OVERVIEW

Stroll through the largest Edo-style ornamental garden outside of Japan and enjoy free time browsing the shops and farmer’s market near Hilo Bay. To reach Liliuokalani Gardens, you will travel down Banyan Drive, a sun-dappled street lined with banyan trees that celebrities such as Babe Ruth and Amelia Earhart planted. More botanical treasures await you within the gardens, which is named for Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. It opened in 1917 as a tribute to the many Japanese immigrants that worked Hawaii’s sugarcane fields. While meandering through the serene setting, you will notice that nearly every plant is indigenous. They include species such as the rosy trumpet tree and the towering kukui, the national tree of Hawaii. Afterwards, continue to Wailuku State Park where you’ll find picturesque Rainbow Falls. Watch as water from the Wailuku River plunges 80 feet over the lip of the waterfall to cascade into the pool below, often forming a beautiful rainbow effect. Later, you will independently explore the abundant boutiques, art galleries and marketplaces along the waterfront. There will be plenty of time to dine on your own if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive down a beautifully shaded street lined with banyan trees that celebrities planted.
• Meander through Liliuokalani Gardens, a botanical oasis with mostly indigenous plants.
• View breathtaking Rainbow Falls at Wailuku State Park
• Spend time exploring Hilo’s main shopping and dining district along the bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile. Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area. The highlights of this exciting tour include visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

Enjoy fun in the sun, clear blue waters and the golden color sand. An approximately 40 minute drive takes you to one of Malta's popular beaches. Enjoy approximately 2.5 hours to swim, walk on the beach, participate in water sports or simply soak up the sun. Watersports are available at an additional charge and equipment can be rented right here, from local vendors.

The Island Zipline Adventure course is a combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zip to give you six high-flying zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs and cargo nets, designed to challenge but not overwhelm your physical and mental strength. Tour starts with an elevator ride to the top of the Flight house.

With platforms at 120-feet above ground and top speed of over 50 mph, your senses will be dazed with adrenaline as you zip out over the beach and reef of Great Stirrup Cay. The V nets allow you to traverse from one zipline to another while providing you with bird’s-eye view of your fellow guests, the many islands to the South or the turquoise waters and their inhabitants below.

For those feeling extra strong and confident we’ve added an almost vertical cargo net climb or by-pass the cargo net and continue the course via the chimney climb and V net bridges.

Either way this zipline course is great for individuals, families or just a bunch of friends who want to get together to experience some adventurous fun. Tour space is limited, secure your adventure today.

Go deep-sea fishing in the beautiful, crystal-clear waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with highly prized, fun-to-catch fish such as groupers, snappers and jacks.

After departing from the pier in a skiff designed for fishing, you will cruise into the turquoise waters off Harvest Caye, which are teeming with fish. Just settle in and enjoy, as the 32-foot boat races to a spot where the fish have been biting lately.

Once the boat anchors, a crew member will outfit you with all the necessary tackle and bait that the fish should find irresistible. The crew will also offer tips on how best to cast and retrieve the lure or live bait to maximize the experience.

Jacks thrive here among the reefs and if you catch one be prepared for a fierce fight. They typically weigh up to five pounds, but can be much larger. Easy to identify by their steep heads and deeply forked tails, jacks are often caught here.

If you catch a striped fish that grunts like a pig when you pull it out of the water, it will be a grunt. They make that characteristic sound by grinding the teeth deep in their throats. Grunts tend to school in the many reefs and sea beds off Harvest Caye.

Many types of groupers are found in deeper waters near rocks, drop-offs and ledges. Although groupers are slow swimmers, they can be powerful, especially the massive ones.

Experience local life in the tiny village of Keamu on the neighboring island of Aneytium.

On the short boat ride over, you can take in the beautiful tropical setting and prepare for the experience that lies ahead. As an introduction to the island, a group of warriors decorated with body paint will greet you somewhat ominously to demonstrate what the first meeting between the Europeans and islanders might have been like in 1793.

It’s all in fun, as the warriors will then lead you into Keamu to meet the chief and show you how the villagers live. You will learn about their way of life, how they prepare and store food, and weave mats and baskets from palm fronds. You will also see how they live off the land by hunting and fishing. The villagers in Keamu are extraordinarily resourceful and still practice many of the traditional ways of their ancestors.

Depart quayside to Mosta to see the famous Basilica Mosta Dome (exterior visit) considered to be the third largest in Europe. The famed 19th century church is visible from almost anywhere on the island. Malta is also known for its fine wine, which you will sample at a local winery, before visiting Mdina Glass in Ta' Qali crafts village. You can watch glass blowers produce beautiful works of art. Another side of Malta shows itself at the formal San Anton Gardens, built and established by Grand Master Antoine de Paule, who ruled the island in the 1600s. The garden's exotic flora includes palms, jacarandas and conifers, some of which are more than 300 years old.

