Secrets 

of 

the 

Amazon 

Luxury 

Cruise

Depart Miami, Florida

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

The island of Barbados is rimmed with mile after mile of pristine beaches. The eastern edge, rugged and hilly, lies on the Atlantic Ocean. The west coast, washed by the calmer leeward sea has most of the resort hotels. It is here that you will find the capital, Bridgetown, and older colonial settlements. Tour the meticulously restored 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House or admire the spectacular views from Gun Hill Signal Station.

Adventures abound at sea by catamaran or Atlantis submersible and on land by an off-road island safari. Not to miss delicacies include the sweet and tender flying fish, washed down with a glass of Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum.

Discover colourful Port of Spain with its rich multicultural heritage, skyscrapers, lush gardens, and early 20th Century mansions. Explore The Savannah, a vast 260-acre park and its orchid house. Indulge in a chilled fresh coconut from one of the park’s vendors. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, The Red House and The Magnificent Seven, a row of beautifully restored mansions dating from the Colonial era. Admire the clock tower in the Queen’s Royal College. Frederick St. offers fabulous restaurants, galleries and world-class shopping. Look for local artwork, fine clothing and other unique souvenirs. Enjoy fresh seafood, roti or callaloo while moving to the rhythm of Calypso music in this dynamic setting.

This morning we continue our exploration of Kyoto, the historical capital of Japan. Kyoto is famous for its historic sites, stunning gardens and peaceful park settings. We will visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Nijo-Jo Castle. We will have a lunch break at Kinkakuji a well known foodies area before returning to the hotel around 2:00pm. Balance of the afternoon and evening is free.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Today, Santarem is one of the Amazon's most important trading centres and is rich in legend and nature. The town is situated at the point where the Tapajos and the Amazon waters meet. This is called the "Wedding of the Waters" and is one of Santarem's major attractions. The lakes and forests of this area are home to numerous species of birds, particularly the white egret.

We travel to experience life beyond the ordinary. Nestled on a 400 ft hill overlooking the Amazon, Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village located between Parintins and Santarem. This is an opportunity for you to wander at leisure through the small settlement or simply relax on board and take in up-close views of the rich equatorial vegetation from the ship. Ashore, you will find log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since the time of the early explorers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organised tours are not available.

Manaus, the “Paris of the Jungle,” is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon. Carved from the dense jungle by rubber barons in the 19th century, Manaus has become an ideal starting or ending point for visitors to the mid-Amazon region. Riverboats can be taken through the myriads of tributaries, estuaries and small creeks, where the richest wildlife can be seen. Attractions include the stunning Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, prefabricated in Liverpool England complete with clock tower and known as “Little Big Ben.”

The small village of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. Steeped in centuries-old Indian culture, this village celebrates an annual “Boi Bumba” festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June but the townspeople reenact the festival for visitors throughout the year.

Twenty-five miles from the city of Santarem in Brazil is the amazon river community of alter do chao, named after the flat-topped hill, that provides a natural backdrop. this small island is located on the Rio Tapajos, offering quaint cottages along the white-sand beaches lined with leafy palm trees. thanks to its Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, turquoise lagoon and amazingly clear water, Alter Do Chão has become a popular destination for travellers. please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organised tours are not available.

With a Pacific shoreline of outstanding natural beauty, a clutch of fantastic cultural sights, thronging markets and delectable seafood, there is lots to see and experience during a visit to Hachinohe and the Aomori Region. Today we will explore the region’s fascinating connection with contemporary art through visits to two of Japan’s best contemporary art museums – the recently opened Hachinohe Art Museum and the Towada Art Center. Reflecting a new approach to contemporary art, Hachinohe Art Museum, also known as an ‘art farm’ offers a dynamic new interpretation of how and where art is created, housed in an innovative design intended to bring the community together to utilise the space.

At Towada Art Center, one of Japan’s foremost contemporary art institutions, the striking Ryue Nishizawa-designed building features contemporary artists such as Leandro Erlich, Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck. Alternatively, visit the stunning Lake Towada, a 2,000-year-old flooded double caldera 400 metres above sea level, and its surrounding forest in Towada Hachimantai National Park. Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake on Honshu and is characterised by two large peninsulas which extend nearly a third of the way across the lake. On a clear day, Mt Towada is reflected in the still waters of the lake creating a picture-perfect scene. Take in these expansive views from the Hakka Pass Observatory or continue onwards to walk at Tsuta Numa Lake. A short walk brings you to Oirase Stream with its beautiful and cluster of 30 waterfalls.

Whether you enjoy climbing waterfalls or simply relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, you will find that the capital of Grenada has something for everyone. From the moment you arrive, you will not only be charmed by a colourful mix of colonial architecture set on lush vegetation but also be enchanted by the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. Be sure to visit one of the many spice estates or shop for exotic spices in the Market Square.

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Packed with historical landmarks, the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction and second-oldest European settlement in the Americas also boasts pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine and a stirring resiliency. Stroll Old San Juan’s cobblestoned streets past Spanish Colonial landmarks. Linger in colourful plazas, where quaint shops and tempting eateries beckon. Begin your exploration of Puerto Rico’s history at the World Heritage-listed Castillo San Felipe del Morro and 18th-century Castillo San Cristobal. Take in the nation’s rich cultural history at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Discover the lush rainforest, waterfalls and tropical wildlife of El Yunque National Forest before walking the glorious white sands of Luquillo Beach.

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Arrive back in Miami, Florida