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Enjoying the landscape of Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Exploring South America

Barbados - Brazil - Example 21 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Embark on a 21-day cruise aboard SH Vega and explore the Atlantic coastline of South America. The adventure takes you from Barbados to Brazil, where you discover the wonders of this diverse region. During the trip, you encounter the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, explore the colonial heritage of cities like Georgetown and Paramaribo, and are amazed by the ever-changing sands of Lençóis Maranhenses and the mouth of the Amazon River. This exceptional expedition takes you through a tapestry of different cultures, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking natural wonders, spanning the length of northern South America.
Explore colorful Bridgetown, BarbadosPonds like this are a great place to spot birds, caimans, and the largest lily pad species in the worldMorning in the RainForestEnjoying the landscape of Lencois Maranhenses National ParkTrekking Lencois MaranhensesPelourinho in Salvador, BahiaEnjoying the landscape of Lencois Maranhenses National Park
Highlights
  • Explore the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest
  • Discover the colonial heritage of cities such as Georgetown and Paramaribo
  • Witness the ever-changing sands of Lençóis Maranhenses
  • Learn diverse cultures and encounter exotic wildlife
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bridgetown

  • 1 Dinner
Arrive in Bridgetown, relax and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.
 

Day 2: Bridgetown | Embark

Bridgetown, the lively capital of Barbados, blends historical allure with contemporary vibrancy and a hospitable island atmosphere. Its UNESCO-designated historic area features colonial-era buildings, including the Parliament Buildings constructed in the 1870s. The bustling city boasts vibrant markets, duty-free shopping opportunities, and Bajan eateries. Additionally, Bridgetown is renowned for its pristine beaches, such as the picturesque Carlisle Bay, with its crystal-clear waters.



 

Day 3: Port of Spain

Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, is renowned for its lively Caribbean carnival and the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to a diverse array of plants. The Magnificent Seven mansions, dating back to 1900, highlight the city's architectural legacy. Recognized as one of the world's most eco-friendly destinations, Trinidad boasts the Caroni Wetlands, characterized by mangroves and meandering rivers, while the Northern Range mountains provide habitat for various birds, reptiles, and 620 species of butterflies amidst ancient rainforests.

Day 4: At Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 5-6: Georgetown

Georgetown, often referred to as the 'Garden City of the Caribbean,' is situated on the Atlantic Coast at the confluence of the Demerara River and the sea. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by landmarks such as Stabroek Market, St. George's Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology. With a populace hailing from diverse backgrounds including European, Indian, African, Chinese, and Amerindian heritage, Georgetown flourishes as a harmonious blend of cultures. Despite its geographic location, Guyana remains an English-speaking nation.

Day 7: Paramaribo

At the heart of Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, is the UNESCO World Heritage historical centre blending Dutch architecture with local craftsmanship. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica is one of the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden structures. Notable sites include Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress, the Garden of Palms and broad streets. The central square is encircled by impressive buildings including the Presidential Palace (1730).

Day 8: Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands)

The Iles du Salut (Salvation Islands) are a tiny archipelago off French Guiana's coast, with three main islands: Royale, St-Joseph and Diable - or Devil's Island, a penal colony. Serious offenders and political prisoners, such as Captain Alfred Dreyfus, were held here and dead prisoners were fed to the sharks. The prison buildings are now overgrown, and the islands are now home to green-winged macaws, capuchin monkeys, iguanas and sea turtles.

Day 9: Day at Sea

As you sail today, luxuriate in the boundless comforts provided by your ship. Admire the breathtaking sea vistas from the deck, unwind with indulgent spa treatments like facials or massages, or explore the educational materials available on board. Alternatively, retreat to your cabin for a tranquil moment of relaxation.




 

Day 10: Macapa

The most remote of Brazil’s 26 state capitals, Macapá, the capital of and the largest city in the Amapá State, sits on the north bank of the Amazon Delta. Founded by the Portuguese as an outpost, this city's foremost attraction is the Marco Zero monument, a 113-centimetre concrete sundial which symbolises the centre of the metropolis. Other sights include the Fortaleza de São José and the Museu Sacaca.

