The Island of Hawaii
Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the The Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) is also the youngest of the island chain. At some 800,000 years of age, it's also still growing. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains one of the world's most active volcanoes which continues to pour into the sea adding to the shoreline. From its snow capped peaks to its black, white and green sand beaches the island is really a study in contrasts. Rocky deserts and lush rainforests. Peaceful bays and rolling pasture land. Luxurious orchids and waterfalls on the windward side, and areas on the western slopes where the world famous Kona coffee is grown. The Island of Hawaii is the place for adventure. Horseback riding in Waimea. Golf everywhere. Snow skiing (really!) at Mauna Kea. The ocean is gorgeous at any time of year. Kona is the marlin fishing capital of the Pacific. Or maybe the quaint shops and restaurants of Hilo, will be enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. The Big Island is also the place for history. All over the island you'll see petroglyphs, and heiau, ancient places of worship. The royal summer palace and the first Christian church in Hawaii will take you back in time. From the rainbows and waterfalls of the windward side to the sun drenched beaches of the Kona/Kohala Coast, the Big Island is vibrant and alive. And wherever you go, you'll find the spirit of Aloha. Of course, you'll find all of the amenities, attractions, activities, and accommodations that will fit any pocketbook and life style. You'll also find a physical beauty, a depth of cultural heritage, and a spiritual warmth that is without equal. Whatever you're looking for in a Hawaiian vacation, the Island of Hawaii offers some great moments that could last a lifetime. Because Hawaiian weather varies very little throughout the year, the weather you'll experience on the Big Island depends more on location than time of year. The wide variety of climates and the resulting range of temperatures and rainfall across the island are due primarily to differences in elevation and exposure to the moist northeasterly trade winds. The average day-time temperature in the coastal resort areas ranges from the mid 80's (29.4 C)in the summer months of May to October to the mid to low 70's (23.9-26.1 C) during the winter months of November to April.
Ft. Lauderdale
Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.
Tortuguero
The small village of Tortuguero (translated as "Region of Turtles") lies on the northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, approximately 50 miles north of the principal Port of Limon. The village is comprised of a variety of cultures: Hispanic, Miskito Indian (Nicaragua), and Afro-Caribbean. Both Spanish and Creole English are spoken. The region surrounding Tortuguero is called the Tortuguero Plain, which is a vast low lying area of little topographic relief still covered by a large expanse of tropical rainforest.
San Jose (C.R.)
The sophisticated capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, has been endowed with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life. You'll see contemporary structures of glass and steel, as well as colonial, Victorian, and classical architecture, exotic birds, giant butterflies, and picturesque scenery. Costa Rica offers some of the world's most thrilling sights to those who seek a new adventure.
Pantanal
The Pantanal is a massive wetland area largely located in Brazil, extending into Paraguay and Bolivia. It serves as home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including one of the largest jaguar populations on earth. In the wet season, the region is a largely submerged floodplain that is best explored on canoe; and in the dry season, getting around by land (on foot, vehicle, and even horseback) is easier.
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador is a dynamic collage of diverse religious and cultural groups, colorful open-air markets, tropical flowers, majestic colonial buildings, golden-sand beaches and the bubbling sensuality of the Bahian people. Visit the Sao Francisco Chapel, whose interior is paved with gold. Sample Salvador's Afro-Brazilian cuisine, including such mouth-watering specialties as "ensopada" (seafood poached in fresh coconut milk) and "vatapa" (spicy fresh shrimp).
Excursions
Salvador - Bahia By Night Folklore Show
The Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia) is one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world. The company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. Optional: After the show diner will be served in one of the many fine restaurants in the area.
