Managua, Nicaragua (November 6, 2012) – Travelers planning a cruise in 2013 should consider booking one that stops in Nicaragua to enjoy a taste of Central America’s next “hot spot” destination. Visitors may access the country via many Panama Canal and Latin American cruises as they stop in the beautiful ports of San Juan Del Sur and Corinto on the Pacific Ocean. These ports are an entryway to Nicaragua’s pristine beaches, tropical landscapes and vibrant colonial cities.

San Juan del Sur, a popular beach town set on a picturesque bay in Southern Nicaragua, offers an array of lively waterfront cafés and bars where passengers can enjoy fresh-caught Nicaraguan shrimp and lobster, along with an icy Toña beer or a cocktail made with Nicaragua’s famous Flor de Caña rum. From San Juan del Sur, they can arrange to take a surfing lesson on one of the country’s best surfing beaches. They can also go rappelling down an ocean cliff or horseback riding on the beach where CBS filmed “Survivor: Nicaragua.”

Cruise ships anchoring in San Juan del Sur offer tours to Granada, one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in all of the Americas, just 90 minutes away. In Granada, cruise passengers visit some of the oldest churches in Central America, a museum with pre-Columbian artifacts and even a chocolate factory where they can make their own chocolate. They may also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America; a peek into the smoking crater of Masaya Volcano; and a visit to the Masaya artisans’ market for shopping. The Granada tour may also offer a stop for zip-lining over a coffee farm on the slopes of Mombacho Volcano.

Some cruise ships docking in Nicaragua stop in Corinto, on the country’s pristine northern Pacific Coast. Corinto is the gateway for tours of the colonial city of León, which holds the largest cathedral in Central America and the ruins of old León, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thrill-seekers can take an excursion to Cerro Negro Volcano for the unforgettable experience of ashboarding down its steep black slopes. On the drive back to the ship, they may stop for a tour and rum tasting at the Flor de Caña distillery.

First-time cruisers and cruise veterans alike will enjoy the sights, activities and adventures that are offered on a shore excursion in Nicaragua. To book a cruise to Nicaragua, try cruise lines Holland America, Princess, Semester at Sea and Star Clippers, among others.

# # #
About Nicaragua
Central America’s new travel destination, Nicaragua offers visitors an authentic experience that puts them in touch with the country’s natural beauty and warmth of its people. Travelers enjoy ecotourism, adventure tourism or simply relax against the backdrop of dazzling colonial architecture; spectacular volcanoes, lakes and rainforest; and pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Central America’s largest country and the safest, Nicaragua beckons with a wide variety of travel options at affordable prices. www.visitnicaragua.us

Other resort amenities will include Spa Mukul, offering six private spa-treatment casitas; a beach club with dining and lounge areas and a swimming pool; and an 18-hole golf course.

Guests will also have access to four miles of beach and rugged coastline, and seven miles of nature trails for hiking, biking and observing the four species of monkeys and other wildlife in the lush coastal forest. Opening rates will start at $525 per night, double occupancy, including breakfast, lunch, open bar during the day and private ground transportation to and from Managua International Airport. Mukul is owned by Nicaraguan billionaire Carlos Pellas.

The company promises that will never have “more than 16 guests” on any departure. Clients can also save $1,000 per couple on all 74 Small Group Journeys when they book by Dec. 28.

“Right now, vacationers want to get close to nature and participate in active excursions during the day, then stay in really nice places at night with good food,” said Robert Drumm, president of General Tours World Traveler.

“We have seen strong, growing demand for trips to exotic destinations like India, Africa and Southeast Asia, and interest in Latin America has skyrocketed this year.

“We’ve built our new 2013 programs with these trends in mind.”

The 19 new itineraries go to a variety of destinations, from perennial favorites like Rome and Tuscany to emerging destinations like Bhutan and Nepal.

The packages include the nine-day Countryside of Umbria & Tuscany; the 10-day Pandas of Chengdu; the 15-day Exploring South India & Sri Lanka; the nine-day Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe; and more.

General Tours has also expanded its roster of flexible, travel-any-day Private Tours with 39 options in 2013.

New next year, many of the company’s most popular group trips can now be booked privately, allowing guests to see the world at an unhurried pace with a personal car, driver and guide.

Some noteworthy ones include the Mountains & Jungles of Nepal, the Wildlife of Borneo, the Traditions of Northern Italy, and the Treasures of Nicaragua.

General Tours travelers may also choose from a selection of Hosted trips, along with an assortment of short FreeStyle custom tours and stays that can be mixed and matched given personal preferences.

