OVERVIEW

Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy on a tour of director Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop special effects studio. A picturesque drive along sandy Oriental Bay toward Mount Victoria brings you to wondrous Wellington Harbor views and a stop to stroll the dense forest that served as the Outer Shire where Frodo and company began their epic journey. But the feature attraction of this journey is further ahead in Miramar, where a LOTR expert guide will lead you on an exclusive peek into the movie magic lurking inside the Weta Workshop and Weta Cave. Insights into the production process will be revealed as you tour these custom-built facilities full of props, models, costumes and Middle Earth weaponry. Interactive exhibits go into deeper detail as you learn about over 20 years of blockbuster effects work that’s been brought to life here. Even if you don’t know an Orc from a Dwarf, this will be a fascinating glimpse behind the screen. At tour’s end, ride back to the pier or request an optional drop-off in the city.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Wellington studio where local-hero Peter Jackson brought The Lord of the Rings and other film legends masterfully to life.
• En route, stop for epic views over Wellington and stroll the same woods the Hobbits did at the start of their long film journey.
• Tour the Weta Workshop complex with a crewmember as they share fascinating secrets and show off props, models, and weapons made for the LOTR films and many more.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, a bottle of water from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Begin with a transfer into Stockholm, then, your tour will start with a boat cruise along Stockholm’s waterways. Nature & City have combined to make Stockholm one of the most attractive capitals of the world. Naturally, water plays an important part in city life since no fewer than 40 bridges of every shape and size link Stockholm's 14 islands together. You’ll be able to admire many of these as you glide peacefully along this captivating city. Your boat will dock by the Vasa Museum where you’ll get off for an inside visit. In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship Vasa, once considered the pride of Sweden's navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship which sank in Stockholm's inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Its salvage in 1961, with more than 12,000 objects on board, is one of the most important events in marine archeology. After the visit, continue by coach to Old Town. There, you’ll have a walking tour of Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarters. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, and stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. You’ll experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument. When the guided walk is over you’ll have some time of your own.

Enjoy a day in the picturesque countryside discovering the caves of Gunns Plains and Australian native animals at Wings Wildlife Park. Your drive takes you through Tasmania’s picturesque countryside and lush green vistas en route to Gunns Plains—a prosperous farming district located south of Burnie. Limestone caves are the region’s main attraction, discovered by a hunter in 1906. Caverns and short passages are accessed by a flight of concrete stairs, and you’ll wind your way through the caves on a guided tour. See an underground river and bioluminescent glow worms, as well as the unusual "ribbon" stalactites.

Drive to the Wing’s Wildlife Park, set on 106 acres. Tasmanian devils, quolls, and many other native animals and farm creatures live here, including reptiles and kangaroos. During your approximately one hour of free time, visit the animal nursery if you wish, or simply explore the park and meet its inhabitants.

After your transfer into town, enjoy some of Stockholm’s highlights on a panoramic drive through the city on your way to Skansen, one of Sweden's leading tourist attractions. Skansen Museum is the oldest open-air museum in the world, with more than 1.3 million visitors annually. People come from everywhere to see the unique collection of historical buildings from all over Sweden as well as the Scandinavian wild and domestic animals and the exotic fauna at the Aquarium. Skansen has its own stage for concerts, a lively town quarter, a hot-glass workshop, craft workshops, cafes, restaurants, shops, and to top it all off, a fantastic view of Stockholm. Over the years, about 150 historical buildings have been moved here from nearly every part of Sweden. Most of them date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors to the houses and farmsteads are met by hosts in period costumes. They often demonstrate domestic occupations, such as weaving and spinning and there's also a wonderful display of glassblowing.

OVERVIEW

Journey into Tasmania’s unique natural world as you tour an indigenous wildlife park full of indigenous animals and a tranquil garden full of rhododendrons. The experience begins with a leisurely drive inland toward Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area, traversing idyllic terrain and scattered villages where life has changed little over the centuries. Once at Wings Wildlife Park, you’ll have free time to ramble the trails as you encounter famous animals like the Tasmanian devil, and obscure ones like the bettong – tiny marsupials who hop around like mini-kangaroos. Other unfamiliar creatures who call the park home include boobook owls, crab-eating macaques, quolls and long-nosed potoroos. Even American bison and Japanese quail are on the resident list. In contrast, the feature attraction at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is the flora, not the fauna, although here too you might run across South Pacific oddities like platypus and echidna joining the more conventional garden dwellers such as wild ducks and grebes. It’s a beautiful setting of meandering paths dotted with water features and gazebos – and some 22,000 rhododendrons. Plenty of other flowering shrubs and bedding plants ensure a colorful visit, no matter the time of year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach through unspoiled Tasmanian terrain to the Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.
• Spend an hour among the many curious inhabitants who call Wings Wildlife Park home.
• See Tasmanian devils, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in this curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Experience the pastoral tranquility of Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, colorful in any season
• Wander garden paths in a landscape dotted with lakes, waterfalls, bridges and gazebos.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Discover the highlights of Ko Samui during an orientation tour of this island. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past exquisite beaches. Stop for a visit at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai, which features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. The statue is visible from several miles away, and creates an impressive silhouette against the sea and sky behind it. You’ll also visit Plai Leam temple and make a short stop at Chaweng viewpoint before the return back to the pier.