Salvador - Essential Salvador (Upper City Tour)
Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a half day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to the what is now the third largest city in Brazil. After hotel pick up, we take you to the mouth of the immense bay and then via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in the South America. We leave the vehicle at the Muncipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, with great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. We visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town
Salvador - HD Drum Essentials Workshop
Bahia is the percussive heart of Brazil, the the rhythmic soul is African, a mind boggling myriad of rythmns that has attracted many international musicians to these shores, Paul Simon, Wayne Shorter, to name but a few of the more famous. The rhythms can be chosen from the following: • Rhythmns of the Afro Blocos • Ijexá - the shuffling rhythm of the famous carnival afoxé Filhos de Gandhi • Samba de Roda and Samba Dura - the powerhouse samba of the Reconcavo • Samba Reggae- variation on the above theme that launched Olodum on the whole stage • Visit to percussion instrument maker’s workshop
Salvador - Fresh Market & Cuisine Tour
Depart hotel and visit two of Salvador’s busiest markets. First we stop at newly renovated fish market, where the wide variety of seafood and fish found in the tropical waters of the bay and the ocean are on display. A short distance away is the largest open market in Bahia, the São Jaoquim Market, selling a myriad of products and produce, from fruits and vegetables to spare parts for domestic appliances, to sacred herbs and religious artifacts of the candomblé. Here we find all of the ingredients for Bahia cuisine and later savour the famous moqueca dish in a local restaurant at the lower city.
Folklore Show with Dinner - 6 hours
Highlights:
- An immersion in the African heritage with an exhilarating performance by the Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia), one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world.
- The Balé Folclórico da Bahia Company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho district in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture.
- You will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; the exhilarating capoeira martial art/dance, and the grand finale of samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance.
- Enjoy an amazing dinner at Uaua, a charming restaurant in Peourinho district, before returning to pier.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: Night
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Dinner
- Pick up and drop off at port
- Tour with driver and English-speaking guide
Not Included:
- Tips, beverages, personal expenses
Essential Salvador with Lunch - 6 hours
Highlights:
- Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a half day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to what is now the third largest city in Brazil. The tour focusses on historical and geographical aspects of the city and serves as a fine orientation for those wishing to further explore the city.
- Visit Barra district and see the immense bay, site of important historical landmarks in Brazil’s early colonial period, now also residential waterfront neighborhood.
- Proceed via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in the South America. Leave the vehicle at the Municipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, allowing for great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town.
- Lunch at Cuco Bistrô, a charming place that has on its proposal to highlight the best of Northeastern Brazillian culture through its art and gastronomy, with a slight influence of Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, grilled meats on the grill, homemade pasta, drinks and special juices with made up an unusual fusion of flavours that make Cuco Bistrô a different space in the Historic Centre of Salvador.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Lunch
- Pick up and drop off at port
- Tour with driver and English-speaking guide
Not Included:
- Tips, beverages, personal expenses
Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands is located in the south western region of the Greater Kruger National Park. The game reserve is home to lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and elephants. You will find plenty of accommodations, safari tours and restaurants.
Mahe, Seychelles
Mahé, being the largest of the Seychelles islands, beckons with Creole restaurants, craft shops and art galleries. The nearby waters surrounding Mahé are perfect for swimming, body surfing and snorkeling.
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.
Tasmania
Tasmania is an island located 150 miles off the southeast mainland Australia. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmania breathes the world’s cleanest air and enjoys pure water and fertile soils – part of what brings its wine and food world-wide acclaim. It is an island of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third is reserved in the National Parks Network and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals. The island’s European heritage dates back to the early 1800s. Tasmania also has a vibrant cultural life, boasting one of the best small orchestras in the world and literary authors such as Richard Flanagan, winner of the 2002 Commonwealth Writer's Prize. Wilderness, heritage, art & culture, wine & food – they’re waiting for you in Tasmania.
Nadi
Nadi is gateway to Fiji. With a proximity to the international airport, it caters to tourists. There are various accommodations, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises. The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is near Viseisei village, foundation village of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens. From Nadi, visit Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion by the Japanese or take a trip to Mount Victoria, Fiji's highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the fresh air found only above sea level. There are day cruises to islands and jungle locations and cruise boats take you down the Nadi River on to the Mamanuca Islands. For scuba diving, join a schooner which departs from the beach near the Denarau Marina. Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18-hole golf courses in Fiji and is within easy reach of hotels.
Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the The Island of Hawaii (the Big Island) is also the youngest of the island chain. At some 800,000 years of age, it's also still growing. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains one of the world's most active volcanoes which continues to pour into the sea adding to the shoreline. From its snow capped peaks to its black, white and green sand beaches the island is really a study in contrasts. Rocky deserts and lush rainforests. Peaceful bays and rolling pasture land. Luxurious orchids and waterfalls on the windward side, and areas on the western slopes where the world famous Kona coffee is grown. The Island of Hawaii is the place for adventure. Horseback riding in Waimea. Golf everywhere. Snow skiing (really!) at Mauna Kea. The ocean is gorgeous at any time of year. Kona is the marlin fishing capital of the Pacific. Or maybe the quaint shops and restaurants of Hilo, will be enough to keep you thoroughly entertained. The Big Island is also the place for history. All over the island you'll see petroglyphs, and heiau, ancient places of worship. The royal summer palace and the first Christian church in Hawaii will take you back in time. From the rainbows and waterfalls of the windward side to the sun drenched beaches of the Kona/Kohala Coast, the Big Island is vibrant and alive. And wherever you go, you'll find the spirit of Aloha. Of course, you'll find all of the amenities, attractions, activities, and accommodations that will fit any pocketbook and life style. You'll also find a physical beauty, a depth of cultural heritage, and a spiritual warmth that is without equal. Whatever you're looking for in a Hawaiian vacation, the Island of Hawaii offers some great moments that could last a lifetime. Because Hawaiian weather varies very little throughout the year, the weather you'll experience on the Big Island depends more on location than time of year. The wide variety of climates and the resulting range of temperatures and rainfall across the island are due primarily to differences in elevation and exposure to the moist northeasterly trade winds. The average day-time temperature in the coastal resort areas ranges from the mid 80's (29.4 C)in the summer months of May to October to the mid to low 70's (23.9-26.1 C) during the winter months of November to April.
Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.
The small village of Tortuguero (translated as "Region of Turtles") lies on the northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, approximately 50 miles north of the principal Port of Limon. The village is comprised of a variety of cultures: Hispanic, Miskito Indian (Nicaragua), and Afro-Caribbean. Both Spanish and Creole English are spoken. The region surrounding Tortuguero is called the Tortuguero Plain, which is a vast low lying area of little topographic relief still covered by a large expanse of tropical rainforest.
The sophisticated capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, has been endowed with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life. You'll see contemporary structures of glass and steel, as well as colonial, Victorian, and classical architecture, exotic birds, giant butterflies, and picturesque scenery. Costa Rica offers some of the world's most thrilling sights to those who seek a new adventure.
The Pantanal is a massive wetland area largely located in Brazil, extending into Paraguay and Bolivia. It serves as home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including one of the largest jaguar populations on earth. In the wet season, the region is a largely submerged floodplain that is best explored on canoe; and in the dry season, getting around by land (on foot, vehicle, and even horseback) is easier.
Salvador is a dynamic collage of diverse religious and cultural groups, colorful open-air markets, tropical flowers, majestic colonial buildings, golden-sand beaches and the bubbling sensuality of the Bahian people. Visit the Sao Francisco Chapel, whose interior is paved with gold. Sample Salvador's Afro-Brazilian cuisine, including such mouth-watering specialties as "ensopada" (seafood poached in fresh coconut milk) and "vatapa" (spicy fresh shrimp).
Excursions
Salvador - Bahia By Night Folklore Show
The Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia) is one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world. The company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. Optional: After the show diner will be served in one of the many fine restaurants in the area.
