EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Relax and be transported through time on the Old Town Trolley. This one and a half-hour (without hopping off) tour covers over 100 points of interest as you weave through the narrow streets of Old Town. Key West has one of the largest historic districts in the U.S. filled with tropical plants, flowers and charming wooden cottages, houses and mansions. On the tour you’ll pass through the historic seaport, by the Southernmost Point and Duval Street, and unearth the stories of its unique heritage. You’ll be transported from the golden age of settlement through the exciting days of the railroad, and discover island life through the years of the Great Depression. You’ll quickly see why Key West has been home to writers and poets, musicians and artists, and visitors. Your tour will conclude at Mallory Square, filled with great shops and attractions including the Key West Aquarium and Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum.

Drive through the old part of town and visit the Hotel Los Flamingos, once called the refuge of the Hollywood gang of the 1950s. Next, visit around the Fort of San Diego. The present structure was rebuilt on the ruins of the former fort, which was destroyed in an earthquake. Visit one of Acapulco’s landmarks, the Chapel of Peace. This chapel is beyond doubt a place of serenity and peace, located on one of the most exclusive residential areas in Mexico - Las Brisas. Here you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and of Roqueta Island. A 20-minute stop will also be made for those wishing to shop. At La Quebrada, admire the world-famous high cliff diver’s performance.

Visit the Bio Diversity Museum and learn about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planets biodiversity and discover the ingenuity of the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks Visitors Center.

The Bio Diversity Museum, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry was conceived to tell a story about the origin of the Isthmus of Panama and its incredible impact on the planet’s biodiversity. The galleries were conceived by Bruce Mau, founder of the Institute without Boundaries and the scientific content was developed by a group of scientists from the Smithsonian Institute and the University of Panama.

Leaving the museum, enjoy a scenic drive over the palm-lined Amador Causeway with fantastic views of the downtown skyline. This causeway was built with excavated material during the construction of the Panama Canal, it took 18 million yards of solid rock. Originally part of a military base, this is now a popular recreational area with shops, restaurants and a marina attracting locals and visitors alike.

You’ll also visit the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center which offers exhibits about the canal operations with interactive modules, video presentations and models of the Panama Canal. Hopefully you’ll also have an opportunity to see a vessel transit the Miraflores Locks’ chambers.

Hop aboard the hemisphere's first transcontinental railroad and see the Panama Canal from the comfort of a deluxe 1938 vintage dome car. During your journey you’ll travel across the isthmus and see Gatun Lake. Then, visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up close look at this engineering marvel.

You’ll board your transportation for a short drive to Colon and board this unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, air conditioning, large windows and open-air viewing decks.

You’ll ride in a restored executive dome car which has an upper deck with full-length observation windows and booth seating, as well as two restrooms and a bar.

Then, you’ll leave the Colon station on an approximately one-hour train ride to the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, your guide will provide commentary on the railroad, history and the canal, as you enjoy a light snack and beverage. Upon arrival in Panama City, you’ll transfer to the Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) where you’ll have the opportunity for a close up view.

Wear your white, silver or gold attire and dance the night away as you sail into the sunset.

After departing from the pier on the Rising Son II, you will sail into the Great Sound, a body of impossibly turquoise water that fills the bend in the distinctive fishhook shape of Bermuda. A coral reef at the mouth of the sound shelters the inner waters, making for a typically calm cruise on the open-concept catamaran.

Get comfortable by lounging on the trampoline bow nets, ascend to the sun deck and relax under the covered stern cockpit. Your experienced tour guide will regale you with fascinating island legends, then as the sun descends into the sparkling bay, you'll enjoy spectacular twilight views, music and unlimited Rum Swizzle and champagne.

The “White-Hot” Catamaran Sail is the perfect way to end your day in paradise, or warm up for an exciting night on the town.

Explore and discover the magnificent city of Cartagena. Begin with a stop at San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city for a panoramic view of this monumental fort considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World.

Continue to Las Bovedas Artisan Center, built as dungeons and as a means of storage. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Visit the Inquisition Palace, established in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. You’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers.

Next, visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves. Continue to the Navy Museum which includes a folk show and beverage. Before returning to your ship you will have a free time to explore by your own into the walled city and enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

Take a scenic ride through downtown Acapulco and along the coast, heading south. About 20 miles away, on a tranquil beach, is the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Operated by a local environmentalist, the center works to improve the chances of survival for the endangered species of Golfina sea turtles. Learn how the program works and see the baby turtles in various stages of development, from their eggs to the holding tanks where the hatchlings are ready to return to the sea.

Walk down to the shoreline where the turtles will be named before they are released into the water. The number of turtles that are ready for release may not always match the number of participants. A short shopping stop will be made on the way back to your ship.

Your day of discovery begins when you board you air conditioned transportation. You’ll pass by buildings and homes featuring Colonial, Republican and Moorish styles and your guide explains the many influences that came to be in Cartagena. Your first stop will be 'Punta Icacos', near the fishing village of La Boquilla. Here, you’ll be greeted by local fishermen who earn a living by traditional means of fishing. These fishermen will explain the process of making, repairing and casting the nets, as well as provide a demonstration. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn the art of throwing the net if you wish or you can also sip on fresh coconut milk or coconut water while you watch your companions cast the net. On your way back to Cartagena your guide will provide you with more information regarding Colombian history including the "Vallenato". The Vallenato is a traditional type of music typically using an accordion, flute and drum. Next, stop is at El Muelle where you’ll be greeted and entertained by your own band of Vallenato.

