Europe Cruises: Excursions

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this well-secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Once arriving at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical beach hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove. Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. Note: Tour includes moderate walking on uneven surfaces and numerous steps. Please wear your swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel. less

Enjoy a drive to the southern part of Lanzarote, passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and crossing black lava streams before arriving to the southwest coast of the island. There you’ll make a photo stop by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. On your way to the Timanfaya National Park, you’ll stop for a short camel ride. The park is a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava and fields of ashes formed by eruptions during the 18th century are mixed here in a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called the "Lunar Route”, which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. Visit one of the local wine cellars for a taste of the local wine before the return drive to your ship. Note: Because Fire Mountains is the most visited attraction, to avoid delays at the entrance, tour order may vary but all mentioned sites will be covered. No professional camera or video equipment is allowed at Timanfaya National Park, including the camel area. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. less

Enjoy some swashbuckling fun, snorkeling, beach time and water sport. Join your friendly Captain and 'his pirates' aboard the pirate ship 'Marigalante' for a relaxing, fun day of adventure. Following a delicious Mexican buffet-style breakfast and entertainment onboard, you’ll stop at Majahuitas beach. Here, you can take a banana boat ride, kayak, snorkel, ride boogie boards, play volleyball or just relax and soak up the sun. Kids will enjoy the treasure hunt along with the buried pirate treasure chest. Board the pirate vessel for a delicious lunch and a fabulous pirate show with exhibitions of swordsmanship and acrobatics, all in a festive atmosphere. Watch the pirates walk the plank and jump into the ocean in front of your eyes! There are also contests and prizes to win. Relax as you enjoy the scenic coastal views along the way back to the pier. less

Immerse yourself in nature during a trekking adventure to Ichkeul National Park; one of the most important areas of migrating birds and home to Lake Ichkeul, the last great freshwater lake of a chain that once stretched the length of North Africa. Ichkeul is situated on the Mateur plain. The area was designated as a biosphere reserve in 1977. The park contains the largest freshwater area in the country and the most important water supply for Tunisia.

Its semi-arid flora encompasses about 400 species of pan Mediterranean plants. Different habitats form this natural preserve, such as mountain, foothills, fresh water marshes and lake with its reed beds. Follow your guide into the park and during your walk, you may discover various animals that roam freely in the reserve. Switching from nature to ancient history, you’ll drive to the Roman ruins and museum at Utica. This old Phoenician settlement was founded around 1100 BC and contains Roman and Punic ruins. The remains of several houses reveal decorative flooring dating back to Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine times. The museum displays mosaic floors from the same periods.

Note: This tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. There is extensive walking, approximately 3 hours on uneven terrain, cobbled and rough Roman roads. Sightings of wildlife are likely, but not guaranteed.