EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Take in the highlights of Santa Barbra in this short outing to discover her treasures including free time to browse her quaint streets.

From the pier, depart for a scenic drive to the Old Santa Barbara Mission. With its grand double bell towers, lush gardens and the majestic San Ynez mountains as a backdrop, the Mission is one of the city's most picturesque landmarks. Known as "Queen of the Missions" for its exceptional beauty, the Santa Barbara Mission was founded by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786. More than 200 years later, it's still an active parish church and a vital and enduring element of Santa Barbara's cultural landscape.

Pause here for photos before continuing to the El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park to view the remains of the Spanish Outpost built in 1782. Across the street is the unique County Courthouse built in 1929 in the Spanish-Moorish architectural style with its carved doors, special widows, balconies and turrets. From the courthouse you are introduced to State Street in downtown. Here, free time of afforded to explore the city center and browse her streets for treasures or enjoy a café. At the appointed time rejoin your guide for the return to the ship.

Settle in for a full immersion into the world of Santa Barbara wines at the Deep Sea Tasting Room, a delightful venue on Stearns Wharf. The Conway family owns the business and primarily serves Conway wines in the tasting room. As certified sommelier Gillian Conway shares her love of wine, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to properly sample wine, how to choose one to your liking and what wines pair best with certain cuisines. Even wine aficionados will find the experience wonderfully informative and entertaining. You will sample about a half dozen wines, while Gillian describes their characteristics. You might taste a Malbec named for Ringo, the Conway's rescue dog, a crisp "Sea Horse" Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy notes and a fruity "Sea Star" Pinot Noir. All the grapes come from California vineyards, most of them in coastal Santa Barbara, an area that fog and sea breezes typically cool and influence the oceanic terroir.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample a selection of California wines in a tasting room on the Santa Barbara pier.
• Deepen your understanding of local wines as the sommelier describes their characteristics.
• Taste how the wines reflect the oceanic terroir with which Santa Barbara is blessed.

Indulge in Santa Ynez Valley’s finest wines on this journey that includes exclusive tastings at two of the region’s most celebrated wineries and a picnic lunch.

Travel to the stunning Santa Ynez Valley on a scenic coach ride. Learn about the far-reaching effect of prohibition on wine production and viticulture. At each winery, you'll test your palate with an exclusive tasting of award-winning vintages. Learn proper tasting techniques and discover the basics of wine production. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel through the Santa Ynez Valley. This adventure is perfect for wine lovers-from wine connoisseurs to beginners who want a thrilling introduction to the wines of Santa Ynez Valley. Sip selections from Syrahs to Chardonnays on this incredible tasting adventure.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Santa Barbara with a local architect that will point out and elaborate on the prevalent Mediterranean Mission-style architecture. Although you will only walk about a mile, there will be plenty to see. The architectural style reflects Santa Barbara's Spanish-colonial heritage and Mediterranean climate. Elements such as clay-tiled roofs, white-washed plaster walls and wrought-iron accents became more prominent when the city was rebuilt following an earthquake in 1925. The architect will show you some of the more famous buildings this firm designed, including El Jardin, a mixed-use project with obvious Spanish influences and whimsical features. Ablitt Tower is another distinctive project as the footprint of this vacation-rental residence is a mere 20 x 20 feet. The building could only go up, and it rises spectacularly over an area full of restaurants, shops and nightclubs. The tower's more than 50 windows offers magnificent views in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow a local architect through Santa Barbara for an enlightening architectural tour.
• Become familiar with architecture that beautifully reflects Santa Barbara’s Spanish roots.
• See some of the whimsical, somewhat controversial projects that the architect designed.

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

In 1911, three Danish immigrants purchased almost 10,000 acres of land in the lovely Santa Ynez Valley in hopes of building a community for Danish immigrants. Hundreds of Danes arrived to this new town named Solvang, which means "sunny meadow." Through the decades, locals adapted to the American way of life but the town continued to reflect its Danish heritage.

Explore on your own this charming Dutch town during three hours of free time. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera to capture each enchanting sight. You'll have plenty time to explore at your leisure, shop for mementos, visit attractions and stop for refreshments or snacks.

As you make your 45-minute drive north to Solvang, you'll be driving through picture postcard scenery of verdant hillsides and vineyards. Upon arrival, perhaps you'd like to visit one or more of the 150 one-of-a-kind shops that offer a variety of items. Many of the buildings are reminiscent of "bindingsvaerk", a half-timbered construction style that dates back to Denmark's 16th century. You can walk to replica of the famous Little Mermaid statue as seen in Copenhagen's harbor as well as the bust of famed Danish fable writer Hans Christian Andersen.

Enjoy a taste of Denmark with a visit to a local restaurant where you can purchase open face Danish sandwiches. Try a Danish dessert called Aebleskiver, a pancake like ball coated with powdered sugar and smothered in raspberry preserves.

At the appointed time meet your guide for the return ride back to your ship.