SHORE EXCURSIONS

Depart the Port of Miami by air-conditioned coach with a knowledgeable guide and drive for approximately one hour towards Everglades National Park. This world renowned eco-system covers about 5,000 square miles and is home to most of Florida's alligators, snakes, black bear, wild pigs, over two hundred species of birds including herons, egrets, white ibis, anhingas, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, ospreys, hawks, vultures, eagles and more, plus the endangered and nocturnal Florida Panther - less than 100 remaining in the wild. Board your airboat for a thirty-minute exhilarating ride over this “River of Grass” and hopefully come face to face with a number of these different creatures. Afterwards enjoy the various crocodilian exhibits, visit the souvenir shop or perhaps try out the alligator nuggets in the snack bar. On the drive to the airport learn about the Miccosukee and the extremely wealthy Seminoles, the two Florida tribes of Native American Indians.

Enjoy the highlights of the Danish capital with leisure time to take in the activity of your choice. Stop for photos at The Little Mermaid, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. An outside visit of the Amalienborg Palace – winter residence of the Royal Family is another opportunity for more memorable pictures of your visit to the city. From the square in front of the palace you can enjoy the view just across the harbor to the beautiful Royal Danish Opera house. Your drive takes you past some of the major highlights of the city including the colorful harbor district of Nyhavn, Christiansborg Palace home to the Danish Parliament and the National Museum. You'll also drive by the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek an art museum and Tivoli Gardens, both founded by the owner of the Carlsberg Brewery, Carl Jacobsen. Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of the city on your own, do some shopping or simply relax and people watch.

Explore the geological wonders and eerie formations in Crystal Caves and then spend hours relaxing at a series of beaches linked by footpaths and surrounded by a nature reserve.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely tender ride to St. George’s Island, the northernmost point of hook-shaped Bermuda. A short scenic drive will bring you to Crystal Caves, which were discovered in 1907 when a teenager tried to retrieve his cricket ball from a hole and found it led to a huge series of caverns.

You will have the opportunity to explore the wonders underground, which include a crystal-clear lake and a profusion of white stalactites eerily illuminated for added drama. Parts of the caves are accessed along a pontoon boardwalk that floats atop the lake, allowing a closer look at the geological formations underwater. As an alternative, you may remain above ground and meander the gardens and browse the gift shop.

. Continuing, you will soon arrive at the Clearwater Beach & Cooper’s Island Reserve, a secluded wedge of undeveloped land on Bermuda’s eastern end. The area contains six interconnected beaches, an idyllic setting to enjoy hours relaxing in the sun, doing whatever you please.

You may take a refreshing swim in the shallow waters, observe the marine life while snorkeling or simply lie back in a lounge chair and enjoy the serenity.

After departing from the pier in a catamaran, you will soon be sailing across the heart of Boka Bay. The surrounding landscape is so wild and the cliffs so precipitous that the bay is often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe. It’s that stunningly beautiful.

In time, the ancient village of Perast will come into view. Like Kotor, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extraordinary Venetian-style architecture and abundant Catholic churches. One of the most beautiful churches is Our Lady of the Rocks, which sits on a tiny island in the bay. As you circumnavigate the island, you can expect to hear the legend of how it was formed—supposedly by sailors who dropped rocks in the same spot every time they sailed by in honor of the image of the Virgin Mary being seen there.

Then it’s on to the exclusive Movida Beach Club, where you might stroll along the sea, take a refreshing swim in the typically calm waters and relax in a lounge chair under the shade of an umbrella. The scenery is just as impressive as the beach, and you will have plenty of time to soak it in before boarding a coach and driving back to the pier.

