OVERVIEW

Explore Olympia, a former sanctuary and site of the first Olympic Games, where you will use augmented reality software to view the ruins as they originally stood. The games were eventually outlawed, earthquakes wreaked havoc and over time river silt covered Olympia. Fortunately, the silt preserved the site until excavations began in 1829. What has been unearthed within this UNESCO World Heritage site is extraordinary. You will see the remains of the Olympic stadium, rows of Doric columns from the gymnasium and the Temple of Hera, Olympia’s most intact structure. Still, the highlight is the Temple of Zeus, which once held the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To enhance your understanding of Olympia, you will use an electronic tablet with augmented reality software. Simply point the tablet’s camera at the ruins, and the buildings will appear on the screen in 3D, just as they looked in ancient times.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the first Olympic Games were held.
• See the remains of temples, a gymnasium and the Olympic stadium.
• Use the provided augmented reality software to view the buildings as they once stood.
• Enjoy free time to shop in a nearby village.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a spectacularly scenic cruise to a lodge on secluded Grant Island for a bountiful seafood lunch. You will board the boat in Clover Pass and then settle in for a leisurely cruise, passing some of the most magnificent scenery in this part of Alaska. Along the way, the guide will point out an active eagle’s nest and one of the area’s few manmade structures, a naval facility used to measure the acoustics from submarines. You might also see seals and porpoise frolicking in the water. Upon arriving at Silverking Lodge in the heart of Grant Island State Marine Park, you will have time to check out the anglers’ fresh catch and stroll the boardwalk that winds through the rainforest. The tallest known red cedar in the Tongass National Park towers majestically at the end of the boardwalk. A family style seafood feast follows, featuring a crab boil that includes Dungeness crab, mussels, shrimp, corn on the cob, baby red potatoes and garlic.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to Grant Island, admiring the coastal scenery.
• See an active bald eagle’s nest.
• Walk through a rainforest on Grant Island.
• Feast on freshly caught seafood.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

This tour is intended for guests who have limited mobility, rely on a cane or walker, or for guests’ companions.

Delve into Greece’s glorious past at the site of the first Olympic games and visit an organic farm that follows traditional production methods. At the archaeological park at Olympia, you will meander through ruins so enlightening that UNESCO declared them a World Heritage site. You will see the remains of the Olympic stadium, rows of Doric columns from the gymnasium and the Temple of Hera, Olympia’s most intact structure. Other highlights include Roman emperor Nero’s villa and the Temple of Zeus, which once held the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For an even more detailed perspective, you will visit the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains artifacts found during excavations of ancient Olympia. Afterwards, while touring the family-owned farm Magna Grecia, you will hear about the organic production methods and sample a selection of olives that demonstrates their distinctive tastes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the archaeological site where the first Olympic games were held.
• See ruins so historically important that UNESCO deemed them a World Heritage site.
• Browse a museum with artifacts excavated from the Olympia site.
• Tour a family-owned organic farm and sample the olives grown there.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through spectacularly scenic Neets Bay to a bear observatory where you can watch these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Tongass, the largest national forest in America, blankets the shores of the bay, making for an extraordinary setting. Few places are so wild and pristine, which is why wildlife thrives throughout the area. While cruising the typically calm bay, you may spot whales, sea lions and bald eagles, all of which are prevalent there. Even so, the highlight will surely be the opportunity to observe bears as they feast on spawning salmon. Enjoy a short walk through the rainforest as you keep an eye out for bears. The end of the trail will bring you to the viewing platform, an excellent spot to see bears catching and eating large salmon along the stream. It can be quite the show, especially if the bears are leaning over the water with their mouths open, just waiting for salmon to unknowingly leap within easy reach.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for bears along a stream where they typically come to fatten up on spawning salmon.
• Enjoy the rare opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitats, undisturbed by humans.
• Watch for whales, sea lions and bald eagles as you cruise through Neets Bay to the bear locale.
• Admire the gorgeous setting of Tongass National Forest, the largest such forest in America.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Guests who are fully dependent on their mobility device are eligible for this excursion and are required to bring their own wheelchair/scooter.

