SHORE EXCURSIONS

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Venice! 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

Your tour will start with a private boat transfer along Giudecca Canal. Your tour will have designated selfie stops at

• San Giorgio Bell Tower
• St Mark Basin
• St Mark Square
• Bridge of Sighs
• Rialto Bridge
• Fondaco dei Tedeschi

To make this experience even more fun you will be provided with a selfie stick to help catch the perfect picture. End your picture-perfect day with a beverage from the Fondaco bar.

Become familiar with the workings of a dairy farm that runs on solar energy and follows practices that reduce stress on the animals. The farm is adjacent to the Sant’Alberto Solar Park, one of the largest photovoltaic plants in Italy, which supplies the renewable energy in a manner that doesn’t disturb the grazing sheep. The name Buon Pastore, which translates to “good shepherd,” is fitting as the dairy is passionate about treating the animals and pastures with great respect. The automatic system that milks the sheep is designed to be as gentle and agreeable as possible. The extracted milk is then made into a variety of cheeses, a process that you will watch through a large glass wall. The farm also keeps bees, which produce the honey for the tasting that follows the tour. You will also be offered Buon Pastore cheeses that have been aged in a stone-lined cave, fresh-baked flatbread, and local wines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Wander about an eco-friendly dairy farm that runs on solar energy.
• Recognize how the sheep and pastureland are treated with great respect.
• Watch the cheese-making process step by step.
• Sample a selection of cheeses, honey, flatbread, and wines made on the farm or locally.

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

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.

Behold some of the world’s most impressive Byzantine mosaics, which adorn the walls and ceilings of Ravenna’s 6th-century basilicas and mausoleums.

Depart from the pier and enjoy a brief drive through the ancient city of Ravenna. After a photo stop at the 6th-century Mausoleum of Theodoric, a rotunda-shaped tomb that the emperor built for himself, you’ll arrive at the city center and begin your walking tour.

Ravenna is revered for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics, and you’ll see them in all their glory at sights such as the Sant’Apollinare Nuovo basilica, which Theodoric also built. Most of the original mosaics depicting the life of Christ still exist, and the colors are vibrant, even after 1,500 years.

You’ll also tour San Vitale Basilica, whose Byzantine mosaics are considered the finest in the western world. Be sure to note the glittering mosaics in the ceilings of the choir and apse. More spectacular mosaics await you at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which dates even earlier to 430 A.D. The Roman empress who commissioned the tomb was never buried here, but it certainly would have been a grand final resting place.

Nearby, you’ll find the tomb of the poet Dante, who died in Ravenna in 1321 while exiled from Florence. The mound of dirt to the right of his tomb is where Dante’s urn was buried to protect it when Ravenna was bombed during World War II.

An hour of free time follows your walking tour, after which you’ll return to the pier.

Artistic expression takes many forms on this phenomenal excursion, which offers an in-depth look at the area’s iconic ceramics, architecture and mosaics.

Depart from the pier and enjoy a leisurely drive inland to Faenza, a city celebrated for its glazed earthenware pottery, known as faience. Your guided walking tour here includes a stop at the International Museum of Ceramics where you’ll trace the global history of the craft through its extensive collection. This marvelous collection includes pieces from the Far East, works by modern artists such as Picasso, and centuries-old faience ceramics.

Continuing on, you’ll soon arrive at the late 15th-century Faenza Cathedral. While its exterior is rather plain brick, the interior holds a number of invaluable pieces of Renaissance art, including paintings and a wooden choir stall. Following your exploration of the cathedral, you’ll have a bit of free time before being treated to a leisurely lunch of regional specialties. Afterwards, you’ll make your way back to Ravenna for a walking tour through the city center.

Byzantine mosaics take center stage here at sights such as the 6th-century Sant’Apollinare Nuovo basilica. Almost all of its original mosaics depicting the life of Christ still exist, and the colors are surprisingly vibrant, even after 1,500 years. You’ll also tour the San Vitale Basilica, whose Byzantine mosaics are considered the finest in the western world, and they too are in splendid condition.

More spectacular mosaics await you at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The Roman empress who commissioned the tomb in the 5th century was never buried here, but it certainly would have been a grand final resting place. After visiting, you’ll re-board your coach and transfer directly back to the pier.

