Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Tropical Forest, Volcanoes and Beaches
The Best of Guadeloupe

Deshaies (Basse-Terre) - Trois-Rivières (Basse-Terre) - Sainte-Anne (Grande-Terre)

Starting from between £2,350 to £3,300 per person for 10 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore both sides of this butterfly-shaped island
  • Hike on the majestic La Soufrière volcano
  • Relax on some of Guadeloupe’s most beautiful beaches
Wander tropical paths, bathe in clear waters and relax on golden sands on this ten-day adventure to Guadeloupe. The trip is split into three stages, and you’ll travel between each using a hire car so you can explore each location to your heart’s content. Beginning in Basse-Terre, you’ll stay in the charming town of Deshaies, the perfect base for traversing nearby lush hiking trails, strolling through the local botanical garden, or simply relaxing on the golden sands of Guadeloupe’s majestic Grand Anse beach. Next up is Trois-Rivières, also in Basse-Terre, a maze of coffee plantations, mangroves, and tropical forests. While you’re here, you’ll go hiking on the impressive La Soufrière volcano, but you’ll also have plenty of time to relax by the pool in the tranquil grounds of your hotel. Your final stop is Sainte-Anne, located on the right wing of Guadeloupe’s butterfly in Grand-Terre. Here, there’s no shortage of heavenly beaches, colourful coral reefs and surf spots. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the islets of Petite Terre, and for sampling some local rum. This trip has been designed to give you the freedom to soak up the magic of Guadeloupe at your own pace. However, if you need any recommendations, advice or assistance while you’re away, our in-country Concierge is always on hand.
Guadeloupe © Droits reservés
Guadeloupe © Droits reservés
La Désirade - Guadeloupe © Dagmar SCHWELLE/LAIF-REA
La Désirade - Guadeloupe © Dagmar SCHWELLE/LAIF-REA
Sainte Anne - Grande Terre - Guadeloupe © Dagmar SCHWELLE/LAIF-REA
Sainte Anne - Grande Terre - Guadeloupe © Dagmar SCHWELLE/LAIF-REA
Guadeloupe © Tom - stock.adobe.com
Guadeloupe © Tom - stock.adobe.com
Guadeloupe © Droits reservés
Guadeloupe © Droits reservés
Botanical Gardens - Guadeloupe © Benoit Decout/REA
Botanical Gardens - Guadeloupe © Benoit Decout/REA
Petit Bourg - Basse Terre - Guadeloupe © Peter Frank Edwards/REDUX-REA
Petit Bourg - Basse Terre - Guadeloupe © Peter Frank Edwards/REDUX-REA

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Your trip to Guadeloupe begins with an 11-hour flight to Point-à-Pitre via France. When you land, we’ll welcome you at the airport before you pick up your hire car and drive for about an hour until you reach Deshaies in Basse-Terre.

You’ll spend two nights here in a hillside eco-lodge made up of charming wooden lodgings, complete with a river water swimming pool. It’s located close to Deshaies’ town, which has the atmosphere of a small Creole village. There’s also a wonderful spa which you can access throughout your stay. If you’ve worked up an appetite after today’s travels, enjoy a delicious dinner this evening at the hotel restaurant.

You’ll have today to spend exploring the area at your leisure, and there’s plenty to get stuck into: head out on the lush hiking trails of the Basse-Terre countryside; stroll between tropical flowers such as water lilies, orchids and hibiscus in the Deshaies Botanical Garden; relax on the golden sand of Grande Anse beach; learn more about Guadeloupe’s culture and traditions in the Creole eco-museum or the rum museum in Sainte-Rose; or spot wildlife on the protected islets of Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin. If you like, we can also arrange for you to take a guided 4x4 tour of the north of Basse-Terre.

Today you’ll drive south to Trois-Rivières, which takes an hour and a half. You’ll spend the next three nights on the slopes of an ancient volcano in a colonial house in the heart of a banana plantation. Tranquillity is the watchword here, so spend this afternoon taking a dip in the swimming pool, going for a stroll in the beautiful garden, and soaking up the breathtaking view of Les Saintes archipelago.

