Perhaps the most popular aspect of "La Turmalina" is the large, open Observation Deck, terrace and bar at the top, from where the knowledgeable naturalist guides will give you a unique and personal insight into their great natural home - spotting rare birds and plants as you cruise.

At the end of each day, as the sun goes down over the Amazon rainforest, there is no better place to enjoy a relaxing drink with like-minded adventurers under the opal skies embracing the Equator.

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Saturday - Depart London Heathrow for flight to Lima. arriving the same day in the evening.Transfer to the first class Pardo Hotel (or similar) located in a stylish residential suburb on room and breakfast basis for 1-night stay.

Day 2 Sunday -Fly to Iquitos in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Embark "La Turmalina" or "La Amatista" around 13.00, our home for the coming week. 6-night cruise includes full board (excluding drinks) and daily guided excursion programme. Begin our journey into the greatest wilderness on Earth.

Day 3 Monday - Amazon River to Rio Ucayali. Small villages occasionally dot the shoreline, and channels weaving through island mazes provide close-up views of a variety of marsh birds, including Oriole Blackbird, Purple Gallinule and Yellow-headed Caracara, Gray and Pink Amazon River Dolphin, often seen cavorting near the boat and along the shoreline. First excursion into the surrounding rainforest in search of Giant Water Lilies and elusive wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. Afternoon visit a small river village or, perhaps call on a local shaman.

Day 4 Tuesday - Rio Ucayali to Requena. Excursion to a small tributary of the Ucayali. Guides help search for animals including primates, sloths and an incredible variety of birds. Continue up the river heading for the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. Excursion into the largest wetland reserve in the world provides the opportunity to view a variety of primates including Red Howler, Squirrel, and Saki monkeys. Nocturnal visit to the reserve adds the chance to view Caiman, Capybara, Common Potoo, frogs and other wildlife.

Day 5 Wednesday - Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Spend the day exploring this flooded realm. Expect to see numerous wading birds, such as the White-necked Heron, Black-capped Heron, Wattled Jacana and Sunbittern. You may observe Parrots and Scarlet Macaw, often seen flying in pairs or small family groups. Along the river channel you may also encounter Monk Saki, a unique primate that frequents seasonally flooded forests. Higher in the dense tree canopy Red Howler Monkeys may be seen in small family groups. Stop at higher ground to take a leisurely hike through a varzea (seasonally flooded forest). Surprisingly open, due to being periodically inundated with water, this type of forest is likely to reveal Three-toed Sloths and a proliferation of butterflies including the spectacular, brilliant- blue Morpho

Day 6 Thursday - Rio Tapiche to Rio Marañon. Opportunity to swim in the river, paddle a dugout canoe, and visit a river village. The villagers here will offer small hand-made crafts to sell if you are interested.

Day 7 Friday - Rio Marañon to San Regis. Enter the Terra Firma forest. This is the type of forest that is conjured up by the world "jungle." Large trees festooned with epiphytes, palms, woody vines and vaulted canopy combine to create the shadowed mystery of tropical rainforest. The trail winds through the forest arriving at a canopy walkway where we explore the world above the forest floor. Experience the awe of Earth's most prolific life zone. Plants, invertebrates and larger animals surround us. Last excursion into the narrow tributaries provides another to enjoy the beauty of tropical rainforest

Day 8 Saturday - Disembark "La Turmalina". Guided tour of Iquitos included. Transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima. Overnight stay at Pardo Hotel on room and breakfast basis.

Day 9 Sunday - Morning day city tour of Lima included with the visits to the Grand Colonial Squares and Gold Museum. Afternoon at leisure in Lima. (it is possible to return home, on Sunday evening, arriving London on Monday morning).

Day 10 Monday, Return home, arriving London Heathrow on Day 11 Tuesday