MSC WORLD EUROPA: Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe - Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe - 03.01.2027. - 8 days

     St Kitts and its sister island Nevis comprise a tiny nation with a unique history. St Kitts - on which Basseterre is the main town - is the popular derivation of St Christopher, the name given to the island by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Its inhabitants are called "Kittitians". Nevis gets its name from the Spanish word for snow in description of a curtain of white clouds that at one time supposedly always covered the top of the mountain that dominates the island. In 1623, the two islands became a British colony.
     The islands maintain a close link to their English heritage, although throughout their modern history the English dominance has been regularly challenged, particularly by the French and Spanish eager to control the islands' considerable sugar cane crop. Nevis in particular attracted much commercial interest - and rivalry - as well as considerable piracy. Many of the islands' 45,000 inhabitants can trace their ancestors to the African slave trade of the 17th Century.
     The symbol of contemporary culture on the islands is a carnival, which starts of Christmas Eve and embraces the entire population - and visitors - in a joyous celebration. The St. Kitts Music Festival is also very popular, attracting musicians from all over the Caribbean. The islands, which are part of the British Commonwealth, became independent on September 19, 1983, and have since continued to attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

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Fort-de-France, the capital of the Caribbean island of Martinique, is the perfect destination for those who want to experience authentic Caribbean charm combined with modern urban life.

Fort-de-France has a rich history, and today it is a lively hub that reflects French colonial elegance mixed with African and Caribbean influences. Here, you feel as if you are walking through history – narrow streets, colorful shops, local cafes, and museums make Fort-de-France a true cultural gem.

Must-see attractions include Fort Saint-Louis – a historic 17th-century fortress that offers an incredible view of the entire bay, Cathedrale Saint-Louis de Fort-de-France, and the Jardin de Balata, a botanical garden that is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by natural beauty, the city is also a perfect starting point for exploring the stunning Caribbean beaches, such as those in areas like Anse Mitan and La Baie des Flamands.

Fort-de-France is also a gastronomic paradise. The city offers a wealth of flavors – from fresh seafood to various local specialties like colombo (Caribbean curry) and accras (fried fish balls).

Water sports: Fort-de-France and its surroundings provide excellent conditions for sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Martinique is of volcanic origin, and Mount Pelée is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Nestled along the coastline under the tropical sky, Fort-de-France offers an unforgettable experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty, all set in a charming, romantic atmosphere.

     The beautiful island of Guadeloupe is part of the French Antilles and is geologically two islands joined together, Grande Terre and Basse Terre. Point a Pitre is on Grande Terre and is Guadeloupe's largest commercial centre. When Christopher Columbus landed on the southern coast of Basse Terre in 1493 he baptised the beach Santa Maria, and the island Santa Maria de Guadeloupe de Estremadura, subsequently changed to Guadeloupe.
     First Spanish settlers, and then French, developed sugar cane production on the islands, which also became centres of the slave trade. Eventually, with the initial help of French revolutionary Victor Hugues and later Victor Schoelcher, the slaves of Guadeloupe were freed. The island is still French territory, administered by a governor appointed by the Paris Ministry of the Interior. The two halves of Guadeloupe are quite different in character.
     Grande Terre has a gentler landscape, but is the more lively side, with Pointe a Pitre market, narrow alleyways, picturesque villages and large sugar cane plantations. Basse Terre is more lush and mountainous. It also has one of the Caribbean's few national parks, complete with rivers, rainforest and the dominating presence of the 1,467-metre high Soufrière volcano. The hot springs of Soufrière Park are masterpieces of nature. Both sides of the island have some excellent beaches.
     The lifestyle of Guadeloupe is simple and relaxed. A substantial number of the island's villagers still barter for their goods and services rather than use money. And although tourism has flourished, the local economy is still largely based on agriculture. Island attractions include a museum dedicated to local poet, St. John Perse, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1960, the Schoelcher Museum, dedicated to the slavery abolitionist, and the beach resort of Gosier, one of the most bustling tourist centres in the Lesser Antilles.