ESCURSIONI A TERRA

Kayak through the crystal-clear waters off the fishing village of Mahahual and then relax at a private beach club that sits on a spectacular stretch of sugar-white sand.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a beach club in Mahahual, a small fishing village rimmed by sugary, white sand beaches and clear turquoise seas. It’s an ideal, laid-back setting for the leisurely kayaking experience that awaits you.

Upon boarding the two-person kayak, you will head out into the crystal-clear water and enjoy a unique perspective of the coastline and the wonders below through the kayak’s clear bottom. Feel free to paddle along at your own pace, taking in the sights that interest you the most.

Looking back from the typically calm sea, you will gaze out over an idyllic tropical landscape, huge stretches of pristine sand, and coconut palms swaying in the breeze. This is Mexico at its purest, a natural paradise where nothing more ambitious than relaxing is expected of you.

Following your kayaking adventure, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the white sands of the beach club. A complimentary plate of fresh fruit and an icy beverage will provide a great welcome, after which you may relax however your please.

You might take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean, meander along the beach, lie in the sun and admire the tropical scenery or simply sit in the shade with a good book. You may even spend some time shopping before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW

See how Bar Harbor has changed over time by visiting key landmarks that tell the story, beginning with the Bar Harbor Historical Society. While browsing the intriguing exhibits, you will gain an understanding of the indigenous Wabanaki people, the fabulously rich who built Gilded Age mansions in the late 1880s and how the Fire of 1947 – which burned for nearly a month, often out of control – instigated the rebuilding of the city that stands today. To add texture to the story, you will also see some of the historical buildings that reflect different architectural trends, including the Art Deco-designed Criterion Theatre, the Victorian-style Shore Path Cottage and St. Saviour’s, a 19th-century American Shingle-style church that boasts the largest number of Tiffany stained-glass windows in Maine. Urban oases such as the Village Green and seaside Agamont Park have also been prominent elements in Bar Harbor’s layout, which pays homage to the past while embracing the future.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit landmarks that show how Bar Harbor has evolved over the centuries.
• Delve into Bar Harbor’s fascinating past by browsing the historical society’s museum.
• Recognize how the architectural trends have changed since the opulent Gilded Age.
• See greenspaces that have played important roles in Bar Harbor’s history.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

The Island Zipline Adventure course is a combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zip to give you six high-flying zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs and cargo nets, designed to challenge but not overwhelm your physical and mental strength. Tour starts with an elevator ride to the top of the Flighthouse.

With platforms at 120-feet above ground and top speed of over 50 mph, your senses will be dazed with adrenaline as you zip out over the beach and reef of Great Stirrup Cay. The V nets allow you to transverse from one zipline to another while providing you with bird’s-eye view of your fellow guests, the many islands to the South or the turquoise waters and their inhabitants below.

For those feeling extra strong and confident we’ve added an almost vertical cargo net climb or by-pass the cargo net and continue the course via the chimney climb and V net bridges.

Either way this zipline course is great for individuals, families or just a bunch of friends who want to get together to experience some adventurous fun. Tour space is limited, secure your adventure today.

Explore the pastel-colored town of Lerici as a prelude to cruising around the islands in the surrounding Bay of La Spezia. Although a medieval castle dominates Lerici, there is much more to see, including the 13th-century Oratory of San Rocco and former Jewish quarter. The narrow streets are wonderfully atmospheric with fine shops characteristic of the Italian Riviera. In time, you will board a private boat for an enlightening cruise around the bay, which is also known as Poet’s Gulf in reference to Lerici once being a celebrated enclave for poets and writers. Lord Byron, Percy and Mary Shelley and D.H. Lawrence were all inspired by the setting. You will be treated to close-up views of the islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto in the bay’s westernmost part. UNESCO deemed them and the neighboring town of Portovenere a World Heritage site for their scenic and cultural value. You will discover Portovenere’s other charms during free time there.

One of the most popular activities in Los Cabos is snorkeling and this is the perfect way to snorkel and so much more! Board one of our inflatable fast boats and head out to the famous Arch and sea lion colony, the famous land mark of Cabo San Lucas. Then hold on tight as the captain opens up the motors as you speed out to a secluded bay. After a short safety briefing, dive into the depths to explore the wide array of ocean life. Enjoy kayaking around the bay, grab a sea scooter and speed through the clear blue waters, try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or spend time snorkeling the area, searching for tropical sea life, star fish and colorful corals. Back onboard, take a fast ride past the homes of the rich and famous as you return back to the marina for an ice cold beverage and light snack.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods with a truffle hunter and a dog specially trained to sniff out the prized subterranean mushrooms. Truffles grow near the roots of trees such as birch oaks and hornbeams and prefer well-drained soils. Expert truffle hunters know where to find them and fiercely guard the locations, as gourmands covet these aromatic, flavorful delicacies, sometimes paying huge sums for the rarer ones. As you follow the truffle hunter and dog through the forest, you will learn about the local species of truffles and their characteristics. Watching the dog in action will be quite the treat, as it has a knack for finding truffles at peak ripeness. The lagotto romagnolo is the traditional truffle-hunting breed in Italy, although many other breeds can be trained to point out a buried truffle. As the perfect end to your truffle-hunting adventure, you will sample a selection of truffle-based specialties.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a specially trained dog find truffles growing underground deep in the woods.
• Gain insight into the world of rare truffles, which are coveted among gourmet chefs.
• Sample classic Italian specialties made even more flavorful with local species of truffles

