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Peregrine Travel Centre

At the heart of Central America

At the heart of Central America

From €6,095 EUR

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Description

Explore six very different countries between Costa Rica and Cuba during two weeks of sailing. Uncover nature’s paradise, dazzling coral reefs, mystical Maya ruins and rousing rhythms right at the heart of Central America.

Costa Rica’s national parks – a green paradise
As more than a quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected in the form of nature reserves, it provides a safe home for a truly unbelievable variety of flora and fauna. There seems to be no end to the natural highlights that await you in this peaceful little country, which has had no armed forces since 1948. The numerous national parks boast majestic volcanic craters and mysterious cloud forests alongside picturesque beaches and evergreen rainforests. The Tortuguero National Park, for example, can only be reached by sea or air because its landscape of canals and lagoons is so impenetrable.

Several relaxing days at sea
Besides crossing worlds and discovering new lands, we let relaxation take a front seat on our yacht for four whole days. Plenty of time to enjoy life under the white sails and to be spoilt in every way.

The world’s second largest coral reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a 256-kilometre-long (159 miles) reef system which contains countless small coral islands. The Lighthouse Reef Atoll features a particularly special natural wonder: the Great Blue Hole. This circular submarine sinkhole, with a diameter of over 300 metres (0.19 miles), was formed during the last ice age and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Donning your snorkel and getting an underwater view is obviously another great way to discover the impressive beauty of the reef.

Maya cities in Mexico and Belize
The sophisticated culture of the Maya in Central America, which began roughly 5,000 years ago and ended around the time of the Spanish conquest, is still a mystery. Their ceremonies seem to have been gory, their step pyramids imposing, and their stone carvings required a great deal of skill. On our trip you will discover three mystical Maya strongholds: Tulum, in Mexico, is the only Maya city situated on the coast; Altun Ha and Lamanai are in Belize. Lamanai is situated on the banks of an inland lagoon and remained populated for roughly 3,000 years. Excavations have revealed that over 20,000 people lived there around 700 AD.

A lecturer accompanies the trip
Knowledge, entertainment and facts – our expert is on hand to give talks on a wide variety of specialist subjects. He will also be on board to answer any questions that you may have.

Trip Name
At the heart of Central America
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing) Length: 105 metres Passenger Capacity: 96 Built: 2001 Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. Just like her legendary sister ship Sea Cloud, the 29,600 square feet of sails is set by hand which is a truly magical sight. Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, she offers a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished with great style. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, in light marble, are unusually spacious and extremely comfortable. The finest, carefully chosen fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble. No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodations and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud cruise. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail, rekindling memories of a bygone age. Please note deck and suite plans are indicative only and may vary slightly.   

Itinerary



Days 1 & 2 - Puerto Limon (Costa Rica)
Guests arrive individually in Puerto Limón.Embarkation on the SEA CLOUD II.In gaining its independence, San Jose very quickly transformed from a mountain village into the busy modern capital city of a young, optimistic country. The Central Valley lies at a height of between 1,000 and 1,700 metres in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The mild, unchanging climate and the fertile volcanic soil have brought wealth and prosperity, primarily through the cultivation of coffee. Around 165 kilometres (102 miles) to the east, on the Caribbean coast, lies the harbour town of Puerto Limón which was founded in 1870.Optional Boat tour through the Tortuguero canals.
Day 3 - Corn Islands/Islas del Maíz (Nicaragua)
The Corn Islands in the Caribbean consist of two islands, Big and Little Corn Island, as well as "Blowing Rock", a handful of volcanic rocks out in the open sea, from the centre of which seawater periodically shoots vertically upwards. Formerly a safe haven for pirates, Little Corn Island is still an undiscovered treasure and a delightful paradise for divers and snorkelers, with its deserted palm-covered tropical golden beaches, crystal-clear water shimmering in every shade of turquoise, and a large protective coral reef with shoals of colourful fish.
Days 4 & 5 - At Sea
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Day 6 - Coxen Hole/Roatán (Honduras)
Roatán is around seventy kilometres (43 miles) long but just three kilometres (2 miles) wide. In its centre the landscape is typically tropical and mountainous, with dense rainforest and a coastline that exhibits unusual-looking rocky bays, traditional little fishing villages and delightful sandy beaches lined with coconut palms. The island is surrounded by the second largest coral reef in the world and, as a result, many wrecks and alleged pirate treasure still lie unsalvaged on the sea bed. The island's other treasures are more obvious - West Bay, a gently curving, 300-metre-(985 foot)-long "dream beach" is one of the most beautiful strips of sand on Roatán.Optional Cable car trip through the treetops and excursion to thebeach.
Days 7 & 8 - Belize City (Belize)
Belize City is the country's largest town, main port, and its economic and cultural centre, although it has not been the capital since 1975. Belize is situated in the south-east of the Yucatán peninsula and was part of the Mayan Empire, which left behind a rich legacy here. The ruined city of Altun Ha is one of Belize's best-preserved and most accessible Mayan cities. Lamanai, which lies on the banks of an inland lagoon, has been a settlement for 3,000 years. Excavations have shown that more than 20,000 people lived here in 700 AD.Optional Excursion to Altun Ha and optional Excursion to Lamanai with a boat trip.
Day 9 - Lighthouse Reef/ Half Moon Caye (Belize)
The Belize Barrier Reef is a 256-kilometre-long series of coral reefs made up of numerous small coral islands. It is the second largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In Lighthouse Reef Atoll you will discover a very unusual natural wonder - the Great Blue Hole. It was formed during the last ice age and this circular recess in the ocean floor with a diameter of over 300 metres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Optional Snorkelling excursion to the Great Blue Hole.
Day 10 - At Sea
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Day 11 - Cozumel (Mexico)
Almost any pirate who was anyone dropped anchor here. Nowadays it's filled with people wanting to escape the stresses of daily life under palm trees or in the rich underwater world. Cozumel, the largest island in Mexico, lies only a few knots away from the Yucatan peninsula. The advanced Mayan civilisation in Central America, which began around 5,000 years ago and reached its final stages at the time of the Spanish conquest, still poses questions today. Their ceremonies appear bloodthirsty, their stepped pyramids impressive and their stone carvings extremely skilled. As far as we know, Tulum is the only Mayan settlement which was established on the coast.Optional Excursion to the ancient Maya city of Tulum or beach buggytour and snorkelling.
Day 12 - At Sea
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Days 13 & 14 - Cienfuegos (Cuba)
Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, whose name literally translates as "Hundred fires" is also known as the Pearl of the South. The city owes its grand, romantic architecture to the French colonists who first settled there. The beautiful old town of Trinidad de Cuba is a true gem, with lovingly restored colonial facades, sleepy lanes and a turquoise sea. This friendly town, with its important past at the centre of sugar cane cultivation, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years, along with the cultivated landscape of the Valle de Los Ingenios, or "Valley of the Sugarmills".Disembarkation. Guests return home individually
Please Note:
Itinerary subject to change! Optional excursions are not included in the rate.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-03-201724-03-2017€11,795Category A
11-03-201724-03-2017€10,695Category B
11-03-201724-03-2017€9,095Category C
11-03-201724-03-2017€8,555Category D
11-03-201724-03-2017€7,595Category E
11-03-201724-03-2017€6,695Category F Upper/Lower Beds
11-03-201724-03-2017€8,355GTY Single Cabin
11-03-201724-03-2017€6,095GTY Double Cabin

Inclusions

    • Costa Rica’s national parks – a green paradise
    • Several relaxing days at sea
    • The world’s second largest coral reef
    • Maya cities in Mexico and Belize
    • A lecturer accompanies the trip

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