Vacation Day 1: Arrive Albuquerque, New Mexico
After breakfast at hotel, we head to Santa Fe. We’ll head north along the picturesque Turquoise Trail and stop in the artist colony, Madrid. In Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in 
the United States, you can visit one of the wonders of Santa Fe’s historic district, Loretto Chapel. Constructed in 1873, this striking Gothic chapel houses the Miraculous Staircase, a marvel of architectural ingenuity that some claim was designed and built by St. Joseph himself!
Wake Up Early! Today we attend the Balloon Fiesta Opening Ceremonies and “Mass Ascension” at sunrise. A sight not to be missed.
After the balloons are gone...we will ride the Sandia Peak Tramway! Sandia Mountain dominates the east-side of Albuquerque with its 5,000’ vertical rise. The tram ride itself is 15-minutes and travels through a few biological life zones, revealing deep canyons and an awe-inspiring at the peak.Note: Due to the elevation, 10,378’, individuals with heart conditions or respiratory problems should consult their doctor before riding the tram. Dress in layers; the temperature can be cold at the top. 
We’ll rest before attending tonight’s balloon glow, a signature Fiesta event that sets the night sky ablaze. The balloons are tethered on the fiesta grounds, in unison, the pilots set their burners aglow, creating a luminous, magical display, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. It’s a pyrotechnical display you’ll not soon forget. You can also get your fill of junk food at the festival.
Morning free to take a hot air balloon ride (Book early as it does sell out quickly), relax or explore on your own. Then it is time to journey back in time in old town, established as a colonial farming village in 1706, Albuquerque’s Old Town neighborhood still bears the mark of its Spanish founders. Through narrow brick pathways to Spanish-style plazas and 18th-century adobe architecture, explore the heritage of Albuquerque’s varied past. It’s a festive time at Albuquerque Plaza!
We’ll enjoy an early dinner at Garduño’s of Mexico before we attend tonight’s glow.
USA - Canada - Mexico - Caribbean Singles Vacations and Trips
for Singles and Solo Travelers 40's 50's and Active 60's Plus
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Santa Fe
October 2 - October 6, 2025
Don't Miss this singles weekend that takes us to the wonders of New Mexico!
Don't Miss this singles weekend that takes us to the wonders of New Mexico!
Alaska Glacier Singles Cruise
August 3 - August 10, 2026
View bald eagles soaring by, killer whales breaching, grizzlies grazing along the shore, glacier floes tumble into the sea.
View bald eagles soaring by, killer whales breaching, grizzlies grazing along the shore, glacier floes tumble into the sea.
Cancun Fiesta on the Beach
January 15 - January 19, 2026
Spend An All Inclusive Cancun Weekend at a 5* Resort in Paradise
Caribbean Getaway Singles Cruise
March 14- March 22, 2026
Join our 8-night Caribbean cruise that departs from Florida with a group of fun loving singles and visit 5 amazing ports.
Charleston, South Carolina Singles Weekend
September 16- September 20, 2026
Is defined by cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses.
Costa Rica Eco-Beach Adventure
December 6 - December 15, 2024
Zip through the clouds, walk in the jungles, tube the rivers and sun on the beach on this Costa Rica singles adventure.
Durango, Colorado Old West Weekend
September 4 - September 8, 2025
Journey back in time to the Old West when you explore Durango, Colorado with Best Single Travel.
Memphis Music & More Weekend
May 27 - May 31, 2026
Join Best Singles Travel in Memphis, Tennessee, home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock and Roll.
Breathtaking Niagara Falls Weekend
September 10- September 14, 2025
How many ways are there to discover Niagara Falls? Let's try to explore them all on this wonderful Singles weekend.
San Diego, CA Weekend
Animals, Heritage & Fun
February 25 - March 1, 2026
February 25 - March 1, 2026
San Diego, nicknamed America’s Finest City is famous for its beaches, zoo, strong Spanish and Indigenous culture, and sunny weather year-round.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Safari
December 10 - December 14, 2025
Winter is a wonderful time to experience Yellowstone & Teton with fascinating snowy landscapes, and frosty animals.
