"Pirates of the Caribbean" Adventure Vacation

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Jul 2006 09:50 AM

Call it a summer stunner. It's the movie that has forced competitors to walk the plank. I'm of course referring to "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," which has smashed box-office records by taking in an unprecedented $132 million (in North America) during its first three days-the biggest debut of any film in history. Now a travel company is attempting to cash in on the movie's popularity by offering a chance for you to trace the footsteps of the "real" pirates of the Caribbean.

Breakaway Adventures in advertising a "Pirates of the Caribbean" Dominica Walking Tour. The tour package takes guests to the island of Dominica where the film was shot. According to the travel brochure, for nine days and eight nights you will visit the various sites featured in the movie and stay in the same four-star hotel (complete with original brass cannons) as the cast and crew.

Nine days seems like a long time to tour an island, but lest you forget that this is a "Walking Tour" and that is exactly what you will be doing. With an "expert and native Indian guide" leading the way you will visit "Cannibal Island" on a walk from Titou Gorge to the Valley of desolation. You will also get the chance to hike around Capucin Cape, which offers spectacular views over the film's "Shipwreck Cove." Another day will be set-aside for you to explore Indian River, where "pirate ships were shot cruising along 'Pantano River' for the movie."

However, the tour is not limited to movie scene locations, you will also journey along the same beaches that real swashbucklers used to replenish supplies in the 16th century. You will also get a crash course in buried treasure. Legend has it pirates buried about 3 million Spanish pesos (stolen from a Spanish fleet in 1567) somewhere on the island. The tour also takes you past "Napoleonic lookout posts, dramatic waterfalls, bubbling sulphur springs and ancient villages established by runaway slaves."

The "Pirates of the Caribbean" Dominica Walking Tour is available from November 17, 2006 through May 31, 2007. Prices start at about $2200 per person (depending on the date). The cost includes the guided tours, accommodations, breakfast, six picnic lunches, dinner, and transportation from the airport. The tour is rated "two boots" which means the longest walk would take approximately 5.5 hours in one day. Tour operators say that after visiting you will see why the island was "the perfect stage for sword fights, secret missions and swashbuckling adventures."

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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