Delve into Greece’s glorious past at the site of the first Olympic games and visit an organic farm that follows traditional production methods. At the archaeological park at Olympia, you will meander through ruins so enlightening that UNESCO declared them a World Heritage site. You will see the remains of the Olympic stadium, rows of Doric columns from the gymnasium and the Temple of Hera, Olympia’s most intact structure. Other highlights include Roman emperor Nero’s villa and the Temple of Zeus, which once held the Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For an even more detailed perspective, you will visit the nearby Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which contains artifacts found during excavations of ancient Olympia. Afterwards, while touring the family-owned farm Magna Grecia, you will hear about the organic production methods and sample a selection of olives that demonstrates their distinctive tastes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the archaeological site where the first Olympic games were held.
• See ruins so historically important that UNESCO deemed them a World Heritage site.
• Browse a museum with artifacts excavated from the Olympia site.
• Tour a family-owned organic farm and sample the olives grown there.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the fascinating culture of the indigenous people of Southeast Alaska by visiting authentic totem poles in the rainforest and paddling a canoe across a gorgeous mountain lake. As you wander through Totem Bight State Historical Park, you will see colorful, hand-carved totem poles and a large clan house similar to ones built in the early 19th century. The park offers a fascinating insight into the culture of the indigenous people, as will your experience on Lake Harriet Hunt, where you will board a 37-foot canoe patterned after the ones that the Tlingit and Haida built. The lake provides a beautiful setting for your paddling adventure because the dense forest comes to the edge of the water. In time, you will disembark for an Alaskan-style snack. You will have the opportunity to walk through an old-growth forest while the guide points out the most interesting flora and perhaps fauna.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the fascinating culture of Alaska’s indigenous people.
• Paddle a canoe like the ones the indigenous Tlingits and Haidas built.
• Enjoy a snack and an interpretive nature walk through an old growth forest.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests that use a cane/walker, have limited mobility issues or for companions of those guest that have booked mobility equipment tour.

Those guests that are fully dependent on their mobility device please book: MSN_A2 ACCESSIBLE Mobility Equipment- Taormina and Bay of Naxos.

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Explore the architectural gems throughout the Old Town of Taormina, an enticing setting with a remarkable wealth of attractions. From Piazza IX Aprile, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and foreboding Mount Etna. The 17th-century Church of St. Joseph and an iconic clock tower overlook the square, which is renowned for its black-and-white checkered marble that resembles a giant chessboard. Piazza Duomo is another popular gathering place in the heart of Old Town. Be sure to note the statue of a minotaur on the central fountain, as it has become a symbol of Taormina. An enlightening interior visit of the cathedral behind the fountain will reveal features such as wooden beams with Arab motifs, 15th-century paintings and chapels on either side of the main altar. Not far out of town, you will pause for photos at a lookout above the beautiful Bay of Naxos.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain a historical understanding of Taormina by meandering through its atmospheric Old Town.
• Visit squares that are ideal for people-watching and explore the churches that overlook them.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of Taormina and the sea from a hilltop vantage point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

OVERVIEW

Ride into the mountainous terrain that overlooks Kotor in a vintage automobile and enjoy an enlightening tour and tasting at an acclaimed winery. The restored decades-old car will add a touch of nostalgia to the adventure, which combines scenic beauty with an appreciation for Montenegrin winemaking. The higher you ascend in the hills behind Kotor, the more spectacular the views. The road is particularly circuitous and picturesque on the way to hilltop Fort Goražda, a strategically located 19th-century fortress where you will pause for photos. In the nearby village of Mirac, you will find the family-operated winery La Storia di Pietra. While touring the estate, you will discover how its organic grapes are grown, harvested by hand and processed. During the sampling that follows, you will likely be served a glass of Vranac, a red varietal synonymous with Montenegro. The winery also produces extraordinary whites, sparkling wines and a peach-flavored brandy.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the gorgeous views while riding through the surrounding mountains in a vintage car.
• Gaze out over Kotor and its namesake bay from a hilltop 19th-century fortress.
• Enjoy a walking tour of the family-owned Storia di Pietra winery in the village of Mirac.
• Sample wines that may include a red Vranac, Montenegro’s most well-known varietal.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Want to learn about a place? Drink with the locals! This fun and informative walking tour is sure to please anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the culture of Alaska’s First City. You will embark on your pub crawl with a true Ketchikan local who will share the colorful history of days gone by through infamous stories and vintage photographs. At each of the 3 pubs you will enjoy your choice between some of the bars highest selling drinks and meet genuine characters who make Ketchikan unique. Belly up to the bar and get a real sense of what life is like in this unique rainforest town.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk to three of Ketchikan’s liveliest pubs for drinks.
• Interact with the locals at the pubs for an authentic feel of the lifestyle in Ketchikan.
• Hear stories that earned Ketchikan the title of Alaska’s Wickedest City during Prohibition.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Snacks are available for purchase.