Visit the Kunaram Temple, a small, unique monastery that embodies a true sense of simplicity and tranquility and make. During your visit, you’ll have an opportunity to view the body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Poh Deang, in a seated meditation position. Stop at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai, which features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. The statue is visible from several miles away, and creates an impressive silhouette against the sea and sky behind it. Considered one of the most colorful temples, you’ll visit Wat Plai Laem for its notable statue of Kwan Yin (or Guanjin), an 18-armed Buddhist avatar of Mercy that sits in the middle of a lake. A short stop at a scenic viewpoint will be made en route.

This master-planned city was constructed to move the country's administrative functions from Kuala Lumpur. Putrajaya, named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, is a landmark complex that stretches over 11,320 acres of which more than 70% is devoted to greenery and bodies of water, including 13 different gardens. Planned to the minutest detail, this intelligent city is devoted to enhancing the goal of the nation in nurturing a caring and progressive society that is also technologically advanced. Architecturally, the city is a blend of both modern and Islamic design, with well-paved roads and residential areas that blend together harmoniously.

Some of the sights you’ll see are Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister's Office Complex, Putra Mosque with its rose-tinted granite, the unique twin-deck Putra Bridge and Putra Square.

Round off the tour with visit the 227-acre Putrajaya Botanical Garden. About 40% of Putrajaya's scenic beauty consists of lush greenery and botanical gardens enhanced by large bodies of water and wetlands. This is the largest botanical garden in Malaysia which provides a peaceful, quiet place for contemplation and reflection, and is divided into three sections: flowers, ornamental plants, and preservation and research.

This tour provides you with the perfect opportunity to discover two Mediterranean cities located in the heart of the Costa Blanca and visit a local winery.

Alicante, capital of the Costa Blanca, White Coast, is also known as the Ciudad de la Luz or the City of Light. Arriving in the old quarter, follow your guide on a walking tour. View the 18th century Neo-Baroque town hall, and stop at the Cathedral for a visit. One of the Cathedral’s most notable features is its Renaissance baroque facade. Inside, you’ll discover an impressive 17th century nave and a 15th century cloister.

Travel from Alicante to the city of Novelda to visit its most important historic building, the sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena. The building is a Gaudi inspired design and has been likened to the Sagrada Familia. Enjoy a visit of the wine cellar of a local winery with a short introduction to its history. See the old machinery once used for wine-making and its evolution up until the present day. Here, you’ll also learn about the wine-making process - from the receiving of the grapes, all the way through before being bottled and labeled. At the end of your guided tour, you’ll be invited to taste one of the wines produced here.

The islands of Malta are home to eleven prehistoric monuments, seven of which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you’ll visit the Temples of Tarxien and Hagar Quim where you’ll discover Malta’s prehistoric past. A scenic drive takes you to Tarxien where you’ll visit the Tarxien Temples. They are renowned for the detail of their carvings, which include domestic animals carved in relief, altars, and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns.

Head to the southern part of the island to see some of the most unique prehistoric monuments in the world, at the temple of Hagar Quim. Before returning to Valetta, you’ll make a short stop for photos at the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

OVERVIEW

Experience true indulgence on a tour that seeks out fine epicurean delicacies produced around Burnie, including intensely flavored cheeses, creamy chocolates and robust wines. A century ago, this town was all about timber and papermaking, today it’s evolved into a thriving arts center. And though times change, certain tastes don’t. Like the taste of the exquisite cheeses made in the dairy country surrounding Burnie. The area’s climate, salt-laden atmosphere and lush pasturelands are simply ideal for cheese making. The exact varieties available for tasting at the visited venue change daily – but you’ll likely find sharp cheddar, creamy camembert and distinctly flavored parmesan among them. A visit to the chocolate factory of a Belgian chocolatier will stimulate a different part of your palate. Besides learning about their techniques, you’ll sample treats produced using their signature Anvers couverture chocolate, all made extra-delicious thanks to Tasmania’s extraordinary cream and butter. And what more perfect accompaniment to these delights than a tasting of locally produced wines? Depending on which boutique winery is visited this day, you may sample a deep-garnet Shiraz, a light Pinot Grigio or a fruity rosé. Turns out grapes, too, appreciate the local growing conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Treat your taste buds to a delight-filled survey of the Burnie area’s top culinary indulgences.
• Visit a local cheese producer for a sampling session of what’s on the tasting roster today.
• Call on a local chocolatier with Belgian credentials who combines Tasmanian cream and butter with other artisanal ingredients to create…nirvana.
• Toast your gastronomic good fortune to have found this tour by sampling the wines of a local boutique vineyard.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

After your transfer into town, begin with a short panoramic drive of the city. Continue to Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town. You’ll pass the Royal Palace and the dramatic royal theater as you drive to the island of Djurgarden, home of the Vasa Museum.

In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered the pride of Sweden’s navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. It was salvaged in 1961 with more than 12,000 objects on board and is one of the most important events in marine archaeology.

Continue on your panoramic drive to Ostermalm, a fashionable neighborhood of stately apartment buildings, then on to Sergel’s Torg, a square that is the focal point of modern Stockholm and the old town, where your guide will lead you on a walk through its cobbled streets, followed by a few minutes of free time to take some pictures or explore a bit on your own, before the return drive to Nynashamn.

