WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT NATURAL WORLD

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01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT NATURAL WORLD A voyage of discovery along the coasts of Peru & Ecuador to Costa Rica aboard the MS Island Sky Our journey along South and Central America’s Pacific coastline will begin in Callao, the port for Peru’s capital of Lima. From here we sail north along the coast of Peru visiting Trujillo, famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture and Chan Chan, a pre-Columbian site (Chimu culture) and the largest adobe city in the world. En-route to Ecuador we hope to make a landing on Lobos de Afuera a tiny island off the Peruvian coast, famous for its abundant marine and birdlife. In Ecuador we will land at Manta for a day in the Machalilla National Park a protected coastal haven for over 200 species of birds and wildlife. There will also be time to explore Manta, founded by the conquistadors in 1535. Leaving the South American mainland we head out into the Pacific bound for the remote Coco Island. This Galapagos in miniature will be the highlight of the trip for many, its very remote location has left it untouched by tourism. Our next landfall will be the Central American nation of Costa Rica and for the next three days we will immerse ourselves in the rich wildlife both above and below the water, enjoying the fantastic rain forests, flora and butterflies. It is an untouched magical area of exceptional beauty with all manner of hues, which only nature can deliver. For those who have not yet ventured into the mountains of Peru, we have arranged an optional pre-cruise visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu and colonial Cuzco. For those who may find it difficult to pull themselves away from the beauty of Costa Rica we are offering a post-cruise optional trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. ITINERARY

Transcript of WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT NATURAL WORLD

Page 1: WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT NATURAL WORLD

01432 507 280 (within UK)

[email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com

WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT NATURAL WORLD

A voyage of discovery along the coasts of Peru & Ecuador toCosta Rica aboard the MS Island Sky

Our journey along South and Central America’s Pacific coastlinewill begin in Callao, the port for Peru’s capital of Lima. Fromhere we sail north along the coast of Peru visiting Trujillo,famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture and Chan Chan, apre-Columbian site (Chimu culture) and the largest adobe cityin the world. En-route to Ecuador we hope to make a landing onLobos de Afuera a tiny island off the Peruvian coast, famous forits abundant marine and birdlife.

In Ecuador we will land at Manta for a day in the MachalillaNational Park a protected coastal haven for over 200 species ofbirds and wildlife. There will also be time to explore Manta,founded by the conquistadors in 1535.

Leaving the South American mainland we head out into thePacific bound for the remote Coco Island. This Galapagos inminiature will be the highlight of the trip for many, its veryremote location has left it untouched by

tourism.

Our next landfall will be the Central American nation of CostaRica and for the next three days we will immerse ourselves inthe rich wildlife both above and below the water, enjoying thefantastic rain forests, flora and butterflies. It is an untouchedmagical area of exceptional beauty with all manner of hues,which only nature can deliver.

For those who have not yet ventured into the mountains of Peru,we have arranged an optional pre-cruise visit to the Inca city ofMachu Picchu and colonial Cuzco. For those who may find itdifficult to pull themselves away from the beauty of Costa Ricawe are offering a post-cruise optional trip to the MonteverdeCloud Forest.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 - LONDON TO LIMA, PERU.

Fly by scheduled flight. Transfer to your hotel for an overnightstay.

Day 2 - LIMA.

After a brief morning city tour we will drive down to the coastand embark the MS Island Sky in the port of Callao. Sail in thelate afternoon.

Day 3 - SALAVERRY.

Morning at sea. Arrive this afternoon in Salaverry. We will drive afew miles inland to the intriguing desert city of Trujillo. This oasiscity was founded by Pizarro in 1536 and still exudes muchSpanish colonial charm. Visit the Casa Urquiaga, a mansioncontaining pre-Columbian ceramics and the Plaza de Armaswith its imposing 17th century cathedral. Moor overnight inSalaverry.

Day 4 - SALAVERRY.

Visit Hauca de la Luna to see the Huaca del Sol pyramids fromthe Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilization. Continueon to the ruins of Chan Chan, imperial capital of the Chimu. Wewill spend an afternoon exploring the ruins of the largest adobecity in the world, marvelling at their skilful irrigation andengineering projects.