Located on the southern tip of Basse-Terre, the small town of Trois-Rivières stretches from the slopes of the Citerne volcano to beaches bathed by the Atlantic. If you head up the lush valley of the Grande Rivière des Vieux-Habitants, you’ll come across an old plantation where the air is rich with the smell of coffee. All around you are tropical forests and mangroves, while at the top of La Soufrière volcano, the landscape is draped in a mysterious yet romantic mist. The rivers here are populated by ouassou (freshwater prawns), which the locals cook in coconut milk – don’t miss the chance to try this delicious dish while you’re here.

Gear yourself up for an adventure because today, you’re heading off on a hiking trip on La Soufrière volcano. It begins at the foot of the volcano at Les Bains Jaunes, a pool of warm, sulphurous water in the heart of a tropical forest. And don’t worry, as long as you’re fit, the climb isn’t too tricky. Once at the top, you’ll feel the bubbling and rumbling of the south crater – a reminder that the volcano is only sleeping... As you climb, eruptive vents, scattered rocks and snaking mist make for a dramatic landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant red mountain pineapple flower.

It’s time to head to Sainte-Anne, located about one and a half hours’ drive away in the other wing of Guadeloupe’s butterfly. Your home for the next three nights is a charming hotel surrounded by a vast tropical garden. You’ll stay in a bungalow that evokes the Caribbean spirit with its wooden structures and bright colours. Not far from your hotel you’ll find the surfers’ paradise of Helleux Beach, and the peaceful Bois Jolan beach, which you can reach via a scenic shaded coastal path.

In the 18th century, Sainte-Anne was an important sugar producer. Nowadays, the town is known for its beaches protected by a coral reef. While you’re here, make the most of Sainte-Anne’s waters rippling with emerald hues and the relaxed atmosphere of the place. More active travellers can head to the Saint-François golf course to perfect their swing or head further east to the Pointe des Châteaux, whose stunning eroded landscapes are one of the island’s main geological attractions.

If you like, we can also arrange for you to take a trip around the islets of Petite Terre today.

It’s your last full day in paradise and your last chance to enjoy the island’s many beautiful beaches lined with palm trees. Among the most famous are the legendary Plage du Bourg, Anse des Salines, Plage de Bois Jolan (the island’s best family beach), Anse à la Gourde and La Caravelle. However, there are plenty of other, less well-known beaches that are well worth a visit: Anse du Souffleur, which is very popular with the locals; Datcha Beach, which has a communal atmosphere; and the charming cove of Anse Colas, with its clear, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Unfortunately, your time in Guadeloupe has come to an end. Today, you’ll drive back to Pointe-à-Pitre to return your hire car and board your return flight via France. You’ll arrive back in the UK the following morning.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

4X4 TRIP AROUND THE NORTH OF BASSE-TERRE

Put on your adventurer’s hat for this 4x4 trip to explore the north of Basse-Terre. With your driver and guide, you’ll delve into the lush rainforest, admire the breathtaking panoramas of the bay of Grand-Cul-de-Sac-Marin, and cross the charming communes of Pointe-Noire, Deshaies and Sainte-Rose. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating ecosystem of Guadeloupe as you discover its botanical, cultural and historical heritage from a new perspective.

THE ISLETS OF PETITE-TERRE

Off the coast of Saint-François, this day of adventures aboard a motorboat takes you to the islets of Petite-Terre. After treading the immaculate sand of Terre-de-Bas, you’ll set off to explore this deserted island and its lagoon, where an underwater world teems with tropical fish and multicoloured coral. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll enjoy lunch on board before a last refreshing dip in the crystalline water. If you’re lucky, playful dolphins might top off your trip by swimming behind your boat as you return to Sainte Anne.

Why visit Guadeloupe with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Guadeloupe

  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £2,350 to £3,300 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,700 per person.

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