SHORE EXCURSIONS

Take an introductory drive through Gisborne, an easy-going beach-blessed city that revolves around life’s pleasures such as surfing, dining and wine production.

After departing from the pier, you'll set off on a journey of discovery. Gisborne is home to approximately 44,000 people and is the birth place of a diverse variety of New Zealand notables, including pro surfer Maz Quinn, opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, several Olympic medalists, and Footrot Flats comic book creator Murray Ball.

The shores of Gisborne are legendary for their beauty and history. Your tour will take you past the spot where Captain Cook, the English explorer who discovered the area, first landed and met the native Maori people.

Then, travel up Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill for a photo opportunity, passing a stately Marae, a Maori meeting house, considered to be the largest in New Zealand. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head, the first piece of land sighted by James Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it—and your anchored ship.

Continue along the shoreline to admire two of the area’s premier beaches. Wainui and Okitu are known for their impressive waves, which draw top surfers to their sands. Keep your camera ready for a stop at the sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve.

In just a few miles, the scenery changes dramatically, and you’ll find yourself in Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Thirty percent of all wines produced in New Zealand come from this region. Enjoy the view as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards, award-winning vineyards, and lush, fertile plains. You’ll also see fields dotted with adorable fluffy sheep happily grazing beside quaint farmhouses.

On your return to the city, you’ll travel down the main shopping street, the tree-lined Gladstone Road. Named after former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, the boulevard houses boutiques, souvenir stores brimming with handcrafted gifts, surf shops and colorful outdoor cafes perfect for a bite to eat and people watching. You will have the option of disembarking to explore independently, making your own way back to port, or simply remaining on the motorcoach and returning to the ship.

Meander through the enchanted Botanic Gardens in the "Rose City" of Timaru and then discover the impressive Kiwi creativity at the Aigantighe Gallery and statue of Phar Lap.

Boarding your coach at the pier, it's a brief yet scenic drive to the Botanic Gardens, where you'll be free to wander about the spectacular rose gardens, duck ponds and aviary under a canopy of mature trees. It's a wonderfully serene setting, where you may view some of New Zealand's endangered plants and perhaps learn how locally grown herbs and spices are used.

From here, it's a picturesque drive past Timaru's verdant Centennial Park and historic district and on to the esteemed Aigantighe Art Museum. Founded in 1956 by a Scottish family, Aigantighe (pronounced "egg and tie") contains one of the South Island's largest art collections, dating from the 16th century to the present day. Even the museum, housed in a 1908 mansion, is a work of art, as is its surrounding sculpture garden.

Continuing on, you'll next stop at a sculpture of great national pride dedicated to Phar Lap, a thoroughbred racehorse born in 1926 near Timaru. Affectionately known as "Big Red" because of the color of his coat, Phar Lap recorded an amazing 37 wins out of 51 starts, becoming one of the greatest world champions. The statue of the famed racehorse in full gallop is revered as a symbol of perseverance and excellence.

Returning to the pier, you'll drive along the lively Caroline bay beachfront and see the historic Landing Service building that was originally was used for the unloading of ships around the 1870s. Today, it is the only remaining building of its kind in Australasia.

A splendid overview of the countryside, this delightful tour presents the artistic village of Geraldine, magnificent Rangitata Valley and endless panoramic views.

It's a picturesque drive inland to Geraldine, an artistic village nestled among rolling hills and farmland. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the art galleries and museums. If you're mechanically minded, you'll find the Vintage Car & Machinery Museum fascinating, especially the exhibit devoted to the world's only 1929 Spartan biplane. Foodies will love the village's al fresco cafés and shops carrying locally produced cheeses and fruit preserves. Stepping into the Giant Jersey, you will find the world's largest sweater mounted on the wall and a stunning piece of metal tapestry made out of two million pieces of steel. For a glimpse into Geraldine's past, stroll the Historic Town Trail.

Continuing on, the South Island's glorious natural beauty is on display as you drive further north into the Rangitata Valley, an area so visually stunning that it served as a backdrop for several Oscar-winning "Lord of the Rings" movies. This is classic New Zealand sheep country, as you'll discover during a brief stop at the Tin Shed, a wonderfully unusual store that was once a grain shed. You'll have time here to shop for fine woolen goods ranging from sweaters to blankets and then amble through the farmyard, where you'll see alpacas, native kunekune pigs and, of course, sheep.

Returning to the pier, you'll pass through Washdyke, supposedly named because it was once a center for sheep dipping, and then along the lively Caroline bay beachfront before ending at the pier.

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

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.

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

Explore a meticulous re-creation of an 18th-century French fort on Cape Breton Island’s southern shore and a lighthouse built on the site of Canada’s very first such beacon. Although Louisbourg Fortress and the surrounding town only stood for a half century before British troops destroyed them, they are historically significant because no modern structures were ever built over them. Now excavated and reconstructed to their original specifications, they lend great insight into colonial life. While touring the grounds, you may see re-enactors costumed as soldiers and townspeople, walk the fort’s ramparts and meander through residences that provide a fascinating window into the past. If you visit the De la Plane house, you can watch a film about the fort’s history. Nearby, you will find Louisbourg Lighthouse, the fourth lighthouse erected on this strategically important site. Climb to the top for the ultimate view of the harbor and then spend free time on Louisbourg’s boardwalk.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours exploring the reconstructed 18th-century Louisbourg Fortress.
• Converse with costumed re-enactors while meandering through the fort and surrounding town.
• Come away with an excellent understanding of colonial life on Cape Breton Island.
• Gaze out over the harbor from historically important Louisbourg Lighthouse.
• Independently explore the area along the Louisbourg boardwalk.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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.

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.