Martinique & Guadeloupe – 15 Days Europe in the Caribbean Combo

Martinique & Guadeloupe — 15 Days Europe in the Caribbean Combo

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Martinique — Fort-de-France

Touch down at Aime Cesaire International Airport in Fort-de-France, Martinique, where your rental car awaits — the key to a self-guided road trip through two of the Caribbean’s most fascinating islands. Transfer to your hotel on the southern coast in Sainte-Luce, a charming seaside town known for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and protected beaches. After settling in, take a short drive into Fort-de-France for an orientation walk through the capital: the Bibliotheque Schoelcher with its ornate ironwork, the Cathedrale Saint-Louis, the bustling Grand Marche with spices, fruits, and crafts, and the waterfront promenade with views across the bay. Pick up supplies for the road at a French supermarket (you will appreciate the quality of French products in the middle of the Caribbean). First dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Sainte-Luce: the sound of waves accompanies your introduction to Martinican Creole cuisine. Overnight in Sainte-Luce (Hotel Carayou or similar).

Day 2: Sainte-Luce — South Coast Exploration & Beach Relaxation

A full day to explore Martinique’s southern peninsula at your own pace. Start with the beautiful Anse Mabouya beach just minutes from your hotel, a sheltered cove with clear water and good snorkeling along the rocky edges. Drive south along the Route des Anses, stopping at the photogenic village of Les Anses-d’Arlet with its iconic waterfront church — the white steeple framed by pastel houses and turquoise sea creates the quintessential Martinique photo. Continue to Anse Dufour, where traditional gommiers (colorful fishing boats) bob at anchor and green sea turtles regularly feed in the seagrass just off the beach. Rent snorkeling gear from a local vendor and explore the calm, clear cove. For lunch, try grilled fish or accras at a casual beachfront restaurant in Grande Anse d’Arlet. Afternoon: drive to Le Diamant, named for Diamond Rock — a 175-meter basalt monolith rising from the sea just offshore, famously commissioned as a British warship during the Napoleonic Wars. The long beach at Diamant offers excellent swimming and a dramatic view of the rock. End the day at Les Salines near Sainte-Anne, Martinique’s most famous beach — a kilometer of powdery white sand backed by coconut palms, with shallow turquoise water stretching as far as you can see. The late afternoon light here is photographers’ gold. Return to Sainte-Luce for dinner and a view of the sunset over the Caribbean. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 3: Sainte-Luce — Northern Volcanic Adventure — Saint-Pierre & Mont Pelee

Today’s self-guided expedition heads north along the Route de la Trace, the historic rainforest road connecting Fort-de-France to the north coast. First stop: Jardin de Balata, where rope suspension bridges take you through the rainforest canopy among 3,000 tropical plant species with views over Fort-de-France bay. Continue north to the Sacre-Coeur de Balata, a hilltop basilica modeled after Paris’s Montmartre. The road winds through increasingly dramatic scenery, crossing ravines and passing traditional villages, before descending to Saint-Pierre. Spend an hour at the Volcanological Museum to understand the catastrophe of May 8, 1902 — when Mont Pelee erupted and killed 30,000 people in less than two minutes. Walk the ruins: the theater staircase, the Rue Monte-au-Ciel, the cell of lone survivor Louis-Auguste Cyparis. Drive up the slopes to the Depaz distillery, where the volcanic soil creates a unique rum terroir. Tour the facility, learn the AOC rum-making process, and taste Depaz’s acclaimed range. Lunch recommendation: Le Petibonum at Le Carbet, Guy Ferdinand’s iconic beach shack for grilled lobster right on the black-sand beach. After lunch, visit the Paul Gauguin Interpretation Centre nearby, where the famous painter lived and worked in 1887. Return to Sainte-Luce via the coastal road as the setting sun paints the Caribbean in gold. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 4: Sainte-Luce — Atlantic Coast & Habitation Clement

A relaxed day exploring the Atlantic coast. Drive east to Le Francois, a historic rum-producing town. Visit Habitation Clement, an 18th-century plantation house turned into a cultural center combining a rum distillery, contemporary art gallery, and 16 hectares of botanical park. The Creole mansion with its wrap-around verandas and period furnishings reveals plantation-era life, while the art exhibitions in the aging cellars feature leading Caribbean and international artists. Join a guided tasting of Clement’s rhum vieux range. In the afternoon, drive to Le Robert or Le Vauclin for a different perspective on Martinique’s coastline — the wilder Atlantic side with its mangroves, kite-surfers, and dramatic surf. Explore the Caravelle Peninsula nature reserve in the afternoon, a protected area with hiking trails through dry forest and along dramatic cliffs, home to endemic species and offering views over both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts simultaneously. The peninsula’s lighthouse at the easternmost point makes a rewarding hike destination. Return to Sainte-Luce for your last evening on Martinique’s south coast. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 5: Sainte-Luce — Rum Trail & Trois-Ilets

