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21 Days Caribbean shorelines and South American paradises Tour Package Duration: 21 Days / 20 Nights Priced From: $5,641 (All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses) Dates: Nov, Feb, Nov  Starting off in Guyana, our exciting 21-day tour takes us on a magical journey to explore the many natural and man-made attractions of the Caribbean and the surrounding area. We visit through Guyana's historic centres, seeing colonial sites dating from the 16th century, and wander along wide tree-lined avenues in the daytime, before gazing in wonder at the flocks of parrots that arrive at twilight. Lush, green foliage, tropical flowers and magnificent waterfalls abound as we make our way through Guyana and into Suriname, where we learn about the history of the country and of the changing face of the plantation industry through visits to the rural areas, the presidential palace and the number of museums. Trinidad is the next port of call, a colourful and lively destination that brings us face-to-face with the best of nature. Peaceful waterways and lagoons skirt our route as we delve into the heart of this ornithologist's paradise, with hundreds upon hundreds of species of kaleidoscopic birds, many of which are endemic to the area. We move on to admire the colonial sites and epitome of Caribbean cultures in the laid-back marketplaces of Antigua, before sailing amid abundant tropical islands and sampling the famous hiking trails of The Grenadines. Dominica and Guadeloupe combine to form the last stops on this unbelievable trip through paradise. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Guyana Today we arrive in Georgetown, capital of South America's only English speaking country. Guyana's capital city lies on the coast, protected by a sea wall and an elaborate drainage system designed by the Dutch. Built mostly of wood, Georgetown is an architectural wonder with many of its buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Called the garden city due to its wide tree lined avenues, Georgetown is a little piece of the colonial past in a modern world. Overnight in Georgetown. Dinner if required. Day 2 Georgetown: City Tour - Baganara Early this morning we will have a brief tour of Georgetown's principal sights. We start at the Seawall and learn about the working of the sluice gates. We then drive to the historical center and view St George's Cathedral, one of the world's tallest free standing wooden buildings, and the Parliament building, completed in 1833. We continue to the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo and finish with the Hibiscus Craft Market and the Post Office. (Depending on timing and schedules, Georgetown sightseeing may occur at different point in our tour). We also see the Victorian Law Courts and Town Hall, as well as the historic Starbroek Market. We depart Georgetown and travel to Baganara Resort. Pre-eminent among the three hundred and sixty-five islands in the mighty Essequibo is this wonderful little paradise with one hundred and eighty-seven acres of lush green foliage and colourful tropical flowers. This is the gateway to the unspoilt rainforest of Guyana and the junction where the great Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers meet. This evening, as the sun sets, we make an excursion up the Essequibo River by motor boat to Parrot Island. As the warm tropical day ends, myriad stars of the equatorial zone appear and thousands of Amazonian parrots arrive to roost for the night. We will walk on the edges of this mangrove island listening to the sounds of these intelligent birds preparing for the night. The flocks of parrots arriving at twilight is unforgettable. Overnight at Baganara Resort. Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Baganara Resort We rise early this morning for a pre-breakfast nature walk. Our walk takes us through the humid swamp forests that cover much of Baganara Island. This is a perfect opportunity to identify some of the region's numerous tree species and watch for some of the more than 200 bird species recorded in the surrounding area. After breakfast you can take a swim in the warm, clean waters of the river, or perhaps the soft sand beaches that surround the island. Kayaks are available for those wishing to explore the river on their own; alternatively, you may choose to curl up in a hammock and relax. Later today we board a motorboat and take an exciting journey to the town of Bartica. An Arawak word meaning "red clay", it is home to many people who work the mighty rivers. The Mazaruni has many granite quarries--the stone is sent all over the Carribbean. The Cuyuni leads to Venezuela and has numerous gold, silver, diamond and bauxite mines. An isolated nearby island is still the site of Guyana's largest prison, continuously used since built by the Dutch several centuries ago. * Cuyuni and Mazaruni river cruises may be replaced by other sightseeing if water levels are not high enough. Overnight at Baganara Resort. All meals. Day 4 Baganara - Kaieteur Waterfall - Georgetown An aircraft will pick us up at Baganara for our