EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Admire the star attractions in the principality of Monaco and then browse the craftsmen’s shops in Èze, a medieval hilltop village with stunning views of the sea.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country. During the walking tour that follows, you will stop in Palace Square, the expansive plaza in front of the prince’s private residence. Originally a 12th-century fortress, the palace has been transformed into one of the world’s most luxurious residences in the style of Louis XIV.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another icon in Monaco which you will view. Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly were married here in 1956 and both are buried in the church. Its cream-colored facade was constructed with Italian granite starting in 1875 and it took more than 10 years to finish the cathedral, which is the largest in Monaco.

Following a bit of free time, you will next drive to nearby Èze, an ancient village that perches atop a narrow rocky peak 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean. After your guided tour of the village, you will have time to explore on your own. The ruins of a 12th-century castle crown Èze and the views throughout the village are absolutely mesmerizing. During your free time you might shop for French perfumes and locally produced artwork. The botanical garden is another highlight and not only for its rare plants. It too offers views so stunning it’s impossible to take a bad photograph.

After your visit to Èze, you will re-board your coach and return to Villefranche.

Stunning scenery and the highlights of Ålesund are yours to discover in this tour that takes you to the top of Mount Stranda by bus, ferry and cable car. Once in Stranda, you will taste a local coffee break, with a traditional dessert, at the top or at the bottom station. Enjoy a short city sightseeing of some of the highlights of Ålesund before heading for the fjords. Cross the fjord by ferry, and then drive up the mountain, with great views along the way. Arriving at Mount Stranda’s cable car station, a gondola takes you to the top, 3418 feet above sea level. The panoramic view from Mt. Stranda reaches far and wide. From this privileged view point, you can see the majestic Storfjord, and the town of Stranda. After crossing the fjord by ferry, the tour will take a different route back to the pier allowing for some extra sights of Ålesund.

Leaving Livorno, you will travel north for 1.5 hours, passing the coastal area of Versilia until reaching La Spezia where you'll begin your exploration to the Cinque Terre: a National Park protected by UNESCO. Weather permitting you will enjoy a scenic cruise or a ride by train till Monterosso al Mare. Here you will have plenty of free time to enjoy a stroll around its narrow streets, to explore the tiny shops, have lunch on your own and after a tasting of the local wine. By boat or train you will reach the fishing village of Vernazza, where you'll enjoy time at leisure. Then you will re-board a boat or a local train back to La Spezia where your motorcoach is waiting for you for the return drive to Livorno.

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures, slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water, and the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District as well as the Golden Zone Shopping Center located in the hotel area. Here at the Golden Zone Shopping Center you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to browse and shop through the numerous craft and jewelry shops before returning back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Explore the diverse sights and stunning topography of Tasmania on this introduction to Hobart, its charismatic capital city. Just like the lucky locals who make their home here, you’ll find yourself captivated by this town’s near-ideal blend of heritage, trendiness and showy scenery. Your orientation drive hits many of Hobart’s most memorable sights, from the restored whaling warehouses of Salamanca Place, now a thriving market district, to the 19th-century mansions and cottages of Battery Point, to landmarks like the Cascade Brewery at the edge of town, crafting superior ales and lagers since 1824. A trip up to the summit of either Mt. Wellington or Mount Nelson promises crisp air and Instagram-worthy photo opps of the city and Tasmania’s coast. Just north of the heart of town, a section known as Queen’s Domain is home to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, recently celebrating the 200th anniversary of its founding. Enjoy some free time here to explore these tranquil, well-manicured grounds at your leisure. The RTBG’s historic plant collections and venerable old-growth trees have earned it recognition as one of Australia’s leading botanical conservancies.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Be properly introduced to the natural and manmade attractions that define Tasmania’s capital city.
• See historic Salamanca Place, Battery Point, the Cascade Brewery and other beautiful old building.
•Spend time wandering a riverside botanical garden that rivals the best of Australia and beyond.
• Ascend to the summit of one of Hobart’s iconic mountain peaks for panoramic views of the city and coastline.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, layered clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Marvel at glorious Suruga Bay while riding a ropeway to a hilltop Shintō shrine and then delve into the Japanese culture by making chopsticks. While some people climb the 1,000 or so steps leading to the Kunozan Toishogu shrine, you will ride ropeway. More wonders await you within the shrine complex, a collection of brightly painted ornate buildings dedicated to the shōgun that unified Japan in the early 17th century. Be sure to notice the well-armed guardian statue near the Romon gate. Stop at Nihondaira Park outlook, which offers a glorious view of Suruga Bay and majestic Mout Fuji. You will experience Japan’s creativity at Sumpu Takumi Shuku, a cultural workshop where artisans produce traditional crafts using centuries-old techniques. There you will have the opportunity to create your own pair of lacquered chopsticks by grinding and polishing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a ropeway to hilltop Shintō shrine while admiring the views of Suruga Bay.
• Browse the shrine, which is dedicated to a revered shōgun that brought peace to Japan.
• Create your own lacquered chopsticks at a workshop for traditional artisans.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Con su exubertante vegetación y clima soleado, Sorrento solía ser uno de los centros turísticos favoritos de los romanos acaudalados. Admira este paisaje sobre un acantilado y una encantadora ciudad repleta de flores, y disfruta de un almuerzo con vino aquí antes de continuar tu viaje hacia Salerno y hacia el encantador pueblo de Amalfi. Amalfi está situada en la boca de una garganta profunda sobre la costa. Aprende por qué esta encantadora ciudad fue un puerto importante en la Edad Media y un estado marítimo independiente. Enjoy some free time in lovely Amalfi for shopping or relaxing before cruising to Salerno viewing the Dolomitic cliffs, which have been sculpted by nature. En Salerno estará esperando tu autobús para llevarte de regreso.

