SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

Survey Bilbao’s alluring architectural landmarks, with a focus on the stunning Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city including privilege views over the from city at Artxanda Hill, before alighting at the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece clad in swooping titanium plates and curving glass panes that is the pure, unmistakable signature of starchitect Frank Gehry. Gaze in awe at this marvelous creation, which fractures the sunlight into an effervescent shimmer. You’ll discover its interior of milk-white walls, soaring halls and intimate galleries is equally enchanting. Led by an informative tour guide, spend approximately 1 ½ hours browsing modern art from the mid-20th century to the present, studying masterworks by Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, Louise Bourgeois and Richard Serra, to name but a few. Board your coach continuing the panoramic drive from majestic neoclassical façades to cutting-edge subway stations designed by revered architect Norman Foster: you’ll be thrilled by Bilbao’s embrace of both the old and new.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into Bilbao’s historic heart on a brief panoramic coach tour.
• Appreciate nice city views from a priviledge viewpoints at Artxanda Hill
• Marvel at the swirling titanium and glass architecture of Frank Gehry’s iconic Guggenheim Bilbao.
• Appreciate an approximately 1 ½ hour docent-led tour of the museum’s 20th-century and contemporary masterpieces.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a brief look at the fabled city of Granada and visit two notable landmarks, Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada.

It's a 45-minute drive inland to the Moorish city of Granada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As you travel down a modern highway that was once ancient Arab pathways, you will enjoy wonderful views of both the Alpujarras Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, as well as groves of olive and fruit trees. Upon arrival, your first stop will be in the Albaicin quarter. This is the old Arab quarter and was the residential region of the Moors, even after the city was reclaimed by Spain. This narrow labyrinth of crooked streets escaped the fate of much of Granada, which was torn down in the name of progress. Fortunately it has been preserved, as have its cisterns, fountains, plazas, whitewashed houses, villas, and the decaying remnants of the old city gate. From a viewpoint here, you'll be able to capture photos of the renowned Alhambra Palace.

Continuing on, you will drive to Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada which is located next door. The close relationship between both gives rise to a curious formal detail seen in the ambulatory that surrounds the circular gallery. The Capilla Real's gothic gateway becomes just another part of the Cathedral's walls, as if it were in reality one of the other many chapels when, in fact it represents the entrance to another building. In the Royal Chapel here, the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand are kept. It was their wish to be buried in recaptured Granada, not Castile or Aragón. The coffins are remarkably tiny-a reminder of how short they must have been. In the sacristy you can view Isabella's personal art collection, including works by Rogier Van der Weyden and various Spanish and Italian masters, such as Botticelli.

Next, you will make the short walk to the richly ornate Renaissance Cathedral. With its spectacular altar, it is considered one of Spain's architectural highlights and is renowned for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1521 in a gothic style, and came to completion in 1714 as an example of Baroque architecture. Another outstanding feature is the facade by Alonso Cano, a truly marvelous example of Baroque interiors, culminating in the bell tower which holds more than a secret within. The ground plan incorporated a five-nave basilica and another in the center to be surrounded by an enormous aisle, in which a high altar would be inserted. This design led Rosenthal to believe that the model was based on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Following your Cathedral visit, you'll walk back to your awaiting coach and make the drive back to the pier in Motril where your tour concludes.

Explore the geological wonders and eerie formations in Crystal Caves and then spend hours relaxing at a series of beaches linked by footpaths and surrounded by a nature reserve.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely tender ride to St. George’s Island, the northernmost point of hook-shaped Bermuda. A short scenic drive will bring you to Crystal Caves, which were discovered in 1907 when a teenager tried to retrieve his cricket ball from a hole and found it led to a huge series of caverns.

You will have the opportunity to explore the wonders underground, which include a crystal-clear lake and a profusion of white stalactites eerily illuminated for added drama. Parts of the caves are accessed along a pontoon boardwalk that floats atop the lake, allowing a closer look at the geological formations underwater. As an alternative, you may remain above ground and meander the gardens and browse the gift shop.

. Continuing, you will soon arrive at the Clearwater Beach & Cooper’s Island Reserve, a secluded wedge of undeveloped land on Bermuda’s eastern end. The area contains six interconnected beaches, an idyllic setting to enjoy hours relaxing in the sun, doing whatever you please.

You may take a refreshing swim in the shallow waters, observe the marine life while snorkeling or simply lie back in a lounge chair and enjoy the serenity.