day tour of the Kaieteur Waterfall. Kaieteur thunders over a precipice, plummeting 224 m (741 feet), making it the longest single drop waterfall in the world. This is Guyana's trademark and one of the most impressive and beautiful sights in Guyana, a solid column of water in a perpendicular drop into cascading foam and spray over the great boulders at the foot of the cliff, producing breathtaking rainbows across the gorge (hopefully the weather will be clear!). The aircraft circles the Falls, giving views to both sides of the plane, and then lands nearby. We walk through a tropical gorge, stopping at a number of viewpoints, before reaching the very edge of the top of the Falls. There are many legends of Kaieteur, but the most enduring tells of a great old Chieftain of the Patamona tribe whose name was Kaie. To save his people from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi, Kaie sacrificed himself to the Makonaima, the Great Spirit, by canoeing himself over the falls. We then fly back to Baganara for lunch before proceding by plane back to Georgetown. The flight provides breathtaking views of the endless canopy of tropical rain forest sliced by huge rivers, and Georgetown's location, at the mouth of the Essequibo. Overnight in Georgetown. Breakfast and dinner. Day 5 Georgetown, Guyana - Paramaribo, Suriname We have an early morning start, setting out by road to the Corentyne River which forms the border between Guyana and Suriname. We pass through the mainly agricultural areas crossing the Berbice River by ferry before arriving at Moleson Creek, where we join a second ferry to cross to Southdrain on the Suriname border. We continue on to Paramaribo and check in to our hotel. (This is a long though interesting journey. Possible lengthy waits at the ferry crossing requires patience.) Paramaribo originated in the 17th century around an old trading post and Fort Willoughby, which was renamed Fort Zeelandia after the Dutch conquered it in 1667. The Dutch made the settlement near the fort the colony's capital, calling it Nieuw Middelburg. This name for the new capital has never been accepted. The popular name for the capital is still 'foto,' derived from 'fort.' Some months later, the British took over the fort again, but under the Peace of Breda, Suriname became a Dutch colony again. The name Paramaribo is derived from 'Paramurubo,' the name of an old Arrawak village, which means 'city of parwa blossoms.' Overnight in Paramaribo. Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Paramaribo - Commewijne River Cruise - Paramaribo This morning we have a tour of this historic capital. Sights in Paramaribo include: The Central Market where you can find tropical fruit and vegetables galore; here one can meet a cross-section of Suriname's ethnically-diverse population. The Palm Garden, which is behind the Presidential Palace, is famous for its stately palm trees. Waterfront / Independence Square is the centre of activity during national holidays. There are also several foodstands along the Waterfront. The historic Fort Zeelandia has been turned into a museum, which highlights Suriname's history and arts (NOTE: Paramaribo sightseeing may occur at a different point of our tour if overall timing warrants). This afternoon we have a cruise on the Commewijne River, directly opposite Paramaribo city. Our tour will take us along the river, past former colonial plantations of which most are abandoned and no longer active. A visit to the open-air museum at Nieuw Amsterdam and Marienburg, the oldest former sugar plantation in Suriname, will carry you back in time. The agricultural projects in Alkmaar, Katwijk and surroundings will offer you a view on how the plantation industry transformed itself in modern times. The river which takes in a dominant place in Commewijne, provides a way of earning a living to many fishermen in the area. Overnight in Paramaribo. Breakfast and dinner. Day 7 Paramaribo, Suriname - Port of Spain, Trinidad Today we fly from Suriname to Trinidad,* a romantic island, home of calypso and the steelband with a wonderful blend of blue-green waters, golden sands and lush tropical jungles. On arrival we will have an orientation tour. We visit the capital, Port of Spain, where gingerbread-style houses are found side-by-side with a variety of modern structures. The seven grandest examples of colonial Victorian houses lie in a row along St Clair's border with the Savannah. Known as the 'Magnificent Seven', the houses are each in a different style but vie to outdo each other in form and decoration. We visit the nearby Botanical Gardens. Later we see the impressive President's Residence; the leafy suburbs of St Ann's lie behind. We will view the Red House (Parliament), the Hall of Justice, and Woodford Square. The garden in the square is the setting for open-air political debate: the topic of the day is written on a blackboard each morning. The Woodbrook area is dotted with restaurants and bars, many of which are in small 'gingerbread' houses, fringed with fretwork and delicately painted. Then it's a short drive to Lady Young Lookout for an excellent panoramic view of