Morning visit to the Maison de la Canne (Sugar Cane House) in Trois-Ilets for an understanding of Martinique’s sugar and slavery history — an important context for the rum you have been enjoying. Continue to Domaine de la Pagerie, the birthplace of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, where the modest stone house contains a fascinating museum of her personal effects. After these cultural stops, explore the Trois-Ilets area: the Village Creole with its shops and cafes, the marina at Pointe du Bout, and perhaps an afternoon ferry across the bay to Fort-de-France (or simply enjoy the beach at Anse Mitan). Last evening in Sainte-Luce — choose a special restaurant for your farewell Martinique dinner. Consider Le Bredas in Saint-Joseph or one of the beachfront restaurants in Sainte-Luce specializing in grilled langouste and fresh-caught fish. Pack tonight for tomorrow’s transfer to Guadeloupe. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 6: Sainte-Luce — Free Day for Exploration or Relaxation

A free day with no scheduled activities. Several suggestions based on your interests: return to a favorite beach (Les Salines is always worth another visit), take the ferry to Fort-de-France for shopping and museum-hopping (Musee Departemental d’Archeologie, the bustling covered market), book a scuba diving excursion to Diamond Rock or the Saint-Pierre wrecks (for certified divers), or arrange a guided hike on the more accessible sections of Mont Pelee. Alternatively, simply relax at your hotel pool or beach, knowing Guadeloupe’s adventures await tomorrow. Your rental car gives you complete flexibility. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 7: Sainte-Luce — South & Peninsula Full Day

Your final full day in Martinique. Drive south one more time to revisit the Route des Anses and explore any corners you may have missed. Perhaps visit the Ecomusee de Martinique in Riviere-Pilote, a living history museum where traditional Creole life is recreated with demonstrations of cassava bread making, basket weaving, and colonial-era crafts. Or head to Grande Anse d’Arlet for a final swim and snorkel, watching the colorful fishing boats return with the day’s catch. Lunch at Ti Sable in Grande Anse d’Arlet — reserve for golden hour views and the freshest seafood. A final beach afternoon at Anse Dufour, where the sea turtles are reliable companions. Pack this evening and prepare for your inter-island transfer tomorrow. Overnight in Sainte-Luce.

Day 8: Martinique to Guadeloupe — Basse-Terre & Bas-Vent

After breakfast, drive to Fort-de-France airport for the short inter-island flight to Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe (approximately 45 minutes). The aerial view of both islands as you fly over the Saintes Channel is a spectacular introduction to Guadeloupe. Collect your new rental car at Pointe-a-Pitre airport. Drive west across the butterfly island, crossing the Riviere Salee that separates Grande-Terre from Basse-Terre, and follow the coastal road to Bas-Vent, a stretch of Guadeloupe’s leeward coast known for its beaches and rainforest backdrop. Your hotel is a beachfront resort offering complimentary non-motorized watersports — kayaks, paddleboards, and Hobie Cats are at your disposal. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing to Guadeloupe’s distinctly different character: wilder, more volcanic, less developed than Martinique. A swim in the Caribbean with views of the Soufriere massif looming inland sets the tone for the week ahead. Dinner is included at your hotel: Creole specialties featuring Guadeloupe’s distinctive cuisine, influenced by Indian, African, and French traditions. Overnight in Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre (Hotel Fort Royal or similar).

Day 9: Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre — Beach Relaxation & Basse-Terre Exploration

A gentle first day in Guadeloupe, designed for relaxation and orientation. Your hotel’s location on one of Basse-Terre’s finest beaches means the morning is best spent swimming, kayaking, or simply reading under a coconut palm. The calm, protected waters of the leeward coast are ideal for snorkeling directly from the beach. In the afternoon, explore Basse-Terre town, the administrative capital of Guadeloupe and one of the Caribbean’s oldest European settlements. Visit Fort Delgres, a 17th-century fortress that was the site of a heroic but doomed resistance by enslaved people led by Louis Delgres in 1802 against Napoleon’s troops sent to reimpose slavery. The fort’s ramparts offer views over the town and the Caribbean Sea. Walk through the town center with its Creole houses, the 17th-century Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Guadeloupe, and the spice-scented marketplace. A short drive inland takes you into the first slopes of the rainforest — the air cools, the vegetation thickens, and the transition from coast to mountain happens in minutes. Return to Bas-Vent for a sunset swim and dinner at a local restaurant in nearby Deshaies or Bouillante. Overnight in Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre.

