SHORE EXCURSIONS

Between dramatic cliffs and the sparkling waters of Boka Kotorskam, you’ll find the towns of Kotor and Perast, each with a charm of their own. This amazing landscape was created 300,000 years ago by tectonic forces and is part of UNESCO’s list of protected natural sites. A short scenic drive on the inner part of the bay, full of contrasts, takes you to Perast. This easternmost shore was the earliest inhabited area in the Boka, as evidenced by archaeological finds. The town reached its peak in the 18th century under the Republic of Venice. At that time, ornate baroque palaces and magnificent houses were constructed. Walk the quaint streets of this town full of typical Venetian architecture.

Visit the cathedral of St. Nikola, a beautiful example of Venetian-Romanesque style. The two small islands in front of Perast offer an impressive view, each of them with a picturesque chapel. Sail to one of these islands, and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rock and learn of its legend. Most of the present day church was erected after the great earthquake of 1667 when the original sanctuary was destroyed. You’ll find a collection of paintings and a beautifully embroidered tapestry made by a local lady, among its treasures. Once back in Kotor, you’ll continue on a walking tour of the town with its historical buildings and delightful streets.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Mykonos, many of them iconic attractions that define the island. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are available and complemented by a convenient photo frame, enabling you to capture, share, and post the best pictures.

As you walk and ride around Mykonos, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Mykonos Old Port
• Matogianni
• Windmills Square
• Little Venice neighborhood
• Ano Mera village

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions on Mykonos.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Spend free time in Mykonos Town, home to the artistic neighborhood Little Venice.
• Experience the tranquil charm of Ano Mera, a picturesque village in the heart of Mykonos.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Admire Hamburg from two unique perspectives: while cruising along the shores of its main urban lake, and while driving past its most historical highlights. After departing from the pier, you will soon notice the abundance of waterways throughout the city. The Elbe River connects Hamburg to the North Sea, and the city boasts an extensive network of Venice-like canals. The prevalence of water keeps Hamburg’s 1,400 parks and gardens flourishing, as you will see at leafy Planten un Blomen park downtown, which you pass during your panoramic coach tour. Then, it’s on to Alster Lake, where you will enjoy a leisurely cruise across its serene waters, presenting you with a different perspective of the city. The lake was formed in the 12th century after the Alster River was dammed. Today, small pleasure vessels often sail the waters and joggers follow the paths along the shore. Following your cruise, you will resume driving through Hamburg, passing the most iconic landmarks, which miraculously survived a devastating fire in 1842 and World War II bombings. One highlight is certainly St. Michael’s Church, whose soaring clock tower has loomed over the city since the 1680s. However, locals consider the 647-room town hall, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece, to be the symbolic heart of Hamburg. As a contrast to its opulence, you will also visit a modest 17th-century almshouse for the widows of shopkeepers. Before returning to the pier, you will have some brief free time in the city center to perhaps pick up a souvenir or two.

Experience Bruges like a local by exploring areas off the beaten path but still in the shadow of landmarks such as Kruispoort. Although you will stop at this 15th-century gate, the sites that lie ahead will reveal a lesser-known but not less spectacular side of Bruges. You will see windmills along medieval ramparts, follow atmospheric lanes through residential neighborhoods and pause at the bridges and inner canals that gave Bruges its nickname, the Venice of the North. Upon arriving in St. Anne’s, you will behold the Jerusalem Chapel, which was designed to mirror the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. By the 16th century, Bruges had become a textile center for woven lace, and you will observe a demonstration of this artisan trade that continues to flourish. Another way to become immersed in local life is at the Market, a sprawling square that has been a marketplace for more than 1,000 years.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Explore atmospheric areas of Bruges that are typically unknown to all but the locals.
• Cross landmark canals that gave Bruges its nickname, the Venice of the North.
• Watch a demonstration of lace making, a trade that has flourished in Bruges for centuries.