Today our day begins early as we depart Jerusalem and travel through the Judean wilderness to the Dead Sea. Our first stop is Qumran, visit the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The Visitor Center tells its fascinating story and is a great place to buy Dead Sea products!
years ago. Watch the movie at the Visitor Center as it reveals the secrets of the rebels’ daily life, the story of the excavations, and how Masada became one of Israel’s most important symbols.
Today is devoted to the New City, beginning with a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Walk through this astounding Museum with its new and moving focus on the individual in the Holocaust. Also visit the Children’s Memorial and Hall of Remembrance.
She’arim quarter (modest dress required) to get a sense of Jewish life of yesteryear.
In the morning prepare to ‘get dirty’ as we participate in an archaeological dig under Tel Maresha at Beit Guvrin, ancestral home of King Herod. Vast underground labyrinths of man-made rooms are being systematically cleaned and give evidence of underground industrial complexes dating from the Hellenistic period. Remains of olive oil production, weaving installations, water cisterns and baths confirm a high level of material culture. This site offers a wealth of discoveries and practical experience for those who want to "dig". You’ll discover pottery from the time of the Maccabees and get an appreciation for the tedious work of 
archaeologists!
Say goodbye to Jerusalem this morning, as we travel north through the Jordan River Valley to the ancient remains of Beit Shean, one of the biggest excavated sites in Israel. Ancient Beit Shean, once a Roman city, has been extensively excavated to reveal public streets, bath houses, and theaters. The Talmud refers to this site as the "entrance to paradise."
Begin our day with a visit of Capernaum to see the ancient Synagogue dating back to the 5th century. Then stop in the ancient capital city of Jewish mysticism - Safed, where the Kabbalah faith has originated. The old part of town consists of narrow cobblestone alleys revealing artists' galleries, medieval synagogues, private homes and small guest houses.
Depart Tiberias and travel northwest to Akko (Acre) on the Mediterranean shore. Explore the Upper Galilee and step back in time as we walk the ancient Phoenician and Crusader seaport city of Akko/Acre
and city walls.
his morning ascend Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city and the bay. Then depart Haifa as we drive south to Caesarea National Park where we will explore the magnificent remains of Herod’s city, the Roman capital, port and fortified Crusader town. Tour the Roman theater, hippodrome and walk the promenade to the renovated port area. Continue on to Old Jaffa, the world’s oldest port, and stroll along the winding cobble stoned streets with its charming artists’ colony, art galleries and high quality craft shops.
as heroic.
oldest stone pyramid in Egypt.
Today we tour Cairo after enjoying breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Egyptian Museum which contains the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities and no visit to Egypt is 
complete without a trip through its galleries.This famous museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyption artifacts (more than 120,000 items on display) featuring the famous Tutankhamun collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus and the royal Mummy room.
After breakfast, we fly to Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile River and located on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of power. When we arrive in Luxor we check in to our Nile Cruise and then visit the West bank and discover the largest open museum in the world. We will visit the Necropolis of Thebes, Valley of the Kings, which was used as royal tombs for the New Kingdom. For over a thousand years, the kings, queens and nobles of the New Kingdom were buried in this valley, which is the world's most magnificent burial ground. These beautifully painted tombs have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will also visitat the famous temple at El Deir El Bahary, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs dedicated to the only Pharaonic female ruler, the Queen Hatshepsut. It was built of limestone, not sandstone like most of the other funerary temples.
After breakfast onboard the ship, it is time to discover the East Bank of Luxor including Karnak & Luxor Temples. On entering the Temples of Karnak you will see each legacy left by the various pharaohs as the complex grew. The deeper we go, the further back in time we will travel, with the oldest ruins dating back over 3,000 years.
The Luxor Temple was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a mile long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Dominated by statues of the great warrior pharaoh Ramses II, Luxor Temple has survived Nile floods, foreign invasion and thousands of years exposed to the elements.