After your transfer into town, travel through the city districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm, and Djurgarden. First you’ll cross Gamla Stan, the enchanting Medieval Old Town where you’ll pass the Royal Palace, which overlooks Stockholm’s inner harbor. Pass the Royal Opera, the Parliament Building and along the narrow canal at Slussen, where you’ll enter Sodermalm district. Sodermalm is the large island off Stockholm’s south side which contains a number of small, closely integrated neighborhoods. You’ll also drive west along Soder Malarstrand, where you’ll cross the Western Bridge that spans Riddarfjarden and offers views of the city skyline and City Hall. In the city center, the focal point of modern Stockholm, travel along Strandvagen to the island of Djurgarden. Here, you’ll have a chance to tour the island, which is regarded as Stockholm’s outdoor recreation center, and features attractions such as Grona Lund Tivoli, Skansen Open-Air Museum and extensive park lands beyond. Your panoramic drive also takes you through Diplomatic Town to Ostermalm, a fashionable neighborhood of stately apartment buildings.

OVERVIEW

Experience the flavors of Ko Samui during this unique guided visit to a local market, followed by an exclusive Thai cooking lesson at the beautiful Nora Beach Resort & Spa. Depart the pier for the drive to a local market, which features a wide array of food and goods consumed by the islanders. Wandering among the tiny, packed stalls of this fascinating site is truly a unique experience and it offers excellent insights into the local way of life. Your guide will explain the essential ingredients in the preparation of a typical Thai meal. Please note that you will not be purchasing your ingredients for the cooking class here as they have already been prepared by the school.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a market observing the bounty of fresh, locally sourced foods.
• Join a cooking class at a resort and prepare dishes with ingredients like those at the market.
• Savor the freshly prepared dishes, which will reflect traditional Thai cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Travel to a rural wildlife park for up-close looks at Tasmanian devils, kangaroos and some most-unusual other animals, then enjoy a driving overview of Burnie. Your leisurely drive inland toward Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area traverses idyllic terrain and scattered villages where life has changed little over the centuries. Once at Wings Wildlife Park, you’ll have ample free time to ramble the trails and encounter famous fauna like the Tasmanian devil and Australia’s trademark kangaroo, as well as obscure ones like the bettong, a tiny marsupial that hops around like a mini-kangaroo. Other strange and unfamiliar creatures who call the park home include boobook owls, crab-eating macaques, quolls and long-nosed potoroos. Somehow, even American bison and Japanese quail are on the resident list. The more you learn about this immense menagerie of Tasmanian wildlife and their behaviors, the more interesting they seem. Back in Burnie, you’ll enjoy a downtown drive before returning to the pier. Founded in 1828 around an excellent natural harbor on Emu Bay and surrounded by vast eucalyptus forests, the timber industry dominated the town for the next 100 years. Today, the creative arts and culinary endeavors are what Burnie is most known for.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach to Wings Wildlife Park, the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia.
• Spend about two hours meandering the park’s paths and encountering its residents.
• See Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in this curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Settle in for a scenic return drive across an unspoiled landscape, followed by an informative orientation spin around Burnie itself.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended; no heels.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed

After your transfer in to town, you’ll visit Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarters, the Old Town of Gamla Stan. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, and stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. You’ll experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. You’ll also see Stortorget and the Great Square - the hub of the Old Town, dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy, which meets each year to decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Rejoin your coach and continue through the city center and on to the Nordic Hotel in the heart of the city, where the world’s first permanent ice bar is located. The interior is kept at -5 degrees Centigrade all year round. The whole interior, including glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. A complimentary drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell you more about the bar and the construction. After tasty drinks you’ll drive to Djurgarden, a favorite getaway spot for Stockholm residents. In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship Vasa, once considered the pride of Sweden’s navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Its salvage in 1961, with more than 12,000 objects on board, is one of the most important events in marine archaeology.

After your transfer into town, your tour will start in Gamla Stan, the Old Town founded in the 13th century. Walk along the cobblestone alleys and winding narrow streets, past houses, shops and soaring church spires. View the Royal Palace, which stands on one side of the island, and 17th century mansions, built by the city’s wealthy merchants. Next it’s off to the island of Lidingo. Here lies the estate and studio of the late Carl Milles, Sweden’s most famous modern sculptor. Millesgarden Museum features the sculptures of Milles and his extensive art collection, arranged on terraces in a series of small gardens. Enjoy a tour of the museum before departing Millesgarden.

Get acquainted with the city of Alicante, a vibrant and popular Spanish resort town in the heart of the Mediterranean’s white coast. Before being invaded by thousands of sun seekers, the city attracted conquerors and traders like the Greek, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and finally the Romans, who named it Lucentum or City of Light.

A panoramic tour of the city takes you by the Paseo del Puerto, a marbled mosaic avenue imitating sea waves, and the Luceros square, with an impressive fountain with sculptures of horses. Other city highlights you’ll see are the traditional market building and the bull ring.

We will then continue our panoramic tour along the coastal road of Alicante city seeing the Albufera and San Juan beaches as well as passing by the historic sta Faz sanctuary where your guide will explain to you about the annual romery parade.

A famous spot for locals and visitors to the city is the Explanada, a beautiful promenade that stretches around the marina. It’s lined with color tiles representing the waves of the Mediterranean Sea and lined with palm trees and often filled with small market stalls. Stop to try a traditional horchata, a refreshing drink made from tigernuts, water and sugar.

Discover attractions that include Langkawi’s infinite natural beauty and interesting places, as you travel from a cultural complex to a rubber plantation to a landmark plaza. Drive across Langkawi, a ruggedly mountainous archipelago of rainforests, lakes and waterfalls. Largely undeveloped, the landscape is classically tropical. It is still very much the land of rice fields, legends and friendly people. Pass scenic paddy fields with groups of buffaloes resting in their muddy ponds. Quaint Malay Kampung (villages) are scattered all over the island.