OVERVIEW

This excursion is for guests who are fully dependent on their mobility device. You will be required to supply your own wheelchair/scooter. Your mobility equipment (manual or electric) must not exceed the following dimensions: W 35", L 39", H 59".

Those guests that are companions, use a cane or walker, or have limited mobility issues must book the companion tour code: MSN_A1 ACCESSIBLE Companion: Taormina and Bay of Naxos.

Tour includes step-free routes, shorter distances and no stairs. Accessible restrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. Vehicles are adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs and/or mobility scooters. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs; therefore, guests needing special assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied.

Explore the architectural gems throughout the Old Town of Taormina, an enticing setting with a remarkable wealth of attractions. From Piazza IX Aprile, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and foreboding Mount Etna. The 17th-century Church of St. Joseph and an iconic clock tower overlook the square, which is renowned for its black-and-white checkered marble that resembles a giant chessboard. Piazza Duomo is another popular gathering place in the heart of Old Town. Be sure to note the statue of a minotaur on the central fountain, as it has become a symbol of Taormina. An enlightening interior visit of the cathedral behind the fountain will reveal features such as wooden beams with Arab motifs, 15th-century paintings and chapels on either side of the main altar. Not far out of town, you will pause for photos at a lookout above the beautiful Bay of Naxos.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain a historical understanding of Taormina by meandering through its atmospheric Old Town.
• Visit squares that are ideal for people-watching and explore the churches that overlook them.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of Taormina and the sea from a hilltop vantage point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.

Breathtaking views, history, treasures and local flavors are just some of the highlights of this tour, which you’ll enjoy in the company of a small group. Drive high up the mountains for a spectacular view of Boka Bay. You’ll have a chance to take some memorable photos. Continue your scenic drive to the mountain village of Njegusi, where you’ll stop for refreshment. The drive affords impressive views of the mountain landscapes towards the Old Royal Capital Cetinje, once the smallest capital in Europe. Visit the Court of King Nikola, a museum that preserves Montenegro’s past in what used to be the palace.

Not far from here, a lunch of tasty local specialties will awaken your senses. A photo stop on the return drive, gives you a chance to admire the magnificent views of the Adriatic and the town of Budva. This part of the coast was described by Lord Byron, as “The most beautiful meeting of mountains and sea that I have ever seen”. A walking tour of Kotor acquaints you with this UNESCO World Heritage Site that mixes historic monuments, laid back Mediterranean culture and seaside ambiance.

OVERVIEW

Zip through the Bay of Kotor in a sleek speedboat to three locales named for the Virgin Mary. As the engine roars to life and the speedboat races up the bay, the thrills will begin in earnest. You will soon disembark at the baroque-style Our Lady’s Temple in the village of Prčanj. The serene setting will offer quite the contrast to the exhilaration of the ride. Ornate columns adorn the temple façade, the entry features a glorious double staircase and the two gilded altars are masterworks. The boat ride will continue to Our Lady of the Rocks, a miniscule manmade islet with a chapel renowned for its 15th-century icon of the Virgin Mary and a Carrara marble altar. One last tribute to the Virgin Mary awaits – Our Lady of the Angels, a centuries-old church within a fortified complex that once protected the bay from pirates. After browsing the interior, you will snack on canapés.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the Bay of Kotor in a speedboat and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Visit three Christian landmarks named to honor the Virgin Mary.
• Browse Our Lady’s Temple, Our Lady of the Rocks chapel and Our Lady of the Angels church.
• Gain an understanding of the importance and prevalence of Christianity in Montenegro.

HELPFUL HINTS

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