02 Jan Bridgetown, Barbados
Embark MV Quest for Adventure in Bridgetown and moor here overnight.
Set on the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree lined beaches and a number of historical attractions.
03 Jan Bridgetown, Barbados
Explore the beautiful island nation of Barbados, whose palm-fringed beaches are surrounded by sapphire seas. The old colonial architecture of Bridgetown, the capital of this former UK colony, give it a distinctively British feel.
Full day.
Set on the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree lined beaches and a number of historical attractions.
Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach-life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison.
The city of Bridgetown, and the wider Greater Bridgetown area occupy most of the parish of Saint Michael. Bridgetown's centre was originally composed of a swamp, which was quickly drained and filled-in to make way for the city's early development.
The city recently experienced a phenomenal spurt of redevelopment in preparation for the 2007 World Cricket Cup Finals which were held at the historic Kensington Oval. The Oval was renovated to a state-of-the-art sports facility that now accommodates 30,000 spectators. Live viewership for the 2007 event was estimated to be in the region of two billion people.
04 Jan St George's, Grenada
Most southerly of the Windward Islands, Grenada is known as the ‘Spice Isle’ as cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla all grow here. With its white-sand beaches, lush rainforest, national parks and natural wonders, the island is a pleasure to explore.
Full day.
The most southerly of the Windward Islands, Grenada is known as the ‘Spice Isle’ as the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla are carried on the gentle breeze.
This mountainous volcanic island has an ideal year-round climate, stunning beaches and many attractive towns. Its natural attractions read like a ‘wish list’ for a paradise island: lush rainforests, beautiful mountain lakes, cascading rivers, waterfalls and rare tropical flowers. St George’s is a bustling town surrounded by an old volcanic crater and framed by a horse-shoe harbour.
05 Jan Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
The exotic capital of Trinidad and Tobago is a melting-pot of African, Asian and European cultures and features an eclectic mix of architectural styles from Hindu temples to gingerbread rococo. It is also the home of carnival and you could see a show here on an excursion, along with many of the city’s highlights, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, National Museum and Art Gallery.
Full day.
Capital of Trinidad and Tobago since 1757, Port of Spain's large natural harbour has seen it become a central hub for the country's busy economy.
The city is bordered by both the Gulf of Paria and the Northern Range and enjoys spectacular mountain and sea views, reflecting the charm and natural beauty for which the country is renowned.
07 Jan Paramaribo, Suriname
Inhabited by Arawak and Carib tribes, sighted by Columbus in 1498 and a Dutch colony from 1616 until 1975, Suriname has an eventful history. Paramaribo stands on the left bank of the Suriname River, about 12 miles upstream from where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a richly historical city, with strong Dutch, British and French influences evident in its leafy avenues and colonial buildings and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Full day.
Situated on the banks of the Suriname River, the picturesque city of Paramaribo dates from the 17th century and features traditional colonial architecture set in stunning South American scenery.
The historic inner city of Paramaribo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 because of the unique way European architectural style and construction techniques have been blended with South American materials and culture.
08 Jan Devil's Island
This rocky palm-covered island was a notorious French penal colony until 1946, and was most famously depicted in the book Papillon by Henri Charrière, which was later made into a film starring Steve McQueen.
Land by launch or tender and Subject to weather conditions.
Afternoon, Land by launch or tender.
French Guiana is on the north-east coast of South America, bordered by Brazil to the south and east and by Surinam to the west. In an area the size of the UK, its landscape includes flat, marshy land, higher savannah and equatorial jungle.
As an Overseas Department of France, it is an integral part of the French Republic. Although the official language is French, most people speak a Creole patois.
The small, rocky islet of Devil's Island just off the Atlantic coast was a notorious French penal colony until 1946, and was made famous by the true story of ex-convict, Henri Charriere, in the book Papillon. Saga Pearl II’s brief stop here allows you to explore this island which was the unwelcome home to so many prisoners.
Please note: We are not conducting any tours at this famous location because the island has been fully sign-posted to allow individual sightseeing. Once up the steep incline from the pier, it can take as little as 45 min to walk around Ile Royale, which besides the remains of the Prison and other buildings, has a museum, a small hotel with a restaurant and a souvenir shop. Facilities are very limited.
Devil’s Islands is a protected area, so please keep it clean. Given the possibility of high temperatures, care should be taken to pace yourselves. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and lightweight clothing. Sun protection and Insect repellent is essential. Heavy showers may occur occasionally.
10 Jan Belém, Brazil
Built on a number of small islands, Belém was founded in 1616 by the Portuguese and rapidly became important as a source of cocoa and spices from the Amazon. Today it is the chief port of the lower Amazon River. The towering skyscrapers of the new part of town contrast with the tree-filled squares and churches of the colonial quarter, which you’ll be able to explore on an excursion.
Full day and evening.
Belém, located some 90 miles from the open sea and slightly south of the equator, is the great port of the Amazon.
The Portuguese founded the city in 1616 as the City of Our Lady of Bethlehem (Belém), and its original role was to protect the mouth of the river and establish Portugal’s claim to the region.
