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Jungle Rivers & Tropical Islands: Natural Treasures of South America and the Southern Caribbean
It’s the most lush, marvelous, and unusual voyage to the tropics we have ever created. We embark Clelia II in Brazil’s colonial city of São Luis and then sail to Suriname’s colorful capital, Paramaribo, a multicultural city located on the Suriname River. Next, in Guyana, we fly to the remote inland jungle where we stand enraptured before Kaieteur Falls, which cascades down the height of five Niagaras. Our voyage then brings us to the verdant Orinoco River, where we discover its labyrinthine tributaries, rivulets, and narrow creeks. We’ll gaze down upon darting clouds of rainbow fish in Trinidad’s famed Buccoo Reef, and splash around in the pristine swimming hole of Argyll Falls, surrounded by the primeval jungles of the Tobago Forest Reserve. For a concluding flourish, we visit the Asa Wright Nature Centre of Trinidad, where hummingbirds and butterflies are in abundance. Sailing aboard Clelia II and its fleet of Zodiacs, we’ll not only explore the vast networks of flora and fauna in this part of the world, but we also have the opportunity to experience the vibrant, celebratory multicultural destinations – in Suriname, a former Dutch colony also home to Jews, Muslims, and Hindus; and in Trinidad, where Chinese, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, and Venezuelan cultures intermingle.
Itinerary
Day 1 • USA | SÃO LUIS, Brazil | EMBARK
Day 2 • SÃO LUIS
Days 3 & 4 • AT SEA
Day 5 • PARAMARIBO, Suriname
Day 6 • GEORGETOWN, Guyana
Day 7 • GEORGETOWN | KAIETEUR NATIONAL PARK | GEORGETOWN
Days 8 – 11 • ORINOCO RIVER, Venezuela
Day 12 • TOBAGO, Tobago
Day 13 • PORT of SPAIN, Trinidad
Day 14 • AT SEA
Day 15 • CURAÇAO, The Netherlands Antilles | USA
View Detailed Itinerary
Clelia II
Launched in 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II offers the finest in small-ship cruise travel. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, air conditioning.
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries and teak floor
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service
BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Decorated with rich fabrics, handsome wood, polished brass, rare antiquities and fine works of art, the yacht’s public spaces are warm and inviting. These include:
• Library with Internet access
• 2 Lounges with audiovisual facilities
• State-of-the-art gym/spa
• Beauty salon
• Boutique
• Hospital
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Dining room
• Two sun decks
• Jacuzzi
• Swimming platform
Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II's spaciousness and intimate ambience combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.
Day 1
USA | SÃO LUIS, Brazil | EMBARK
Arrive in São Luis and transfer to the pier to embark Clelia II. Overnight aboard ship docked in São Luis.
Day 2
SÃO LUIS
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, São Luis is the only settlement in Brazil founded by the French. Beautifully situated on an island between two rivers, São Luis is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Explore the city’s historic center visiting the Cathedral da Se, Leoes Palace, Artur Azevedo Theater, and other historic landmarks.
Days 3 & 4
AT SEA
Day 5
PARAMARIBO, Suriname
A Dutch colony from the 16th century until 1975, Suriname is known for its multicultural societies that combine settlers from Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as its lush rain forests. Located eight miles up the Suriname River, Paramaribo, the country’s capital, is noted for its beautiful 18th- and 19thcentury buildings, such as the Governor’s Mansion. Fort Zeelandia, guarding the Suriname River, now houses the Suriname Museum and a colorful market selling artifacts and other local products. Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist harmoniously next to each other.
Day 6
GEORGETOWN, Guyana
Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital on the Demerara River, with its wooden houses raised on stilts, tree-lined streets, and profusion of flowers. Evidence of the Old Dutch colonial period is still apparent today in the city’s architecture and drainage and irrigation systems. See the Gothic-style city hall and St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, both dating from the 19th century, and visit the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens, graced with Victorian pavilions and lily ponds. Overnight aboard ship docked in Georgetown.
Day 7
GEORGETOWN | KAIETEUR NATIONAL PARK | GEORGETOWN
An air excursion will take us to one of South America’s treasures: the seldom visited Kaieteur National Park. The centerpiece of the park is Kaieteur Falls, one of the most spectacular in the world. Framed by lush and unspoiled rain forest, the falls have a free fall over 700 feet, five times the height of Niagara. The rain forest supports a large variety of plant and animal life, including several endangered species. Return to Georgetown in the afternoon to reboard the ship.
Days 8 – 11
ORINOCO RIVER, Venezuela
As Clelia II enters Orinoco’s delta—a complex ecosystem comprised of an intricate network of rivers, estuaries, and channels spanning some 10,000 square miles—you will immediately sense that you’ve entered a world unlike any you have encountered before. As we cruise up the Orinoco, you will fall under the watchful eye of the jungle’s residents—the Warao people, who live along the river in houses on stilts—and its keepers—macaws, trogons, horned screamers, spider monkeys, and other exotic wildlife. Clelia II‘s Zodiac boats will enable us to explore some of the shores and smaller tributaries along the river.
Day 12
TOBAGO, Tobago
Aboard private glass-bottom boats, voyage northwest of Tobago to the Buccoo Reef, where you’ll discover vibrantly hued angelfish, parrotfish, and other tropical species. Alternatively, enjoy an excursion where you will learn about the oldest protected forest in the Western world, the Tobago Forest Reserve. Our destination is Argyle Falls, a triad of waterfalls rushing into a pristine pool and a secluded swimming paradise.
Day 13
PORT of SPAIN, Trinidad
Beautifully situated between sea and mountains, Port of Spain – Trinidad’s capital – has taken in immigrants from China, Venezuela, Portugal, and the Middle East over the past centuries, creating a vibrant arts and music culture. Drive to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, located in hills surrounded by lush rain forest. The reserve is home to a large number of bird species, including the white-bearded and golden-headed manikins, toucans, honeycreepers, and hummingbirds. Over 600 species of butterflies are also found here. For those interested, there will be an opportunity to visit at dusk the Caroni Swamp, a wildlife reserve, when large numbers of scarlet ibis fly in to roost.
Day 14
AT SEA
Spend the day cruising in the southern Caribbean.
Day 15
CURAÇAO, The Netherlands Antilles | USA
Arrive in Curaçao and transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S.
