SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Sail along the island’s beach-blessed eastern shore, taking in the magnificent scenery and stopping along the way to swim and snorkel. One of the most beautiful stretches of sand is Kalithea Beach, which earned a Blue Flag eco-designation for the high quality of its water and strict environmental preservation. Because the sea is so clear there, snorkeling is particularly popular. Schools of porgies, brightly colored wrasses and damsel fish are commonly spotted along the rocky bottom just offshore. You will also visit a beach farther south that is so gorgeous that Anthony Quinn purchased it after filming “The Guns of Navarone” in the area in 1960. Named for the actor ever since, the beach offers excellent snorkeling and swimming as the waters are remarkably transparent. The smallish cove that shelters the beach couldn’t be more photogenic. Following your beach activities, you will enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in a lovely setting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous coastal scenery as you sail along the eastern shore of Rhodes.
• Swim and snorkel at Kalithea, a Blue Flag beach known for its excellent water quality.
• Relax on a spectacularly beautiful beach that actor Anthony Quinn once owned.

OVERVIEW

Fly to the tiny isle of Grimsey to explore this northernmost inhabited part of Iceland which straddles the Arctic Circle. The flight from Akureyri airport takes just half an hour, but Grimsey might as well be a million miles away. Barely 100 souls reside here, along with the occasional polar bear dropping by from a drifting ice floe. Years ago, Grimsey was larger – but large chunks of it have tumbled into the sea over time and its residents have learned to make do with a diminishing land mass. Subsistence itself can be a challenge as a result, with islanders relying on locally caught seafood, scant imported goods and the most prized of edible island delicacies: bird eggs snatched by brave rappellers who clamber down Grimsey’s sheer sea cliffs during the brief summer. While mentioned in the earliest of Icelandic sagas, this miniscule outpost’s big claim to fame came late in the 19th century when the locals’ exceptional prowess at chess captured the outside world’s attention. Go figure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly to a remote islet sitting astride the Arctic Circle and observe its unique lifestyle firsthand.
• Wander Grimsey’s few streets, encounter its residents and wonder at how they manage to thrive here.
• See the island’s signature lighthouse, a church built from driftwood and raucous colonies of puffins and other seabirds making a home along the cliffs.
• Step across the Arctic Circle yourself, so you can boast about it later to friends at shipboard dinner.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing including a water/wind proof jacket.
• Comfortable, flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Fly high over the Reykjanes Peninsula in a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of the crater-dotted volcanically formed landscape below. As you soar over the peninsula, you will get a good sense of the topography that continuous geothermal activity has shaped. It won’t be long before you are looking down on the Seltún hot springs, whose boiling mud pools and steam vents have stained the soil bright yellow, red and green. The crater lake Grænavatn – which is Icelandic for “green water” – is an even brighter shade. Then, there is the Blue Lagoon, whose geothermally heated seawater is rich in minerals that contribute to its silky blue color. One of the highlights will be touching down at Eldvörp so you can explore the long row of craters and spatter cones where steam continues to rise from fissures in the ground. A series of 13th-century volcanic eruptions known as the Reykjanes Fires formed this otherworldly landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take an exhilarating helicopter ride over the volcanically sculpted Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of volcanic craters and highly active geothermal areas.
• See how hissing steam vents have turned the soil bright colors.
• Pass over a volcanically formed green lake and the geothermally heated Blue Lagoon.
• Touch down at Eldvörp, a bizarre landscape that 13th-century volcanic eruptions formed.

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

OVERVIEW

Fly high over the fertile Hunter Valley in a helicopter for bird’s-eye view of this bucolic setting that is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region. Once you take a seat and the rotors start turning, the thrills will begin in earnest. The R44 helicopter features large windows and seating for only three passengers so you will be assured of an excellent view of the natural beauty below. You will first soar over the coast of Newcastle, where you will look down on the largest ocean baths in the Southern Hemisphere and the ANZAC Memorial Walk, which commemorates the sacrifices of Australia’s soldiers during World War I. As you fly inland, the landscape will change dramatically as agriculture dominates, especially vineyards. Upon landing at one of the valley’s most prestigious cellar-door restaurants, you will sit down to a three-course gourmet lunch. Ask recommendation for paired wines produced in the Hunter Valley to be served to enhance the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over Newcastle in a large-windowed helicopter that holds only three passengers.
• Enjoy the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the city and its naturally beautiful coast.
• Fly above the Hunter Valley, an incredibly fertile wine-producing region.
• Land at a cellar-door restaurant for a gourmet lunch served with Hunter Valley wine.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Cruise along the coast in complete comfort on a yacht that will bring you to the Bayaddah submerged coral reefs, where you can indulge in all sorts of fun in the water. You can spend as much time as you like in the crystal-clear Red Sea and ease back onto the yacht whenever the mood strikes. Take a refreshing swim, wade through the shallows and go kayaking if you are feeling ambitious. The water rises and falls according to the tides, but you can always find an ideal area for the activity you have in mind. The reefs at Bayaddah and throughout the Red Sea have a high tolerance for extreme temperatures and other conditions that damage coral found elsewhere. These healthy reefs are teeming with marine life, especially schools of colorful fish, which you can observe while snorkeling. A light lunch will be provided onboard.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise to the Bayaddah reef north of Jeddah on a sleek, comfortable yacht.
• Do most anything you please in the Red Sea’s crystal-clear water, from swimming to kayaking.
• Snorkel if you wish to see the abundant and extraordinarily colorful marine life.
• Relax on the yacht whenever you’re ready to get out of the water, even for a few minutes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with water shoes.
• Wear sun protection and bring bottled water.
• Waterproof cameras are highly recommended.

