About the cruise
Meet Artemis deep in the Amazonian jungle in Manaus, the city built on rubber. It was the wealth from surrounding plantations that gave rise to this metropolis a thousand miles up the Amazon. Past splendours include elaborate villas and a stupendous, rococo Opera House that was imported stone by stone from Europe. After an overnight in port set sail for Parintins. Still deep in the jungle, this place has not changed for hundreds of years. Certainly the contrast between affluent tourists and natives selling gourd masks and hardwood carvings will remain etched on your memory. Their lifestyle is fascinating.[/p]
Alta do Chao is a surprise to say the least. Located miles inland, on the mighty Amazon, you will discover beaches of fine white sand – as fine as any that the Caribbean has to offer. Go for a swim or enjoy some snorkelling, visit a historic rubber plantation and sample the unique Guarana, a local drink fermented from coffee beans. 500 miles up the Amazon, American Confederates fleeing the Civil War originally settled in Santarem. Even today, O’Malley and Higgins are common surnames. Now it is a city of some 150,000 inhabitants, with a bustling harbour full of riverboats and ancient dugout canoes.[/p]
Undeveloped, unspoiled and undeniably gorgeous, Tobago claims to have been Robinson Crusoe’s island. Scarborough, the main town, is easy-going and charming. But you might prefer a trip to Pigeon Point, where you can sunbathe, snorkel or swim; there’s calypso music and rum punch, and a glass bottomed boat to colourful Buccoo Reef. St. Lucia is a welcoming and beautiful place boasting magnificent beaches, mangrove swamps and the majestic twin peaks
of the Pitons. Take a tour of the island to see Marigot Bay, visit the drive-in volcano and the famous sulphur springs, and admire the lush scenery as you go. Get to know St. Kitts at leisure. Drive out to Brimstone Hill Fortress for a lesson in history and great views: or stroll the streets of easy-going Basseterre.[/p]
On Tortola take a trip up Mount Sage for magnificent views or simply relax on the beach at Cane Garden Bay, or at neighbouring Virgin Gorda. Welcome to your own private paradise. Catalina Island is the ideal place to do nothing – nothing that is but sunbathe, swim, sip cocktails and enjoy a beach barbecue. Disembark in Montego Bay for an overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on Sunday 22 March.[/p]