These beautiful Caribbean islands are rich in historical and natural wonders.

Day 1: Harbor and helicopter

Spend the morning exploring the charming harbor capital St John’s, with its bustling produce market, twin-spired cathedral and lush Botanical Gardens. Along the way you’ll get lots of shopping opportunities, from local handicrafts to top international brands – duty free. Then in the afternoon, take to the skies with a thrilling helicopter ride. You can explore the coastline, reef and mountainous interior of Barbuda itself, or head to the nearby island of Montserrat and see a live volcano in action. Along the way, why not pick out a beach you’d like to return to, and head there to watch a magical Caribbean sunset. You’ll soon see why Antigua is a home away from home for numerous celebrities.

Day 2: Snorkels and stingrays

Antigua bathes in stunning azure waters – crystal clear, calm and delightfully warm all year round. Get the most out of this aquatic playground with a snorkeling expedition – no experience necessary! You can combine snorkeling with historic highlights of this strategic Caribbean outpost, with a break for lunch on a deserted beach. Would you prefer to anchor on the island’s protective reef and experience limpid waters abounding with coral and gentle sea creatures, or head to uninhabited Bird Island? Alternatively, get the best of land and sea: go off-road into Antigua’s rugged interior, head to the beach, strap on a snorkel and swim with tame stingrays. End the day at Shirley Heights, with another magnificent Caribbean sunset serenaded by steel bands and fellow revelers.

Day 3: Sharks and sugar

Shark, barracuda or marlin could all end up on the end of your line with a morning of deep-sea fishing. But if you’d prefer to explore Antigua’s rich history, tour Nelson’s Dockyard and other maritime heritage sites or visit a sugar plantation with a working mill. Or you can always go overseas, well at least to Antigua’s sister island Barbuda. You’ll visit a magnificent bird sanctuary before enjoying the dazzling white sand beaches of this sparsely populated island.