OVERVIEW

Find serenity along the intertwining waterways and marshes of Green Venice, a haven for nature lovers. You’ll board a touring boat for an approximately one-hour journey inside the marshlands of Poitou-Charentes, affectionally called Green Venice. You’ll understand this appellation as you glide beneath arcing trees on a vibrant emerald carpet created by the shimmering layer of duckweed resting on the water’s surface. Experience the outdoors as it might have appeared three centuries ago, perhaps spotting plovers, swans, snipes, pewits and ashen or crimson herons resting along the banks. In complete tranquility, sail through tunnels of ash trees and poplars past verdant fields and tiny hamlets dotting the fabulous landscape, the chirping of birds and gentle parting of the waters the only sounds breaking the calming silence. You’ll disembark in the diminutive village of Coulon, nestled on the bank of the La Sèvre River and a quiet respite from the bustle of larger towns. Relish time at your leisure to stroll and soak in the quaint ambiance of this utterly enchanting corner of glorious France.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Immerse yourself in one of France’s most stirring landscapes, the tranquil waterways known as Green Venice.
• Glide on a boat over green-carpeted waters and under the shade of age-old trees.
• Seek out an array of birds that include graceful swans and dignified ashen or crimson herons.
• Appreciate time on your own to roam the delightfully unspoiled hamlet of Coulon.

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

Visit the world famous caves known for their delicately ramified dripstone formations resembling fishing hooks. A scenic drive towards the east passes the villages of Algaida, Montuiri, Villafranca and Manacor. Majorca is well known for their production of manmade pearls, you'll stop in a village to visit a pearl factory.

Situated near Porto Cristo are the Caves of Hams. The incomparable beauty of the caves is heightened by the artistic lighting created by Lorenzo Caldentey, son of the discoverer. Inside the caves there are several lakes and on the largest of all called Sea of Venice, there are daily performances of the show Magical Mozart, in tribute to the famous composer.

Almost perfectly preserved Lucca still resides within high walls, though they are now topped by green parkland. Take a guided walk through the old town, with its medieval towers and nearly 100 churches. Stroll from piazza to piazza, and absorb the city’s history through its architecture. The Duomo, Lucca’s Romanesque cathedral, dates from the 12th century and features a façade with elaborate reliefs and columns.

The Gothic interior includes an image of Christ on the cross, supposedly carved by Nicodemus, a purported witness of the crucifixion. The Duomo also boasts Tintoretto's magnificent painting of the Last Supper. You’ll have free time in Lucca to explore, do some shopping, or sample the local cuisine.

Once a powerful maritime republic, and a rival to Genoa and Venice, Pisa offers a Renaissance splendor of its own. A short, guided walk leads to the dramatic Miracle Square, with an array of elegant buildings in Pisa’s own Romanesque style.

Here you’ll find the Campo Santo, a cemetery with some handsome architecture; the Baptistery, with a statue of St. John the Baptist on top of its dome; and the Duomo, Pisa’s medieval cathedral. You’ll recognize its freestanding bell tower immediately as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Galileo is said to have used the 180-foot tower during his experiments with gravity. Today it leans 14-degrees from perpendicular. Recently reopened, admittance to the tower is limited and is not included in this excursion.

Live like a local by browsing one of Europe’s oldest markets and enjoying traditional treats and beverages. Your culinary immersion will begin at the Central Market, one of the oldest markets in Europe. With more than 200 shops and stalls, the late 19th-century Art Nouveau-style market attracts those seeking extraordinarily fresh produce, cheeses and meats. Virtually every iconic Italian food, condiment and beverage is on display. While meandering from stall to stall, you can expect the aroma of freshly ground coffee, baked goods and exotic spices to be wafting through the air. Samples may be offered to whet your appetite for the chickpea pancake tasting that follows. This popular street food is a thin flatbread that is typically crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and spectacularly flavorful. As a complement, you will visit the New Venice district for a cup of Ponce Livornese, a restorative rum-and-coffee concoction that locals often order as digestives following dinner.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse the hundreds of shops and stalls in Livorno’s bustling Central Market.
• Enjoy samples that vendors offer and a remarkably flavorful chickpea pancake afterwards.
• Savor a classic spiked coffee drink that locals usually order as a digestive following meals.

Glide through the Venice of the North in a fitting manner, via glass-roofed canal boat. It’s an incomparable way to experience this cosmopolitan city that stretches over some 70 islands and boasts 60 miles of canals and 1,000 bridges. An obscure port mostly visited by fisherman back in the 13th century, Amsterdam steadily grew in trade importance – blossoming into one of the world’s most important ports as the Dutch Golden Age gained steam. On this relaxed waterway tour, you’ll traverse some of the four concentric canal rings that define the old city center while learning much of the history behind this watery network from your guide. Along the way, expect to pass countless variations on the signature gabled canal house design the city is so famous for. Just as colorful are the procession of houseboats and tiny skiffs tied up in organized randomness along the stone canal banks. The designated route brings you by such major monuments as the National Maritime Museum, magnificent Town Hall (once considered Europe’s largest administrative building).