Today, visitors enjoy an atmosphere of intriguing and exotic ambiance plus colonial architecture mixed with a surprisingly modern skyline. Cultural events take place in the splendid Teatro da Paz, and the Goeldi Museum and Zoological Gardens are well worth a visit. There are good restaurants to try some local cuisine, and shops and markets offer a wide variety of Amazonian arts and crafts.
Please note: As we visit Belém on a Sunday, many shops will only be open from 4pm onwards. Like in many major port cities, please beware of pickpockets, especially if visiting the market, and we highly recommend you leave any valuables on the ship."
11 Jan Cruise Rio Para, Brazil
Journey along the Rio Para today, the southern arm of the Amazon’s river mouth.
12 Jan Curua-Una, Brazil
Today take the opportunity to journey along the Curua Una, a tributary whose shores flourish with plant and bird life. This river in the heart of the Amazon Basin supports a group of people known as Caboclos, whose lives are almost untouched by the busy activities of nearby cities such as Belém.
Afternoon, Land by launch or tender.
The Curua-Una River is a single right-bank tributary of the Amazon River leading to Vitoria-Regia lake, home of unique giant water lilies. Further up the river is Pacoval village, originally settled by native Indians and escaped slaves. This is a region of breathtaking beauty, at the heart of the Amazon River with its immense jungle ecosystem.
This part of the Amazon basin supports a group of people known as Caboclos, almost untouched by time despite the proximity of busy urban cities such as Santarem and Belem. The Caboclos are river people, whose stilt houses cluster on the banks of the Curua Una. They earn a living from fishing and on this stretch of the river they also raise water buffalo.
Please note: Saga Pearl II will remain at anchor at the mouth of the Curua-Una River for the duration of our call. Only those passengers taking the Curua River Cruise will go ashore.The wet season runs from approximately January to June when hot temperatures and high humidity should be expected. Should the water level in the region become too low, the tour programme may have to be amended or cancelled at short notice.
12 Jan Santarém, Brazil
Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Tapajós’, Santarém is situated at the point where the Tapajós and the Amazon rivers meet, known as the ‘wedding of the waters’, which you can see on a cruise to Maica Lake, a natural outlet of the Amazon. The lakes and forests here are home to many species of bird, particularly the white egret. In Santarém you’ll have the chance to see the 18th-century cathedral on a walking tour of the city.
Overnight and following morning.
Pause halfway between Belém and Manaus at the city of Santarém, where the Tapajós and Amazon rivers meet to form the phenomenon known to the locals as 'the meeting of the waters'.
Santarém was once one of the great Indian centres of the Americas and many prehistoric artifacts have been found in the area.
Settled by the Europeans first as a Jesuit mission in 1661, by the 19th century it had grown into an important trading centre.
14 Jan Boca da Valeria, Brazil
Boca da Valeria is set at the confluence of the Rio da Valeria and the Amazon and is surrounded by rainforest. Enjoy a real taste of the Amazon at this remote village where you can barter for local handicrafts at the port.
Morning, Land by launch or tender.
Set at the confluence of the rivers Rio da Valeria and Amazon, Boca de Valeria is a remote jungle village.
Surrounded by the great rainforest of the Amazon Basin and overlooking the immense river itself, it is a tiny place - home to less than 100 people. Here you can witness indigenous Amazonian life first hand, in a tiny fishing village where children keep parakeets and iguanas as pets and the buildings stand on stilts to keep them clear of the river’s floodwaters.
The heart of Boca de Valeria consists of a one-room school, a small church and an even smaller museum. The villagers are of Indian and Portuguese descent, and they are happy to meet visitors and share their customs and culture.
Please note: There is no organised shore excursion in this port. If conditions permit, our ship’s tenders will transport you through 600 feet of narrow channel to and from the small Caboclo village.
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, cool clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent. Credit cards are not accepted so we recommend you carry some local currency.
Walking is at your discretion upon arrival at the village but is over uneven ground, which can become muddy if it rains. The local children are usually dressed up for the tourists to have photos taken with them and receive payment.
Passengers are advised to prepare small items to give to the villagers; it is customary to bring gifts or buy their wares.
15 Jan Manaus, Brazil
An overnight mooring gives you plenty of time to explore the stylish city of Manaus. Founded in 1669 by the Portuguese, the city became one of the wealthiest in the region during the height of the rubber boom in the 19th and 20th centuries – several grand buildings, including the cathedral and ornate opera house, date from this period.
Afternoon and evening.
Manaus, at the heart of the Amazon, is well placed for optional excursions into the surrounding jungle which is home to a terrific array of wildlife including the rare pied tamarin.
Alternatively, you may like to explore this colourful city which has many interesting places to visit including the botanical gardens, stunning Teatro Amazonas Opera house and some impressive cathedrals.
16 Jan Manaus, Brazil
Disembark MV Quest for Adventure
Manaus, at the heart of the Amazon, is well placed for excursions into the surrounding jungle which is home to a terrific array of wildlife including the rare pied tamarin.
Alternatively, you may like to explore this colourful city which has many interesting places to visit including the botanical gardens, stunning Teatro Amazonas Opera house and some impressive cathedrals.