Day 5 - LOBOS DE AFUERA.

Today, weather permitting, will be the first opportunity to useour Zodiacs as we visit the remote fisherman’s island of Lobosde Afuera. The surrounding waters teem with fish and marinemammals and ashore we hope to see the blue footed boobiesand Peruvian pelicans. Afternoon at sea.

Day 6 - MANTA, ECUADOR.

After a morning at sea we arrive in the Ecuadorian port ofManta. This important centre of the Manta culture thrived in thisarea from approximately 50 A.D. The conquistadors arrived in1535. This afternoon we visit Montecristi and in the eveningenjoy a folklore show. Moor overnight in Manta.

Day 7 - MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK.

The highlight of coastal Ecuador is the Machalilla National Park,an area of great diversity on the juncture of the cold Humboldtcurrent flowing north and the warm El Nino current flowingsouth. Here, we find one of the world’s largest tropical dryforests and off shore islands which are a sanctuary for sea birdssuch as the red footed, blue footed and Nazca boobies whoshare the steep cliffs with frigate birds, albatrosses and thered-billed tropic birds.

Day 8 - AT SEA.

AT SEA.

Days 9 & 10 - COCOS ISLAND, COSTA RICA.

We are very privileged to be landing at this remote Costa Rican island located over 300 miles out from the mainland between Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Sharing many similarities with the Galapagos, this dot in the Pacific Ocean is the tip of an ancient volcanic mountain. Covered in dense rain forest, it is home to many species that evolved here after their arrival, changing into distinct forms that are found nowhere else in the world. Once the haunt of pirates, it is today only inhabited by wardens and because of its remote location without any transport links, it is an untouched natural world offering fascinating walks, superb bird watching and marvellous swimming and snorkelling. These waters were much favoured by Jacques Cousteau and are known for their sea turtles, rays,

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dolphins and hammer head sharks.

Day 11 - AT SEA.

AT SEA.

Day 12 - GOLFO DULCE, COSTA RICA.

Visit the famous gardens at Casa Orquideas (Orchid House),see a profusion of orchids and look out for tanagers, parrotsand colourful toucans. Later, cruise the beautiful Golfo Dulce.Moor overnight.

Day 13 - OSA PENINSULA.

Spend the day surrounded by splendid tropical scenery. Swimin the waterfall pools and explore the Corcovado National Parkon a guided walk looking out for the howler, spider and squirrelmonkeys.

Day 14 - MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK.

Further along the coast we will drop anchor close to the ManuelAntonio National Park and make an early start to get the bestviewing of monkeys, vividly coloured birds and the lethargicthreetoed sloth. Spend a leisurely afternoon cruising along theCosta Rican coast and the Golfo de Nicoya, arriving in theevening at Puntarenas. Moor overnight.

Day 15 - PUNTARENAS TO LONDON.

Disembark this morning and drive up into the hills to the CostaRican capital of San Jose. Fly by scheduled flight to London.

Day 16 - LONDON.

Morning arrival.

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YOUR SHIP: ISLAND SKY

YOUR SHIP: Island Sky

VESSEL TYPE:

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel ofher size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MSIsland Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriouslyappointed public areas and spacious outside decks.There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners,having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passengervessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a smallship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea,you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosingthe vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select aship with endless entertainment and impersonal service orcome with us where peace, high quality service and attention todetail are the order of the day. We promise there will be noorganised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of theusual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is moreakin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in thelounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative portbriefings from our cruise director and of course good food whichmay be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After aday ashore you will return to the comfort

and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their

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own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance thetraditional maritime style making the passenger accommodationan inviting and relaxing place to be. Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public roomsinclude a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will beprovided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where apianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar alsofeatures a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library isthe perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked withreference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visitingalong with a selection of games and two computers withinternet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are alsoplaced in the library depending on local availability. There isalso WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rearsun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade,a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxingwith a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and furtherobservation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers onboard with appointments made on request. Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of thecuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Wherepossible and when it meets his high standards, the chef willobtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the dayfrom a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the wellstocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.

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01432 507 280 (within UK)

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INSIDE YOUR SHIP

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PRICING