OVERVIEW

Cruise the pristine waters off Sitka in search of marine life such as sea otters while listening to a naturalist elaborate on the most intriguing characteristics of the species. You may settle into a comfortable seat in the boat’s main cabin or remain topside on the observation deck. Either way, you will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea. As you scan the waters for marine life, the naturalist will describe how humpback whales feed here in the summer and how animals such as sea otters now thrive. The animals were nearly extinct due to aggressive fur hunting in the early 1800s, and their comeback is a wonderful success story. Other creatures commonly spotted include sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals and a huge variety of seabirds. Puffins are particularly easy to identify because of their bright orange beaks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scan the waters off Sitka for marine life such as whales and sea otters.
• Look along the shore for brown bears and skyward for bald eagles.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the animals’ unusual habits and habitats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

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 colorful 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 center 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.

Snorkel a coral reef off Mystery Island, an ecologically protected area that is teeming with marine life. Chances are, you will have the reef pretty much to yourself as the island is uninhabited. In other words, it’s a tropical paradise where the natural world reigns supreme. While snorkeling the reef that lies just offshore, you can expect to see all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish, bizarrely shaped coral and perhaps a sea turtle or two.

A guide will snorkel along with you to point out the more interesting marine species such as parrotfish. These neon-colored fish usually swim in schools and have the unique ability to change their color and even gender over their lifetime. You may also spot teeny, orange-and-white striped clown fish taking refuge in the tentacles of sea anemones. The gentle current around the reef will eventually nudge you toward the shore, allowing you to drift snorkel without expending much energy.

OVERVIEW

Maximize your time in two characteristic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore by independently exploring the attractions that sound most intriguing to you. Founded in 1811, the village of Peggy’s Cove originally thrived on fishing and has evolved into a beautifully rustic artist’s community. While there, you might browse the art galleries and admire the classic red-and-white lighthouse that marks the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. Lunenburg is renowned for being North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, the reason UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site. As you stroll the historical streets, be sure to notice the rectangular grid layout, which was drawn up in England.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours of free time independently exploring two classic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore.
• Meander about Peggy’s Cove, an extraordinarily artistic community known for its classic lighthouse.
• Explore the continent’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in Lunenburg.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Watch a fascinating woodworking demonstration in Sorrento and wander through the ruins of Pompeii, which reveal ancient life in a surprisingly candid way. The craftsmen will demonstrate the art of intarsia or wood inlay, which has long been associated with Sorrento. During free time that follows you might browse the boutiques and dine on your own. If you stop for lunch, be sure try a glass of chilled Limoncello, a sweet lemon-flavored liquor that has been produced locally for more than a century. You will then head to Pompeii, a Roman town forever known for the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried it under ash and pumice in 79 AD. After watching artisans hand-carve classic cameos, you will meander through the excavated ruins. The buildings are largely intact, frescoes adorn the villas and everyday objects are scattered about, just as they were when the volcano erupted. Expect to see ancient baths, temples and residences with intricate mosaic floors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch woodworkers demonstrate the art of intarsia or wood inlay, a specialty in Sorrento.
• Browse Sorrento’s museums and boutiques or dine on your own during free time.
• See the artistry behind the making of traditional cameos in Pompeii.
• Walk through the ruins of Pompeii for an eye-opening look into ancient life.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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
• 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 cappuccino near St. Peter’s Square.

OVERVIEW

Watch Alaska’s lumberjacks battle British Columbia’s premier woodsmen in an axe-wielding, chainsaw-cutting competition to determine who will claim the title “Bull of the Woods.” You will see the mighty lumberjacks test their prodigious strength and agility in more than a dozen events that include chopping, sawing, speed climbing and log rolling. The entertaining events recognize Alaska’s rich logging history, and these world-class athletes do justice to that proud past. Many of them have competed in these sorts of lumberjack events on ESPN, so you can imagine the level of their skills. The competitors encourage rowdy crowds, so feel free to cheer as loudly as you want for the next Paul Bunyan to be.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch lumberjacks go head-to-head in a fun-filled competition.
• See highly entertaining events like pole climbing and log rolling.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Travelling through Jamaica's beautiful countryside, you'll drive past some historic sites and districts on the way to Dunn's River Falls. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, the waterfall continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. Experience the thrill of climbing the waterfall, in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause at the 'massage parlour' and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades over the rocks, to the sea.

