Learn to paint your own version of Matryoshka nesting dolls in a hands-on class and then enjoy a traditional Russian tea party with ice cream at a downtown café. The wooden dolls have been wildly popular since 1900, when they won the bronze medal in the World Exposition in Paris. A set of these iconic Russian souvenirs typically contains seven dolls of decreasing size, each one identically painted and nesting inside another. Each folk-art doll depicts a young peasant woman bundled up, her head covered with a babushka. Matryoshka means “little matron,” and the dolls are said to represent motherhood and family. An art expert will offer guidance as you paint your own set of dolls in the hands-on class. Feel free to paint your dolls to look traditional or take a more creative approach. When finished painting your Matryoshka nesting dolls, the set will be your souvenir to take home.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Paint a set of Matryoshka nesting dolls however your see fit and take them home.
• Discover how these iconic Russian dolls first became popular and what they represent.
• Toast your creativity by indulging in a traditional tea party with ice cream.

Gain an understanding of how local craftsmen make traditional Greek musical instruments and take in the island’s natural beauty. Pyrgos is known for its 13th-century Venetian castle, the classic Cycladic design of its homes and the panoramic views from its hilltop location. It will be an ideal setting to pause for a cup of coffee and a Greek sweet. Megalochori is equally picturesque, as you will discover while meandering the village’s atmospheric cobbled streets lined with neoclassical houses. The intriguing Museum of Musical Instruments honors the history of the instruments that make Greek music so recognizable. You will learn how classic instruments such as the bouzouki and laouto are handmade and have the chance to play some of them. Afterwards, you will visit the family-owned Gavalas Winery, which has been producing traditional wines such as Katsano and Nykteri since the 19th century. There you will sample wines indicative of Santorini’s terroir and snacks that pair perfectly with them.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Pause for a snack and to revel in the village of Pyrgos’ classic Cycladic setting.
• Discover how some of the most recognizable Greek musical instruments are hand-crafted.
• Sample a selection of traditional wines and local delicacies at a family-owned winery.

Sail across Pillsbury Sound to the enchanting island of St. John on a catamaran and then snorkel in the turquoise waters just offshore. All that is required of you is to sit back and relax as the catamaran glides along the eastern end of St. Thomas and continues to St. John, the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In time, you will arrive at Honeymoon Beach within the Virgin Islands National Park. You will be free to snorkel, stroll along the sugar-white beach and relax as you see fit. You might stretch out on a beach towel, linger in the shade of a coconut palm and swim in the sea with nothing on your mind other than enjoying yourself. On the return cruise to St. Thomas, the champagne will be flowing and an array of cheeses, freshly baked breads and fresh tropical fruits will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sail on a sleek catamaran to neighboring St. John, half of which is a national park.
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters off Honeymoon Beach on the island’s western edge.
• Bask in the sun, relax on the beach and delight in the natural beauty.
• Celebrate the adventure with a tropical beverage from the open bar on the return cruise.

Visit three acclaimed artists in their studios in Valldemossa, where you will see their works and discuss their creative processes. The village is an inspiring setting that is just as beautiful as it was when Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and French novelist George Sand wintered there in the 19th century. Valldemossa still attracts musicians, writers and most prominently painters, who come to capture the natural beauty. At the studio of Slovenia-born Bruno Zupan, you can expect to see his glowing landscape paintings and limited-edition serigraphs and lithographs. You will also spend time with Natasha Zupan, Bruno’s immensely talented daughter. She typically works in mixed media and describes her style as “the search for the heart of the matter.” The third artist is Guillermo Rodríguez, known simply as Guillermín. Many of his works are in white or black or a combination of the two colors. The white, he explains, represents the light of the soul, while black expresses fear.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Visit three artists in their studios in naturally beautiful Valldemossa.
• Discuss the creative process with the artists and what inspires them.
• View the artists’ works, which include landscape paintings and mixed media.