Marvel at the glorious temples and tombs of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs, which were ingeniously constructed in Luxor about 3,500 years ago.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing 3 1/2 hour drive inland to Luxor, an ancient city also known as Thebes, situated on the east bank of the fabled Nile River. Your initial stop will be at the Karnak Temple, a collection of buildings dedicated to Pharaoh Amun.

Because the complex was built over a period of 1300 years, under the guidance of multiple pharaohs, it reached an unprecedented size and diversity. The scale is staggering, as you will discover walking the Avenue of the Sphinxes that once stretched two miles. Another highlight is the pink granite obelisk erected during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century B.C.

A leisurely lunch cruise on the Nile follows, after which you will visit the tomb of Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. Although thieves stole almost everything inside, including her sarcophagus, the well-preserved wall paintings are among the most exquisite in Luxor.

Two more tombs await you in the Valley of Kings. The tomb of Pharaoh Seti I is the largest and longest in the valley. While some of its original contents are in museums, its spectacular painted reliefs remain.

Tutankhamun’s tomb is surely the most well known and with good reason. Its discovery in 1922 and the fabulous treasures found inside captured the world’s attention. After visiting King Tut’s tomb, you will enjoy afternoon tea before traveling back to Safaga.

OVERVIEW

When you visit Southeast Alaska and combine the originators of glacier helicopter tours with Alaska’s largest operating dogsled tour company, you get a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll fly over the lush rainforest, deep blue crevasses and glacier carved peaks as your pilots deliver a spectacular flight seeing tour en route to the dogsled camp on Mendenhall Glacier. Here the professional mushers and Alaskan sled dogs will have you driving the team or relaxing in the sled as you take in the awe-inspiring scenery. You'll have time to talk with the mushers about the great 1,000-mile Iditarod race or take pictures with the dogs before your helicopter takes you back to the base. Don’t miss this truly Alaskan experience!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Soar over the pristine wilderness that borders Juneau in a helicopter.
• Land on Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile-long river of ice.
• Help Drive a dogsled along a trail on the glacier.
• Discuss the finer points of dogsledding with professional mushers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly, in layers, in weather-appropriate clothing, gloves and a hat, sturdy and comfortable close-toe shoes.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Spend a sultry day inside the comfort of one of our incredible self-contained retreats that comfortably house up to six guests. Each villa provides a great home base for enjoying your stay on the Cay. Placed on a secluded portion of the island your villa offers a step back in time allowing you the opportunity to build a sandcastle with the kids and for taking a dip in the sea. Rest, relax, enjoy the Caribbean views from your front porch or from the air conditioned interior. Each villa includes private restroom, indoor and outdoor showers, Bluetooth audio, a digital safe, mini refrigerator, beach hammock and your very own Butler and Concierge service. Reserve a luxury beach villa and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a glorious day on Harvest Caye.

The Ocean Villa at Silver Cove is ideal for couples and single families. Situated on its private beach with unobstructed ocean views it is the perfect way to spend a sultry day in the comfort of one of our ultra-modern air-conditioned retreats that comfortably house up to six guests.

Each Villa offers A/C, in villa TV with complimentary on-demand movies, full private restroom, a retractable glass wall providing unobstructed views and access to the beach. To make your day complete we provide you with a beach umbrella and two lounge chairs next to the water’s edge and admission to the upscale Silver Cove buffet. Reserve a villa and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a great day on the Cay.

Escape to our beautiful wheelchair accessible Villa that comfortably house up to 6 guests. Conveniently located near a restaurant and nestled in a tranquil setting on the beach, this villa is designed for comfort and ease. It offers a spacious interior and easy access to the Caribbean Sea. Rest, relax, and enjoy the Subtropical views from your front porch or from the air-conditioned interior. It includes wide doorways, a wheelchair ramp, a beach wheelchair, a private restroom, indoor and outdoor showers, Bluetooth audio, a digital safe, a mini refrigerator, a beach hammock, and your very own butler and concierge service. Reserve our Wheelchair- Accessible Villa and you'll have everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable beach day at Harvest Caye.