ITINERARY

Day 1 DEPART LONDON

Depart London for Georgetown.

Day 2 Georgetown (L, D)

On arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport , you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel,. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 3 GEORGETOWN (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast,0800hrs pickup to start your city tour. Georgetown the chief port, capital and largest city of Guyana is situated on the right bank of the Demerara River Estuary. It was chosen as a site for a fort to guard the early Dutch settlements of the Demerara River. The city of Georgetown was designed largely by the Dutch and is laid out in a rectangular pattern with wide tree lined avenues and irrigation canals that crisscross the city. Most of the buildings in the city are wooden with unique architecture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the buildings have Demerara shutters and designed fretwork which trim eaves and windows. Main Street, Georgetown provides several excellent examples of old colonial homes, a prime example of which is the State House, built in 1852. The State House is set in large gardens and is painted green and white with the roof covered in solar panel. During your visit to Georgetown there are a number of interesting sights that should not be missed: the most famous being St. George’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is one of the world’s tallest free standing wooden buildings and was consecrated on 1892. The foundation stone was laid on November 23, 1890 and the building was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield. The story of the cathedral is told on the interior on tablets and memorials of a historical nature: it is the tale of the history of Guyana in general and of the Diocese in particular.
At the beginning of the Avenue of the Republic stands the Public Library housed in the Carnegie Building. This is one of the over four hundred Libraries built around the world by millionaire American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Other historic buildings along this promenade are the Town Hall, a splendid example of Gothic architecture, and further along are the Victoria Law Courts and St. Andrews Kirk. St. Andrew’s is the oldest surviving structure of any church in Guyana.The famous Stabroek Market, once described as a “bizarre bazaar”, contains every conceivable item from house hold goods and gold jewelry to fresh meat and vegetables brought to town on the river daily. The clock tower can be seen for miles around and is a famous landmark.
No trip to Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the Botanical Gardens and zoo. The Botanical Gardens houses one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean and are laid out with ponds, canals, kissing bridges and bandstand. Their collection of Palm is very extensive including a unique branching palm. The Zoo has become more of a rescue and rehabilitation center in recent years and houses over 100 species of Guyanese wildlife including a wide variety of birds.
The National Museum which contains a broad selection of our animal life and heritage portrayed in taxidermy in very old glass cases should not be missed. The giant Sloth exhibit is very interesting. The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which explains Amerindian history and life style, and has an extensive collection of artifacts, all in a beautiful old colonial building, is also a must see on the tour.
The tour will include walking along the Avenues with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumors and facts on Georgetown and its citizens. The group will be accompanied at all times by a vehicle, which will be used for travel between areas of interest. During the tour there is always the opportunity to purchase that unusual gift or unique Guyanese handicrafts. In August 1851, the Town Council made a decision to create a public promenade for the relaxation of the public, the Promenade Gardens. Housed in the compound of the gardens are several monuments such as the bandstand, the oldest in the city, and the statue of Mahatma Ghandi.
The Radha Krishna Mandir provides an example of the architectural influence of the east. This is evident by the many spandrels and statuettes depicting gods and religious notions above the main facade of the temple, the tour will also include a visit to the Indian Monument Gardens. At the mandir you will be met by a representative, who will give a brief talk about the mandir and Indian culture in Guyana. A visit will also be made to the Indian Cultural Centre in Georgetown which was established in 1972 with the objective of strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and Guyana and their peoples. The Centre runs regular classes in Yoga and Dance (Kathak). Due to the indentured Indians that came to Guyana after the abolition of slavery, there is a strong East Indian influence in Guyana especially in local food. Guyana’s population is made up of 48% east Indian. Indian films and songs, especially Bollywood films, are very popular in Guyana. Lunch in local restaurant. Return to your hotel to freshen up.1830hrs pickup at your hotel and transfer (approx. 20mins} over to the Backyard Café to celebrate our wonderful Guyanese tradition; the Seven curry. Seven curry is a staple at all Indo-Guyanese weddings and religious functions. It is served in a freshly picked lotus lily leaf with rice and seven different curries. Traditionally the curries are all vegetarian. Most commonly served are pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar (breadnut), potato/channa (chick peas), boulanger (eggplant), eddoe and dhal. You hold the leaf with the curries in one hand and use your other to eat the food. Definitely a challenge to eat gracefully, but so much fun and delicious!! Overnight at Cara Lodge.

