SHORE EXCURSIONS

Delve into dazzling Taormina on a guided walking tour of this ancient seaside city. You will appreciate a scenic drive along a winding road to Taormina, a town graced with an extraordinary natural setting and an evocative medieval character. Stroll past the exquisite Palazzo Corvaja, a beautifully ornate building whose construction began in the 15th century and which bears Arabic, Norman and Gothic influences. Gaze at the Greek theater, an architectural treasure that dates back to the 3rd century BC, a reminder of how long Taormina has been a vibrant city. You will learn that the theater was rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century and is still in use today for summer performances. While roaming the fascinating remains of the auditorium, see that its placement on the slope of a steep promontory offers what some consider to be one of the best views in all of Italy, a breathtaking panorama of Taormina, the glittering Mediterranean and striking Mount Etna in the distance. You'll descend to lively Corso Umberto, the town's main commercial street, and wander its quaint jumble of elegant homes and picture-perfect churches, an appealing meld of the old and new that perfectly captures Taormina enduring spirit.

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.

This tour combines breathtaking ocean scenery and delicious food, promising a memorable day in the Nova Scotia countryside. Begin with a sightseeing drive through Halifax and along the coast to Peggy's Cove. This rustic and charming fishing village, situated on a narrow ocean inlet with huge granite boulders, is one of Canada’s most photographed sites and inspired renowned marine artist William de Garthe.

Photograph the lighthouse and visit the gift shops, or simply relax in this enjoyable setting. Your visit to Peggy’s Cove will be complemented by a traditional lobster lunch at a popular local restaurant offering commanding views of the craggy coastline and picture-perfect lighthouse. You'll see some of the city’s highlights, driving around Citadel Hill National Historic Site and past the Public Gardens and the Old Town Clock, prior to your return to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Gain a historical perspective of Saint John and behold its natural wonders and come away with a remarkably complete understanding of why the city is so attractive. Saint John exudes history, especially through military landmarks such as the Carleton Martello Tower – a small round fort that dates to the War of 1812 – and Fort Howe, which was constructed in 1777 to protect the city from American privateers. Both are National Historic Sites. For a deeper look into the past, you will visit King’s Square, an urban park laid out in 1785, and the City Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in Canada. The Beach Rocks that protect the shoreline and the Reversing Falls are timeless. The latter is a natural phenomenon that forces the Saint John River to flow backwards when tidal conditions are favorable. Explorer Samuel de Champlain named the river for John the Baptist in 1604.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely walk and drive through Saint John, Canada’s first incorporated city.
• Behold two historical forts – one from the War of 1812, the other built even earlier.
• Spend free time browsing the oldest farmers market in Canada.
• Witness the natural phenomenon of the Reversing Falls if the tide is peaking.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This revealing overview of the capital of Dakar presents an ingenious blend of its traditional attractions and more contemporary sites. Depart from the pier by motor coach and drive straight to the Kermel Market and then on to the majestic President's Palace for brief photo stops. You will soon be immersed in the city's vibrant, welcoming atmosphere as you drive past signature attractions such as the Senegalese Parliament House, Dakar Cathedral, Medina district, and Great Mosque, which was designed by French and Moroccan architects. Another photo stop awaits you at the Door of Millennium, which was built in 2000 to symbolize Senegal's entry into the new millennium. For arts and crafts shopping, a stop at the famed Soumbedioune market provides you with an opportunity to purchase some local handicrafts. A drive through the Fann Cornich district gives a glimpse of how the more affluent residents of Dakar live, and for a look at Senegalese college life, there's a visit to the University of Dakar library where you can also admire its Le Corbusier architectural style. Continuing on, you will drive to the Mamelles area, the highest point on the peninsula, for yet another perspective of the city. Finally, at the Sand Painting Gallery, you will observe how the colorful sands found throughout Senegal are creatively used in original paintings. There will be a bit of time here for shopping if you would like to pick up one of these treasures as a souvenir of your visit. Each destination on this tour represents different aspect of the culture, ensuring that you will return to ship with a deep understanding of Dakar.

This is an ideal introduction, at a leisurely pace, into the heart and surrounds of Malaga. The capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a modern city rich in history and culture.

