We were in Montego Bay and this was the excursion we wanted. We booked through Nexus. There were two options. Either combine with Dunn's River Falls (which fellow travelers absolutely loved the falls) or just go to Nine mile. We opted just nine mile. Pickup at hotel was at 7:30. After pickups, we had 9 people, driver and our guide in a van, which was great for navigating the mountainous narrow road. We had a stop prior to the mountain ride where we had toilet break, able to buy souvenirs (at a discount) or buy refreshments. Following, it was about 90 minutes to two hour ride, depending on traffic to get to the locally called village of Nine Miles. Along the way, interesting tidbits and sights were explained. We arrived. First stop at a vendor where you could obtain various "products!" No one in our group bought. From there you are escorted to a bar where you could buy a "Bob Marley drink" that had a burning shot of rum on top. Marley's concerts were playing on a large screen which was interesting to watch. Then a souvenir shop, then a place to buy a candle to light in his memory which we carried with us to the tour's end. Steep steps were climbed and then it became a bit of a blur as we were escorted through his childhood home where there was so much memorabilia that there wasn't enough time to take it all in. Our Rastafarin guide, Barker, was good, and we enjoyed his commentary. The little church, the smaller home where Marley's single cot remains, to the live music played for us all were memorable. Cadella Marley's hot sauce was purchased where the musicians played. Then the final tree covered pleasant walk to Mt Zion and his meditation rock / "pillow" where he looked upon the valley and drew some of his song inspirations. Expansions, buildings and concrete now cover the once green area where you could feel what it must have been like before all this tourism. In their wisdom, they left an opening where the view of the valley is still seen from the rock. The outdoor kitchen was built where you could partake in some natural tea.
The mausoleum. Removing your shoes, lighting the candle and slowly walking around the crypt, touching the beautiful Italian marble, quietly in your thoughts about this young person who gave so much of himself and his music was indeed worth the tour. If alive, he would have turned 80 two days prior......
We then bid farewell to our Rastafarin host, joined our rep and loaded in the van. We pre-ordered lunch and stopped at a place that served Jerk chicken/ pork or had other options (we think).
The commute had us back at the hotel around 3:30. Yes, the mountain road is narrow, steep and lots of turns but our adept driver gave us no concerns. Worth it.