Then we will explore Edfu, a flourishing city in Ancient Times. Today the most important monument in the city is the Temple of Horus, considered to be one of the most beautiful and preserved temples in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian place of worship features a unique engraving that is thought to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments. The construction of this Temple and its additions, inscriptions, and relief's took about 180 years! 
After breakfast we depart for our excursion to the High Dam of Aswan, built in the 1960s and the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk. The obelisk's creators began to carve it directly out of bedrock, but cracks appeared in the granite and the project was abandoned.
Discover the legends of Goddess Isis & God Osiris on a narrated journey at the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. At each Philae Sound and Light show, the Egyptian gods and goddesses are resurrected before our eyes to tell us their life stories. This show brings history and the past to life, making you feel the temple alive around you; the myth is resurrected. The presents the myth of Osiris, the goddess of death and his beloved wife Isis, who resurrected her husband using life rituals after being killed by his brother, Set, the God of Evil in ancient Egypt.
This morning we disembark our cruise for the final time and drive to Abu Simbel to visit The Temples of Ramses II & his wife Nefertari. Abu Simbel was built by Ramesses II (Pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of the Egyptian New Kingdom, who ruled 1279-1213 BC) in Nubia.
Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO. During the salvage operation the two temples were dismantled and raised about 200 feet up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before. Here they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain.
Breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading for our flight back to Cairo. This afternoon get your last minute gifts and souvenirs at the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The souk dates back to 1382 and is known for selling good-quality clothing, cloth, spices, souvenirs, and traditional jewelry and perfumes at reasonable prices. The bazaar is also loud, 
Vacation Day 1 - Arrive Dublin, Ireland
has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
cottages are home to arts and crafts shops. 
Travel to the coast for a visit to the Cliffs of Mohr. These are the most majestic cliffs in Ireland and rise from the Atlantic Ocean at 705 feet and extend for over 2300 feet long. From this height, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and listen to the many sea birds that colonize this place from springtime on.
Burren is a High-Plateau of porous limestone. No trees grow here, no land is covering the stone. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe. You will also discover the testimonies of its rich history such as countless castles and monastic ruins.
after a mythical Irish king and pre-Christian god, the semi-circular stone fort dates back to the Bronze Age and offers insight into ancient Ireland. Recent excavation found evidence of human activity dating back over two and a half thousand years. Covering an area of 14 acres, the interior of the hill fort is divided into an outer, middle and inner enclosure by three curved walls terminating at the cliff face.
Travel the Irish countryside to the world-renowned Irish National Stud Farm, home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. This 1,000-acre Farm has been in use as a Stud Farm since 1900 and boasts a fascinating state-of-the-art Horse Museum. Why not take a stroll around the beautiful Japanese Gardens situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm. Planned to symbolize the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave the gardens are considered the finest in Europe.
spirituality of the monastic movement in Ireland during the 6th and 7th centuries.
We get to experience the underground tube as we travel to St James’s Park area, the oldest Royal Park in London. On our guided walking tour hear stories about Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Westminster Palace, now the Houses of Parliament. It wouldn't be a vacation in London without seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony (weather permitting). A detachment of the ‘Old Guard’ form at St James Palace for an inspection by the Captain of The Queen’s Guard. Preceded by a Regimental Band or Corps of Drums, the old guards make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. One half of the Old Guard is already on duty and inspected while awaiting the arrival of the Palace's detachment.
Next we get to go inside Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and one of the few working royal palaces in the world. We will visit the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews.
This morning we visit the Tower of London where we will join one of the famous Yeoman Warder tours and hear exciting tales from the Tower’s past. Visit the Crown Jewels (
After breakfast we transfer to St. Pancras station and board the high-speed Eurostar train bound for Paris, where our vacation continues. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel.
buildings.
Today is your day to explore Paris at your own pace or with a few of your new travel friends. Use your hop-on hop-off pass and travel your choice of many different routes or spend some time shopping on the Champs de Elysses or take an optional tour to Versailles.