Day 10: Bas-Vent — Cousteau Reserve, Botanical Gardens & Volcano Vistas

Today offers three outstanding options from your Bas-Vent base. Option A: Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve at Pigeon Islands near Bouillante — board a glass-bottom boat or snorkeling excursion to explore one of the Caribbean’s premier marine reserves. The coral gardens, barrel sponges, and tropical fish diversity make this a bucket-list destination for underwater enthusiasts. Sea turtles are nearly guaranteed. Option B: Jardin Botanique de Deshaies — a magnificent 7-hectare botanical garden that was a filming location for the BBC series Death in Paradise. Tropical plants from around the world are arranged along winding paths past ornamental ponds, a restored Creole house, and a flamingo aviary. Option C: La Soufriere volcano trekking — for those who want to climb Guadeloupe’s highest and wildest peak (1,467m). The guided hike passes through rainforest, elfin woodland, and finally a stark volcanic dome of steaming fumaroles and sulfur deposits. The summit panorama on a clear day spans Dominica, Montserrat, and the entire butterfly-shaped archipelago. Your hotel includes dinner tonight — share stories of your chosen day’s adventures over Creole cuisine and French wine. Overnight in Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre.

Day 11: Bas-Vent — Canyoning, Waterfalls & Rainforest Adventure

Dedicate today to Guadeloupe’s inland wonders. The national park’s network of trails leads to dozens of waterfalls, and a guided canyoning excursion is the most exhilarating way to experience them. Your guide provides all equipment and instruction for a half-day descent through the rainforest gorges near Basse-Terre. Rappel alongside waterfalls, zip down natural water slides carved in volcanic rock, and jump into deep jungle pools. Between the adrenaline moments, the gorge offers peaceful sections where you float through narrow canyons illuminated by shafts of green light. No prior experience is needed. For a gentler alternative, hike to Cascade aux Ecrevisses, Guadeloupe’s most accessible and photographed waterfall, where a 10-meter cascade tumbles into an emerald pool perfect for swimming. The hike through the national park is an attraction in itself: tree ferns, mahogany trees, the call of the Guadeloupe woodpecker, and perhaps a glimpse of the raccoon-like racoon (introduced species that has become a local character). Lunch at a countryside Creole restaurant featuring local river crayfish (ouassous) and smoked chicken. Afternoon option: visit the Valombreuse Botanical Garden in Petit-Bourg, home to over 1,000 species of tropical flowers and trees, or the Domaine de Severin rum distillery on Grande-Terre for a comparison with Martinique’s AOC rums. Overnight in Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre.

Day 12: Basse-Terre to Gosier, Grande-Terre — Rum, Colonial Towns & Beach Resort

After breakfast, check out and begin the drive to Grande-Terre, Guadeloupe’s eastern wing. Cross the Riviere Salee and enter a completely transformed landscape: flat, dry, covered in sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon, dotted with historic windmills. This is rum country, and your first stop is at one of Grande-Terre’s legendary distilleries. Choose between Damoiseau in Le Moule, the largest rum producer in Guadeloupe with a sweeping veranda overlooking the distillery, or Domaine de Severin, where you can tour a working distillery and a historic sugar mill with a water wheel. Both offer comprehensive tours and generous tastings of their blanc and vieux rhums. After the distillery, explore the colonial charm of Le Moule, a historic port town on the Atlantic coast with a 17th-century church, a colorful cemetery, and the haunting ruins of an 18th-century sugar refinery on the seafront. Continue along the coast, past wave-hammered cliffs and surf beaches, to Pointe des Chateaux, the easternmost point of Grande-Terre. This dramatic promontory offers a panorama of jagged limestone formations, crashing Atlantic waves, and on clear days, the distant silhouette of La Desirade island. The 15-minute walk to the cross at the tip is invigorating. Arrive in Le Gosier, Grande-Terre’s main resort town, and check into your beachfront hotel. The protected lagoon, the offshore islet with its lighthouse, and the resort atmosphere are a pleasant contrast to Basse-Terre’s wilder character. Evening at leisure to explore Gosier’s restaurants and bars. Overnight in Gosier, Grande-Terre (La Creole Beach Hotel or similar).

