LA GUAIRA/CARACAS, VENEZUELA

Wednesday, April 5, 2000

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10 Hours - The Ship Will Dock

DINING OPTIONS

Dress suggestion for this evening:  SEMI-FORMAL - Dresses or pantsuits for women; Jackets for men.

(Guests are kindly requested not to wear Tank Tops and Shorts in the dining Room at Dinner)

ROOM SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY

Average Temperature:  81

Language:  Spanish & English

The capital of Venezuela. One of the most developed and cosmopolitan of Latin-American cities, it lies 3,025 feet (922 m) above sea level in a high rift valley surrounded by two mountain groups of Venezuela's central highlands, the Cordillera del Litoral and the Serranía del Interior. The Caribbean Sea is 7 miles (11 km) to the north.

Caracas' metropolitan area includes the municipal area (city), the four surrounding parishes, and five towns in the state of Miranda; it extends more than 7 miles (11 km) from north to south and more than 15 miles (24 km) from east to west. Almost all of the valley's inhabitable area has been blanketed by urban development, most of it occurring after 1950. Caracas' principal river is the Guaire, once large and important but now reduced to a small volume. The climate is mild, with a summer dry season and a winter rainy season.

The city's industries include wood processing and the production of sugar, processed foods, tobacco, and clothing. The construction industry has created expansion in auxiliary industries such as the production of cement and construction materials. Caracas is the country's center of both domestic and foreign commerce, the principal center of petroleum-related activities, and the seat of the major banking houses.

Construction and urban development reached a peak beginning in the mid-20th century, and the change in the appearance of the city has been abrupt and overwhelming. Large-scale building of cooperative apartment houses, public housing developments, and commercial structures has accommodated the city's burgeoning population. One of the most imposing structures in the downtown area is the massive Simón Bolívar Center, with its adjoining network of shops, restaurants, and passageways; its twin towers are flanked by Santa Teresa Church and a seven-block commercial and residential area that replaced extensive slums. The colonial city has been preserved around the Plaza Bolívar. On its perimeter are located the old cathedral, the archbishop's residence, municipal buildings, and the ministry of foreign affairs.

Caracas' most important center of higher education is the Central University of Venezuela (also known as the University of Caracas, 1721). Other universities are Simón Bolívar (1970), Andrés Bello Catholic (1953), and Santa María (1953). Art galleries augment the city's older museums and libraries.

Within the city a great number of buses, private automobiles, taxis, and jitneys contribute to increasing traffic congestion. Caracas has a subway and several large expressways, and it is linked by highway to the coast and to other Venezuelan towns. Maiquetía Airport, located on the coast 10 miles (16 km) away, provides domestic air service, while Simón Bolívar Airport, adjacent to Maiquetía Airport, serves international flights. Two aerial cable cars go to Avila Hill (Cerro el Avila). Most consumer merchandise and much of Venezuela's capital goods are imported through Caracas' ports, La Guaira and Puerto Cabello. Area city, 30 square miles (78 square km); metropolitan area, 139 square miles (361 square km). Pop. (1990 prelim.) city, 1,824,892; metropolitan area, 2,784,042.

Caracas City Tour and Murano Glass Factory

7 ½ hours, $72.00 Adult / $58.00 Child 

Times:  8:30 AM

Come explore the capital and crown jewel of Venezuela on this full-day tour.  You’ll get an in-depth look at this sophisticated metropolis, rich in culture and history.  Less than an hour’s drive from La Guaira lies Caracas, which rises 3,164 feet above sea level.  Driving through this city of 4 million, you’ll see fine examples of colonial architecture comfortably situated alongside modern, towering skyscrapers.  History comes alive during your visit to Heroes’ Boulevard, with its impressive monuments of the National Heroes, and to the Pantheon, with its series of paintings depicting national history, along with a monument of Simon Bolivar, Venezuela’s liberator.  The Patheon was built in the 18th century and houses the remains of Simon Bolivar, along with many of the country’s leaders in politics, art, music and science.  In addition, you’ll make a visit to the Colonial Museum, a restored grand manor with an impressive collection of furniture and artwork from the colonial period.  Your tour continues to an exclusive residential area of the city and one of its leading hotels for lunch.  Afterward, you’ll visit the Murano Glass Factory, where beautiful glassware is fashioned by skilled craftsmen, before your return to the ship.

