South America, Panama Canal & Caribbean with Santiago and Miami Beach Stays, 22 February 2025 (23 nights)

Once an impressive mint house during Chile’s colonial period, producing coins from 1814 to 1929, La Moneda Palace is the current seat of the president of the Republic of Chile and one of Santiago’s most famous landmarks. Occupying an entire block in the city’s Civic District, the neoclassical architectural style is influenced by Roman construction styles, affording the building a unique grandeur. It opens onto the Plaza de La Constitución, a neat city square that’s almost the same size as La Moneda Palace itself. The La Moneda Cultural Centre also sits just behind the palace, and you’ll find rotating art exhibitions, restaurants, and more within.

One of the principal places of worship for the Catholic Church of Chile, and somewhere that’s considered a symbol of the city of Santiago, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception is a shrine made famous for its impressive statue of the Virgin Mary – symbolising the immaculate conception of Jesus Christ – that stands over 14 metres tall. Sitting atop San Cristóbal Hill, which means the statue stands over 850 metres above sea level, this sanctuary offers visitors incredible views of Santiago and the surrounding scenery.

The oldest fine arts museum in South America, the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts in Santiago is one of the world’s major centres for Chilean and South American art; established in 1880 and currently housed in the Palace of the Fine Arts – which was built in 1910 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Chilean independence – this museum boasts a collection of over 5,000 artworks.

This stunning white-sand beach in Coquimbo is the perfect place to spend an afternoon soaking up the South American sunshine. Looking out at the sheltered Bahia Herradura de Guayacan (Horseshoe Bay of Guayacan), the waters here are perfect for swimming and watersports alike. You’ll also be within walking distance of fantastic restaurants, welcoming bars, and plenty of shops; so, you won’t have to travel far to find whatever you might need to make your day at the beach even better.

Offering an incredible insight into the history of the Coquimbo region and its indigenous peoples, La Serena Archaeological Museum (in La Serena, just a short distance from Coquimbo) is fascinating. Founded in 1943, this museum’s collections comprise over 14,000 items of the archaeological, ethnographical, and paleontological variety. It’s also home to an impressive monumental moai, a stone head from the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island.

Built circa 1951, this monumental lighthouse is a symbol of La Serena, standing as a testament to the rich maritime history of the region. Its unique design and bright exterior make it a popular tourist attraction, and the panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse tower here are unrivalled. Found along the stunning Playa El Faro beach, this landmark is a sight to behold from up-close or afar.

An impressive near-vertical rock formation overlooking downtown Arica, the views from atop Morro de Arica are truly unrivaled. Standing roughly 140 metres above sea level, this rock formation was the last bulwark of defence for the Peruvian forces garrisoned in the city during the War of the Pacific in the late 19th century and it’s now regarded as a national monument. With Arica’s near-constant warm weather with little-to-no-rainfall, a stroll to this rock formation’s summit to marvel at the sweeping views of the city is a great way to soak up some of the Chilean sunshine here

A stunning Catholic Church built circa 1876 over the original church in Arica, which was destroyed in an earthquake almost a decade prior, Catedral de San Marcos is a brightly-coloured Gothic Revival church with an impressive exterior and a rather quaint interior. Interestingly, the building was originally designed to be built in Ancon, a seaside town sitting just north of the Peruvian capital Lima, but was built in Arica following the requests of a local women’s committee looking to replace the earthquake-destroyed church.

A small museum on an archeological site in the heart of Arica, this unique attraction is home to several artificially mummified bodies, which are associated with the Chinchorro culture of the region. Discovered during preliminary soil studies ahead of the construction of a new building, the vulnerable conditions of the remains and continued archeological work led to the establishment of the museum – something that aims to preserve and enhance this remarkable archeological heritage.