Cruise to subtropical Rose Island to relax on the beach and interact with its most well-known residents—a passel of cute, friendly pigs that will swim out into the ocean to greet you. On the way there, you will see many of the attractions around Nassau’s harbor and hear tales of the domesticated pigs that inhabit Rose Island. The pigs have been pampered since they were babies and love attention, so be ready for a fun, up-close and personal experience. Once you wade into the shallow waters, you can expect the pigs to approach, knowing that food awaits. The guide will show you how to feed the pigs and the best ways to interact with them while swimming. The pigs couldn’t be cuter or more enthusiastic about the attention. You will also have time to enjoy activities such as beach volleyball, a refreshing swim in the sea and lounging about while Caribbean music plays in the background.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the gorgeous scenery on a leisurely cruise to Rose Island.
• Swim with the friendly pigs that live on the island and feed them if you wish.
• Relax on the island’s idyllic beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea.

OVERVIEW

Pedal a beach cruiser along the incredibly picturesque Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike path and stop at your pleasure at the eclectic shops and restaurants along the way. Although the paved coastal trail is about eight miles long, you can bike just a small segment of it or pedal much farther. Your beach cruiser has seven gears so you can easily negotiate the elevation changes. This being a self-guided adventure, you will be free to ride at your own speed and stay at the attractions until you are ready to go. A digital app will make navigation simple and clearly show the points of interest along the bike path. Or simply ask the local walkers, joggers and other bicyclists about their favorite places. Interpretive signs will describe the easy-to-access archaeological, cultural and historic sites nearby. The endless seascape may be best attraction of all, as it is spectacular the entire way.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a beach cruiser along a scenic bike path that follows the sea.
• Pedal at your own pace, bike as far as you wish and stop whenever you please.
• Use the digital app that describes points of interest along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Board your motorcoach for a scenic 10 minute drive to Knudson Cove, a private waterfront estate in the Tongass National Forest. Upon arrival, guides will instruct and outfit you with safety equipment in an open air forest pavilion. Your adventure begins as you ascend into the trees and gravity pulls you along the ziplines. Nestled on a platform in the park, keep an eye out for eagles and ocean views. You can take an optional challenge route that leads you across swinging logs and rope bridges. Feel the speed and acceleration of the ocean zip, where you'll land above the water on a freestanding platform. Then take the final zip to the take the UTV up the hill to the 50 foot climbing tower where guides will show you techniques to climb to the top and safely auto belay to the ground. For those that are less adventurous, guides can assist you in skipping elements if you choose. You’ll complete 6 ziplines, with time to shop for souvenirs before returning to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike to Talbot Lake following a natural trail through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America. Although the hike is only about three miles long roundtrip, the surrounding scenery is wonderfully varied and spectacular. You will walk in the shadow of towering western hemlocks, Sitka spruce and red cedars, all indigenous to the area. The naturalist guide will narrate the hike by describing the native flora and fauna and detailing the history of the area, which was once crucial to the logging industry. In the decades since the last pulp mill closed, the forest has regained its splendor and wildlife has flourished. You may spot eagles, deer, and beavers, which are particularly prevalent along the trail at Talbot Lake. The lake-view setting couldn’t be more serene as you sip hot chocolate while gathered around a campfire. You may see anglers fishing for cutthroat trout, but otherwise you will likely have the woods to yourself.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike three miles roundtrip through Tongass National Forest, America’s largest such landscape.
• Follow the trail to beautiful Talbot Lake and gather around a crackling campfire.
• Learn about the flora, fauna, and local history from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Ease down a gently flowing river that empties into a glass-smooth lagoon, a wonderfully scenic setting that will leave you immensely relaxed. The spring-fed Bacalar Lagoon is always crystal-clear and its hues are ever-changing, the reason the pristine waterway is nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors. You will glide down the river in an inflatable tube, as an assistance boat gently pulls the group through the pristine waters of the lagoon, ride that will take you past one spectacular natural sight after another, including mangrove forests full of wildlife. Besides the outstanding scenery and abundant water birds, you will see sheet-like rocks called stromatolites. Some of the world's first forms of life were found in ancient stromatolites and these unusual rocks continue to grow today. Although the river current is light, it will be just enough to carry you downstream leave your tube, let your body float in the river for some minutes, you can swim or just let you go and enjoy the experience, after the lazy river-like floating portion, get back to your tube to enjoy another fun-filled boat pull across the lagoon as you reach the shore. After a while, lunch will be served along the shore, a most satisfying end to a day of adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Water shoes are recommended

Enjoy Victoria's Highlights with a twist, combined with the exhilaration of the wildly popular escape room experience. Board your coach for a fun-filled narrative through the city's oldest neighborhood, James Bay, before arriving to Ross Bay. Experience the charm of one of Victoria’s most historic places and as your guide shares stories of its most notable characters.

Continue through downtown's Inner Harbor with the iconic Empress Hotel and BC Legislative Building, and then Chinatown before visiting Bastion Square. Stroll the cobbled streets for haunted stories of the old jail and courthouse before visiting the Escape Room. Here you will have 45 minutes to uncover a mystery in a detailed escape room set, finding clues, solving puzzles, triggering high tech props & unlocking your way into multiple room with your small group of fellow guests.

Once completed, explore Victoria on your own (if port time permits), or return on your coach back to the ship.