Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday): Nassau, Bahamas
Welcome! Today when you arrive in Nassau you will be met by a local iExplore Representative and taken to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to get comfortable at your hotel and explore the facilities.

You will be confirmed for three nights at the British Colonial Hilton. Ideally situated on downtown Nassau, Bahamas' only private beach and the site of Old Fort Nassau, the British Colonial Hilton Nassau Hotel offers a taste of the islands' rich Colonial history, along with some of the most modern amenities for both business and vacation travelers. What's more, this hotel in the Bahamas is only 25 minutes from Nassau Airport (Lynden Pindling International). Recreational facilities are plentiful. The 300-ft long private white sand beach at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau hotel is furnished with lounge chairs and thatched sunshades over-looking the harbor offering a peaceful and secluded setting for an ocean swim or a day in the sun. Use of kayaks and snorkeling gear on the beach is complimentary. Bordered on one side by a tropical garden with swaying hammocks, the hotel's freshwater pool offers ocean views and has an expansive sundeck. The fitness center gives you an invigorating workout with state-of-the-art equipment. At the British Colonial Hilton Nassau hotel there are 288 luxuriously appointed guest rooms with ocean or island views. All rooms are furnished in tasteful décor, with conveniences such as cable TV/movies, high-speed Internet access, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, voicemail and coffee makers, as well as with a separate shower and bathtub. One-bedroom suites offer a separate living area with sofa bed, and the two junior suites and Prime Minister suite are also equipped with Jacuzzi bathtubs and a private rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor. The Executive Floor rooms offer additional features and services such as separate registration area and the Executive Lounge where complimentary breakfast and refreshments are served throughout the day and evening.
British Colonial Hilton Hotel

Day 2 (Saturday): Nassau
This morning is free. Perhaps you may want to visit the nearby pirate museum- admission is about $12.

This afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel for a tour of the city and to experience the sights of Bahamas Capital City, including a visit to the Ardastra Gardens.

For many people Nassau is the Bahamas. Located on the island of New Providence, since early times it has been the commercial hub of the archipelago. Once a quiet, sleepy sort of place, Nassau is now a rapidly expanding city.

Enjoy the main sites of Nassau and the beautifully landscaped Ardastra Gardens. More than five acres of nature, bathed by the sun and the rain in a land where the temperatures rarely fall below 60 degrees or soar above 90, are filled with exotic fruit trees, coconut palms, bromeliads, orchids, brilliantly colored bougainvillea and hibiscus blossoms of every hue. Perhaps the most memorable part of an Ardastra visit is the amazing gardens. Around winding pathways, the informal gardens hold constant surprises - a cozy limestone bench in a secluded corner or the sight of a kingfisher that just flew in to enjoy the view. A footbridge over a pond where Bahamian ducks mingle with African Geese and fresh water turtles sun on the shore, overlooked by archways of shrubs and exotic plant life.
British Colonial Hilton Hotel

Day 3 (Sunday): Nassau
After breakfast today you will be picked up on the island to enjoy a day of snorkeling. Equipment is included and will be provided.
British Colonial Hilton Hotel

Day 4 (Monday): Nassau- Long Island
Today you depart for Long Island.

On the hour long flight to Long Island you can admire the fantastic island of the Bahamas from above. When you arrive you will be met and driven to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day discovering the surroundings of Long Island.

You will be confirmed for three nights at the Stella Maris Resort. Come, relax in our elegantly casual Resort Club. Here the world is forgotten, time stands still. Enjoy many daytime complimentary guest activities and unwind at sunset parties. Three hotel pools dot the manicured grounds of our resort in the Bahamas, as do seven hidden Atlantic beach coves, nestled into a splendid panorama of tropical foliage and dramatic shorelines.

Dramatic is the perfect word to describe Long Island. A towering spine of ancient reef gives 80-mile Long Island, Bahamas, two faces: the dramatic cliffs and caves of the east coast that front the crashing Atlantic waves, and the soft, sandy edged lee side which slides calmly into the Bahamas Bank. Shark diving, vast schools of fish around towering coral bommies and the spectacular wall of nearby Conception Island (a national park) are serious draws for scuba diving enthusiasts, while the angling for both bonefish and big pelagics is enough to keep any fisherman thrilled. Cape Santa Maria Beach has been recognized by beach lovers and travel writers alike as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Long Island, Bahamas, is also home to Columbus Point. This towering memorial to Christopher Columbus is perched high on a hill at the island’s northernmost tip where visitors can experience outstanding oceanic views. You’ll find sloping hills in the northeast, while low hillsides make up the southern portion of the island. It’s the drastically contrasting landscape that makes so many people say that Long Island is one of the most picturesque islands in The Bahamas. The island beckons visitors for world-class bonefishing and thrilling encounters with sea life, where divers and snorkelers explore gardens, caves and old plantation ruins. But Long Island, Bahamas, also is a quiet island dotted with quaint, friendly villages and miles of uninterrupted beaches that offer soft pink sand changing to yellow-white. And along the way, sea shells and plenty of them.
Stella Maris Resort

