Our unique voyage along Central America’s Pacific coastline from the fascinating Colombian city of Cartagena, through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and concluding in Guatemala’s charming, UNESCO World Heritage City of Antigua is certainly an odyssey to some of Central America’s most picturesque and fascinating destinations. The region is imbued with colour and culture with a tremendous mix of natural beauty and historical sites.
We will spend four days in Costa Rica which, although small in size has a particular topography and position between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans which results in it being one of the most biologically diverse places on earth with teeming rain forest, cloud forest, hot volcanoes and a remarkably diverse landscape and culture. Added to this is the famous wildlife of the region: spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis and over 300 species of birds including brilliant toucans and scarlet macaws. We will spend time in both Nicaragua and El Salvador, two Central American countries which remain delightfully undiscovered. Whilst in Nicaragua, we will witness extraordinary volcanic landscapes and take in the splendours of the colonial cities, from the pastel hues of the great buildings that line the streets of Granada to the shady gardens and plazas of delightful Leon. Moving on to El Salvador, there is the opportunity to explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Joya de Ceren, known as the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ and to visit the well-preserved Mayan ruins of Tazumal in Chalchuapa. For nature lovers we will enjoy a full day in the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve which hosts a wide diversity of birds and sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill turtle, and we will learn of the flora and fauna and of the area’s turtle conservation.
Our flexible itinerary and knowledgeable onboard team will enable us to make the most of each day, whether we are landing on remote beaches by Zodiac, searching for endemic flowers, mammals and birds with our naturalists, meeting with members of indigenous tribes or learning about the colonial and often turbulent history of the region and of course not forgetting what will be one of the highlights for many, our daylight transit through the iconic Panama Canal.
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Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Cartagena, Colombia.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Cartagena.
Cartagena is one of the most fascinating cities in South America and this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of the colonial walled-city which is virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. Our guides will bring the history of the city to life as we walk its streets and ramparts. We will visit the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, Monastery of San Pedro Claver, the Plaza de la Aduana and Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 3 San Blas Islands, Panama.
We arrive in Panama at the stunning San Blas archipelago. The archipelago is made up of over 400 islands which line the north coast of Panama with white sandy beaches set in a turquoise sea. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as ‘molas’. We will have time to take a nature walk or perhaps enjoy a swim or snorkel from the beach
Day 4 Panama Canal Transit.
An undisputed destination on the travel bucket list must be the Panama Canal. The first attempt to build the canal was made by a French company but ended in failure in 1889. The American government eventually bought out the French for 40 million dollars, and their attempt to build the Canal started in 1904. Through the efforts of over 80,000 workers and the loss of more than 30,000 lives, the greatest single construction project ever undertaken was completed. The project ended in triumph, with the Canal opening in 1914, and it is now a vital artery of international trade, with nearly 14,000 ships travelling through it every year. The canal is around 50 miles long and takes between eight to ten hours to cross and we hope to confirm a daytime crossing.
Day 5 Panama City.
From our anchorage at Flamenco Marina, there will be a choice of excursions today. Join a tour to the Panama Canal Observation Centre where you can learn about the expansion of the canal before visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre where you can see the history of the canal and watch the ships as they pass through. Alternatively for those interested in meeting the Embera Indians, there will be a tour to the Chagres National Park where we will take a dugout canoe to the village in the jungle, meet the local tribe and learn about their history.
Day 6 Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board before a lunchtime arrival at the Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park which spreads over 36,000 acres and comprises of 25 islands and numerous coral reefs. Created in 1994, the Marine Park’s aim is to aid the preservation of the region’s ecosystems, diverse flora and fauna, scientific conservation projects and protect the islands' endangered inhabitants. We will land on one of the islands where you may choose to take a nature walk to the mangroves learning about the local flora and fauna or find a spot under a palm tree on the beach and take a swim.
Day 7 Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica.
