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 at a local Restaurant before the return drive to Montego Bay.

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.

See the icons of Monaco and Monte Carlo and then explore further on your own, admiring the majestic architecture and elegance of these two gems on the French Riviera.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive along the gorgeous French Riviera to Monaco. During the walking tour that follows, you will see highlights such as the monumental Oceanographic Museum, which rises out of a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Prince Albert I founded the museum in 1910 and its aquarium is among the best in Europe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another icon. Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly were married here in 1956 and both are buried in the church. The cream-colored facade was constructed with Italian granite starting in 1875 and it took more than 10 years to finish the entire cathedral, which is the largest in Monaco. Interior visits may not be possible if activities are taking place in the cathedral.

After free time to explore a bit further, you will continue on to Monte Carlo, driving along a section of road where the annual Monaco Grand Prix race has been held since 1929. You will notice the road is winding with hairpin turns, a signature of this Formula One race.

You will also see the grand Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1863. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera, the casino is an architectural masterpiece that may well be the most recognized building in Monte Carlo. Free time follows, after which you will rejoin your coach and return to Villefranche.

OVERVIEW

Bicycle through neighborhoods and areas known more to locals than visitors, an experience that will leave you with a genuine understanding of daily life in Valencia. Fishermen founded the residential district El Cabanyal in the 13th century, and it is an excellent place for bicycling, as the streets are relatively flat and easy to negotiate, freeing you to really enjoy the setting. While bicycling through the outskirts of Alboraya, you will likely pass farmhouses surrounded by fields of vegetables and chufa, a vitamin-rich superfood known more casually as tiger nuts. It is also well-known for producing horchata, a beloved chilled beverage made with the milky juice of chufa and sugar. Valencia is synonymous with orchata, and you will enjoy a tasting at an authentic, local establishment before bicycling toward Malvarrosa Beach. The fresh sea air and views of the lively promenade along the golden sand will make the final leg of your journey more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bicycle through areas of Valencia unknown to most visitors for a true glimpse at daily life.
• Pass a beach, farmhouse and field where you will see the diversity of local crops.
• Sample authentic horchata, beloved chilled beverage made with the milky juice of chufa and sugar

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Spend free time exploring a series of sea caves and an inland village that was the island’s first capital. The Ajuy sea caves are on the other side of Fuerteventura and on the way to this natural monument you will get a genuine feel for the island’s volcanic landscape. To reach the voluminous caves, you will follow a short trail through bizarrely shaped, fossilized dunes. The caves’ gaping entries will be quite the sight as will the geological wonders inside. The stone towers that you will see along the walkways are old lime kilns that were used when many of the local residences were constructed. Time will also be allotted for you to meander through Betancuria, a village that French explorer Jean de Béthencourt founded in 1404. Although the Norman Gothic-style Church of Santa María de Betancuria is the architectural highlight, the Museum of Sacred Art is also well worth browsing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through the high-ceilinged Ajuy Sea Caves, a Canary Islands natural park.
• Stroll at your leisure through the village of Betancuria, the island’s first capital.
• Marvel at the island’s volcanic landscape as you travel to and from its western coast.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy meeting the locals and being entertained by whimsical lemurs on this delightful tour to nearby Nosy Komba.

Board your local boat from the ship's gangway and cruise across the east coast of Nosy Be to Nosy Komba, passing the verdant Lokobe evergreen forest along the way. Reaching the fishing village of Ampangoriana, you will tender ashore (please note it is a "wet" landing) and then have a bit of time to mingle with the locals and browse for souvenirs. Approximately 500 yards from the village is the Black Lemur Sanctuary, home to Madagascar's most famous residents, the black lemurs. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe these lively creatures as they leap from tree to tree. The black lemurs are the males and the brown lemurs the females. Although these animals live in the wild, they are tame enough to be fed with bananas and their capricious behavior will no doubt be fun to watch.

Leaving the sanctuary, you will walk to a nearby snack bar where you will be treated to a light snack while relaxing in the shade of a Tamarind tree and taking in the wonderful views of the Lokobe Reserve and surrounding islands. During your break, the local Sakalava embroiders will give you a demonstration on tablecloth making and the village children will perform a brief folk show for you. Free time will be provided for you to stroll on the beach, shop for souvenirs or perhaps take a dip in the ocean.

At the conclusion of your visit, you will re-board your boat and cruise back to Nosy Be and your awaiting ship.

OVERVIEW

Treat your inner adventurer to an exhilarating multi-transport survey of the Southern Alps high country by coach, offroad touring vehicle and jet boat. It all starts sedately enough, as you head out by motorcoach into the fertile earthen patchwork of the Canterbury Plains – where the island grows its wheat and grazes its cattle. But don’t get too comfortable; the scenery changes dramatically as you reach Rubicon Station on the banks of the spectacular Waimakariri river gorge and make the switch into rugged offroad touring mode. Piloted with skill around Mt Torlesse Station, bouncing heartily across a spectacular landscape framed by jagged Southern Alp peaks and gorges, you’re bound to fill your camera with social media friendly shots. A well-deserved stop for lunch provides a break from the action, but it won’t last. Soon enough, you’ll shift back into thrill gear as you board a lightning-fast jet boat capable of 360-degree spins and strap in for a ride up the steep-walled Waimakariri River gorge to Staircase Viaduct. Learn more about Kiwi Jetboating thanks to the persistence of Bill Hamilton in perfecting the water jet and providing a new way to explore parts of back country New Zealand at the Jet Boat World museum. After that little jaunt, the coach drive back to Lyttelton will feel like slow motion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience adventure without exhaustion on a thrilling, multi-vehicle tour of the Southern Alps.
• Travel by coach across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Springfield Adventure Centre and a switch into offroad mode.
• Buckle up for a rollicking drive through rugged high country terrain framed by mountains and gorges.
• Hold onto your hat again later as you zoom up the majestic Waimakariri river gorge on a jet boat nimble enough to make 360-degree spins.
• Enjoy lunch at midday and return back to port with spectacular photos and memories.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing including a water-resistant jacket.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Explore magnificent Petra, the ancient Nabataean caravan-city ideally situated between the Red and Dead Seas. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this area was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. The Nabataeans transformed the forbidding desert into a bustling metropolis with magnificent buildings carved directly into the rose-hued sandstone hills and a complex system of water channels and reservoirs.

