סיורי חוף

Accompany Sir Ludo Shaw Stewart around his extraordinary country estate Ardgowan House and enjoy a stirring bagpipe performance and high tea. Once a solitary watch tower, the estate has evolved into an 18th-century private residence so extraordinary that it has been called “Scotland’s Downton Abbey.” Ludo, as he prefers to be called, will take you around his estate, showing you his favorite rooms and regaling you with stories of the property’s unparalleled history. He will then host a high tea for you in one of the estate’s 76 rooms, each one handsomely decorated with period furnishings. During tea, Ludo will describe the importance of bagpipes to the Scottish culture, although the musical instrument originated elsewhere. You will also be treated to an exclusive bagpipe workshop and performance. As the haunting melodies fill the room, you will feel as if you were transported into the distant past, a time when Ardgowan House first lorded over the countryside.

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.

Following your Iguazu Falls adventure, you will fly back to Buenos Aires and transfer to your NCL designated hotel. Guests who depart from Buenos Aires on the day of the tour cannot participate as they will not make it on time to connect with any international fight. This is an overnight tour and hotel is not included. Fly to a national park on the border of Argentina and Brazil and behold the staggering power and beauty of Iguazú Falls by walking along trails and cat walks that give you extraordinary views of this amazing natural wonder. After departing from the pier, you will transfer to the airport in Buenos Aires and fly directly to Iguazu, which lies inland near Iguazú National Park. The falls were discovered in 1541 by Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca and established in 1984 as a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Situated in Iguazú National Park, the falls are shared by both Brazil and Argentina. The massive cascade is made up of 275 separate waterfalls that thunder down sheer cliffs in a majestic display of nature’s power. The falls are nearly twice as high and three times as wide as Niagara Falls, a fact not lost on Eleanor Roosevelt who reportedly said, “Poor Niagara,” when she beheld roaring Iguazu. You will observe this staggeringly beautiful, natural phenomenon by walking a path either above or below the falls. Both trails are extraordinary in their own way. The surrounding rainforest is equally impressive, as it is home to about 2,000 plant species and 400 bird species, including toucans, parrots and peregrine falcons.

Discover the many faces of Salvador da Bahia during your morning excursion. Get a glimpse of the city’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage. During the tour you will get to see the historic part as well as the modern section, even the Bahian subway, a contrast between the new and the old.

From the ship, a short drive will take you to the Farol da Barra for a brief stop. Then proceed directly to Municipal Square, where you can see the Lacerda's Elevator that links the upper and lower city and also take a overview of Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay). From there, we start our walking tour through the Historical Center, arriving at "Terreiro de Jesus Square", to visit two of Salvador's most important churches.

Facing Terreiro de Jesus Square is the Baroque Cathedral. It was formerly the chapel of the largest Jesuit seminary outside Rome. The plain exterior masks one of the most beautiful churches in the city. The stunning interior includes a paneled ceiling of carved and glided wood which gives the church a light airy feel, contrasting sharply to the overwrought Rococo altar and side chapels.

At the end of the recently renovated square stands the Church of São Francisco. The opulent interior features cedar woodcarvings, covered in gold leaf that took 28 years to complete. Also note the beautiful white and blue tiled walls and the spectacular painted ceiling.

The Pelourinho District is one of the oldest areas in town; you will stroll throughout its narrow cobbled streets lined with old buildings which now house art galleries, jewelry and souvenir shops. The “Largo do Pelourinho” is a colonial square and pillory, where slaves and prisoners were punished in full view of the approving gentry.

Back to coach, we will pass by the Dique do Tororó, where we can see the the "Orixás Sculptures", by the bahian artist Tati Moreno, to reach the Barra district where is located the "Farol da Barra" (Lighthouse) at the fortress of San Antonio, built to protect the Portugueses colonists from Dutch invaders; we will stop only for historical information, no disembark.

Driving by coastline passing by the most beautiful beaches of Salvador to reach the Restaurant Rincão Gaúcho. Stop for lunch.

Following lunch, your drive will take you via the modern part of the city and stop will be made at the Mercado Modelo to disembark those who are interested in browsing through stalls displaying an extensive selection of traditional Bahian handicrafts.

The return to the pier will be on foot as you please.

OVERVIEW
Enjoy the amenities of a private island in luxury by relaxing in a cabana on the ocean and snorkeling the coral reef just off shore. Following a short ferry ride to uninhabited Pearl Island, you will settle into your own oceanfront thatched-roof cabana. Inside this open-air oasis, you will find everything necessary to unwind and enjoy the tropical setting. Each cabana comes with padded loungers for stretching out, convenient side tables and a beverage cooler. A waiter will be standing by to serve your hearty Bahamian lunch and bring most anything else you might need. You never have to lift a finger the entire time you spend on the island, unless you wish to. Snorkeling gear is included and the coral reef is only 50 feet off the coast, making it easy to observe the marine life teeming below the water’s surface. You could also try the other watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride the ferry the Pearl Island, the closest private island to Nassau.
• While away the hours in a VIP oceanfront cabana, doing whatever you please.
• Enjoy attentive waiter service, as lunch and beverages (one cocktail pp is included) will be served in your cabana.
• Observe the abundant marine life by snorkeling the coral reef just 50 feet off shore.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After departing from the pier in a sleek 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.