Despite its small size, Slovenia is quite varied in terms of landscape. Between the Alps and the sea, you’ll find the broad belt of the Slovenian Karst, which is part of the great Dinaric mountain range. This is a mainly limestone area notable for a special karstic phenomena, both visible in its topography and underground. Take an approximately one hour drive from Koper to discover the unique underworld beneath this beautiful landscape. Board an electric train that will take you to Postojna Cave for a 1 1/2 hour visit. Well-kept paths comprise the greater part of the cave so it does not present any difficulties for most visitors.

Your trail begins at the cave’s railway station and will take you to the first natural passage, known as the “Upturned Ship”. Visit Gothic Hall rich in stalactite decoration, where the remains of Ice Age animals have been found and the Conference Hall, previously known as the Ballroom, has been the venue for dances and concerts for 180 years. While you admire these natural sculptures, the train takes you to Great Mountain where the tour of the caves continues on foot in groups led by guides. This trail takes you you past very unique and charactertisic formations that have been named!

At the Predjama Castle photo stop, a former hideout for the brazen knight named Erazem of Predjama, evidence indicates that this steep and imposing cliff has been fortified since at least the 13th century. Reboard your train by the Conference Hall to return to the surface and to your waiting ship in Koper.

Perfect for those with late flights, this tour allows you to see the absolute highlights of Buenos Aires before spending the afternoon watching gauchos at a working ranch and then transferring to the airport to fly home. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive through Buenos Aires, taking in landmarks such as the oldest neighborhood San Talmo. You will also see Plaza de Mayo, arguably the country’s most famous square. Its name refers to the revolution that began nearby in May 1810 and led to Argentina’s independence from Spain. Some of the surrounding buildings are just as celebrated, including the salmon-colored executive mansion known as Casa Rosado and the glorious Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, it’s on to the neighborhood La Boca, where you will meander along El Caminito, a street full of expressive brightly colored buildings. Some claim the tango originated here around 1870, and tango dancers are often seen performing impromptu in the streets. Continuing on into the countryside, you will spend nearly four hours at an estancia that evokes the spirit of traditional ranching. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with traditional empanadas and a glass of wine or juice before enjoying a hearty barbeque of grass-fed Argentine beef that has been grilled to perfection. To enhance the experience, there will be a folkloric performance and gauchos will show off their prodigious skills as horsemen by riding at breakneck speed during a ring race. Following your gaucho experience, you will transfer to the Ezeiza International Airport for the flight home. Arrival time at the airport will be approximately 5:00 p.m.

Discover the unique denizens of the world's oldest desert during this off-road adventure in the Namib Desert. Settle in for a vista-filled drive in an off-road vehicle to the eerily beautiful Namib Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be led by an expert guide through seemingly lifeless landscapes in search of indigenous species and learn how they adapt to the inhospitable environment. Perhaps see creatures like the sidewinding adder, the Palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon and various other diminutive beetles, lizards and geckos that live and survive in the torrid desert conditions. Enjoy refreshing orange juice and savory snacks. During your return along a scenic coastal road, contemplate the nearly ineffable beauty of the bewitching Namib and its resilient tenants.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Board an off-road vehicle for an exhilarating outing into the breathtaking Namib Desert.
• Search the barren landscape for indigenous species that have adapted to the challenging environment.
• Stay alert for glimpses of the Palmetto gecko, sand-diving lizards or Namaqua chameleons.

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

Enjoy the fun and adventure of Corfu’s countryside while traveling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea, beautiful green hills and have a glimpse of the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. After picking up your 4x4 vehicle at the pier, your guide will lead you up the main coastal road to the northeast of the island. You’ll then take small country roads to quaint villages, stopping at one of the most charming and oldest on the island to take in the views.

Take an uphill narrow winding road (with 27 zigzag turns) to the Sokraki where you’ll stop to admire one of the most fantastic panoramic views. Following a dusty road, you’ll arrive at Troumbetta. You’ll pass through other picturesque sites and stop at Bella Vista to take in more spectacular views and enjoy some refreshments and Greek snacks. You’ll find it difficult to decide which village is the most appealing to you.

You’ll also visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit, a variety which only grows in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products, a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the produce and purchase local liquors.

