yours at your leisure. If you didn't have a chance before, now is the time to explore the Hotel. Mockingbird Hill Hotel is a mainstay in the Port Antonio region. Known for its simple elegance and eco-friendly practices, you're in the lap of luxury and practicing environmentally sound routines. The charm of the hotel can capture you but it's best to get out and fulfill your wish list. Perhaps, it's that little spot on the beach, found when the world was still half asleep or it could be an early morning swim. And, the world outside the hotel grounds is there. Visit local villages you passed on your treks of previous days. That roadside stand of fresh fruit is calling your name and the spicy jerk chicken, too. These are not the days to turn in early. Rise early and return later rather than sooner. Most people go back to the water for a night stroll or early evening swim. It's like a magnet. [B,D]
DAY 8 | AT YOUR LEISURE IN PORT ANTONIO
After breakfast in the morning at the hotel, head back out to town. The roadside fresh fruit and vegetable stands will be there with another fresh batch. Make your way back to the hotel in the evening for a beach walk and dinner. [B,D]
DAY 9 | ANOTHER DAY AT YOUR LEISURE IN PORT ANTONIO
Wake up for another great day. You might want to make this day, the beach day. Swim, snorkel and stroll. Let the sea breezes wrap around you on this, your final full day in Jamaica. [B,D]
DAY 10 | GOODBYE, BLUE
In the morning, you'll take breakfast in the hotel. Afterwards, it's time to gather all your things for the drive along the Wag Water River, formerly known as Agua Alta. This is a different route from the way you came into Port Antonio. You'll pass Castleton Gardens on your way to the Kingston airport. From there, you'll catch your flight home. [B]
