St. Kitts and Nevis were visited by Columbus in 1493 but not colonized until the arrival of the British in 1623. After numerous conflicts with the French, the islands were granted to Britain in 1783. St. Kitts is the oldest of the British Caribbean settlements and has the title “Mother Colony of the West Indies” since from here it sent out colonists to the other islands. Today the islands are fully independent with a National Assembly and Prime Minister. The titular head of state is the British monarch.

 A two-mile wide strait separates the two islands which are volcanic in origin. Mountainous, they offer the visitor magnificent scenery. From St. Kitts you can see the Dutch islands of St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Martin, St. Barts, and Nevis – truly a spectacular view.

 The harbor of Basseterre still exudes the charm of yesteryear with inter-island boats discharging their products onto the dock for sale.

 Two miles south of St. Kitts, Nevis rises from the sea to the 3232-foot high Nevis Peak that usually is surrounded by a halo of white clouds. Because of this natural phenomenon, Columbus named the island ‘Nieves’ – snows.  The island is surrounded by coral reefs with miles of palm-tree studded beaches.

 Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace is here. Orphaned at the age of 11, he moved to St. Croix before going to Boston.

 The fertile soil of these islands produce sugar, molasses, cotton, coconuts, and livestock. Tourism is now a vital part of the economy as is providing offshore financial services.

 The white sand beaches and crystal waters are unsurpassed for water sports. The mountainous terrain of Nevis makes it ideal for hiking and mountain climbing.

 An assortment of hotels provides a wide range of accommodations and fine cuisine.