Inca & Panama Canal Discovery

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Santiago, Chile

  Fly from your chosen UK airport to Santiago. On arrival be transferred to your hotel for your 3-night stay.

• Day 2-3: Santiago, Chile

  Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city and nestles in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range. Explore Plaza de Armas at the heart of the city’s old colonial district; home to two neoclassical landmarks: 1808 Palacio de la Real Audiencia with its Museo Histórico Nacional and the 18th-century Catedral Metropolitana. Culture fans can make a beeline for Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, and Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos. Ride the aerial tramway to San Cristobal Hill to combine cityscape views with visits to the observatory, statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and amphitheatre. Parque Metropolitano de Santiago is the perfect escape; this huge urban green area boasts Zoológico Nacional de Chile and also a botanical garden and funicular railway.

• Day 4: Santiago (San Antonio), Chile

  Embark on board Holland American Oosterdam for your 17-night cruise

• Day 5: Coquimbo (La Serena), Chile

  The port city of Coquimbo sits on the Pan-American Highway and is the capital of Chile's Elqui Province. Coquimbo boasts La Herradura Beach where you can swim and sunbathe to your heart's content. Visit the 93-metre-high Cruz del Tercer Milenio holy pilgrimage site with its museum and prayer rooms; before riding the lift to the top. The 19th-century Fuerte Coquimbo showcases picturesque vistas of the bay and local pelicans and seabirds. Head to the restored Barrio Ingles (English District) to taste fresh seafood at the fish market by day and in the evening experience its vibrant nightlife scene. Coquimbo is also a popular spot for trekking, sport fishing, parasailing, and surfing. Ten kilometres away you'll find La Serena with its stunning beaches alongside the long Avenida del Mar, lively Plaza de Armas main square, Faro Monumental de La Serena lighthouse, and also the famous market at Recova which sells amazing arts and crafts.

• Day 6-7: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 8: General San Martin (Pisco), Peru

  Known for the grape brandy of the same name, Pisco is a city located on Peru's southern coast. Visit the nearby Paracas National Reserve and take a tour to view the rolling hills and wildlife. The town is popular for fishing and the reserve has an information centre, a small fishing village and some rather dramatic sea-shore cliffs. Take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to see the sea lions and hillside Candelabra; a huge etching of mysterious origins.

• Day 9-11: Callao (Lima), Peru

  The capital of Peru lies on the country's Pacific coast. It’s a bustling metropolis and one of South America's largest cities. While visiting, explore ancient archaeological sites, or see the elegant cathedrals and palaces which date back to Spanish colonial times. Head to downtown Lima where you'll come across a busy beach and a range of dining options and shops. Experience the local culture by watching one of the live Folklore shows performed around the city.

• Day 12: Salaverry (Trujillo), Peru

  The small town of Salaverry in Peru introduces you to culture of the local Moche and Chimi people. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chan Chan, the biggest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest mud city in the world. Salaverry is also the gateway to Trujillo, Peru's second-largest city. Trujillo has colonial charm; visit the baroque cathedral to admire its architectural beauty and also spend time at the iconic Plaza de Armas.

• Day 13: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 14: Manta, Ecuador

  Today, the ship drops anchor in the Ecuadorian port of Manta. This lively town has an eclectic mix of cultures and a fascinating history; equally matched by a proud tuna-fishing industry. Spend a few hours on the popular El Murcielago Beach and enjoy the lively bars and restaurants along the Malecon Escenico promenade. Step back to pre-Columbian times at the Central Bank Museum. The big waves from the adjacent Pacific Ocean make Manta a favourite spot for surfing, kite-surfing, and body boarding. No visit here would be complete without a trip to the nearby town of Montecristi; rumoured to be the birthplace of the 'sombrero de paja toquilla' - the infamous Panama hat!

• Day 15-16: At sea

  Days at sea

• Day 17: Panama Canal

  Scenic Cruising

• Day 18: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 19: Georgetown, Cayman Islands 

  Spend today exploring the Cayman Islands' capital, George Town. Once a pirate stronghold, this cosmopolitan destination now features a traditional Caribbean style and a high-rise financial centre. Learn about the region's rich heritage at Cayman Islands National Museum on Harbour Drive or see the colonial ruins at Fort George. Explore the beer brewing process at Cayman Islands Brewery or delve into how rum and vodka are handcrafted on a tour of Cayman Spirits Company Distillery. You can also find the famous Seven Mile Beach on the western coast of the island — often labelled the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean — where you can have a go at snorkelling and diving. Enjoy duty-free shopping, stop for a cocktail on the coast, and sample the diverse food scene — which has been greatly influenced by European and Caribbean flavours.

• Day 20: At sea

  Day at sea

• Day 21: Fort Lauderdale to UK

  Today your cruise comes to an end. Disembark ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.