Radiant Amazon – Miami to Miami

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”

One of the Caribbean’s true gems, St. Barts is where Riviera chic meets Caribbean cool. Day-trippers come from nearby islands for the duty-free shopping, excellent dining and to lounge on the soft, white sands in a secluded palm-fringed cove. Tour Fort Gustav and Fort Carl, historic reminders of Sweden’s short-lived Caribbean possession. Excursions abound, inviting guests to snorkel, sail over the clear blue waters on a catamaran, or horseback ride through shaded jungle trails.

Pointe-à-Pitre lies on Grande-Terre and is the largest city of Guadeloupe. Whether visiting the spectacular waterfalls in the jungle of Basse-Terre, taking a scenic hike to the top of La Grande Soufrière volcano or sampling local rum on a distillery tour, you will find a diverse array of activities to enjoy. Pointe-à-Pitre offers luxury items imported from France as well as handicrafts at open-air markets throughout the city.

Dating back to 1609 when the Sea Venture wrecked off the coast, the first settlement of Bermuda began here at this north end of the archipelago. St. George’s parish is comprised of two large islands, St. George’s and St. David’s. The town of St. George’s is the second-oldest English town in the New World, and for almost two centuries, was the capital of Bermuda. It is named for both Sir George Somers, the founder of Bermuda, and Saint George, the patron Saint of England.

Discover colorful Port of Spain with its rich multicultural heritage, skyscrapers, lush gardens, and early 20th Century mansions. Explore The Savannah, a vast 260-acre park and its orchid house. Indulge in a chilled fresh coconut from one of the park’s vendors. Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, The Red House and The Magnificent Seven, a row of beautifully restored mansions dating from the Colonial era. Admire the clock tower in the Queen’s Royal College. Frederick St. offers fabulous restaurants, galleries and world-class shopping. Look for local artwork, fine clothing and other unique souvenirs. Enjoy fresh seafood, roti or callaloo while moving to the rhythm of Calypso music in this dynamic setting.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Today, Santarem is one of the Amazon’s most important trading centers, and is rich in legend and nature. The town is situated at the point where the Tapajos and the Amazon waters meet. This is called the “Wedding of the Waters” and is one of Santarem’s major attractions. The lakes and forests of this area are home to numerous species of birds, particularly the white egret.

We travel to experience life beyond the ordinary. Nestled on a 400 ft hill overlooking the Amazon, Boca Da Valeria is an Indian village located between Parintins and Santarem. This is an opportunity for you to wander at leisure through the small settlement or simply relax on board and take in up-close views of the rich equatorial vegetation from the ship. Ashore, you will find log canoes, grass huts, and a life of hunting and fishing unchanged since the time of the early explorers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

Manaus, the “Paris of the Jungle,” is the capital of Brazil’s state of Amazonas. The former river village rests along the left bank of the Rio Negro, which merges with the mighty Amazon. Carved from the dense jungle by rubber barons in the 19th century, Manaus has become an ideal starting or ending point for visitors to the mid-Amazon region. Riverboats can be taken through the myriad of tributaries, estuaries and small creeks, where the richest wildlife can be seen. Attractions include the stunning Renaissance-style Opera House and the Customs House, prefabricated in Liverpool England complete with clock tower and known as “Little Big Ben.”

The small village of Parintins on Tupinambarana Island is situated in the largest river archipelago of the mid-Amazon. Steeped in centuries-old Indian culture, this village is celebrates an annual “Boi Bumba” festival. The yearly folkloric festival, considered second only to Carnival in Rio, is held in June but the townspeople reenact the festival for visitors throughout the year.

Twenty-five miles from the city of Santarém in Brazil is the Amazon River community of Alter Do Chao, named after the flat-topped hill that provides a natural backdrop. This small island is located on the Rio Tapajos, offering quaint cottages along the white-sand beaches lined with leafy palm trees. Thanks to its Indian handicrafts, lush vegetation, turquoise lagoon and amazingly clear water, Alter Do Chão has become a popular destination for travelers. Please be advised that due to the under-developed nature of this destination, organized tours are not available.

The island of Barbados is rimmed with mile after mile of pristine beaches. The eastern edge, rugged and hilly, lies on the Atlantic Ocean. The west coast, washed by the calmer leeward sea has most of the resort hotels. It is here that you will find the capital, Bridgetown, and older colonial settlements. Tour the meticulously restored 17th-century Sunbury Plantation House or admire the spectacular views from Gun Hill Signal Station. Adventures abound at sea by catamaran or Atlantis submersible and on land by an off-road island safari. Not to miss delicacies include the sweet and tender flying fish, washed down with a glass of Barbados’ famous Mount Gay rum.

Roseau, a small town with plenty of colonial charm, offers the colorful New Market, where you can stop for a refreshing coconut drink. Dominica’s real beauty lies in its unspoiled natural landscape – the dense rain forests, lush foliage, natural springs and rivers and tall, smoldering peaks. Dominica is home to one of the Caribbean’s great natural wonders-the scenic Valley of Desolation, where in a verdant tropical gorge, white mists from bubbling hot springs swirl in the air.

St. Maarten is the smallest piece of land shared by two sovereign states. Legend has it that the Dutch and French boundaries of the island were determined by two men who challenged one another in a race around the island, with the Frenchman walking faster and claiming more land. Legend or not, both the Dutch and French settled here in the 1630s and despite occupancy by the British twice, the Dutch and French have lived peacefully together ever since they arrived.

Puerto Rico’s first inhabitants were the Taino Indians, who encountered Columbus in 1493. The Spanish quickly settled, defending their territory against the Dutch and British. This is evident by the imposing fortresses of Old San Juan, namely the El Morro Castle, dominating the old section of this capital city. In 1897, Spain declared Puerto Rico an autonomous state. Spain later ceded Puerto Rico to the U.S. and residents were granted American citizenship in 1917.

Nestled in the Bahama’s Berry Island chain is a 250-acre uninhabited paradise waiting for you. Great Stirrup Cay is a private retreat designed specifically for your enjoyment. Walk along the powdery, white sand beaches and feel the warm Bahamian sun on your skin. Get comfortable in a hammock and lose yourself in the sound of swaying palm trees and gentle waves lapping at the shore. Snorkel in crystal-clear water teaming with tropical fish. Explore the Straw Market offering a variety of Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. If you are wanting a little adventure, traverse the island’s coast in a kayak or take a paddle boat for a spin. Take a break from your action-packed day and enjoy your favorite cocktail or a complimentary midday beachside BBQ as the ocean breeze blows through your hair.

Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. Celebrity-drenched South Beach attracts people-watchers and the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Tropical style shopping experience’s are readily available from Bal Harbor to Lincoln Road and Coconut Grove. Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine and culture along Calle Ocho or travel back in time with a visit to the historic Venetian Pool. There is something for everyone in this city dubbed the “Gateway to the America’s.”