EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively district of Cholon, you will browse the bustling Binh Tay Market and a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a modernistic white building that was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon presents a glimpse into colonial life, as the French constructed it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Saigon is also known for its artisans, especially those that make lacquerware, a traditional skill that you will observe in a workshop.

See the icons of Monaco and Monte Carlo and then explore further on your own, admiring the majestic architecture and elegance of these two gems on the French Riviera.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive along the gorgeous French Riviera to Monaco. During the walking tour that follows, you will see highlights such as the monumental Oceanographic Museum, which rises out of a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Prince Albert I founded the museum in 1910 and its aquarium is among the best in Europe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another icon. Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly were married here in 1956 and both are buried in the church. The cream-colored facade was constructed with Italian granite starting in 1875 and it took more than 10 years to finish the entire cathedral, which is the largest in Monaco. Interior visits may not be possible if activities are taking place in the cathedral.

After free time to explore a bit further, you will continue on to Monte Carlo, driving along a section of road where the annual Monaco Grand Prix race has been held since 1929. You will notice the road is winding with hairpin turns, a signature of this Formula One race.

You will also see the grand Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1863. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera, the casino is an architectural masterpiece that may well be the most recognized building in Monte Carlo. Free time follows, after which you will rejoin your coach and return to Villefranche.

Ljubljana is the largest and busiest Slovenian city wth a combination of romantic stories, medieval charm and a livley student atmosphere. During your walking tour, your guide will try to capture the transformation from Roman times to the present for you. It bears witness to all five millenniums of its rich history. Apart from the remains of the Roman Emona, it boasts a medieval castle, numerous Baroque buildings, picturesque bridges and the vast Tivoli Park.

You will see all of the main attractions - three bridges created by Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, Preseren Square named after the poet and the open-air market known for its organic food and culinary highlights. In addition, you'll pass the Town Hall kept as it was in medieval times, Robba's Fountain a Baroque masterpiece and more hidden gems. This walking tour makes for an exciting exploration and has something for every interest.

Ljubljana is the largest and busiest Slovenian city wth a combination of romantic stories, medieval charm and a livley student atmosphere. During your walking tour, your guide will try to capture the transformation from Roman times to the present for you. It bears witness to all five millenniums of its rich history. Apart from the remains of the Roman Emona, it boasts a medieval castle, numerous Baroque buildings, picturesque bridges and the vast Tivoli Park.

You will see all of the main attractions - three bridges created by Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, Preseren Square named after the poet and the open-air market known for its organic food and culinary highlights. In addition, you'll pass the Town Hall kept as it was in medieval times, Robba's Fountain a Baroque masterpiece and more hidden gems. This walking tour makes for an exciting exploration and has something for every interest.

Join this unforgettable excursion where you’ll travel through small villages and hear their story along the way. Ascend over 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea where you can take some of the most amazing photos on your cruise. Enjoy stunning views and different shades of beautiful BVI blue waters. Listen up as your knowledgeable driver/guide share gems of BVI history and culture. Cross the bridge to Beef Island and swim at the local’s favorite, Long Bay beach. Here you can listen to music, chat with locals, chill at the bars, do light shopping or have a dip in BVI blue waters.

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland through the inspiring Croatian countryside to Sibenik, a fortified town founded in the 9th century. Walking through the Old Town, you will see attractions such as the Gothic-style St. Francis Church, lovely Sibenik Theater, and the Duke’s Palace, which has been converted into a museum.

Still, St. Jacob’s Cathedral remains Sibenik’s highlight. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral was built entirely of stone under the direction of three architects. Construction took more than 100 years, and the result is a magnificent blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Next, you will visit Trogir, the entire city-island being a UNESCO site. Protected by medieval walls, Trogir has retained its original layout from the Hellenistic period and is a remarkable example of urban continuity. You can’t help but be awed by the outstanding examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture found along the winding stone streets.

Back in Split, you will enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch before exploring Old Town and yet another UNESCO gem: the Palace of Diocletian. Built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement, the palace is a sprawling complex of temples, cathedrals and residences facing the sea and is absolutely spectacular. Following your visit, you will return to the pier.

Join your local guide on a walking tour of this fascinating city, inhabited by several cultures since Carthaginian times which have left their mark on its artistic and maritime heritage. Follow your guide to the Panoramic Lift to the Castle of Conception, built over the remains of the Moorish Alcazar. From this vantage point, enjoy superb views of the city and harbor. It was chosen as one of three main naval bases in Spain during the 18th century. The incredible remains of the Roman Theatre were only discovered back in the late 1980’s, it is believed to have accommodated up to 6,000 spectators.

Continue your walking tour in the heart of Cartagena and learn why it was a crossroad of cultures and one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean for nearly 3,000 years. In the old quarter you’ll find several modernist town houses built between the second half of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. The entrance to the city center, dominated by the Town Hall, is a gem of modernist architecture.

