Silversea Expedition Cruises À SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Explore the Old World beauty, history and architecture of Granada and its environs during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Granada City and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Depart the pier for the scenic, 1.75-hour drive to Granada City, which is nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mombacho Volcano on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. En route, pass by beautiful rolling hills, verdant jungles, and endemic and exotic flora and wildlife. Upon arrival in Granada, take a tour of this lovely, 500-year-old city via horse-drawn carriage.

Parque Central and Convent of San Francisco

Next, take a guided walking tour around the main plaza, Parque Central, and marvel at the 16th-century La Merced Church, the famed Convent of San Francisco. During a guided visit here, view mysterious stone idols made by Nicaraguan ancestors, as well as an impressive collection of genuine, pre-Columbian sculptures and statues. Leaving the church, your guided stroll continues past a mosaic of Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and bright colours.

Lake Nicaraqua Cruise and Las Isletas

Your tour continues with a relaxing, picturesque cruise on the awe-inspiring Lake Nicaragua, nicknamed 'La Mar Dulce' by Spanish conquerors. Along the way, ride among Las Isletas, an archipelago of 365 tiny islands formed eons ago by eruptions from the Mombacho Volcano. The islets are home to thousands of species of exotic plants and animals, including colonies of howler monkeys and countless varieties of orchids. A small community lives among these fertile, palm-covered islets, and a handful of them are privately-owned and home to magnificent mansions.

Lunch and Free Time in Granada City

Following your cruise, disembark your boat and re-board your coach for the drive back to Granada. Upon arrival, proceed for a Nicaraguan buffet lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, some free time is made available to explore the city at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps to embark/disembark the boat, eight sidewalk steps and 10 steps at the Convent of San Francisco. Walking in Granada City is at the discretion of each guest. There is a long driving time involved of 1.75 hours each way. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Experience the timeless beauty and landmarks of Granada during this memorable, full-day orientation excursion.

Masaya City and Market

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute narrated drive through the lush, tropical landscape en route to the magical city of Masaya, the 'City of Flowers'. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the world-renowned Masaya Market, one of the largest crafts markets in Central America. During your visit, you can browse a wide array of shops and vendor stands offering the finest quality arts and crafts, including leather goods, delicately embroidered clothing, woodcarvings, Indian art, and hand-painted ceramics with traditional, pre-Columbian designs.

Masaya Volcano National Park and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Masaya Volcano National Park. Established in 1979, this national park is a marvel of nature, with its two towering volcanoes, lush forest and crater lagoon. A stop is made at the still-active Masaya Volcano for an up-close look at steaming fumaroles. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a Nicaraguan buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Granada. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of Granada City.

Granada, Parque Central and Convent of San Francisco

Stroll around the main plaza, Parque Central, and marvel at the 16th-century La Merced Church, the famed Convent of San Francisco. During a guided visit here, view mysterious stone idols made by Nicaraguan ancestors, as well as an impressive collection of genuine, pre-Columbian sculptures and statues. Your guided stroll continues past a mosaic of Colonial churches, narrow streets and Spanish-style homes with beautiful indoor patios, tiled roofs and bright colours. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.9 miles (about 1.44 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, three steps at the Masaya Market, eight sidewalk steps and 10 steps at the Convent of San Francisco. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Embrace the stunning natural beauty of Granada and its environs from a unique perspective during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Masaya Volcano National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 90-minute drive past beautiful rolling hills, verdant jungles, and exotic flora and wildlife en route to the Masaya Volcano National Park. Established in 1979, this national park is a natural wonder with Apoyo, its massive crater lagoon, lush forest and two towering volcanoes (one active, one dormant). Upon arrival, drive to the crater's edge of the active Masaya Volcano to view the steaming fumaroles.

Catarina Overlook and Market

Next, head to the breath-taking Catarina Overlook for stunning panoramic vistas of some of Nicaragua's most beautiful landmarks. See the beautiful Colonial city of Granada and Lake Nicaragua, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes and home to an archipelago consisting of hundreds of beautiful islets. Some free time is also made available to browse the market here for handmade leather products, beautiful embroidered clothing, delicate woodcarvings, hand-painted ceramics, and more. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 90-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.4 miles (about 0.64 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and five steps in Catarina. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Discover the secrets to preparing authentic Nicaraguan cuisine during this interactive, half-day cooking excursion with lunch.

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Pelican Eyes Resort. Upon arrival, proceed to the main restaurant for your interactive cooking lesson. Following a brief introduction, learn about and participate in the preparation of various Nicaraguan dishes, including fresh fish and shrimp ceviche, and a popular Nicaraguan dessert.

Following your cooking lesson, head to the patio for a relaxing lunch consisting of the meal you have helped to prepare, along with beautiful views overlooking the bay of San Juan del Sur. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 0.2 miles (about 0.32 kilometres), with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship. Guests must be at least 14 years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Learn how to surf like the pros during this fun-filled and exciting, half-day surfing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to a pristine beach. Upon arrival, meet your instructor, receive your safety instructions, rash-guard and surfboard, and begin your surfing lesson.

Your surfing lesson follows the recommendations set forth by the International Surfing Association (ISA). Get in touch with the waves, and learn how to stand up on your surfboard to ride them. A wide range of surfboards are available, and refreshments are included. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition and can swim well. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and insect repellent from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.