Founded in 1926 in a renovated 1707 mansion, the Larco Herrera Museum contains the biggest private collection of pre-Columbian art that exists in the world and consists of about 45,000 pieces, mainly pottery, that were excavated by Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle.

On this excursion we can enjoy a visit to one of Peru’s largest private collections, amassed over a lifetime by the late diplomat Miguel Mujica Gallo.

From the pier we will travel to Plaza Mayor, the main square, where we can appreciate the majestic colonial architecture.

Let us start with a wonderful fact about Peru – without the Incas we would not be able to enjoy chips, mash, and roast or baked potatoes. They discovered the cooking potential of the potato and cultivated them.

The currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol.

DAY 4 - We will leave our hotel and will drive to Alausi where we will board the train going to the Devil’s Nose Pass. This route will show us breathtaking scenery of the Andes, such as the Palmira desert and finally, the Devil’s Nose and the amazing engineering work that was done to take the train across the hills and creeks to communicate the Andes with the Coastal Region. The train received its name from a famous wall of rock with 45-degree decline, called the Devil’s Nose, which is part of the train excursion. Switchbacks are used to help the train make it up steep slopes. A switchback is a trail which zigzags up a steep ridge instead of going straight up.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS OVERLAND TOUR IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE - PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR BOOKING FORM IN ORDER TO PRE BOOK IT

We will depart from Manta to the south along the “Route of the Sun” for a two hour scenic ride along the coast, past small fishing villages, and tropical forest that includes opuntia cactus, fragrant palo santo trees, kapok trees and the algarroba trees.

After an approximate 20 minute ride from Manta we will reach Pacoche Lodge, located in the middle of a tropical forest reserve in a beautiful area full or orchids, bromeliads and other ornamental plants.

On our tour a local band will ride atop one of the buses as we set off in a convoy for a short ride to fascinating Montecristi.

VERY IMPORTANT!

Please read the information below before booking any of the tours in Ecuador.

Experienced travellers recommend against wearing or bringing valuables ashore while sightseeing in Ecuador. Please exercise caution with all personal items, particularly when walking through crowded areas which are frequented by tourists. Coaches should be air-conditioned, although the quality of PA systems may vary – as in all South American ports. Tour participants should be aware that guides, although welcoming, may speak rather limited and accented English. Flash photography is not permitted inside churches.

Please note that the 7th April is a Holy Saturday in Ecuador.

The official currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar.

We shall visit different Galapagos Islands, seeing many different things.Examples of the Islands we may visit include the following - Santa Fe Island - A short trek leads us through woods of Opuntia cacti and Palo Santo trees. Land iguanas, lava lizards and colonies of sea lions can be observed. Plaza Island - This small island is full of fascinating wildlife, both at seaside and along the cliffs. We may have the opportunity to view sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls and opuntia cacti. Bartolome Island - The trail is a fairly steep climb on wooden steps to the summit and is worth the effort, as there is a spectacular view of the Galapagos scenery from above. Interesting lava formations and tuff cones can also be observed.

THIS TOUR TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS IS NOT BOOKABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

Departing from the ship we will make our first stop at the archaeological museum of Banco Central which highlights the local culture and ethnic origins of the area.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

Our tour starts with a visit to La Popa, previously known as the ‘Stern of the Galleon’. This ancient monastery is located on top of a hill and offers great views of the city of Cartagena.

We shall be invited to enjoy a tour of the magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias, which includes a visit to the historic colonial city and a beautiful show of Colombian music and dance at the painstakingly restored Heredia Theatre.

Our tour will begin with a brief panoramic view of the magnificent city of Cartagena – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Departing the quayside in our horse drawn carriage, our tour today will begin with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas.

Cartagena is conveniently located on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, and is a unique city filled with sun, sea and history.

Cartagena, founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, is today one of the great tourist destinations in South America. It is full of history connected to Spanish-English conflict for dominance in the New World. There were three forts built to protect Cartagena from invasion; San Sebastian de Pastelillo, which was built between 1558 and 1567; the fortress of San Lorenzo in the city; and the great fortress of San Felipe, just outside the city. There was also a great wall built encircling the city. Despite these great defences, Cartagena fell to Sir Francis Drake in 1586. Today, Cartagena welcomes visitors from all over the world.

For reference, the official currency for Colombia is the Colombian Peso.
 

We will be invited to enjoy an approximate one hour cruise of Cartagena’s bay with our guide, who will bring to life the era of many great land and sea battles through amazing stories of glory and tragedy, all of which came to shape this city.

Interact with a beautiful bottlenose dolphin while standing waist-deep in water on a submerged platform.

We will be invited to enjoy a narrated tour of the coral reefs along the south coast of the island.

This is a once in a lifetime tour!

THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR WILL HAVE VERY LIMITED CAPACITY SO EARLY PRE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

Departing from the quayside by boat, we will be transferred to the Wet and Wild Beach at Seaquarium; en route we can watch the scenery of the harbour and coastline pass us by.

Upon our arrival at Blue Bay Beach, we will have approximately two hours of free time to relax and enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean waters. We may wish to snorkel and explore the colourful reefs or simply relax on the beach under the shade of a palm tree.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR WILL OPERATE ON D1202 CARIBBEAN CRUISE ONLY

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

Willemstad, capital of Curaçao, wears its Dutch Heritage at a handsome angle; the gabled houses and shops of the waterfront are reminiscent of a small Amsterdam, save for the wash of brightly coloured hues that festoon them. The quaint, steam powered Queen Emma pontoon bridge chugs open and shut to admit different ships. Out of town, the stark, gnarled forms of divi divi trees stand sharp and clear against the blue sky, fronting dazzling white beaches washed by warm, whispering trade winds.

