January 31 - February 22, 2025
23 Days
Tour Status - Available
This “Designed” Select Holidays departure starts in with an amazing cruise in the Caribbean & through the Panama Canal. Bougainvillea-covered balconies, jungles teeming with wildlife, one of the most brazen engineering feats in human history… there’s more treasure here than the Spanish ever dreamed of. Relive history as you transit the Panama Canal, enormous locks gaping above you and Lake Gatun spread out below. Then a land tour of Costa Rica, where varied ecosystems live together to create impressive landscapes and unique farming methods. Where almost 10% of Costa Rica’s land use is devoted to agriculture producing bananas, pineapples, coffee, sugar, rice, vegetables, tropical fruits, ornamental plants, corn, potatoes and palm oil. Located right in the heart of the occidental hemisphere you have the chance to experience the Tortuguero National Park, Tabacon Hot Springs and see the volcanic coned Arenal and the scarlet coloured macaws... the perfect paradise to enjoy an exceptional vacation in the tropics.
A truly amazing trip!!!!
Click to Enlarge
Tour Highlights
Economy Airfare from select gateways
Sail on the Star Pride~ Windstar Cruises
The finest ultra-luxury resort at sea
Only 342 Guests
ALL Meals onboard
Included Drinks including unlimited beers, wines & cocktails
Included gratuities for staff onboard
FREE Wi-Fi
Visit amazing ports of call where larger ships do not visit
Special Amenities Onboard:
- Personalized Service;
- Complimentary Beverages throughout the ship;
- Open Seating Dining;
- Evening Entertainment;
- Smart Casual Attire
Deluxe Accommodations & Transportation in Costa Rica & Panama
Meals as listed with juices
Farms / Markets / Village Tours
River & Canal Boat Rides plus Lake Cruise
Hanging Bridges
Tortuguero National Park & Volcano National Park
Free time
English Speaking Local Guide
Economy class airfare included from major North American gateway cities.
Costa Rica Land tour Hosted by Select Holidays
PLUS more…….
Day 1: Jan 31, 2025: Flight into Aruba
Economy airfare flight into Aruba with overnight stay in hotel prior to cruise.
Day 2: Feb 01, 2025: Aruba / Board Ship / Sail at 6pm (B/L/D)
A free morning. Board the “Star Pride” around 1pm. Aruba is known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this Dutch port makes it easy to just … take it easy.
Day 3: Feb 02, 2025: At Sea (B/L/D)
Day 4: Feb 03, 2025: Cartagena, Columbia arrive at 7am (B/L/D)
Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.
Day 5: Feb 04, 2025: Cartagena, Columbia depart at 4pm (B/L/D)
Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.
Day 6: Feb 05, 2025: San Blas Islands from 9am till 2pm (B/L/D)
The San Blas Islands are known for their unspoiled beauty, crystal clear waters & pure white sand beach.
Day 7: Feb 06, 2025: Bocas del Toro from 9am till 1pm (B/L/D)
Bocas del Toro on Bastimentos island was visited by Columbus in 1502 and then built up with colorful and Caribbean-style clapboard houses by the United Fruit Company in the early 20th century. Situated on the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago, the laid-back and friendly community is a great combination of races and ethnicities living harmoniously. West Indians, Latinos and Extraneros (the resident gringos) make this an easy place to feel right at home and embrace the relaxed Caribbean vibe of the town. Not far from town is the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, as well as two national parks, La Amistad and many banana plantations.
Day 8: Feb 07, 2025: Panama Canal Daytime Transit (B/L/D)
Take a daylight transit through the massive Panama Canal, one of the world's most stunning feats of engineering on a ship that lets you see it all.
Day 9: Feb 08, 2025: Balboa, Panama arrive at 7am (B/D)
Arrive Balboa, Panama and Disembark Cruise Ship. Depart cruise ship and transfer to view the workings of the Panama Canal from the visitors center. Then a short city tour of Panama before arriving at hotel for a two night stay.
Day 10: Feb 09, 2025: Panama (B/D)
A free day to relax on the beach or around the pool.
Day 11: Feb 10, 2025: Panama City to San Jose, Costa Rica (B)
A mid day flight from Panama City into San Jose Costa Rica, where you will transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. Balance of day free.