Day 4 GeorgetownKAIETEUR FALLS TOUR & HERITAGE DINNER (B, L, D)

After your breakfast, 1045hrs pickup and transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. (transfer is approx. 30mins) Flight to Kaieteur Falls Kaieteur Falls which was first seen by a European on April 29, 1870 is situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur, one of the world’s natural wonders, flows over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge - a drop of 741 feet or 5 times the height of Niagara Falls.
There are no other falls in the world with the magnitude of the sheer drop existing at Kaieteur. Amerindian legend of the Patamona tribe has it that Kai, one of the tribe’s chiefs (after whom the falls is named), committed self-sacrifice by canoeing himself over the falls. It was believed this would encourage the Great Spirit Makonaima to save the tribe from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi.
Kaieteur supports a unique micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life and the rarely seen Guiana Cock- of-the-rock nesting close by. The lucky visitor may also see the famous flights of the Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds which nest under the vast shelf of rock carved over millions of years by the black waters of the Potaro river. (flight is approx. 1hr). Pickup at Eugene F. Correia International Airport and transfer to Georgetown and to your hotel.
Enjoy a silver service Heritage Dinner in a colonial atmosphere of the Ballet Room at Cara Lodge. The Ballet Room is steeped in history and offers one of Guyana’s most unique dining locations. The wrought iron arches that span the dining room were commissioned from a foundry in Liverpool, England by the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown when he lived in the house.The evening will include a local guest speaker who will provide a presentation on the Indian culture and their involvement in the Guyanese culture.

DAY 5 GEORGEtown (B, L, D)

After breakfast pickup and transfer (approx. 30mins) to the Diamond Distillery where you will see firsthand how the company has maintained the standards and methods of the age-old industry; working in tandem with the most up to date facilities and equipment. The unique blends of these rums are produced from a combination of Continuous Stills, Wooden Coffey Stills and Wooden Pot Stills, the only such wooden stills of its kind in existence in the world today. The distillery has the capacity to produce in excess of 26 million liters of pure alcohol annually, and is one of the largest suppliers of bulk rums and alcohols from the Caribbean to brand owners in Europe and North America. The warehouse is situated next to the distillery and has the capacity to store over 65,000 barrels of rums annually. These rums are used in the production of the international award winning rums – EL DORADO.
At the Heritage Centre you will see models of the working Stills that are still in use at the distillery and a photographic collection of the company’s history. You will also have a short film on the history of sugar and Rum in Guyana. 1300hrs Lunch at a local restaurant.Return to your hotel.
1600hrs pickup and transfer through the heart of the city to the Stabroek Market area. The Stabroek market was designed and constructed by the Edgemoor Iron Company of Delaware, USA over the period 1880-1881. Construction of the Iron and steel structure was completed in 1881 and may be the oldest structure still in use in the city. All the parts were prefabricated in the US and assembled here. You will join the afternoon commuters using the old ferry stelling to board the river taxis which are used to cross the Demerara River. The river taxis are an alternative route to using the Demerara Harbor Bridge. As you slowly cruise along the bank of the Demerara River your guide will give you a brief history of the famous buildings along the waterfront. Some of the Ports have been greeting commuters through the years. We then continue our trip to see the Demerara Harbor Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world at a total length of 1,851m long. It was commissioned on 2 July 1978 and was only designed to last for 10 years, yet it is still going strong. As the sun sets over the river you may witness the flock of brilliant Scarlet Ibis and Egrets as they fly across the skies and settle into the Mangroves for the evening. Soon after the sky begin to get dark you return to the ferry stelling enjoying the city lights from the river. Return to your hotel at approx. 1930hrs.

Day 6 georgetown – arrowpoint nature reserve - paramaribo (suriname) (B, L, D)

