Princess Cruises®: Island Princess®

Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Now modernized, Dubai continues to attract many with its international facilities and its exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai has the best prices in the Arab Gulf states for gold, electronics, perfumes and is a tax-free city. It also has good beaches and excellent resort hotels. The town was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.

Suggested Private Excursions

The Highlights of Dubai - Full day tour

Dubai - Private Desert Safari Experience - 6 hours or more

Taste of Dubai

Dubai is a member of the United Arab Emirates, the cluster of sheikdoms along the Arabian Sea. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Now modernized, Dubai continues to attract many with its international facilities and its exotic, yet cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai has the best prices in the Arab Gulf states for gold, electronics, perfumes and is a tax-free city. It also has good beaches and excellent resort hotels. The town was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates.

Suggested Private Excursions

The Highlights of Dubai - Full day tour

Dubai - Private Desert Safari Experience - 6 hours or more

Taste of Dubai

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Salalah is the capital of Dhofar province, which is the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Lovely parks and groves of banana, papaya, watermelon and vegetables give the city a tropical atmosphere and have earned it the name Garden City. Along the coast lie miles of uncrowded beaches, bordered by a brilliant blue sea. Other attractions include ancient forts, archaeological sites, fishing villages and the tombs of prophets. While it is mainly the rugged landscape and the beaches that appeal to visitors with a penchant for unspoiled locales, the modern and fast-growing city offers an interesting museum, architectural highlights such as the Al Husn Palace and colorful, bustling souks, where everything from frankincense and fragrant perfumes to gold and silver jewelry is sold.
Most of all, Salalah has to be appreciated as an off-the-beaten-track location and for the uniqueness that marks the Dhofar region.

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Jordan's only outlet to the sea, Aqaba is a popular holiday destination - with a superb climate and beach-edged Red Sea waters that boast some of the world's finest coral reef diving. Aqaba is the only seaport of Jordan. Visit fabled Petra, perhaps the finest archaeological site in the Middle East. The great monuments of this Nabatean 'rose-red city, half as old as time' were hewn from living sandstone some 2,000 years ago, and rediscovered only in 1812. Nearer Aqaba is the spectacular scenery of Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum, where rugged jebel mountains rise sheer from the desert sands.

The Suez Canal links two oceans and two seas the Atlantic and Mediterranean via Gibraltar to Port Said, and the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea via Bab Al Mandab and the Gulf of Suez to the port of Suez. It is the longest Canal that has no locks, it can be widened and deepened at any time when necessary. The Suez Canal's strategic importance lies in the fact it is essential for world trade and greatly shortens the distance between East and West. The distance between Tokyo (Japan) and Rotterdam (Holland) is shortened by 23% if it goes round Africa.

The Suez Canal links two oceans and two seas the Atlantic and Mediterranean via Gibraltar to Port Said, and the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea via Bab Al Mandab and the Gulf of Suez to the port of Suez. It is the longest Canal that has no locks, it can be widened and deepened at any time when necessary. The Suez Canal's strategic importance lies in the fact it is essential for world trade and greatly shortens the distance between East and West. The distance between Tokyo (Japan) and Rotterdam (Holland) is shortened by 23% if it goes round Africa.

Every night people celebrate events momentous and trivial. Explore Limassol Castle, which contains the Cyprus Medieval Museum, or the Folk Art Museum, housed in an old mansion. Walk ten miles of beautiful beaches, known as Cypriot Riviera. Stroll in the sea promenade or visit lush Municipal Gardens. On the coastal road to the east, just after luxurious hotels, you will find Amathus, one of the ancient city kingdoms of Cyprus. See the ruins and take a dip near the site of an ancient port. West of Limassol lies Kolossi Castle, a medieval fortress whose walls contain a tower surrounding living quarters, and an ancient sugar factory. Visit the Kourion archaeological site, an ancient city-kingdom, where you can take in a play or concert at the ancient Greco-Roman Theater, overlooking the blue Mediterranean. And explore a treasure trove of Greek and Roman sites, such as the Sanctuary of Apollo.