Visit Kota Mahsuri, located in the heart of Langkawi, this is a must-visit for anyone seeking a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Malaysia. The complex houses, a historical museum, a theatre showcasing a play about Mahsuri’s life, and the actual tomb of Mahsuri. It is the site of the legendary tale of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. As she was executed, she laid a curse on Langkawi to have seven generations of bad luck, which some believe to be the cause of the island’s past hardships.

Stop at a functioning rubber estate where you get a close-up view of rubber tapping. The rubber tapper shows you how his skillful cut makes the rubber tree bleed latex; a simple method that has been used since the late 1800s. See how the tree sap is harvested to create products such as latex gloves, tires and paint. Stop at the Budaya Craft Cultural Complex, which celebrates Malaysia’s heritage and local talents. This craft-shopping complex offers visitors the widest range of genuine Malaysian crafts. The abundance of choice includes basketry, batik paintings, pottery, pewter products and much more. You will even have a chance to view the art of glass blowing.

The word Langkawi is derived from the Malay word for Eagle. Stop for photos at Eagle Square, with a monumental sculpture embracing the seafront in Kuah before heading back to the port.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a relaxed orientation tour of Dunedin, home to some of New Zealand’s most elegant Victorian architecture, its oldest university and its first public botanical gardens. Second largest city on the South Island, central Dunedin sits deep within beautiful Otago Harbor. Your picturesque coach drive from the pier traces the harbor’s shore, passing charming Sawyer’s Bay, Roseneath and St. Leonard’s on the way into the city. A tour of the grand Jacobean house known as Olveston Historic Home provides a remarkably well-preserved glimpse into the refined Dunedin life circa 1906. Set on an acre of wooded land, this graceful 35-room residence is the epitome of English Arts & Crafts style and still contains the marvelous artwork and artifacts collected by its original owner. Continuing through the city, you’ll pass many more landmark structures including the Law Courts, Otago Boys High School and First Church, the Edwardian mansions of Royal Terrace and High Streets, and Gothic Revival-styled Otago University, founded in 1869 and as vital as ever. Spanning 69 manicured on a hilltop, magnificent Dunedin Botanic Gardens are older still, but – just like the university – thrive today. Enjoy free time for strolling here and be sure to visit the classic Winter Garden Glasshouse.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sightseeing drive to central Dunedin from the port, tracing beautiful Otago Harbor and its towns.
• Tour a 35-room home that features fine art and intriguing collectibles, perfectly capturing the style of this city known for its worldly elegance.
• Travel along streets lined with Edwardian and Victorian mansions, churches and cathedrals, and the Gothic campus of New Zealand’s first university.
• Stroll among camellias and rhododendrons, roses and splashing fountains in an 1863 botanic garden.
• Ride back to the pier directly or step off in town to explore awhile longer and catch a shuttle back later.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Join the perfect introduction to Stockholm, the Capital of Scandinavia. Take a rural drive from Nynashamn into Stockholm while your guide tells you about Sweden and Stockholm.

Enjoy the beautiful sights as you pass by landmark locations like the Medieval Old Town of Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Cathedral, Parliament House and more. Continue along the water and on to the green and lush island of Djugarden. Here you'll visit the Vasa Museum, home to the magnificent warship 'Vasa', one of Sweden’s number one attractions. The 'Vasa' dates back to the 17th century and is the best preserved warship of its time.

Leaving the 'Vasa', drive through the modern downtown and business areas before being dropped off in a central location for free time before your coach picks you up for the return drive to Nynashamn.

OVERVIEW

This transfer is the ideal solution for independent-minded travelers who prefer to explore destinations at their own pace and discretion. From your ship in Invergordon, board a comfortable motor coach for a scenic journey to the center of Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. There’s much to see and do in this historic town along the River Ness with its thriving cultural, crafts and dining scene. And you’ll have about three hours of free time to discover whatever strikes your fancy here. While this is a self-guided experience, your coach escort will be happy to answer any questions you may have about how to make the best of your time here. Then, you’re on your own. At a prearranged hour and location, you’ll need to be back to rejoin the coach for the return drive to the pier. Plan this step wisely: those who run late for pickup must make their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Express your independence and keen traveler instincts by creating your own half-day in Inverness.
• Travel by coach across the Highlands countryside to a convenient spot in the center of town.
• Before striking out on your own for about 4.5 hours, make use of your coach escort’s local knowledge to plan out your itinerary. Or just wander and let it happen naturally.
• Make sure to be back at the prearranged time and place for the coach return to Invergordon.

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.

Journey to the Royal Park Theater for a water puppetry performance devised more than a thousand years ago by villagers to celebrate the end of rice harvests, mark religious festivals and entertain the royal court. Water puppetry has evolved over the centuries from folk art to a more established art form. An important part of Vietnam's cultural heritage, this theatric form not found anywhere in the world but Vietnam, has a traditional link to the earth, water and the local rice farmers.

The puppets range from 12 to 40 inches in height and from two to ten pounds. Many of the puppets are so heavy and complex that they require two or three puppeteers. During the performance, the puppeteers hide themselves behind a long screen and manipulate the wooden puppets with bamboo rods and strings while standing chest-deep in water. The show depicts Vietnamese life like weddings, domestic animals and school examinations accompanies by the music of bamboo flutes, drums, bells and single-string violins.

