Discover Aruba's Rich History and Heritage Tour
Excellent 173 reviews
Duration :
About
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Aruba on this 6-days historical tour. Explore the island's colonial past, indigenous Arawak sites, and significant landmarks that tell the story of Aruba's development over the centuries.
Begin your tour in Oranjestad, the capital city, where you'll visit historical sites like Fort Zoutman and the Old Protestant Ch...
Itinerary
Arrival in Oranjestad & Historical City Tour
- New York to Oranjestad
- Dinner
- Airport to Hotel
- Stay Included
- Fly from New York to Queen Beatrix International Airport.
- Relish your seamless transfer to your hotel, “Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort”, in Oranjestad for check-in.
- Begin your historical journey with a walking tour of Oranjestad, learning about the city's colorful colonial architecture, government buildings, and historical landmarks like the Old Protestant Church and Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest structure.
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at The West Deck, a beachfront restaurant serving traditional Aruban cuisine.
Visit Alto Vista Chapel & Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
- Breakfast
- After breakfast, visit the Alto Vista Chapel, one of Aruba’s most significant religious landmarks, built by Spanish missionaries in 1750.
- Continue to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a remnant of Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush. Learn about the island’s once-thriving gold industry as you explore the stone ruins.
- Head to Casibari Rock Formation, a historical site where early Arawak carvings can be found. Climb to the top of the rocks for panoramic views of the island.
- Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or explore Oranjestad’s nightlife.
Guided tour of Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory and Cunucu Arikok
- Breakfast
- After breakfast, take a guided tour of the Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory, where you’ll learn about the history of aloe cultivation on the island and its importance in Aruba’s economy.
- Visit Cunucu Arikok, an old Aruban farmhouse located within Arikok National Park. The site showcases traditional architecture and farming methods, offering insights into the daily life of early island settlers.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the park's rugged terrain, spotting historical petroglyphs left by the Arawak people.
- Enjoy your free evening relaxing at your hotel or enjoying yourself at the local restaurant.
Explore Frenchman’s Pass & Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins
- Breakfast
- After breakfast, travel to Frenchman’s Pass, a narrow canyon steeped in local legend.
- This historical site is where French pirates allegedly attempted to invade the island in the 17th century.
- Continue to the Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins, located near Spanish Lagoon, where the remnants of an old gold smelting operation are set amidst scenic landscapes.
- Learn about the significance of the gold industry and Aruba’s role in regional trade.
- In the afternoon, explore more of the island on your own or enjoy leisure time at your hotel.
Explore Museum of Industry & San Nicolas Murals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- After breakfast, head to the town of San Nicolas, known as Aruba’s cultural capital.
- Visit the Museum of Industry, housed in a former water tower, to discover the history of Aruba’s key industries, from gold mining to oil refining.
- Take a guided walking tour of San Nicolas, admiring its vibrant street art and learning about the town’s industrial heritage and cultural influences.
- Return to Oranjestad in the afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner at Wilhelmina Restaurant, known for its historic ambiance and gourmet cuisine.
Enjoy Free Time & Departure from Aruba
- Oranjestad to New York
- Breakfast
- Hotel to Airport
- After breakfast, enjoy free time to explore Oranjestad’s markets or relax on the nearby Surfside Beach.
- Get a private transfer to Queen Beatrix International Airport for your return flight to New York.
- Transfer
- Dinner as per Itinerary
- Stay Included
- Flight
- Explore Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest structure, and learn about its role in defending the island.
- Visit the historic Alto Vista Chapel and discover the stories of Aruba’s early Spanish missionaries.
- Tour the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and learn about Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush.
- Climb the Casibari Rock Formation, home to ancient Arawak carvings and offering panoramic island views.
- Discover Aruba’s agricultural history at Cunucu Arikok, a traditional farm showcasing early island life.
- Walk through San Nicolas and visit the Museum of Industry, learning about Aruba’s industrial past.
- Explore Frenchman’s Pass, a legendary site connected to pirate history and visit the Balashi Gold Smelter Ruins.
Hotels
Oranjestad
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
- Roundtrip airfare from and to New York
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- Accommodation at “Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort”: 05 nights
- Guided tours of Fort Zoutman, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, and Cunucu Arikok
- Visit to the Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory and San Nicolas murals
- Entry fees to historical sites and museums listed in the itinerary
- Breakfast: 05
- Dinner: 02
- Travel insurance
- Transfer to the meeting points
Hotel included in package:
Starting from:
$2750 $3300
per adult on twin sharing
Destination covered
Oranjestad
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per adult on twin sharingAruba Package for 5 nights and 6 days : Frequently asked questions
Yes, this tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want to explore Aruba’s colonial and industrial heritage, as well as its indigenous history.
The best time to visit is between December to April, when the weather is ideal for exploring the island’s historical landmarks.
Yes, the package can be customized to include more historical sites or additional leisure activities. Contact us for further details.
Yes, all entry fees to the listed historical sites and museums are included.
We recommend packing lightweight, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the historical landmarks.