Rhodes is one of Greece’s favored vacation centers and was an important cultural center with a well-known School of Rhetoric attended by such greats as Cicero and Caesar. Rhodes' most famous attractions originated with the Knights of St. John, who occupied parts of the island from 1310 to 1522 and left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and Knights' Hospital, which houses an Archaeological Museum with interesting exhibits of national archaeological finds. Rhodes has inspired many artists. The Old Town offers shopping opportunities and lively nightlife. At Mount Filerimos a church has been built on the site of an ancient temple. A popular excursion is to the charming village of Lindos. Its premier attraction, the ancient acropolis, stands atop sheer cliffs. Walls of a 13th-century Crusader castle enclose the site. Today, the winding path up to the acropolis is lined by stalls, where locals sell lace tablecloths and souvenirs. Mandraki Harbor's entrance is flanked by stone columns topped by figures of a stag and a hind, the town's heraldic animals.

Suggested Private Excursions

Rhodes Town & Lindos - Full day tour approx 8 hours

Rhodes Medieval town & Lindos Tour approx 5 1/2 hours

Lindos half day tour 4 1/2 hours

Rhodes & Filermos half day tour approx. 4 1/2 hours

Visitors come to Kusadasi for beaches and nearby ruins of Ephesus. The major attraction is the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be most important in Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates back to 10th century BC; many remarkable structures seen today are result of an excavation and restoration program. Along a white marble road grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. There are temples, houses of noblemen, and community buildings lining ancient streets. Nestled in the mountainside is a 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used for performances during Festival of Culture and Art. Bible buffs may know Ephesus as inspiration for St. Paul’s Epistle to Ephesians and the site of one of the first seven churches of Asia Minor. Treasures are kept in the Seljuk Archaeological Museum. Among the better-known ancient sites near Kusadasi are ancient Miletus and Dydima. Remains include a well-preserved Roman theater at Miletus and Dydima's sacred temple of Apollo.

Suggested Private Excursions

Kusadasi Port - The Glories of Ephesus (Full Day Tour)

Kusadasi Port - A Taste of Ephesus- (Half day tour)

Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Virgin Mary House - (Half Day Tour)

Kusadasi: Ancient Ephesus Tour - 7 hours

Kusadasi: Priene Day Tour - 7 hours

Kusadasi: The Greco-Roman City of Ephesus & the Wine-making Village of Sirince - 7 hours

Kusadasi Port - Three Ancient Cities; Didyma, Miletus & Priene (Full Day Tour)

Kusadasi Port - Biblical Tour of Ephesus ( Full Day tour)

Kusadasi Port - Ephesus & Didyma & Miletus (Full Day Tour)

Heraklion, the capital of Crete and its principal commercial port, is just three miles away from the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 by Sir Arthur Evans and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations.

Suggested Private Excursions

Crete: Knossos - Archanes - Heraklion Museum -5 hours

Mykonos's many captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated Greek holiday islands. Its main village is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined with white-washed houses, many with bright blue doors and shutters. As an attractive backdrop, famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind grain. Mykonos has churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over white-washed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water-skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping opportunities. Artists have relied on Mykonos' beautiful setting to inspire them. The most photographed site is the Paraportiani, a cluster of white-washed churches resting below windmills. Mykonos's museums include an Archaeological Museum, which houses relics from the Trojan War, a Folk Art Museum and a Maritime Museum. The best beaches are Aghios Stephanos, Psarou, Kalafatis, Onros, Panormos and Elia.

Suggested Private Excursions

Mykonos Island Tour - Half Day Tour

Mykonos: Stunning Mykonos - 4 hours

Delos island tour approx 4 hours

Mykonos full day cruise approx 9 hours

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. Climb the hill of Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and find a welcoming taverna for spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and energetic Greek dancing. Piraeus is the largest harbor in the country. The white chapel of St. George at its summit has a theater bearing the same name. The hill of Nymphs is the site of a planetarium, which is located above magnificent Thesseio temple. Among all of these hills, Acropolis is the one that glorified Athens and the whole Greek world and became the symbol of the western civilization. Bays and small rocky or sandy coves dot the area and during the summer are filled with Athenians and foreigners enjoying their beauty.