OVERVIEW
Inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay is designed to perfectly fuse relaxing island chill with exhilarating fun for the entire family. The luxe water park is directly adjacent to Baha Mar and set on 15 lush beachfront acres. With an array of spectacular experiences and tantalizing cuisine, however you like to play in the sun, it awaits you at Baha Bay. Baha Bay offers over 30 attractions; an array of elevated food and beverage options and an exclusive open air casino gaming pavilion. For adventure seekers, there is the adrenaline rush of our one-of-a-kind dueling water coaster and our state-of-the-art FlowCurl™ surf simulator; along with our family raft rides and speed slides, guaranteed to provide you with the thrill of a lifetime. If chill is more your speed, you can exhale and enjoy the island breeze as you ride The River current through Baha Bay’s lush tropical foliage or wade out in the water and ride the tides in our 500,00-gallon wave pool. Younger guests can splash, slide and play all day on slides that are just their size at Kid’s Island.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend hours enjoying the world-class attractions and amenities at Baha Bay Waterpark.
• Enjoy a collection of exhilarating rides
• One (1) lunch per guest is included
• Complimentary seating throughout Baha Bay
• Ride the Caribbean’s only uphill water coaster and hang ten on the surf simulator
• Dine, shop and try your luck in the outdoor casino
• Towel is included

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Beach access is included, with available chairs and umbrellas
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes
• Baha Bay is a cashless venue. All major credit & debit cards are accepted
• Baha Bay is wheelchair accessible throughout the park with ramps and accessible restrooms and eateries

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland through the inspiring Croatian countryside to Sibenik, a fortified town founded in the 9th century. Walking through the Old Town, you will see attractions such as the Gothic-style St. Francis Church, lovely Sibenik Theater, and the Duke’s Palace, which has been converted into a museum.

Still, St. Jacob’s Cathedral remains Sibenik’s highlight. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral was built entirely of stone under the direction of three architects. Construction took more than 100 years, and the result is a magnificent blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Next, you will visit Trogir, the entire city-island being a UNESCO site. Protected by medieval walls, Trogir has retained its original layout from the Hellenistic period and is a remarkable example of urban continuity. You can’t help but be awed by the outstanding examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture found along the winding stone streets.

Back in Split, you will enjoy a traditional Dalmatian lunch before exploring Old Town and yet another UNESCO gem: the Palace of Diocletian. Built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement, the palace is a sprawling complex of temples, cathedrals and residences facing the sea and is absolutely spectacular. Following your visit, you will return to the pier.

Discover the fascinating world of whales by watching them off Iceland's northern coast and then visiting a unique whale museum. A stop at a legendary waterfall rounds out this tour.

Starting off from the pier, you'll first drive through northern Iceland's lush valleys to Husavik, the first Icelandic town to offer whale-watching cruises. It was a natural fit as the nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay attract a diversity of species that include the Humpback, Minke and Orca.

Upon arriving in Husavik, you'll board a boat ideally designed for viewing marine life and cruise into the bay to look for whales feeding on krill, plankton and small fish. During the three hours aboard, you may see Humpbacks raising their uniquely patterned flukes above the surface before diving, slender Sei Whales spouting through their blowholes, or massive Blue Whales gorging, as they typically consume an astounding four tons of tiny krill daily. It's also likely that you will spot some other marine life, such as playful harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins.

Following this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the award winning Husavik Whale Museum. Here, you will have an excellent opportunity to learn even more about cetacean behavior.

Continuing on, you'll make your way to thundering Godafoss, an Icelandic word meaning "Waterfall of the Gods." The name refers to an event that supposedly occurred 1,000 years ago when an Icelandic chieftain threw statues of the Norse gods into the water to symbolically demonstrate Iceland's conversion to Christianity. Whether the legend is true or not, it's quite a sight to behold the Skjalfandafljot River cascade over the horseshoe-shaped cliff and plummet into the roiling tempest below. Afterwards, you'll transfer back to the pier where your tour concludes.

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.

Later, you will walk through a ravine where you can observe fossils from the Cenozoic Era, estimated to be at least 30 million years old. Lunch at the lodge follows, after which you will return to the pier.

Enjoy a leisurely drive across Spain’s gorgeous Costa del Sol to Gibraltar, where you will delve into its history, see unusual landmarks and meander about at will during free time.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a wonderfully scenic, relaxing drive across southern Spain and on to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. Once across the border, you will board a smaller vehicle that is ideal for negotiating the narrow streets.

You will then pass through the former Genoese fishing village of Catalan Bay on the way to Europa Point, Gibraltar’s southernmost tip. Its lighthouse was constructed in 1841 and it continues to be a familiar landmark, as the strait is one of the world’s busiest waterways. You can expect spectacular views, and if it is a clear day you can spot Africa in the distance.

Another highlight will be St. Michael’s Cave, which was believed to be bottomless in Roman times. As you stroll the cavernous interior, you will see eerily illuminated rock formations and learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period.

You will also pause at the Moorish Castle, parts of which date to the 11th century. Other parts have been converted into stylish residences. Still, Gibraltar’s most famous residents are the free-roaming Barbary Apes often spotted on the rocks and in the lower town. You may see the tailless primates up close while shopping during free time before returning to Malaga.

Note: Note: Transfer time is approximately two hours each way; time on your own is approximately 1¾ hours (depending on traffic and border crossing). Please bring your passport. Depending on your nationality, make certain that you have any visas that may be required for you to enter Gibraltar.

As this excursion involves walking over uneven ground, and approximately 120 steps; therefore, it is not recommended for our more agile guests and physically fit guests and not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing and comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with tread. The duration of this excursion may vary. The visit inside the caves is not guided; guests will have to follow the signs and instructions.

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.