Camel caravans passed through, loaded with spices, textiles and incense from distant regions and the city of Petra flourished, until a massive earthquake left the freestanding structures in ruins. Travel deep within the deserts of Jordan for approximately two hours, to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Upon arrival, walk to the impressive entrance of Petra, a stunning narrow gorge formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks.

Your first view of this amazing city is its most elaborate ruin and fabled achievement, the Treasury, hewn directly out of the red sandstone cliff. Used as a backdrop in the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, enjoy time to explore the Treasury and the Outer Siq, leading to immense tombs, facades and doorways cut in the steep passage walls. Enjoy a late buffet style lunch at a local hotel before returning to Aqaba and your ship.

OVERVIEW

Sail a sleek catamaran through the enchanting waters between Corfu and the mainland, stopping on occasion to swim, while taking in the spectacular scenery. Once you settle into the 42-foot catamaran, the Mediteraneo, you will set sail towards the serene Vidos Island for your first swim in Corfu’s crystal-clear waters. Cruise south along the coast, taking in views of the iconic Old Fortress and the historic Mon Repos estate. You will have the opportunity for a similar experience by swimming off teeny Mouse Island. According to legend, Ulysses shipwrecked here and Poseidon turned his ship into the island. While enjoying a buffet lunch of classic Greek dishes on deck, you might watch for birds such as pheasants and even wild goats along the beach-blessed shoreline. If time and weather permit, you may also enjoy a final swim stop at the peaceful Lazaretto Islet before returning to the marina and driving back to port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters off Corfu in 42-foot catamaran with a sun deck and shaded areas.
• Anchor at two to three different locations to swim in the crystal-clear sea.
• Admire the gorgeous scenery, while hearing about Corfu’s history and mythology.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including a swimsuit.
• Bring a towel, hat and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Cruise the winding Monkey River, looking for wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, and then enjoy a hike with a naturalist that will explain the plants' medicinal uses.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River, where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. Along the way, the guide will provide enlightening commentary about the region's history, including how the economy boomed in the late 19th century when large volumes of bananas were exported.

Little evidence of that thriving time period remains, as the meandering Monkey River is bordered by undeveloped rainforest. Natural beauty and remarkably diverse flora and fauna are now the main attractions.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles popping their heads above the water's surface, and iguanas perched in the tree limbs. You might even spot a troop of black howler monkeys screeching in the forest.

Tropical birds are just as abundant along the river, especially wading birds such as herons, brightly colored tanagers and keel-billed toucans, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are easy to spot because of their large, colorful bills and how they croak like frogs.

Once you disembark, you will hike through the surrounding forest while the naturalist guide points out plants with medicinal qualities. For instance, leaves of the soursop are often brewed into a tea that reduces fever, and the wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties.

Swim in the crystal-clear waters off Grand Bahama with a passel of cute, friendly pigs and then spend time shopping at Port Lucaya marketplace. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the western tip of Grand Bahama Island. Along the way to Deadman’s Reef at Crystal Beach, you will hear about the wild pigs that inhabit this part of the island. It’s not known exactly why or when pigs were introduced to Grand Bahama, but it will become obvious that their descendants have thrived. Once you wade into the shallow waters, you can expect the pigs to follow, 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 friendlier, cuter or more enthusiastic about the attention. Following this unusual experience, you will enjoy free time in Port Lucaya Marketplace, the largest open-air shopping and dining venue in the Bahamas. The marketplace has dozens of duty-free shops, two straw markets, two craft centers and a variety of restaurants. You might shop for exquisite jewelry-fashions. There are art galleries well worth browsing for local paintings and watercolors. The marketplace also offers all sorts of dining options and cuisines.

See southern Miyakojima Island from every angle, beginning with an aerial view from a gondola on the Shigira Lift Ocean Sky. It will be easy to get your bearings of the surrounding area as the gondola glides over the lush landscape toward the ocean that rims the southern shore. For a look at the marine life along the southern coast, you will ease into the Sea Sky Hakuai, a semi-submersible vessel with viewing windows just below the water’s surface. Visibility is usually excellent so you can expect to see everything from colorful clown fish to graceful sea turtles swimming about the reef. You will be treated to other outstanding seaside views at park-like Imugya Marine Garden and from the rocky cape Higashi Hennazaki. The latter is a lengthy finger of land that juts into the sea on the island’s southeasternmost point. A bit of free time for shopping will round out the island tour.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Enjoy an aerial view of the southern coast from a gondola on the Shigira Lift Ocean Sky.
• Observe the teeming marine life by cruising the southern coast in a semi-submersible.
• Gaze out over the ocean from a beautiful seaside park and a long rocky cape.