Suggested Private Excursions

Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours

Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours

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Valletta is the capital of Malta. This remarkable fortified city with its massive bastions followed the most advanced Renaissance ideas in town planning, with streets laid straight on a grid looking over the Grand Harbour. Outside the 'City Gate' is the famous Triton Fountain. 'City Gate' has public buses and vendors selling soft drinks and all sorts of traditional fresh Maltese bread and sweets. Freedom Square shows an extraordinary capital with buildings of fine architecture of different tastes and styles ranging from the Mannerism to Baroque to Rococo to Neoclassicism. Valletta is a fascinating city for wandering around looking at what used to be the Knight's own cathedrals and Auberges. The city's backbone is Republic Street, which runs straight through the city center to Fort St. Elmo. Valletta has several narrow, steep side streets decorated with traditional Maltese pastel colored balconies and a statue on almost every street corner. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Destroyed several times by eruptions from Mt Etna and an earthquake in 1693, this busy port, situated along the northeast coast of Sicily, on the Gulf of Catania, is now graced by wide boulevards, lush parks and spacious piazzas. Choose from the medieval power of the 11th-century cathedral and the Castello Ursino, the Baroque fantasy of San Nicolo, or return to the ancient origins of the city with a visit to the Greek theater. Just a short drive up the coast are the Greek glories of Taormina, with unforgettable views of Mt. Etna.

From Naples visitors can explore the rugged Amalfi coast, Italy's most romantic stretch of coastline. Near Amalfi is the resort of Positano, where visitors enjoy strolling through streets and shopping in small boutiques. Take an excursion to legendary Pompeii, an ancient Roman city covered and preserved by the debris from the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The monuments of this city are considered to be among the finest of any ancient city in Europe, and visitors can spend a day here learning about life in a Roman town during the first century A.D. The Cathedral of San Gennaro, a fine medieval building, has one chapel containing the tomb of Charles of Anjou, while another houses the cathedral's gold and silver treasure. Among the Christian underground burial vaults discovered in an area of suburban heights, the Catacombs of San Gennaro can be visited. Capodimonte Park - a well-kept tropical park - has a royal palace built by Charles III in 1738 that now houses Naples' picture gallery, the National Museum of Capodimonte.

Suggested Private Excursions

Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours

Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours

Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours

Civitavecchia is the port city for Rome. Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. With its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafés and elegant shops, Rome is one of the world’s most attractive cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Colosseum where spectators watched combats between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once a political and commercial center. Rome’s squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi. Awe at Christendom’s most magnificent church, the Sistine Chapel. The busy square Piazza Venezia is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. Take a stroll to Rome's famous Trevi Fountain. Vatican City is the site of lovely St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica, where for 200 years, Renaissance masters worked on its design and created an unparalleled masterpiece. Visit Vatican Museum.

Suggested Private Excursions

Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours

Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours

Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours

Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours

Livorno serves as a convenient gateway to Tuscany - which is known for classic landscapes and lush vineyards. Visitors come to see great art centers of Florence, Lucca and Pisa - where names like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Boticelli, da Vinci, Donatello and Dante come to mind. Pisa is known for its brilliant monuments, which include the 11th-century Cathedral, the Baptistery and the leaning Bell Tower. Lucca is one of the most handsome Romanesque cities in Europe. Its historic center features several fine old churches and lovely squares. Lucca is also known as home of composer Giacomo Puccini, whose birthplace is now a museum. Walking in the historic center, shopping in its elegant stores and enjoying a meal of renowned Tuscan cuisine are some highlights of this area. Downtown Livorno has a fine local market and a variety of fine shops and restaurants. Sights include the 14th-century Loggia della Signoria assembly hall in Florence; the Uffizi Gallery, which houses one of the world's famed museums and the Accademia best-known for Michelangelo's sculptures.

Suggested Private Excursions

Livorno: Cycling Lucca's Medieval Walls - 5 hours

Livorno: Chianti Countryside & Wine Tasting - 8 hours

Livorno: Best of Florence & Pisa - 8 hours

With its dizzying mix of old and new, of sophistication and squalor, Genoa (Genova) is as multilayered as the hills it clings to. It was and is a port city: an important maritime center for the Roman Empire, boyhood home of Christopher Columbus (whose restored house stands near a section of medieval wall), and one of the largest, wealthiest cities of Renaissance Europe. Capture glimpses of Genoa's former glory days in Genoa's portside Old Town, where treasure-filled palaces and fine marble churches stand next to laundry-draped tenements. Life within the old medieval walls doesn't seem to have changed since the days when Genovese ships set sail to launch raids on the Venetians, crusaders embarked for the Holy Land, and Garibaldi shipped out to invade Sicily in the 19th-century struggle to unify Italy. Modern Genoa, which stretches for miles along the coast and climbs hills, is a city of international business, peaceful parks, and breezy belvederes from which visitors can enjoy fine views of this colorful metropolis and the sea which defines its identity.

Suggested Private Excursions

Genoa: Genoa for Families - 8 hours

Genoa: Portofino Walking Tour - 5 hours

Set in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful bays, Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on the steps of a natural amphitheatre - the terraced hills of the Riviera - gazing out over the sea. The plentiful sunshine of the Côte d'Azur, reflected in the enclosed bay, has given Villefranche-sur-Mer a warmth and climate all of its own and its famous rich, exotic vegetation. Long a spectator to centuries of history, Villefranche-sur-Mer has welcomed civilzations and has a rich heritage to show for it: the old city with its picturesque narrow streets, the mysterious "Rue Obscure", the Chapel Saint-Pierre, decorated by Cocteau, the fortified Port, and, last but not least, the magnificent Citadel built in 1557 by the Duke of Savoy. Today, those massive and majestic walls harbour the Town Hall, an open air theatre surrounded by gardens, three museums and a Congress Centre. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a rich and growing city situated very closely to Nice and Monaco. It is a city with very special character, and the warmth and charm of a fishing village from a bygone age.

Suggested Private Excursions

VilleFranche- Shore Excursion - Discovery of Saint-Paul de Vence, Haut de Cagnes & Gourdon - 8 hours

VilleFranche - Shore Excursion - Discovery of Nice, Eze & Monaco - 8 hours

Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.

Suggested Private Excursions

Marseille Shore Excursion - Marseille - 8 hours

Marseille Shore Excrusion - Alpilles - 8 hours

Marseille Shore Excursion - Chateauneuf du Pape - 8 hours

Marseille - Shore Excursion - Green Provence Tour - 8 hours -

Marseille - Shore excursion Aix en Provence - 8 hours

Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.

Suggested Private Excursions

Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours

Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)

Gaudi’s Barcelona (4 hours)

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Ceuta is a tiny Spanish city-enclave on the Moroccan side of the Straits of Gibraltar, surrendered to Madrid by the Portuguese over 400 years ago. The city is on a headland consisting of seven peaks, at the end of a narrow isthmus. The highest of them, Jebel Musa (thought to be the ancient Abila), is one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Ringed by the sea, the hilly streets of duty-free Ceuta have a unique atmosphere and heritage, part-European, part-African, with sights including the massive 14th century city walls, a pirate's castle, lakes, waterfalls and landscaped gardens. Ceuta is on the site of a Carthaginian settlement where a Roman colony was later built.

Cadiz is an old city with Andalusian character. The magnificent Baroque cathedral and impressive mansions were built with gold. Cadiz’s modern-day treasure lies 30 minutes to the north in the rolling hills of Jerez - where production of the liquid gold, as the famous sherry is often called, ensures a booming economy. Visit one of the bodegas for a tour and tasting. The Historic City Center of Old Cadiz is a pedestrian zone for a pleasant stroll. The monument to "Las Cortes" is the Spanish Parliament established in Plaza de España. The 18th-century golden-domed Cathedral of Santa Cruz looms over the whitewashed houses. The dazzling interior contains a magnificent collection of sculptures and art objects. The Museum of History features an outstanding model of Cadiz in ivory and mahogany that illustrates what the town looked like at the end of the 18th century. The small, colorful Flower Market offers much local flavor. The Moorish-style Alameda Apodaca Gardens serve as a reminder of the Moors’ occupation in past centuries.

Suggested Private Excursions

Ancient Port of Cadiz (3 hours)

Portugal’s capital is an 18th-century city - elegant, open to the sea and carefully planned. Most places of interest are within easy walking distance. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. Many rebuilt houses with original façades provide stores and restaurants with modern interiors. High above Baixa is Bairro Alto - with its teeming nightlife. There are many monuments and museums, such as San Jeronimos Monastery, Royal Coach Museum and Gulbenkian Museum. Two well-known landmarks are the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem. A statue of Christ looms above Europe’s longest suspension bridge. Madragoa, Bica and Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s older sections, offer a variety of sights: the Church of Sao Roque, with its beautiful tiles; St. George Castle, which offers a splendid view from its location above the Alfama quarter; the botanical gardens, featuring an unusual, cold greenhouse; and the cathedral, stunning with its Moorish design. Renowned Gulbenkian Museum is the cultural center of Portugal.

