ISLA MARGARITA, VENEZUELA

Departing the harbour of El Guamache, we drive to El Valle – an interesting small village founded in 1561, set between Porlamar and La Asunción, and birthplace of Santiago Marino (one of the heroes of Venezuelan Independence).

Departing the harbour of El Guamache, we drive to El Valle – an interesting small village founded in 1561, set between Porlamar and La Asunción, and birthplace of Santiago Marino (one of the heroes of Venezuelan Independence). It is also home to the shrine of the Virgin of the Fishermen. After our visit to El Valle, we will continue our journey to La Asunción, the capital city of the state. It is a small colonial city set in a fertile valley in the central part of the island. Every area contains architectural gems, all testimonies to the former colonial time. The Castillo de Santa Rosa, built in 1682 on a hill dominating the city, was strategically set to protect the city from continuous invasion. The centre of La Asunción is divided into the Plaza Bolivar and the Plaza Luisa Caceres de Arismendi, beside which is the second oldest church in Venezuela, built between 1571 and 1617.Proceeding to La Aldea, we will have a little time for shopping, before our final stop of the tour. Following a panoramic drive through Porlamar, nowadays a centre of commerce and home to the best hotels and restaurants on Margarita Island, we will stop at Café Guayoyo and enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Pampatar and the coastline while enjoying a refreshing welcome drink.This tour involves approximately 30 metres (100 feet) of walking in El Valle over uneven ground (and 10 steps); 15 metres (50 feet) over uneven ground in La Asunción (and 6 steps); 20 metres (65 feet) in La Aldea over uneven ground; and 2 or 3 steps in Café Guayoyo. US Dollars are accepted when shopping at La Aldea. On sale you may find rum, coffee, pearls, hand-made dolls and hammocks. Water is supplied on the coach.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON