Holland America Line: Volendam

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.

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Santo Domingo is considered to be the oldest city in the New World, where the settlement of all the Americas began. It is the home of the the first cathedral and the first hospital. Wander down cobble stone streets among the Spanish colonial architecture and imagine how things were back in the 1600s.

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Santa Marta is the cultural and historic center of Columbia's Sierra Nevada region. Be sure to visit the unspoiled beaches of the Parque Nacional Tayrona.

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Puerto Límon, on a palm-fringed shore backed by mountains, is the country's most important port. It was built on the site of an ancient Indian village, Cariari, where Columbus landed on his fourth and last voyage. Though he felt this was potentially a very rich land and named it Costa Rica, it never quite lived up to his expectations. However the spot where he anchored has proved to be the best port of the Caribbean coast. It was from here that the first shipments of bananas headed to North America in the late 19th century.

Cristóbal is a seaport on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama and gives access to Colon and Panama City settled by Spain in 1519 on the site of an Indian fishing village.

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

Balboa, sited at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal was founded in 1914 and named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, European discoverer of the Pacific. Balboa is noted for its orchid gardens, with more than 400 varieties. It is separated from Panama City by Ancón Hill.

For many years this small island, accessible from the mainland by a causeway, was off-limits. A former headquarters of the U.S. Army and Naval Forces, this island is now developing into an upscale destination. Today visitors can enjoy the first class amenities ashore, go shopping in a luxurious new shopping plaza or tour colonial Old Panama.

For many years this small island, accessible from the mainland by a causeway, was off-limits. A former headquarters of the U.S. Army and Naval Forces, this island is now developing into an upscale destination. Today visitors can enjoy the first class amenities ashore, go shopping in a luxurious new shopping plaza or tour colonial Old Panama.

Cruise across the Equator from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere.

Manta is one of Ecuador's major port blending colourful fishing villages, unspoilt beaches and unusual tropical dry forest to make this an important tourist destination and starting point for many exciting excursions. Make time to shop for local craft or visit the Archaeological Museum which features pre-Columbian artefacts left by the Manta culture.
From Manta you can visit the capital, Quito and, if you have the time, the Galapagos islands.

Suggested Private Excursions

Pacoche Forest Trek - 4.5 hours

Cerro Jaboncillo - Discovering the Ancient Cultures of Manabi - 5 hours

Puerto Cayo | Castro-Organic Experience- 6.5 hours

Cerro Jaboncillo - Discovering the Ancient Cultures of Manabi - 5 hours

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This is the port for Trujillo, the "Lordly City," whose elegant mansions and churches reflect the aristocracy of the Spanish colonial era. Here you may opt for a thrilling excursion to Chan-Chan, an immense and magnificent enclave that since A.D. 1300 has been the center of the sophisticated Chim culture.

Suggested Private Excursions

SALAVERRY: Moche ancient oracles - 3.5 hours

SALAVERRY: Chan Chan, Chan Chan Museum & Huanchaco - 3.5 hours

SALAVERRY: El Brujo Archeological Complex and Dama de Cao Museum - 5 hours

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Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers.
Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Suggested Private Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours)

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours)

The Gold Museum of Lima (4 hours)

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours)

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours)

CALLAO: Colonial Lima - 3.5 hours

CALLAO: Lima city tour and Larco Herrera Museum - 4 hours

CALLAO: Night Tour Circuito Magico del Agua with dinner- 4 hours

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours)

Callao is the port of Lima, located six miles from the city center. Among Callao’s attractions is the Real Felipe, a colonial-style fortress built in the 18th century to defend Lima from English and Dutch buccaneers.
Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country’s modern aspects.

Suggested Private Excursions

Interactive Culinary Experience (5 hours)

Lima - City of the Kings (4 hours)

The Gold Museum of Lima (4 hours)

Barranco : Art and Culture (7.5 hours)

Pachacamac and the Paso Horses (8 hours)

CALLAO: Colonial Lima - 3.5 hours

CALLAO: Lima city tour and Larco Herrera Museum - 4 hours

CALLAO: Night Tour Circuito Magico del Agua with dinner- 4 hours

Lima - Magic Fountains (4 hours)

The deep-water General San Martin (Puerto General San Martín) is the largest port between Callao and Matarani, 237 km. south of Lima. Fifteen kilometres down the coast from General San Martin is the bay of Paracas, sheltered by the Paracas peninsula. The peninsula, a large area of coast to the south and the Ballestas Islands are a National Reserve, being one of the best marine reserves, with the highest concentration of marine birds, in the world. From here you can visit the Nazca Lines and Regional Museum of Ica, the Huacachina Lagoon and Ballestas Island.

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This seaside oasis among golden sand dunes is Chile's northernmost gateway; it is also a rapidly developing resort. Located just 30 miles from the border of Peru and linked to Bolivia by land and air, Arica enjoys an interesting cultural exchange. The city lies at the foot of the Morro headland, with the Andes as a distant backdrop. A mild climate, with year-round temperatures of 70-75 degrees, gardens and parks brimming with luxuriant flora have earned Arica the name "City of Eternal Spring." Arica's most prominent site is the Morro, rising steeply above the city. It was the scene of a great victory by Chile over Peru in the War of the Pacific on June 7, 1880. At the foot of the Morro is the Plaza Colon with the cathedral of San Marcos, built in iron by Gustave Eiffel. He also designed the nearby Customs House.

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Being the major attraction of the second region Antafogasta is a city with much tradition.

This area/region is also blessed with the clearest skies in the world, with no more then 20 cloudy days in a year, and therefore home to many observatories with some of the world's largest telescopes.

Of the places interesting to see, the Barrio Historico stands out. There you can visit the Muelle Salitrero, a national monument built in 1872 by the Melbourne Clarc Co.. This pier was where they loaded the saltpeter for shipping to other parts of the world. It also served during the Pacific War as a place to embark and disembark Chilean soldiers.

Another place that should be visited by visitors is the Centro Urbano (downtown center), with the Plaza Colon surrounded by big old trees. There is also the Torre del Reloj (clock tower), which is a small replica of Big Ben in London and also a national monument.

Alongside this is the Quiosco de la Oquesta, where different choirs traditionally meet to play for the public. In the Plaza Colon there is also a gothic styled Cathedral with many stained glass windows. Along one side of the church is the Teatro Municipal (Municipal theater), recently constructed and that intends to become a stop for well known artists.

Another interesting building of Antofagasta is the Ruina de Huanchaca, a silver foundry, constructed in 1873.

As far as natural attractions are concerned, be sure to pay a visit to the coast to admire the fascinating rock formations there.

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Robinson Crusoe Island is one of three islands in the Juan Fernandez archipelago located off the coast of Chile. In 1705, the sailor Alexander Selkirk – more famously known by the island that bears his name, was marooned and spent five years in solitude, thus inspiring Daniel Defoe to write his classic novel. Today, the island is actually a national park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because of the varied flora and fauna on the island. The islands 500 inhabitants are mainly sustained by fishing the local waters. This island is amazingly beautiful and undoubtedly will inspire any visitor to wish they were stranded on this emerald isle.

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Evocative of Switzerland, Chile's lake district is noted for its pristine, almost Alpine scenery and bracing climate. Visit Lake Llanquihue (pronounced "Yankee-way"), and explore the rugged coastline leading to Ensenada. Marvel at a Fuji-like volcano, Mount Osorno, which rises to a height of 8,500 feet. View the rushing falls and turbulent rapids of Petrohue and cruise the blue-green waters of placid Lake Todos Los Santos. Taste Chilean country specialties and enjoy folklore entertainment at a rustic hosteria.

Suggested Private Excursions

Puerto Montt: The Llanquihue Lake Experience - 6 hours

Puerto Montt: A Journey into Chile's Oldest National Park - 4 hours

Puerto Montt: The Route of the Pioneers - 7 hours

Castro, with some 20,000 inhabitants, is the capital of Isla Grande de Chiloé and an island of dense forests and undulating hills. Between the Isla Grande and the mainland, the Golfo de Ancud and the Golfo de Corcovado are dotted with many smaller islands of archipelagic Chiloe. The distinctive character of the island has been influenced by 200 years of isolation from the mainstream of Spanish colonial development as well as its dependence on the sea. Castro is especially noted for its variety of styles in housing including the palafitos, which are dwellings built on stilts above the water. It also has a splendid cathedral, several museums and a renowned handicraft market, all of which make Castro an attractive place to visit. Its isolation has encouraged self-reliance and also a friendliness toward visitors that has changed little since Darwin remarked more than a century and a half ago, "I never saw anything
more obliging and humble than the manners of these people."

With sculptured icebergs, soaring fjords and Andean peaks, Chilean Patagonia is spectacular. The bird species include black-necked swans and the nearly extinct giant condor. From the fishing village of Puerto Chacabuco, you can visit the area capital, Coihaique, and beautiful Reserva Nacional Rio Simpson.

The Chilean Fjords offer some of the most awe-inspiring sights of your journey. Simply look to the sky to see graceful Andean condors floating on the wind. Bring a camera to capture sights of incredible jagged walls of glacier ice rising up from the sea. And for pure enjoyment, watch the antics of the flightless, tuxedoed Magellanic penguins.

Stunning Amalia Glacier (also known as Skua Glacier) is a marvelous splash of blue and white in a country that ancient explorers described as "where the soil is swampy, cold, and unfit for cultivation, and whose climate is thoroughly cheerless." Oh, if they had only looked around to see that penguins, seabirds and mighty whales find it all quite agreeable.

The west side of the Sarmiento Canal is flanked by Madre de Dios Island, with towering limstone peaks that fall precipitously into the channel. The east side is interspersed with islands and eventually meets the Chilean mainland. Stunning Amaila Glacier is a marvelous splash of blue and white in a country that ancient explorers described as "where the soil is swampy, cold, and unfit for cultivation, and whose climate is thoroughly cheerless." Oh, if they had only looked around to see that penguins, seabirds and mighty whales find it all quite agreeable.

The Strait of Magellan is the passage immediately south of mainland South America. Located between the continent and Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn to the south, the strait is the biggest and most important natural passage between the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean.

Punta Arenas is the southernmost city on Earth, overlooking the Straits of Magellan. Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, its prosperity has risen and fallen with that trade. Punta Arenas enjoyed its first great boom during the California Gold Rush, when it served as a haven for great clipper ships. Although the port's importance diminished after the opening of the Panama Canal, the city reached even greater prosperity early in this century as the center of Chile's international wool trade. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great mix of cultures, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors, and it remains an utterly fascinating testament to the Chile's rich history. Punta Arenas is also the starting point for excursions to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Suggested Private Excursions

Punta Arenas: Exploring the End of the World - 3.5 hours

Punta Arenas: Flavors of Patagonia - 4 hours

Punta Arenas - A day on a Patagonian Ranch - 5 hours

Cattle stations and small frontier towns are the only signs of human habitation on the remote Beagle and Cockburn Channels. The waters however, are alive with fish and fauna, including sealions and comical Magellan and Humboldt penguins.

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The world's southernmost city, Ushuaia overlooks Beagle Channel, named after the ship that took Charles Darwin to the bottom of the world. Founded just over one hundred years ago, this rustic town is situated amidst incredible snowcapped mountains, dramatic waterfalls, massive glaciers, and a forest known for its red foliage. Tierra del Fuego, the "Land of Fire," twelve miles to the west of Ushuaia, is known for its glacial landscape and its national park, which is a bird-watcher's paradise.

Suggested Private Excursions

Ushuaia: National Park,Trekking y Canoas - Full Day

Ushuaia – Tierra del Fuego National Park and End of the World Train - Half Day

Rounding the extreme southern tip of South America, you'll be awestruck by the rugged beauty and imposing vision of Cape Horn, a craggy, massive rocky point that was the bane of early explorers.

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Port Stanley is the only town on the Falkland Islands, and though it has little more than 1,200 residents, it contains half of the islands' population. There are 700,000 sheep, and a wonderful assortment of sea birds and elephant seals.

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Nestled in a protected bay on the Gulf Nuevo, this unique hamlet was founded by adventurous Welsh colonists in 1865 and has maintained Welsh as its official language. Visit the Valdez Peninsula, the only known continental breeding place for elephant seals. Also watch for sea lions, whales and exotic birds.

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Slightly threadbare and charmingly out of date, Montevideo harks back to pre-war days when it was the "Switzerland of South America." Art deco and art nouveau façades reflect this flourishing past, while the impressive Plaza Independencia, with its colonnades and open-air cafés, is a perfect place to savor the present.

Dynamic and bustling, a city which seems never to sleep, Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve an all manner of world cuisine, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night. Cultural hub of a society which traces its roots to European immigration, it is famous throughout South America for its theatres, museums and galleries. Gucci, Armani, Prada, to name a few, line the boulevards catering for the fashion conscious porteños, their offerings as stylish as anything found in the cities in Europe or North America.

Suggested Private Excursions

Buenos Aires - Full Day Sightseeing Tour - 7 hours

Buenos Aires sightseeing tour with shared visit to Colon Theatre - Half Day

Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour North - half day

Buenos Aires Sightseeing Tour & Evita Museum - Half Day

Buenos Aires Tigre Getaway - Half Day

Buenos Aires Tango Show & Dinner at Rojo Tango

Buenos Aires: Gaucho celebration - Full Day