Sit back and let your guide bring to life both Malaga’s past and present on this panoramic tour of the city and surroundings. Driving past the subtropical gardens of the park to the bullring on the eastern side of the city, your coach winds its way to the Castle of Gibralfaro’s lookout point. You’ll have a great panoramic view of the city and the port, which gives you perfect photo opportunities.

Once in the city center, follow your guide on a short walk. Enjoy the street life of Malaga during your walking tour.

Discover close to four hundred years of history in the heart of Canada’s oldest incorporated city which has passed the tests of salt air, sea winds and a devastating fire. As your guide takes you past prominent landmarks and historic buildings, you’ll be introduced to many fascinating personalities and events that occurred to make Saint John the greatest little city in the east. Visit the Reversing Rapids , where the mighty Bay of Fundy causes the St. John River to reverse direction and flow upstream. Stop to explore the Old City Market, where you’ll delight in the vibrant sights and sounds and chat with the locals. Pass the Carleton Martello Tower, and see your ship in the port of Saint John against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout. Experience a delightful blend of past and present.

Follow the footsteps of one of the world’s most celebrated saints through the beautiful countryside to his spiritual heartland and where he based his mission to convert Celtic Ireland to Christianity. You'll head to the city of Downpatrick – burial site of the patron saint and medieval capital of County Down. You'll visit the Saint Patrick Centre, a new and exciting 21st century interactive experience which tells the fascinating story of Ireland’s patron saint. This 20-minute audio visual presentation will take you across Ireland with some stunning aerial photography on a 180-degree virtual helicopter ride.

You'll then transfer the short distance to Down Cathedral. Your guide will explain the origins of the building and its history which has taken it from a monastery established in the early Christian period to its present status as a memorial to its historic past. Outside, you’ll visit Saint Patrick’s grave. After lunch, travel to nearby Saul, the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland given to Patrick by the local ruler Dichu, one of his first converts. After a short visit to the church, journey across to Strangford, by ferry. Stop to visit the ruins of Grey Abbey before heading back to the port.

Discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec’s legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you’ll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains.

Passing through the St. Louis Gate, next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continue on past the trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques. Next, pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building. Within minutes of the walled city of Old Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of Quebec’s countryside. A photo stop will be made at the Montmorency Falls where you'll enjoy the breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.

Tour Saint John on a San Francisco-style motorized trolley and enjoy the narrative by your driver/guide as Saint John history comes to life. Discover Saint John’s charm and learn about the personalities and events that have contributed to its fascinating history. Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the mighty Bay of Fundy causes the St. John River to reverse direction and flow upstream.

View the port of Saint John and your cruise ship against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout. Discover 400 years of history in the heart of Canada’s oldest incorporated city and experience a delightful blend of past and present. Your tour ends at the Old City Market, in the heart of Saint John. Disembark and explore at your leisure, as you are within a three block radius of Saint John’s top attractions. If you wish, you may stay on your trolley to return to your ship.

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise to Rose Island where you'll have an opportunity to visit the fully restored lighthouse, see the remains of the 200-year old Ft. Hamilton and learn about the island’s role as an important wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. En route to Rose Island, enjoy a scenic harbor cruise of Narragansett Bay. Your Captain will share with you the 350-year history of Newport, rich in maritime heritage, past and present.

First lit in 1870, the lighthouse was fully restored and is an inspiring example of classic American maritime architecture. A visit to this living museum offers insight into a bygone way of life. You'll have an opportunity to explore the station from the windmill to the cellar cistern and learn about the works and pastimes of lighthouse families through their own possessions and photographs.

Join your naturalist guide for a leisurely walk of the island. Due to its strategic location, Rose Island has an interesting history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Today, it plays an important role as a wildlife refuge and home to a number of migrating birds including Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great and Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis.

Discover beautiful Mazatlan in a two passenger mini-Rhino. See various sites that most tourists never get to see. This is a perfect vehicle to drive through the narrow streets of the Historic District. Before starting your tour, you’ll receive a brief orientation and safety instructions from your guide. Start by visiting the Cathedral, Machado Plaza which is considered to be the heart of the historic district as well as the Opera House and its museum. Next, stop at the Diver’s site for an amazing cliff diver’s show; continue driving north along the ocean front boulevard towards New Mazatlán. Here, enjoy the scenery and views of ‘Puerto Viejo Bay’, beaches and islands. Upon arrival to the Rhino’s base camp in the Golden Zone, you’ll have time for some shopping before returning to your ship.