Enjoy a ride on the Thalys high-speed train as we travel to Amsterdam. Upon arrival we will check into our centrally located hotel. Our first day in Amsterdam, often called 'Venice of the north' would not be complete without a canal boat ride. Pass along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. View the magnificent houseboats and homes that dot the canal banks, along with the usual parade of bicyclists.While gliding through the old center of the city you see elegant merchant’s mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age. 
Then our guided tour through the Red Light District begins. Stroll around the historical center as our guide exposes us to over 800 years of "Amsterdam" culture. From its humble beginnings on the river Amstel to the glorious "Golden Age".
A free day to explore the Dutch capital; visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Houseboat Museum, Oude Kerk (oldest church), Rembrandt House Museum and maybe even a coffee house. The city is wonderfully small scale, ensuring you will never venture too far off course.
Put on your walking shoes for a full day of exploring Rome and enjoy the views from the open top bus. Pass by the Circus Maximus. an oblong arena where events like chariot races, games, and other performances were held in Ancient Rome and the Pantheon. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome, then climb the famous 
Spanish Steps. Tour the most important wonders and sites of Ancient Rome including the Colosseum, probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire and the Forum was the center of the Empire. The monuments and structures have fallen into ruins, but even today they are an imposing and beautiful sight.
Today we visit Vatican City and tour the Vatican with a licensed guide. Within the walls of the city are St Peter's Basilica, St Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums, the residence of the Pope and offices of the Catholic Church. Explore the Vatican Museums, which houses over 9 miles of the most extensive collection of art in the world. Brilliantly decorated and lined with masterpieces, the museums are brimming with treasures and history. Experience Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam with your own eyes as we explore the Sistine Chapel and wander Raphael’s Rooms. St Peter's Basilica - is the center of Christianity. The opulence of the building's interior bears testimony to the wealth of the catholic church in the 16th century. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the museums and shops of Rome.
View the Italian countryside as we travel from Rome to Florence by bus. Arrive in Florence in time for a quick bite before our afternoon walking tour with our tour leader. Discover the birthplace of the Renaissance and watch as the rich tapestry of Florentine history and culture unfold. Get up close with Florence's distinctive skyline feature, the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori and visit Florence’s spacious Piazza della Signoria, long been one of the city’s main meeting points. Today, the Palazzo Vecchio houses a museum, the town hall and in front a 
copy of Michelangelo’s famous “David” statue, and to one side of the Palazzo is a fountain with a huge statue of Neptune. We will stroll across the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge that dates back to the 14th century. The three-arched bridge is picturesquely lined with jewelry shops and market stalls, and the decorative central arches are picture-perfect spots for snapping photos of Florence. The Piazzle Michelangelo overlooks one of the most famous and magnificent views of Florence.
Let's leave the city of Florence and explore the Tuscany countryside on our full day tour: We arrive in Siena, which sits over three hills and its center is the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. After touring Siena, you will understand why Italians can eat so much, and not get fat, when you see old women carrying groceries up long streets with 30-degree inclines. 
Our next stop, San Gimignano, a small walled medieval hill town in Tuscany, famous for its many towers, Stroll along the the cobblestone streets of the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano and don't miss the amazing views. Grab a bite to eat, maybe take a dungeon tour or shop at one of the unique merchants. 
Day at leisure to explore Florence on your own or with some of your new new single friends. Time to visit the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the world's most important collection of Florentine art or the Accademia Gallery to see Michaelangelo's David. You can spend the day strolling the narrow streets, admiring the architecture and statues or enjoy shopping the stalls of the many markets.
Another chance to admire the beautiful Italian scenery as we travel by train from Florence to Venice this morning. Then view the splendid palaces, churches, bridges, gardens along Venice's Grand Canal as we transfer by boat to our hotel. 
This morning we visit one of the most famous buildings in Venice, the Doge's Palace. Inside the palace we will see amazing Italian Renaissance art, majestic staircases, the Doge's apartments and the government chambers. Then walk across the world-famous Bridge of Sighs, built to connect the palace to the network of prisons established by the doges. Our tour ends with a walk around the eerie New Prisons before bidding our guide a fond farewell outside the palace.
