In today's shrinking planet few countries can boast such an authentic character and culture as Nicaragua. Nicaragua's unjustly negative image has ironically served to preserve its charm from the hordes of mass tourism. In addition, the legendary hospitality of the Nicaraguans is obvious to all who visit today and has been noted by visitors to Nicaragua for more than five centuries. Only the most jaded of traveler will not feel the warmth of the Nicaraguan people.

Day 1 – USA - MANAGUA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Managua. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to the Intercontinental Hotel Managua, located in Managua's new restaurant district.

Day 2 – MANAGUA - LEON VIEJO - LEON
After breakfast, depart on a cultural and political tour of Managua. Following our tour, we drive north to the base of the smoking Momotombo Volcano and the archaeological site of Leon Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leon Viejo was Nicaragua's first capital before being destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the last 16th century. Excavations are now being made and the tragic history of the site is being revealed. After lunch, we tour the historical site before continuing to the colonial city of Leon, founded in 1610. Our accommodations are at the Hotel El Convento.

Day 3 – LEON - SAN JACINTO - LAS PENITAS - LEON
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we take a walking tour of Nicaragua's intellectual and artistic capital, colonial Leon. stop at the house of world-renown poet, Ruben Dario, now a colonial art gallery. Leon is home to 12 colonial period churches which includes Central America's grandest cathedral. Visit the cathedral before driving to the rural village of San Jacinto, located in the densely active Maribios Volcano chain. Here we see the fumarolic fields, a result of water being superheated on a volcanic vein beneath the earth's surface. Continue to the Pacific Coast for a fresh seafood lunch at the beach before returning to Leon for the remainder of the day and overnight.

Day 4 –- LEON - MASAYA VOLCANO N.P. - GRANADA
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive south the city of Granada, Central America's oldest European settlement. en route we stop to see the active crater of Santiago at the Masaya Volcano National Park. Arrive Granada and check in to the Hotel La Gran Francia.

Day 5 – GRANADA - LAS ISLETAS - GRANADA
After breakfast, we tour lake-front Granada. This ancient town founded in 1524 on the shores of mighty Lake Nicaragua is full of history and Spanish colonial charm and is famed as one of the oldest European settlements in the western hemisphere. The city's precious architecture and history is unforgettable. Following the tour of the city, embark on a boat our to Las Isletas Archipelago. Located in Lake Nicaragua, Las Isletas is a compact 354 island archipelago formed around a peninsula, both of which are products of a pre-historic eruption of the nearby Mombacho Volcano. Most are inhabited and home to a mixture of humble fishermen and some of Nicaragua's most wealthy families, who have vacation or party homes here.

Day 6 – CHOROTEGA VILLAGES - MASAYA - MANAGUA
After breakfast we travel to the ancient highland villages of "La Meseta" for a visit to the indigenous artisan workshops of Catarina, San Juan de Oriente and Masatepe. The precious towns boast colonial period houses and churches and a hardworking, native population. Continue to the historic city of Masaya, populated for more than 3000 years. The Spaniards who arrived in the early 16th century organized local artisans in small workshops for export. Enjoy the markets of Masaya where hand-made goods are on sale. Continue to Managua and check in to the Intercontinental Hotel. This evening gather for a farewell dinner and folkloric show.

Day 7 – MANAGUA - USA
Breakfast, Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.