DAY 1: MANAGUA Pick up and greeting at airport by bilingual guide and transfer in private transport to hotel in Managua
DAY 2: MANAGUA – LEON Breakfast and tour of Managua with visits to the National Museum, footprint museum with oldest evidence of human existence in Central America, Tiscapa Hill, former site of Dictator Somoza’s Palace, optional zipline down volcanic lake Tiscapa. Transfer to Leon. Dinner and lodging at hotel in Leon.
DAY 3: LEON Leon is a vibrant city, with Spanish colonial architecture and friendly people. Breakfast at hotel and morning walking tour of the city, with visits to the former home of Nicaragua’s most famous writer and poet, Rubén Darío, historic museums, and the catholic cathedaral and central park. Lunch in Leon. Transfer to La Penitas Pacific Ocean Beach and natural reserve, Juan Venado Island. Options of kayaking and swimming. Transfer back to Leon for Dinner and lodging. Options for evening out for live music.
DAY 4: LEON – LEON VIEJO – GRANADA Breakfast at hotel and transfer to the original location of León, the World Heritage site of León Viejo. The city was partially destroyed in an earthquake in 1610 and while not completely destroyed, the inhabitants decided to rebuild the city in its current location. Subsequent volcanic eruptions and sediment from Lake Managua have covered most of the structures. Tour the old city and learn about the ruins and the history of the city. Transfer south to Central America’s oldest European settlement, the city of Granada. Lunch in Granada and city tour in horse drawn carriage. Visit the central park and Catholic Cathedral, art museum, and San Francisco Convento Musuem which includes a remarkable collection of indigenous, black basalt statues. DAY 5: GRANADA –CATARINA–SAN JUAN DE ORIENTE Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Catarina. Catarina, known for its skilled artisans and beautiful, flower nurseries, sits on the edge of the Apoyo Lake crater. Nearby San Juan de Oriente is known for its exquisite ceramics work. Learn about ancient and traditional art work and craftsmanship of the Catarina and San Juan de Oriente artisans, marvel at the flower nurseries and take in the spectacular views of Apoyo Lake. Return to Granada for dinner and lodging at hotel. Options for evening out for live music.
DAY 6: GRANADA – MOMBACHO VOLCANO—MANAGUA Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to Mombacho Volcano. Ride up to top of Volcano and into its breathtaking cloud forest. Guided nature walk amongst the clouds of the forests and take in the gorgeous scenes of the variety of orchids and bromeliads of the forest. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest and of its importance to the natural ecosystem. Transfer to Managua for dinner and lodging at hotel. DAY 7: MANAGUA—DEPARTURE Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for departure.
History and Culture Tour includes: All hotel lodging All activities and excursions mentioned in itinerary All breakfasts All transportation in private vehicle 24 hour tour guide services and translation Meet and greet at the airport and trip materials All taxes for hotels and restaurants. History and Culture Tour does not include: International airfare to and from Managua, Nicaragua Lunches, dinners or drinks Optional activities not mentioned in trip itinerary Discretionary tips Taxes at the airport and borders (entrance and exit fees) Other personal expenses such a souvenir shopping, snacks All tours can begin any day of the year. Tours can also be customized depending on your interests and travel schedule. History and Culture Tour costs depend on the number of travelers in your party and travel dates. Please specify number of people and estimated dates when requesting a quote.