Relax on this panoramic driving tour of Corsica’s spectacular interior, a land little-changed over centuries. Pass through Cuaro village and beautifully rugged, mountainous terrain, resplendent with lush forests. You’ll see the dense shrubbery known as “maquis” blanketing the countryside and inhale the extraordinarily fragrant evergreen, interspersed with aromatic lavender, myrtle and wild mint. Journey past modest vineyards and cultivated fields before you enter peaceful Pineta Forest, dominated by tall, striking laricio pines, expansive chestnuts and dramatic beech trees. Enter heart-stopping Prunelli Gorges with its jagged granite walls and descend through serpentine twists and curves. Arrive ultimately at serene, man-made Tolla Lake, source of Ajaccio’s hydro-electric power, and snap a postcard-worthy photo. Sharp pinnacles emerge from the forest just past Tolla, a ridge-top village nestled into the mountainside, then the amazing vista opens to an expanse of fertile valley below. Delight in numerous picturesque hamlets, including Ocana, known for austere granite homes, and imagine everyday life in this timeless land.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Mallorca!

Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as you can find wi-fi in some stops along the route in real time. Your accompanying guide will share some tricks on how to take the best selfie photo including composition, posing, lighting etc. Capture the spirit of this incredible destination.

Discover Mallorca’s wealth of treasures that is a must-see for every visit to the island, and which will take your breath away on each and every click. You will have designated selfie stops at: • Bellver Castle
• La Escollera & Cathedral
• Valldemossa
• Na Foradada/Son Marroig
• Port De Soller

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.

Stroll through two lesser-known neighborhoods that will present an authentic look at daily life, as you will experience them as a local. While browsing one of the most vibrant markets in the Corts neighborhood, you can expect to watch a lively interaction between the residents and the vendors, as they socialize and amicably haggle over prices. Later, over coffee at a nearby restaurant, you can discuss the experience with the guide and how it might differ from your upcoming stroll through the Sarria neighborhood, which is more affluent and traditional. While meandering through its pretty streets, you can sense that the neighborhood was once an independent rural village. Largely quiet and residential, Sarria offers a unique perspective of Barcelona life, as well-heeled celebrities, politicians and artists are among its residents. You will have the chance to mingle with the locals at one of the bakeries, in a church and later over tapas at Bar Tomás.

Enjoy an enlightening tour of Puerto Limon as a prelude to a cultural performance and hands-on cooking class. The walking portion of the tour will begin at leafy Parque Vargas, a popular gathering place that overlooks the sea. Be sure to notice Uvita Island just offshore, as it is renowned as the spot where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502 on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. He is credited with naming Costa Rica, which is Spanish for “Rich Coast.” You will also pause to take in the sights at Playa Bonita, a beautiful stretch of sand nearby. A dance performance to live calypso music follows at the House of Culture, after which you will learn to prepare a few signature local dishes. Chances are, they will include a Costa Rican version of rice and beans, a beef-stuffed turnover and a sweet plantain tart. Later, you will snack on your tasty concoctions.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites honoring the apostle Saint John, including the cave where he spent years in exile, and the Monastery of Saint John, dedicated to his illustrious life. Experience the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John dictated his Gospel and The Book of Revelations. Arriving in Chora, you’ll view the arresting Monastery of Saint John, the wealthiest in the Dodecanese due to the patronage of Byzantine emperors and countless private contributors. Learn that great wealth enabled the monks to establish the Theological School of Patmos in 1713, which still attracts students from around the world.

Tour the chapel that contains Saint John’s relics, which is adorned with magnificent frescoes depicting his voyages and miracles. You’ll marvel at the enthralling museum’s rare icons, chalices and vestments, as well as ancient manuscripts and 33 pages of an invaluable copy of Saint Mark’s Gospel written in the 6th century. As you contemplate the life of the revered saint, relish free time in town to explore and appreciate the sweeping views of the azure Bay of Patmos and the scattered islands beyond.

