Bridgetown to Rio De Janeiro

Bridgetown, the captivating capital of Barbados, combines faded colonial history, captivating tradition, and vivid white beaches plucked directly from your richest imagination of Caribbean perfection. Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its beautifully preserved colonial architecture, Bridgetown’s mask of modernity covers a core of complex history and fascinating culture. Sherbet coloured buildings line up to overlook the waterfront of the Constitution River at the ‘The Careenage’ – where gleaming ships bob on the blue water, and peaceful strolls along a wooden boardwalk await.

Stop for a sobering moment at the commemorative plaque honouring the people traded at this spot, when Bridgetown was the British Empire’s most important harbour, and first stop on the Transatlantic Slave Trade crossing. Just five minutes’ stroll from here is Carlisle Bay – a postcard-perfect place where you’ll find crystal-clear, turquoise seawater glowing in the Caribbean sun, and a mile of soft white powder sand. A treasure trove for divers, the shipwrecks scattered below the shallow water’s waves are now inhabited by turtles and swirling, rainbow-coloured tropical fish. Head to the backstreets, where street food vendors serve up spicy chicken soup, barbecued pigtails and thirst-quenching coconut water. There are bargains aplenty to be had on Broad Street, where duty-free malls and souvenir stalls cram together, vying for your attention. Roebuck Street is the spot where one of the Caribbean’s favourite drinks, rum, was discovered – having been created here from the by-products of the island’s booming sugarcane trade. Nowadays, it’s lined with bars splashing every variety of the deliciously spicy dark libation imaginable into glasses. For a touch more culture, visit one of the oldest synagogues in The Americas – Nidhe Israel Synagogue, which was built in 1654. The adjoining museum tells the story of Barbados’ Jewish immigrants, who were instrumental in the island’s development.

Macapá is a city in Brazil with a population of 493,634. It is the capital of Amapá state in the country’s North Region. It is located on the northern channel of the Amazon River near its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. The city is on a small plateau on the Amazon in the southeast of the state of Amapá. Wikipedia

The small village of Parintins lies on Tupinambarana Island, which is part of a large river archipelago in the mid-Amazon, 250 miles east of Manaus. In existence for two centuries, Parintins is rich in Indian culture that is represented in the celebrated annual Boi-Bumba festival. It is a ritual of magic, mystery, passion and faith that has been held here for over 80 years, inspired by local legends. View less

A stadium, the Bumbódromo, was built in 1988 to accommodate the over 40,000 spectators that come and take part in this festival each year. The Boi-Bumba is listed on the official Calendar of Events to be one of the highlights in Amazonas State. As a special treat, Silversea has arranged an exclusive performance, enacting the show for you with all the exuberance and vibrancy normally displayed in the real Parintins festival.

As a river port, Manaus presents an unforgettable spectacle. Although the real attractions lie in the surrounding forests and tributaries, the city’s most famous attraction is no doubt the opulent Teatro Amazonas. Completed in 1896 after 17 years of construction and at a cost of $3 million, the Manaus Opera House recently underwent a lengthy restoration program and now shines once more in its original splendor. There are also several interesting museums with exhibits geared to provide insight into the human life and ecology of the Amazon region.

As a river port, Manaus presents an unforgettable spectacle. Although the real attractions lie in the surrounding forests and tributaries, the city’s most famous attraction is no doubt the opulent Teatro Amazonas. Completed in 1896 after 17 years of construction and at a cost of $3 million, the Manaus Opera House recently underwent a lengthy restoration program and now shines once more in its original splendor. There are also several interesting museums with exhibits geared to provide insight into the human life and ecology of the Amazon region.

As a river port, Manaus presents an unforgettable spectacle. Although the real attractions lie in the surrounding forests and tributaries, the city’s most famous attraction is no doubt the opulent Teatro Amazonas. Completed in 1896 after 17 years of construction and at a cost of $3 million, the Manaus Opera House recently underwent a lengthy restoration program and now shines once more in its original splendor. There are also several interesting museums with exhibits geared to provide insight into the human life and ecology of the Amazon region.

Located between Santarém and Manaus, Boca de Valeria is the entrance to the Valeria Channel (boca meaning mouth). The channel leads to Lake Valeria, which marks the border between the States of Amazonas and Pará. While the ship is at anchor, a colourful picture unfolds as canoes with the local population come out to meet the ship, providing additional excitement to your Amazon experience. There are no facilities to operate any organised excursions.

If conditions permit, the ship’s tenders may take you to one of the typical Caboclo (river dwellers) villages to get a glimpse of the natives’ traditional lifestyle. See monkeys and snakes and also look at a selection of local handicrafts. Recommended dress is lightweight cotton. Sun protection and insect repellent also are essential.

Macapá is a city in Brazil with a population of 493,634. It is the capital of Amapá state in the country’s North Region. It is located on the northern channel of the Amazon River near its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean. The city is on a small plateau on the Amazon in the southeast of the state of Amapá. Wikipedia

Recife, with a population of nearly 2 million, is Brazil’s fourth largest city and the capital of the State of Pernambuco. It also has the distinction of not having been founded by the Portuguese. In fact, it was the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau who founded Recife in 1637 on reclaimed land after his troops had burned Olinda, the original capital. The city center consists of three portions: Recife proper with the dock area and commercial buildings, located on an island formed by the rivers Capibaribe, Beberibe and Pina; Santo Antonio, which is also located on the island; and Boa Vista. The latter part is made into an island by the Canal Tacaruna, which separates it from the mainland. South of the center lies the residential and beach district of Boa Viagem, reached via a bridge across the Pina River. Although Recife itself has long since burst its original, colonial boundaries and much of the city center is given over to modern skyscrapers and office buildings, there are still a few quiet squares with a number of impressive churches and lovely public buildings as well as several interesting museums. In addition, nearby Olinda lends colonial grace and elegance which accounts for much of the area’s attraction as a tourist destination. The less determined sightseer will find parks, beaches, and especially the markets, where it is easy to absorb the feel of the city and watch people get on with their lives.

Multicolored buildings surrounding Pelourinho Square, narrow cobblestone streets, a colorful market and countless churches make a picturesque and fascinating historic center. Toward the mouth of the bay lies the newer section, with skyscrapers and some fine homes built during the last century. Farther out, at Porto da Barra, are the best city beaches, bars and restaurants. At the mouth of the bay stands the Fort of San Antonio, built on the spot where Amérigo Vespucci landed in 1501. The road along the seafront passes the famous lighthouse and leads to Salvador’s new suburbs along a string of golden beaches.

Today, with the center rebuilt many times since colonial days, the major interest lies in the beach communities south of the city center rather than in Rio’s buildings and monuments. For some 60 years, the beach districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have been Rio’s heart and soul, providing a constant source of recreation to maintain the city’s fame as the most dynamic and captivating tourist capital in South America.

Today, with the center rebuilt many times since colonial days, the major interest lies in the beach communities south of the city center rather than in Rio’s buildings and monuments. For some 60 years, the beach districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon have been Rio’s heart and soul, providing a constant source of recreation to maintain the city’s fame as the most dynamic and captivating tourist capital in South America.