A Journey of Pirates, Paradise Jungles, and Kaleidoscopic Coral Cays
8 night Cruise Only - from £2790pp
Xunantunich Maya Site Ruins in Belize
Cartagena, Colombia
Bahamas
Begin your voyage in Panama City, exploring Cartagena's historic streets, then onto the enchanting cities of Trujillo and Belize. Relish the pristine beauty of Ocean Cay before concluding in Miami's pulsing heart. A captivating blend of cityscapes and island paradise awaits.
Sexy metropolis intermingles with sultry jungle as we set out from high energy Panama City and allow its iconic ocean-to-ocean canal to carry us from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Traversing one of the world’s finest man-made wonders, we ply the spidery tributaries of Gatun Lake and forge into Chagres National Park, passing dramatic dams, spillways, and showering waterfalls in search of elusive wild cats and soul-renewing salutations with indigenous Embrera Indians.
Pirate battles and colonial ruins punctuate the port town of Porto Lemon, our gateway to Costa Rica’s eco-paradise, where howler and capuchin monkeys swing through a verdant cloud forest alive with birdsong and blue morpho butterflies. Our jungle chapter comes to a close in colourful Key West, the last in the string of laid-back, coral reefed cays, before the beautiful waters and our private-island-escape of the Bahamas beckon. Only magnetic Miami, where distinguished art deco meets design and contemporary-art scene cool, can soften this return to reality.
Framed by two oceans connected by the singular Panama Canal (the 7th Wonder of the Modern World) this vibrant and dynamic urban centre is truly a city on the world’s stage of commerce and ecology. Sleek skyscrapers are surrounded by pristine nature. Soberanía National Park protects a bounty of flora and fauna minutes from downtown. Casco Antiguo, the cobblestoned colonial centre, is a lovely labyrinth of churches, palaces, and plazas lined with cafes and the best champagne rooftop bars in the city. A UNESCO creative hub for gastronomy, it is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene led by world-class chefs. An incredible cultural crossroads sure to connect you to the uncommon.
Day 3Cartagena
Sparkle in this jewel of the Caribbean; the cultured and very colourful Cartagena. Saunter or ride by Segway through a maze of cobbled streets for historic architecture, bougainvillea-dripping plazas, old churches and chic eateries where you’ll discover a blend of Caribbean cool and Colombian sophistication. Learn new cooking techniques with a personal chef, birdwatch at the National Aviary, visit botanical gardens, take a cycle tour or head to Turbaco. Roam offshore to Islas Del Rosario for magnificent beaches and snorkelling through colourful coral reefs. And as the sun sets over the ancient city walls, prepare for an intoxicating nightlife scene - in no time you’ll be sipping moreish mojitos, nodding to reggaeton and - once really in the spirit - gyrating to the salsa.
Day 5Trujillo
Day 6Belize City
Day 8Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve
Wander into the reality of a serene Bahamian dream. Alluring, exclusive and eco-friendly, an escape to this island marine reserve is possibly the world’s most coveted invite. Slowly snorkel, gently paddle board or glide over aquamarine waters by boat. Wonder at marine life and nature in its natural habitat, visit the marina, lighthouse, lagoon and pastel-hued buildings. Recline for a beachside massage, settle into a lazy lunch, sip endless rum cocktails and sink into powdery white sands cooled by the soothing sways of palm leaves. If paradise was packaged, this island might be the finest gift.
Day 9Miami, Florida
Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.
A Journey of Pirates, Paradise Jungles, and Kaleidoscopic Coral Cays Itinerary