Swim with stingrays in the shallow crystal-clear waters off Gibbs Cay and then relax on one of the lengthiest beaches on Grand Turk. A scenic cruise on a sleek, 45-foot catamaran will bring you to the island, which is little more than a speck in the sea. Although the cay is nicknamed Stingray City, conch are also plentiful. After demonstrating how this delicacy is prepared, the guides will offer you samples to taste. You will then have the opportunity to swim with the abundant stingrays that frequent these waters. Stingrays don’t have a bone in their bodies, but rather flexible cartilage that allows them to gracefully swim by flapping their sides like wings. Feel free to touch them as stingrays are remarkably docile. Following the encounter, you will spend free time on a nearby beach, where you can stretch out on a lounge chair and take a refreshing swim in the sea.

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at our Blue Lagoon Restaurant, the most beautiful lagoon with fresh water, located 20 minutes away from Chacchoben Mayan ruins. After your meal, sunbathe on a sun lounger, take a swim and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well fed and in good spirits your transfer awaits to return you to the ship.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Florence & Pisa! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as many of the stops will include wi-fi in real time. Professional photographers & selfie experts 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 Piazza della Signoria. Your walking tour will have designated selfie stops at: • Piazza della Signoria
• Santa Maria de Fiore Cathedral
• Piazza della Repubblica
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• The Tower of Pisa

To make this experience even more fun, you will be provided with a selfie stick and utilize our Selfie Station in order to help catch the perfect picture. During the tour, you will stop for some traditional treats and a wine tasting.

Following a flight from Port Elizabeth, enjoy a beautiful scenic drive from Durban to Thanda Private Game Reserve. The integration of South Africa's best climate and rich bush land has made Thanda Private Game Reserve the top award-winning safari destination in South Africa.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Program details and the number of game drives are subject to change depending on flight details:

DAY 1
Disembark in Port Elizabeth and transfer to the airport to check-in for a flight to Durban.

On arrival at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, an English-speaking representative will meet and accompany you on the road transfer to Thanda Private Game Reserve (a packed lunch will be provided for the journey). The travel time approximately 4 hours.

Thanda is a spectacular private game reserve set in 14,000 hectares of Big 5 indigenous bush. Thanda Safari Lodge is the reserve’s flagship property. Each of the 9 suites has their own majestic master bedroom, double sided fireplace, large bathroom and indoor and outdoor showers. The common areas include an inviting lounge, an expansive deck overlooking a watering hole, a cigar bar, a wine cellar and the Thanda Safari Spa.

On arrival at the main entrance gate, you will be met by game rangers who will transfer you to your lodge in 4-wheel drive open vehicles.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and overnight.

DAY 2
The day begins with an early-morning wakeup call, followed by tea, coffee and biscuits in the lounge. This too is an ideal time for wildlife viewing. As before, you will head into the bush in an open-topped 4x4 vehicle, accompanied by knowledgeable rangers and trackers who are skilled at pointing out the various animals.

Following your game drive, you will return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by leisure time throughout the day to perhaps take a nap, maybe relax on the expansive deck overlooking the watering hole or take part in one of the many optional activities that they offer.

Optional activities may include guided bush walks and cultural excursions to neighboring Zulu villages where you can visit families in their traditional homesteads and perhaps take part in community projects and celebrations. Perhaps spend some time with their specialist rhino monitors and conservation team or exploring beyond the reserve on a guided boat tour to experience hippos and crocodiles in the nearby iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. (additional expenses may be applicable and space can only be reserved at the lodge).

Lunch and afternoon tea are included before meeting for your evening game drive.

Following the game drive, sundowners and light snacks will be served at a clearing in the bush, where you might see nocturnal wildlife. In time, you will return to the lodge for dinner and to spend the evening.

DAY 3
After an early morning wake-up call, set out on one last morning game drive, followed by breakfast at the lodge.

