The Amazon, or "Rio Mar" (sea river) as it's known by the locals, is both a global symbol of the need to protect our nature and a wondrous, record-holding waterway. It is the setting for great natural spectacles that you will experience respectfully and in the company of experts on the small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC spirit and its Zodiacs. Travel from Iquitos to the mouth of the river at the Atlantic, around 4,000 km (2,485 mi.) away, as all your expectations are exceeded. Your first destination is Pevas, one of the oldest Peruvian settlements on the Amazon, featuring traditional stilt buildings. The markets of Leticia are a vibrant example of a culture embraced by nature. Tropical fruits and fresh spices will enrapture your senses, while the hoots and calls of the parrots provide the soundtrack. Macaws, toucans and colourful butterflies will join you on the Rio Jutai. When the Zodiacs sail through the night-time jungle of Cuxiu Muni, look out for the eyes of caimans shining through the darkness. Since 2001 alone, more than 1,200 previously unknown animal and plant species have been discovered in the Amazon region. Marvel at this diversity on a Zodiac ride through the flooded forests of Lago Ajura (Ilha da Botija). Strangler figs rise up on the densely overgrown banks, epiphytes that have decided to "fight" for the available light. Discover giant Brazil nut trees and the red flowers of bromeliads and passion flowers while the experts enhance your perspective on the fascinating undergrowth - for example, to help you marvel at the capuchin monkeys doing gymnastics in the trees and the well-camouflaged iguanas.

Explore the legendary "Meeting of Waters" on the Rio Negro, where the black Rio Negro converges with the muddy, yellow Rio Solimoes. Its shores will lead you to the "Paris of the Tropics".

Find out how the Brazilian metropolis of Manaus (Amazon) earned this nickname on a tour of the city's history and opera house* surrounded by classical and art nouveau architecture. Its vibrant mosaic of culture and wilderness stretches out beneath you on a scenic flight above Manaus (Amazon)*.

In Canacari, your focus will be on searching for the world's largest water lilies and other exotic species. At the middle point of the Amazon, Parintins is the epitome of flourishing city life. Whether on the promenade or in the market, sampling the regional delicacies - immerse yourself in Brazil's typical zest for life. On Alter do Chao beach, the waves exude an almost Caribbean flair. Find a kindred spirit in the sloth, and enjoy simply doing nothing. The indigenous hoatzin likes to take things easy too and prefers sitting in the trees to flying. With a little luck, you will be able to see this bird around the small riverside settlement of Virassaia. Over 1,000 species of bird live in the Amazon region. You might even see herons and cormorants as you enjoy Zodiac rides through the species-rich floodplain areas. With a little luck, your wildlife encounters will become even more spectacular in Guajara when pink river dolphins appear nearby. The young are grey at first and only take on the unusual colouring from the age of two.

The small, manoeuvrable HANSEATIC spirit will demonstrate its advantages once again on the daytime passage through the narrow Breves Channels. The lush vegetation on the shore comes closer and closer to the ship as it confidently negotiates the challenging changes in direction - to the great delight of the locals, the Caboclos, who line the route in boats large and small to welcome you to the area. Will toucans add to the occasion with their beautiful beaks and loud voices? As your expedition slowly draws to a close, the experts on board will once again quench your thirst for knowledge and shed light on the tensions between the region's unspoilt nature and global economic interests.

You will arrive in Belem with a whole host of unforgettable memories and a true appreciation for this legendary region. You will remain fascinated by the wonderful world of the Amazon as long as your river of life continues to flow.