SHORE EXCURSIONS

The island of Mykonos is world famous for its stunning scenic beauty comprised of windmills, sparking bays, superb beaches, white houses and churches with their colourful blue and red domes. You'll pass by Ornos Beach, one of the most cosmopolitan beaches on the island with an abundance of luxurious hotels, tavernas and yachts mooring offshore.

You'll make a short photo stop at the beach of Kalafatis to experience one of the island's beautiful beaches and to enjoy the breathtaking view. As you head to the centre of the island, you'll visit the village of Ano Mera and the Monastery Panayia Tourliani. You'll also have a chance to enjoy ouzo and Greek appetizers in the peaceful little square of the village.

Admire the natural beauty surrounding the Bay of Fundy by visiting a coastal park full of hiking trails, lookouts and historical buildings from the years when this area was logged.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to St. Martins, a lovely coastal village settled in 1783. It is known for its twin covered bridges, which you will view from a vantage point that allows you to capture both bridges in one spectacular shot. Continuing on, you will travel the winding Fundy Trail Parkway, passing forest lookouts, more beautiful beaches and the spectacular Bay of Fundy that rims the park.

At the Big Salmon Interpretive Centre, you will watch an enlightening video about the park’s history and the modest lodge that newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst built nearby. You will then have free time to enjoy the attractions that interest you most. You might meander the hiking paths, cross the suspension footbridge that spans the crystal-clear Salmon River, and explore the replica sawmill.

Be sure to see Flower Pot Rock, a tall thin rock tower that the pounding sea has shaped over time. The bay’s rising tides have also created sea caves in the red sandstone, which you will see on the return to St. Martins. While totally submerged during high tide, the caves are easy to reach at low tide and make for a memorable photo any time. Following lunch at a restaurant that overlooks the caves, you will return to Saint John.

Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

Cruise to nearby Catalina Island and spend hours doing whatever you please at the beach, even if it is nothing more industrious than sunbathing. The island is only a mile and a half from the mainland, but it seems to be light years away from civilization. Small and just 60 feet high at its peak, Catalina Island contains several diverse eco-systems, including sand dunes, mangroves and reefs. Still, it is the long stretch of unspoiled beach that is most impressive, perhaps even to Christopher Columbus, who named the island when he landed in 1494. Most of the diversions on Catalina Island revolve around beach activities. Sip a cool welcoming drink, stretch out on the sugar-white beach and watch the waves gently break on the shore. You might also read a book in a cushy lounge chair, enjoy a meandering walk with absolutely no destination in mind and swim in the inviting turquoise sea.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise to an idyllic island just off shore and spend hours relaxing at the beach.
• Stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun or put up the provided beach umbrella.
• Stroll along the beach, which becomes less crowded the farther you walk from the dock.

OVERVIEW

Reap the benefits of Nordic walking on a delightful hike across the Storhaug peninsula to the beaches on its southern shore. Nordic walking uses a specially designed pole that helps to maximize the benefits of the movements. It can tone the body, burn nearly 50% more calories and put less pressure on the knees and joints. Best of all, Nordic walking is easy to do. You will follow a historical, around 6.5 miles route through the city center of Stavanger, across the Storhaug peninsula and on to Godalen. The walk is only about 6.5 miles, but it is extraordinarily picturesque. Chances are, you will see bicyclists, other Nordic walkers and joggers, as the trail is as popular as it is scenic. In time, you will pause for a quintessential Norwegian snack of brunost, a brown cheese that is surprisingly sweet because the milk whey is cooked until the lactose sugars caramelize. The route back will be different but equally breathtaking./p>

HIGHLIGHTS

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HELPFUL HINTS

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

Gain an understanding of how local craftsmen make traditional Greek musical instruments and take in the island’s natural beauty. Pyrgos is known for its 13th-century Venetian castle, the classic Cycladic design of its homes and the panoramic views from its hilltop location. It will be an ideal setting to pause for a cup of coffee and a Greek sweet. Megalochori is equally picturesque, as you will discover while meandering the village’s atmospheric cobbled streets lined with neoclassical houses. The intriguing Museum of Musical Instruments honors the history of the instruments that make Greek music so recognizable. You will learn how classic instruments such as the bouzouki and laouto are handmade and have the chance to play some of them. Afterwards, you will visit the family-owned Gavalas Winery, which has been producing traditional wines such as Katsano and Nykteri since the 19th century. There you will sample wines indicative of Santorini’s terroir and snacks that pair perfectly with them.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Pause for a snack and to revel in the village of Pyrgos’ classic Cycladic setting.
• Discover how some of the most recognizable Greek musical instruments are hand-crafted.
• Sample a selection of traditional wines and local delicacies at a family-owned winery.

