Sailing onboard a five-star 48-metre expedition cruise vessel for just 12-passengers you may have the feeling you are with a group of friends on your own luxury private yacht!

The vessel has been specially designed by the owner to explore the remote corners of the world, such as the Amazon and coastal Brazil, whilst at the same time offering on board training to a small select group of officers, engineers and hotel staff. The ship will carry a full complement of experienced crew.

The Amazon

Still for the greater part unexplored, the Amazon rainforest is the largest and densest in the world, boasting more plant and animal species than any other jungle, creating a paradise for would-be explorers, naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Your exploration of the Amazon will begin in the jungle metropolis of Manaus from where you set sail toward Belem, at the mouth of the mighty river. Coincidentally both cities are famous for their opera houses! Your route on this 10-day voyage is flexible and you will be actively encouraged to participate in the itinerary planning.

Unlike any other place in the world, the combination of nature and culture makes discovering the Amazon an unequalled adventure. An important feature of your journey will be visits to the native communities living along the shores of the Amazon and its tributaries, giving you the chance to learn more about life on the edge of this vast trackless forest.

At every opportunity, you will board the zodiacs to explore flooded forests, swamps and savannas or to visit remote white sand beaches and swim in turquoise lagoons. As you glide through the sea of green beneath the forest canopy you may catch a brief glimpse of the jungle's exotic birdlife as toucans, parrots and eagles are often seen. Keep an eye open too for Pink River Dolphins as they may surprise you at any moment.

Hiking in the rainforest beneath gigantic trees that stretch up to 60 metres, you will get closer views of the plants, fruits and flowers that compete for sunlight amongst the vines and epiphytes. The feel of the tropical rainforest by night is an entirely different experience and you will explore by zodiac and on foot.

Coastal Brazil

Setting sail from Belem your 16-day voyage along the coast of Brazil to Rio de Janeiro will transport you through mangrove-covered deltas and tranquil coves to stunning colonial outposts and vibrant city streets.

The protected national marine park of Fernando de Noronha (visits subject to permissions) and Rocas Atoll offer some of the finest diving in the world. Your vessel is set up for diving with all necessary equipment provided. Among caverns and coral formations, you may see Spinner Dolphins, Reef Sharks, turtles and rays. Cruising along Rocas Atoll at low tide is spectacular with its seascape of lagoons and tidal pools teeming with fish.

Time has stood still in Olinda where the narrow cobbled streets are home to magnificent Baroque churches, pastel coloured houses and shady plazas. Steeped in history it is no surprise that Olinda has UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status. Among the clear waters and coral reefs of the Archipelago dos Abrolhos you will see all kinds of rare fish, sea turtles, birds and, possibly, Humpback Whales taking refuge from the icy Antarctic winter. From the delightful colonial town of Paraty you sail on to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro where you will disembark.