Day 13: Gosier, Grande-Terre — Pointe-a-Pitre, Markets & Island Beaches

A day of urban exploration and beach relaxation. Morning in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s economic capital and largest city. Visit the Marche de la Darse, the covered spice market, to inhale the fragrance of vanilla, cinnamon, bois d’Inde (allspice), and bois bande (reputed aphrodisiac bark). Browse the colorful fabrics, the handcrafted jewelry, and the bottles of homemade rum arranged in apothecary-like rows. Walk to Place de la Victoire, a shaded park with trees planted in 1794 by the revolutionary commissioner Victor Hugues, who abolished slavery in Guadeloupe (temporarily — Napoleon would reimpose it in 1802). Visit the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, a remarkable iron-framed church. After the market immersion, the afternoon is for beach time: Plage de la Datcha in Gosier offers calm lagoon waters and views of Ilet du Gosier just offshore. Alternatively, drive to Plage de la Caravelle, a beautiful white-sand crescent popular with both locals and visitors, or the wilder Anse a la Barque near Saint-Francois. For culture enthusiasts, the Memorial ACTe museum in Pointe-a-Pitre provides a powerful, comprehensive exploration of the Caribbean’s history of slavery, memory, and contemporary identity — housed in a striking modern building on the waterfront. Overnight in Gosier, Grande-Terre.

Day 14: Gosier — Les Saintes or Marie-Galante Day Trip

The ultimate day trip from Grande-Terre: choose between two of the French Caribbean’s most enchanting islands. Les Saintes is reachable by ferry from Pointe-a-Pitre (approximately 1 hour). Spend the day on Terre-de-Haut: hike to Fort Napoleon for the panoramic view over one of the world’s most beautiful bays, swim and snorkel at Pain de Sucre beach, lunch on tourment d’amour coconut tarts and fresh fish at a waterfront restaurant, and explore the village with its whitewashed houses, red roofs, and bougainvillea-draped lanes. Alternatively, take the ferry to Marie-Galante, the flat “Island of a Hundred Mills.” Visit the Pere Labat rum distillery for a tour and tasting of their acclaimed rhum agricole, explore the sugar plantation ruins at Chateau Murat, and swim at the pristine Plage de la Feuillere with views of Dominica on the horizon. Both islands offer a slow-paced, deeply authentic Caribbean experience that feels worlds away from Grande-Terre’s bustle. Return to Gosier in the late afternoon. Farewell dinner: choose from Gosier’s best restaurants for a final feast of Antillean cuisine — perhaps grilled langouste, colombo de cabri, or a tasting menu featuring both Martiniquais and Guadeloupean specialties. Overnight in Gosier, Grande-Terre.

Day 15: Departure from Guadeloupe

Your final Caribbean morning. Enjoy a last tropical breakfast at your hotel, take a final swim in the turquoise lagoon, and complete any last-minute souvenir shopping. Drive to Pointe-a-Pitre International Airport to return your rental car and check in for your onward flight. As Guadeloupe recedes below, look back at the butterfly-shaped island — Grand-Terre and Basse-Terre separated by the narrow Riviere Salee — and further south, the green peaks of Martinique. You have journeyed through two of the Caribbean’s most diverse and culturally rich islands, experiencing volcanic summits and coral reefs, rum distilleries and rainforests, Creole cuisine and French sophistication. The French Antilles have revealed their secrets, and you leave with the taste of ti’ punch, the memory of turquoise bays, and the warmth of Caribbean hospitality.

What’s Included

– 14 nights accommodation: 7 nights in Sainte-Luce, Martinique; 4 nights in Bas-Vent, Basse-Terre; 3 nights in Gosier, Grande-Terre
– Daily breakfast; 4 dinners (included with Bas-Vent hotel stay)
– Inter-island flight Fort-de-France to Pointe-a-Pitre
– Rental car for full duration (Martinique segment: 7 days; Guadeloupe segment: 7 days)
– Non-motorized watersports at Bas-Vent hotel
– Jardin de Balata entrance (Martinique)
– Habitation Clement entrance and tasting (Martinique)
– 24/7 English-speaking support line
– Detailed self-guided itinerary with driving directions and restaurant recommendations

What’s Excluded

– International flights to Fort-de-France / from Pointe-a-Pitre
– Fuel and tolls (~$100-150 total for 15 days)
– Most lunches and dinners (~$25-50/day)
– Rum distillery tasting fees (~$5-15 per distillery)
– Ferry tickets for Les Saintes or Marie-Galante day trip
– Guided excursions (canyoning ~$80, La Soufriere guided hike ~$60, snorkeling ~$50)
– Travel insurance (mandatory)
– Tips and gratuities