OVERVIEW

Traveling from the pier by motor coach, you will drive to the Old City Market, which was constructed in 1876 and narrowly escaped the devastating Fire of 1877. Canada's oldest continuously operating farmer's market, the Old City Market is filled with locally grown produce, bakery goods, crafts, and other Canadian merchandise. Your adventure will then take you through the historical neighborhoods rich in shipbuilding and lumber industries as you make your way to Fallsview Park and the Reversing Falls Rapids. This natural phenomenon is caused by the Bay of Fundy's tide, which rises more than 28 feet in the day. When the tide is low, the river empties into the bay. As the tide rises, the water begins to churn in a series of powerful rapids and whirlpools until the river flows backwards. It's a strange sight that lasts for hours, until the tide goes out and the river height becomes higher than that in the bay. Once you have experienced the magnificent power of the Reversing Falls Rapids. You will then have the chance to take in sweeping views of your ship and the sparkling Bay of Fundy from historic Fort Howe.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch the Saint John River reverse its flow, if tidal conditions are favorable.
• Browse the diverse merchandise in the Old City Market, one of Saint John’s most historical gems.
• View your cruise ship in harbor from Historic Fort Howe..

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Explore Bangkok's exotic sites during this memorable visit to the Grand Palace, and the city's main shopping area.

Depart the pier for the drive to the Grand Palace, which showcases the most beautiful example of an ancient Siamese Court. Different palaces were built and named for different occasions; the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, perhaps the most breathtaking of them all. The Buddha is made of translucent green jasper, and the king changes its vestments three times a year during a solemn ceremony.

After a buffet style lunch, a stop will be made at the Gems Gallery, where you can browse among a range of vibrant Thai silks and souvenirs before being transferred back to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Explore the lesser-known side of Valencia and engage with the local culture for an immersive experience of great authenticity with our fascinating walking tour. Briefs stops at icons such as the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the medieval cathedral will make the contrast of the hidden attractions all the more dramatic. As you walk through downtown, the guide will provide an insider’s view of these somewhat undiscovered destinations. Upon reaching Plaza Redonda, you will notice its circular shape, a rarity in Spain when it was built in the 19th century. The gloriously ornate city hall is also of architectural interest as it is comprised of two buildings constructed centuries apart.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Valencia with a local guide that will provide an insider’s point of view.
• Hear lesser-known facts about the attractions that make them all the more captivating.
• Interact with the city’s authentic culture.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Head inland to the medieval town of Pontremoli for an enlightening walk along its cobblestone streets before dining at an atmospheric restaurant. Pontremoli means “trembling bridge” in Italian, a reference to its still-standing Roman bridge that spans the River Magra. The city is one of the northernmost points in Lunigiana, a mountainous territory within several regions, the most influential being Tuscany. It may not be as well-known as other northern Tuscan towns, and that lack of commercialization is much of its charm. Pontremoli exudes history but not just from one time period. As you walk through the pedestrian-friendly city center, you will see baroque palaces, the rococo Nostra Donna church and an archaeology museum that holds an invaluable collection of prehistoric sandstone sculptures. During lunch, you will likely be served testaroli, an ancient type of pasta that originated in Lunigiana. It is traditionally made with only three ingredients – water, salt and flour – and topped with pesto.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the heart of Pontremoli, an alluring medieval town in the Lunigiana territory.
• See a mix of architecture that reflects the history of Pontremoli.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch with dishes said to have originated in Lunigiana.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

DESTACADOS

Stroll the winding streets of Siena and San Gimignano, two atmospheric gems deep in Tuscany whose medieval city centers are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although it will take about two hours to reach Siena, it will be well worth the time. Tucked away across several hills, the city exudes history, especially around Piazza del Campo, the main square at its heart. The 14th-century Torre del Mangia towers over the square and dominates the skyline. Constructed even earlier, the Siena Cathedral is considered one of Italy's most important Romanesque-Gothic churches and even viewing its exterior will be spellbinding. San Gimignano is equally photogenic and mesmerizing, especially its 11th-13th century tower houses, which controlling patrician families built as symbols of their wealth and power. You will also meander through the Piazza della Cisterna - whose inverted triangular shape follows the land's natural slope - and behold the Cathedral of San Gimignano and its fabulous interior frescoes.

LO MÁS DESTACADO

• Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive deep into Tuscany to explore two medieval cities.
• Gain insight into why UNESCO declared Siena and San Gimignano World Heritage sites.
• Meander through the atmospheric city centers with a guide and independently.
• Behold the most historical churches, plazas and iconic landmarks in both cities.

CONSEJOS ÚTILES

• Ponte ropa adecuada para el clima.
• Usa zapatos planos y cómodos para caminar.