Port of Spain. We'll head for Santa Cruz Valley with its endless cocoa and coffee plantations. The drive through this valley is approximately 20 minutes and from here we continue along the scenic North Coast Road where we will take in a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea at Maracas Lookout. On reaching Maracas Beach, Trinidad's most beautiful and popular, you can swim, sunbathe or relax before returning to the hotel (changing facilities are available). NOTE: Flight schedules and / or weather considerations may require that we have today's Port of Spain sightseeing on one of the following days, or mix up the order of our sightseeing in Trinidad. This day is also subject to flight schedules that can change without warning. If today's flight is cancelled or discontinued, we may have to drive back to Georgetown and fly from there. Overnight in Trinidad. Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Trinidad: Central Trinidad & Caroni Nature Sanctuary This morning our island tour takes us through the plains of Central Trinidad, vast mangrove swamp and rice fields. Trinidad being a mixed society, of all different races; we will see many Hindu flags in front of private residences and Hindu temples and hear about their significance. We also visit the remarkable "Sadhu" Hindu Temple, built under great sacrifice out in the sea. We visit the lively and colourful Chaguanas fresh produce market and busy bazaar street with a break for lunch and shopping. We then continue to the the Caroni Nature Sanctuary, a mangrove swamp covering an area of 40 square miles at Trinidad's North West Coast. We board a large flat-bottomed boat and slowly travel along the beautiful peaceful waterways and lagoons admiring the bizarre beauty of the landscape and a variety of birds and other wildlife. The most astounding among these birds is the scarlet ibis, a large bright red bird feeding and nesting here. This tour is world renowned among ornithologists as it offers the observer an opportunity to see this rare protected bird with very little effort. After this relaxing boat ride we return to the main landing and make our way back to Port of Spain (all nights in Trinidad are spent at the same hotel). Overnight in Trinidad. Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Trinidad: Asa Wright Nature Centre Today we drive to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as other local flora and fauna. The AWNC is a "Not-for-Profit" Trust established in 1967 by a group of naturalists and bird-watchers to "protect part of the Arima Valley in a natural state and to create a conservation and study area for the protection of wildlife and for the enjoyment of all." Our guided walk will explore the Discovery Trail and conclude on the verandah. Colourful birds like the brilliant green shining Honeycreepers and the Jacob Hummingbirds visit the nearby feeders just below the verandah. This is one of the best places for birding in the tropics. The original estate house of the former coffee-cocoa-citrus plantation has been beautifully remodeled over the years as a comfortable headquarters where guests gather to watch the incredible birdlife from the verandah. Return to our hotel. Overnight in Trinidad. Breakfast and dinner. Day 10 Port of Spain, Trinidad - Bridgetown, Barbados This morning we fly to Bridgetown, Barbados, arriving in the early afternoon. Bridgetown is the capital and commercial centre and has a population of about 80,000. Bridgetown was originally named "Indian Bridge" for the rude bridge which had been constructed over the river (now known as the Careenage) by the indigenous people. It was later called the "town of St. Michael" in official documents, before finally being named Bridgetown when a new bridge was built in place of the Indian Bridge, sometime after 1654. In previous times, the careenage was an important hub of activity for inter-island trading vessels. Nowadays the careenage is mainly utilized by pleasure craft (catamarans, yachts, fishing boats, etc). After our arrival, we'll have a tour of Bridgetown. The Parliament Buildings of Barbados are located at the top of Broad Street. The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639 and is the third oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth. Opposite the Parliament Buildings, you will find Trafalgar Square and a statue of Lord Nelson. The Lord Nelson statue, erected on 22 Mar 1813, is older than the statue and square of the same name and fame in London. Trafalgar Square was officially renamed National Heroes Square in April 1999, in honour of the national heroes of Barbados. Overnight in Barbados. Breakfast and dinner. Day 11 Barbados: Garrison & Museum tour We begin at the main Guard, a landmark of the Garrison since 1803. We continue our journey to the other historical buildings of the Garrison, including the barracks used in the 17th and 18th centuries, and view the house where George Washington stayed on his only visit outside of the United States. On to the Military Cemetery with headstones dating back to the 17th Century. On to the Garrison, St. Ann's Fort and it's cannon collection. The Oldest cannon found was cast in 1620 and the youngest is dated 1870. We see the replica of the Mermaid Tavern, where the Charter of Barbados was signed in 1652, and later used in the writing of the United States Constitution. After lunch, we continue to the cobblestone courtyard of the former Military Prison, now home of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society. Take in the many original and fascinating displays. These include artifacts of the indigenous peoples and early inhabitants; the military and children's galleries; and an interactive African exhibition. