| OPTIONAL PRELUDE
BARBADOS
Tuesday, January 13
BARBADOS
Upon arrival in Barbados, transfer to the deluxe beachfront Hilton Hotel where we will stay for three nights.
Wednesday, January 14
BARBADOS
Barbados is a 166 square-mile coral island where tranquil beaches and Caribbean waters of the western shore contrast sharply with the rocky shoreline and white-capped waves of the Atlantic east coast. Our introduction to the tropical vegetation and botanical gardens of this coral island begins with a visit to the Andromeda Gardens, managed by the Barbados National Trust. This fascinating collection of unusual and beautiful plant specimens from around the world is nestled among streams, ponds, and rocky outcroppings on the cliffs overlooking the sea. We travel back into colonial times with a visit to Codrington College, a theological college opened in 1745 and recognized as one of the most beautiful early 18th-century buildings and landscape layouts in the Caribbean. Lunch and the afternoon are at leisure. This evening visit Fisherpond House, a lovely 300-year-old plantation house furnished with antiques, paintings and objets d'art.  Owner John Chandler will guide us through the house and host us for a welcome dinner.
Thursday, January 15
BARBADOS
Orchid lovers will particularly enjoy our morning visit to Orchid World, owned and designed by English landscape architect Richard Coughlan. After lunch, visit St. Nicholas Abbey with its 17th-century facade, mahogany plantation and extraordinary views of the Atlantic coast. Return to the hotel for an afternoon and dinner at leisure.
Friday, January 16
BARBADOS / SEA CLOUD II
The day begins with a specially arranged visit to Bush Hill, a Barbados National Trust restoration project. George Washington and his brother, Lawrence, occupied the house for several months in 1751. Continue to Graeme Hall, a mangrove sanctuary where we will have an opportunity to birdwatch. Lunch is at an elegant restaurant overlooking the Caribbean Sea. In the late afternoon, transfer to the pier in Bridgetown to embark Sea Cloud II and set sail in the early evening.
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