Early breakfast and. 0700hrs pickup and transfer (approx. 1hr) by road along the East Bank of the Demerara River will take you to the Arrowpoint Marina. From the Marina, it’s a short boat ride across the Demerara River to the mouth of the Kamuni River and onwards towards Pokero Creek, a smaller “black water” tributary which is quite a contrast after the muddy brown waters of the Demerara. The dark shimmering water leads you through a corridor of overhanging vegetation and as we enter the Santa Mission Amerindian Reserve, the habitat changes from forest to more open savannah and seasonally flooded swamp. Ringed Kingfishers and Greater Anis, together with other riverside birds, are common here.
You will stop at the village of Santa Mission, a community of Arawak and Carib Amerindians, where you will be able to see and purchase local handicraft made from materials of the rainforest before continuing on your journey.
Within the heart of the Santa Mission Amerindian Reserve lies “Arrowpoint”, named after the numerous Arrow Trees found in the area traditionally used to make arrows for hunting. The Resort itself is set against the backdrop of the Rainforest which is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers with an abundance of wildlife including 350 species of birds. A stretch of white sandy beach and a cluster of comfortable, inviting thatched roof lodges are the forecourt to the tropical jungle ambiance behind.
We will witness the demonstration of making “Cassava Bread”. Cassava bread is an important part of indigenous peoples' traditional diet. It is said to keep away 'new-world' diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure and obesity. Cassava, also known as manioc or yuca in the Americas, is the third largest source of carbohydrates in the tropics after corn and rice. It is one of the food crops developed by Indigenous people. Fresh fish or meat served with Cassava bread is a substantial rain forest meal. An important part of this typical meal is fresh hot pepper. Barbecut meat (a Lokono word from which Barbecue is derived) is commonly served with cassava bread. Traditional Cassava bread of indigenous people should not be confused with western-style bread made from cassava flour. Following the recipe of indigenous peoples of South America, no salt, sugar, oil, butter, baking powder or yeast is added. When dried properly the bread can last for weeks or even months.The bread is used as a basic staple. Its plain taste can be delightfully flavoured and enhanced by eating with dishes of other stronger flavours. To be enjoyed, it has to be properly dried to a biscuit type dryness or consumed within a day after baking. The thick, moist type (arasoka) if kept overnight, can be returned to an enjoyable state if mildly simmered in a gravy.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying a variety of physically challenging outdoor activities including walking or mountain biking along well marked jungle trails, beach volley ball, swimming, canoeing, riding the surf bikes or simply relaxing in a gently swaying hammock. Depart Arrowpoint Nature Resort with a boxed dinner. Transfer (approx. 15mins) to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for departing Surinam Airways flight at 2245hrs, arriving in Paramaribo at 0030+1hrs

Day 7 paramaribo (B, L, D)

Arrival at Johan Pengal International Airport at 0030+1hrs and transfer (approx. 1hr) to your selected hotel. Formerly a colonial townhouse, the Eco Resort Inn has been lovingly renovated while maintaining the authenticity of its exquisite colonial architecture. It has been transformed into the most charming lobby of one of Paramaribo’s most favoured hotels with numerous eco-friendly features. Located within a 5-minute walk of the historic Centre of Paramaribo and the tantalizing city life, rooms offer either a breath taking view of the Suriname river or a beautiful view of our lovely garden. The hotel is simply ideal for guests who want to visit Suriname to relax and unwind. Breakfast at the hotel. Pickup to start your city tour. Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, has been placed on the UNESCO “World Heritage” list of historical monuments since 2002. Your guided tour will be by car and on foot, along the most prominent historic locations downtown during which you will be impressed by the unique architecture. The guide gives you extensive information about the former “Fort Zeelandia”, the Presidential Palace, the Independence Square and many other monuments. The monumental buildings are a true representation of the colonial history of Suriname. After a stroll past the Waterkant, along the bank of the Suriname River and through the Palm Garden, you will also enjoy other interesting sites such as a mosque right next to a synagogue. After Lunch at a local restaurant. 1530hrs transfer to the pier for the Sunset Dolphin tour. While having a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) we will enjoy the cool breezes and the river views. Meanwhile the captain searches the horizon for the dolphins. Normally we see them swim by in groups of up to 20. Sometimes they’re very curious and if we are lucky they will jump and play close to the boat.After having enjoyed this playful company we part for a wonderful restored plantation where we will enjoy freshly made local snacks like barra, baka bana or eggroll while experiencing the beautiful sunset. All this takes place in a relaxing atmosphere of the old plantation village on a wooden deck near the waterfront of the Commewijne River. After the sun has set we will get back on board, pour another drink, and slowly make our way back to the pier. Transfer back to the hotel.

D8: Day 8 Paramaribo – COMMEWIJNE & PEPERPOT TOUR - paramaribo (B, L, D)

In the Morning after breakfast pickup and head to the Commewijne district which is situated to the east of Paramaribo across the Suriname River. The tour takes us along the former colonial plantations, most of which are now abandoned. We make a stop at plantation Peperpot where the old coffee and cocoa factory, deputy-director’s house and the old office are located. This former plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Surinamese history. Peperpot was established by the English and already existed before Suriname was conquered by the natives from Zeeland under command of Abraham Crijnssen in 1667. This is one of the last plantations still in its former original state. On the plantation you can still see coffee and cocoa plants as well as an ancient shed and factory, the manager’s residence and a kampong (workers’ living area). Peperpot is renowned for the many birds which can be spotted.
From Peperpot, we make a stop at the mini-museum of Marienburg, a former sugar plantation before enjoying a delicious lunch in a typical Javanese restaurant (warung) in Tamanredjo. We then continue to the confluence of the Commewijne and Suriname Rivers at Nieuw Amsterdam. Here we will a visit the outdoor museum Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. The large fortress was built as a defense for the crop fields that were situated along the upper parts of both rivers. Return to the hotel

