The Story of Rum

4.5
(51 reviews)
Diamond Valley, Barbados

6 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Rum, known historically as “rumbullion” and “kill devil,” has deep roots in Barbados, earning the island its reputation as the birthplace of rum. On this unforgettable tour, discover the fascinating story of rum at St. Nicholas Abbey, a beautifully preserved seventeenth century plantation house renowned for its award-winning rum. Explore the historic house, lush gardens and rum distillery, with a chance to sample the estate’s finest spirit.
Then, climb aboard the Heritage Railway, a restored steam train, for a scenic journey to Cherry Tree Hill, offering spectacular views of Barbados’ east coast.
After lunch, enjoy a brief stop in the picturesque coastal village of Bathsheba before continuing to the Mount Gay Visitors' Centre. Here, expert guides bring the history of rum to life, followed by a fun and engaging tasting experience exploring the distinctive flavors, aromas and subtle nuances of Mount Gay’s finest rums.

What's Included

Entrance Fees
Bottled water
Lunch
Friendly, knowledgeable & licensed tour guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We offer pick-up from nearly 300 locations across Barbados, including hotels, condominiums, and villas.

As pick-up schedules depend on your exact location and the number of guests travelling, your confirmed pick-up time will be provided within a wider time window. If you have not received your pick-up details by the evening before your tour, please contact us through the message center to reconfirm, as schedules may occasionally be adjusted.

Please ensure you provide the name of your hotel or accommodation when booking. Without this information, we are unable to arrange transportation, and your booking may be cancelled.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Mount Gay Visitor Experience

    Discover the rich heritage of Barbados’ world-famous rum at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre, home to Mount Gay, the world’s oldest continuously operating rum producer, with a history dating back to 1703. Explore the story of rum’s origins in Barbados, where sugarcane cultivation and traditional distilling methods created a spirit celebrated worldwide. The signature tour takes guests through the craftsmanship behind Mount Gay rum, including fermentation, distillation, blending, and aging, while highlighting its connection to the island’s culture and sugar industry. The experience concludes with a tasting of this iconic Barbadian spirit, featuring complimentary rum punch and five rum samples. A visit to the Mount Gay Visitor Centre offers an unforgettable journey through history, tradition, and the flavors that define Barbados as the birthplace of rum.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Bathsheba

    Bathsheba, located on Barbados’ rugged east coast, is one of the island’s most scenic coastal villages, famous for its dramatic landscapes, powerful Atlantic waves, and distinctive coral rock formations. According to local tradition, the village was named after the biblical Bathsheba, whose legendary milk baths were said to resemble the white, foaming surf at the famous Soup Bowl. Today, Bathsheba is recognized internationally as one of Barbados’ top surfing destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its strong Atlantic swells. The area is also popular with photographers, sightseers, and nature lovers who come to admire its breathtaking coastline and refreshing ocean breezes. Despite its popularity, Bathsheba has preserved the charm of a traditional Barbadian fishing village, with colorful seaside cottages and a peaceful atmosphere that showcases the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Enjoy a delicious local lunch during your tour at Sand Dunes, featuring a selection of traditional Barbadian favorites. Savor authentic island flavors with dishes such as fried fish, baked chicken, beef stew, peas and rice, macaroni pie, and fresh salads. This relaxing dining experience offers the perfect opportunity to sample the tastes of Barbados while taking a break and enjoying the warm island hospitality. Please advise us of any food allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can best accommodate your needs.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Discover the history and heritage of St. Nicholas Abbey, a beautifully preserved plantation house, museum, and working rum distillery in Saint Peter, Barbados. Built in 1658, it is one of only three authentic Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Explore its historic rooms, learn about Barbados’ sugar heritage, and discover the traditional craftsmanship behind its award-winning Barbadian rum. Enhance your visit aboard the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway, a beautifully restored steam locomotive journey through lush plantation grounds, mahogany trees, sugar cane fields, and scenic countryside. Learn about Barbados’ railway heritage as you travel to Cherry Tree Hill, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views across the Scotland District and Atlantic coast. This memorable experience combines history, nature, scenery, and Barbados’ celebrated rum-making heritage.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Minimum drinking age is eighteen years.
  • A minimum of two adults is required for this tour to operate.
  • If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking appropriate precautions before the tour and informing your guide in advance. While we understand that motion sickness can occur and will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible, please be aware that some of our island roads can be both winding and bumpy. We must also ensure the comfort of all our guests and maintain the cleanliness of our vehicles. If you become ill on board and vomiting results in the vehicle requiring professional cleaning, you will be responsible for reimbursing the driver for the cleaning fee before the end of the tour. The cleaning fee ranges from US$75 to US$150, depending on the extent of the cleaning required.
  • Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the tour will incur a cancellation penalty per person, in accordance with Mount Gay’s cancellation policy.
Supplied by Beautiful (Barbados) Tours and Excursions Ltd
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Tags

Day Trips
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Food & Drink
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Rating

4.5 Based on 51 51 reviews
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