Living There
Mention Jamaica to most people and they will think of all inclusive resorts, white sand beaches and beautiful blue Caribbean seas. Of course, Jamaica is this but there is also so much more to this wonderful island.
Travel experts, Magical Lands have devised a 15 day escorted tour of Jamaica to show travellers the best of the country away from the tourist trail. The ‘Jamaica – Reggae and Rum’ tour starts and ends in Montego Bay, travelling the length and breadth of the island. With highlights such as Treasure Beach, Christiana, Kingston and the Blue Mountains this is a fantastic way to experience the real Jamaica.
It is not just the places that this tour of Jamaica goes that sets it apart. It has been designed to show people the real Jamaica and that means meeting the people and tasting the food. Travellers will get to try some peanut porridge, take a bite of fried fish and chew on a piece of sugar cane. There is the opportunity to shop for some fresh ingredients at the local market and help prepare and cook your own Jamaican lunch with assistance from your Rasta Chef. The tour takes a visit to explore Cockpit Country in all its glory. This nature lover’s paradise is rich in culture and history and while you follow the road the exotic plants, birds and reptiles will amaze you. Of course, nor visit to the ‘real’ Jamaica would be complete without including some Reggae, and what better place to visit than Kingston and the Trench Town Cultural Yard.
The “government yard” is where Bob Marley lived and composed many of his best known songs. On the Magical Lands tour, you can take a look at Marley’s old bedroom, his first guitar and the shell of his rusty Volkswagen camper van. Feel the vibes at the Parade, stroll through Kingston’s National Heroes Park, or even take a selfie with Bob Marley and walk in his footsteps at the Museum.
A very special part of this tour of Jamaica is the visit to a local Kindergarten that is a part of the Jamaica School Project. Here you can interact with the children and let them proudly show you their work. The tour continues to discover rural Jamaica and explore the local market in Brown’s Town with its array of fresh smells, great tasting fruits, variety of vegetables and of course colourful vendors. Drive through the hills and enjoy the panoramic views of the North Coast as you make your way through small villages. Take a step back in time during your visit of an authentic Great House and let the owner show you the dungeons where the slaves were kept.
This tour ends on Negril’s famous 7-mile beach where there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the laid back Caribbean vibe will sipping a local rum cocktail. For anyone wanting to visit Jamaica but not wanting to spend all their time in an all inclusive resort, this is a really fascinating way to discover the real Jamaica.