The company also offers small ship vacations aboard premium vessels.

In the Amazon, the shallow-draft, nine-cabin M/Y Tucano allows deep access to the remote rainforest, and the deluxe MV Galapagos Explorer II is the only all-suite vessel in the islands. While in China, guests sail the all-balcony MS Yangzi Explorer and in Europe, 22 cruises on five-star AmaWaterways ships ply the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Mosel, Rhône, Douro and Volga rivers.

Guests who book any 2013 Small Group, Private or Small Ship journey by Dec. 28 will receive $1,000 per couple savings. As a bonus, this discount can be combined with the company’s other offers including Family and Friends savings of $50 to $150 per person when three or more people travel together.

All Pleasant Holidays Guided Vacations in Central America depart every other Saturday and operate throughout 2013 with guaranteed departures and no minimum number of travelers required.

Central American Tours (CAT) of Costa Rica is the ground operator.

All guided vacations include a number of activities and tours, as well as offer additional optional excursions to further enhance the vacation experience.

The new “Treasures of Costa Rica and Nicaragua” is an eight-day/seven-night guided vacation featuring one night in Liberia, Costa Rica; two nights in Granada, Nicaragua; and four nights in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The “Marvels of Costa Rica” nine-day/eight-night guided tour and the 11-day/10-night “Jewels of Costa Rica” will be offered every other Saturday throughout 2013 with guided trips to San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

General Tours World Traveler introduced three new small group programs in Latin America for 2013 — the Inca Trail, Nicaragua, and Easter Island and Patagonia. The company is offering a $500 per person discount for purchases booked and paid for through Dec. 28. All groups are maximum 16 guests.

The eight-day Easter Island and Patagonia package is built around an encounter with the giant stone faces of the Moia statues.

The program provides an opportunity for authentic engagement with people of the island and its blend of Polynesian and South American cultures. Also included is a three-night stay at the Patagonia Camp on Lake Toro, for a naturalist-guided exploration of Patagonia’s natural environment. After discount, the trip is priced from $4,099 per person including all airfare within South America.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu combines a private four-day hike on the Inca Trail with sightseeing in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

The hike is accompanied by an expert guide and a staff of porters during the trek. It’s priced from $3,399 per person after pay-in-full savings.

Also new is General Tours Nicaragua package, an eight-day package designed to plunge clients into Nicaragua’s cultural and natural diversity. It takes clients into a study of the Colonial history of Leon and Granada, an encounter with the daily life of the people of Ometepe Island and into the Charco Verde Nature Reserve, a mangrove forest and barrier island on the Pacific coast, and to the crater of the Masaya Volcano. With the discount, the package is priced from $1,499 per person.

Take your pick from one of the following holiday suggestions to explore Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and/or Panama:

Celebrate the dawn of a new age at the heart of the Maya World…

According to the Maya Long Count Calendar, 21st December 2012 will mark the end of the current 5125-year cycle and the dawn of a new age. What better time to explore some of Central America’s most remarkable Maya sites and celebrate this unique occasion in the company of Maya experts and the indigenous Maya community?

The Traveller (www.the-traveller.co.uk), in conjunction with Steppes Travel, has devised a specialist small group tour led by eminent archaeologist, David Sedat and Maya expert Jose Antonio Gonzalez, to explore ‘The Maya World’ from 13th to 28th December 2012. The 16-day tour will visit sites that chart the beginnings of Maya civilisation and the early formation of their calendar and hieroglyphic, such as Takali’k Abaj in Guatemala, as well as some of the largest and most impressive settlements at Tikal (Guatemala) and Copan (Honduras), where lecturer David Sedat will welcome the group on 21st December. Prices from £3,895 per person, including international flights.

Explore (www.explore.co.uk) is offering a special ‘End of the Maya Cycle and Festival of Santo Tomas’ small group tour departing on 11th December.

The 13-day tour visits Copan and Tikal as well as lesser known sites such as Quirigua, Ceibal and Uaxactun. There is also a tour of the colonial city of Antigua and Lake Atitlan, before celebrating the end of the Maya Cycle in Chichicastenango, coinciding with the beginning of the town’s week-long celebration of their Patron Saint, Santo Tomas. Celebrations are colourful and lively, and include traditions of the indigenous Maya-Quiche and local dances. Prices from £2,238 per person, including international flights.

…Or see the Maya sites before ‘the end’!