Return to the Victorian era as you stop at the University of Tampa campus, once the former Tampa Bay Hotel built in 1891 as a palatial resort. This elegant structure stands on 150 acres of lush tropical grounds overlooking the Hillsborough River. The Hotel was built and furnished by railroad tycoon Henry Bradley Plant, recapturing an aura for an opulent Victorian winter resort. This magnificent structure, with its eye catching silver minarets, was modeled after the Alhambra Palace in Granada Spain and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor bought forty acres of land from local Tampa citizens and began building Ybor City. Thus began this community of factories and small worker’s homes. At the Ybor City State Museum complex, you will pass by an authentically renovated cigar worker’s shotgun house dating from the turn of the century that was the home of early cigar factory workers.

A stop will be made in Ybor City and you will learn about the unique society that created the cigar industry, the primary manufacturing industry responsible for the early development of Tampa. Other highlights include a drive along Bayshore Boulevard where you’ll see lovely upscale homes overlooking the Bay and the waterfront area, home to the Tampa Convention Center, Forum, Cruise Terminals, Shoppes at Channelside, the Florida Aquarium and Harbour Island, plus the Sports Complexes that are home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the spring training home of the New York Yankees.

Thailand's only island province, Phuket, is a world-famous tourist destination renowned for its magnificent mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation, its surrounding azure blue sea and stretches of powder-white sandy beaches fringed with coral reefs. Once renowned for its tin mines and rubber plantations, visitors now arrive looking for a place to relax and explore the incredible scenery. Your island drive takes you to the Buddhist temple, Wat Chalong, considered the most beautiful and ornate temple on the island. Visit a cashew nut factory, curiously named the Sri Bhurapa Orchid Company. There you’ll see how delectable cashew nut products are made as skilled workers create a mouthwatering variety of snacks and sweets. Stop for a great view at Promthep Cape. Located at the extreme south end of the island, Promthep Cape appears to be a simple rocky hill with no immediate interest. However, once you climb the steps to the top, experience a stunning view of the perfect half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach and the scattered islands dotting the Andaman Sea. Drive to Phuket Town for a short sightseeing tour around the old part of town with its old Sino –Portuguese Buildings. You'll see some splendid examples of European-Sino-Thai architecture. Visit the Chinese Shrine facing the sea at Sapan Hin, which is a large recreational area, largely built on reclaimed land in the south of Phuket Town, right by the sea. There are often festivals and fairs held here, and its always popular with locals to take a walk, go jogging and sit by the sea. Final stop at local rubber plantation before returning back to pier.

This Aqua Scope excursion truly immerses you in the underwater world of the Red Sea, all while staying completely dry. It's a short transfer from the pier to where the Aqua Scope dock is located. The top deck of the Aqua Scope remains completely above water, while the bottom deck remains submerged under the surface of the sea.

From this vantage point, you are treated to an unparalleled view of the magnificent and exotic marine life found here in the Red Sea. As you cruise, discover not only colorful tropical fish, but the amazing coral formations hidden in the depths of these pristine turquoise waters. During the return journey, relax on the top deck while sipping a complimentary soft drink and enjoying the fresh sea breeze and warm sunshine.

Enjoy an exciting and comprehensive taste of the rich and colorful culture of Phuket.

Your first stop will be at Promthep Cape. Experience a stunning view of the perfect half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach and the scattered islands dotting the Andaman Sea once you’ve climbed the steps through the rocky hill. Then start your scenic drive to Wat Chalong, the largest and the most strikingly ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist temples. Its intriguing history features a monk believed to have formidable healing powers. To this day, Thais from all over the country flock to Wat Chalong to pay homage to the monk and regain their physical and spiritual powers.

Visit the Phuket Thai Village located on an old tin mine site with a tranquil lakeside setting. During an elaborate performance, you will be charmed by Thai Classical Dances, with performers dressed in opulent costumes and intricate head pieces made of sparkling gold and colored stones. The drumming of the thaporn or Thai drum, and the sweet melodies of the Phee, a Thai flute, will carry you further into the past. Enjoy a thrill to the complex style of Thai boxing. You will also stop at a souvenir shop before return to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Pavillion Samui Villas & Resort, a waterfront property. The resort overlooks Lamai Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand on the east coast of Ko Samui. You will be free to enjoy the amenities however you please. You might lie back in a lounge chair and bask in the sun, stroll along the lengthy beach as the waves gently lap the shore and take a refreshing swim in the sea. The resort’s expansive pool is just steps away if you prefer that setting for swimming and lounging about. Both Lamai Beach and the pool offer plenty of shade from coconut palms, which are so prevalent throughout Ko Samui that it is known as the Island of Coconuts. Around midday, a sumptuous lunch full of tropical-inspired Thai dishes will be served at the resort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax at the exclusive Pavillion Samui Villas & Resort on lengthy Lamai Beach.
• Do whatever you please as the resort setting and amenities are yours to enjoy at leisure.
• Swim in the sea, lie back on a lounger, stroll the beach and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Watch an entertaining folkloric performance of music and dance that reflects the very best of Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a popular venue for a folkloric performance that will highlight the traditional songs and dances of Puerto Rico. You can expect it to be an immensely entertaining, high-energy show.

After settling into your seat, the spectacle will begin with gusto. You will instantly recognize rhythms from other parts of the world that have influenced Puerto Rican music and dance. Many of the steps and sounds originated in Cuba, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries.

You may notice African beats and a passion typically associated with Spain’s flamenco. The dancers will perform the mambo, which was invented in Havana in the 1930s, and the samba, a dance style from West Africa.

You will also enjoy parts of the show dedicated to La Plena, a genre of music and dance indigenous to Puerto Rico. Tambourines are the principal instruments in La Plena, although other instruments such as congas, trombones and guitars are often played.

