SHORE EXCURSIONS

Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on the way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island.

Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at a local souvenir shop in Funchal, where you'll see the various types of this handmade crafts and sample and may purchase the world-famous Madeira wine.

Experience Corfu's most enchanting landmarks, colourful villages and breathtaking views of the island on this delightful tour. After an approximate 30 minute drive, you'll first stop at the beautiful spot of Paleokastritsa that offers splendid views of the area's multiple bays. It's said that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore at one of these bays and enjoy some free time. Your tour will continue towards the village of Lakones where you can look down on the Paleokastritsa and take memorable pictures. Whilst continuing your drive to Mount Pantokrator, you'll get the feeling that the entire island of Corfu is spread below your feet. You'll pass various Corfiot villages, then walk through the beautiful fishing village of Kassiopi and enjoy a typical Greek lunch. After lunch you'll explore the northeast coastline via the village of Nissaki and the coastal resorts of Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia and Kontokali. As you reach the Old Town of Corfu, you'll have a chance to admire from the comfort of your motorcoach, the architecture of the beautiful mansions, the Byzantine churches, the old fortress, the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George and the lively Esplanade Square, before your return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

On this panoramic voyage, you’ll circle volcanic harbors and lakes, cross the Canterbury countryside, visit a working sheep farm, and see the sights of urban Christchurch. It all begins with a spin around Lyttelton Harbor – the massive caldera of an ancient volcano – then winds past idyllic Governors Bay on the Banks Peninsula before entering the lush patchwork landscape of Canterbury Plains, where white sheep dot the green hills. New Zealand is famed for its sheep farms and at Manderley Farm, you’ll get the chance to tour one up-close. After a warm greeting and morning tea, farm hands will lead you to a demonstration at the shearing shed and a lively performance by the operation’s most dedicated herders – its talented sheepdogs. Marvel at their talents and agility as they gather a flock from nearby hills, bringing the sheep down to their master and responding to whistled commands from great distances away. Your return journey traces the shore of vast Lake Ellesmere en route to Christchurch for an orientation drive through areas damaged by the 2011 earthquake as you see how the city is rebuilding and restoring some of its most iconic heritage buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a fascinating half-day experiencing the sights of both town and country by panoramic coach.
• See harbors, lakes and lagoons formed by prehistoric volcanos and cross idyllic green pasturelands.
• Visit a working sheep farm, meet the farm hands and watch champion New Zealand sheepdogs herding the flock by whistled command.
• Take a drive through central Christchurch and learn about its recovery from the 2011 earthquake.
• Return via a historic mountain tunnel that reigned as New Zealand’s longest for over 50 years.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing including a light jacket or sweater.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Your coach will take you inland, passing through Sao Martinho to the Socorridos ravine. Eira do Serrado is reached after a short drive along a winding road, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Here, it's a short and easy walk up to the viewpoint on Pico de Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,094 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras. Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) is a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your next stop will be at Monte. This small village, perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, was formerly a health resort for Europe's high society, including Austrian Emperor Charles I. One of its long-lost features was a rack railway, which connected Monte with Funchal. From here you will board the cable car and see Madeira from the air, experiencing the wonderful views all the way down to Funchal. The cable car is made up of 40 small cabins with a capacity of up to eight people per cabin and it has an approximate duration of 15 minutes. Your last stop will be at an important wine lodge, where a sample of the famous Madeira wine will be offered.

OVERVIEW

The highlands of Scotland offer unparalleled scenic beauty, ancient landscapes and fascinating history – with superb castles, magnificent mountains and enchanting lochs. This tour offers you the opportunity to experience the best of the highlands in a day. Travel alongside the Cromarty Firth and reach the splendid Cawdor Castle, dating from the 14th century. Originally the fortress home of the Thanes of Cawdor, nowadays the castle feels like a living home, rather than a museum. You’ll learn of its rich history as you walk through rooms filled with exquisite furnishings and family keepsakes. Drive through Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, sitting astride the tranquil River Ness. Get acquainted with this bustling town on your way to lunch. Head towards Loch Ness, made famous by the fables of Nessie. You’ll travel through the village of Drumnadrochit and on to visit Urquhart Castle, built both as a fortress and as a residence on the shores of the famous loch. Today, a jagged keep rises from crumbling walls against a lovely backdrop of loch and hills beyond. Enjoy the lovely scenery of the Scottish glens, as you continue towards Beauly, noted for its salmon river. Highland Hills form the backdrop on the last part of your journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through ancient landscapes of rolling hills, enchanting lochs, and majestic glens
• Drive alongside the scenic Cromarty Firth with views of mountains and rivers
• Highland hills and glens create a picture-perfect backdrop throughout the journey

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an adventurous exploration deep into the lava caves of Vatnshellir, formed thousands of years ago by a violent eruption. Western Iceland is the setting Jules Verne used for his epic 1864 page-turner, Journey to the Center of the Earth, wherein the professor and his intrepid crew get into all kinds of adventures after entering a passage into the earth on Snæfellsjökul Peninsula. Your expedition down into Vatnshellir will be much the same, but with better ventilation – and no dinosaurs. The lava tube entrance is a scenic hour’s drive from the pier, along a rugged coast and majestic volcanic landscape. Equipped with helmet and flashlight, you’ll follow your guide through an above-ground entry capsule and down into the cave’s upper section, lined with fascinating lava formations along its sides. A long, narrow passage and spiral staircase lead ever deeper until you reach the cave’s lower section, a completely soundless chamber with black igneous walls. Once there, all lights will briefly be turned off so that you can experience true total darkness. Expect your sense of smell to become heightened as your brain lets go of sight and sound. Then it’s back up to the surface, with new perspective.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a drive across the one-of-a-kind Snæfellsjökul Peninsula landscape by panoramic coach.
• Don your helmet and check your flashlight, both supplied, as you prepare to enter Vatnshellir lava cave.
• Follow your guide inside and down through lava tubes and stairways leading to a soundless base chamber nearly 11 stories underground.
• Experience the rare sensation of total darkness and silence as we all briefly turn out our lights.
• Learn about what forces went into making this place happen, and what folklore has grown up around it.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate layered clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a bottle of water, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures, slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water, and the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District as well as the Golden Zone Shopping Center located in the hotel area. Here at the Golden Zone Shopping Center you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to browse and shop through the numerous craft and jewelry shops before returning back to your ship.

