In the shadow of the forest covered Mombacho Volcano, is Granada, one of Latin America's most beautiful cities. This ancient town on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua is full of history and Spanish colonial charm and is one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. This private program gives the visitor an in-depth look at the beauty and history of Granada with the aid of an expert English speaking guide. A quiet tour of the city's precious architecture and history is featured, as is lodging in a beautifully restored colonial home. In the hills behind Granada are the historic Chorotega Indian settlements that became colonial villages in the 16th century and maintain a rich mix of their pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial heritage. The program includes a visit to some of these pueblos and their inhabitants, talented artisans who work in ways that have long since vanished in other parts of the world. Villages such as San Juan de Oriente were fine earthenware is made and Masatepe home of the Nicaraguan handmade rocking chairs. The program also includes a stop in the folklore center of Masaya for shopping at its restored 19th century Indian market and a visit to a hammock workshop to see how they are woven.

Granada and Masaya Costa Rica Extension Tour Itinerary

DAY 01: PEŅAS BLANCAS, COSTA RICA - GRANADA, NICARAGUA
Border greeting in Peņas Blancas, Costa Rica and assistance with immigration and customs in Nicaragua. Transfer along the western shores of Central America's largest lake, Lake Nicaragua, north. The route passes the massive dual volcano island of Ometepe via the isthmus of Rivas the historic land bridge that connected the two great continents north and south. Arrival to Central America's oldest European settlement, early 16th century Granada. Granada is quickly becoming a must visit for travelers to Central America for its unique beauty, relaxed atmosphere and great dining possibilities. Private tour of lake front Granada's colonial beauty, history and art. Lodging in on historic Central Park at the Hotel Alhambra.
DAY 02: GRANADA - VILLAGES - MASAYA - PEŅAS BLANCAS, COSTA RICA
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer to the ancient highland villages of "La Meseta", for visits to the indigenous artisan's workshops of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe. All these precious towns have colonial period houses and churches and a hardworking, native population. After the highland villages, transfer to the historic city of Masaya. Masaya has been populated for more than 3,000 years and the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century organized the local artisans in small workshops for export. The principle item was hammocks which are considered my many the world's finest, as well as wood, leather and clothing goods, all created by hand. Masaya's friendly population has restored their 19th century outdoor indigenous market for the sale of their hand made goods. transfer south to the border Costa Rica at Peņas Blancas, assistance with border formalities and transfer to the frontier with Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Extension Tour includes:

• All transfers in private vehicle with a/c and driver
• Full time assistance of an English speaking guide
• 1 night lodging at the Hotel Alhambra in Granada
• Breakfast
• Private tour of Granada
• Visit to Masaya Market
• Visit to indigenous villages of San Juan, Catarina, and Masatepe
• All museum and park admissions

Tours are private and can start and finish any day of the year.

Hotels described in itinerary are standard, optional upgrades available at some locales. Please see below for hotel descriptions relevant to this itinerary. Cost depends on the number of travelers in your party; please specify number when requesting a quote. Custom tour itineraries are available upon request.

GRANADA - STANDARD

Hotel Alhambra, located on central park, facing the cathedral with a great balcony for watching the life of Granada and dinning or enjoying a drink. This hotel owned and operated by one of the city's oldest families. A landmark in Granada and convenient to all attractions with a friendly staff. The interior of the hotel has an open-air garden and is smartly decorated with antiques and Nicaraguan art. 56 rooms, private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. Restaurant (not owned or operated by hotel) offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and is best enjoyed on its long veranda that looks out on Central Park, great for people watching. Granada's best 3 star hotel.

GRANADA - UPGRADES

Hotel Colonial, located a half-block from central park, this 27 room hotel is a ground-up restoration of a classic colonial home. The hotel has a great deal of charm with many colonial Nicaraguan touches. The hotel's high quality rooms are decorated with traditional Nicaraguan art and use four-post beds. Each room has private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. The hotel restaurant is for breakfast only. This is very comfortable and charming hotel, one of Granada's two best.

Hotel La Gran Francia, located just off central park, this 15 room hotel is a ground-up restoration of a classic colonial home. The hotel has a great deal of charm with many colonial Nicaraguan touches. We feature the hotel's Jr. suites which all have big wooden colonial doors that open out onto balconies with a view to the Cathedral. These top quality rooms are decorated with traditional Nicaraguan art. Each room has private bath, A/C, telephone, cable TV, swimming pool. The hotel restaurant is located across the street and is one of Granada's finest. This is very comfortable and charming hotel, one of Granada's two best.

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