Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
A small piece of paradise rises majestically from the azure waters of the Dutch Caribbean and stretches to the clouds. Saba, a tiny speck from a former volcano sits uniquely untouched by the quickening pace of the modern world. If you’ve been searching for quiet solitude combined with old world charm in an unspoiled natural setting that will take your breath away, then your dream has come true!
Proud to be known as “The Unspoiled Queen”, Saba has no high rises, no traffic lights, no crowds, no fast food restaurants, no casinos, no cruise ships and no violent crime. At only five square miles, Saba is the smallest island of the Caribbean yet has three distinct ecosystems among four small villages with an old school relaxed vibe.
We’ll spend our time exploring this untouched dreamland along its many diverse hiking trails that weave through rain forest, cloud forest, and coastal terrain with tidal pools. A taxi tour will take us along “The Road” to visit the four villages wedged between the mountainsides and valleys, each with its distinctive personality and dialects but all with local charm and warmth. Best of all, relax and disconnect and find your inner peace among the beauty of this natural wonder.
Day One: Ferry to Saba
Today we fly to St. Maarten where we’ll catch the ferry that will whisk us across the cobalt blue Caribbean Sea to the tranquil Unspoiled Queen.
Day One: The Road
Once on land at Fort Bay, we’ll take our first step into a realm of the Caribbean like no other as we traverse a marvel of engineering, The Road, to the Windwardside. “The Road That Couldn’t Be Built” which looks more like a giant sidewalk as it winds narrowly through the steep slopes of the volcanic island throughout each of the 4 villages will definitely be an adventurous experience in itself! Just focus on the spectacularly amazing panoramas surrounding you and not the twisty turns!
Day One: Juliana's Hotel
Once we sigh in relief that we made it to Windwardside, Juliana’s Hotel is waiting with a warm Caribbean smile and open arms. Perfectly nestled in the lush hillside, our comfy and cozy cottage or ocean view rooms will delight in their Saban charms. Just steps away is the Tropics Café and pool with the outdoor Tipsy Goat Bar and onsite artist’s studio.
It’s only a few minutes’ walk to the village where you’ll find a number of great restaurants, shops, grocery stores and museums. Kick your feet up and soak in all stunning scenic views among the natural flora and fauna as we spend our first night in paradise, keeping in mind the motto “On Saba I relax, and after that I relax more!”
Each night here will be at your leisure to use your credit for dinner or find an intriguing place on your own.
Day Two: Windwardside
This morning we explore our home village of Windwardside with plenty of time to pause and admire the amazing views in all directions set against the village’s traditional charming Saban architecture.
After an included lunch at Bizzy B Bakery, we’ll head out on our island tour where we’ll see the sights of Saba with a local guide.
Scenic Hike: Mas'Cohones
Once back from our exploration, there will be an option for our first scenic hike up Mas ’Cohones Hill. This is a short and relatively easy trail for those who don’t want to undertake the climb to Mt. Scenery which may just be in the clouds. After passing through rainforest landscape with lush vegetation thick with Elephant ears then climbing past tall boulders, we’ll find ourselves with a breathtaking view of Windwardside village.
*this is an easy hike of approx 40 min.
Now just sit back and enjoy the night.
Day Three: Hell's Gate
Today we explore Hell’s Gate, also called Zion’s Hill thanks to the local church’s disapproval. The Holy Rosary Church, a small medieval looking stone structure sitting picturesquely among the greenery of its surroundings is the place to purchase locally made Saba lace and the very potent Saba Spice rum so let’s stop by for a look.
Scenic Hike: Tidal Pools
Time to wander the Flat Point Tide Pools trail which passes by the ruins of an historic sugar cane boiling house with beautiful vistas of surrounding islands and the ocean below. If you like, scramble over the rocks to the tidal pools and see what amazing marine life appears.
Day Three: Lunch at The Hideaway
Join our included lunch in the welcoming atmosphere of The Hideaway in Windwardside.
Day Three: Hotel Activities
Any day of your choice is the optional Dip in the Caribbean Sea by the shoreline of Saba’s Cove Bay with picnic snack basket included.
Optional: Indigo Dyeing
Today’s hotel specialty is Indigo Dyeing where you can make your own piece of SabaBlue, hosted by resident artist Anna Keene who will take you through the traditional Shibori techniques to create this one of a kind artifact.
Scenic Hike: Elfin Forest
If you want to be transported to a fantasy world of wonder, join us on the Elfin Forest Trail to the top of Mt. Scenery. While this hike is long and a bit strenuous at times, it’s worth all the effort! Follow the historic path once used by Sabans to get to their farms on the mountain slopes through a cloud forest and rain forest to the stairway leading to the top of Mt. Scenery for the most amazing views imaginable.
*this hike is long and can be difficult and strenuous at times, approx 2 hours
Day Four: The Bottom
Let’s head to The Bottom, Saba’s capital and largest town and also home to Saba University School of Medicine. Here we’ll have time to wander.
Scenic Hike: The Ladder
If you’re feeling energetic, climb the rugged steps of The Ladder that once formed Saba’s route to and from the sea before The Road existed.
*this is a strenuous hike but only 1 way since it’s all stairs leading uphill but is well worth the effort! Approx 1 hour
Scenic Hike: Middle Island
After an included lunch at the Bottom Bean Cafe, Saba’s only coffee shop, where we can fuel up on some tasty food and European dark roast espresso, join us for another amazingly scenic and historic hike along the Middle Island Trail, a heritage trail with ruins of an old open cistern, farm stone walls, cavern, and spectacular views of Ladder Bay and Wells Bay.
Optional: Eco Dyeing
Or if you prefer, head back to Juliana’s for today’s special Eco Dyeing class where the colors of nature from local leaves and flowers are transferred to a silk scarf and paper note cards creating a unique work of art.
Day Five: St. John's
Today’s scenic walk takes us to the small, quaint village of St. John’s, on a point high above the Caribbean Sea with amazing views of neighboring islands and boats entering and leaving Fort Bay Harbor.
Once here, we’ll climb the new and relatively short Thais Hill ending in magnificent scenes of The Bottom, Fort Bay, and faraway picturesque islands dotting the blue seas.
*easy hike, approx 30 min
Scenic Hike: Dancing Place Trail
Our walks aren’t over yet! On the way back towards Juliana’s we’ll dance our way along the Dancing Place Trail, another short hike along the old step road revealing more amazing scenery and fantastic view of Giles Quarter.
*easy hike, approx 40 min
Day Five: Lunch at Island Flavor
A well deserved included lunch will be at Island Flavor in The Bottom, a great place for some local cuisine from chef Joani.
Optional: Glass Bead Making
This afternoon at Juliana’s is a fun Glass Bead Making class with Jo Bean who will take you shopping for some unique glass pieces then teach the technique to make your artistic creation.
Day Six: Heading Home
It’s so hard to leave paradise but you can always bring all the island peace and serenity back home.
Pricing & Departures:
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
May 1: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in St. Maarten at PM
May 6: Flight # departs St. Maarten at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is approximately $3,575 Twin & $4,275 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address above. Final payment is due March 1, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after March 1, 2023. Once airfare is purchased, despite cancellation date, we are unable to provide refunds. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare may need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
