Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

Drive a Jeep through downtown Nassau and its suburbs, taking in attractions such as the caves where the indigenous Lucayans once lived and then pausing to relax at the beach..

After a short walk from the pier, you will hop into a Jeep Wrangler and hit the open road. There is plenty to see during your time behind the wheel, starting with downtown Nassau, the capital, largest city and cultural hub of the Bahamas..

You will drive through the colorful shopping district on Bay Street and see highlights such as palm-dotted Rawson Square, lovely government buildings such as the Supreme Court and the pink-hued House of Assembly. You will then head west past lovely Cable Beach and on towards the Nassau Caves for a photo stop..

The Lucayans, the original residents of the Bahamas once lived in these caverns. Settlers later used the caves for religious services and the guano inside to fertilize their crops..

You will drive along JFK Drive, which recognizes President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 meeting in Nassau to discuss Polaris, the United Kingdom’s submarine-based nuclear-weapons program. The fabulous and sprawling Baha Mar resort is another Bahamian landmark that you will pass. .

Free time on one of Nassau’s most inviting beaches follows, during which you might stroll along the shore, bask in the sun or simply admire the natural beauty and serenity of the sea. Then after a bountiful lunch at the Bahamian Grill, you will return to the pier..

Gain a greater understanding of Northern Ireland and its culture by following a foodie guide through Belfast, pausing every so often to sample classic dishes and delicacies.

After departing from the pier, you will soon reach the heart of Belfast, where you will commence a walking tour, accompanied by a local food enthusiast. The exact locations to be visited will be determined the day of the excursion, but they will definitely be establishments that best represent the cuisine of Northern Ireland. These will be the markets, restaurants and cafés that the locals frequent, rather than those typically found in guide books.

You may well start at St. George’s Market, the oldest covered market on the entire island of Ireland. While browsing the stalls and soaking up the atmosphere, you will sample delicacies that are distinctly Irish. You may be offered a chunk of fried eel or a bite of Belfast bap, a hearty sandwich typically loaded with Irish bacon, scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese.

Continuing on to other foodie locales, you might try a few spoonfuls of colcannon, a mixture of mashed potatoes, cabbage, cream and butter. Of course, potatoes appear in all sorts of classic dishes such as Irish stew, Ulster fry and boxty, a tasty potato pancake.

Other Irish staples that you may sample include fluffy soda bread and wheaten farls. The latter is a griddle cake that is served in quarters known as farls.

OVERVIEW

Venture to an extinct volcano, a Hindu pilgrimage site, a magnificent waterfall and colorful natural bands of earth on this enchanting excursion. Travel from the center of Curepipe, known as The City of Light, to the rim of Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater where you’ll stop for photos of the island and its towering mountain ranges. You’ll continue to Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao, a sacred lake and Hindu pilgrimage location, and enjoy a visit to a temple dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. Learn that many pilgrims walk barefoot to the lake, which is believed to contain water from the holy Ganges of India. You’ll make your way through the forest reserve of Plaine Champagne, stopping at a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Black River Gorges. After passing through thick Chinese Guava groves, discover the oft-photographed Chamarel Falls and the nearby Colored Earths, exposed earth crust that appears in seven colors due to the cooling of molten rock estimated to be millions of years old. Snap inspiring photos of Morne Mountain and Benitiers Island before concluding your exploration by driving past quaint fishing villages and the beguiling Black River salt pans.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at expansive island and mountain views from the rim of the extinct Trou aux Cerfs volcanic crater.
• Experience Grand Bassin, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site honoring Shiva.
• Applaud Mother Nature’s grandeur at picturesque Chamarel Falls.
• Stand in wonder at Colored Earths, a multi-hued display of age-old molten earth crust.
• Capture marvelous photos of Morne Mountain and Benitiers Island from a perfect viewpoint.
• Take in charming fishing villages and the renowned salt pans of the Black River.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Drive off road in a 4x4 vehicle to several colonies of penguins, where you will have time to photograph them and observe their fascinating behavior. After departing from the pier, you will set off on an exhilarating ride in a 4x4 vehicle, the last 12 miles or so off road. Upon arriving at Port Louis Farm, a member of the family that owns the property will accompany your small group to Seal Bay.

Your first stop will be at a colony of Rockhopper penguins. These birds are easy to identify by their spiky yellow and black head feathers. Unlike most penguins that waddle, Rockhoppers bound along the rocky shoreline. They are among the world’s smallest penguins and amusing to watch in their natural habitat.

Continuing on, you will drive through the shallow waters of Swan Pond, where lunch will be set up on the beach. While dining, you can expect to see all sorts of indigenous birds such as oyster catchers, grebes and kelp geese.

You might also see sea lions and a variety of penguins, including Magellanic penguins. They are named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan because the birds were spotted on his attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1520.

You will also pause for photos at a nearby colony of Gentoo penguins. These charismatic birds have red-orange beaks and peach-colored feet, so they clearly stand out against the coastal rocks. Being streamlined with strong flippers, Gentoos are the world’s fastest diving birds.

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air-conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at our Blue Lagoon Restaurant, the most beautiful lagoon with fresh water, located 20 minutes away from Chacchoben Mayan ruins. After your meal, sunbathe on a sun lounger, take a swim and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well-fed and in good spirits, your transfer awaits to return you to the ship. The color of the lagoon varies depending on the weather, season of the year, and time of the day.