This relaxing narrated drive through Edinburgh captures the capital's essence through its signature landmarks, including imposing Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Park and New Town. Depart from the pier and drive towards the spectacular Gothic cityscape of Edinburgh, somewhat following the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, a gaping inlet from the North Sea. Upon arriving in the proud capital city, you can't help but notice brooding Edinburgh Castle sitting atop an outcrop of sheer granite cliffs. It anchors one end of the famed Royal Mile, an area approximately one mile long that extends down to Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth II. As you crisscross the streets in this phenomenally scenic Old Town, you will get a sense of what life here was like centuries ago. The streets are busy, narrow and lined with towering buildings Edinburgh-born Robert Louis Stevenson once described as "a dream in masonry." You will also travel along the major thoroughfare of Princes Street in New Town, a stunningly picturesque section of Edinburgh whose construction began in the late 18th century. It's known for neo-classical architecture and large, open green spaces. As you will discover driving through Holyrood Park, it is truly one of the city's most beautiful green oases with serene ponds favored by waterfowl. You'll stop for photos and to take in the views at the highest point in the park, Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that overlooks the Edinburgh and far beyond. Afterwards, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Drive through the vibrant urban landscape of Aqaba and the lunar-like Wadi Rum desert, two extraordinarily different experiences that you will toast with a glass of champagne at sunset. Aqaba is the only coastal city in all of Jordan, and while it is ostensibly modern, it has been inhabited since 4000 B.C. You will get an authentic feel for the city as you travel past the high-rises, resorts and beaches that Aqaba is best known for. Wadi Rum is like night and day. This harsh desert landscape is marked by towering cliffs, steep gorges and rock arches that erosion has shaped over millennia. UNESCO declared Wadi Rum a World Heritage site for multiple reasons, one being that its ancient rock carvings and inscriptions trace the evolution of human thought over thousands of years. There is truly no other place like it, especially as the sun goes down behind the mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic driving tour through Aqaba, the only coastal city in Jordan.
• Ride into the stark, but hauntingly beautiful Wadi Rum desert in a 4x4 vehicle.
• Toast the occasion with a glass of champagne as the sun sets on the desert.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Take a panoramic drive through the most historical areas of Boston and enjoy an insider’s tour of Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park. The guide will provide engaging commentary on the significance of the sights, but nothing will be quite as enlightening as seeing the ballpark up close and behind the scenes. Since opening in 1912, Fenway Park has remained largely intact and looks much like it did when Red Sox legends such as Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice played. You will browse the press box and broadcast booths and get a good look at the dugout seats and Pesky’s Pole. The famed pole marks the right field foul line and the shortest distance for a home run-in major-league baseball. Take in a view of the field from the iconic Green Monster seats next to Fisk’s Pole.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy access to areas of Fenway Park that are usually off limits to the public.
• See iconic features of the ballpark such as the Green Monster and Pesky’s Pole.
• Gain insight into the history of Boston on a panoramic drive through downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Meander through a nature reserve and research center in Skálenes and learn about the flora and fauna that flourish in this extraordinary landscape. Chances are, you will see scientists and university students studying the various ecosystems and excavating archaeological sites such as the abandoned farm Thorarinsstaðir, one of more than 80 such sites in the reserve. As you might imagine, wildlife is abundant, especially coastal birds. You can expect to see golden plovers, black-tailed godwits and perhaps gyrfalcons, a magnificent but threatened species that is Iceland’s national bird. Be sure to ask how the fluffy down feathers of eider ducks are collected and sewn into duvets on site. It is a fascinating process that doesn’t impact the birds at all. If you are lucky, you may also spot reindeer and arctic foxes from the surrounding mountains. Regardless of where you wander, you will behold some of the most spectacular and pristine countryside in east Iceland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a huge variety of coastal birds at the Skálenes Nature Reserve.
• Discover why so many species of birds are attracted to this natural habitat.
• Learn about what’s being unearthed in the dozens of archaeological digs in the area.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Snorkel two reefs and a sunken shipwreck teeming with marine life before relaxing on a beach that precipitous limestone cliffs shelter. You will reach the sites on an outrigger boat that will make the adventure all the more enjoyable. There is no telling what you will observe just off Balinsasayaw although tropical fish are especially abundant. Twin Peaks Reef is another favorite snorkeling spot where you may see an even greater variety of marine creatures. Graceful stingrays, bi-colored parrotfish and scissortail sergeant majors are commonly seen around the coral reef. Then, there is Skeleton Wreck, a snorkeling and dive site named for the skeletal remains of a World War II Japanese gunboat. It lies in about 15 feet of water. A bit farther down the coast, you will stop at Beach 91, a beautiful stretch of sand that invites relaxing and doing nothing more ambitious than basking in the sun.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise an outrigger boat to three spectacular snorkeling sites and an idyllic beach.
• Observe tropical fish at Balinsasayaw and at Twin Peaks Reef.
• Snorkel the waters above the wreck of a World War II Japanese gunboat.
• Relax however you wish at beautiful Beach 91.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring sunscreen and a towel and wear comfortable walking shoes.