Delve into dazzling Taormina on a guided walking tour of this ancient seaside city. You will appreciate a scenic drive along a winding road to Taormina, a town graced with an extraordinary natural setting and an evocative medieval character. Stroll past the exquisite Palazzo Corvaja, a beautifully ornate building whose construction began in the 15th century and which bears Arabic, Norman and Gothic influences. Gaze at the Greek theater, an architectural treasure that dates back to the 3rd century BC, a reminder of how long Taormina has been a vibrant city. You will learn that the theater was rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century and is still in use today for summer performances. While roaming the fascinating remains of the auditorium, see that its placement on the slope of a steep promontory offers what some consider to be one of the best views in all of Italy, a breathtaking panorama of Taormina, the glittering Mediterranean and striking Mount Etna in the distance. You'll descend to lively Corso Umberto, the town's main commercial street, and wander its quaint jumble of elegant homes and picture-perfect churches, an appealing meld of the old and new that perfectly captures Taormina enduring spirit.

OVERVIEW

Perfect for serious adventurers or families seeking a personalized tour, this excursion is customized for your interest and skill level with just five or six guests per boat. Light tackle is our specialty, which ensures that even average sized fish are exciting and rewarding to bring aboard. Your tour begins at a private downtown marina, where you are outfitted head to toe. You'll board an open-air boat and glide into a breathtaking landscape. Head out past the busy charter fishing areas and into secluded locations for wildlife viewing and remote fishing. With custom light tackle, you'll experience the thrill of angling for numerous Alaskan bottom fish species and whichever of the five species of Pacific salmon are in season. Most folks catch fish - this excursion is renowned for the highest catch rate of any Alaska fishing experience. Your skiff then heads to a wilderness campsite where a crackling fire awaits. You'll settle into the stillness of the rainforest, rest on a beach log and breathe deeply among centuries-old spruce trees and fragrant cedars. You'll experience this outdoor culinary adventure as the camp cook blends homemade fish broth and delicately seasoned potatoes. You'll dine on your freshly caught bottom fish served atop a saffron-infused bouillabaisse, and savor fire-warmed sourdough rolls, signature rhubarb-blueberry crisp and steaming mugs of coffee or hot chocolate. It's no wonder Food & Wine magazine rated this "The world's best camp meal ever." If salmon are in season and your group managed to land a couple, our cooks will grill it fresh over the fire for a true Southeast Alaskan experience. Your tour concludes with a short walk back to the ship and memories of fish tales with friends old and new.

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

OVERVIEW

This tour combines breathtaking ocean scenery and delicious food, promising a memorable day in the Nova Scotia countryside. Begin with a sightseeing drive through Halifax and along the coast to Peggy's Cove. This rustic and charming fishing village, situated on a narrow ocean inlet with huge granite boulders, is one of Canada’s most photographed sites and inspired renowned marine artist William de Garthe. Photograph the lighthouse and visit the gift shops, or simply relax in this enjoyable setting. Your visit to Peggy’s Cove will be complemented by a traditional lobster lunch at a popular local restaurant offering commanding views of the craggy coastline and picture-perfect lighthouse. You'll see some of the city’s highlights, driving around Citadel Hill National Historic Site and past the Public Gardens and the Old Town Clock, prior to your return to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a delicious Atlantic lobster lunch, a true Maritime tradition
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic lighthouse, one of the most photographed sites in Atlantic Canada.
• Explore the picturesque village of Peggy’s Cove, featuring charming galleries, souvenir shops, and close-up views of the lighthouse.
• Discover Halifax's highlights and the rich history of Nova Scotia during a scenic drive along the stunning coastline.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Exult in an exploration of Santorini’s enticing shoreline by private yacht with a stop at a volcanic island. You’ll join your exclusive vessel at picturesque Vlihada Beach and sail away with your expert captain and crew, enjoying beer, soft drinks and delectable mezes while on board. Skim the sparkling waters, reveling in the refreshing ocean breezes, past picture-perfect beaches and the bewitching Akrotiri rock formations, created during a powerful volcanic eruption in the middle of the 2nd-millennium BC. You’ll see the 1892 Akrotiri lighthouse, one of the oldest in Greece and unique because of its square tower. Disembark on the island of Nea Kameni, which means “new burnt,” as the island is only 400 years old. Choose to relax on the beach, swim in the sea or walk up to the rim of the island’s crater or seek out the mineral-rich green and yellow thermal springs. You’ll long cherish your memories of this fascinating look at Santorini’s alluring shores and volcanic heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Board a private yacht with an expert captain and explore Santorini’s fascinating shoreline.
• Enjoy beer, soft drinks and tasty appetizers as you cruise.
• Gaze at idyllic beaches and craggy volcanic rock formations.
• Go ashore on Nea Kameni island to stroll on the beach or climb to the crater’s rim.
• Discover Nea Kameni’s mineral-filled green and yellow thermal hot springs.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable non-slip shoes.
• If you wish to swim, wear a swimsuit under a cover-up and bring a towel from the ship.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

