Belize: Colonial Treasures Tour

An exciting one week tour which combines
Warrie Head Lodge, a former logging camp nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maya Mountains which provides a glimpse into Belize's Colonial past, followed by time to relax at Cottage Colony on historic St. George's Caye - home to the elite during Colonial times.

Global Travel Club
The Belize Travel Specialists

Belize: Colonial Treasures Tour

Special Departure Small Group Tour : 7 - 14 Sept 2002
7 nights / 8 days with optional extensions


This fascinating tour combines the natural wonders of Belize with an emphasis on the Colonial Past. We will step back in time to the days of the Empire. By 1862, when British Honduras was officiallly recognised as a British Crown Colony, Mahogany became the crux of the Country's colonial future. We have carefully chosen Hotels, Restaurants and places to visit which are wooden buildings constructed in the traditional British Caribbean style of a bygone era where the colonial heritage and ambience are faithfully preserved.

This fascinating tour combines the natural wonders of Belize with an emphasis on the Colonial Past. We will step back in time to the days of the Empire. By 1862, when British Honduras was officiallly recognised as a British Crown Colony, Mahogany became the crux of the Country's colonial future. We have carefully chosen Hotels, Restaurants and places to visit which are wooden buildings constructed in the traditional British Caribbean style of a bygone era where the colonial heritage and ambience are faithfully preserved.

Day 1 - Sat 07 Sept : Arrival in Belize - (D)

Meet & Greet on arrival at Belize International Airport and transfer inland for a two night stay at Warrie Head Lodge. We will feel as though we have stepped back in time as you are surrounded by the largest private collection of authentic antique mahogany furniture in the Country. This former logging camp is nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maya Mountains and is an ideal base for touring the rainforests of Belize.

Day 2 - Sun 08 Sept: The Mahogany Legacy - (B,L,D)

Today can be as relaxing or energetic as you choose. With the help of experienced and knowledgeable guides we can hike the trails around Warrie Head, canoe down the river and explore the property as we are shown the many old pieces of machinery that dot the grounds.

Imagine. The days of pirates, buccaneers, bloodshed and larceny are over. It is the 1700s and Belize or the Bay Settlement as it was then known was beginning to establish a small society known as the "baymen". The interest was no longer in logwood: once a valuable commodity harvested for the dyes essential to Britain's wool trade. Attention had turned to the hardwoods from the virgin forests: specifically mahogany.

As news of riches spread, the once-lawless community grew with influxes of "fortune seekers" and slaves; and logging camps or "banks" sprang up along the rivers. Great sums of money were to be made from the mahogany, but not without the price of constant conflict with the Spaniards who frequently raided the logging camps. It was not until September 10, 1798 with the defeat of the Spanish in the battle of St. George's Caye that the British presence was finally recognized.

As we stand at Warrie Head Lodge today and look across the acres of cleared landscaped grounds to the densely forested hills in the background it is not difficult to imagine the whole area as thick rainforest: to hear the chopping and crashing of huge timber breaking through the canopy, the screech of birds fleeing their roosts, and the rattling of chains as the logs were dragged by cattle to the Belize River, to float down to Belize City and the awaiting ships.

At the entrance to Warrie Head stands a lone mahogany tree, only 9 years old, but a majestic reflection of what once was. The mahogany no longer reigns in the forest, yet it remains the common thread of the property, reflected in the beauty and warmth of the authentic antique furniture which fills the lodge.

Day 3 - Mon 09 Sept - Historic Belize City - (B,L,D)
After breakfast we will transfser to Belize City with a stop en route at the small and informal Belize Zoo to meet some of the indigenous animals of Belize. On arrival in Belize City our historical guide will be waiting to take us on a fascinating walking tour of all the colonial buildings and historical highlights. Below are just a few of the wonderful buildings we will be shown. The beautifully resorted 18th century Supreme Court Building, flanked by authentic canons St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and the oldest building in Belize. Slaves built St. John's Cathedral in the 1800's from bricks brought over as ballast in the hulls of ships sailing from England. It was here that the Indian Kings of the Mosquito Coast came for their Coronations and where their children were baptized in a show of loyalty to the British Crown. Government House, a perfect example of British Colonial style clapboard wooden mansion built on the edge of the Caribbean. With manicured gardens and palm trees swaying, this was once the official residence of Governors and has hosted Queen Elizabeth II and other Royals. It now houses a museum. The old Slave Quarters The Bliss Institute and the Baron Bliss Memorial The new Museum which is housed in what, until recently, was the formidable jail. Two night stay at Colton House or The Great House - both real Colonial treasures, located in the historic Fort George area just 100 yards from the Caribbean Sea. Click on the postcards for larger views. Reproduced with kind permission of Alexandre Przopiorski Postcard Man who has an amazing collection of old original postcards from around the World which are available for purchase.

Day 4 - Tues 10 Sept - St. George's Caye Day - (B,L,D)

Today we will enjoy a fabulous Island-hopping Boat Trip including St. George's Caye - an idyllic Caribbean Island that was home to the elite during Colonial times and is the most historic of all Belize's cayes.

St. George's Caye is a sunkissed tropical hideaway bathed by the warm, soothing trade winds and yet only twenty minutes by boat from the mainland of Belize, lying next to, and protected by, one of the world's longest barrier reefs.

This small caye, 9 miles North-East of Belize City, is steeped in history and was once the home of buccaneers and pirates. Between 1650 and 1784 it was the first capital of the British settlement. The island's greatest moment of glory came on 10th September 1798 at the Battle of St. George's Caye.

A BRIEF HISTORY

On this day the Baymen of Belize prepared to defend their tiny settlement against a Spanish invasion of 32 ships carrying 2,000 troops and 500 seamen. The Baymen's modest fleet consisted of one sloop - HMS Merlin - with approximately 117 sailors and troops on board, two sloops with 25 men each and seven gun flats with 16 men each. The decisive battle was going to take place in the waters around St. George's Caye.