Day 9 Paramaribo – jodensavanne- paramaribo (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast pickup and travel approximately 70 km to the South of Paramaribo, where on the right bank of the Suriname River, lies Jodensavanne. A former Jewish settlement, it is named after the Jewish people who settled in this savanna area around 1650. This former Jewish village is where the ruins of the most ancient synagogue of North and South America lies and the graveyard can still be seen. Nowadays, these remnants have been cleaned and a simple cottage has been set up as a museum. In the district of Para, located on the Suriname river about 50 km away from Paramaribo. (approx. 1hr drive). A recreation center “Overbridge River Resort” surrounded by beautiful tropical rain forest. Lunch at Overbridge River Resort. Suriname has an interesting cultural mix and an unexpected Javanese population. After the abolition of slavery, the plantations in Suriname needed a new source of labor. In 1890, the influential Netherlands Trading Society, owner of the plantation Mariënburg, undertook a test to attract Javanese contract workers from the Dutch East Indies. Until then, primarily Hindustani contract workers from British India worked on the Suriname plantations as field and factory workers. On August 9, the first Javanese arrived in Paramaribo. The test was considered successful and by 1894 the colonial government took over the task of recruiting Javanese hands. They came in small groups from the Dutch East Indies to the Netherlands, and from there to Paramaribo. The transport of Javanese immigrants continued until 1914 (except 1894) in two stages through Amsterdam. The Javanese were recruited to work on plantations and then they branched off in opening restaurants. Transfer by vehicle for dinner in a stylish Indonesian restaurant "Mirosso".

Day 10 Paramaribo – port of spain trinidad (B, L, D)

0230hrs pickup and transfer to the airport for Caribbean Airways flight departing Paramaribo at 0540hrs, flight arrives into Port of Spain at 0610hrs, pickup and transfer for your tour. Pickup for your Central tour (concentrating on Indian culture), you will visit the Hanuman Murti, the Temple in the sea and the Indo Caribbean Museum. Lunch at an Indian restaurant (vegetarian meal).1500hrs pickup and begin our visit of the famous Caroni Marsh. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is an amazing lagoon that extends itself south of Port of Spain along the western shoreline of Trinidad. It covers about 40 square miles of wetland. The Caroni Swamp was recently declared a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR convention. The swamps most famous inhabitant is the country’s national bird, the Scarlet Ibis. We will be given a front row seat to see thousands of these large red birds return after a day out feeding – quite a sight to behold! After dinner we will return to our hotel.

Day 11 port of spain - tobago (B, L, D)

Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to the airport (approx. 1hr) for Caribbean Airlines flight to Tobago, pickup and transfer to your selected hotel.
Blue Waters Inn is a beachfront resort tucked away in its own secluded bay amongst 46 acres of lush tropical grounds. It is located in Batteaux Bay, Speyside, Tobago. This is approximately 20 miles (1 hour by Taxi) from Scarborough, Tobago's capital, and 27 miles (1 hour 15 minutes by Taxi) from International Airport. We are far from the more touristy parts of Tobago, and are surrounded by nature, and the hallmarks of true island life. Here you can truly immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Caribbean, and enjoy the serenity and relaxation that is found here. With all of the rooms facing the ocean this resort provide a view of the water that changes color with the hours, from pale turquoise to electric cobalt to a silvery ultramarine. We will be heading over to Little Tobago with Newton George for bird watching. David Attenborough filmed part of the Trails of Life here and it is a great spot to view birds in breathtaking surroundings. Some of the 50 species that can be found on this island are the Red Billed Tropic Bird, Sooty and Bridled Tern, Brown Booby, Red Footed Booby and the Magnificent Frigate Bird, as well as the Laughing Gull, Brown Noody, Peregrine Falcon, Broad Winged Hawk, Crested Oropendola and the Venezuelan and Brown Crested Fly Catcher.
Newton has a vast knowledge about bird species in Tobago so will be on hand for any questions that you may have. You will be in very good hands! At 5.00 pm we will head back to the hotel where we will have dinner and an early night. Overnight at Blue Waters Inn in a Beachfront room.

Day 12 tobago (B)

Day At leisure to enjoy the beach.

Day 13 tobago (B)

Day At leisure to enjoy the beach.

Day 14 Tobago - london(B)

After breakfast morning at leisure check out at 11.00 in the late afternoon transfer to airport for flight home.

Day 15 London

Arrival at London Heathrow and say goodbye to our new friends.

- END OF PROGRAMME -

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International and Internal flights) inclusive of taxes
- 4* accommodation as stated
- All transfers and transportation road & river
- Tour manager from the UK and local ENGLISH speaking guides
- All entrance fees as per program
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food, Set Menu):
- All Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Mineral water
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above
- Excess baggage charges