Day 11: Iquiqui, Amazon River | Gurupa, Amazon River

Iquiqui is a town along the Iquiqui River's unspoiled banks on a tributary of the Amazon in Brazil. Surrounded by rainforest, it provides access to traditional Caboclo communities living in harmony with nature, where visitors can learn ancient wisdom and observe their customs, beliefs and way of life in tune with the ecosystem. The area is home to diverse wildlife like aquatic birds, monkey squirrels and iguanas.

Gurupa is a fishing town on the Amazon River delta in Brazil. Located on Ilha Grande do Gurupá island, it lies near the Amazon's convergence with the Xingu River. Adapted to seasonal floods, Gurupa offers access to the biodiversity of the vast Amazon Basin and an ecosystem which includes várzea forest and savanna. The area provides habitat for endemic birds like the scaled spinetail, fish, monkeys and bats drawn to the várzea's fruiting trees.

Day 12: Cruising Breves Narrows

Navigating Brazil's Breves Narrows, upriver from Belem in the Thousand Islands region, is a mesmerising Amazonian journey. This natural passage, surrounded by towering walls of lush vegetation, creates a secluded green canyon in the heart of the jungle. Enigmatic wildlife such as scarlet macaws, and equatorial flora such as giant Victoria water lilies flourish. The welcoming locals, known as ribeirinhos, offer warm hospitality.

Day 13: Belem

Once one of South America's most prosperous cities, known as ‘tropical Paris’, today Belém remains a thriving port and is the gateway to the Amazon. The opulence of Belém’s golden era is showcased at the neoclassical-style 1874 Theatro da Paz on the Praça de República. Pretty green spaces are shaded by mango trees and the historical centre has plenty of wonderful museums. The bustling Ver-o-Peso market is Latin America's largest open-air market.

Shore Excursions: 

Old Belem & Arts and Culture 
  • Walk Trough the colorful Vero -Peso Market , the largest open air market in Latin American.
  • Discover the Old town, today UNESCO heritage, this has been the first European colony in the Amazon
  • visit the Museum of Sacred Arts, formed by the architectural ensemble of the Church of Saint Alexander and the Episcopal Palace. It shelters fantastic works of religious art.

Day 14: Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Day 15: Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is renowned for its stunning white sand dunes sculpted by the wind and filled with rain-fed, crystal clear blue lagoons, like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Bonita. Exploring this unique landscape is made possible through 4x4 safaris, hikes, sandboarding and kayaking. Beyond the dunes, the ecosystem includes mangroves and restinga, a forest type where rare wildlife like monkeys, foxes and vibrant birds thrive.

Day 16: Day at Sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying your boutique 5-star ship. Treat yourself to a spa day, attend an expert-led onboard lecture or enjoy the ocean views from the deck or the comfort of our Observation Lounge.

Day 17: Fortaleza

Fortaleza is Brazil's fifth-largest city, located on the northeastern coastline in the state of Ceará. Its history includes a Dutch outpost in 1654, later retaken by the Portuguese and renamed Fortaleza (fortress). Among the highlights are the Praia do Futuro beach, forró, traditional music and dance at the ornate, Art Nouveau-styled Theatro José de Alencar, or shopping for hammocks and handmade lace and embroideries at the Central Market.

Shore excursions: 

Discover Fortaleza
  • Discover the two different faces of this fascinating Town, the old and the modern one
  • Stroll around the central market, the largest in the northeast of the country

Day 18: Day at Sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.

Day 19: Recife

Brazil's fourth-largest city, Recife sprawls over islands at the mouth of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, earning it the nickname the "Venice of Brazil." Recife Antigo, the colonial old town on its own island, has colourful architecture. North of Recife is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Olinda, an 18th-century Portuguese sugarcane hub, now an artists' colony with Baroque churches amid bright houses built on steep hillsides.

Shore excursions: 

Panoramic Recife and Beautiful Olinda
  • Enjoy a panoramic drive in the city center
  • Visit Olinda, a UNESCO Heritage site, where you will discover colorful historic houses and centuries-old baroque churches and monasteries.

Day 20: Day at Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Day 21: Salvador de Bahia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
With a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where African and South American cultures blend. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital from 1549 to 1763, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pelourinho, bursts with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Jorge Amado, a beloved literary figure, is celebrated at his former home, now the museum A Casa do Rio Vermelho.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge
SH Vega Club Lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,680 2-3 travelers
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
  • 20 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Self-service laundry 
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
  • 24-hour room service
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation

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The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney

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