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Barbados. Breakfast and lunch (dinner on your own). Day 12 Barbados: Day at Leisure Today is free for you to enjoy the charm of this beautiful island. Barbados is, of course, famous for its beaches. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. Overnight in Barbados. Breakfast and dinner. Day 13 Bridgetown, Barbados - Kingstown, St Vincent & The Grenadines Today we transfer to the airport for our quick non-stop flight to Kingstown on St Vincent. Known by the Caribs as Hairoun ("Land of the Blessed"), St. Vincent was first inhabited by the Ciboney, a grouping of Meso-Indians. The economy of these hunter-gatherers depended heavily on marine resources as well as the land. Another indigenous group, the Arawak, who entered the West Indies from Venezuela and moved gradually north and west along the islands, gradually displaced the Ciboney. The Caribs, arriving in St. Vincent perhaps no more than 100 years before the Europeans, conquered the Arawak and began a new chapter in Vincentian history. More warlike than their predecessors, the Caribs were extremely efficient at keeping unwanted settlers from their shores. While it is doubtful that Christopher Columbus ever set foot on the island, he may have sighted it on his third voyage to the New World (1498-1500). Overnight on St Vincent. Breakfast and dinner. Day 14 St Vincent: Kingstown Town Tour Kingstown is best appreciated for its West Indian feel rather than for any attractions. It's a good place to relax and stroll the cobblestone streets. The town gets its unique atmosphere from the produce vendors, the crowds at the fish market and rum shops, and its stone-block colonial buildings. This morning we will have an informal walking orientation tour with time to explore this quaint capital on your own. After lunch we will travel a short distance to Fort Charlotte, on Berkshire Hill, just west of town, and over 600 feet above the bay. Named after King George III's wife, the fortification was constructed in 1806. In its heyday, it supported 600 troops and 34 guns. Some of the old barracks now house a museum with the colourful history of the Black Caribs depicted on its walls. Overnight in St Vincent. Breakfast and dinner. Day 15 St Vincent - Bequia - St Vincent This morning we take the regular public ferry to the neighbouring island of Bequia (a one hour crossing), the largest of the Grenadines, a jewel-like string of 100 tiny islands and cays which stretches out across the Caribbean Sea between St Vincent and Grenada. Each ferry has an air-conditioned saloon, bar and snack bar, or you can choose to sit up on deck and enjoy the sea air. When we enter Admiralty Bay, the beauty of the place overwhelms with brightly coloured rooftops poking out from the rugged and lush green hills surrounding the harbour. Port Elizabeth in Admiralty Bay is a bustling little port, very clean, and has plenty of excellent restaurants. Your Tour Leader will provide a brief orientation and suggestions for later in the day before setting off on our 3-4 hour island tour. The best way to see the island is for us to hire some of the typical open-back taxis. You driver will likely be able to provide us with a lot of valuable information and provide some interesting local insight into life on the island. A popular stop on our tour is the Fort lookout to the north of Admiralty Bay which provides a panoramic view of the harbour from about 120 m / 400 feet up. On the windward northeast side of the island you will find a beautiful coconut plantation, as well as the beach at Spring. There is a small beach bar there, fully equipped to facilitate a mid-trip beverage stop. Be sure to visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, just past the village of Industry on the east side. It is operated by Orton "Brother" King, who collects turtle hatchlings (not eggs!) from beaches all around The Grenadines, then raises the young turtles for several years before re-introducing them to the wild. The highest point on the island, Mt. Pleasant, is 230 m (760 ft) and is reachable following a steep climb up another narrow winding road. The 360-degree view from the top is stunning and well worth the terror experienced getting there. We will come together again in Port Elizabeth for our ferry back to St Vincent later today. If you prefer to return to St Vincent earlier, you may take any departure on the same company (keep your ticket!). On a Tuesday, the return journeys generally depart @ 1.00pm, 2.00pm, or 4.30pm (subject to