Sailing in January from Fort Lauderdale, the 115-day world cruise aboard Silver Whisper will visit 51 port in 31 countries and conclude in Venice.
Darius Mehta, Silversea's vp air and land programs, said the overland options blend the luxury and comfort of fine lodgings with the authenticity of exciting adventures at attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call.
For example, 'Cloud Forest at Mashpi Lodge' gives participants the chance to visit a nature sanctuary 3,116 feet/900 meters above sea level on the western slope of the Andes Mountains. In this, one of the world's most diverse bioregions, are are verdant hills, waterfalls, 500 species of birds and the chance to see monkeys and even pumas. The three-night program leaves from Manta, Ecuador, and rejoins the ship at Callao, Peru.
The 'Great Barrier Reef Retreat,' an overnight off the ship from Cairns, visits the luxurious Green Island Resort on an ancient coral cay. Its rain forest is home to more than 120 species of native plants, colorful bird and marine life, and coral gardens. Participants can snorkel, stroll in the rain forest, gaze under the sea by glass-bottom boat or simply relax.
'Kandy by Chartered Seaplane' is an eight-hour program from Colombo that takes participants into the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka to explore one of the world's most important Buddhist sites, the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, where the Buddha's sacred tooth relic is enshrined.
'In Search of Tigers,' a four-night program that leaves from Mumbai and rejoins the ship at Dubai, travels to the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India, renowned for its royal Bengal tigers.
Among the other overland tours are Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a two-night program to this UNESCO World Heritage Site departing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and rejoining the ship at Bangkok. From Yangon, Burma, passengers can travel overnight to Mandalay, a former capital and cultural center.
Priced starting at $999 per person, the optional overland programs feature deluxe accommodations (if overnight stays are required), all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals.