After breakfast, gather your belongings and complete check-out formalities before transferring to Richard’s Bay Harbor. Travelling time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Land Program Step by Step: Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations that are beyond our control. All program details, including timings and any flights indicated below, are approximate and are given here for general reference purposes and are subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Shore Excursion Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1 – timings and a game drive on this day are dependent on actual flight times once assigned, below is a sample itinerary
11:30am Disembark in Port Elizabeth and transfer to the airport
12:00pm Check-in for your flight to Durban
1:20pm Flight to Durban (flight details TBA and subject to change)
2:35pm On arrival at King Shaka International Airport, collect your luggage
3:15pm Depart the airport and transfer by road to Thanda Private Game Reserve (lunch box included)
7:00pm Upon arrival at the lodge, check-in and freshen up prior to dinner
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Thanda Safari Lodge

DAY 2
5:00am Early wake up call
Gather in the living area for tea, coffee and biscuits
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
Free time at leisure
2:00pm Afternoon tea will be served on the patio
4:00pm Afternoon game drive
7:00pm Guests return to the lodge
7:30pm Dinner is served at the lodge
Overnight at the Thanda Safari Lodge

DAY 3
5:00am Early wake up call
Gather in the living area for tea, coffee and biscuits
6:00am Early morning game drive
9:00am Breakfast at the lodge
10:00am Gather belongings and complete check-out formalities
10:30am Depart Thanda Safari Lodge for Richard’s Bay
1:00pm Approximate arrival time at Richard’s Bay harbor

Expected Weather:
South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is June and midsummer is December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year. Expect it to be hot during the day and much cooler in the evenings. On average - 25°C / 77°F

What to Bring: Sunhat, sunblock, camera, chargers, binoculars, something warm as the mornings and evenings may be cool

Local Currency: ZAR (credit cards accepted)

Electricity
South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels and lodges have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms.
If you bring electric appliances, take along an international converter kit complete with a set of adapter plugs.
Outlets in South Africa require a three-pronged adapter plug with 3 round prongs.
Adapters can be brought from home as not all will be provided.
Be aware, however, that overnight recharging may not be possible where generator use restricts the availability of electricity.

Luggage information
On the flight guests are permitted to check-in 1 piece of luggage at a maximum of 23 kg (50 lbs.) and maximum dimension of 158 cm (62 inches).
Hand luggage cannot exceed 3 kg (7 lbs).

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Shore Excursion Team via Reservations at NCL at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which NCL nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements:
Guests must bring their passport with them
Please consultant the embassy to obtain the latest visa regulations for your nationality.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Please Note:

• The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the reserve
• During early morning game drives in open vehicles it can be a little cool. We recommend that guests take along a windbreaker or jacket
• Please note that the game drive vehicles traverse over uneven terrain and that the game-drives can be “bumpy”. This tour is therefore not recommended for guests with back & neck problems
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed
• Children under 5 years of age are not permitted
• This program is not fully guided. Local representatives will assist you with your transfers however, the program at the lodge is run solely and at the discretion by the lodge staff.

Program Includes for guests

• 2 nights at Thanda Safari lodge (Villa room) including accommodation, game drives, all meals and local beverages during meals and afternoon game drive.
• Limited drinks package, soft drinks available all day, house wines and local spirits and beers on evening game drives, pre-dinner and at dinner
• Transport in a luxury air-conditioned coach with A/C and PA system
• 1 x lunch box on Day 1
• Qualified English-speaking tour guide to accompany on transfers to/from the lodge
• Porterage for maximum 1 piece of luggage per person
• 1 x 500 ml bottle of mineral water per person on transfers
• Economy class flight per the itinerary

We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the lodge listed in the program.

Program Excludes for guests:

• Any other meals not listed above
• All other drinks including Champagne and premium brand spirits and liquor
• Gratuities for drivers, guides, game rangers, trackers and lodge staff
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curio shop purchases and laundry
• Overweight or excess luggage fees on the flight
• Any other discounts or promos offered by NCL including but not limited to Latitude and Free at Sea discounts

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Not combinable with any other discounts or promos including but not limited to Latitude and Free at Sea discounts.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club in nearby Mahahual. After a brief orientation to help you maximize the experience, you will be free to enjoy the club’s amenities, which are considerable and all offered for your enjoyment. You might stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the sea and gather around the thatched-roof poolside bar, which will be open for unlimited drinks the entire time. One end of the Beach Escape is typically busier and more party-oriented, while the other end by the pier is quieter, allowing you to easily find an ideal spot to make the most of your free time. If you wish to explore offshore, kayaks are available. The beach club is located right on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Village, a great place for people-watching and dining on your own as there are plenty of restaurants.

