Haiti: 3-Day Express Citadelle Adventure — History & Rum

Tour Overview

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Haiti on this 3-day express adventure, from the bustling capital of Port-au-Prince to the historic northern city of Cap-Haïtien, the magnificent Citadelle Laferrière (the largest fortress in the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the beautiful Sans-Souci Palace, the fascinating National Museum, the vibrant art scene, and the famous Haitian rum. Haiti, the first independent Black republic in the world, is a land of incredible history, vibrant culture, stunning art, and warm hospitality.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Port-au-Prince & City Tour

Arrive at Toussaint Louverture International Airport (Port-au-Prince). Transfer to your hotel in Pétion-Ville (a beautiful suburb in the hills above Port-au-Prince, with hotels, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and cooler climate with stunning views). Explore Port-au-Prince: visit the National Museum (Musée National d’Haïti / MUPANAH, with artifacts documenting Haitian history from pre-Columbian era through colonial period, Haitian Revolution, and modern era. Houses the famous anchor from Christopher Columbus’ Santa María, the pistol of Toussaint Louverture, and other artifacts). Visit the Champ de Mars (main public square with fountains, statues, and government buildings), the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and various historic buildings. Visit the famous Marché en Fer (Iron Market, a beautiful historic market building with distinctive red iron structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, originally built for a railway station in Cairo but purchased by Haiti and reassembled in 1891). Visit the vibrant art scene including art galleries in Pétion-Ville and the Centre d’Art (famous art center showcasing Haitian artists including the naive art movement). After lunch, visit a rum distillery (Haiti is famous for its rum, with Barbancourt being the most well-known. Visit the Barbancourt rum distillery, take a guided tour, learn about the rum-making process from sugarcane to bottle, and enjoy a rum tasting of various aged rums). Evening welcome dinner with Haitian cuisine including griot (fried pork, the national dish), diri ak djon djon (rice with black mushrooms), pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables), fresh seafood, and Haitian rum. Overnight in Port-au-Prince/Pétion-Ville.

Day 2: Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien & Citadelle Laferrière

Morning fly from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien (approximately 45 minutes), the second-largest city in Haiti, on the northern coast, historic capital of French Saint-Domingue, and gateway to the Citadelle Laferrière. Transfer to Milot (approximately 30 minutes), gateway to the Citadelle and Sans-Souci Palace. Visit the Sans-Souci Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful former royal palace of King Henri Christophe (Henri I, King of Haiti), built in the early 19th century, once described as the Versailles of the Caribbean, with grand staircases, elegant courtyards, and stunning views. The palace was the royal residence of King Henri and his family, site of lavish royal parties. Severely damaged in an 1842 earthquake, now in ruins but remains stunning). Explore the ruins: grand courtyards, royal apartments, banquet hall, chapel, and gardens. After lunch, hike or ride a horse up to the Citadelle Laferrière (UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest fortress in the Americas, a massive mountaintop fortress built by King Henri Christophe in the early 19th century to defend independent Haiti from French invasion. Located on a 900-meter mountain, with massive walls up to 40 meters thick, designed to house up to 5,000 soldiers with enough food and ammunition for a long siege. An incredible feat of engineering with massive walls, bastions, cannons (many still in place), powder magazines, barracks, cisterns, and stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean. Hike takes 1-2 hours or ride a horse). Explore the Citadelle: walk along massive walls, visit bastions, see historic cannons, explore barracks and powder magazines, enjoy panoramic views from the top. Evening return to Cap-Haïtien. Dinner with local cuisine and fresh seafood. Overnight in Cap-Haïtien.

Day 3: Cap-Haïtien, Labadie & Departure

Morning explore Cap-Haïtien, the historic city on the northern coast, once capital of French Saint-Domingue and one of the richest cities in the Caribbean. Visit the historic center: Place d’Armes (main square), Cathedral of Cap-Haïtien, various historic buildings and plazas, and the beautiful waterfront. Visit the nearby town of Labadie (a beautiful private beach resort on the northern coast, leased by Royal Caribbean International, with beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and activities including zip-lining, kayaking, snorkeling, and the famous Dragon’s Breath Flight Line (longest zip line over water in the world)). Visit the beautiful beaches of Labadie for a swim or snorkel. Visit the nearby Labadie village and meet local people. After lunch, visit the nearby town of Vertières (site of the famous Battle of Vertières, the final battle of the Haitian Revolution, fought November 18, 1803, where Haitian forces led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines defeated French forces, leading to Haitian independence on January 1, 1804 – the first successful slave revolt in modern history and first independent Black republic). Visit the monument at the battle site and learn about the Haitian Revolution. Do some last-minute shopping for Haitian products including art, crafts, rum, coffee, and local products. Afternoon transfer to Cap-Haïtien International Airport for departure (or fly back to Port-au-Prince for international departure). Concluding your 3-day Haiti Citadelle express adventure of history, culture, and rum.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses