A cruise and stay expedition holiday taking you along the Brazilian Amazon and to a handful of Caribbean islands.

While in Brazil, it would be rude not to fly by Rio de Janeiro for some city slicking, beach hopping and icon spotting. Tick off the top spots like Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana and Impanema, but also get to know some of the cool neighbourhoods like the bijou and boho Lapa (check out the dance halls), and Centro, where most of the monuments and museums are.

It’s just a short hop of a flight from the end point of your cruise, Puerto Rico, to the Dominican Republic. You could be on the silky shores of an all-in beachfront retreat in no time, cocktail in hand, dinner plans sorted and little to nothing on the agenda – give or take a spa treatment and a sea and pool dips – for the next few days.

Meandering, mighty and magical: the Amazon is a legendary waterway and the world’s largest rainforest. This is your chance to delve deep into the jungle by hopping on smaller boats for winding tributary side quests, hiking to remote villages, spotting water lilies bigger than a compact car, and seeing the ‘meeting of the waters’ where two rivers flow side by side.

Once you’ve followed the flow of the Amazon into the Atlantic, the attention shifts to the islands of the Caribbean. First up, you’ll have the rare opportunity to visit Devil’s Island, a hauntingly beautiful islet off the South American country of French Guiana. Then the poster child islands like Barbados, Saint Lucia and St Kitts line up to welcome you to their stunning shores.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The adventure begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s scenically spectacular ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’.

Manaus, Brazil

Fly inland to the frontier city at the heart of the Amazon, Manaus, for a one-night pre-cruise stay.

Manaus, Brazil

It’s time to step on board Exlpora I and set sail. Marvel at the two-toned water as the clear and dark Rio Negro meets but does not merge with the muddier Amazon.

Parintins, Brazil

Dock in the riverside settlement and set off on river or rainforest explorations, or get to grips with the town’s infectious carnival culture.

Alter do Choã, Brazil

Beach resort town vibes meet river and rainforest landscapes in this town on the banks of the Amazon tributary of Tapajos.

Macapa, Brazil

The ship makes a stop today for immigration, health and safety formalities.

At sea

It’s time to kick back and relax on board while the ship’s Caribbean bound.

Devil’s Island, French Guiana

Pause for a day at the off-track Devil’s Island, just off the coast of French Guiana.

At sea

Choose between spa treatments, sports sessions or enriching activities as the journey northwards continues.

Bequia, St Vincent & the Grenadines

Stunning Bequia awaits with its glorious lagoons, beaches and small island charm.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Sail into the Barbadian capital and soak up the Bajan vibes and natural beauty.

Castries, Saint Lucia

From the city of Castries, head out to explore Saint Lucia’s iconic landscapes from Pitons to volcanoes.

Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy

The distinctively French island of Saint Barts is a pretty playground for the A List.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Nevis

Last but definitely not least is the emerald-green Saint Kitts and her sister island, Nevis.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The cruise ends as you head to the airport and make the short hop over to the Dom Rep.

Dominican Republic

Spend a few days letting little phase you as you dip your toes in the soft sands of Punta Cana.