Panama Canal, Corals & Cultures
A voyage from Costa Rica including Panama, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala & Belize aboard the MS Serenissima
- 22 February 2023
Let us take you to some of the loveliest and least developed places in Central America whilst also including one of the greatest man made wonders of the world – the Panama Canal. An engineering marvel when it opened, the 50-mile passage still continues to astonish the most veteran traveller.
When most people think of exploring Central America, they think of overland travel but not the hours which are usually spent traversing rugged roads in order to get around. There is an easier and more comfortable way to explore the region and that is by small ship. Skip the arduous, lengthy land travel and relax instead aboard the 95-passenger MS Serenissima.
Sailing from the Caribbean Sea through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean, our cruise will take us along the coasts and to the islands of Panama and Costa Rica, areas of outstanding natural beauty and home to countless species of endangered birds from tiny hummingbirds to flashy macaws and parrots, toucans and woodpeckers. Add an amazingly rich biodiversity of flora and fauna seen against some of the lushest of landscapes to be found anywhere in the world and you have the recipe for a perfect winter escape. From Costa Rica we continue through Central America with calls into Isla Providencia, a beautiful Colombian island that is little known and relatively untouched by the hand of tourism, followed by a visit to the small Honduran island of Guanaja. Our final two calls before we reach Grand Cayman are Livingston in Guatemala, a settlement of Garifuna people and Belize City from where we discover the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai.
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 onboard naturalists, meeting with members of indigenous tribes or discovering ancient sites.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she 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 San Jose, Costa Rica.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 San Jose to Puerto Caldera.
After breakfast in the hotel we will have some free time in San Jose before transferring to the MS Serenissima in Puerto Caldera. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 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 a number of 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 4 Golfo Dulce.
Today we 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 a number of tropical birds here including toucans. We will have some free time this afternoon to explore further or relax on the beach before we sail in the early evening.
Day 5 Chiriqui Gulf Marine Park, Panama.
Arrive into Panama and 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 mangroves learning about the local flora and fauna or find a spot under a palm tree on the beach and take a swim. Maybe join a lecture as we spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 6 Panama City.
After a morning at sea we arrive at our anchorage off Panama City and there will be a choice of tours this afternoon. You may choose to visit 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. For those interested in meeting the Embera Indians, a tour to the Chagres National Park will be arranged where we will take a dugout canoe to the village in the jungle, meet the local tribe and learn about their history.
Day 7 Panama Canal Transit.
An undisputed destination on the travel bucket list has to 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 8 Bocas de Toro.
Today we explore the Bocas del Toro archipelago, pristine islands which are now part of a national marine park. We spend the morning surrounded by astounding beauty and using local boats will explore the mangroves where we hope to see sloths, dolphins in the water and find a remote beach to swim and snorkel on the coral reefs. This afternoon we will visit the small town of Bocas del Toro and have free time to wander amongst the fine old Spanish buildings.
Day 9 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.
Returning to Costa Rica we head to the Cahuita National Park. The area is filled with wildlife that includes howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, coatis, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines. Several avian species also live in the swamp forest including the green ibis, the green kingfisher, the yellow crowned night-heron, the frigate bird and the boat-billed heron among others. Our naturalist guides will lead us through the trails of the rainforest, sharing their vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. After lunch on board you can choose to spend the afternoon at leisure or join a restored passenger train and travel through beautiful scenery to catch a glimpse of some more of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife such as sloths and monkeys. The train track is part of the Atlantic Railway which was opened in 1890 to link San Jose with the country’s east coast but closed to regular services after severe damage by an earthquake in 1991. For the second part of the trip we will board a boat and travel along the scenic Tortuguero canals, where waterfowl, white-faced and spider monkeys can be spotted.
Day 10 Isla de Providencia, Colombia.
Often referred to as ‘Old Providence’ in English, Providencia is a beautiful Colombian island that is little known and relatively untouched by the hand of tourism. Along with its smaller sister island of Santa Catalina, it is enclosed by an extensive barrier reef system of some 35 kilometres in length, making it one of the most significant reefs in the world. Captured twice by Henry Morgan and his buccaneers who aimed to make it a British possession, it nevertheless ended up Spanish and is now a remote Colombian island. Arriving at lunchtime, spend the afternoon on an island tour, take a nature walk or travel in local boats to Crab Cay for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 11 At Sea.
Relax on board, find a spot on deck or maybe join one of our lectures as we continue our journey north.
Day 12 Isla Guanaja, Honduras.
Arrive this morning in Honduras and the small island of Guanaja. The easternmost of the three Bay Islands, Guanaja is covered in a forest of Caribbean pine and when Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1502, he named it the Isla de Pinos (Island of Pines). Unlike some of the surrounding islands, only small ships like ours can anchor here and we will spend the day exploring the island and its surroundings. Spend time in the small vibrant town of Bonacca, join a nature walk through the coastal forest and mangroves with the local guides or enjoy time to relax on the beaches or swim in the clear waters.
Day 13 Livingston, Guatemala.
Surrounded by water and jungle, Livingston is a settlement of Garifuna people accessible only by sea which is just one of the things that makes it unique among Guatemalan cities. We will transfer onto local boats and venture up the Rio Dulce hoping to see pelicans, cormorants and herons as we cruise up the river before arriving at the Ak’tenamit project, a local social development organisation supporting sustainable tourism. Here we will walk the trails viewing birds and plants before returning to spend time in Livingston itself.