One of the few existing military fortifications in Peru and the largest military construction by the Spanish in the Americas, the Fortaleza del Real Felipe (Real Felipe Fortress) is an impressive 18th century castle that now houses the Peruvian Army Museum. Throughout history, it has played a pivotal role in both national and international events – with it being a major flashpoint of conflict during colonial power struggles in the 18th century, Peruvian separatist struggles against Spanish colonialism in the 19th century, and the decolonisation of the Americas – given that the loss of this military stronghold in Peru was among the dominos that led to Peruvian independence.

A colourful cultural hub in the heart of Callao, this district of the seaport city is home to an array of contemporary art galleries, boutique shopping, and restaurants; with so much culture to immerse yourself in here, and some fantastic authentic Peruvian food to enjoy, this area of Callao offers you an incredible insight into the arts and music that make this city – and indeed Peru as a whole – so special.

Initially constructed circa 1538, and then reconstructed and improved upon throughout the 18th century, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Lima is a staggering Roman Catholic Church in the heart of Lima; known for being where the Treasure of Lima was hidden in 1820, an infamous urban legend that is yet to be fully proven false despite the fact that no treasure has been found, this cathedral now plays host to a museum showcasing a collection of notable artworks from Lima’s colonial period.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more relaxing activity, head to El Murcielago Beach. Filled with restaurants, sun loungers, cafes and other amenities, this pretty beach is a wonderful place to relax during your stop off in Manta.

Whether you want to kite board, snorkel or scuba dive, you can do it all in Manta. A fun activity, the watersports at its main beach give you the perfect opportunity to discover its diverse marine life and enjoy a thrilling activity.

Opened in 1918, this quaint museum is a must visit if you're looking to learn more about the local area. With an array of displays and artefacts, you'll feel immersed into the local culture and its fascinating history.

The Miraflores Visitor Center provides fantastic insight into the history of the Panama Canal, through films, exhibitions and observation decks overlooking the Panama Canal locks. Visitors can join guided tours and enjoy delicious cuisine and souvenirs.

Whilst stopping off on the Panama Canal, if you have the time, a trip to Casco Viejo is well worth the effort. Within the historic district of the city, it’s a designated World Heritage Site which was built in the late 17th century. With stunning architecture, restaurants, shops and more, this picturesque area is frequently listed as one of the top things to do whilst in Panama.

If you’re looking for breathtaking views out towards the city, head to Ancon Hill. spanning 199 metres, this impressive hill is a popular site to visit whilst in the area of Ancon or Panama City.

Home to hundreds of different butterflies, this picturesque nature sanctuary is a must visit during your stop off in Oranjestad. Located within a tropical enclosure, this is the perfect activity to visit, whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo or with family.

If you like your history and like to learn about the past of the location you’re travelling around, a trip to the National Archaeological Museum Aruba should be on your list. Within its extensive collection, you can discover artefacts dating back to 2500 BC.

A beautiful park that’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing walk, a bike ride and to sightsee in the capital, Linear Park is a new park with lots of restaurants, bars and more along its trail. At certain times of the year, the main park plaza is also home to a variety of festivals, marathons and more.

Cut from limestone in the 1790’s, Fort Fincastle provides a brilliant vantage point overlooking the city of Nassau. Tours of the castle are held daily between 8am and 4pm, and the panoramic ocean views provide a brilliant photo opportunity.

Home to around 200 animals, Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre is best known for its vibrant flamingos which roam freely around the park. Many of its inhabitants are endangered, providing visitors with up-close experiences with a range of wildlife.

Discover the fascinating history of pirates at this captivating museum. Showcasing how pirates used to visit the Bahamas throughout history, it has several exhibits, including a replica pirate ship.

This non-profit park area is the place to go for some tranquil downtime as you explore the serene waterfalls and pools that are home to brightly plumed flamingos. The gardens are also home to rescued wildlife such as other birds and reptiles as well as boasting some giant tree species.

Covering a 22-block area, this exciting part of downtown offers plenty to see and do from Garand Opera House, History Center, Art Museum and plenty of dining options and evening entertainment just a short distance from the cruise terminals.

A beautiful and historic house in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Bonnet House is included on the American National Register of Historic Places. It was built by prominent artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and has picturesque architecture and a botanical garden.