Itinerary

Enjoy one more day of relaxation. Swim with dolphins, explore Mayan ruins, enjoy turquoise waters, gourmet dining and more...

Today is free to explore the beautiful town of Antigua, known for its history and culture. Take an optional helicopter tour and lunch to nearby serene and unspoiled Lake Attitlan.

On Good Friday the streets of Antigua are covered with natural, aromatic carpets (alfombras) of flowers, pines, clover and fruits, which the residents put together and place in front of their homes. There are all kinds and shapes. Some are very long with colonial, Mayan, Roman or other originaldesigns. At 3:00 A.M., preparations begin for the mock trial and sentencing of Christ. Participants dress as Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate and other participants in the drama. At 7:00 A.M., the sculpture of Christ carrying his crucifix is moved on the shoulders of his worshipers through the carpeted main streets of Antigua  until the early afternoon, when the image is replaced by another of Christ being laid to rest.

At 4:30 P.M., Antigua becomes adorned with black crepe paper as thousands of people, burning incense and dressed in black, crowd the plazas and streets. A spectacular procession is led by the man bearing the crucifix, with hundreds of followers carrying black banners and standards engraved with the final words of Christ and the pronouncements of God. Life-like images representing the archangels, the Stations of the Cross, the Cavalry, the apostles and many others are part of the silent procession through the streets, where multitudes pray quietly. The image of Christ is laid to rest in a church at 11:00 P.M.

After breakfast we’ll enjoy an excursion to the famous Miraflores series of locks, see liners and cargo delicately and precisely going through the locks, visit the Panama Visitor Center, see the treacherous Gaillard Cut and discover the old city of Panama. Then we’ll transfer to the airport for a short flight over the Pacific to the Pearl Islands where we’ll discover San Jose Island.

In pre-Columbian times, the Pearl Islands were ruled by an Indian king whose subjects' main occupation was pearl-diving. Pearls were used as ornaments and bartering items. Some of the most renowned pearls in the world were collected in these waters.

The Pearl Islands' treasures attracted the greed of the Spaniards. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, who discovered and gave name to the Pacific Ocean from a point less than 90 kilometers from San Jose Island, was drawn to its wealth in gold and pearls. Later on, the Pearl Islands sheltered famous pirates of different nationalities, who for several centuries looted the wealthy Spanish settlements and fleet.

We’ll transfer to the Hacienda del Mar, known for its unsurpassed beauty, for some relaxation and adventure.

Enjoy a day at leisure on the island for a bit of relaxation on the beautiful white sand beach, or adventure out on your own. Today is a good time to enjoy one of the optional activities.

We’ll enjoy a superb day of sightseeing including a climb (in a specially equipped army vehicle) to the rim of Masaya to discover an unusual variety of plants, trees, mosses and geology. We will also approach an active volcano and stand on the edge of the earth’s furnace. Afterward, we’ll take a boat among the 356 Las Isletas (the Small Islands) on Lake Nicaragua. Finally, we’ll tour Granada before a well deserved dinner at a very beautiful site.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the rainforest, go rafting or trekking, or just to relax. Get ready for a Gala Dinner, with an evening of sharing stories and reflecting on the extraordinary experiences only flyers can have.