St.Martin-St.Maarten: Small Group, History & Cheese Tasting Tour

Uncover the fascinating dual culture of St. Martin-St. Maarten on this immersive small group tour. Explore the island’s captivating colonial past, visiting iconic historical forts and admiring the blend of European and Caribbean influences. But the adventure doesn’t end there – savor a delightful culinary journey, with tastings of local Dutch and French cheeses and wines, guided by a knowledgeable expert. Discover how the unique flavors of this enchanting island come together, as you indulge in complimentary refreshments and homemade treats. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds on this unforgettable exploration.

About Your Stay

• Explore the dual heritage of St. Martin-St. Maarten through visits to iconic historical forts, Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis.
• Indulge in a culinary journey featuring wine and cheese tastings from both the Dutch and French sides of the island.
• Experience a small-group tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, offering insights into the island’s captivating history and cultural traditions.
• Enjoy complimentary refreshments, including bottled water, coffee/tea, and homemade treats, for a comfortable and engaging tour experience.
• Convenient transportation options, with pickup service available and parking provided, ensure a hassle-free exploration of this unique Caribbean destination.

Exploring the Dual Sides of the Island

What makes this island so unique? St. Martin-St. Maarten is the smallest inhabited island in the world that’s shared by two countries – France and the Netherlands.

Visitors can explore the island’s distinct Dutch and French sides, each with its own language, culture, and traditions.

On this small group tour, you’ll discover the historical forts that stand guard over the island, learning about its rich colonial past.

From the Dutch-influenced Fort Amsterdam to the French-styled Fort Louis, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s dual heritage and the peaceful coexistence of these two European powers on a single landmass.

Historical Forts and Colonial Architecture

On this St. Martin-St. Maarten tour, travelers will have the opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and colonial architecture.

The tour includes visits to two iconic historical forts – Fort Amsterdam on the Dutch side and Fort Louis on the French side. These fortifications offer a glimpse into the island’s strategic importance and the power struggles between the Dutch and the French over the centuries.

Guests will also have the chance to admire the colonial-style buildings and learn about the island’s unique blend of European and Caribbean influences.

This immersive experience promises to transport visitors back in time and provide a deeper understanding of St. Martin-St. Maarten’s captivating past.

Tantalizing Wine and Cheese Tastings

This St. Martin-St. Maarten small group tour offers a delightful culinary experience.

Theres some good wine and cheese tastings from both the Dutch and French sides of the island. They’ll sample Dutch cheeses and wines, as well as their French counterparts, providing a unique cross-cultural tasting.

The local guide ensures an informative and engaging experience, sharing insights into the island’s rich history and cultural traditions.

Whether a wine connoisseur or a cheese enthusiast, this tasting offers a chance to savor the flavors that have shaped the character of St. Martin-St. Maarten.

It’s a delectable complement to the tour’s exploration of the island’s historical landmarks.

Friendly Local Guide and Complimentary Treats

A friendly local guide accompanies guests throughout the tour, ensuring an informative and engaging experience.

With deep knowledge of the island’s history and culture, the guide provides fascinating insights into the Dutch and French sides of St. Martin-St. Maarten.

Complimentary refreshments like bottled water, coffee/tea, homemade iced-lemongrass tea, snacks, and homemade banana bread keep everyone energized.

These thoughtful touches enhance the overall tour experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local flavors and ambiance.

The guide’s personable nature and attention to detail ensure a memorable small-group adventure.

Meeting Point and Pickup Arrangements

The tour meeting point is located at Dock Maarten, along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Pickup is available for guests staying in Oyster Pond or Philipsburg at no additional cost. Those outside the designated areas can meet the group at Chesterfield’s Restaurant parking lot, though an extra fee may apply.

Cruise ship guests need to walk 10 minutes from the cruise terminal to the meeting point. Transportation to the meeting point is recommended by taxi or rental car, as Uber and similar services aren’t available in the area.

Parking is available at Dock Maarten for a fee.

Transportation and Parking Logistics

Parking is available at Dock Maarten, the meeting point for the tour. The first hour costs $2.00, and each additional hour is $1.00.

Unfortunately, there are no Uber or similar rideshare services available in the area. Instead, travelers should plan to use taxis or rental cars to reach the meeting location.

The walking route is straightforward – exit the cruise terminal, turn left, and walk to Johnnys Scooter Rental, then proceed to the parking lot.

Here are 3 key transportation options:

1. Taxis
2. Rental cars
3. Walking from the cruise terminal

Tour Confirmation, Cancellation, and Customer Reviews

Confirmation of the tour is received at the time of booking. Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Infant seats are accessible, and service animals are allowed. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly.

Reviews of the tour are overwhelmingly positive, with a 5.0 rating based on a single review. Highlights include the historical site visits, exceptional wine and cheese tastings, and the friendly and knowledgeable guide.

One reviewer remarked, "The tour was great… we all became great friends."

Questions About Your Stay

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Cheese Tastings?

The tour’s cheese tastings accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian and lactose-intolerant options. Guests should inform the tour company of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure an enjoyable tasting experience.

Can We Make Stops for Photo Opportunities During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes stops for photo opportunities at the historical sites visited. The small group size and local guide ensure ample time to capture memorable photos throughout the experience.

Is There a Language Interpreter Available for Non-English Speakers?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention an interpreter, but it’s likely the local guide can provide language assistance for non-English speakers. It’s best to check with the tour operator before booking to confirm if interpretation services are available.

Can We Purchase Additional Food or Wine During the Tour?

Yes, guests can purchase additional food or wine during the tour. The tour includes complimentary items, but guests are welcome to buy more during the wine and cheese tastings or at their own expense.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants in the area. As part of the tour experience, they’re knowledgeable about the local dining options and can suggest places to enjoy a meal before or after the tour.

Booking Your Stay

Enjoy the captivating dual culture of St. Martin-St. Maarten on this small group tour. Discover the island’s rich colonial history through iconic forts and architectural gems. Savor a delightful culinary journey with local Dutch and French cheese and wine tastings, guided by a knowledgeable expert. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and explore the unique blend of European and Caribbean influences that define this enchanting destination.