Trinidad & Tobago Highlights

Days 1 to 7. Asa Wright Nature Centre [B & L (Days 2 to 7 only), D]

Depart from London arriving into Port of Spain early evening and transfer directly to the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Set in the heart of the forest with beautiful views, this is a well-placed base from which to explore the island. White-bearded Manakin, Bearded Bellbird, hummingbirds such as Little Hermit, Tufted Coquette and White-necked Jacobin, parrots, tanagers, toucans and hawk-eagles may all be seen. Habitats vary from montane and lowland rainforest to savannah, mangrove, marshland and beautiful palm-fringed beaches with excellent coral reefs. You may see Armadillo, Opossum and perhaps even an Ocelot!

Visit Dunstan Cave for Oilbirds; Caroni Swamp in search of Cook's Tree Boa, Tree Porcupine, Green-throated Mango and clouds of Scarlet Ibis returning to roost; the Nariva Swamp for Red Howler, and Weeping Capuchin Monkey, Silvered Antbird and Bicoloured Conebill, as well as wintering American warblers and possibly the endangered Caribbean Manatee. Alternatively you may wish to stay at Pax Guesthouse, a bird watching centre on Mount St Benedict.

Days 8 to 11. Tobago [B]

A short flight takes you to the island of Tobago and Blue Waters Inn. The forest at the rear of the hotel offers some interesting birding - you may see Rufous-tailed Jacamar and such hummingbirds as Rufous-breasted Hermit or Black-throated Mango. This is also a good place for Whitefringed Antwren - a bird not found in Trinidad.

A boat trip to Little Tobago offers the chance to view coral and other marine life, and during most months of the year Red-billed Tropicbirds and Red-footed, and Brown Boobies. You will also have the chance to visit Gilpin Trace, an old Carib trail and home to the rare White-tailed Sabrewing, Blue-backed Manakin and some interesting orchids and bromeliads. Your tour to Tobago is completed with a trip to the rainforest and plenty of time to relax and simply soak up the Caribbean atmosphere! An alternative to Blue Waters is Arnos Vale situated on the south-west coast of Tobago and set amongst tropical gardens sloping to a secluded sandy bay.

Day 12. Homeward [B]

Return by air to Trinidad in order to catch the overnight flight to the UK.

Day 13. Arrive Home