If you prefer to see the Maya sites before any change befalls the world in the new age, Andante Travels (www.andantetravels.co.uk) offers a small group tour exploring the archaeology of Belize and Guatemala from 13th to 28th November 2012.

Under the expert guidance of Maya specialist David Drew, you will visit spectacular Ancient Maya pyramids and palaces, dine with the roar of the howler monkeys in your ears and pick your way through dense vegetation, with brilliant macaw in the branches above and the occasional sighting of giant iguana and crocodile.

Prices from £4,200 per person, including international flights.

Horse-riding through the Guatemalan Altiplano
Combine history and Maya culture with the joy of riding through the highlands of Guatemala with Equus Trails (www.equustrails.co.uk).

Enjoy the pure, cold air and magnificent views of the plains below and surrounding volcanoes from an altitude of up to 3,800m. From the beautiful colonial city of La Antigua you will head off into the highlands to ride across the Sierra de Cuchumatanes through to the tropical lowlands of Huehuetenango. Your trip will end with a visit to Lake Atitlan and some of the Maya villages around it, and the magnificent archaeological site of Tikal. Prices from £1695 per person, excluding international flights, for departure dates between November 2012 and February 2013.

Kayak along the San Juan river in Nicaragua
Embark on an epic river journey that combines first class wilderness with rich history and more than a little adventure, exploring a little-known corner of Nicaragua with Pioneer Expeditions (http://www.pioneerexpeditions.com/nicaragua-san-juan-river.htm).

Paddle from the majestic Lake Nicaragua down the jungle lined San Juan River to deserted beaches on the Caribbean sea along a route once favoured by pirates and buccaneers with eyes for the gold of the Spanish colonial empire.

The cost for this amazing adventure is £2,650 per person, excluding international flights.

Enjoy a “David Attenborough experience” in Costa Rica

If you’re after multiple encounters with fascinating wildlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Costa Rica! Geodyssey’s “Costa Rica Nature Explorer” tour (www.geodyssey.co.uk)  will give you the opportunity to meet hundreds of colourful birds, butterflies, bizarre insects, frogs, sloths, monkeys, dolphins and more.

And if you travel between June and October, you may also find sea turtles nestling on the beach at Tortuguero.

Explore the South Pacific jungle of Piedras Blancas, the Bosque de Paz cloudforest and the tropical forest of La Selva Reserve, and go on a night safari in Sarapiqui to find out what animals get up to after dark.

Prices from £1,840 per person for a self-drive 14-night tour (tour with private driver also available), excluding international flights.

Surf and volcanoes in El Salvador

Be among the first to discover the natural beauty of El Salvador, an exciting destination too often misunderstood and by-passed when visiting Central America. Journey Latin America (www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk)  offers a new 10-day tour of El Salvador, where you will visit San Salvador, ancient Mayan sites, majestic volcanoes, charming colonial cities and the intriguingly named ‘El Imposible’ National Park, finishing with a few days relaxing at El Sunzal beach on the Pacific coast, a haven for surfers. Prices from £1,322 per person, excluding international flights.

Take to the seas

Relax as you sail along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua in style onboard the magnificent, four masted Star Flyer, operated by Star Clippers (www.starclippers.co.uk),. New this year is the inclusion of a three-day land tour of Costa Rica exploring San Jose, the Arenal volcano, Orchid Gardens and Tabacon Hot Springs. The 10-day land-cruise holiday, departing on 16th December 2012, will also visit beautiful, rainforest-fringed beaches and remote islands from San Juan del Sur to Playas del Coco, the National Park of Santa Rosa, Puerto Carrillo, Islas Tortugas, Curu, Quesera and Puerto Caldera. Prices from £2,399 per person, including international flights and three nights’ hotel accommodation in Costa Rica.

For further information please contact Cristina Cunchillos at Latina Marketing on 020 7704 8485 or email cristina@latinamarketing.com

The sale is an attempt to boost a trend of increasing tourism that saw arrivals from U.S. and Canada grow by double digits in 2012. Special packages includes Pacific Holidays’ Jewels of Nicaragua: History and Culture, an eight-day packages starting at $1,399 per person double, airfare included.

Yampu Tours’ Complete Nicaragua, offering culture, and history plus beach, visiting Managua, Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island, is an eight-day package starting at $2,834 per person, double, airfare included. Solar Tours’ Granada — San Juan Del Sur is a seven- to 10-day package including Granada, Leon, volcanoes, Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island and San Juan del Sur beaches starting at $851 per person, airfare included.

