EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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.

Conoce los monumentos más encantadores de Corfú, aldeas coloridas y vistas asombrosas de la isla en este tour excelente. Después de viajar aproximadamente 30 minutos, harás la primera parada en Paleokastritsa donde podrás disfrutar de las magníficas vistas que ofrecen las bahías del área. It's said that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore at one of these bays and enjoy some free time. El tour continúa hasta Lakones desde donde podrás divisar Paleokastritsa y tomar fotos inolvidables. Mientras viajas hasta el monte Pantokrator tendrás la sensación de que toda la isla de Corfú se extiende bajo tus pies. Pasarás por varios pueblos de Corfú, recorrerás la bellísima aldea pesquera de Kassiopi y disfrutarás de un típico almuerzo griego. Después de almorzar, recorrrerás la costa noreste a través del pueblo de Nissaki y los resorts costeros de Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia y Kontokali. Al llegar a la ciudad vieja de Corfú, tendrás la oportunidad de admirar desde la comodidad de autobús la arquitectura de las hermosas mansiones, las iglesias bizantinas, el antiguo fuerte, los Palacios de San Miguel y San Jorge, y la animada Plaza Esplanade antes de regresar al muelle.

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.

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

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.

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

Behold the natural beauty of the Iya Valley, culminating with a leisurely cruise through the Oboke Gorge. On the approach to the secluded inland valley, you will notice how the landscape gradually becomes lusher and more mountainous. Because the gorges are so precipitous, people traditionally crossed them on bridges that they constructed from natural vines. Only a few of these handmade bridges still remain, one of which you will walk across – an exhilarating experience as you will see the river below through the floor’s wooden slats. The nearby Biwa Waterfall, which plummets 150 feet down moss-covered rocks, is equally impressive as is the legend of the defeated Heike clan warriors that played lutes there while mourning their losses. Despite the cascade’s beauty, the highlight may well be cruising through the Oboke Gorge near the entrance to the valley. The boat will carry you down the emerald-green Yoshino River past its rocky steep-walled cliffs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the gorgeous scenery on a leisurely drive to and from the Iya Valley.
• Walk across a river on a suspension bridge made from vines that grow in the valley.
• Be awed by the natural beauty of the Biwa Waterfall as it cascades down a rocky cliff.
• Cruise the Yoshino River that cuts through the narrow steep-walled Oboke Gorge.
• Relax while dining on traditional Japanese cuisine at a restaurant in the Iya Valley.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at a country estate after an enlightening walk through Tarquinia, an enchanting village within Tuscia, the province more commonly known as Viterbo. As you meander through the winding streets of the village, you will get a great sense of history as this area was once the stronghold of the Etruscans. Known for its ancient necropolis and medieval architecture such as the palazzo that now holds the Etruscan National Museum, hilltop Tarquinia also offers extraordinary views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The panoramas from the nearby estate Casale Poggio Nebbia will be just as magnificent. It too perches on a hill with sweeping views of the sea. The restaurant at this working farm serves organic dishes prepared according to family recipes handed down from generation to generation. The courses will be thoughtfully paired with local wines, so you will come away with a deeper understanding of the province’s simple, yet wonderfully distinctive cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the charms of Tuscia, a picturesque province better known as Viterbo.
• Walk through the medieval town of Tarquinia and take in the sweeping views.
• Dine on a farm-to-table meal prepared with organic ingredients grown on the property.

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