change). Overnight on St Vincent. Breakfast and dinner. Day 16 St Vincent: At Leisure Today is free to enjoy St Vincent. Today you can sample some of the island's well-known scenic hiking opportunities. Approximately 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Kingstown, the Vermont Nature Trails veers east off the main road. The Nature Trails are a network of well-posted loops (2.4 km / 1.5 mi) through the 300-600 m (1,000-2,000 ft) levels of Grand Bonhomme mountain. The well-maintained paths pass through an evergreen forest and then on to a tropical rain forest. Towering ferns, 18 m (60 ft) bamboo stands, and hardwood forests 30 m (100 ft) overhead are all standard fare on this extraordinary nature walk. Almost halfway up is a parrot-viewing area where, given the time and the patience, one may be rewarded by seeing the St. Vincent parrot in its natural habitat. A visit to the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, is a favourite stop for both visitors and locals. The garden was founded in 1762 as a commercial breeding ground for plants brought from other parts of the world. The best way to explore on your own is by local taxi, which can be easily hired for private tours at reasonable prices. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. Overnight in St Vincent. Breakfast and dinner. Day 17 Kingstown, St Vincent - Dominica Today we fly to Dominica (with a change of planes in Bridgetown; there are no direct flights to this less-visited, pristine island). We arrive in the mid-afternoon and transfer to our hotel. Pronounced "Dah min eek' uh," Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a small independent republic in the Lesser Antilles. On November 3rd, 1493 Columbus first sighted the island (Wai'tukubuli) and renamed it. From his notes: "Dominica is remarkable for the beauty of its mountain and the amenity of its verdure and must be seen to be believed." Also known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, it remains covered in an unspoiled swathe of dense forests, rainforests and waterfalls. It is also a very mountainous island, dominated by the spectacular 1438 m (4,747 ft) Morne Diablotin peak, often shrouded in a misty cloud within the Northern Forest Reserve, one of the many national parks on this picturesque island. This is our off-the-beaten-path choice for this tour, and now is the time to experience it. Recent reports of unspoiled rainforest hiking, hidden hot springs, secluded beaches, world-class diving, and a holistic, enviro-friendly culture heralds the beginning of tourism in this unspoiled paradise. Overnight on Dominica. Breakfast and dinner. Day 18 Dominica: Emerald Pool & Carib Country We'll start today's tour in Roseau and head to Morne Bruce for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding area. We continue to the Botanic Gardens, with a stop to see Dominica's parrots. As we drive through the garden's exotic 40 acres, your guide will point out the various species of tropical plants, including Dominica's national flower, the scarlet blossoming bwa kwaib. We will then travel to the Trois Piton National Park, home of the Emerald Pool. Thanks to the efforts of farsighted preservationists, Dominica has established more protected parks, forests, and marine reserves per capita than almost anywhere on the planet. A short, easy hike will take you to the pool, fed by a delicate cascade plunging off the edge of a fern-covered cliff. If you wish, you may take a refreshing dip in the pool. Our tour then heads north to the Carib Territory, one of the most valued spots in Dominica. Here live the mixed descendants of the last of the Island Caribs who inhabited the Lesser Antilles. We will visit a model Carib village; you will also have the opportunity to purchase crafts from the local vendors. Dominica is home to 72,000 people (5,700 of whom are native Caribs) and is blissfully undeveloped. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Dominica. Breakfast and dinner. Day 19 Dominica: At Leisure Today is free to enjoy Dominica. The more energetic can enjoy an early day hike. The Morne Diablotin or Morne Trois Pitons are challenging hikes up the island's first and second highest peaks, through thick hidden forests. You'll have an opportunity to get a peak at the protected Sisserou and Jacquot parrots. To the south of the island, Portsmouth and Toucari or Scott's Head and Soufriere provide opportunities for snorkeling/diving at unspoiled sites with visits to picturesque villages along the way. You can usually book such excursions, including transport, for about $60 US per person (subject to availability). Overnight on Dominica. Breakfast and dinner. Day 20 Dominica - Port of Spain, Trinidad Today we fly back to Trinidad. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on our time in Paradise. Overnight in Port of Spain. Breakfast and dinner. Day 21 Departure Departure from Trinidad. Breakfast. BON VOYAGE!! Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Guyana vacation specialist. Contact : Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 11/09 |
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