See a beautiful shrine complex built to honor one of Japan’s feudal lords and savor a seafood lunch at a bustling fresh fish market. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine perches above the outlook, which you will reach via ropeway. Dedicated to the feudal lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan in the early 1600s, the shrine is a complex of ornate bright-red buildings constructed in the Shinto style. While browsing, be sure to notice the guardian statue near the Romon Gate and the drum tower. The three main halls within the complex are elaborately decorated, but vary architecturally. The carved ceiling in Honden Hall is particularly interesting. For a bit of entertainment, you might select a random paper fortune from a box and then tie it to a string in hopes that the fortune will come true. This common practice at Japanese shrines is known as omikuji. Stroll through Kashi-no-Ichi, a large fish market on Shimizu’s waterfront. While the signage will be in Japanese, the guide will translate the names of the seafood that you may not recognize. Afterwards, you will enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the market before returning to the pier.

Visit Ekingura Museum and discover the fiery art of local artist Ekin. His paintings capture how people leaved during his time and the vivid red colors, which characterize his creations, are believed to protect the local people from evil spirits and bad luck. The desire of the locals to preserve the legend of Ekin and allow future generations to experience his work, made it possible to create Ekingura. You’ll head to the city center and visit beautiful Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects.

OVERVIEW

Join the floating party on a luxury catamaran while cruising to Rose Island, where the good times continue on the sugar-white beach. The fun will begin the moment you step onboard the EVE Boat Club catamaran as you will be welcomed with a Bahama Mama cocktail, Bahamian hors d’oeuvres and lively music from the DJ. Feel free to dance, sing along or just enjoy the extraordinary setting as you cruise through Nassau Harbor and on to Rose Island. Once the catamaran anchors off Half Moon Beach, there will be plenty of other options to keep you occupied and entertained. You might zip down the catamaran’s water slide into the turquoise sea, observe the colorful marine life while snorkeling the reef just off shore and relax on the island’s lengthy stretch of sand. Regardless of what you choose to do, you can be sure it will be fun and exciting the entire time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to and from Rose Island on the EVE Boat Club, a catamaran made for partying.
• Enjoy the dynamic setting as the DJ plays lively dance music and the cocktails flow.
• Race down the catamaran’s water slide and snorkel the crystal-clear waters.
• Relax however you please on Half Moon Beach, a pristine stretch of sand on Rose Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel, hat and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Gaze upon sacred Mount Fuji from several perspectives that include a hilltop shrine and a coastal pine grove so stunningly scenic that artists have captured its beauty for centuries.

Stop at the Nihondaira Park Outlook, which offers a glorious view of Suruga Bay and majestic Mount Fuji. Kunozan Toshogu Shrine perches above the outlook, which you will reach via cable car.

Dedicated to the feudal lord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan in the early 1600s, the shrine is a complex of ornate bright-red buildings constructed in the Shinto style. Ieyasu’s son Hidetada, the second shogun of the Tokugawa government, built the temple to honor his father. The three main halls within the complex are elaborately decorated, but vary architecturally. The carved ceiling in Honden Hall is particularly interesting. For a bit of entertainment, you might select a random paper fortune from a box and then tie it to a string in hopes that the fortune will come true. This common practice at Japanese shrines is known as omikuji.

For a different perspective of Mount Fuji, you’ll drive to the seaside pine grove Miho no Matsubara. The grove consists of more than 50,000 pine trees, including a 650-year-old tree thought to have mythical powers. The view from the shore with Mount Fuji lording over the scenery has been rated one of the top three views in Japan.

OVERVIEW

Zip around the island of Gozo in a tuk-tuk with stops for photos and tastings at one spectacular destination after another. The tuk-tuk – an open-air vehicle for just four passengers – will offer a unique perspective of Malta’s sister island. A speedy boat will bring you to Gozo, where you will be welcomed with a filled pastry known as a pastizzi and a bottle of kinnie, an orange-flavored soda. The tuk-tuk adventure will begin there as you race off towards the precipitous cliffs that rim Sannat. While taking in the gorgeous views, you will be offered a Cisk, the national beer of Malta. Ahead lies the Ghasri Valley sea canyon, which you will reach via the coastal salt pans, where salt is still harvested using centuries-old techniques. A glass of wine and ftira flatbread will round out your tastings before you head back on the boat, passing the shimmering sea caves on Comino Island along the way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a fast boat to and from Gozo Island, which lies north of Valletta.
• Buzz around Gozo Island in an open-air tuk-tuk that holds just four passengers.
• See the stunningly steep Sannat cliffs, a sea canyon and the island’s salt pans.
• Snack on a Maltese pastry and a traditional flatbread, along with beer, wine and soda.
• Be awed by the turquoise waters while cruising past the sea caves on Comino Island.

HELPFUL HINTS

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