CLASSIC NICARAGUA

1. Arrive

2. Day 1 Arrive Managua

   On arrival into Managua you will be transferred to your hotel and an evening at leisure. The gateway to Nicaragua, Managua is a low-rise urban sprawl, blighted by an earthquake that destroyed many of its fine boulevards in 1972 and then the civil war of the 1980s. To explore the city, however, is to uncover occasional neo-Classical edifices, statues to guerilla fighters and imposing cathedrals, including the Vieja Catedral de Managua.

   Overnight: Elements Hotel

3. Day 2 Managua - Corn Islands

   After breakfast head back to the airport where you will catch a short domestic flight to beautiful Corn Islands and a boat to Calala Island. On the eastern coast of Nicaragua, this is the Caribbean at its finest: where once British buccaneers marauded, peace reigns, with unspoiled beaches and gin-clear waters awaiting the very few who venture across the sea. Calala Island has four exquisite bedrooms, a beachfront pool, spa and splendid Caribbean restaurant.

   Overnight: Calala Island

4. Day 3 - 4 Corn Islands

   Enjoy two full days at leisure this private island resort. Relax on the white sand beaches, or get active: take to a paddle board or kayak, go fishing or explore the neighbouring local town. For a true Robinson Crusoe experience, there’s Little Calala, a miniscule outcrop of sand with just a parasol, perfect for a picnic.

   Overnight: Calala Island

5. Day 5 Corn Islands - Granada

   Transfer back to Managua by boat and plane, and continue to the beautiful colonial town of Granada stopping along the way to visit the smoking crater of the Masaya Volcano. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore Granada’s bustling Arts Market where you'll find a plethora of locally produced ceramics, woodcrafts and jewellery. Your home for the next three nights is a nature resort on a private island on Lake Nicaragua. Accommodation comprises just nine pretty tree-house style casitas with lake views, just a short distance from Granada.

   Overnight: Jicaro Lodge

6. Day 6 Granada

   Explore Granada. Established in 1524 by the Spaniard, Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, Granada is the oldest colonial city on mainland America and considered one of the prettiest cities in Latin America, with colonnaded colonial buildings the colour of ripe tangerines and lemons. The San Francisco Convent and Museum - once burned to the ground by unfriendly pirates and later the filibuster William Walker - preserves some of the most interesting indigenous ceramic and statue collections. Your guide will help you to explore the building’s history as well as its present day collection.

   Overnight: Jicaro Lodge

7. Day 7 Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve

   After breakfast, explore Mombacho Volcano, one of the most prominent volcanoes in Nicaragua. The ride up to the crater is an adventure in itself as the gradient guarantees spectacular views. The nature reserve has a small scientific research laboratory and a museum from which various trails wind through the forest on the extinct volcano. The ecosystem accommodates 50 mammal species as well as various reptiles and amphibians and spectacular bird life.

   Overnight: Jicaro Lodge

8. Day 8 Granada-Costa Esmeralda

   After breakfast, head west to the beautiful Costa Esmeralda on the Pacific coast, where you will spend three nights at the incredible Morgan's Rock Resort. Distinctly Nicaraguan, and built to blend effortlessly into the landscape, all have private terraces and open sides to allow the sea breeze to pour in, while the best have plunge pools. This is Robinson Crusoe luxury at its best; a simple sandy-floored spa shack is open to the elements, while restaurant La Bastide is reached by a rickety suspension bridge. Almost all of the ingredients served here are grown on the onsite farm. Much of the rainforest remains completely untouched and as a result, wildlife flourishes; sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys and anteaters roam freely, while sea turtles come to hatch on the white sand. Days are filled with yoga, kayaking, surfing or hiking through the mangroves – or simply relaxing in a hammock strung up by the pool.

   Overnight: Morgan's Rock

9. Day 9 - 10 Costa Esmeralda

   Spend the next two days at leisure relaxing on what is arguably Nicaragua’s most beautiful beach with picture perfect views. Not just a pretty face, the resort has a philanthropic arm which benefits the local community, assisting with education, cultural and health-related projects. Guests can get involved through local football and baseball games, as well as beach clean ups.

   Overnight: Morgan's Rock

10. Day 11 Depart Nicaragua

    After breakfast you will be driven to Managua airport to catch your flight home.

11. Depart

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

The following activities are highly recommended for active families:

• Explore the Emerald Coast by boat, dropping anchor to swim and snorkel, stopping en route for a beach BBQ.
• From your beach retreat on the Pacific coast, climb a jungle-clad hill to watch Howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with a fine picnic and stunning views.
• Take a 'panga' (open speed boat) to zip along the Pacific coast to find the best breaks for surfing.
• Explore the local fishing villages, woodland and beaches by Polaris UTV, with fish tacos and cold drinks at a cliff top cafe.
• From your lodge near Granada, go off the beaten track to explore remote communities and get involved in agricultural activities such as driving oxen, making clay pots, milking cow and making tortillas.