Solar Tours’ Granada — El Gigante Beach — Managua is a seven- to 10-day package starting at $847 per person, airfare included. Latin American Escapes’ Trekking Nicaragua’s Volcanoes is an eight-day active package starting at $1,350 per person, double, airfare not included.

Latin American Escapes’ Magic of Nicaragua includes eight days starting at $1,395 per person, double. Sita Tours’ Nicaragua: Granada and San Juan Del Sur starts at $1,190 per person, double. Maya Tours’ The Nicaragua Classic Tour: The best of Nicaragua includes eight days starting at $950 per person. Wildland Tours’ Nicaragua Adventure Tour starts at $2,850 per person. Tara Tours’ All-inclusive Beach Resort-Montelimar beach vacation includes seven days starting at $628 per person.

SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA— (August 15, 2012) —Perched on a lush hilltop on Nicaragua’s pacific coast, the 69-room Pelican Eyes Resort, in San Juan Del Sur, overlooks a stunning, crescent-shaped bay bestowing breathtaking sunsets and views . The management prides itself on a distinctive blend of gracious “Nica” hospitality, comfortable and well-appointed hotel accommodations, fantastic international cuisine, myriad activities and plenty of local charm. San Juan Del Sur was also recently named one of the “Top Ten Beach Destinations” by TripAdvisor.

The 69 well-appointed units offer picturesque views of the ocean and gardens, and terraces surrounded by lush tropical forests. Guests can choose between houses of two bedrooms or townhouses of one bedroom, studios, and standard hotel rooms. The handmade, regional furniture and décor and amenities provide a charming and comfortable place to call home while on holiday.

Whether looking o relax and unwind at one of the three glistening and refreshing pools, surf one of the world-famous surf breaks located just steps from the resort, or rejuvenate the soul at the resort’s on-site spa, Pelican Eyes offers something for everyone. Hotel Pelican Eyes and Resort offers a variety of accommodation and activities, conceived and designed to meet the needs of any traveler, from individuals, families, until many business groups or friends. San Juan del Sur and the neighboring regions are filled with adventure, culture and history. The expert staff at Pelican Eyes is always happy to assist in sharing the world of difference that Nicaragua has to offer. From sailing to surfing some of the best breaks on the Nicaraguan coast, from horseback riding in the surrounding hills to visiting artisan markets in Masaya or touring one of Nicaragua’s colonial cities such as Granada or Leon, an adventure awaits at every turn.

For those guests looking to celebrate the restorative power of nature, they can revitalize their mind and renew their spirit, they need look no further than Casa Tranquila Spa. Offering a variety of services, the spa’s experienced technicians will provide a calming escape that will leave guests feeling refreshed, pampered and rejuvenated. A few local, signature treatments include: Coffee and Cinnamon Body Buff utilizing locally grown organic products; Cool Aloe and Neem Body Cocoon using products picked daily from the resort garden; and more.

Guests will find the on-property restaurants perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving unique international and Nicaraguan gourmet fare, Pelican Eyes’ La Cascada and Bistro La Canoa will delight the most discerning of palettes. Guests are invited to dine al fresco by the pool or at a candlelit, ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Pelican Eyes Resort specializes in romance offering unique, luxury destination weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways. Stunning views, lush gardens, and our crystal clear infinity pools provide brilliant backgrounds for casual beach-inspired wedding ceremonies and more formal wedding receptions. From all-inclusive packages to tailor made occasions, our skilled events coordinator will work with you to create special memories to last a lifetime.

Pelican Eyes Resort is located in San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. For reservations, please visit the website at www.pelicaneyesresort.com , call 505 2563 7000 ext. 852 or email: reservations@pelicaneyesresort.com

TORONTO —  Travel innovator Butterfield & Robinson offers new ways to see popular destinations like India and Morocco and emerging destinations such as Colombia and Laos. Since 1966, B&R has been crafting active experiences in the world’s most beautiful settings, offering remote bike rides, scenic walks and the perfect combination of hotels; from traditional Japanese ryokans to riads in Morocco.

Each day offers immersion into the local culture through experiences such as a simple lunch in a local home to extravagant celebrations fit for a Maharaja.

“It’s been a busy year for B&R researchers scouring the globe for new hot spots,” said Norman Howe, President of Butterfield & Robinson. “As always with B&R, we seek out the unexpected (zip lining off the top of a Jodhpur fort), the authentic (exploring a rural village with locals), with a dash of theatre thrown in (private candle-light dinners under the stars). Whether you experience a private trip or join other B&R travellers on one of our new trips in 2013, you’ll be profoundly and eternally changed by the experience. My family and I were in Rajasthan last December and we were transformed by the magic of the people and the land.”