For the less adventurous, view the activities of the more intrepid from the "safe" vantage point of the terrace or deck. For those who enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts, lose yourself in the lush tropical foliage of ferns, bamboos, ginger lilies, crotons, orchids, a variety of palms and breadfruit trees. After visiting the falls, you will be treated to a delicious Jamaican buffet lunch, served in the beautiful garden setting of the Ruins Restaurant before the return drive to Montego Bay. A sample of the buffet menu which is subject to change may include jerk chicken, jerk pork, curried chicken, escoveitched fish/fish in batter, sweet & sour chicken, hot & spicy wings and various side dishes.

OVERVIEW

Admire the natural beauty surrounding the Bay of Fundy by visiting a coastal park full of hiking trails, lookouts, and historical buildings. Stop in St. Martins, a seaside village known for its twin covered bridges, which you will view from a vantage point that allows you to capture both spans in one spectacular shot. Travel the winding Fundy Trail Parkway, passing forest lookouts, beautiful beaches, and the spectacular Bay of Fundy. At the Big Salmon Interpretive Centre. Watch an enlightening video about the park’s history and the modest lodge that newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst built nearby. During free time, you might meander the hiking paths, cross the suspension footbridge over the Salmon River, and explore the replica sawmill. The bay’s rising tides have also created sea caves in the red sandstone, which you will see. While totally submerged during high tide, the caves are easy to reach at low tide and make for a memorable photo any time. You will also enjoy lunch at a restaurant that overlooks the caves, before returning to Saint John.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an immensely scenic coastal drive to St. Martins, a village settled in 1783.
• Pause to photograph the village’s two covered bridges.
• Drive the Fundy Trail Parkway, which meanders through forests and along pristine beaches.
• Hike a nature trail and browse the exhibits at an interpretive centre.
• Behold the power of the sea by visiting caves that the waves have carved out of sandstone cliffs.
• Enjoy lunch at a restaurant that overlooks the sea caves.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Visit the site of the first Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history. Then head to the beach and spend the rest of the day basking in the sun and swimming in the warm, sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea. Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you can’t help but to envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place.

The famous stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seated on the marble benches, as the athletes took their marks. Reboard your coach and head to the beach to bask in the sun and swim in the sparkling Ionian Sea. Enjoy use of a sun bed and umbrella at the main beach, as well as a complimentary refreshment. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

For something truly different this is a perfect choice - cruise into the notorious Bermuda Triangle! As the stars shine brightly overhead, your Captain’s lively commentary will amuse you, as you barely notice the boat slipping into complete darkness. Watch in wonder through the glass bottom as the boat's underwater lights illuminate the depths for you.

Your knowledgeable crew will explain the mysterious civilizations of coral and fish that appear beneath, while you enjoy Bermuda’s “night life” from a completely different point of view. A complimentary rum swizzle or complimentary soft drink and cash bar available on return trip.

Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia with its wrought-iron street lamps and fine array of Modernist buildings, including Gaudi’s Casa Mila, with its arches and spiral chimneys. It is known locally as “the stone quarry,” because of its wavy facade of rough stone. Originally designed as an apartment building, it now houses a cultural center. Stop for a photo of Gaudi’s controversial and towering masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) Church. Begun in 1883, it is still unfinished. A panoramic drive takes you through the memorial Arch of Triumph and Ciutadella Park, home to State of Catalona’s parliament, museums and a monumental fountain designed by a student of Gaudi. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the Olympic Stadium from the top of Montjuic. Last but not least, stroll at your leisure the narrow streets and handsome squares of the old Quarter, lined with medieval buildings contemporary shops, bohemian artist workshops and cool bars and restaurants.