EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW
Enjoy an inspired wine tasting and gourmet lunch at a winery restaurant in the Guadalupe Valley, a fertile area known as the Napa of Mexico, in part because the vast majority of Mexico’s wines are produced there. During the drive inland, you will notice the terrain becoming hillier with an abundance of sprawling farms and idyllic valleys such as Guadalupe. Its microclimate is similar to that in the Mediterranean as the summers are relatively cool with constant ocean breezes. Red wine grapes, in particular, flourish there, and over the past three decades or so, more than 150 wineries have become established along the valley’s wine route. Your introduction to one of the premier wineries will begin with an enlightening, behind-the-scenes tour. Afterwards, you will sample a wide selection of characteristic wines that beautifully represent the Guadalupe Valley. They will be paired with cheeses and artisan bread, which will perfectly complement the fabulous 3-course lunch that follows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through the Guadalupe Valley, the Napa of Mexico.
• Gain an understanding of the valley’s terroir by touring a premier winery.
• Sample several representative Guadalupe Valley wines and enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch.

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

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at Las Caletas, a paradisical resort that is only accessible by boat. The former home of movie director John Huston – who discovered Puerto Vallarta while filming “The Night of the Iguana” there in 1963 – Las Caletas has been expanded to include amenities such as an indulgent spa and a fine restaurant. Even so, this exclusive private property has remained remote and wild as it is tucked away on a long stretch of beach backed by precipitous cliffs and dense jungle. Although you will be free to do whatever you wish at the resort, you might explore the forest on a guided nature walk, ease into a hammock with a good book, bask in the sun, kayak and snorkel just offshore, and join a mezcal tasting and Mexican cooking class. There is no end to the possibilities as the only scheduled event is a bountiful buffet lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Las Caletas, a resort that can only be reached by boat.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the sea, kayaking and most anything else you wish.
• Join a mezcal tasting, learn to make authentic margaritas and participate in a cooking class.
• Savor a buffet lunch of international dishes and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sample the highlights of San Diego during this guided excursion. Take a city drive to see the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and downtown San Diego. You'll drive through the magnificent 1200 acre Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Then onto the seaside village of La Jolla, considered the "Jewel of Southern California." Indulge in free time to shop and explore this affluent, hilly seaside resort community featuring boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Last stop is San Diego’s historic Old Town offering the finest in theater, galleries, shops and free, live entertainment.

Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers.

You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch with a colorful Mexican folkloric show. Your escort will guide you to a place to change and show you where lunch will be served.

The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four.

Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.