Day 14 Belize City, Belize.
We have an interesting day ahead as we travel inland to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai (translates to ‘submerged crocodile’). From the nearby town of Orange Walk Bridge we board local boats for a wildlife cruise through mangroves, wetlands and forests. Look out for egrets, herons, kingfishers, snail kites and black collared hawks as we make our way up river past Morelet’s crocodiles. A short walk through the jungle brings us to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve with its massive pyramids which are in fact pyramids built upon pyramids. Local guides will tell the story of this site which is the only Mayan city known to have been inhabited through every age of Mayan civilisation.
Day 15 At Sea.
Enjoy a final relaxing day at sea as we sail to the Cayman Islands.
Day 16 Grand Cayman to London.
Disembark this morning and take an island tour including the Cayman Islands National Museum and the Botanic Park, home to the endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana as well as hundreds of species of tropical plants. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 17 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 22 February to 10 March 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £7295 | £6995 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £7595 | £7295 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £7995 | £7695 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £8495 | £8195 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £8995 | £8695 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £9295 | £8995 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £9295 | £8995 |
| 10 Standard Single | £7295 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE220223
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in San Jose with breakfast • 14 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her life as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our longstanding associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for the majority of each year since knowing her to be perfect for small ship cruising. With her small size she 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.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and she is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her on top form. At the end of 2018 she underwent a refurbishment which included both of the lounges and in November 2019 further refurbishments were completed including the cabins on Decks 3 & 4, the reception area and the Venice Restaurant. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features is her unique style.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesAIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE
Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins/suites, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701 – 704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony.
Facilities include: • Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning) • Dressing table with chair or stool • En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) • Hairdryer • Minibar (Serenissima Suites only) • Balcony (Serenissima Suites only) • Dressing gown and slippers • Safe • Flat screen television • Telephone (charges apply) • Wardrobe • Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima.com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject).
The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication:
Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge.
Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
FIELD STAFF
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia Cruise Director/Expedition Leader and an experienced team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board.
When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
LANGUAGE
All members of the crew speak English.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 0900. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service onboard.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros,British Pounds or US Dollars) • Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) • Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa) Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
As a result of Russian ownership, please note that credit/debit card payments will be charged in Russian Rubles. The debited amount shown on your bank/building society statement in British Pounds will be based on the relevant exchange rates on the day of the transaction. You may need to make your bank/building society aware that your card payment will be authorised ‘in Russia’ so that payment is not declined, and also to ascertain if any additional charges will be applied. Unfortunately, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service onboard, as this would be contravening official regulations.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore.
POST
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route.
PUBLIC AREAS
• Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 09.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Beware of petty crime and pickpockets whilst ashore. A money belt worn underneath clothing is useful. Do not take all your money with you when out sightseeing. We advise utmost caution at popular tourist spots. Please do not leave any luggage unattended at any time.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SEA SICKNESS
As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon weather, season, etc. It is recommended that you bring anti-motion sickness medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. Please consult your Doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or local pharmacist regarding which medication is appropriate and its side effects. To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or lying down with their eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help. SHOP The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOILETS
The ship is fitted with a sensitive vacuum system. Please do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in Reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.6 December 2019
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to see more of Costa Rica, we are offering an extension which includes time spent exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal.
Arenal Volcano
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 San Jose to Arenal.
Following breakfast at our hotel, we will first head to the Doka Estate for an insight into one of Costa Rica’s prime exports, coffee. We will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where after a short walk, we will be treated to spectacular 180 degree views of the volcano’s crater and the picturesque surrounding areas. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we will transfer to the Tabacon Hot Springs which are heated by the nearby volcano and set in a tropical paradise. After some free time here to relax, we will transfer to Arenal and check in to the Kioro Hotel or similar for a two night stay. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Arenal.
After breakfast, we depart for a guided visit to Arenal Park. Here, we will take a walk through the area where the Arenal volcanic eruption took place in 1968, learning about the destruction this caused and the subsequent rebirth of life via the rich mineral deposits. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Arenal to Monteverde.
After breakfast we will start our stunning journey to Monteverde including a stop for lunch and some time at leisure to absorb the region’s lush and verdant flora and fauna whilst taking in its rare and diverse biosphere. Continue on to Monteverde and check in to the El Establo Hotel or similar for our two night stay. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Monteverde.
Today we will experience the hanging bridges of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Sky Walk which crosses the canyons below and bring us face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. The trails extend for slightly over a mile and a half and we will be accompanied by local guides. Biologists now know that about 90 percent of all organisms in a rainforest are found in the canopy. There will also be the opportunity to make your way up to one of the highest mountains in the area by Sky Tram, a tranquil way to take in the natural beauty of the forest. After lunch we will enjoy further exploration of the forest with a walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Monteverde to Puerto Caldera.
After breakfast and a morning at leisure in the hotel we will transfer to the MS Serenissima in Puerto Caldera with lunch en-route and continue with the main cruise itinerary from Day 2.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
18 to 23 February 2023 Category Price Twin £2295 Single £2795 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Arenal & Monteverde, overnight hotel accommodation in San Jose, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), excursions, 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