Experience a unique, exciting underwater adventure aboard a real submarine. Seated in spacious, air-conditioned comfort you'll see beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, including coral formations, sponge, and colorful fish through large view-ports to depths of 130 feet.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel the gorgeous waters in the Bonaire Marine Park and enjoy the beach on the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. You will cruise to both attractions on a sleek, 42-foot catamaran with plenty of shaded and sunny areas for lounging. The park is the world’s first Blue Destination, a certification awarded to protected waters that are used for sustainable and socially responsible business endeavors. While snorkeling the coral reef, you may spot parrotfish, angelfish, sea horses and sea turtles. Klein Bonaire is within the marine park and is completely undeveloped even though it lies just off Bonaire’s capital city of Kralendijk. While enjoying one of its remote no-name beaches, you will be free to stretch out in the sun, stroll along the sugar-white shoreline and take a refreshing swim. You will also be welcome to snorkel as the marine life is sure to be different than what you encountered on the reef.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the crystal-clear waters off Kralendijk on a sleek catamaran.
• Observe the colorful marine life while snorkeling in the Bonaire Marine Park.
• Relax however you please on a no-name beach on the uninhabited island Klein Bonaire.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Discover Moorea's visual splendor, art and local Polynesian lifestyle during this scenic orientation drive around the island.

Enjoy a scenic and relaxing drive around Moorea. The distance around this idyllic island is approximately 38 miles and offers many spectacular sites and photo opportunities. Pass the sacred temples (Marae) and get an insight on Polynesian culture.

Down the East Coast reach Ia ora View Point for a unique view on the island of Tahiti only located about 10 nautical miles from Moorea, from there the view on the clear blue lagoon of Temae Beach is breathtaking. Driving down to the West Coast you’ll reach the Tiki Village for a short walk through the property, and free time. During your free time, you might browse the small boutique or discover the island's artistic beauty at an art gallery. Here, you will have an opportunity to see a replica of Gauguin's Maison du Jouir and view a large selection of the most beautiful reproductions of his artwork. You could also visit a black-and-white picture gallery showcasing the works of famous photographer A. Sylvain. Located by the ocean, the village is home to a lovely white-sand beach that offers wonderful photo opportunities.

Step back in time at the Beamish Open Air Museum, where dozens of original buildings from different time periods have been re-constructed to create a historical town.

Drive inland for approximately one hour to the Beamish Museum, a collection of historical buildings that have been re-assembled in the countryside to create an open-air museum. Beamish reflects two significant points in history: when the region was rural in the 1820s, and when it was thriving at the peak of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1900s.

Upon arriving, you will board a double-decker tram and travel down the main street taking in the fascinating sights. All of the buildings in Beamish are original, brought in from elsewhere, and then re-constructed brick by brick. To add even more atmosphere and authenticity, the townspeople wear period costumes and are employed in different professions of the time.

Spread over 300 acres, an Edwardian town and colliery have been re-created with farms, railways, tramways, a co-op shop, a pub, a printers and a chapel. It is a living museum of the years around 1913 showing the impact of industry on people’s lives and is one of the North East’s most popular and fascinating attractions.

During your free time here, you might visit the stables, the Motor & Cycle Works, and the Sweet Shop, where various confections are still made according to the original recipes. There is a bank with its safes wisely located in the cellar, and a dentist’s office, where you can browse the rather gruesome surgical equipment used to extract teeth. The railway station is another point of interest because it looks just like it did in Edwardian times, right down to the authentic signal box.