The currency of Willemstad is the Antillean Guilder

Our Curaçao Island tour combines an interesting look at the countryside of Curaçao, the city of Willemstad and three major attractions on this Dutch Island.

This wonderful tour offers us a rare opportunity to swim and play with beautiful bottlenose dolphins.

Departing from Philipsburg, we will travel along the Great Salt Pond and through Sucker Garden where we shall pass by the monument that marks the Dutch/French border. Our coach will then continue on through the French Quartier D’Orleans, before arriving at the butterfly farm.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

We will depart the quayside by coach on a tour that will explore this island ruled by two nations; by the Dutch to the south and the French to the north.

An approximate 35 minute coach journey will take us away from the hustle and bustle of modern life to experience the tranquillity of Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve and historical site.

This tiny island – less than 100 sq km – was divided between the Dutch and French in the 1600’s, as a bastion against the Spanish. The division was supposedly made by someone from each country walking around the coastline in opposite directions until they met up again. Two historic forts were built around this time: Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was soon captured by the Spanish, who abandoned it a few years later. Some of the original walls remain, and the site gives views over Philipsburg. Fort Willem, built by the British during the Napoleonic War, also offers a panoramic view over the town.

For reference, the currency of St Maarten is the Euro, although US Dollars are widely accepted

Recognised as a truly unique tour, the St Maarten Americas Cup 12-Metre Yacht regatta offers us a fantastic opportunity!

Our tour today will take us to a charming beach bar and restaurant located on the delightful Orient Beach – locals critically acclaim this area as the ‘French Riviera of the Caribbean’, with more than one and a half miles of white sand, fringed by coconut palms and sea grape trees.

Our tour today combines a panoramic tour of the island and an exciting yacht race. It is a little bit of everything to suit those who want to see the sights in a more exclusive and unique way.

This tour offers us a unique and exclusive opportunity to visit Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, famed for its deserted pink sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Just 27 miles north of Antigua, and covering 62 square miles, Barbuda was once a popular holiday destination for Princess Diana.

THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR HAS LIMITED AVAILABILITY - PRE BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

On this tour we can indulge ourselves aboard the Mystic catamaran as we sail along the beautiful coastline of Antigua.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

The amazing animals will surprise us with their gentleness. These once feared ‘beasts’ will find a special new place in our heart and provide us with unforgettable memories.

This tour gives us a chance to see beautiful places on the island, which are inaccessible by bus, but no problem for our open-sided, four-wheel drive Land Rover jeep. Hold on to your hats for this fun-filled, off-road adventure!

Our tour begins with a short drive to Coconut Grove Beach, located at Dickenson Bay. Upon arrival, we can learn to play the sound of Caribbean music on a steel pan.

It is thought that the Arawaks first inhabited Antigua about 2,000 years ago; around 1200 AD they were evicted by the Caribs. It was not until 1493 that Columbus first sighted Antigua, and named it after a church in Seville, Spain. The British colonised the island in 1632, and in 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington arrived to establish the first sugar plantation. By the end of that century, the plantation economy had developed, slaves were imported and the central part of the island was stripped of its forests and replanted with sugar cane. In the early 1800's, the sugar market began to falter. With the abolition of slavery in 1834, the plantations collapsed and were consolidated under the control of a handful of landowners. Antigua finally achieved independence in 1981.

For reference, the currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, although US Dollars are widely accepted.

This tour offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to visit Montserrat, and to witness an active volcano from a safe distance.

Today’s tour will allow us to enjoy a full circumnavigation of Antigua’s magnificent coastline - think you have seen all that Antigua has to offer? Wait until you experience the views by sea!
 

If there’s one tour we’re really going to ‘push the boat out’ for, perhaps this should be it! Our entire tour of Montserrat is over the ‘exclusion zone’, which is an area that has been designated off limits to ground transportation for the past few years. What better way to view it than by Bell helicopter!

The island is Antigua’s oldest owner-operated excursion, now in its 38th year, and is one of Antigua’s best-kept secret hideaways.
 

Our journey through the centre of the island takes us past quaint villages, which epitomise the typical West Indian style and culture.
 

Castaways Restaurant lies on a beautiful beach in Jolly Harbour on the west coast of the Antigua. Here we will have some free time to let the sun warm our body and the beach soothe our soul as we enjoy one of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, located in the lush tropical landscaped marina.

Leaving Ponta Delgada by way of the coastal road, we pass through a number of picturesque villages before arriving at Feteiras.

Our tour will begin with a visit to the city centre, where we shall walk through some of the most interesting streets of downtown Ponta Delgada.

From Ribeira Grande, we proceed along the north coast, passing en route Santa Iria Belvedere and the Tea Plantation at Gorreana, before arriving at the summit of Pico do Ferro Belvedere, which overlooks the magnificent Furnas Valley.

Since their discovery in the early 15th century, the Portuguese Azores have played an important part in oceanic navigation. They were a logistical point for the discovery of new worlds, a port of call for ships engaged in trade between Europe, America and India, and a place to lay anchor for the galleons bringing the wealth of the Americas back to the Old World.

For reference, the currency used in the Azores is the Euro.

An ideal opportunity to see the beautiful places on the island, which are inaccessible by bus!

Ribeira Grande is the oldest town on the north coast and has a Portuguese feeling, evident in the house facades and verandas.