After clearing immigration formalities into Costa Rica at Golfito we will make our way to Casa Orquideas (Orchid House), a five hectare private botanical garden cut out of the rainforest by Ron and Trudy MacAllister who now cultivate over 100 species of orchids which attract many different bird species. Plants of the tropics burst with colour and the air here is heady with the fragrance of flowers and humid soil. Due to the open space, it is often easy to spot several tropical birds here including toucans.
Day 8 Manuel Antonio National Park.
Early this morning we will travel to the Manuel Antonio National Park which is one of the most stunning and bio-diverse areas of the world. Spread out over 683 hectares it is filled with diverse wildlife, has both primary and secondary forests, boasts a stunning shoreline ideal for bird watching or swimming and is home to several endemic species of plants and animals. We will make an early start this morning allowing for the best viewing of monkeys, vividly coloured birds and the lethargic three-toed sloth. This afternoon we will have time at leisure in Quepos before we sail later tonight.
Day 9 Curu National Park & Isla Tortuga.
The Curu National Wildlife Refuge boasts a rich and diverse wildlife in five different habitats ranging from marine zones, including a wide beach area, mangrove swamps and tropical forests. This morning, on a range of walks we will find several species of birds, howler and capuchin monkeys and turtles. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to Tortuga Island where we have the chance to snorkel over the volcanic reef which is home to angelfish, morays and needlefish. Alternatively spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sand beaches.
Day 10 Playas del Coco.
Our final call in Costa Rica is the beach town of Playas del Coco in the Papagayo Gulf, once a small fishing village it has grown into a popular destination for local Costa Rican tourism. We will use our Zodiacs to land before heading inland to the Palo Verde National Park where we will board local boats to travel along the Tempisque River seeing the mangroves and dry forest vegetation which is home to countless birds and multiple mammals. As we will be visiting in the dry season, we hope to see peccaries, armadillos, jaguarondis, coatis, agoutis, deer and monkeys which are attracted to the river. We will enjoy lunch at the 19th century Hacienda House with views of the savannahs and sugar cane fields.
Day 11 San Juan del Sur for Granada, Nicaragua.
After an early breakfast we will leave from the friendly fishing village of San Juan del Sur for a full day tour to Granada and Lake Nicaragua. Founded in 1523, Granada is Nicaragua’s oldest Spanish city and has retained much of its Spanish character with colonial churches, narrow streets and colourful Spanish style homes. We will enjoy a walking tour including the cathedral and convent of San Francisco where we will find around 30 pre-Colombian stone statues dating back to 800 AD sculpted by the inhabitants of Zapatera Island on Lake Nicaragua. After a local lunch we continue to Lake Nicaragua and enjoy a relaxing boat ride amongst the 365 small islands created by the volcanic activity of the Mombacho volcano around 20,000 years ago. Whilst some islands are inhabited most remain unspoiled and are home to exotic plants, howler monkeys and orchids.
Day 12 Corinto for Leon.
The port of Corinto is our base for our visit to Leon, the former capital of Nicaragua. Here we will explore the colonial architecture and the 18th century cathedral which is one of the most prominent buildings in the city with fantastic views from the rooftop. Inside we will see the fresco paintings, statues and the lion that guards the tomb of Ruben Dario, the famous Nicaraguan poet. There will be some free time for those who wish to visit the bustling market.
Day 13 La Union, El Salvador.
We spend the day exploring the southern region of El Salvador and will offer a choice of excursions. You may wish to follow the ‘peace route’ set up to remember the events of the 1980s when El Salvador experienced a bitter civil war. It is estimated that over 100,000 were killed in the fighting whilst half a million fled into exile. We will visit Perquin, once a stronghold of the guerrillas and home to the Museum of the Revolution where former members of the rebel army are willing to share their experiences. We continue to the village of El Mozote where in December 1981 one of the worst atrocities occurred and more than 1000 people were killed in a single day. Our local guides will explain about living in the country during this time and we will see the monument erected for the victims and the memorial garden decorated with brightly coloured murals. Alternatively visit the Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve which is El Salvador’s most important marine ecosystem with the coastal area made up of remote islands, mangrove canals and desolate beaches whilst inland we find beautiful forests and cacao plantations. It is an important base for migratory birds as well as a nesting site for four sea turtle species including one of only two sites in the Pacific for the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. We will explore the different areas of the reserve spending time with the environmentalists and scientists who will teach us about the conservation of the turtles, walking through the forest on the lookout for spider monkeys. We will also visit one of the local cacao plantations to learn about the cultivation of cacao, which creates some of the finest chocolate.