You’ll journey to the southern part of the island passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross a huge black lava stream to get to the Timanfaya National Park. At the Visitors Center, you’ll learn about the volcanic phenomenon in Lanzarote. There are various exhibition rooms, each equipped with different interpretative resources. Then, it’s off to Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ash are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for fun demonstrations.

The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat from the earth below. Board the coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. Continue to the valley of La Geria where the famous Malvasia grape is cultivated. Here you’ll be able to taste the wine produced from the grapes that grow in deep holes surrounded by semicircular volcanic stone walls that protect the delicate vines from the strong winds.

Next, stop will at Mancha Blanca Village to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at Los Dolores Restaurant. Then continue to the Mirador del Rio viewpoint, built into the precipice of the Famara Mountains and also designed by Cesar Manrique. From the steep cliffs you’ll appreciate fantastic views (weather permitting) of the small island of La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza. Drive to the northern area of the island known for its volcanic tunnels, product of strong eruptions that have carved caves and passages. The largest lava tunnel called Jameos del Agua is probably the most overwhelming, transformed into a small paradise by local artist Cesar Manrique. You’ll return to the harbor driving through the eastern coast of the island and passing the villages of Guatiza and Mala.

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 make a brief photo stop 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 stabilised.

Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans, and delicate sea anemones.

Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs, and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. After returning to the pier, as you step off the boat, you can pick up your complimentary rum punch.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Rome! Share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site. Professional guide & selfie expert will teach you how to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing, lighting etc. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Your tour will start with a scenic drive from the ship to Rome. Your walking tour will have designated selfie stops at: • Colosseum
• Imperial Forum
• Campidoglio
• Borghese Gardens
• Pinicio Terrace
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Navona Square
• St. Peter’s Square

To make this experience even more fun you will be provided with a selfie stick to help catch the perfect picture. In addition, you will enjoy some free time at Navona Square and end your picture-perfect day with a gelato near St. Peter’s Square.

OVERVIEW

Take an introductory drive through easy-going “Gizzy,” where a surf beach and a bottle of locally-made wine are never far from hand. These shores are legendary for their beauty, as you will see driving along the coast and past where the great explorer, Captain James Cook, first landed and met the native Maori people in 1769. Traveling up to the top of Kaiti Hill, you’ll be treated to glorious views of beach-lined Poverty Bay and of the white bluffs sitting across the turquoise water; that’s Young Nick’s Head, the first land sighted by Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it. As your coach hugs the shoreline, Wainui and Okitu appear, two showy surfing beaches known for their impressive rollers – and the photogenic sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve. A few miles further out, the scenery changes dramatically as you come into Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Enjoy the views as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards and award-winning vineyards, and see lush green fields dotted with fluffy sheep and quaint farmhouses. Back in the city, you’ll spin down tree-lined Gladstone Road, where the city shops, dines and people-watches. Hop off here if you’d like to solo-explore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory coach tour of Gisborne, a laid-back East Cape town that knows how to enjoy life.
• Pass gnarly surfing beaches, impressive dunes, New Zealand’s largest Maori meeting house, and Captain Cook’s 1769 landing spot.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head and your ship from atop Kaiti Hill.
• Travel outside the city to where the vineyards and orchards flourish, and contented sheep graze.
• Hop off for independent exploring along the café-lined Gladstone Road or stay aboard back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Drive through Nuuk, the world’s smallest capital, and trace the town’s history through its marquee attractions. Nuuk means “headland,” a reference to its location at the tip of a peninsula at the mouth of an extensive fjord system. Missionary Hans Egede founded the city in 1728, although Inuits, Vikings and various other groups had lived there on and off for about 4,000 years. The route that you will follow passes landmarks that include the Parliament, the University of Greenland and Katuaq, a cultural venue whose modern design was inspired by the magical play of light on the ice and snow. The National Museum occupies several buildings around the colonial harbor, where a statue of Egede overlooks the sea. Other prominent historical buildings include Nuuk Cathedral. You will also drive through Nuuk’s neighboring suburbs, which include Nuussuaq and the more contemporary Qinngorput district. Regardless of where you travel, craggy mountains provide a majestic backdrop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a panoramic drive through the diminutive capital of Nuuk.
• Gain insight into Nuuk’s history while passing landmarks such as Katuaq Greenland Cultural Center.
• Drive through the residential suburbs for a look at local life.

HELPFUL HINTS

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