SPECIAL WINTER EVENT Notes: Carnival is in January https://www.curacao.com/en/article/curacao-carnival-the-caribbean-spectacle
Intro
Get ready to discover the ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao! These three stunning gems are
the westernmost wonders of the Leeward Antilles, each with its own unique vibe but all packed with
Caribbean magic. Nicknamed the “ABC Islands,” they’re not just close together—they’re easy to reach
from anywhere in the U.S., and here’s the best part: they’re safely outside the hurricane belt. So why wait? Adventure, sunshine, and unforgettable memories await on
the ABC Islands!
Day One - Willemstad, Curacao
After arriving in Willemstad, the capital city of the Dutch Caribbean island Curacao we will check into our hotel and meet for a welcome dinner.
Recommended Avila Beach Hotel (stayed here - it was tiny one beach front house!!!) https://www.avilabeachhotel.com
Welcome Dinner
Day Two - Willemstad - Otrobanda, Scharloo, Blue Curacao
Tour https://www.viator.com/tours/Curacao/Curacao-City-Highlights/d725-74296P9
Curacao Tours https://www.curacao-tours.com
The hotel also offers a walking tour and museum entrance https://www.avilabeachhotel.com/curacao-tips/things-to-do/walking-tour-punda-otrobanda/
After an early breakfast, we set off to uncover the heart of historic Willemstad, starting in the vibrant neighborhood of Punda—the original Dutch settlement surrounded by fortress walls. Marvel at the storybook-colored colonial buildings—once painted white, but now patterned in playful tones after a governor claimed the dazzling sunlight triggered his migraines! We’ll stroll along the iconic Handelskade waterfront, the picture-perfect face of Curaçao. These 18th-century buildings are among the finest examples of Dutch Colonial architecture, with the standout being the Penha Building—a Baroque beauty built between 1708-1733. Just steps away, we’ll see: Fort Amsterdam, the oldest structure on Curaçao, dating back to 1602, and the The Governor's Palace – A stately residence still in use today.
Next, we pass through Scharloo, once home to wealthy Jewish merchants. Its architectural array—a blend of Caribbean flair and Dutch sophistication—has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Get your camera ready as we arrive at Otrobanda, a soulful, artsy neighborhood known for bold murals, tight alleyways, and authentic island life. Perfect for street photography and soaking up local charm. From here, you’ll have a stunning view of the: Floating Queen Emma Bridge, a must-snap photo op connecting Punda and Otrobanda.
Our final destination is the Curacao Liqueur Distillery, housed in a restored 19th-century plantation mansion. Learn how the famous Blue Curaçao is distilled from the bitter Laraha citrus fruit, native to the island. Enjoy a guided tasting tour, where you can sample the original liqueur and even savor a cocktail made on-site. After the tour, the remainder of your day (lunch and dinner) is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether shopping, dining along the waterfront, or relaxing at a local beach, Curaçao awaits with unforgettable flavors and sights.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on your own
Day Three - Curacao
After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Curacao Sea Aquarium—one of the
world’s most extraordinary marine attractions! Dive right in with a guided snorkeling excursion in the
Animal Encounters Lagoon, where you'll come face-to-face with vibrant, exotic fish in their natural
habitat. The real thrill? Feeding lemon and nurse sharks through special underwater windows as you
snorkel—it’s an experience you’ll never forget! Once the excitement winds down, the rest of the day
is yours. Go out and discover the magic of Curacao or simply kick back and relax on the beach.
The choice is all yours!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on your own
Day Four - Bonaire - Kralendijk - Salt Flats, Flamingos and More
https://www.viator.com/tours/Bonaire/Bonaire-Island-Tour/d4308-17267P1
After breakfast, we begin our island-hopping adventure with a cruise or flight to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, famously known as the “Diver’s Paradise.” With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, untouched coral reefs, and some of the whitest sands in the world, Bonaire is truly a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Our day begins with a guided tour of the island beginning in the colorful capital of Kralendijk where we will see charming colonial architecture like the Government House and the Old Fort. We will stop at the 1000 steps, one of the most popular dive sites for scenic photos and to look for iguanas and sea turtles. Next we will head to Gotomeer, a serene saltwater lake that is a favorite haunt of wild flamingos before heading to Ricon, the oldest village in the Dutch Caribbean discovered and settled by the Spanish in the 1500s. Here, we’ll make a special stop at the Cadushy Distillery, home of the island’s unique cactus liqueur, crafted using local species found only in Bonaire.
Next, we’ll visit the Washington-Slagbaai National Park Visitor Center Museum to explore Bonaire’s
unique wildlife and natural beauty. Then, we’ll see the historic stone shelters at White Pan, built in
the 1850s for slaves who worked the salt pans—a moving reminder of the island’s past. Our final stop is
Salt Pier, where you’ll marvel at the bright pink salt pans and towering salt mountains set against
the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together and talk about the wonders of
Bonaire.
Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel Suggestion - Delfins Beach Resort, Hilton, Tapestry Collection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5MVsXL2YJk
or Divi Flamingo Beach Resort (I stayed here ages ago) https://www.diviresorts.com/divi-flamingo-beach-resort-and-casino.htm They offer an all inclusive package that could be an add on for people.
Day Five - Bonaire - Submarine Excursion
Day Six- Aruba
Breakfast
Lunch and Dinner on your own.
Day Seven - Aruba
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