Note:  The drive from La Guaira to Caracas is approximately 45 minutes each way.  There are 54 steps at the Colonial Museum.

Colonial Museum and Glass Factory

4 hours, $44.00 Adult / $35.00 Child

Time:  1:00 PM

The cosmopolitan capital of Caracas is a historically and culturally fascinating city.  You will catch a glimpse of Caracas and visit the glass factory on this half-day tour.  As you drive past the city, you will see the Spanish influence here in the graceful, colonial style architecture and the sophisticated modern high-rises.  Visit the Colonial Museum, a restored grand manor with an impressive collection of furniture and artwork from the colonial period.  Then it’s on to the Murano Glass Factory to watch the craftsmen at work creating beautiful glassware.  You’ll have ample time to browse the gift shop before returning to the ship.

Note:  the drive from La Guaira to Caracas is approximately 45 minutes each way.  There are 54 steps at the Colonial Museum.

A Visit to a Bavarian Colony

9 Hours, $74.00 Adult / $59.00 Child

Time:  8:15 AM

What could be more unusual than a German village in the middle of the Venezuelan mountains?  Colonia Tovar is a small village originally settled by some 350 people from a farming community in the Black Forest.  Due to its remote location at 5,860 feet and to the original laws drafted in regard to its inhabitants, it has remained remarkably German to this day; many inhabitants here still speak the language of their ancestors.  Your tour “back in time” begins with a two-hour drive through scenic mountain country.  Upon arrival, you’ll visit Codezzi Avenue, the main street where buildings are characteristic of a small German village.  There will be time to explore and shop on your own for local merchandise such as ceramic ware with traditional German patterns and hand-crafted articles, as well as regional treats such as jams and honey.  The village is known for its excellent food and your lunch, served in German-style restaurant, will include traditional specialties.  At the end of the day, you’ll return to the ship by the same mountain route. 

Note:  You’ll want to bring along a sweater or light jacket, as it may be cool in the mountains.

Four-Wheel-Drive Coastal Adventure

8 hours, $84.00 Adult / $68.00 Child

Time:  8:15 AM

This off-the-beaten-path, “Romancing the Stone”-like tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the lush, tropical coast of Venezuela.  You’ll meet your driver pierside, board your rustic four-wheel-drive land rover, and proceed along the coastal road to Los Caracas.  Here the paved road ends and a rugged dirt road takes you along the dramatic and mountainous coastline.  The rocky coast – shaped by ravines that drop to the ocean – and the jungle-like terrain afford spectacular viewing on your two-hour, off-road drive.  Your destination is the small fishing village of La Sabana, where you’ll have time for swimming and sunbathing.  Then continue on to a beautiful natural river pool, where cool mountain water cascades down tiers of natural rock.  You’ll have time to swim and explore this peaceful area.  A tasty lunch will be served in a local restaurant, and each vehicle is stocked with soft drinks and beer.

Note:  This tour is recommended for those passengers in good physical condition.

Rancho Grande Cloud Forest

9 hours, $76.00 Adult / $60.00 Child

Time:  8:15 AM

Travel to the clouds on this unforgettable journey to Rancho Grande National Park.  Rancho Grande is one of Venezuela’s unique tropical sites most visited by scientists because of its great variety of plant and animal life.  Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, who’ll provide interesting commentary on the way, you’ll travel by comfortable, air-conditioned coach along the modern motorway from Caracas.  Follow the lush Aragua valleys and open, sunlit savannas to the cool environs of the cloud forest, where you’ll be met by a naturalist guide for your breathtaking walking tour into its interior.  At 3,280 feet above sea level, the forest is situated where the cloud cover sets.  Walking through this shadowy and moist environment, you’ll sometimes feel like you are literally walking through the clouds.  As part of a smaller group, you’ll be able to examine the dominant tree species, Gyranthera Caribensis, with its stilt roots and slim trunks that reach 200 feet, surpassing the forest canopy.  You’ll delight in the lights and colors surrounding you, as well as the myriad insects and plant life that abound here.  You’ll also enjoy a complimentary lunch, cooked on an open grill, along with corn bread and other local specialties.  Plenty of tropical fruits and juices will be available, and refreshments will be provided on the return route.  This is truly an adventure not to be missed.