OVERVIEW

Experience the Old World beauty and charm of the Seychelles during an orientation tour of picturesque La Digue. Enjoy a scenic drive to L’Union Estate, where you’ll gain insight into La Digue’s history at the estate’s old Creole house and coconut factory, and delight in daily life characterized by a decidedly relaxed pace punctuated by bicycles. Continue to La Digue’s beaches, considered to be among the world’s finest, including nearby Anse Source D’Argent, which has been called a bather’s and photographer’s dream. You’ll thrill to the soft white sands and dramatic granite boulders that have long enchanted visitors to the island. Keep a sharp lookout for the resident avian wonders, as you might catch sight of a Seychelles paradise flycatcher, a rare bird endemic to these islands that sports glossy black plumage with elongated tail feathers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit intriguing L’Union Estate and see a coconut factory, a traditional Creole house and oxcarts that evoke the island’s colonial past.
• Appreciate La Digue’s white-sand beaches, recognized as some of the world’s most stunning.
• Search for one of the island’s splendid endemic birds, the exotic Seychelles paradise flycatcher.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Discover the magic of the Seychelles during this captivating visit to its mesmerizing underwater realm. After embarking on your catamaran, depart the pier for a delightful cruise over coral reefs to lush Moyenne Island. Upon arrival, you’ll receive safety instructions and snorkeling equipment, then begin exploring the island’s fascinating aquatic ecosystem, glimpsing tropical species that include scorpion, parrot and butterfly fish, as well as red gorgonian coral fans. After your snorkeling adventure, transfer from your catamaran to a semi-submarine viewer featuring a window through which you can behold the abundant marine life and, with the assistance of a helpful guide, thrill to hand-feeding the fish who call these warm waters home. You’ll surely cherish your immersion into the undersea world of the idyllic Seychelles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board a catamaran for a relaxing cruise to verdant Moyenne Island.
• Receive snorkeling gear and safety information from a knowledgeable guide.
• Swim past living corals and myriad species of colorful fish such as parrot and butterfly fish.
• Observe the glorious underwater panorama from the comfort of a semi-submersible viewer.
• Hand-feed the fish with assistance from a helpful expert.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover highlights of beguiling Mossel Bay and explore a museum complex dedicated to the first European to land in South Africa. Enjoy an enlightening drive around Mossel Bay, a beach-blessed city in the shadow of the Outeniqua Mountains that was named by a Dutch explorer in 1601, when he found a huge collection of mussel shells in a nearby cave. As you travel along the town’s charming streets, you’ll learn that South Africa’s first post office was established here centuries ago after sailors began leaving letters in the cleft of a milkwood tree so that other sailors could deliver them on their journeys. See that revered, 500-year-old tree, now a National Monument, standing near the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, which is named for a Portuguese navigator who was the first European to set foot in South Africa in his search for a spice route to the Far East. During your time at the complex, perhaps you’ll visit the absorbing Shell Museum or the Maritime Museum, where a replica of Dias’ ship is on exhibit, along with early maps and navigation instruments. Experience the compelling sites and seafaring history of enchanting Mossel Bay on this captivating excursion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Acquaint yourself with seaside Mossel Bay on a coach tour of its intriguing highlights.
• Gaze at a 500-year-old tree, declared a National Monument for its use by sailors in times past as an ad hoc mailbox.
• Find the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, named after the first European to arrive in South Africa.
• Wander the appealing museum complex, perhaps visiting the Maritime Museum or the Shell Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Explore Swakopmund’s colonial past during this orientation tour that includes a visit to the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Journey along the scenic coast to the mouth of the Swakop River and find Swakopmund, an enchanting seaside resort that resembles a Bavarian village. You’ll see the town’s colonial past reflected in the early 19th-century art nouveau architecture found on many appealing buildings that have been declared national monuments. Discover the neo-Baroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church and the elegant historic Railway Station, which is now the Swakopmund Hotel’s reception area. After passing the town’s historic jetty. Explore the Kristall Gallery, which displays crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and appreciate free time at the Brauhaus Gallery, a town center shopping arcade.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Uncover early 19th-century art nouveau architecture in Swakopmund, a seaside resort town that evokes a Bavarian village.
• See the lovely neo-Baroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church and the ornate former Railway Station.
• View the town’s beloved jetty and the Karakulia Weavers, where sheep wool is made into rugs and wall hangings.
• Study crystals up to 14 tons at the Kristall Gallery and browse the shops in the Brauhaus Gallery.
• Observe the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains, recognized internationally for its environmental importance.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit two notable landmarks, Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada.