Behold the natural attractions of Cephalonia, including those beneath the surface, such as the Drogarati Cave and subterranean Melissani Lake.

Departing from the pier, you'll drive toward the eastern shore of Cephalonia, the largest Ionian island. Arriving at the Drogarati Cave, you'll descend a flight of stairs into a large cavern which is lighted for dramatic effect. Stalactites hang from the ceiling like jagged curtains, and ancient stalagmites reach up from the rocky floor. The colors are predominately red, orange, yellow and white, from the iron content in the rock and the layers of chalk and limestone.

Although estimated to be 100 million years old, the cave wasn't discovered until about 300 years ago when a violent earthquake opened an entrance. Inside the cave's Chamber of Exaltation, the acoustics are considered near perfect, and concert events are often held in its voluminous interior. Even the famed opera soprano, Maria Callas, sang here.

Continuing on, you will travel in a northerly direction, passing the town of Sami en route to the renowned Melissani Lake. This underground phenomenon looks absolutely magical in the shafts of light that come from 100 feet above, where parts of the ceiling collapsed decades ago. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionian Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling here are estimated to be at least 20,000 years old.

Afterwards, you'll return to Argostoli via a picturesque coastal route that offers spectacular views across the strait to the island of Ithaca, and further along, Myrtos and its dramatic, sheer white cliffs.

Enjoy an enlightening tour of Naples by visiting Spaccanapoli, the street that divides the city, and by savoring folded pizza, a classic Neapolitan treat.

After departing from the pier, you will begin a panoramic drive around Naples, taking in the views from locales such as Posillipo Hill in one of the city’s most affluent areas. Along the way, you will pass the imposing Castle Nuovo.

While parts of it date to the 13th century, it is still known as the new castle to distinguish it from the famed Egg Castle, which began as a 1st-century Roman villa. Castle Nuovo’s five towers make it one of Naples’ most recognizable landmarks. You will also see the Egg Castle, which holds a commanding position on the sea.

In time, you will reach Spaccanapoli, a long street whose name means “Naples splitter,” a reference to it seeming to divide the city in two. Here, you will visit the Jesuit church Gesú Nuovo and the Church of Santa Chiara, which was founded in 1310 and features an austere Provencal-Gothic style. Much of Santa Chiara had to be rebuilt after World War II.

For an even more authentic glimpse into daily life, you will walk through the narrow streets of Old Town, which UNESCO has declared a Cultural Heritage site. As you will discover, there is no better setting to eat portafoglio or folded pizza, as the dish was invented in Naples. A cup of fresh espresso at a nearby café standing at the counter as Neapolitan does will top off the experience.

Spend time at a traditional goat farm in the Malaga province, learning how regional cheeses are made from goat’s milk and then sample a selection of them with sausages and wine. Near the white-washed village of Casares in the shadow of Sierra Crestellina, you will visit a family-owned farm that raises goats for their milk, which is primarily used to make cheese. You will learn the process step by step and the variations that make the different cheeses. You will see how the goats are milked, how the milk is ripened with cultures and induced to form a thick curd by adding the natural enzyme rennet. In time, the watery whey will be drained off to make ricotta cheese, and the curds will be pressed into cheese molds. You will then taste a selection of cheeses made months earlier. The younger cheeses are typically creamier, while the more mature cheeses tend to be firmer and more pungent.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Gain a thorough understanding of how regional cheeses are made at a family farm.
• Watch the process step by step, which will make the tasting that follows more relevant.
• Taste the difference between younger cheeses and more matures ones, while sipping wine.