Explore Costa Rica’s indigenous flora and fauna on an enlightening walk through Cahuita National Park and then kayak along the beach-rimmed coast nearby. The park is one of the world’s most bio-diverse natural areas and is considered a national monument. While walking one of its meandering trails, the naturalist guide will point out the highlights and provide insightful commentary on the extraordinary variety of plants and animals. Exotic-looking orchids, brightly colored lizards, spindly capuchin monkeys and tropical birds such as fiery-billed aracaris are abundant, so keep your eyes peeled. For a different perspective of the natural world, you will kayak along the shores of Punta Uva, a laid-back, beach-blessed town surrounded by a protected reef. The waters are typically calm, especially as you paddle up a river into an adjacent rainforest full of wildlife. Time will also be allotted for you to explore the coastal town of Puerto Viejo, where you will have free time for shopping and lunch on your own. less

See Florence's highlights at your own pace by riding a double-decker bus around town, hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions you find most intriguing. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely and immensely scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside and on to Florence. In time, you will stop in historical St. Croce Square, a wonderfully atmospheric gathering place where you can easily walk to landmarks such as Santa Croce Basilica. Built in the late 13th century, the church contains the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, so it will be well worth visiting. You might also want to stroll over to the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge that spans the Arno River and then linger over a Tuscan lunch before beginning the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Then, using the complimentary bus pass, you can explore the sites in Florence that are most appealing to you. More than 12 designated stops are available on the bus route. Simply hop on one of the buses and then hop off when it reaches an attraction that interests you. For instance, you might hop off near Michelangelo's exquisite statue of David in the Accademia Gallery, and see masterpieces from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio in the Uffizi Gallery. Nature lovers will enjoy the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace during the sightseeing route. You will also learn all about Florence's history with an audio-guided walking tour of the historic center.

Visit the Jewish Historical Museum which was founded more than 70 years ago, but only found its definite home in the Ashkenazi Synagogue Complex in 1987. The museum gives a perfect impression of Jewish life in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

Enjoy a guided walk through the historic Jewish area of Amsterdam. See the Hollandsche Schouwburg theater which is now a monument in memory of the 104,000 Jews who did not return to Amsterdam after World War II. During the war, only Jewish artists were allowed to perform in the Schouwburg.

You will also visit the Portuguese Synagogue, which was built in 1675 by Elias Bouman for the three congregations of Portuguese Jews who had fled to the Low Lands from persecution in their homeland.

Explore Kochi Castle, enjoy the views of the city and spend some free time in one of the most beautiful beaches Kochi. Kochi Castle, an imposing structure atop Otakasa Hill, offers splendid views of the city from its privileged setting. First constructed at the beginning of the 17th Century, the building has survived many invasions, fires and natural disasters of the post feudal age. Reconstructed in 1748 after a devastating fire, today stands as the symbol of Kochi. It has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 best castles, and designated important cultural property. It is also the only 12 remaining Japanese castles to have retained both its original inner keep and palace. During your visit, you’ll learn of its fascinating history and enjoy its wealth of local treasures and historical objects. A scenic drive takes you thought some of the city highlights and to Katsurahama, a beautiful beach 30 minutes south of central Kochi. A famous statue of Kochi's favorite son and one of the architects of modern Japan, Sakamoto Ryoma, stands near the beach. He was instrumental in negotiating an alliance between the Choshu and Satsuma clans that helped to bring an end to Japan's feudal age in 1868. You’ll have a little over a half-hour of free time to explore the area. Because of strong currents, swimming is prohibited at Katsurahama. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and walking paths; there is a small shrine on a cliff and other attractions in the area.

OVERVIEW

Kayak through the sheltered waters surrounding Ålesund while admiring the town’s Art Nouveau architecture and surrounding natural beauty from a unique water perspective. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will paddle off into the shimmering sea. The waters are typically calm as Ålesund sits amid a cluster of islands that protect it from high winds and waves. Although the exact route will be determined based on the conditions and boat traffic, you can expect to kayak about four miles. The mountains in the distance are the Sunnmøre Alps, which provide an inspirational backdrop. As you paddle along not far offshore, you will notice that much of the architecture reflects the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century. The reason being that most of Ålesund had to be rebuilt following a catastrophic fire in 1904. The guide will describe the points of interest, which are considerable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a kayak through the typically calm waters off Ålesund.
• Behold the town’s abundant Art Nouveau architecture from a unique water perspective.
• Enjoy the peaceful natural setting with the Sunnmøre Alps in the background.
• Learn about the town’s history and culture as the guide points out the landmarks.

HELPFUL HINTS

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