OVERVIEW
While away the hours on Pearl Island in an oceanfront private cabana with everything you could possibly want at your fingertips. Following a short ferry ride to the uninhabited island, you will settle into your own oceanfront thatched-roof cabana. This open-air oasis is furnished with padded loungers for stretching out, convenient side tables and a beverage cooler. A waiter will be standing by to serve your hearty Bahamian lunch and bring most anything else you might need. You are welcome to spend the entire day in the comfort of your shaded cabana or explore the rest of the beach-blessed island, if you please. Kayaking and paddle boarding are available and the crystal-clear water couldn’t be more inviting. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, climb the lighthouse at the island’s tip. The views from the circular observation tower are spectacular in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride the ferry the Pearl Island, the closest private island to Nassau.
• While away the hours in a VIP oceanfront cabana, doing whatever you please.
• Enjoy attentive waiter service, as lunch and beverages (one cocktail pp is included) will be served in your cabana.
• Take a refreshing swim in the sea or stretch in the sun on the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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.

Follow the curator of the legendary Mariinsky Theatre on a private behind-the-scenes tour and then linger over a cup of tea with a ballerina as she shares stories of her life as a dancer. The neoclassical theatre can trace its history back to 1783. It is masterfully designed and surprisingly large, as it has been renovated repeatedly and added onto over the centuries. The curator will lead you into areas that are typically off limits to the general public. Depending on the day, your insider’s tour could reveal the inner workings of the stage, the grandeur of the royal box and the costume storage rooms. You may also hear intriguing details about the lives of the most famous dancers and singers that have performed there. Afterwards, you will meet a ballerina in a nearby restaurant. She will openly share her personal life story, and you are welcome to ask questions about her experiences on and off the stage.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Mariinsky Theatre with the curator.
• Learn the inner workings of the theatre and details about the lives of its famous dancers.
• Meet a ballerina for a cup of tea and to hear about her experiences on and off the stage.

This unforgettable excursion will have you traveling along the coastlines on the Sir Francis Drakes Highway heading through small villages such as Capoons Bay, Apple Bay, Carrot Bay, and then you will ascend about 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Photo stops will be made along the way.

Enjoy stunning views and the different shades of beautiful water. Your knowledgeable driver/guide will keep you constant company as the history and culture of the island is related via the public address system. At Long Bay beach, enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal- clear water or just relax to the singing of the waves along the seashore.

You will experience the world's most incredible scenery and historical finds as you journey first to the Dead Sea and then on to Masada, a mountain fort that is now a national Jewish shrine, and world famous for its recognition by UNESCO for its unique structure and history.

Boarding your coach at the pier, you will first travel through the dramatic landscape of the Negev desert and descend 3,600 feet toward the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. Your first stop will be at the breathtaking location of Masada, the most spectacular ancient archaeological site in Israel. Upon arrival, you will ascend by cable car to the summit of this mountaintop fortress which was built by Herod the Great. Plenty of time will be allowed to explore the magnificent ancient ruins, which include Herod's three-tiered palace, the synagogue, the baths, the defending walls and the water cisterns that are still to this day considered an engineering feat.

After a morning of extraordinary vistas, you will be treated to a relaxing lunch overlooking the pale, still waters of the Dead Sea. Following your meal, you will be given the opportunity to experience the exquisite sensation of floating effortlessly upon the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. With more salt and minerals than any other body of water in the world, the Dead Sea is considered to be a natural health and beauty spa.

Your afternoon continues with a picturesque drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Qumran and the Qumran Visitor's Center. From this vantage point, the Qumran Caves are clearly visible. It was here in 1947 that a Bedouin shepherd boy discovered the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known biblical manuscripts in the world.

Departing Qumran, you'll ascend into the Judean Hills, sighting Jericho to the north as you make your way back to Ashdod. Undoubtedly, the impact of the remarkable sites you have seen will remain with you for many years to come.

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer.

The operators of this tour guarantee that you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. less