It's a 45-minute drive inland to the Moorish city of Granada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you travel down a modern highway that was once ancient Arab pathways, you will enjoy wonderful views of both the Alpujarras Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, as well as groves of olive and fruit trees. Upon arrival, your first stop will be in the Albaicin quarter. This is the old Arab quarter and was the residential region of the Moors, even after the city was reclaimed by Spain. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Fortunately it has been preserved, as have its cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate. From a viewpoint here, you'll be able to capture photos of the renowned Alhambra Palace.

Continuing on, you will drive to Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada which is located next door. The close relationship between both gives rise to a curious formal detail seen in the ambulatory that surrounds the circular gallery. The Capilla Real's gothic gateway becomes just another part of the Cathedral's walls, as if it were in reality one of the other many chapels when, in fact it represents the entrance to another building. In the Royal Chapel here, the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are kept. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not Castile or Aragón. The coffins are remarkably tiny-a reminder of how short they must have been. In the sacristy you can view Isabella's personal art collection, including works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, such as Botticelli.

Next, you will make the short walk to the richly ornate Renaissance Cathedral. With its spectacular altar, it is considered one of Spain's architectural highlights and is renowned for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1521 in a gothic style, and came to completion in 1714 as an example of Baroque architecture. Another outstanding feature is the facade by Alonso Cano, a truly marvelous example of Baroque interiors, culminating in the bell tower which holds more than a secret within. The ground plan incorporated a five-nave basilica and another in the center to be surrounded by an enormous aisle, in which a high altar would be inserted. This design led Rosenthal to believe that the model was based on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Following your Cathedral visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.

OVERVIEW

Take in the landmarks of Port Elizabeth from the comfort of your coach, leaving you with a wonderful impression of South Africa’s beloved Friendly City. At the entrance to the harbor, note the soaring Campanile, which was erected in 1923 and holds a carillon of 23 bells in honor of the area’s first British settlers. Continuing along the scenic shore, you’ll pass the lovely suburb of Summerstrand stop at Shark Rock Pier to take in panoramic views of the city. Pausing for photos whenever possible, see the beautiful Victorian Gothic Main Library, the Feather Market, constructed during the ostrich feather boom, and Dias Cross, a tribute to Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who erected a cross nearby after discovering Algoa Bay in 1488. At the Donkin Reserve you’ll observe a stone pyramid dedicated to Elizabeth Donkin, after whom the city was named in the 1820s. Admire well-preserved Fort Frederick and various sporting venues, including St George’s Park Cricket Ground, South Africa’s oldest bowling green, and the more modern Nelson Mandela Stadium, all testament to Port Elizabeth’s dynamic role in South Africa’s history.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get acquainted with the Friendly City, affectionate nickname for Port Elizabeth, on a relaxing panoramic tour.
• Pause for memorable photos at several captivating points along the way, conditions permitting.
• Behold the towering 1923 Campanile, which houses a carillon and commemorates the area’s earliest British settlers.
• View numerous intriguing landmarks including the Victorian Gothic Main Library and the stately Feather Market.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Visit a vanilla plantation and explore a stunning cirque on this fascinating tour that includes lunch and free time for shopping. Take a picturesque drive to Saint-Denis, the economic and political center of Réunion Island, and notice eye-catching colonial mansions and buildings that date back to the time of the East India Trading Company during the 18th century.

Driving through the Sainte-Marie region, you’ll view sugar cane fields, lush greenery and, further east, vibrantly hued Indian temples. At a fragrant vanilla plantation, relish a guided tour and informative demonstration of how the plant’s aromatic oil is produced. Continuing to the Cirque of Salazie, thrill to a route through the natural amphitheater that passes countless cascading waterfalls, verdant gardens and colorful flowers while you ascend to approximately 3,300 feet. You’ll capture amazing photos during a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then enter the town of Hell-Bourg, named for a respected former admiral and island governor.

Take a walking tour past the village’s enchanting Creole houses and enjoy time on your own to shop before savoring a traditional lunch, a wonderful conclusion to your delightful exploration.

Stroll through a bustling market taking note of the ingredients and then join a chef who will show you how to prepare paella from scratch, an iconic dish that will be your lunch. The items at the Central Market are locally sourced, so they truly represent the ingredients found in the regional cuisine. After meandering through the stalls, interacting with the vendors and sampling some of the delicacies, you will walk to a nearby restaurant for a paella workshop. The chef will show you step by step how to prepare authentic paella Alicante-style. You will have seen many of the ingredients in the market, which will make the preparation all the more relevant. Although the city of Valencia just to the north is known as the birthplace of paella, the version made in Alicante is much the same. Feel free to ask questions as the chef prepares the meal, which you will dine on afterwards.