Salvador - Essential Salvador (Upper City Tour)
Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a half day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to the what is now the third largest city in Brazil. After hotel pick up, we take you to the mouth of the immense bay and then via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in the South America. We leave the vehicle at the Muncipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, with great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. We visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town
Salvador - HD Drum Essentials Workshop
Bahia is the percussive heart of Brazil, the the rhythmic soul is African, a mind boggling myriad of rythmns that has attracted many international musicians to these shores, Paul Simon, Wayne Shorter, to name but a few of the more famous. The rhythms can be chosen from the following: • Rhythmns of the Afro Blocos • Ijexá - the shuffling rhythm of the famous carnival afoxé Filhos de Gandhi • Samba de Roda and Samba Dura - the powerhouse samba of the Reconcavo • Samba Reggae- variation on the above theme that launched Olodum on the whole stage • Visit to percussion instrument maker’s workshop
Salvador - Fresh Market & Cuisine Tour
Depart hotel and visit two of Salvador’s busiest markets. First we stop at newly renovated fish market, where the wide variety of seafood and fish found in the tropical waters of the bay and the ocean are on display. A short distance away is the largest open market in Bahia, the São Jaoquim Market, selling a myriad of products and produce, from fruits and vegetables to spare parts for domestic appliances, to sacred herbs and religious artifacts of the candomblé. Here we find all of the ingredients for Bahia cuisine and later savour the famous moqueca dish in a local restaurant at the lower city.
Folklore Show with Dinner - 6 hours
Highlights:
- An immersion in the African heritage with an exhilarating performance by the Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia), one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world.
- The Balé Folclórico da Bahia Company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho district in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture.
- You will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; the exhilarating capoeira martial art/dance, and the grand finale of samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance.
- Enjoy an amazing dinner at Uaua, a charming restaurant in Peourinho district, before returning to pier.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: Night
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Dinner
- Pick up and drop off at port
- Tour with driver and English-speaking guide
Not Included:
- Tips, beverages, personal expenses
Essential Salvador with Lunch - 6 hours
Highlights:
- Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a half day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to what is now the third largest city in Brazil. The tour focusses on historical and geographical aspects of the city and serves as a fine orientation for those wishing to further explore the city.
- Visit Barra district and see the immense bay, site of important historical landmarks in Brazil’s early colonial period, now also residential waterfront neighborhood.
- Proceed via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in the South America. Leave the vehicle at the Municipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, allowing for great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town.
- Lunch at Cuco Bistrô, a charming place that has on its proposal to highlight the best of Northeastern Brazillian culture through its art and gastronomy, with a slight influence of Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, grilled meats on the grill, homemade pasta, drinks and special juices with made up an unusual fusion of flavours that make Cuco Bistrô a different space in the Historic Centre of Salvador.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Lunch
- Pick up and drop off at port
- Tour with driver and English-speaking guide
Not Included:
- Tips, beverages, personal expenses
Sabi Sands is located in the south western region of the Greater Kruger National Park. The game reserve is home to lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and elephants. You will find plenty of accommodations, safari tours and restaurants.
Mahé, being the largest of the Seychelles islands, beckons with Creole restaurants, craft shops and art galleries. The nearby waters surrounding Mahé are perfect for swimming, body surfing and snorkeling.
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is famous for its shimmering beauty and fascinating culture. Hundreds of Hindu temples, towering mountains and verdant rice terraces form a spectacular backdrop to the charm of the Balinese people. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.
Tasmania is an island located 150 miles off the southeast mainland Australia. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, Tasmania breathes the world’s cleanest air and enjoys pure water and fertile soils – part of what brings its wine and food world-wide acclaim. It is an island of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third is reserved in the National Parks Network and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals. The island’s European heritage dates back to the early 1800s. Tasmania also has a vibrant cultural life, boasting one of the best small orchestras in the world and literary authors such as Richard Flanagan, winner of the 2002 Commonwealth Writer's Prize. Wilderness, heritage, art & culture, wine & food – they’re waiting for you in Tasmania.
Nadi is gateway to Fiji. With a proximity to the international airport, it caters to tourists. There are various accommodations, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises. The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is near Viseisei village, foundation village of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens. From Nadi, visit Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion by the Japanese or take a trip to Mount Victoria, Fiji's highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the fresh air found only above sea level. There are day cruises to islands and jungle locations and cruise boats take you down the Nadi River on to the Mamanuca Islands. For scuba diving, join a schooner which departs from the beach near the Denarau Marina. Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18-hole golf courses in Fiji and is within easy reach of hotels.
