Enjoy a glass of sherry while learning to make authentic tapas at the Bodega Casa del Marques, a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant. The elegant residence is decorated with period furnishings that lend it an ambiance so authentic that it feels as if you were transported to another time. While there, you will learn to make tapas, some traditional and others topped with surprisingly inventive ingredients. These small-plate snacks reflect the local cuisine and are typically served with a glass of sherry, especially in Jerez, which has been producing the fortified wine for more than 175 years. The exact tapas that you will prepare will depend on which ingredients are freshest and most flavorful. They might include fried fish, meatballs or something a bit more unusual such as stewed ox tail. Be sure to add favorite ingredients, as you will dine on the tapas afterwards.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Participate in a hands-on culinary class at a 19th-century palace built for a wine merchant.
• Learn to prepare authentic, small-plate tapas with traditional and unusual ingredients.
• Dine on the finished tapas and enjoy a glass of sherry as an accompaniment.

Drive through the beautiful Andalucia region to an acclaimed cheese-producing village for an insider’s look at the artisanal process and to sample the most representative cheeses. The most well-known and award-winning cheese is El Bosqueño, a smooth textured, light-colored cheese, manufactured in the most traditional way. This particular cheese, made from Grazalemeña sheep’s milk, is distributed nationally and exported to countries like the UK, USA, Japan, Italy, Sweden and Belgium. You will also browse a cheese museum with displays of cheese-making hand tools and exhibits detailing the history of cheese production in the area. Afterwards, you will enjoy a sampling that may include an emborrado cheese cured in olive oil and wheat bran. Other cheeses produced here are cured with fresh spices such as rosemary and paprika. To complement the experience, you will be served a glass of locally produced wine.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• See how several award-winning cheeses are produced in the town of El Bosque.
• Browse a cheese museum with displays that trace the importance of cheese in this region.
• Sample various cheeses made with milk from payoya goats and Grazalemeña sheep.

Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia with its wrought-iron street lamps and fine array of Modernist buildings, including Gaudi’s Casa Mila, with its arches and spiral chimneys. It is known locally as “the stone quarry,” because of its wavy facade of rough stone. Originally designed as an apartment building, it now houses a cultural center. Stop for a photo of Gaudi’s controversial and towering masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) Church. Begun in 1883, it is still unfinished. A panoramic drive takes you through the memorial Arch of Triumph and Ciutadella Park, home to State of Catalona’s parliament, museums and a monumental fountain designed by a student of Gaudi. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the Olympic Stadium from the top of Montjuic. Last but not least, stroll at your leisure the narrow streets and handsome squares of the old Quarter, lined with medieval buildings contemporary shops, bohemian artist workshops and cool bars and restaurants.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Your Cozumel escape begins just 30-minutes from port, yet feels a world away. With the All-Inclusive Pass, you will unlock KUZÁ Beach and Adventure Park, the island’s largest and most unique themed destination where nature, culture, and comfort meet in perfect harmony. Lounge along Cozumel’s largest private shoreline, framed by lush jungle and soft white sand stretching as far as you can see. Here, the day is yours to design. Immerse yourself in live music and cultural beachside activities. Join family-friendly games filled with island spirit. Or retreat into the peaceful rhythm of the sea with a walk along the coastline or a quiet moment beneath the palms. KUZÁ is also the island’s only destination where you can explore three distinct ecosystems, complemented by exciting add-on adventures like a towering waterpark, an exhilarating zipline, and some of the world’s most stunning beaches — all part of a day designed to delight every kind of explorer. Savor bold Mexican flavors and global favorites at our open-air beachfront buffet, paired with unlimited cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. Relax in shaded comfort, dive into the energy of the beach, or simply let the island breeze guide your next move. This is not just a beach break. It is a day of discovery and connection, designed for every kind of explorer. KUZÁ. The best way to truly experience Cozumel.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy full access to Cozumel’s largest private beachfront with live music, beach games, and cultural experiences.
• Stretch out on a beachfront lounge chair or under an umbrella if you prefer shade.
• Enjoy unlimited buffet dining, plus standard cocktails, beer, and soft drinks from the open bar.
• Wander native trails, kayak the coast, or unwind under the palms at your own pace.
• Optional add-ons include KUZÁ’s towering waterpark and thrilling zipline — unique experiences found only here.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and Reef-safe sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Water shoes are recommended.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a nightclub, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a nightclub that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

