EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Savor a tasting of premium wines and rum at Aruba’s only winery and distillery and watch the sunset while dining beachside on the island’s westernmost point. Aruba’s desert climate makes agriculture challenging, yet Alto Vista Winery has made the most of its unusual terroir. While touring the vineyard, you will hear how the grapes are cultivated and which ones are best suited to the dry climate. The tasting will confirm that certain grapes can be successfully grown and made into varietals such as a white French Colombard and a red Tempranillo. Alto Vista also produces Red Star Rum, an artisanal spirit named for the symbolic red star on the flag of Aruba. The samples will be thoughtfully paired with a charcuterie board of local delicacies. A more complete meal will follow at Kokoa Restaurant and Bar, a seaside setting on the west coast that is ideal for watching the sun dip below the horizon.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Aruba’s only winery and distillery and tour the vineyards.
• Sample a variety of wines and a white rum that captures the spirit of Aruba.
• Enjoy a charcuterie board at the winery before dining at a seaside restaurant.
• Watch the sunset from the restaurant, which is ideally located on Aruba’s west coast.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This is an off-road island adventure to Aruba’s most exotic sites. Travel in a Landrover caravan style to the Casibari Rock Formation, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the ocean-carved Natural Bridge Ruins, the picturesque Alto Vista chapel and the California Lighthouse, located on the islands most North Western tip. Your adventure ends with a splash in the crystal blue waters of the famous Arashi Beach.

Ride the ferry to secluded DePalm Island where you can enjoy a variety of activities from snorkeling to waterslides. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the brief transfer to the ferry landing. It’s a short five minute ride across the protected lagoon to the island. Upon arrival, receive a brief orientation to De Palm Island and its amenities including the Blue Parrotfish Water Park.

Enjoy approximately 6 hours of free time to snorkel, sunbathe, swim, enjoy the water parks and waterslides, banana boat rides or maybe even play a game of volleyball. Your beach day includes snorkeling equipment and lessons. Elegant flamingo’s are walking around on the private beach and can be viewed from a distance. Complimentary alcoholic beverages and soft drinks and a complete lunch buffet are included. Lounge chairs, freshwater showers and changing rooms are provided for your convenience. Wear a swimsuit, bring a towel and adequate sun protection. In case of a late arrival in port, the duration of the tour might be slightly shorter.

Meet your guide for the day and board your comfortable air-conditioned bus and prepare yourself to experience Aruba at its finest. Enjoy your narrated tour while driving through charming Oranjestad with its Dutch Colonial architecture. Your first stop will be the Aloe Factory for a brief overview of the Aloe plantation and a tour of the Aloe Museum.

Then drive through the countryside and discover Aruba’s flora and fauna in route to the Casibari Rock formation – huge diorite boulders found in the center of the island. Board your bus and continue on to the mysterious California Lighthouse for a short stop to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island. A quick stop at the beach for a dip in the spectacular turquoise ocean concludes your tour, before returning to the cruise terminal.