Day 12: Feb 11, 2025: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica [B/D]
This day is free prior to the other joining the Costa Rica land tour, arrive later this evening. Enjoy the many amenities that the hotel offers, including an amazing pool and garden area.
Day 13: Feb 12, 2025: San Jose, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
Depart after breakfast for farm tours that specialize in vegetables for the local and North American markets. Cabbage, potatoes, onion, strawberries and flowers, just to name a few. Following lunch return to the hotel in time to enjoy the facilities and the wonderful gardens.
Day 14: Feb 13, 2025: Tortuguero Village, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
Depart the hotel early for the Eastern Side of Costa Rica. At the river dock, take a boat down the river and canals to Tortuguero National Park. Upon arrival check in then have lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the pools or take an optional visit of the local village and visit the beach where the Green Turtles come annually to lay their eggs. Later, take a guided nature walk before dinner.
Day 15: Feb 14, 2025: Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
The only way to see the National Park is from a boat. Early in the morning, depart the lodge to search for wildlife before the day gets too warm. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a chance to use the pools and relax before departing once more in the afternoon to travel the canals and wetlands in search of more wildlife. Return to the lodge for a happy hour and dinner.
Day 16: Feb 15, 2025: Arenal, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
This morning, travel back up river to the dock where the bus will be waiting to take you to La Fortuna in the Arenal region. After lunch, visit a pineapple farm that also raise water buffalo as feeder cattle. Continue the drive to Arenal to enjoy a 3-night stay where each room has fantastic views of the volcanic coned Arenal, (weather permitting) and delightful pool areas.
Day 17: Feb 16, 2025: Arenal, Costa Rica [B/F/D]
Today, visit to a family farm that produces papaya, vegetables and other fruits. Make tortillas and enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch with entertainment. Later in the afternoon, visit a local hot springs to enjoy these soothing hot mineral pools that flow along a river from the volcano. Dinner before retuning to hotel.
Day 18: Feb 17, 2025: Arenal, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
This morning’s visit will include a cocoa plantation with lunch. There will be time to shop in the town of La Fortuna on your own before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, there is an optional hike planned along the base of the volcano. Those not choosing to hike can enjoy the hot soothing waters of the pools back at your hotel.
Day 19: Feb 18, 2025: Monteverde, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
Today, transfer by boat to the other side of Arenal Lake and travel the country roads to Monteverde. There is some magnificent scenery enroute as well as a visit to a Coffee Farm before continuing to the hotel in the Santa Elena area for a 2-night stay and some fantastic sunset views.
Day 20: Feb 19, 2025: Monteverde, Costa Rica [B/L/D]
This morning visit the Selvatura Walkways. This is a 1.9 mile walking trail suspended in the misty clouds high above the forest. For those not choosing to take part in this walk can visit the Hummingbird and Reptile Park instead. After a lunch, return to the hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure OR you may wish to book the optional Zip Line Tour.
Day 21: Feb 20, 2025: PAPAGAYO REGION, COSTA RICA [B/D]
Depart this morning, travelling to the Puntarenas region of Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast. Have lunch while enjoying a boat cruise on the river to view the colorful scarlet macaw flying through the tree tops and view the crocodiles and learn about their fascinating habitat. Continue to the Papagayo region and check into a hotel on the beach for a two night stay.
Day 22: Feb 21, 2025: PAPAGAYO REGION, COSTA RICA [B/D]
Full day to enjoy on your own at this beach front hotel. This evening enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” to Costa Rica.
Day 23: Feb 22, 2025: END OF TOUR [B]
Transfer to the Liberia Airport Airport for your flight back to North America.
*Due to flight schedules and final destination, an overnight stay may be required enroute which is not included.
per Person, Double OCCUPANCY FROM - $16,665.00 cAD includes economy airfare*
+BASED ON oceanview SUITE ABOARD CRUISE PORTION
Upgrade to “French Balcony” Suite from an additional $864.00 CAD per person, based on double occupancy
PLUS Hotel/Gov’t & Port Taxes: $1,687.00 CAD per person
Deposit - $3,500.00 per person
Second Deposit - $2,500.00 per person, due before August 30, 2024
Final Payment - per person is due before October 20, 2024
Economy airfare included from major North American gateways.