Days 14 & 15 Acajutla.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the northern port of Acajutla where we will spend a day and a half. From here we will explore some of the colonial towns and communities on the ‘Flower Route’ named after the abundance of flowers found along the roadsides and in the villages. We will drive through the beautiful mountains to the town of Nahuizalco, home to one of the most longstanding native communities and arts and crafts production sites in the country. We continue to Ataco, the final stop on the Ruta de las Flores. Ataco is a quaint, colonial village known for its natural beauty, as well as its brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, colourful murals and unique arts and crafts. Alternatively, our full day excursion will discover the Mayan route starting at the archaeological site of Joya de Ceren, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Pompeii of America. The site was covered by the Loma Caldera volcano explosion which kept the remains of pre-Hispanic civilisation covered for hundreds of years and provides a unique insight into everyday life in a Mesoamerican farming community of the 6th century AD. We continue to the ruins of San Andres, once an important political and religious centre and testimony of the Indigo industry during the colonial period, better known as the ‘Blue Gold’. After lunch in a local restaurant we will continue to Santa Ana and see the beautiful Gothic Cathedral and National Palace before our tour ends at the ruins of Tazumal, the largest pyramid in El Salvador which dates from 1500 BC and is an important Mayan settlement.
Day 16 Puerto Quetzal to Antigua, Guatemala.
Disembark after breakfast and from our berth at Puerto Quetzal drive to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between three magnificent volcanoes in 1542, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas. Antigua remained an economic and political heart of Central America until a devastating earthquake in 1773 destroyed much of the city. We will explore the city which is a wonder of colonial buildings, beautiful squares, cobblestone streets and Baroque churches. This afternoon we transfer to our hotel for our overnight stay and the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration before we meet for dinner tonight.
Day 17 Antigua to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to Guatemala City for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 18 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
29 January to 15 February 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
2 Standard Stateroom | £8595 | £8295 |
3 Classic Stateroom | £8795 | £8495 |
4 Superior Stateroom | £8995 | £8695 |
5 Deluxe Stateroom | £9395 | £9095 |
6 Junior Suite | £9895 | £9595 |
7 Owner’s Suite | £10495 | £10195 |
8 Serenissima Suite | £10695 | £10395 |
10 Standard Single | £8595 | £8295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE290123
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 15 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Overnight hotel accommodation in Antigua, Guatemala with breakfast and dinner on Day 16 • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.

During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Guatemala after disembarking the MS Serenissima, we are offering a two night extension which includes guided excursions to the Tikal National Park and Lake Atitlan.
Tikal ruins
The Itinerary
Day 1 Antigua to Tikal, Guatemala.
Today we leave Antigua early in the morning for a short flight to Flores (approximately one hour) in the Peten Department. On arrival we will visit the Tikal National Park, touring the beautiful Mayan ruins in the dense sub-tropical humid jungle. This afternoon lunch will be served in a local restaurant before we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Antigua. Transfer back to our hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
(B, L)Day 2 Lake Atitlan.
After breakfast, we embark on full day tour to Lake Atitlan, described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world. Surrounded by 12 post-Mayan villages, all bearing the names of Catholic saints, and surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the experience is unique. We visit the main town of Panajachel where there will be some time at leisure to take some photographs and explore the local shops. After lunch in a local restaurant we will head back to our hotel in Antigua. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.
(B, L)Day 3 Antigua to London.
Check out from the hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 4 London.
Arrive today.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
14 to 17 February 2023 Category Price Twin £1195 Single £1395 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Antigua, Guatemala, meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), Tikal excursion by air, Lake Atitlan excursion, English speaking guide, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000