NEW Guided B&R Bike Trips for 2013

India Biking From US$7,695 per person; 8 Days; Departs: Dec, Jan, Oct, Nov
B&R has biked in Rajasthan for decades but the India trip has not been offered for the past two years. The variety of new hotels and changing landscapes posed a challenge for B&R researchers to create a new and even better trip! Experience the many facets of Rajasthan where the biking is through farmland and villages, colorful roads, mustard fields, desert flats and the extravagant City Palace of Udaipur.

Hotels range from former hunting lodges to modern boutique hotels and the award-winning Oberoi Udaivilas. *India Biking December 20-27 2012 is open to teenagers 16 and older.

Morocco Bistro Biking From US$3,995 per person; 6 days; Departs: March, Apr, Oct, Nov

The idea of a B&R expedition was born in Morocco in the late 90s, reminiscent of ancient caravans travelling through the desert.

Since then B&R has taken hundreds of travellers along the roads of this beguiling country. The explosion of new hotels and interest in Morocco has created enough demand to offer two different trips.

This trip includes the best of Morocco: Marrakech, Berber villages, stunning oases, fabulous food, a Kasbah hotel, the High Atlas Mountains, and an unforgettable stay in a riad in the coastal city of Essaouira.

Bistro trips offer more independence (more meals on your own), and the hotels tend to be 3 or
4-stars instead of off-the-chart. But the heart of every one is exactly the same as our marquee trips—same incredible routes, events, insider access and, of course, B&R guides.

Morocco Family Biking From US$3,995 per person; 6 days; Departs: Mar

This exotic, stunning country is beautifully suited to an adventure vacation for young and old alike. On this Family trip, experience the best of Morocco: magical Marrakech with snake charmers and donkey carts, Berber villages and mint tea with the locals, oases, camel rides, kite surfing (it’s safe, don’t worry!), a ropes course, fabulous food, the High Atlas Mountains, and an amazing stay in the coastal city of Essaouira. The activities on this trip are geared for children 12 years old and up.

Indochina Biking From US$7,995 per person; 8 days; Departs: Apr, Oct, Nov

Combining three countries, the new Indochina Biking trip gives a grand introduction of Southeast Asia. Ancient Siem Reap in Cambodia, Laos’ colonial Luang Prabang and famed limestone islands of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Siem Reap is our jumping-off point to explore the ancient Khmer temples of Angkor, Laos offers a UNESCO-protected city, colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy and miles of Mekong-side riding. See Ha Long Bay’s iconic limestone islands rise magically from the water’s surface.

Japan Biking (dates and prices TBD)
The B&R Japan Biking trip is back due to popular demand. The spectacular cycling and stunning scenery of the Noto Peninsula (untouched by the recent earthquake) will take you along coastal roads, past shrines and introduce you to the rich culture of this region. Traditional ryokans (inns) offer delicious local cuisine and relaxing hot springs for aching muscles. The trip finishes in the historic city of Kyoto where you will enjoy a traditional final night feast.

NEW Private Trips—Ready to Book Collection

These private trips are researched and planned itineraries that are locally guided and ideal for small groups; with dates upon request.

China Private From US$9,595 per person

This active itinerary offers a taste of the best of China; bike in Beijing, walk the Great Wall, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of old Lijiang, visit a traditional Naxi village, hike to views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, check out the Terracotta Warriors and explore the vibrant streets of the world’s fastest growing city, Shanghai.

Colombia Private From US$6,595

After years of being a well-kept secret known only by the most adventurous travellers, Colombia is coming into the spotlight as a safe and vibrant destination with stunning scenery, welcoming people, boutique hotels and of course, fantastic coffee.

Nicaragua Private From US$3,995

Nicaragua offers a breathtaking landscape of volcanoes, lakes, mountains and rainforest combined with charming colonial towns and cities. This is emerging destination offers an exotic experience close to home. Explore preserved colonial towns and hike active volcanos. Visit coffee plantations or just chill at the beach.

Uruguay Private From US$5,595

This is a land of pioneering towns, sparkling beach resorts and genuine gauchos. This itinerary includes the trendiest hotels; the Estancia Vik and the Playa Vik combined with the elegantly comfortable Four Seasons Carmelo, the perfect combination of Marlboro Country and Virgin San Tropez.

For more on these and other Butterfield & Robinson trips please visit us at www.butterfield.com