En route, you'll pass lowland countryside dotted with farms, canals and windmills, the perfect symbol of Holland's past. Keep your camera ready, as photo opportunities present themselves at every turn. Upon arriving in Amsterdam, drive past some of the city’s landmark sites. See Dam Square and the Baroque Royal Palace, and make your way to Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church"), a 15th-century, late-Gothic cathedral built on an artificial island. See the Central Railway Station, a bustling building with imposing twin towers. The Munttoren ("Mint Tower"). You'll also witness the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market and the graceful Weeper's Tower, the site where wives came to say goodbye to their husbands as they embarked on long voyages. A bronze plaque commemorates the English navigator, Henry Hudson, who sailed from here in 1609.

Next, you’ll visit the Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings and tracing the artist’s life from his early years to his suicide in Arles, with an emphasis on Van Gogh’s development into a great master. You’ll have approximately one and a half hours to visit this impressive museum independently. Afterwards, take a stroll to Dam Square where you'll have free time to have lunch on your own, browse and or shop before returning to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a scenic drive through Limassol that presents a wealth of attractions, including historical ones from medieval times and new skyscrapers whose designs push the envelope. As you travel up the coast, you will pass the city’s popular seaside promenade and continue on into another revitalized area with landmarks you can’t miss, even from a distance. One Limassol has the distinction of being the tallest residential seafront tower in Europe. It represents the epitome of luxury island living, much like Trilogy Limassol Seafront, a trio of towers that is the largest mixed-use skyrise development in the Mediterranean. Seeing the iconic Agia Napa Cathedral, built more than century ago, shows that Limassol still deeply respects its past as it eyes the future. During free time in the Limassol Agora – a sprawling indoor food mall – you will notice that the shell of the building is historical but the interior has been repurposed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the gorgeous views while driving along Limassol’s beautiful coast.
• Behold One Limassol, Europe’s highest residential tower on the sea.
• Be awed by the Trilogy Limassol Seafront, three boldly designed mixed-use skyscrapers.
• Spend free time independently exploring the indoor food mall Limassol Agora.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This is an ideal introduction, at a leisurely pace, into the heart and surrounds of Malaga. The capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a modern city rich in history and culture.

Sit back and let your guide bring to life both Malaga’s past and present on this panoramic tour of the city and surroundings. Driving past the subtropical gardens of the park to the bullring on the eastern side of the city, your coach winds its way to the Castle of Gibralfaro’s lookout point. You’ll have a great panoramic view of the city and the port, which gives you perfect photo opportunities.

Once in the city center, follow your guide on a short walk. Enjoy the street life of Malaga during your walking tour.

Follow the footsteps of one of the world’s most celebrated saints through the beautiful countryside to his spiritual heartland and where he based his mission to convert Celtic Ireland to Christianity. You'll head to the city of Downpatrick – burial site of the patron saint and medieval capital of County Down. You'll visit the Saint Patrick Centre, a new and exciting 21st century interactive experience which tells the fascinating story of Ireland’s patron saint. This 20-minute audio visual presentation will take you across Ireland with some stunning aerial photography on a 180-degree virtual helicopter ride.