At the sound of the first gunfire about 200 colonial troops and Baymen, who had been left to guard the mainland, could not be restrained from going to the aid of the Merlin. Fishing smacks, dories, pitpans and anything else that could float set off with whatever arms could be mustered.

Incredibly, on that memorable day - heavily outnumbered and against all the odds - the Baymen achieved a decisive victory. Black men and white men fought courageously side by side, miraculously without the loss of a single life! The Spanish were not quite so fortunate and many of the dead are buried on nearby Caye Chappel. This was the last attempt made by the Spanish to oust the British from Belize.

Day 5 - Wed 11 Sept - Jungle Road to the Jaguars - (B,L,D)
Morning transfer - through beautiful jungle scenery - down the most scenic road in Belize, The Hummingbird Highway. Drive past the Citrus Plantations of the Stann Creek Valley to Dangriga on the Caribbean Coast of Southern Belize.
This afternoon there will be a choice between exploring the town of Dangriga or going on an optional visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only jaguar reserve in the world. The reserve is believed to have the world's highest density of jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarundi. Black howler monkeys and red macaws have recently been reintroduced to this national park. Overnight stay at the Pelican Beach Hotel.

Day 6 - Thurs 12 Sept - Southern Barrier Reef Bliss - (B,L,D)

Today we will go on an all day snorkelling and beachcombing trip to the idyllic islands of the Southern Belize Barrier Reef . The first stop is South Water Caye, a beautiful 15 acre island resting atop the barrier reef. In the distance off the southern end of the island we can see beautiful little Carrie Bow Caye, home of the Smithsonian Institute of Coral Reef Research Center.

Unlimited snorkeling awaits us from the gorgeous white sand beach, or a 5 minute boat ride to nearby patch reefs, Mangrove habitats or the spectacular drop off!

We will have lunch in the dining room of a large two-story colonial wooden building, formerly a "Convent" belonging to the Sisters of Mercy. Next we will head due north towards Tobacco Caye.

This area provides yet another opportunity to snorkel amongst beautiful corals and view the many Rays and other fish species that inhabit this reef. Late afternoon we will bid farewell to this beautiful Island and begin the boat journey back to Dangriga stopping en route at Man-O-War Caye, a designated Bird Sanctuary and home to one of the Caribbean's 10 largest nesting sites of the Magnificent Frigate Bird and Brown Boobies.

We will have a slow cruise around the island before continuting to the mainland enjoying the fabulous views of the the sun starting to set over the magnificent Maya Mountains, in the distance.

This day of discovery ends with a transfer by road to Gales Point.for an overnight stay at the colonial style Manatee Lodge which offers the peaceful serenity of the Caribbean Sea plus the adventure of an ecological paradise.

Day 7 - Fri 13 Sept - Manatee Watch & Gales Point - (B,L,D)

After breakfast we will take a boat trip of the Southern Lagoon which is home to the largest population of Manatee in the Caribbean. Natural underwater springs provide the perfect environment for feeding, breeding and rearing of young. Herds of 6 or more are quite common and frequently are seen in the river and around the sand bar. Although the Manatee are quite docile and somewhat bashful, we discourage actually going in to swim with them.

Next is a walk-about and lunch in Gales Point. You will be enthralled with the lifestyle of one of the many cultures found in Belize. Descendants of early African slaves and the original British settlers, the local 'Creole' revel in their enthusiasm to share stories, arts, and crafts of their very colorful heritage. Primarily a fishing and farming village, visitors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join in a variety of activities.

Day 7 - Sat 14 Sept - "Travel Back in Time" - (B)

Unfortunately it is time to head for home so after breakfast we will return to Belize City for departure flights. The tour will end on a very exciting note as we "Travel Back in Time" on a one hour odyssey through lagoons, rivers and canals, wild with mangrove and jungle foliage. The playful Dolphin, gentle Manatee, pre-historic Crocodile and hundreds of birds will provide escort and remind us that we are sharing their world now.

For those with a more time to spare you can add on our September Celebration Tour which includes the Independence Day Celebrations in both Belize and Guatemala. These two tours have been designed to work together to offer a rich variety of content whilst covering different areas. Save 10% on EACH TOUR when booking both weeks.

Colonial Treasures Tour - 7 nights / 8 days
Double Occupancy	1,785 per person
Single Occupancy	1,995 per person
Includes:	Meet & Greet at Belize International Airport Road Transfer to Warrie Head Ranch 2 nights lodgings at Warrie Head All meals at Warrie Head All guided tours at Warrie Head Road transfer to Belize City Guided tour of Belize City 2 night lodgings at Colton House or The Great House Boat tour to St. George's Caye Road transfer to Dangriga Guided tour of Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve 1 night lodgings at the Pelican Beach Hotel All meals at Pelican Beach Hotel Snorkelling/beachcombing boat trip to Southwater Caye Road transfer to Gales Point 2 nights lodgings at Manatee Lodge All meals at Manatee Lodge Boat transfer through lagoons, rivers and canals Road transfer to the Int'l Airport
Not Included:	International flights to/from Belize. See Discount Flights Departure Taxes Beverages Gratuities to Guides

Please contact us for further information:

Global Travel Club
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	E-mail: info@global-travel.co.uk		http://www.global-travel.co.uk

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An exciting one week tour which combines three colonial style
resorts, Warrie Head Ranch in the heart of the Belizean rainforest,
The Great House, a colonial luxury guest house in Belize City and
lovely Cottage Colony on historic St. George's Caye on the Belize Barrier Reef

Copyright © 2002 Global Travel Club (BELIZE). All Rights Reserved.

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