This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

OVERVIEW

Browse the exclusive marina that has transformed coastal Puerto Vallarta and then head to a hacienda in the countryside for an entertaining class in piñata-making. A monumental sculpture of a humpback whale and calf – which a Mexican artist created to symbolize the importance of family – will be among the first sights you see in Marina Vallarta. You will also discover that there is more to this luxurious setting than yachts as you wander about the upscale shops and galleries. Art is also the focus of the experience at the hacienda, where you will learn step by step how to make a piñata, a handicraft that in Mexico dates to the 16th century. Whether traditional or contemporary, the designs of these vibrant icons filled with candy and treats are often highly symbolic. Following the workshop, you will enjoy lunch and time to shop for ceramics and folk art that the indigenous Huichol people created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how the luxurious Marina Vallarta has transformed Puerto Vallarta’s coast.
• Explore the marina shops and see the iconic seaside humpback whale sculpture.
• Participate in a hands-on piñata-making workshop at a rural hacienda.
• Enjoy lunch at the hacienda and shop for traditional folk art.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Draw inspiration by visiting two art galleries in Old Town and express your own creativity by painting a ceramic tile in a hands-on class at a mountain retreat. While browsing the acclaimed Isela Mariscal Gallery, you will see an impressive collection of colorful works by Mexican artists that include the talented gallery owner herself. The pieces in the Dante Gallery are more eclectic and showcase paintings and sculptures by dozens of Mexican and international artists. The experience of wandering about both galleries is meant to stimulate your creativity, which you will be encouraged to express at La Dulce Vista. In this serene setting in the mountains, you can’t help but feel creative. All the materials needed to paint a traditional Mexican tile will be provided at the hacienda. Just add your personal touch to make a memorable souvenir. Snacks and wine will be served to complement the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse two esteemed art galleries in Puerto Vallarta’s atmospheric Old Town.
• See works from local Mexican artists and international painters and sculptors.
• Express your own creativity at a Mexican tile-painting workshop at a mountain retreat.
• Keep your tile as a souvenir and reminder of Mexico’s artistic heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Drive into the heart of the Baja outback to a secluded, private ranch. After short safety speech, gear up with your protective pads and helmet and then prepare to ride like never before! Have fun on our new, easy-to-use electric bikes with specialized wide wheels that handle well through both sandy and bumpy mountain trails. Cactus lined sandy trails, hilly terrain and a beautiful, soft-sand beach beside the glistening Pacific are all part of the picturesque route on our Electric Mountain Bike Adventure. With a specially designed electric motor, the bike does all the work for you! Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and learn about the abundant wildlife as your guide accompanies you throughout your adventure. Complete your day in an Ocean top ranch with stunning views and enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet and drinks, all-included. The most Eco way to explore the Baja.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at the Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta, an extraordinary resort overlooking the sea. It won’t take long to reach this 4-star slice of paradise, which will allow you all the more time to enjoy the generous amenities. As soon as you arrive, the concierge will present an overview of the property so you can maximize your time. Feel free to head straight to the beach and stretch out in a lounge chair. Beach umbrellas are also available if you would rather lie in the shade. If you prefer freshwater to saltwater, it will be comforting to know that the resort has four swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool on the rooftop with a bar serving drinks and sushi right there. This beach escape also includes a sumptuous buffet – one exclusively for adults, the other for families – and the use of single and double kayaks if you are feeling adventurous.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the waterfront Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta resort.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the pools, kayaking and doing most anything else.
• Savor a traditional Mexican buffet lunch and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Join a hands-on cooking class at a retreat in the mountains and enjoy the authentic Mexican dishes that you have prepared for lunch. You will first explore Old Town, also known as El Centro, where you can stroll the seaside malecón boardwalk, explore the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and shop for a bit. You will be fully immersed in the local culture by the time you reach La Dulce Vista, the venue for your cooking class. The chef will guide you through the step-by-step preparation of tangy sauces such as salsa de molcajete – made with charred tomatoes, hot peppers and garlic – and entreés that will likely include pork tostadas and chicken enchiladas. The margaritas will be flowing freely as a warm-up to the tequila tasting. Expect to sample an array of spirits such as white tequila, an amber añejo tequila and a caramel-flavored reposado aged in whiskey barrels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roll up your sleeves and participate in a hands-on cooking class at a mountain retreat.
• Learn to prepare traditional Mexican sauces, dips and main dishes from scratch.
• Savor your freshly made concoctions for lunch along with unlimited margaritas.
• Discover the finer points of tequila during a tasting.
• Stroll the malecón boardwalk and visit an iconic church in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Located at Land's end, where the Pacific Ocean merges into the Sea of Cortes, the area surrounding Cabo is perfect for Sailing adventures. Board one of our specially designed, wide berth sailboats and begin your day of Ocean exploration. Head out to the famous Arch and Sea Lion colony and enjoy delicious snacks onboard. Then cruise to a secluded bay, where the captain will drop anchor so you can dive into the depths of the blue waters. Snorkel in the bay, searching for corals, star fish and tropical sea life or try your hand at Stand up paddle boarding, all included in the tour. Back onboard, sit back and relax while being served a mouthwatering lunch, including, shrimp, guacamole, fresh Cesar salads, pastas, fresh fruit and pastries. Accompanied by an unlimited open bar, enjoy a refreshing cocktail or ice cold beer as the staff hoist up the sails. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of sailing in the bay, passing by the homes of the rich and famous and the stunning coastline. Search for wildlife such as turtles, dolphins and manta rays, and if lucky, in the winter months, you may see Humpback whales breaching in the ocean. The top tour in Cabo!

OVERVIEW

Watch a highly entertaining Lucha Libre wrestling show much like the flamboyant performances of the mid-20th century, the heyday of this classic Mexican sport. To prepare for the fun that follows, you can take advantage of the open margarita bar on arrival there and snacks at the venue. You can expect the performance that follows to be wild and woolly. Lucha Libre means “free fight,” although there are some rules to keep the fast-moving action from getting out of hand. Most luchadores wear colorful masks – even in public when not wrestling – that conjure up images of ancient Aztec warriors and spiritual figures. A wrestler that removes an opponent’s mask in the ring is instantly disqualified. The luchadores will execute high-flying aerial maneuvers throughout the show, moves similar to those in mixed martial arts. It will be easy to get caught up in the action, so feel free to cheer loud and long.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See a wild, gravity-defying performance by masked Lucha Libre wrestlers.
• Be awed by the wrestlers’ acrobatic, high-flying maneuvers.
• Enjoy the open margarita bar and traditional Mexican snacks at the venue.

HELPFUL HINTS

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