Atlantic to Amazon: A South American Passage

Bridgetown→Belem

05.10.28 - 16.10.28

V2928100511SH VEGA

Ports10

Countries4

Nights11

Step aboard for a voyage that links the Caribbean with the wild heart of South America. From the sun-drenched shores of Barbados and the Dutch colonial elegance of Paramaribo to the haunting prison islands of the Îles du Salut and the remote waterways of the Amazon Delta, this is a journey of extraordinary contrasts — concluding in Belém, the legendary gateway to the world's greatest river

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Two days in sun-drenched Bridgetown give way to the Dutch colonial grandeur of Paramaribo, before a day ashore on the haunting Îles du Salut — where jungle has reclaimed the old prison walls. Entering the Amazon via Macapá, the pace slows and the wilderness deepens: the Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve, the serpentine channels of the Furo do Cujubá, the car-free river city of Afuá, and finally the mesmerising Breves Narrows, before arriving in the magnificent, mango-shaded streets of Belém

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Days 1-2. Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the vibrant capital of Barbados, is a dynamic Caribbean city that merges historical charm with modern energy and a warm island welcome. Its UNESCO-listed historic district showcases colonial-era architecture, including the 1870s’-built Parliament Buildings. The bustling city offers colourful markets, duty-free shopping and Bajan restaurants. Bridgetown also has pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, such as Carlisle Bay

Day 3. 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

Days 4-5. 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)

Activities:

Included

Discover the Soul Historic Paramaribo

4 hrs 45 min

Explore Paramaribo, the vibrant capital city and the largest wooden city in the Caribbean and South America. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, Paramaribo is a living museum of colonial charm, cultural fusion, and timeless stories. Marvel at the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the tallest wooden structure in South America, now a majestic basilica. Stroll through the UNESCO-listed historic city centre, where Dutch colonial architecture meets Caribbean flair. Immerse yourself in the energy of the central market and the Maroon herbal market, where local flavors and traditions come alive. Wander through streets lined with beautifully preserved wooden buildings, a blend of Dutch design and San Francisco-style balconies. These homes, many still owned by private citizens or the government, whisper stories of the past. Visit the symbolic Independence Square and the scenic Waterfront. Explore diverse religious landmarks that reflect Suriname’s harmonious multicultural society. The legacy of Suriname’s complex history, including the era of slavery that ended in 1863, is still visible in the architecture surrounding Independence Square. Let our expert guides bring these stories to life with captivating tales of the people who once lived there.

Optional

Peperpot Nature Park: A Hiking Adventure

4 hrs 15 min

Peperpot Nature Park is a hidden gem nestled along the Suriname River, just a short distance from Paramaribo. This 800-hectare natural sanctuary offers a unique blend of history, biodiversity, and tranquillity, making it the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.The Park is a former coffee and cocoa plantation that has been transformed into a vibrant nature reserve. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring over 300 species of plants and a multitude of wildlife. As you hike through the park, you'll encounter towering trees, stunning orchids, and a variety of birds, including the Scarlet Ibis and the Guiana Amazon. Wander through trails that showcase the remnants of the old plantation, offering a glimpse into Suriname's colonial past. The preserved coffee and cocoa beds provide a fascinating flashback to the life and work on the plantations. Peperpot is a haven for birdwatchers. With its diverse ecosystems, the park is home to many exotic bird species. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the vibrant colours and melodious songs of the park's avian residents. Learn about the park's flora and fauna through guided educational walks. Our knowledgeable guides will share insights into the park's unique ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. Hiking is about 3km long, don't forget to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a camera, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your exploration. Please note vehicles have no Air conditioning.