A visit to the ancient city of Nora is a must for those who want to learn about the island’s centuries of occupation, admire Roman and Phoenician remains and the sparkling blue Mediterranean under the watchful eye of the 400 year old Spanish watchtower. Enjoy an orientation drive through Cagliari with a photo stop at Monte Urpino’s panoramic lookout point. Drive along the coast passing St. Gilla's lagoon, where if you’re lucky, you’ll see the pink flamingos and the salt flats. This pleasant drive follows the route taken by thousands of pilgrims every year as they follow Santo Efiso’s Cart.

Nora was founded by the Phoenicians. It had two harbors, one sheltered from the west winds and the other from the Mistral. The site has Carthaginian and Roman remains. After a period of Roman prosperity, there was a decline and in the 3rd Century AD the city was engulfed by the sea in a natural disaster. Admire the beautiful mosaics of the thermal baths, an amphitheater and small Roman Theater, as well as small houses and villas. Recently the forum, or agora, has been found, but a substantial part of the former town remains under the sea. It isn't hard to imagine ancient people living their lives so close to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. You’ll also see the outside of the little church where, every year, during the first days in May, important religious celebrations take place to commemorate St. Efisio. The church was built on the same site where the saint was martyred.

Snorkel the azure waters adjacent to the of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers. Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans, and delicate sea anemones.

Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs, and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home. After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes. After returning to the pier, as you step off the boat, you can pick up your complimentary rum punch.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club in nearby Mahahual. After a brief orientation to help you maximize the experience, you will be free to enjoy the club’s amenities, which are considerable and all offered for your enjoyment. You might stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the sea and gather around the thatched-roof poolside bar, which will be open for unlimited drinks the entire time. One end of the Beach Escape is typically busier and more party-oriented, while the other end by the pier is quieter, allowing you to easily find an ideal spot to make the most of your free time. If you wish to explore offshore, kayaks are available. The beach club is located right on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Village, a great place for people-watching and dining on your own as there are plenty of restaurants.

From Cannes, you’ll drive to Monaco, where after leaving your coach, you'll be carried to the top of the rock by escalators and elevators. On the upper level, enjoy a guided walking tour passing by the Oceanographic Museum, the cathedral, and view the exterior of the Prince's palace. After a short period of free time, you’ll re-board your coach and head to Monte Carlo to enjoy some additional leisure time near the Place du Casino. You may wish to stroll across the street to admire the Hotel de Paris, do a little window shopping, or even try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo or the Cafe de Paris Casino.

Hop on our classic-like trolley bus for an enjoyable and fun way to visit the highlights of downtown Cozumel and have some spare time for strolling and shopping by the main square.

After meeting your guide at the pier, you will board your trolley and enjoy the sightseeing as well as the entertaining narrative about Cozumel's fascinating history. Visit key points of the city such as the Church of the Cross. It was built in 2018 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first mass celebrated on the island – and in Mexico.

Stretch the legs and explore the shops by the main square. Find goods from all over; from cheerful crafts to sophisticated brand clothing, jewelry, and perfumes.

Don't miss the opportunity to take some selfies by the colorful Cozumel add or the gigantic Mexican flag before it is time to go back to the ship after a memorable outing.

Experience the varied and stunning landscapes of Outer Hebrides and enjoy a stop that will allow you to observe a weaving demonstration of world-famous Harris Tweed.

Starting off from the cruise ship pier in Stornoway, the capital of the Outer Hebrides, you'll travel southward, skirting the fjord-like sea lochs of Loch Erisort and Loch Seaforth. The road then climbs steadily past the towns of Bowglass and Ardvourlie before navigating through a mountain pass which offers up excellent views of the rugged countryside. The views include the peak of Clisham, which at over 2,600 feet, is the highest mountain in the Outer Isles. Usually, native wildlife can be spotted here, including red deer, otters and golden eagles. The terrain here even features rocks which have been discovered to be the oldest in the world. During your drive, you will further witness how the powerful forces of ice and sea in the distant past have carved and polished a dramatic landscape of stark sea-cliffs, sweeping beaches and rugged heather uplands here on the island of Lewis.

One of the most desirable wool textiles in the world, Harris Tweed, is produced in the Outer Hebrides and you will have the opportunity of visiting one of the small shops and adjacent tweed storehouse in the town of Tarbert. A weaving demonstration at the factory shows how the product is weaved and you will have the chance to purchase some lengths of tweed or small souvenir products. As the factory is not large in scale, visitors should be aware that space is restricted. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Tarbert - which overloods Loch Tarbert and is the largest village on the island.

Continuing on from Tarbert, you'll pass through a dramatic lunar landscape of rocks dotted with tiny lochans as you descend towards the vast expanse of Luskentyre Bay. Here, you'll head for Horgabost Beach where you will have some additional free time to enjoy the bleached white sand here. This lovely setting which is framed by the turquoise sea, backed by steep dunes and set against the backdrop of the mountains to the north, is a wonderful place to relax and take some memorable photos. From this location, you can also view the beautiful, uninhabited island of Taransay, the recent setting for a hugely popular television program, 'Castaway'.

Following your stop at Horgabost Beach, you'll rejoin your coach and travel back the ship in Stornoway.