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FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE DESERT

Our coastal cruise along the Pacific shores of South America will be dominated by the ever present Andes as we make our way from Ecuador to Peru and finally to northern Chile. This is one of the world’s great expedition cruises. Few regions in the world offer the diversity and ecosystems of those found in this intriguing part of South America. From the towering snowcapped Andes to barren coastal desert, the landscapes are unparalleled.

O ur voyage takes us along the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current that is a haven for an amazing concentration of seabirds, marine mammals and wildlife. To highlight the wildlife, we will be visiting the Islas Ballestas Paracas National Reserve, the Humboldt Penguin Nature Reserve and many other remote coastal sites and islands which would be inaccessible without the use of our Zodiac crafts.

This trip is as equally rich in geological, archaeological and cultural interest as well. The pyramids of the Moche culture of Northern Peru and the ruins of Chan Chan, the imperial capital of the Chimu and the intriguing Nazca Lines in southern Peru are just some of the amazing sights to be seen.

After the cruise why not stay on in Chile for a visit to the Atacama Desert where you will be rewarded with a truly unforgettable experience.
Departures
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE DESERT
16 November, 2012 to 29 November, 2012 Make a booking request

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Castle Std Fwd £5295.00 GBP pp
Castle Std £5595.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup £5895.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem A £6295.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Fwd Sgl £6295.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Sgl £6795.00 GBP pp
Bridge Dlx Balcony £7195.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup Sgl £7495.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem B £7695.00 GBP pp
Promenade Corner £8295.00 GBP pp

FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE DESERT itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - GUAYAQUIL
After a guided city tour and lunch we embark the MS Caledonian Sky and sail.
Day 3 - ISLA LOBOS DE TIERRA, PERU
Relax on board this morning as we sail the northern shores of Peru. This afternoon, weather permitting, our Zodiacs will land us on the tiny island of Lobos de Tierra. Today, the island is a wildlife sanctuary and home to an estimated 100,000 breeding pairs of blue-footed boobies. Its history is less happy. Centuries of thousands of seabirds built up huge deposits of guano. In the mid 1800’s this was a valuable commodity because of its nitrates. Hundreds of unfortunate Chinese labourers were imported to the island to collect the guano and lived and died in appalling conditions. In 1879 the disputed ownership of this and similar islands resulted in a ‘Guano War’ between Chile, Bolivia and Peru which subsequently redrew the map of Pacific South America.
Day 4 - SALAVERRY
After a relaxing morning at sea we reach Salaverry. We will drive a few miles inland to the intriguing desert city of Trujillo. This oasis city was founded by Pizarro in 1536 and still exudes Spanish colonial charm. Visit the Casa Urquiaga, a mansion containing pre-Columbian ceramics and the Plaza de Armas with its imposing 17th century cathedral. Moor overnight in Salaverry.
Day 5 - SALAVERRY
Visit Hauca de la Luna to see the Huaca del Sol pyramids from the Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilisation. Continue on to the ruins of Chan Chan, the imperial capital of the Chimu. We will spend an afternoon exploring the ruins of the largest adobe city in the world, marvelling at their skillful irrigation and engineering projects.
Visit Hauca de la Luna to see the Huaca del Sol pyramids from the Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilisation. Continue on to the ruins of Chan Chan, the imperial capital of the Chimu. We will spend an afternoon exploring the ruins of the largest ado
In the early afternoon we arrive in Callao, the port for Peru’s capital of Lima. This afternoon join the city tour that explores colonial and modern Lima. There will be visits to the Government Palace, Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and Plaza de Armas, followed by a drive through the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, with time to shop in local stores afterwards.
Day 7 - ISLA BALLESTAS & CHINCHA ISLANDS
Influenced by the cold Humboldt Current, Isla Ballestas marine preserve area serves as a breeding refuge for birds, resting areas for mammals and spawning grounds for many marine organisms. We take the Zodiacs to explore these unparalleled, fascinating islands where we should see a variety of seabirds, such as the very localised Peruvian booby, and mammals such as the Southern sea lion and Southern fur seal.
Day 8 - PUERTO SAN JUAN FOR THE NAZCA LINES
On today’s optional tour we will board small charter flights for a bird’s eye view of the famed Nazca Lines. These enormous geoglyphs etched in the desert floor date back to 2000 BC and can only be appreciated from the air.
Day 9 - AREQUIPA
Here in the far south of Peru we call into the port of Matarani. Drive to the ‘White City’, as Arequipa is known. Our tour includes bustling Plaza de Armas dominated by the stunning neo-Renaissance Cathedral, set amidst Colonial buildings. Later, visit Santa Catalina Convent, a beautiful walled citadel, which for four centuries housed a closed order of nuns. We will also take in the colonial district of Yanahuara, a short distance from the heart of the city. It is a charming area of narrow cobblestone streets and old, white, volcanic stone houses. From here, there are magnificent views of the three volcanoes which overlook the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
Day 10 - ARICA, CHILE
Today there will be an excursion to explore the Chilean coast and the town of Arica where we will visit the small cathedral of San Marcos, built of iron by Eiffel. Later drive into the countryside to see the pre-Columbian petoglyphs. There will also be the opportunity for an alternative long but rewarding day in the amazing Lauca National Park which straddles the Chilean/Bolivian border. Here we go in search of flamingos, vicuna, viscachas and if we are very fortunate one of the world’s rarest birds, the diademed sandpiper-plover.
Day 11 - IQUIQUE
Fishing and nitrates has been the source of Iquique’s wealth, there are many 19th century landmarks including the ‘neoclassical’ theatre and the Georgian style Palacio Astoreca, a 1904 mansion of great opulence, built by a nitrate tycoon.
Day 12 - ANTOFAGASTA
Disembark this morning and fly to Santiago. After an afternoon excursion of the nation’s capital check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Alternatively, join a two day excursion to the Atacama Desert.
Day 13 - SANTIAGO TO LONDON
Return to London by scheduled flight via Madrid.
Day 14 - LONDON HEATHROW
Arrive today.
Day 11 - IQUIQUE
Fishing and nitrates has been the source of Iquique’s wealth, there are many 19th century landmarks including the ‘neoclassical’ theatre and the Georgian style Palacio Astoreca, a 1904 mansion of great opulence, built by a nitrate tycoon.
Day 12 - ANTOFAGASTA
Disembark this morning and fly to Santiago. After an afternoon excursion of the nation’s capital check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Alternatively, join a two day excursion to the Atacama Desert.
Day 13 - SANTIAGO TO LONDON
Return to London by scheduled flight via Madrid.
Day 14 - LONDON HEATHROW
Arrive today.
There is no map available at this time.

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Our crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. For

Gratuities
 Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all our guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

 

Cabin layout for Caledonian Sky