A trip to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride by a traditionally dressed gondolier. Sit back on your seat and soak up the gorgeous scenes as our gondolas bob along some of Venice’s prettiest waterways. Dip into romantic side canals and drift along a stretch of the Grand Canal past exquisite mansions and landmarks.
Early in the morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. Upon arrival free time for a rest and to get used to the altitude. Cusco was a Holy City, place of pilgrimage, a sacred place the Incas themselves believed was “The Navel of World”, thus its real name “Qosqo”. Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture; churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner, many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework’s, which served as foundation for the Spanish constructions that took place in the XVI and XVII centuries.
The day starts with an early morning transfer to Cusco train station. Enjoy a unique train ride towards the marvelous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Get the most outstanding views of the Urubamba River, which cuts its way through green fields beneath the high peaks of the Andean glaciers towards the marvelous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Get the most outstanding views of the Urubamba River, which cuts its way through green fields beneath the high peaks of the Andean glaciers.
Excellent opportunity to wake up early, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, stroll around town or visit the Hot Spring Thermal waters. And still have time for optional activities:
You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. Guayaquil is located on the western bank of the Río Guayas. The metropolis is the country’s largest city and its commercial center. The port is an important stop for international imports and exports on the Pacific coast. Stroll around the new riverfront “Malecón 2000” that combines green areas and shopping malls along the city’s coastline and has become Guayaquil’s landmark. Don’t miss the picturesque Las Peñas district and explore the city’s growing art scene.
Start your Guayaquil City Tour at the Simon Bolívar Park. Here, visit the classic gothic style Cathedral, which was completely rebuilt after the 1896 fires that destroyed many of the city’s beautiful wooden buildings. Located north of the city center, the Las Peñas district is the oldest and most picturesque. Admire the 400-year-old colonial houses that have now become art galleries or workshops and stroll around the open-air painting and sculpture exhibitions. Then, as you walk along the beautiful boardwalk “Malecón 2000” by the Guayas River, appreciate the river and city views.
In the morning you will be taken to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. 
Santa Cruz Island is the second largest island and is located in the middle of the archipelago. Colonized in the 1920’s, Puerto Ayora is the main human settlement with the most important harbor in the Galápagos. After Isabela Island, Santa Cruz is home to the second largest population of giant tortoises (about 3000). Discover the island’s beautiful beaches and bays with sea lions, marine turtles, and seabirds. Or, take your adventures off the beaten track to its remote highlands and verdant landscapes.
From Puerto Ayora,Leisurely walk to Tortuga Bay, one of the longest white sandy beaches in the archipelago. Along its shores, keep an eye out for marine iguanas, sea turtles, and migratory birds. On the west, a rocky edge divides the beach and creates a calm cove ideal to swim around the bay. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Bring your bathing suit and snorkel gear (also available to rent) and enjoy the day in the water at one of the best Galapagos snorkel sites Tortuga Laguna or spend the afternoon shopping back in town.
During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Each of the islands has its own significant beauties to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your stay. Lunch on board and snorkelling activity included. North Seymour is a flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, it is one of the best places to see Blue Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds. Blue Footed Boobies are found on the flat area near the coast of this island (they nest from May to November). Continuing the trail to the interior, one stumbles upon the biggest congregation of Magnificent Frigate birds in the island. While on North Seymour, there is a high chance of seeing a great show of acrobatic flight, namely a Frigate bird robbing a booby, a gull or even another Frigate bird the food. South Plazas Island, where a large colony of sea lions lounges daily in the equatorial sun. Soon you will notice their subtly diabolic grins and wonder what they find so humorous; you only hope the joke isn't on you! South Plazas also boasts excellent examples of typicalGalapaganean flora such as the towering cacti "trees" that form the principal diet for boththe land iguanas and the cactus finch. Other birds that may flutter by include lava gulls,yellow warblers and red-billed tropicbirds with their elaborate tails.