Days 5 & 6 (Tuesday & Wednesday): Long Island
Discover your vacation paradise on Tuesday on your own. Perhaps take a trip with hotel provided bikes. Wednesday is reserved fro enjoying the magnificent beach and snorkeling trips.
Stella Maris Resort

Day 7 (Thursday): Long Island- Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Today the path takes you to Abaco Island and to the upstream Hotel Green Turtle Club & Marina.

You will be transferred from your hotel on Long Island to the airport for your flight to Abaco Island. When you arrive, you will be met and driven to your hotel.

You’ll be confirmed for two nights at the Green Turtle Club & Marina. Discover the casual elegance of a sophisticated Bahamas Resort in the exotic Out Islands of Great Abaco. Located on Green Turtle Cay, an island just three miles in length, in the Bahamas Family Islands and reached only by boat, the Green Turtle Club and Marina sits on a picturesque harbor surrounded by some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. With an enviable location, the Green Turtle Club is centrally located to be within a short golf cart commute of town and it is the only resort on Green Turtle Cay within an easy walk (less than 10 minutes) from the breathtaking beaches on the Atlantic side of the Cay. The highly acclaimed Club Restaurant features freshly caught Abaco seafood with a new menu nightly of World/Caribbean fusion cuisine. Established in 1964, the Resort and Marina were designed and built to be in harmony with the colonial charm of Green Turtle Cay and the Loyalist settlement of New Plymouth. Honoring the tradition of old English-Bahamian hospitality, the Club offers a quality of service and attention to detail that is no longer commonplace, finding a perfect combination of Out Island relaxation and sophisticated comfort. Vacation on an island where crime, pollution, traffic and casinos are nonexistent. Fish or sail, snorkel or dive in the turquoise gin clear waters or just unwind, relax and recharge on the beach or by the pool. Explore remote islands, beaches and secret coves of 17th century Caribbean pirates or visit quaint 18th century fishing villages first settled during the Revolutionary War by Loyalists who fled to Abaco and the other Islands of The Bahamas.
Green Turtle Club & Marina

Day 8 (Friday): Abaco
In the morning, you can take a golf cart from the hotel and discover New Plymouth on your own.

The Town of New Plymouth is a quiet, 18th century village by the sea, offering a variety of galleries, restaurants, shops, and museums. A Loyalist Memorial Statue Garden was erected in the heart of New Plymouth in memory of the founders of Green Turtle Cay and is open to the public.

The Albert Lowe Museum displays the fascinating history of New Plymouth with photographs and antique artifacts dating back to the turn of the century as well as ship models of the Abaco sailing vessels, some of which were used as blockade-runners during the Civil War.

Local restaurants in town, such as McIntosh's, The Wrecking Tree, and Harvey's offer a variety of home cooked, Bahamian-island style meals. Pineapples is the place to go for a beautiful Caribbean sunset and happy hour specials. For breakfast, the Plymouth Rock Liquor Store & Cafe serves a fabulous breakfast sandwich. For nightlife, try Sundowner's Bar & Grill, where you can shoot a game of pool and play dominos with the locals.

The town of New Plymouth also has quaint shops for visitors to browse. The Golden Reef sells beautiful gold jewelry manufactured in Abaco. Native Creations offers beautiful Bahamian art work. The shops of New Plymouth are unique in their novelties and their hours... most shops are open during the day Monday through Saturday.

No visit to Green Turtle Cay is complete without a stop at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, the birthplace of the famous Goombay Smash... a delicious rum punch now found throughout the Caribbean! Be sure to pass by Ye Olde Jail while you are in town... a great photo opportunity!

In the afternoon an organized sailing trip around the Abaco Cays awaits you.

You can snorkel later during the evening, and discover the colorful water world and enjoy a romantic sunset.
Green Turtle Club & Marina

Day 9 (Saturday): Abaco- Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Enjoy the morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be driven to the airport fro your flight to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.

When you arrive in Freeport you will be met and taken to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with your new surroundings and enjoying the many amenities of your resort.