Day 6. Iles du Salut

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 7. Day at sea

Day 8. 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 8. Rio Cajari

The Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve in Amapá highlights remarkable ecological diversity while balancing conservation with sustainable use by local communities. Encompassing rainforests, cerrado grasslands, and flooded riparian zones, the reserve is home to valuable tree species like Brazil nuts and açaí palms. It supports a wide range of wildlife, including tapirs, monkeys, cats, alligators, turtles and numerous bird and fish species

Day 9. Gurupa

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 9. Furo do Cujuba

Furo do Cujuba is a stream in Pará, Brazil, that traverses diverse Amazonian ecosystems, including forests, lowland forests and aquatic vegetation. This waterway is part of the intricate system of rivers and channels that characterise the Amazon region. These ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon. Along the furos are riverside communities whose daily lives are intimately connected to these waterways

Day 10. Afuá

Nestled within the world's largest rainforest, Afuá in Pará state, known as "Marajó's Venice" or the "Amsterdam of the Tropics," rests on fluvial Marajó Island near the Amazon's mouth. Built primarily on wooden stilts 1.5m above the waterways with boardwalks, this car-free city aims to become a net-zero emissions model. Residents travel the narrow streets by bicycle and boat, with many relying on fishing for their livelihood

Day 11. 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 12. 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

Activities:

Included

Old Belem & Arts And Culture

4 hours

This tour will give you the opportunity to discover the history of the town. Step back in time at the historic Forte do Presépio, the birthplace of Belém. This 17th-century fort marks the city's first population center and houses the fascinating Museu do Encontro. Here, you'll journey through the history of the Tupiunambá Indians, exploring artifacts from Marajoara funerary urns to colonial-era objects like Chinese coins. Don't miss the original 19th-century cannons in the patio, a testament to the fort's storied past. Then continue to Jewel Hub São José Liberto, a former prison turned gem museum. Marvel at the stunning collection of gold, diamonds, emeralds, and tourmalines that tell the story of Amazonian mining and occupation. Explore the state's first jewelry collection, the Pará-Amazonian, and immerse yourself in the rich history of gemology in Pará. Experience the grandeur of the Teatro da Paz, a symbol of Belém's economic and cultural boom during the rubber cycle. Inspired by Milan's Scala Theater, this 1878 masterpiece features Amazonian-themed interior paintings and specially designed straw chairs for the tropical climate. Recently restored to its original splendor, the theater is a must-see for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Last but not least the Museu de Arte Sacra, the first of its kind in the Amazon region. This cultural gem, housed in the Igreja de Santo Alexandre and the Palace Episcopal, boasts over 300 sacred art pieces. Wander through the Galery Fidanza and other exhibition spaces, and take home a piece of regional culture from the museum's shop.

Included

Canoes Tour

4 hours

Travel by typical motorized river canoes to explore some of the Amazon River’s creeks and channels till arrive in the island of Boa Vista do Acará for a true forest experience. During the boat ride keep an eye out for local canoes, small fishing boats and other vessels making their way along the rivers that lead in and out of the rainforest. You’ll pass by the stilted homes of the inhabitants of the area whilst viewing the lush vegetation and keeping an eye out for the many species of birds that also make this area home. Upon arriving at Boa Vista do Acará, you will disembark and begin a 60-minute guided walk through the lush jungle. As your guide highlights the diverse array of trees, fruits, and seeds, varying with the seasons, you may have the opportunity to taste some freshly picked from the trees. Along the way, you'll also meet members of the local community, who will share their traditional knowledge of the forest and its resources, offering a deeper cultural connection to the environment around you. After the walk, relax as you journey back to Belem by boat and reflect on your experience.

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

SH Vega at a glance

Boutique Cruising

SH Vega’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-toceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes. Bold clean lines blend with wood, metal and natural fabrics to create welcoming spaces.

Culinary Excellence

Our top chefs have come together to create a unique gastronomic experience, with creative Italian and Asian fusion dishes, and diverse menus of exceptional quality.

Beauty & Spa

Choose from one of the many beauty and wellness treatments at our Balinese spa, including hot stone and bamboo massages, and pampering body care.

Fitness & Sauna

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. Enjoy sessions with personal trainers and relax in sauna with a view.

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Heated Outdoor Pool

Our heated infinity pool was designed for you to unwind after a busy day, and immerse yourself in the inspiring scenery.

Personal Service

Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality. Our warm and welcoming crew aim to please, and nothing more than to give you the best experience possible.

Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.