Another fun filled day out on the water. Full day boat excursion visiting one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Bartholomew, a tiny island of just 1.2 km 2 , offers the visitor one of the most spectacular views of the archipelago. Bartholomew is located near the west coast of James, on the other side of Sullivan Bay. It is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the representative characteristic of Bartholomew. The climb to the 114 m high peak is both challenging and worth-doing. On your way up, you will encounter different formations of volcanic origin including spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. Once on the summit,there is a spectacular view of the surroundings. Bartholomew is also a must for the visitor interested in geology. Penguins are common in the bay area.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Center which was inaugurated 1994 in Puerto Ayora. Over 200 scientists and volunteers are active in the conservation and research projects for the most famous resident of the Galápagos: the Giant Tortoise. Stroll around the impressive giant prickly- pear cactus forest or visit the baby turtles that are affectionately cared for until they can be repatriated. Learn about the tortoises’ different life stages: from incubation, hatching, and growth periods. Head to the port for our transfer from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island by speedboat.
Isabela Island is the archipelago’s biggest island and occupies about 60% of the land area. About 1 million years ago, the merger of 6 volcanoes formed the island: Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra (Santa Tomás), Alcedo, Ecuador, Darwin, and Wolf. Today, all except the Ecuador volcano are active, making it a very active place on Earth. The most recent volcanic activity was on June 26 th 2018, when the Sierra Negra volcano erupted. Isabela’s unique landscape, lava fields, beautiful beaches, and relaxing atmosphere offer travelers a matchless experience in nature. 
From Puerto Villamil, take a short boat ride to a small rocky islet known as “Las Tintoreras”, one of the island’s most beautiful sites. Here, sharks can be seen resting in the lava canals. Observe marine iguanas and playful sea lions on the sandy beach. Put your mask and snorkel on to explore the underwater world filled with colorful fish, sea turtles, and much more. The Wetlands Route is a 5km series of trails that can be explored by foot or by bike. Choose to explore different sites like lagoons, beaches, viewpoints, mangroves, and many more beautiful hidden spots.
Ecuador Amazon River Cruise Singles Vacation Daily Itinerary
After breakfast we begin our tour of Quito, the perfect city for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that are history relics. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9.350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic Centre in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of the ' School of Quito', which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. After exploring the Old Town, we'll understand why Quito was the world's first city named to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage list.
Vacation Day 3: Quito to Coca (Amazon) - Napo River - Yasuni National Park
Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we will continue navigating downstream. This will be our first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.
Admire the amazing scenery as we enjoy breakfast on board. Then we will visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we have the opportunity to interact with the children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
Vacation Day 6: Amazon - Observation Tower and Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning we disembark the M/V Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca. 
Today we travel north to a valley deep within the Andes to the world famous Otavalo Indian market. Saturday is market day and the town is crowded with traditional dressed locals and people from surrounding highland villages. Everyone is busy bargaining for traditional Ecuadorian crafts, weavings and textiles. Warm jackets, woven bags, pillow covers and wall hangings are great souvenirs. Woodcarving, musical instruments and jewelry are also popular.
A lot goes on on the ground in the rainforest. Some creatures are perfectly camouflaged, like walking sticks, sphinx moths, dried-leaf katydids, and glass frogs, others are quite the opposite, bright and perky like rainbow katydids and orchid bees. We walk and hike the rainforests under towering trees — as towering as a city full of skyscrapers—, the light trickling down in layers, smelling the aromas of a million different plants, feeling the presence of innumerable creatures filling every corner of the forest. The understory is a world within itself… Every plant holds a universe. Imagine every tree… imagine the entire forest… We program different walks for both inside forest exploration or lounging riverbanks and lakes, on longer, shorter, harder or easier trails, depending on interest or difficulty level, together with guides that enlighten us with their knowledge on life in the forest, the faunal communities that inhabit them, the medicinal plants that grow inside them, and much more.
Observation towers are spectacular vantage points that give us a sense of the forest’s overall scale. We climb several hundred steps (over 165 feet) up one of the enormous emergent trees traveling through the vertical stratification created by the forest’s spectacular height and diversity. We move towards the light, reaching the subcanopy and later the canopy, noticing the different biological realities of each level, and then higher still, above the tree tops to a most spectacular view from where one can spot nesting birds, undulating mountain ridges, or monkeys swinging from trees. There is amazing activity up in this “neck of the woods”. Scientists have explored little of these upper areas of the forest, mainly because of the difficulty of getting to them: which means thousands upon thousands of hectares of undiscovered territory.
