port
Willemstad, Curacao
activityLevel
Moderate Activity
excursionType
All
wheelchairAccessible
No
startingAtPrice
$70
minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
duration
Approximately 2¾ Hours
mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao
“The people of the Netherlands established a trading settlement at a fine natural harbour on the Caribbean island of Curaçao in 1634. The town developed continuously over the following centuries. The modern town consists of several distinct historic districts whose architecture reflects not only European urban-planning concepts but also styles from the Netherlands and from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns with which Willemstad engaged in trade.”
Discover two great highlights of Curaçao -- the Hato Caves and the famous Dutch colonial city center. A short drive brings you to the impressive Hato Caves, where you will find beautiful limestone formations, the famous Madonna statue and a colony of long-nose fruit bats.
Inside the caves, the variety of stalagmites and stalactites are quite impressive. Have fun recognizing animals or figures in the various calcite formations.
Returning to daylight, you'll drive back to the city where your walking tour will start. You'll gain a good impression of life here in Willemstad's Old Town.
On the way to Fort Amsterdam, you will pass the colorful merchant houses on the quayside. These houses are perfect the models for great Curaçao vacation pictures. Fort Amsterdam is home to the governor of the Curacao.
The last part of your walk will take you across the floating drawbridge that connects both sides of the city. If the bridge is open due to ship traffic, you will make use of the ferry.
Your guide will escort you back to the ship, cutting through the Riffort area with many busy shops. Guests who wish to stay in town to shop or explore independently are welcome to do so, but must make their own way back to the ship.