OVERVIEW

Take a remarkably in-depth introductory drive around Gibraltar, occasionally pausing to explore landmarks such as the Trinity House Lighthouse and St. Michael’s Cave. After departing from the pier, you will soon pass through the historical Waterport Gates district and on to the Cross of Sacrifice war memorial. To the north lies the so-called frontier, the border between the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar and Spain. Then turning south, you will pass the former fishing village of Catalan Bay on the way to Europa Point. The lighthouse here was constructed in 1841 for vessels passing through the strait. The existing lantern features two LEDs while the original wick-oil lantern is on exhibit at the University of Gibraltar. The views from Europa Point are always spectacular, and if it is a clear day, you should be able to spot Africa. Another highlight will be St. Michael’s Cave, which was once believed to be bottomless, and adjoining Cathedral Cave, which is often used as an auditorium for concerts and even fashion shows. As you stroll through the cavernous interior, you may learn about the history of the cave, which was first inhabited in the Neolithic period. Finally on the return to the pier, you can expect to see the Rock of Gibraltar’s free-roaming Barbary Apes, a tailless species indigenous to Morocco and Algeria.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See Waterport Gates district, Cross of Sacrifice war memorial, and Catalan Bay.
• Drive across the only runway in the world that intersects a major road.
• Visit the 1841 Trinity House Lighthouse with stunning views.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Come aboard as we depart from Ma'alaea Harbor aboard one of our extremely stable, 65 ft., double deck, powered catamarans and head out to our first snorkel site, world-famous Molokini Crater. Maui's iconic crescent-shaped islet is a beautiful reef known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant coral, colorful fish and resting seabirds. A protected marine conservation area, this volcanic crater is only accessible by boat with a certified tour operator. You'll snorkel about an hour at Molokini and then head to your second snorkel site, Turtle Arches, with its underwater lava formations and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Your tour will be led by our certified Marine Naturalists who have a love for our oceans and will educate you about what you'll be witnessing throughout your trip. Your adventure includes a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, refreshments, 1 complimentary alcoholic drink (beer, wine, tropical well drinks), snorkeling gear, free reef tour by one of our Marine Naturalists, learn-to-snorkel instruction, fish ID class, and Junior Naturalist program for kids. bor. Moreover, all profits from this and all Eco-tours are used to fund Pacific Whale Foundations' ongoing research, conservation and education programs aimed at protecting our oceans through science and advocacy. If sea conditions make either Molokini or Turtle Arches unsafe, our captains will utilize their experience to select the best possible alternative sites. Sometimes that may mean snorkeling the entire time at Molokini or substituting the Turtle Arches site for another spot know for green sea turtle populations.

This excursion reveals the tumultuous history of Scotland, one of its grandest castles and a wooded wonderland that rivals the Highlands for natural beauty.

Depart from the pier and drive west following the Firth of Forth, as it narrows and becomes the winding River Forth. Just outside the city of Stirling, you will see the National Wallace Monument, a memorial built in 1869 in honor of William Wallace, the Scottish hero known as Braveheart. It sits atop Abbey Craig, a prominent hilltop where in 1297 Wallace led the Scots to victory against the encroaching English army.

Upon reaching Stirling, you will behold grand Stirling Castle, a great symbol of Scottish independence and pride, and where Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood. Hugely strategic, the fortress was hotly fought over and changed hands frequently. It overlooks the site of Wallace's victory and revered Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.

Continuing on, Scotland's glorious natural beauty takes center stage as you drive into the Trossachs, a land of wild glens and sparkling lochs often regarded as the "Highlands in miniature." Once home to the folk hero Rob Roy, Scotland's version of Robin Hood, the Trossachs are majestic, especially the views from Dukes Pass, a gap in the dense Achray Forest. Free time in Aberfoyle follows, affording you a taste of village life.

Afterwards, you will return to the pier passing by the Lake of Menteith, considered the only true lake in Scotland, as the others are lochs.

This tour is a great option for those with flights after 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. who wish to gain a greater understanding of Argentina’s wonderfully cultured capital by visiting a range of neighborhoods and landmarks before being dropped at the airport.

After departing from the pier, you will head to Recoleta & Palermo to drive around these unique residential neighborhoods while learning about the Porteño's lifestyle from your local guide.

Next, you will visit Plaza de Mayo, arguably the country’s most famous square. Its name refers to the revolution that began nearby in May 1810 and led to Argentina’s independence from Spain. Some of the surrounding buildings are just as celebrated, including the salmon-colored executive mansion known as Casa Rosado. You will also see the glorious Metropolitan Cathedral, which is adorned with frescoes and elaborate artwork.

Then, it’s on to the neighborhood La Boca where you can stroll along El Caminito, a cobblestone street full of expressive brightly colored buildings. La Boca, meaning “the mouth,” was the site of city’s first harbor at the mouth of the Riachuelo River. Some claim the tango originated here around 1870, and tango dancers are often seen performing impromptu in the streets.

Finally, a traditional Argentine lunch at the Puerto Madero waterfront awaits you, after which you will transfer to the Ezeiza International Airport for your flight home. Arrival at the airport is approximately 2:00 p.m.