EXCURSIONS À TERRE

OVERVIEW

Acquire an enlightening overview of Vancouver by viewing its most alluring attractions and then exploring on your own. Although large and metropolitan, Vancouver has still retained much of its natural beauty in urban oases such as Stanley Park. After pausing there to admire a display of First Nation totem poles and take in the serenity, you will enjoy an entirely different ambiance in bustling Chinatown. Exotic open-air markets, heritage buildings and pagoda-topped telephone booths are staples in this ethnic neighborhood, which dates back to 1890 when Chinese immigrants settled in what was then known as Shanghai Alley. Another historical perspective awaits you in Gastown, an area that developed in the early 1870s. The neighborhood is named for settler “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a saloon owner who was considered full of hot air because he spun tall tales. The cobbled streets of Gastown are now lined with upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain an overall understanding of Vancouver by driving around its downtown.
• Enjoy the tranquility of Stanley Park, North America’s third-largest urban park
• Visit vibrant Chinatown, Vancouver’s most established ethnic community.
• Walk through Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and one of the trendiest

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

OVERVIEW

Discover Vancouver at your own pace aboard a convenient hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus. With multiple stops across the city—including Stanley Park, Gastown, Granville Island, and Robson Street. This flexible sightseeing experience lets you explore top attractions, shop, and capture iconic views throughout the day. Commentary in multiple languages enhances your journey as you travel between Vancouver’s vibrant neighborhoods. At the end of your day, Hop-Off at the closest stop to the Canada Place Cruise Terminal and re-board your ship. This flexible tour offers ample opportunity to sightsee, shop and photograph Vancouver’s best spots.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Frequent departures every 20–30 minutes from Canada Place from 9AM – 5PM.
• Recorded onboard commentary in multiple languages including English, Spanish and German
• Access to iconic destinations such as Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street and Granville Island
• Enhanced experience with onboard Wi-Fi and downloadable self-guided walking tours

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes

Enjoy a visit to the colonial city of Antigua, founded by Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the charming cobblestone streets to visit the Central Plaza, the cathedral, Colonial Museum at the Jade Museum. Lunch is included at a typical Guatemalan restaurant. On the return drive to your ship, enjoy the scenery and great views of the Agua and Fuego (Water and Fire) volcanoes.

OVERVIEW

Join this scenic tour of Vancouver and discover the famous Granville Island Public Market for free time at your leisure. Departing the cruise pier, you’ll head into the heart of downtown, a bustling urban environment surrounded by water and mountains. This tour will pass by the popular Gastown District, home to the antique-style Gastown Steam Clock that whistles to tell the time. You will also pass by Vancouver’s vibrant and historic Chinatown, the second largest in North America, before arriving at Stanley Park. Stanley Park is where the locals come to relax and play and considered one of Canada’s most beautiful national historic sites and home to old growth trees plus a spectacular display of First Nation Totem Poles. You’ll have some free time to discover Stanley Park and take photos of the North Shore Mountain Range rising just outside of the city. Next stop is Granville Island Public Market where you will have free time to find tantalizing food vendors, colorful fruit and vegetable stands plus handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts before concluding your tour at the Vancouver International Airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get a good look at Vancouver’s landmarks on a panoramic drive through downtown.
• Wander the winding paths through Stanley Park, a wonderfully serene urban oasis.
• Browse the abundant shops in the Granville Island Public Market.
• Transfer to the Vancouver International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

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

Sample the highlights of San Diego during this guided excursion. Take a city drive to see the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and downtown San Diego. You'll drive through the magnificent 1200 acre Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Then onto the seaside village of La Jolla, considered the "Jewel of Southern California." Indulge in free time to shop and explore this affluent, hilly seaside resort community featuring boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Last stop is San Diego’s historic Old Town offering the finest in theater, galleries, shops and free, live entertainment.

Board the Alcatraz ferry and sail to the notorious prison that once housed the likes of Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz. During your ferry ride, enjoy a panoramic view of the famous San Francisco skyline. Upon arrival, you'll tour the small jail cells as the audio narration brings you back to days gone by.

You'll return to San Francisco by ferry and board your motorcoach for a journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. After a stop at Vista Point for a fabulous view of the city, it’s a short ride into charming Sausalito. Here, take a stroll and browse some of the specialty shops or galleries.

Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.

This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

Experience the beauty and cultural richness of Baja on this excursion that features both scenic and historic sights. Board your transportation for a picturesque drive through the Baja California desert terrain. Your first stop is at a local glass factory, where you’ll watch artisans at work, learn their time-honored techniques and browse their colorful creations at the gift shop.

Continue on to the Mexican town of San Jose del Cabo and stroll on your own along the charming, tree-lined streets and enjoy the colorful murals and the historic town plaza. You’ll stop at one of the area's renowned restaurants for a complimentary beverage while you take in sweeping panoramic views of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas and El Arco in the distance.

Upon return to the port, visit the heart of Cabo San Lucas and learn about the original settlement and the native flora of the region. You may also request to be dropped off for independent sightseeing. A 10-minute walk returns you to the ship.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Travel along the coastline while you learn about the history and culture of Acapulco. Stop at El Mirador, above La Quebrada to enjoy a drink while admiring the world-famous cliff divers. From a vantage point near Las Brisas Hotel, marvel at the incredible beauty of the panoramic landscape and the bays of Acapulco and Puerto Marques. Continue to the outskirts of town and pass by one of the most impressive hotels in the Acapulco Diamante hotel zone, the Acapulco Princess Hotel, constructed to resemble an Aztec Pyramid.

Boarding your mini-coach at the pier, you'll commence a 40-minute drive to fascinating Panama City. Panama City is located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and is an exciting city with a colorful history. The city today combines a rich collection of both modern and colonial architecture, historical monuments, and tree-shaded boulevards.

Your tour of the city begins by viewing highlights of the part of the city that is referred to as Old Panama, and which was founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila and later destroyed by Captain Henry Morgan. Old Panama City was the first city of the Pacific Coast of the Americas and played a major role in the conquering of South America. In later years, it was the place where gold was sent to Portobelo and then on to Spain.

Following your tour of Old Panama, you will make your way to what is known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. This area of the city was founded in 1673 after the original capital was left in ruins following Captain Henry Morgan's attack two years earlier and features some lovely French and Spanish architecture. Several points of interest in the city are the Cathedral, the National Theater, and Las Bovedas.

Following your tour of Panama City's most notable sights, you will make the return transfer back to Amador and your waiting ship.

Explore the heart and soul of Mazatlan and be amazed by Mexico´s ancient culture and Post-Hispanic era. Your tour will begin by stopping at Vigia Hill for a perfect view of the world’s highest natural Lighthouse, offshore islands and Mazatlan’s scenic coast line. Then, ride through the city’s historic center for a visit to the 19th-century cathedral. Take a short drive to see the famous cliff divers. Next, enjoy a show at the Spectaculare Theatre, the history of Mexico with a semblance of Mayan rituals and their prophecies combined with the most representative folkloric dances. A complimentary drink will be offered at the show venue. After the show, you’ll have some free time to shop in the Golden Zone.