In this folkloric show, the featured guitarist will be Juan Carlos, an entertainer that has traveled the world playing flamenco and singing in his distinct baritone voice.

Experience the ancient beauty of Old Bangkok during this splendid, full-day orientation tour of the city.

Depart the pier in Laem Chabang for the scenic drive into Bangkok. Your tour of Old Bangkok will begin with a stop at Wat Suthat, easily identified by the famous giant swing in front of the temple. During your visit, you will see a renowned collection of old murals from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) housed inside the main building, along with a splendid array of gilded Buddha images.

Next, you will proceed to a local hotel for a buffet lunch, then continue on for a sightseeing drive past the Democracy Monument.

Your tour will conclude with a visit to a local store specializing in gems and quality souvenirs.

Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Enjoy a visit to an elephant camp, a cashew nut factory, and the Chalong Buddhist Temple, along with island scenes.

At the cashew nut factory, curiously named Sri Bhurapa Orchid Company, you’ll see how mouth-watering cashew nut products are made as skilled workers create a variety of snacks and sweets.

A visit to the Chalong Temple brings you to what is considered the most beautiful and ornate temple on the island, Wat Chalong. Here you’ll find a statue of Luang Por Cham, the monk who became a hero when he helped the people of Phuket put down the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876.

Elephants are an important part of Thai history and culture, regularly featured in Buddhist art and architecture. Arriving at the elephant camp, you will have a chance to observe how the elephants bathe and feed; this will be a great photo opportunity.

You’ll also stop at a local products shop where you’ll have a chance to get that last minute souvenir.

Experience the mystic ancient beauty, tradition and art of Thailand during this visit to the Wooden Pavilion.

Depart the pier for the drive to North Pattaya. Upon arrival, you will visit the Wooden Pavilion, also known as the Sanctuary of Truth, a mystical building constructed according to ancient Thai specifications, and the largest wood-carved structure in Thailand.

Designed as a pagoda-shaped pavilion, the building is over 340 feet tall, and a fusion of religion, culture and art. Originally crafted entirely from Thailand's native teak, parts of the Wooden Pavilion have been replaced by the more durable redwood to withstand the ravages of the salt air. Every square inch of the building is covered with intricate and detailed wooden sculptures depicting the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy. Once inside, you will have an opportunity to view the cavernous inner chapel, which reveals scenes from Chinese, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

After exploring the pavilion and surrounding grounds, you will re-board the coach for a drive back to the ship along the beautiful Pattaya Beach Road with a stop to shop at a local store specializing in gems and quality souvenirs.

Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and enjoy time on a sandy Red Sea beach. A short drive will bring you to the private beach of the Sheraton Soma Bay to swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Towels, beach chairs and changing facilities are included.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Langkawi by visiting an unusual rice museum and soaring over the rainforest in a cable car.

Enjoy views of paddy fields, where buffalo may be cooling off in the muddy water. Quaint Malay Kampung (villages) are scattered all over the island, giving you a true insight into the landscapes of Langkawi.

Stop to visit the Rice Garden, a museum with exhibits demonstrating the vital role rice plays throughout Malaysia. Strolling about the museum, you will be immersed in the history of the rice industry. There are displays devoted to rice planting, a tiered rooftop rice garden, and a traditional rice village. You may also see tools once used in the cultivation and harvesting of rice.

Drive to the foothills of Mount Machincang and ride on Langkawi’s biggest attraction, the cable car, to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and sea. If it’s a clear day, you may even catch sight of the islands off southern Thailand. You will have some free time at the top to further enjoy the views.

Time permitting, following the ride, you will have some free time to shop in the Oriental Village located at the cable car’s base.

Be one with the sky as you ride one of the most remarkable attractions in Sweden, the SkyView. The Ericsson Globe Arena, resembling a giant golf ball, is the largest spherical building in the world. An exhilarating ride will take you to the top of the Globe. At 426 feet (130 meters) above sea level, the glass gondola will stop for you to have ample time to marvel over the magnificent view over the city. Continue your introduction tour of Stockholm on the ground with a panoramic drive covering all major sights before stopping at the Vasa Museum, home to the magnificent warship ‘Vasa’. The ‘Vasa’ dates back to the 17th century and is the best preserved warship of its time. Afterwards you’ll be able to enjoy some free time in the city before returning to Nynashamn and your ship.

Admire the gorgeous natural beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where you may walk through the woods and learn about Tasmania’s curious flora and fauna. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive inland, passing ancient rainforests, sub-alpine lakes and jagged Mount Ossa, the highest point in Tasmania. The scenery along the way will be absolutely stunning, as it is some of the wildest, most undisturbed terrain in the country. You can expect even more natural wonders upon arriving at Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which is within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This is a land of icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, endemic King Billy pines reflected in glassy lakes, and fascinating wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, quolls and platypus. A visit at the park’s interpretation center provides an opportunity to learn about some of the unusual species found here and the history of the area. During free time that follows, you may enjoy a meandering walk through the rainforest, where you will see Pencil Pine Creek and several waterfalls. More spectacular vistas await you at Dove Lake, a gorgeous body of water in the shadow of soaring Cradle Mountain. If it’s sunny, you should be able to see its twin dolerite spires. Your time here is at your leisure so feel free to walk along the shore and admire the enchanted forest that surrounds the lake, or simply rest in the shade before heading to nearby Cradle Mountain Lodge for lunch. Afterwards, you will retrace your steps and return to the pier.

