16 Jan Manaus, Brazil
Embark MV Quest for Adventure and depart at 2000.

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.

17 Jan Parintins, Brazil
Founded some 200 years ago, Parintins is considered to be the most cultural city of the Amazon and is famous for its folklore festival. While here enjoy a colourful Boi Bumba Show – a feast for your eyes and ears.

Afternoon.

Situated beside the mighty Amazon River, the colourful town of Parintins has a rich Indian heritage and is famous for its Boi Bumba Festival which evolved during the 19th century from the merging of local and immigrant traditions.

Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each June, the town’s strong artistic influence is evident year round in the numerous galleries, which you may like to visit while you are here.

18 Jan Alter do Chão, Brazil
Located in the Rio Tapajós, Alter do Chao is a popular holiday spot for many Brazilians as its beautiful bay is fringed by white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Perhaps visit the bustling waterfront to see the point where the Tapajós and Amazon meet, called the ‘wedding of the waters’.

Full day.

The village of Alter do Chão is situated on the Tapajos River, a tributary of the Amazon. A small settlement of rustic native cottages dotting the fringe of a vast tropical rainforest, its white sandy beaches and clear waters make it a popular weekend retreat for residents of Santarem, 25 miles upstream.

The Ilha do Amor (Island of Love) is an idyllic island of white sand that lies directly in front of the village. Several stilted shacks on the island serve food and drinks all year round, and when the water is low you can easily wade across to them.

To the east of the village lies Alter do Chão‘s other famous attraction, Lago Verde. This lagoon is connected to the Tapajos River by a small channel, with Alter do Chão effectively sitting between them. The village has several bars and restaurants, as well as a good selection of shops selling art and artefacts made by local Amazonian tribes.

Saga Pearl II will anchor in the bay off Alter do Chão and tenders will be provided for those passengers who wish to go ashore. Here, you can enjoy swimming in the fresh water and exploring the few sights of town, or perhaps purchase a souvenir from one of the stalls selling handicrafts.

19 Jan Cruise the Amazon

20 Jan Macapá, Brazil
Established by the Portuguese in the 18th century, Macapá is one of only five cities in the world lying directly on the equator. While here, marvel at the colonial architecture of the Fortaleza de São José do Macapá, a large Portuguese fort built between 1764 and 1782.

Full day.

Almost entirely covered in dense rainforest, the north of Brazil is known as the ‘exotic Amazon’.

Macapá is the capital of Amapá, bisected by the equator and a stopping-off point for migrating birds. There are also sea and river turtles, giant alligators, manatees, anteaters and armadillos.

The region comprises lush forests, wonderful beaches and historic monuments which reflect its history.

These include Sao Jose Fort, a building completed in 1782 by Indians and slaves, and the Church of Sao Jose de Macapa, the oldest monument in the city which dates from 1761.

Due to lack of sufficent English speaking guides we are not offering an excursion programme for this port of call. Passengers are free to explore at leisure.

Please note that the ship will need to clear Brazilian Immigration on arrival.

23 Jan Fortaleza, Brazil
Spend the morning in this major fishing port, whose attractions include the distinctive statue of Iracema and the Mercado Central, where lacework, embroidery, leather goods and ceramics make tempting souvenirs. Alternatively join an excursion to the Cachaça Museum where you can learn about the history of the spirit cachaça as well as taste the original cachaças in a typical 50s bar.

Morning.

Spend the morning in this major fishing port, whose attractions include the distinctive statue of Iracema and the Mercado Central, where lacework, embroidery, leather goods and ceramics make tempting souvenirs.

Alternatively join an excursion to the Cachaça Museum where you can learn about the history of the spirit cachaça as well as taste the original cachaças in a typical 50s bar.

24 Jan Natal, Brazil
The capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal is quickly becoming the beach resort of choice. While here perhaps visit the pentagonal Forte dos Reis Magos and Câmara Cascudo Museum with its collection of Amazon Indian artefacts.

Full day.

The capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal is quickly becoming the beach resort of choice.

While here perhaps visit the pentagonal Forte dos Reis Magos and Câmara Cascudo Museum with its collection of Amazon Indian artefacts.

28 Jan Ascension Island, UK
Today you have the chance to explore one of the most remote populated islands on earth. Part of a British Overseas Territory, Ascension Island was named after the day of its recorded discovery, and it was first inhabited in 1815 when the British garrisoned it as a precaution after imprisoning Napoleon I on nearby Saint Helena. Today it’s home to an RAF and US Air Force base, a BBC World Service station and one hotel. During your visit, perhaps spot some of the island’s unusual bird and wildlife, or take a walk along the dramatic coast to see the volcanic craters.

Full day, Land by launch or tender.

Today you have the chance to explore one of the most remote populated islands on earth. Part of a British Overseas Territory, Ascension Island was named after the day of its recorded discovery, and it was first inhabited in 1815 when the British garrisoned it as a precaution after imprisoning Napoleon I on nearby Saint Helena.

Today it’s home to an RAF and US Air Force base, a BBC World Service station and one hotel. During your visit, perhaps spot some of the island’s unusual bird and wildlife, or take a walk along the dramatic coast to see the volcanic craters.

01 Feb Tema, Ghana
This morning you arrive in Ghana, whose coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and old slaving forts. Tema, originally a small fishing village, has developed into the nation’s largest port. Today you disembark MV Quest for Adventure.
Ghana's coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and old slaving forts. Tema, originally a small fishing village, has developed into the nation’s largest port.