You will be confirmed for three nights at the Pelican Bay at Lucaya. A mixture of Caribbean island flavor and unique island-style architecture combines to create the Pelican Bay at Lucaya Hotel. The unique hotel, the renowned hospitality, and attention to detail will ensure your stay in Lucaya will be memorable. Located within steps of the resort are over 30 restaurants and bars, including Sabor Restaurant & Bar in the in the garden overlooking the marina and bay, shops, live entertainment, the dolphin experience, scuba diving, snorkeling and deep sea-fishing.
Pelican Bay at Lucaya

Day 10 (Sunday): Freeport
Today you can experience Freeport with one of our optional excursions, or take the day to do whatever you like.

You can take a kayak tour, a jeep safari, shark dive or swim with the dolphins.
Breakfast
Pelican Bay at Lucaya

Day 11 (Monday): Freeport
Enjoy a day at leisure for shopping or swimming.
Pelican Bay at Lucaya

Day 12 (Tuesday): Freeport- Paradise, Island
This morning you will take off by plane back to Nassau/Paradise Island. When you arrive, you will be met and transferred to the Comfort Suites on Paradise Island, where you will be confirmed for a three-night stay. The rest of today is free for you to explore on your own.

The Comfort Suites Paradise Island is located adjacent to the Atlantis Paradise Island and guests of the hotel can enjoy full use of all their facilities, including swimming pools, private beach, magnificent waterscapes, Lazy River Ride, water slides, health spa, tennis, and Kids Camp. Guests of Comfort Suites have full access to Atlantis facilities without paying an additional fee. However, outlets like restaurants, bars, the spa, etc are not free. You will pay for any of those services or facilities if you use them, directly.

This Paradise Island, Bahamas hotel is within walking distance to Marina Village at Atlantis with its variety of shops and restaurants, Paradise Shopping Plaza and many Nassau attractions such as the Queens Staircase and Fort Charlotte. The Nassau International Airport is 30 minutes away. Wake up each morning to blue skies, warm breezes and a delicious continental breakfast. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool, where guests can relax with a swim, take a nap on the sundeck, and enjoy a drink amidst a tropical setting at the poolside bar.The eco-friendly hotel features green initiatives such as sensor and energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, solar-powered heating and more.
Breakfast
Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Days 13 & 14 (Thursday & Friday): Paradise, Island
Enjoy two days at leisure to enjoy the many facilities and amenities of adjacent Atlantis Experience without fee.
Breakfast
Comfort Suites Paradise Island

Day 15 (Saturday): Depart Nassau
Today you will be transferred to Nassau International Airport for your flight home.
Breakfast

Departure Dates

This program begins in Nassau on Fridays only.

Prices

2010 Prices:
$4,395 per person, double occupancy.
$6,495 Solo traveler.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of December, 2009. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Included:
· Three nights accommodations in Nassau at the British Colonial Hilton. (Days 1, 2, 3)
· Three nights accommodations in Long Island at the Stella Maris Resort. (Days 4, 5, 6)
· Two nights accommodations in Abaco at the Green Turtle Club & Marina. (Days 7 & 8)
· Three nights accommodations on Grand Bahama Island at the Pelican Bay at Lucaya. (Days 9, 10, 11)
· Three nights accommodations on Paradise Island at the Comfort Suites Hotel. (Days 12, 13 and 14)
· Day 1: Arrival transfer from Nassau International Airport to the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.
· Day 2: Nassau city tour and Ardastra Gardens.
· Day 3: Snorkeling excursion, including equipment.
· Day 4: Panoramic flight over the Bahamas.
· Day 6: Snorkeling trip in Long Island.
· Day 7: transfer hotel to airport, flight to Abaco Island, transfer airport to hotel.
· Day 8: Snorkeling trip around the Abaco Cays on a sailing boat.
· Day 9: transfer hotel to airport, flight to Grand Bahama Island, and transfer airport to hotel.
· Day 12: transfer hotel to airport, flight to Nassau, transfer airport to hotel.
· Free entrance to the Atlantis Experience.
· Day 15: transfer to the airport.

Not included:
· International flights and tax
· Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
· Drinks unless specified
· Airport taxes
· Travel insurance
· Gratuities
· Optional tours.
· Anything/everything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.

Group Discounts

The more people you bring on your next iExplore adventure, the more you save. Learn how with iExplore Group Discounts.

Options & Upgrades

Optional tours and excursions available. Check with your iExplore Adventure Consultant for current prices:

Kayak Tour, Jeep Safari, Shark Dive, Swim with the Dolphins