Caribbean & Amazon Basin Explorer with Seabourn

After enjoying your complimentary airport lounge, fly to Barbados where on arrival you will be met by your private driver who will take you to your chosen hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying some of the best beaches the Caribbean has to offer.

Stay: Barbados accommodation

Before boarding your luxury cruise ship this evening, you will have the afternoon - perhaps enough time to get as taste of the country's colourful capital. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bridgetown proudly displays over 400 years of British heritage with perfectly preserved colonial architecture. Although it was originally settled by Amerindians around 1,500 years ago, in the 17th century Barbados became one of the largest and most successful sugarcane producing areas in the world. Today, it is more famous for its pristine beaches, which you will also have a chance to enjoy. This evening, an arranged private transfer will take you to the port where you will board the brand-new luxury Seabourn Pursuit, just in time for a welcome dinner as you set off for the adventures that await.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

This morning, Trinidad's "little sister" Tobago welcomes you with a dreamy fishing village, set upon a white-sand curve of beach on Man-o-war Bay. Even by the Caribbean's lofty standards, Charlotteville represents the ultimate laid-back sanctuary, offering visitors its crystal clear waters for swimming, snorkelling or diving. The small village is also home to one of the few remaining tamboo bamboo bands, where rhythms are produced by banging lengths of bamboo on the ground, a relic of times where slaves were not allowed to play musical instruments. A little further down the coast, Speyside offers access to the nearby wildlife-rich island of Little Tobago, notable for its large population of exotic birds.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Take the next three days to relax and enjoy the extensive on board facilities on offer on your luxury vessel, as you sail from the southern Caribbean to the northern stretches of the vast continent of South America. As well as a spa and wellness centre and a daily activity program, the ship hosts seven unique dining venues for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Colonnade is a more casual alternative for buffet or table service breakfast and lunch and themed dinner, including menus by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller. Additionally, the expedition lounge offers guests a chance to gather for a glass of wine or a cocktail, and share photos and stories of the current or bygone expeditions. It is also central to the Seabourn expedition operation where guests convene before and after expeditions each day.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Today will see you explore the infamous rocky islet, aptly named Devil's Island. Located about 10 miles from mainland French Guiana, this narrow strip of land was part of a penal settlement and a place of punishment for French criminals. Given the surrounding shark infested waters, trackless jungles ashore and extreme harsh conditions, it was essentially a death sentence, precluding any possibility of escape. Before it was a notorious penal colony, it offered French colonists a welcome escape from the fever-ridden jungles of the mainland. Your day will be free to explore the historic prison ruins and its surprisingly abundance wildlife.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Today will be spent at sea, offering another chance to enjoy the ship's world-class facilities as you travel along the Atlantic coast of Brazil towards the mouth of the mighty Amazon River. Opt to relax at the Seabourn Square - an inviting sociable space where you'll find a charming European style coffee bar - or enjoy live music and cocktails at The Club.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Welcome to Brazil - South America's largest country. Your first stop, Macapa, sits on the north channel of the great Amazon's river mouth, right on the Equator and cut off from the rest of Brazil. Take the opportunity to visit the Marco Zero monument, marking a spot where you can hop from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern. Other off-shore highlights can include San Jose de Macapá - a historical fortress which was used to guard against riverine invasions - and Apa do Curiaú, a small village inhabited by descendants of escaped slaves, with unique customs and traditions. This evening, you'll begin the journey through the Amazon River to your next stop - Guajara.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Today, you'll have an optional opportunity to join a zodiac adventure exploring the banks of the Guajara River - a tributary of the Amazon. As you pass through fertile riverside farmlands, you'll have a chance to interact with locals who will share stories of their lifestyle. As you meander through an area of gallery forest, keep your eyes peeled for some of the many colourful tropical bird species that inhabit the region, as well as exotic reptiles and mammals basking on the banks of the river. Look out in particular for the elusive pink river dolphin named 'botos' which frequent this area too. Board the ship this evening and depart for Santarem.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Arrive into Santarem, a busy port town located at the confluence of the Tapajós and Amazon Rivers. The town is notable for the vital trade that passes through it all the way from deep within the Amazon to the Atlantic and beyond. However, the most famous sight for visitors is the Wedding of the Waters" where the clear, dark Tapajos River meets the muddy ochre Amazon. The local markets are a highlight worth exploring, and other excursions include visits to smaller tributaries and forests as well as chances to fish for the infamous piranha fish.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

This morning, depending on the water level and other variable conditions, your captain and expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this stretch of the Amazon River. You'll have a chance to explore via zodiac boats, kayak trips and treks to various places and people of interest. While the ship is anchored or cruising the river, expedition team leaders will be on deck and in the observation lounges offering in-depth insight into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other notable highlights.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

This afternoon, continue your journey through the pristine nature of the deep Amazon before reaching Parintins this evening. The town holds a rich Indian heritage with a centre that illustrates the history of mankind, both indigenous and immigrant, in the Amazonia region. Parintins is also host to the Boi Bumba festival, Brazil's second largest carnival, held annually in June.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Today will be spent exploring the Amazon River through further excursions and itineraries focussed on showcasing the local wildlife, landscapes and interesting cultural sights. You will again have the chance to head out on a zodiac, kayak or hiking excursion accompanied by an experienced guide and expedition leader. Alternatively, remain on board the ship as you sail along the river, taking in the mesmerising views from the deck.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

As you sail deeper into the Amazon and the river narrows ever so slightly, you may pass some large vessels heading towards the Atlantic and the wider world. Today will be spent on board and is a great chance to relax after days of exploration and discovery. Do keep a keen eye out for passing wildlife though, as the basin contains one third of all known living species on Earth. The river itself supports over 5,600 species of fish alone.

Stay: Seabourn Pursuit (Deluxe)

Arrive early into Manaus this morning, the largest city on the Amazon, and the main port for export and import on the river. In fact, the city is actually located on the Rio Negro, a few miles from the point at which it meets the Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River at the famous "meeting of the waters". Disembark after breakfast for your private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Teatro Amazonas, an Italian Renaissance Opera House constructed of imported materials, which hosted world-famous artists at the height of the rubber boom.

Stay: Manaus accommodation

After breakfast your private driver will take you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 18.