Explore the west coast of Tenerife, a gorgeous landscape of remote villages and banana plantations. Have privilege views over the fertile Orotava valley from the Humbold viewpoint. Over time, sugarcane, grapes and bananas became the dominant crops, and they are still harvested using traditional techniques. Understand how the crops are cultivated visiting an old hacienda where you can learn firsthand how bananas are grown, a tour in an authentic banana plantation where you can see different varieties of bananas and learn the process before sampling the locally grown bananas and banana liqueur. On the way back to pier, visit an ancient garden hosting the largest orchid collection on the Island and stop at La Garañona Viewpoint, local´s favorite spot to take in the beauty of the sea and surrounding.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain an understanding of how crops are harvested using traditional methods.
• Learn firsthand how bananas are grown and see different varieties in an authentic plantation.
• Visit an ancient garden hosting the largest orchid collection on the Island .
• Sample several varieties of bananas and banana liqueur, which attest to the fruit’s diversity.

Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Discover the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Gran Canaria and its colorful towns. Drive to one of the most important agricultural centers, Arucas, known as the banana capital of the island. Here you’ll visit a Banana Plantation and learn everything about this important and typical crop of Canary Island. You will also have the chance to taste one together with some local specialities! Next you will visit Jardin de la Marquesa. It originated as a small garden surrounding the summer residence of the marquis of Arucas and expanded to the lush gardens you’ll find today. This botanical garden has hundreds of species of tropical and subtropical flora. Flower lined lanes and ponds enhance the beauty of this place, where you may also encounter wandering peacocks. Taste a banana liquor at the Gardens, before rejoining the bus and head to the picturesque village of Teror, where colonial buildings grace the town's boulevard. Enjoy a walking tour and some free time before the drive back to pier.

פחות

OVERVIEW

Venture to an extinct volcano, a Hindu pilgrimage site, a magnificent waterfall and colorful natural bands of earth on this enchanting excursion. Travel from the center of Curepipe, known as The City of Light, to the rim of Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater where you’ll stop for photos of the island and its towering mountain ranges. You’ll continue to Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao, a sacred lake and Hindu pilgrimage location, and enjoy a visit to a temple dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. Learn that many pilgrims walk barefoot to the lake, which is believed to contain water from the holy Ganges of India. You’ll make your way through the forest reserve of Plaine Champagne, stopping at a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Black River Gorges. After passing through thick Chinese Guava groves, discover the oft-photographed Chamarel Falls and the nearby Colored Earths, exposed earth crust that appears in seven colors due to the cooling of molten rock estimated to be millions of years old. Snap inspiring photos of Morne Mountain and Benitiers Island before concluding your exploration by driving past quaint fishing villages and the beguiling Black River salt pans.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at expansive island and mountain views from the rim of the extinct Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater.
• Experience Grand Bassin, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site honoring Shiva.
• Applaud Mother Nature’s grandeur at picturesque Chamarel Falls.
• Stand in wonder at Colored Earths, a multi-hued display of age-old molten earth crust.
• Capture marvelous photos of Morne Mountain and Benitiers Island from a perfect viewpoint.
• Take in charming fishing villages and the renowned salt pans of the Black River.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Relax on a lovely drive through Victoria, one the world’s smallest capital cities yet possessed of a great deal of history and charm. You’ll pass captivating sites such as the National Library, the Creole-style old courthouse now converted into a restaurant/cafe, the National Museum and numerous other colonial-era buildings. Discover a silver clock tower erected in 1903 to celebrate the Seychelles becoming an English colony and find it’s a replica of the Vauxhall Clock Tower, located outside London’s VictoExult in Victoria’s enthralling landmarks during this enjoyable tour of the city, botanical gardens and Mission Lodge. ria Station. You’ll appreciate Victoria’s wooden houses, which feature colorful corrugated tin roofs and wrought-iron balconies. Visit the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and spot giant Aldabra land tortoises, fruit bats and more than 200 species of indigenous flora, including elephant apple trees, octopus trees and double coconut palms, or coco de mer. Enjoy a photo stop at an ideally placed lookout offering wonderful panoramic vistas of Victoria, its port and yacht basin. Conclude your excursion at Mission Lodge, the ruins of a school for children of freed slaves, where you’ll walk among the endemic trees and revel in splendid views of Mahé’s marvelous coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in enchanting Victoria’s colonial-era buildings, such as the Creole-style old courthouse and the National Museum.
• Gaze at a silver clock tower modelled after the Vauxhall Clock Tower at London’s Victoria Station.
• Admire wooden houses with multi-hued tin roofs and sculptural wrought-iron balconies.
• Roam the National Botanical Gardens to survey giant tortoises and indigenous flora, including the unique double coconut palm.
• Capture stunning photos at a well-placed viewpoint and at Mission Lodge, once a school for children of emancipated slaves.

HELPFUL HINTS

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