OVERVIEW

Race along the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic in a boat and enjoy the pristine beach that rims Bahia de Aguilas, which translates to the Bay of Eagles. The views along the way will be wonderfully tropical and naturally beautiful as much of the shoreline is undeveloped. You can relax however you please at the white-sand beach on Bahia de Aguilas, which lies within the Jaragua National Park. Because this area is environmentally protected, the coral reefs just off shore are extraordinarily healthy and teeming with marine life. If you choose to snorkel, you will likely see schools of neon-colored fish and maybe a sea turtle or two. The crystal-clear water is also ideal for a refreshing swim. Otherwise, feel free to do nothing more ambitious than stretch out on the sand and bask in the sun. The beach is wide, lengthy and lined with palms if you want some shade.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an exhilarating and scenic cruise along the coast in a boat.
• Relax however you please on the lengthy, protected beach that rims Bahia de Aquila.
• Swim in the bay’s crystal-clear waters and snorkel if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Cruise the winding Monkey River, looking for wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, and then enjoy a hike with a naturalist that will explain the plants' medicinal uses.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River, where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. Along the way, the guide will provide enlightening commentary about the region's history, including how the economy boomed in the late 19th century when large volumes of bananas were exported.

Little evidence of that thriving time period remains, as the meandering Monkey River is bordered by undeveloped rainforest. Natural beauty and remarkably diverse flora and fauna are now the main attractions.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles popping their heads above the water's surface, and iguanas perched in the tree limbs. You might even spot a troop of black howler monkeys screeching in the forest.

Tropical birds are just as abundant along the river, especially wading birds such as herons, brightly colored tanagers and keel-billed toucans, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are easy to spot because of their large, colorful bills and how they croak like frogs.

Once you disembark, you will hike through the surrounding forest while the naturalist guide points out plants with medicinal qualities. For instance, leaves of the soursop are often brewed into a tea that reduces fever, and the wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties.

Join this catamaran for an exhilarating sail to Little Buck Island's Turtle Cove. Your crew will provide you with snorkel gear and guidance for an unforgettable fun filled marine life adventure. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea feature numerous species of coral reefs and tropical fish. You can't miss spotting the resident green sea turtles gliding along in their natural habitat while stopping to graze on the sea grasses below. Don't want to get wet, relax on the spacious deck. The fun continues on your return sail - join the party and enjoy the music and complimentary beverages.

Learn to make traditional paella at a farm in nearby L’Horta, an agricultural region on the outskirts of Valencia where most of the ingredients grow or can be found. Valencians often spend weekends in L’Horta to relax and enjoy a dinner of paella. The gathering is a ritual of sorts, in which families come together to socialize and dine on a dish that was first prepared in this area in the 15th or 16th century. The owner of the farm will show you around the grounds and point out some of the many garden items that will end up in your paella. You will then join a hands-on workshop and learn the basics of preparing this once-humble dish from scratch. While the dish is simmering in a large circular pan, you will toast the upcoming meal with a glass of sangria. When the paella is finished, you might taste it straight from the pan, another Valencian tradition.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit the farming region of L’Horta, where Valencians often spend weekends relaxing.
• Tour a farm where many of the ingredients for paella are grown.
• Learn to make traditional paella in a hands-on workshop on the farm.
• Dine on the freshly made paella, perhaps straight from the pan, which is a tradition.

Take a scenic drive through the countryside to the magnificent city of Florence. Pause in the Piazza del Duomo to admire the exterior of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria del Fiore, its elaborate Gothic façade is covered in a mix of pink and green marble.

View the statues in the Piazza della Signoria on your way to the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge was the first bridge built across the River Arno, and has been well known for its goldsmiths and jewelers since the 16th century. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and after the meal you’ll have free time to explore on your own or to shop, before your tour continues to the historic town of Pisa. Here, you’ll have free time in Miracle Square for a look at the exterior of that famous Leaning Tower. Built in the 12th century, it began to lean soon afterwards, but has now been stabilized.