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 expert guide 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
• Little Venice neighborhood
• Ano Mera village
• A Mykonoian farm
• Kalafatis Beach
• Mykonos viewpoint

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions on Mykonos.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide 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.
• See an array of destinations ranging from Ano Mera village to Kalafatis Beach.
• Enjoy a tasting of local products at a typical farm on 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.

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

Settle in for a picturesque drive inland to Brisighella for an enlightening walk through the heart of the medieval village and a lunch that reflects the cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region. Sometimes called the Three Hills Village for its three prevalent gypsum hills, Brisighella exudes a wonderful medieval ambiance, especially along the Via del Borgo. This 14th-century covered walkway was once used to transport gypsum on donkeys, the reason it is nicknamed Donkey Way. Other architectural highlights include the 14th-century La Rocca fortress and a clock tower that was erected a few centuries later. It perches on one of the three hills. Your ensuing lunch will be prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as brisghello, an olive oil so distinctive that it earned a Protected Designation of Origin certification. Emilio-Romagna cuisine is also renowned for its specialty cheeses, prosciutto, tagliatelle pasta and Bolognese ragú sauce, some of which will be served.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through medieval Brisighella, which nestles among three iconic hills.
• See 14th-century landmarks such as Donkey Way and La Rocca castle.
• Dine on traditional cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Discover captivating Zakynthos during this coach and walking tour that introduces you to Zakynthos Town, the island’s oldest monastery and a traditional island village. You’ll begin your guided walking tour of Zakynthos Town, sometimes called the Venice of the South, at the expansive square named after Dionysios Solomos, the revered poet who wrote Greece’s national anthem. Pass splendid landmarks such as the Byzantine Museum and the Church of Saint Nicholas, and stroll along the city’s main shopping area. Board your coach for a photo stop at the village of Bochali, located below a Venetian fortress, and appreciate sweeping views of Zakynthos Town and the sparkling Ionian Sea. At the 14th-century Monastery of Anafonitria, you’ll learn that Saint Dionysios, Zakynthos’ patron saint, served as the monastery’s abbot for the majority of his life. View colorful 15th-century frescoes that were uncovered during the monastery’s painstaking renovation. In the traditional mountain village of Volimes, you’ll find colorful rugs, embroidery, honey and olive oil offered by roadside merchants. Choose a unique keepsake as a reminder of your magical day in this Greek paradise.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Explore Zakynthos Town, known as the Venice of the South, on a guided walking tour.
• Marvel at magnificent vistas of Zakynthos and the azure Ionian Sea from the village of Bochali.
• Visit the Monastery of Anafonitria and view its glorious 15th-century frescoes.
• Shop for handicrafts, embroidery, honey and olive oil in the mountain village of Volimes.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress appropriately for a religious venue; shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

View Zakynthos Town from a charming hillside village, explore one of Zakynthos’ most renowned churches and enjoy traditional food and entertainment on this illuminating tour. Visit the picturesque hamlet of Bochali, located on a promontory below a Venetian fortress, and appreciate sweeping views of the sparkling Ionian Sea and Zakynthos Town, known as the Venice of the South due to the influence of the powerful Italian republic during the Middle Ages. In the quaint village of Machairado, explore the 14th-century Church of Saint Mavra, one of the most intriguing churches on the island. Survey a remarkable collection of fine icons and frescoes painted by Greek artists and admire a striking early-19th-century bell tower, whose square footprint and soaring spire are distinctively Venetian. Just off the dramatic cliffs at Kampi, you’ll discover the Mediterranean’s deepest point, which plunges to 17,280 feet. Enjoy a traditional folkloric performance and delectable Greek mezedes, or small plates, all while surrounded by Zakynthos’ dazzling panorama.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at magnificent vistas of Zakynthos and the azure Ionian Sea from the village of Bochali.
• Visit Machairado’s Church of Saint Mavra and view a fascinating collection of icons and frescoes.
• Appreciate breathtaking views from Kampi’s dramatic cliffs above the Mediterranean’s deepest point.
• Enjoy a rousing traditional folkloric show and savor a repast of flavorful mezedes, or small plates.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Dress appropriately for a religious venue; shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

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.