This tour visits the amazing Knossos archaeological site, proving the existence of the Minoan civilization. The Palace of Knossos was the largest and most spectacular of Minoan palaces. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, father of the mythological Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The original palace was built around 2,000 B.C., and after being destroyed by an earthquake, was replaced with a more complex one, which strongly resembled a labyrinth. Your guided tour will take you through the marvelous ruins of the ancient complex, restored by Sir Arthur Evans. His work has been criticized by some for its modernity, but it does help you visualize the palace as it was, when it served as the administrative center for the region. There will be over an hour of free time for you to stroll at leisure in the town of Heraklion. Perhaps visit the Fountain of Morosini near the colorful fruit and vegetable market, or shop for some Cretan souvenirs.

Travel off the beaten path and discover what lies beyond the urban areas of this destination. Meditate in the serene setting of a Buddhist monastery.

Embark on a scenic drive that takes you into the lush green countryside, passing small villages that are surrounded by bamboo fences and limestone walls, rice fields and water buffaloes.

Visit a monastery dedicated to Zen Buddhism and learn the history of Vietnamese Buddhist Zen. After fighting a fierce war with Kublai Khan's troops in the 13th century, King Tran Nhan Tong gave up his throne to become a Buddhist monk, establishing a sect of Buddhism in this area. During your visit, the monks will show you how to meditate and restore your energy through using Zen techniques.

You'll enjoy a walk through the streets of a small village observing a real Vietnamese community, its homes, village temples and market. Visit the home and garden of a local farmer where you’ll learn about life on the farm, growing crops are how the various farm animals are raised. You’ll be offered tea and seasonal products to taste.

Discover the popular tourist town of Guadalest, an ancient military stronghold that sits perched at the top of a granite mountain. A scenic 90-minute drive takes you past picturesque villages and winding roads surrounded by spectacular landscapes. The picture-postcard site of the free-standing bell tower and the tunnel that provides access to the old center of Castell de Guadalest greet you on arrival. Both are nestled in a dramatic granite mountaintop setting that leaves a lasting impression.

Follow your guide on a walk through the quaint village streets. The old urban center is located on the top of an outcrop, which is only accessed via a tunnel hollowed into the side of the rock. The area at the top of the rock includes the bell tower, Saint Josep Castle and the recently restored Orduña House which you will visit.

The Orduña House was built after the great earthquake that demolished much of the original housing in Guadalest. One half of the house is supported by the rock while the other half occupies areas over the chapels of the adjoining church. You’ll be surprised to find a house of such greatness in this remote and rural setting. Enjoy some free time to further explore the village on your own the many shops offering a great variety of crafts.

This diverse tour allows you to explore the mangroves, the magnificent scenery of the desert and the Bedouin way of life found on the Sinai Peninsula. Travel to the Nabak National Forest where you'll see, this unique ecosystem of mangroves up-close. The variety of mangrove that grows here has adapted itself to the area's unique environment and actually flourishes in the high saline content of the soil and the region's temperature extremes.

Drive on, through the desert, to the Nabak Museum to learn about the area's local wildlife and birds. Continue through the mountains of Wadi Kharayza, making your way to the Bedouins' camp at Wadi Mandar. Your hosts will warmly greet you and offer you a cup of Bedouin tea and typical bread that has been prepared over a wood fire. As you enjoy their hospitality, the camp's young girls will display handcrafted Bedouin items which are for sale and make for a wonderful keepsake.