Sample a traditional Colombian snack or "frito" if you wish before making your way to the Emerald Museum. Here, you’ll see craftsmen at work as well as learn the history and cultural importance of the precious stone. Then, visit the famous walled or Old City and Portal de Dulce, an area where local vendors sell the handmade Columbian candies, famous around the world. Take a sweet sample before continuing your walk through the Plaza de la Aduana and Simon Bolivar Square. Along the way your guide will point out areas of interest as well as information on the many churches, building and monuments before you begin your free time in the colonial city. Feel free to stroll along the beautiful streets, browse the many shops and admire the beautiful architecture and flower covered balconies before returning to your ship.

Start your tour of the beautiful city of Cartagena with a photo stop at San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Continue to the Old City and wander through narrow cobblestone streets and squares while you admire the Colonial architecture, balconies and old churches. Your next stop will be the Inquisition Palace.

Enjoy a folkloric show during your visit to the Navy Museum which was established in 1986. Here, you’ll find historic military efforts of Cartagena, see the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia. A bottle of water or soft drink will be served upon arrival at the museum. Before returning to your ship, enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

This excursion combines the charm of both the old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

Visit one of the largest animal parks in Guatemala. Depart on a scenic one hour ride towards a drive-through zoo called the Auto-Safari Chapin – a natural reserve founded in 1980 and one of the largest animal parks in Guatemala. Its mission is to help preserve the fauna and to educate the public about the vital importance of animals. Upon arrival at the premises, your coach will stop at the entrance for a brief orientation and a written guide to the nature park will be distributed.

Then relax and enjoy as the coach drives through the park and you see a variety of animals such as hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, zebras and many other animals from Africa and Guatemala. After the drive through the park, you can walk around another area that is more like a zoo to see other animals including birds and reptiles.

There is so much to do and see on the island paradise of Key West, and you can see it all on this one tour combining the World-Famous Conch Tour Train, Key West Aquarium and the Shipwreck Treasures Museum. The World-Famous Conch Tour Train has been the favorite way to explore since 1958! All aboard our themed train vehicles for a fun-filled tour conducted by our expert train engineers who will share the history, legends and landmarks of the Southernmost City in the Continental United States. Be seduced by the tropical plants, sultry aromas of tropical flowers, and the stately homes of ships’ captains as you wind through the streets of the Historic District. Hear the stories of famous residents like President Truman, renowned author Ernest Hemingway, and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams, and like them, fall in love with this island paradise.

Following your exclusive, 1-hour tour of the island, step into the first tourist attraction on the island, the Key West Aquarium. Located in Key West’s famous Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium is one of the island’s most popular attractions for people of all ages. Home to alligators, jellyfish, sharks and many other marine animals, guests can enjoy interactive conservation talks as well as animal feedings. Guests also have the unique opportunity to meet live sharks and stingrays. The Key West Aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures in the Florida Keys!

Wreck Ashore! With these words, enter the world of 1856 Key West. The era of the wreckers. At the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum, you will step back in time as you discover Key West’s unique maritime heritage and how it became the richest city in the United States. Located in Mallory Square, the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. You will be invited to climb the 65′ lookout tower to relive the search for wrecks on the reef.

This unique, family owned, century-old hacienda belongs to the Ortuno family, whose wealth comes from ancestral agricultural production of sugarcane, coffee and macadamia nuts. This hacienda is nestled in the mountains of Turrialba offering wonderful views of the valley, river and the endless fields that dot the landscape.

Upon arrival at the hacienda, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the cultivation and processing of sugarcane. An introduction to coffee cultivation will show you the process from the red coffee berry, to the roasted coffee bean, followed by a coffee tasting session. You’ll also visit a macadamia nut drying and pealing plant.

After lunch, you’ll visit a picturesque colonial metal-and-wood chapel brought by German pilgrims in 1880. A shop offering the hacienda’s products including coffee, macadamia nuts and organic sugarcane products may be purchased.

Discover beautiful Gatun Lake and keep your eye out for the plentiful wildlife here. Meet the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up close view. You’ll take a 45-minute drive through the rainforest on your way to the Jungle Eco Marina on Gatun Lake. Upon arrival, board you motor launch for your one-hour ride, during which your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths and exotic birds. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Witness their traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs. Continue to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks), on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal for approximately one hour to observe them and learn how they work. Your guide will explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. After viewing the locks, board your transportation for the return your ship.

Hop aboard the hemisphere's first transcontinental railroad and see the Panama Canal from the comfort of a deluxe 1938 vintage dome car. During your journey you’ll travel across the isthmus and see Gatun Lake. Then, visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up close look at this engineering marvel.

You’ll board your transportation for a short drive to Colon and board this unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, air conditioning, large windows and open-air viewing decks.

You’ll ride in a restored executive dome car which has an upper deck with full-length observation windows and booth seating, as well as two restrooms and a bar.

Then, you’ll leave the Colon station on an approximately one-hour train ride to the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, your guide will provide commentary on the railroad, history and the canal, as you enjoy a light snack and beverage. Upon arrival in Panama City, you’ll transfer to the Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) where you’ll have the opportunity for a close up view.

Discover beautiful Gatun Lake and keep your eye out for the plentiful wildlife here. Meet the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Visit Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks) for an up-close view. You’ll take a 45-minute drive through the rainforest on your way to the Jungle Eco Marina l on Gatun Lake. Upon arrival, board your 24-foot motor launch for your one-hour ride, during which your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, and exotic birds. The lake was formed as a result of the damming of the Chagres River during the construction of the Panama Canal. Step back in time and visit the Embera tribe who still live in traditional villages within Panama’s rainforest, in harmony with nature. Witness their traditional song and dance along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera are very talented craftsmen and have produced some beautiful items which are available for purchase as souvenirs. Continue to Agua Clara Locks Observation Center (Expansion Locks), on the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal for approximately one hour to observe them and learn how they work. Your guide will explain the engineering feat required to move ships over a continental divide that separates two oceans. After viewing the locks, board your transportation for the return your ship.