OVERVIEW

Explore the intriguing site of Stonehenge, one of the most intriguing and ancient sites in England. Situated on a vast plain, the site is truly impressive - shrouded in magic and mystery. Many believe this sacred site emanates a special atmosphere. Radiocarbon dating reveals this incredible monument was built around 5,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. Although research tells us how Stonehenge was built, it is unable to tell us what its builders thought and believed and remains one of the most enthralling mysteries in the world! The question of who built Stonehenge remains largely unanswered although many attribute the monument to the Druids. Your guide will provide explanations and enable you to view the impressive stones up-close as well as provide you with some time to go to the visitor’s centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover one of England’s most iconic and ancient landmarks. Walk the same ground where people stood over 5,000 years ago.
• Learn about the Neolithic origins of this extraordinary monument and see how radiocarbon dating traces its construction back to prehistoric times.
• Spend time exploring interactive exhibits and archaeological displays.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This scenic rail tour runs in a complete circle around the island allowing visitors the opportunity to see the entire country by rail and by road. No trip to this two-island federation is complete without the experience of traveling on the new St. Kitts Scenic Railway, one of the most interesting train rides in the world. This one-of-a-kind narrow gauge railroad was built almost a century ago to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mills in the capital city of Basseterre. This still operational railway now provides a fascinating way to see the island from the comfort of double-deck railcars built specifically for touring the island of St. Kitts. All guests will have a seat on both levels of the railcar. The upper level features a spacious open-air observation deck with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The lower level provides air conditioned comfort with expansive vaulted windows. Island ambiance is evoked with comfortable rattan furniture, complimentary specialty drinks, island music and a colorful narrative. The railway hugs the northeastern coastline with fields of sugarcane from the shoreline up to the mountains. The volcanic mountain ranges rise nearly 4,000 feet above sea level coated with lush green rainforests. The train rolls across tall steel bridges spanning deep canyons, and winds through small villages and farms. Your conductor will point out old sugar estates, sugar mills and windmills while giving insight in to the island’s unique history. Your experience is complimented by a scenic drive along the southern coast. Enjoy excellent vistas of Brimstone fortress, the British "Gibraltar of the Caribbean", Middle Island where an ancestor of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson’s is buried and the neighboring island of Nevis. A truly unique experience!

OVERVIEW

Travel to a rural wildlife sanctuary for up-close looks at Tasmanian devils, kangaroos and some of Tasmania’s remarkable native wildlife. Have a leisurely drive inland through the rolling countryside of northern Tasmania, where quiet villages, farmland and native bushland create a scenic introduction to the region. At Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, set within natural bushland at Mole Creek, you will have the opportunity to discover some of Tasmania’s most unique native wildlife. The sanctuary is known for its important conservation, breeding and rehabilitation work, particularly with Tasmanian devils, and is home to a range of native species including wombats, quolls, kangaroos, wallabies, birds and reptiles. During your visit, enjoy time to explore the sanctuary and learn more about the behaviours, habitats and conservation challenges of these remarkable animals. Back in Burnie, you’ll enjoy a downtown drive before returning to the pier. Founded in 1827 around an excellent natural harbor on Emu Bay and surrounded by vast eucalyptus forests, the timber industry dominated the town for the next 100 years. Today, the creative arts and culinary endeavors are what Burnie is most known for.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, recognized for its conservation work and long-standing commitment to the care, rehabilitation and protection of Tasmania’s unique species.
• Spend about two hours meandering the sanctuary’s paths and encountering its residents.
• See Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in this curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Settle in for a scenic return drive across an unspoiled landscape, followed by an informative orientation spin around Burnie itself.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended; no heels.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed

Observe the abundant wildlife in the naturally beautiful Patagonian steppe, highlighted by a leisurely walk among a large colony of Magellanic penguins.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for an immensely scenic drive along the New Gulf and on to rugged Punta Ninfas on the Patagonian steppe. The vegetation here is shrubby, wind-blown and an ideal wildlife habitat. Gray fox, llama-like guanacas and various species of seabirds, including oystercatchers and albatrosses, are found in this dry landscape.

Even so, penguins are the star attractions in this part of Patagonian, as you will discover from your base at El Pedral Lodge. Perched on a cliff, the lodge was built in 1904 and some of the period furnishing still remain, including the mahogany dining table.

From here, you will head to a nearby Magellanic penguin rookery for an extended walk among these highly social birds. If you hear the penguins braying like donkeys, it is simply the way they seek mates.

You can expect to see the penguins tottering about, tending to their young, interacting with each other, and perhaps hunting small fish just offshore. A group of penguins floating in the ocean is called a raft; a group on land is sometimes called a waddle because of their awkward walk.

Lunch at the lodge follows, after which you will return to the pier.