Perhaps the closest sensation to penetrating paradise when visiting the Amazon Basin takes place on canoe, inching down a black-water stream with the forest gyrating above you in a million sounds… These waters are full of vitamins and minerals, and obtain their color from the vegetation that falls in them. You may suddenly surprise a pair of macaws preening each other, monkeys cackling while they feed or find enormous 6.5 feet long Giant Otters swimming up a creek with the entire family. The ancient inhabitants of these lands mastered the region’s waterways and we will be able to experience, with them, the inspiring, ageless practice of paddling in the midst of forest life. At night we can seek out caiman and in the day the spectacular Pink River Dolphins or the elusive Manatee.
Vacation Day 1 - Friday: San Jose
Today we depart to Tortuguero National Park on the Atlantic Coast, crossing Costa Rica from west to east, descending into the lowlands of the Caribbean coast. Our drive takes us towards the delightful North Caribbean. Admire the rainforest of Costa Rica and the beautiful Rio Sucio as we cross the majestic Braulio Carrillo National Park. We continue until Guápiles where we will stop to enjoy b
reakfast.
After breakfast our group will explore by boat the National Park of Tortuguero which shelters a fabulous array of wildlife. There are unusually large populations of monkeys, amphibians, birds, including the great green macaw, fish and three species of marine turtles. Resident fauna include the tapir, ocelot, jaguars, collared peccaries, river otters, sloth, grisons, frogs, toucans, and the fascinating bulldog bats which feed on fish.
After lunch back at the lodge we head into Tortuguero town and the Caribbean Conservation Center. The town of Tortuguero has a fairly basic life style. There are no cars in the island town of Tortuguero but there are a few shops and restaurants. Be sure to walk the little foot paths to Tortuguero beach, the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere.
This morning it's time to explore the town and to explore La Fortuna Waterfalls. It is a short walk into the forest to the 230' high waterfall. The steps down to the base are steep but there's a “natural pool” for swimming so bring your suits and a hearty sense of adventure the water is chilly.
choose to run just the lower section which is only about 180 meters and maintains total visibility to our open viewing area to make you feel more comfortable.
After breakfast we board our pontoon boat for a 40 minute ride to Río Chiquito, a little town on the other side of the lake from Arenal. Once there we have a short break before a 1.5 hour ride to our hotel in Monteverde.
100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds, tens ofthousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants.
Before we depart Monteverde we will hike in the reserve for a few hours. Elevation ranges from 600 meters above sea level to 1800 meters on isolated peaks. Trails are in excellent condition with railings on the steps and in some cases slices of tree trunks creating a lily pond like path to keep people from walking through mud.
Then we transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio where we check into our full-service hotel, The Parador Resort and Spa. It's time for swimming or pool side sunning and we have three options, all overlooking the gleaming turquoise Pacific: choose from the beautiful centrally-located infinity pool with swim-up bar and terrace restaurant, our secluded adult-only pool, or the infinity pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi.
Sleep late or see how many different kinds of flora and fauna you can spot in a 2 ½ hour morning nature walk. Learn about the history of the Quepoa Indians and Costa Rica’s past in regard to the Manuel Antonio area, and come back with ideas as to how to help preserve this priceless. At the end of the walk savour some local fresh fruits and refreshments.
Enjoy the remainder of the day on the white sand beaches that stretch for miles along the coastline from Manuel Antonio Park, providing numerous options for surfing, sunning, kayaking and parasailing. The free shuttle service will transport you to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio, a quick ten minute ride away. 
After breakfast, free time to enjoy the hotel and the beach before we transfer back to San José. The hotel sits atop Punta Quepos promontory, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest. The property´s grounds are home to many species of monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds, such as macaws, falcons, toucans and more.