You'll then transfer the short distance to Down Cathedral. Your guide will explain the origins of the building and its history which has taken it from a monastery established in the early Christian period to its present status as a memorial to its historic past. Outside, you’ll visit Saint Patrick’s grave. After lunch, travel to nearby Saul, the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland given to Patrick by the local ruler Dichu, one of his first converts. After a short visit to the church, journey across to Strangford, by ferry. Stop to visit the ruins of Grey Abbey before heading back to the port.

OVERVIEW

Explore some of the many landmarks Melbourne has accumulated, from its 1835 founding to the 21st century. Renowned as Australia’s ‘most livable city,’ Melbourne is a place of Old World charm and magnificent parks and gardens. It’s also a cosmopolitan, constantly-emerging hotbed of progressive cultural trends, artisan food, and passionate, world-class sporting events. There’s no way to see it all, though one stop on this tour comes close as you travel by lightning-fast elevator to the Eureka Skydeck 88. Clad in floor-to-ceiling windows atop one of the world’s tallest residential buildings, you can catch amazing 360-degree views of the entire city from here along with shimmering Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong mountains in the distance. Less lofty but very moving, you’ll visit the city’s iconic Shrine of Remembrance, honoring those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations. Climb to the balcony if you like, or take a stroll toward the adjoining Royal Botanic Gardens. Additional sights seen include the modern Crown Casino complex and Convention Center along the Yarra River and several tony residential suburbs. Later, enjoy free time to explore the natural history collections of Melbourne Museum on your own, returning to the coach at a preset time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See and visit highlights from Melbourne’s elegant past and vibrant present on this coach-driven tour.
• Zip to the top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide views from Skydeck 88.
• Stop at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, a moving memorial to those who served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Travel past convention and casino complexes, though leafy riverside suburbs and along shopping boulevards. Enjoy free time to exploring the Melbourne Museum’s collections independently.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Discover close to four hundred years of history in the heart of Canada’s oldest incorporated city which has passed the tests of salt air, sea winds and a devastating fire. As your guide takes you past prominent landmarks and historic buildings, you’ll be introduced to many fascinating personalities and events that occurred to make Saint John the greatest little city in the east. Visit the Reversing Rapids , where the mighty Bay of Fundy causes the St. John River to reverse direction and flow upstream. Stop to explore the Old City Market, where you’ll delight in the vibrant sights and sounds and chat with the locals. Pass the Carleton Martello Tower, and see your ship in the port of Saint John against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout. Experience a delightful blend of past and present.

Enjoy a scenic harbor cruise to Rose Island where you'll have an opportunity to visit the fully restored lighthouse, see the remains of the 200-year old Ft. Hamilton and learn about the island’s role as an important wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary. En route to Rose Island, enjoy a scenic harbor cruise of Narragansett Bay. Your Captain will share with you the 350-year history of Newport, rich in maritime heritage, past and present.

First lit in 1870, the lighthouse was fully restored and is an inspiring example of classic American maritime architecture. A visit to this living museum offers insight into a bygone way of life. You'll have an opportunity to explore the station from the windmill to the cellar cistern and learn about the works and pastimes of lighthouse families through their own possessions and photographs.

Join your naturalist guide for a leisurely walk of the island. Due to its strategic location, Rose Island has an interesting history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Today, it plays an important role as a wildlife refuge and home to a number of migrating birds including Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great and Snowy Egret and Glossy Ibis.

Tour Saint John on a San Francisco-style motorized trolley and enjoy the narrative by your driver/guide as Saint John history comes to life. Discover Saint John’s charm and learn about the personalities and events that have contributed to its fascinating history. Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the mighty Bay of Fundy causes the St. John River to reverse direction and flow upstream.

View the port of Saint John and your cruise ship against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy from Fort Howe lookout. Discover 400 years of history in the heart of Canada’s oldest incorporated city and experience a delightful blend of past and present. Your tour ends at the Old City Market, in the heart of Saint John. Disembark and explore at your leisure, as you are within a three block radius of Saint John’s top attractions. If you wish, you may stay on your trolley to return to your ship.