OVERVIEW

This tour visits two iconic Otago Peninsula sights, one a rookery and the other a castle. Skirting the harbor’s north shore and charming towns of Sawyer’s Bay, Roseneath and St. Leonard’s, your coach will swing through Dunedin city proper on a brief orientation spin, passing the hilltop botanic gardens and University of Otago campus. Rounding the inner tip of the harbor, you’ll head out onto the rugged Otago Peninsula to the Royal Albatross Center, where you’ll be escorted to the Observatory after an informative intro at the Reception Center. Access to the colony is strictly controlled, with every measure taken to protect these rare birds’ natural habitat. With wingspans up to 10 feet they seem ungainly on the ground – but watching one glide by in flight is a uniquely spectacular and exhilarating experience. Your visit to Larnach Castle will deliver a distinctly more civilized thrill. This impressive stone mansion, set amidst trees and colorful gardens, dates from 1885 and boasts many elaborate features including a graceful hanging staircase and intricately carved ceilings, hallmarks of the many English and Italian artisans who built it. Your time here includes a lovely luncheon, guided house tour and free time in the gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a scenic drive along the harbor shore, through Dunedin and out to rugged, wild Otago Peninsula.
• Travel to the Royal Albatross Observatory, site of the world’s only mainland albatross nesting site.
• Visit the natural habitat where you can observe these amazing seabirds up-close – maybe even see a few soaring by on 10-foot wingspans.
• Tour the no-expense-spared mansion known as Larnach Castle, built for a wealthy 19th-century banker by a small army of European artisans.
• Savor a delightful luncheon here, with some free time after to wander the sprawling grounds awhile.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Explore Wellington Harbor by coach and discover a coastline dotted with quaint villages, quiet bays, and plentiful shipwrecks despite being home to New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse. Your route passes the location where this region’s first settlers landed and circles all the way round to Pencarrow Station – with its spectacular views of the harbor mouth and across Cook Strait and on South Island. Throughout the drive, narration from your driver/guide provides perspective on the history and legends of this dramatic section of the country. At Pencarrow Station, a vast sheep and cattle farm, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets, Pencarrow Lodge. This isolated cottage, once the home of a worker on the lookout for cattle thieves, has been transformed into one of New Zealand’s most unique conference and function centers. Its privileged vantage point allows you to watch the constant sea traffic moving in and out of the harbor and perhaps even spot dolphins at play in the bay waters below. Enjoy a sheep dog demonstration where highly trained sheep dogs will muster a small flock of sheep. A refreshment of tea and cakes served in this idyllic setting adds an extra note of sweetness to your day before the drive back.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Circle the vast, magnificent arc of rugged green coastline that surrounds Wellington Harbor
• Make your way past shipwrecks, small villages and a string of quiet hidden bays to Pencarrow Station.
• See the country’s oldest lighthouse and drink in spectacular views that stretch across the Cook Strait to the peaks of the South Island.
• Visit splendidly remote Pencarrow Lodge, once a farmer’s redoubt, now a renowned conference center. Enjoy a sheep dog demonstration where highly trained sheep dogs will muster a small flock of sheep.
• Watch the harbor’s sea traffic and perhaps some dolphins from here as you enjoy tea and cakes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended..
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take a drive and walk through Napier’s famous Art Deco districts and see the results of the city’s remarkable 1931 rebuild. Art Deco was all the rage in the U.S. and Europe in 1931 when a severe earthquake struck here, leveling much of the town. With an entire metropolis to rebuild, Napier embraced this whimsically streamlined architectural style and went to work. Today, the heritage sections of the city feel like a 1930s-era film set – except real. You’ll travel by coach to Ahuriri, the character-filled port district where Napier began, stopping by the landmark National Tobacco Company building for photos, and spin along the streets of Marewa, Napier’s charming Art Deco residential neighborhood. A drive down Marine Parade, lined with rows of Norfolk Pines leads to the Art Deco Shop, where you’ll learn more about Napier’s history with a brief film presentation, then set off on a leisurely guided half-mile stroll through the official Art Deco Quarter. You’ll marvel at its eclectic mix of period buildings in the Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and, of course, streamlined Art Deco styles – and step inside the old AMP Building and ASB Bank for interior inspections.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sit back for a drive through several Napier neighborhoods that showcase its unique Art Deco heritage.
• Tour Ahuriri, the old wharf district, and stop for photos at the magnificently detailed 1932 National Tobacco Company building.
• Leave the coach behind for a while, as you take a leisurely guided walk in the central Art Deco District.
• Enjoy close-up views of Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and streamline-Deco landmarks, with some interior visits included.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Discover Kuala Lumpur during an informative, full-day tour of this picturesque city. Depart the pier for the drive along the modern highway to Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, you will take an orientation tour of the city.

The National Monument, an immense bronze monument built to pay tribute to valiant soldiers who gave their lives defending the country during the communist insurgency in the 1950. Stop for photos at the city’s most photographed landmark, the Old Railway Station and the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur – the National mosque.

Stopping at Independence Square, you will see the 328-foot flagpole, marking the spot where the Malaysian flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 to commemorate the country's independence from British rule. A photo stop will be made at the Petronas Twin Tower, before continuing to the central market. Once a busy wet market, the many shops housed in this heritage building will enchant you with their offerings of kaftans, silverware, glassware, silk batik painting and songket.

Visit the Royal Selangor Visitor Center, Malaysia’s largest and most well-known pewter manufacturer. Tour the factory where you’ll be able to watch the skilled artisans at work and enjoy a visit to the retail gallery where you can purchase pewter work to take home.

During the day, you will stop to enjoy a buffet style lunch at one of the city’s leading restaurants.

This is a unique experience, different from the normal coach tour. Equipped with your own towel, binoculars and a good pair of walking shoes, set out to be one with Nature. Discover an ecosystem of winding rivers, mangrove forests and isolated islands and limestone formations. Cruise through a wonderfully serene nature park, where you will observe thousands of bats in a cave, eagles feeding, and several species of Malaysian fish being farmed in the river. Travel across Langkawi, a ruggedly mountainous archipelago of rainforests, lakes and waterfalls. At the Kilim jetty along the banks of its namesake river, you will board small 12-seater fiberglass boats and begin cruising through an ecosystem of winding river waters, passing thick mangrove forests, isolated islands and limestone rock formations. Upon reaching the Bat Cave, you will walk along a wooden platform into the heart of this underworld wonderland, where thousands of bats can be seen hanging upside down, while having a siesta, from the ceiling of the cave, which was formed millions of years ago.

Another highlight is the fish farm nearby that floats on a wooden platform just above the water’s surface. Silver-colored shooting fish (also known as archer fish), black stingrays and horseshoe crabs are among the species typically harvested here, and you may have the chance to feed them. You will also watch an eagle feeding that offers a close-up look at some of the park’s raptors, such as the White-bellied Fish Eagle and Brahminy Kite.

Uncover Thai history with a visit to the Ancient City where you’ll find fascinating reproductions displaying authentic buildings, communities and villages throughout the grounds of the immense park. Built on a 200-acre site, the Ancient City is like an open book of Thai history that allows visitors to gain a view of the real Thailand. You’ll see the numerous reproductions of palace halls, temples, stupas, stone sanctuaries and traditional houses. You can also see several reconstructed historical buildings, authenticated communities with their daily chores and sample villages from all regions of the country. Due to the enormous size of this fascinating attraction, you’ll view most of the city from the local tram, although some stops will be made along the way for interior or close-up looks at some of the sites such as the Old Market Town, Khao Phra Vihan, Sanphet Prasart Palace, and the Floating Market.