Suggested Private Excursions

Coimbra & Óbidos Medieval Village (6 - 8 Hours)

Batalha and Alcobaça Majestic Monasteries, Fátima & Óbidos (10 Hours)

Fátima & Óbidos Medieval Village (6 - 8 Hours)

Alcobaça Monastery, Nazaré and Óbidos Villages (6 - 8 Hours)

Alenquer for Wine Lovers & Óbidos (6 - 8 Hours)

Dressage Experience, Wine & Lunch with the Countess (6 - 8 Hours)

Tomar & Óbidos Jewish Inheritance (6 - 8 Hours)

Lisbon History & Local Flavours (6 - 8 Hours) BEST SELLER

Lisbon History with Alfama District (3 - 4 Hours)

Lisbon History with Belem Area (3 - 4 Hours)

Lisbon Jewish Inheritance (6 - 8 Hours)

Lisbon Family Travel (6 - 8 Hours)

Mystic Sintra, Cascais Coastline & Lisbon (6 - 8 Hours) BEST SELLER

Mystic Sintra & Cascais & Estoril Coastline (6 - 8 Hours)

Sintra Unesco World Heritage (6 - 8 Hours)

Sintra, Cascais Coastline & Queluz History (6 - 8 Hours)

Cooking Class & Sintra Unesco World Heritage (6 - 8 Hours) BEST SELLER

Sintra Mountains Jeep Tour (4 Hours)

Alentejo & Local Tradition (6 - 8 Hours)

Alentejo Wine & Olive Oil (10 Hours)

Alentejo, Local Tradition & Wine Estates (10 Hours)

Alentejo & Wine Flavours (6 - 8 Hours)

Lisbon Sightseeing HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours)

Lisbon at Your Leisure HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours)

Lisbon Private Panoramic River Cruise

An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)

Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)

Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)

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Poised between the Atlantic and the snow crowned Atlas Mountains, Agadir is a lively resort set beside a vast beach. Agadir is the most important shipping port in southwestern Morocco, but there are also beautiful sandy bays with year-round warm seas. It’s a very modern city, built with the tourist vacation in mind, a city which boasts a number of good hotels, restaurants, shops and a lively nightlife. It is the perfect base for excursions to Taroudant and Tafrefout.

Suggested Private Excursions

Agadir City Visit - 4/5 Hours

Agadir to Taroudant for the city visit - 5/6 Hours

Arrecife is not only the capital of Lanzarote or the main locality of Lanzarote's smallest municipality, but also of the chain of small islands which flanks it. What gives the area most character is the coastline with its small islets, most of which become covered during high tide. Places which must be visited are the Castle of San José, seat of the Contempory Art Museum which contains works by Piscasso, Miro, Mompó and César Menrique among many other painters and sculptors from all over the world. This fortress is situated in the east, on a small cliff, and houses different receational installations with a view of the port of Naos and of the Marbles. Another place of unusual interest is "Charco de San Gines" (San Ginés Pool) where water enters the land and where the hermitage was built, around which was formed the first nucleous of fishermen's cottages. This village has changed progressively, but still preserves its fishing village atmosphere. Visitors admire the old "calle real" (Royal Road) which leads to Avenida Marítima, the location of the municipal park.

The Canary Archipelago, or Fortunate Islands, as they are often called, owe their fame and fortune to their geographical location and climate. Of volcanic origin, the islands lie off the African coast and encompass such a variety of features that in the course of a day it is possible to pick bananas, throw snowballs, swim in the Atlantic and climb mountains. Tenerife is the largest of Canaries. The south features a desert with grotesque rock formations and chunks of cooled lava. Further north stretch miles of green fields of bananas, tomatoes and potatoes. Mountain slopes are dotted with beech, eucalyptus and pine trees. The coastline is as varied as the areas inland, offering black, grey and golden sand, cliffs, tame beaches and wild capes. A spectacular example of past volcanic activity is Canadas crater which rings Mount Teide - the main feature of the island. At 12,198 feet, the cone-shaped Teide is the highest Spanish summit and nearly always snow-capped. A cable car is available to the top.

Madeira has been described as "Island of Eternal Spring". It is renowned for its wine, which many feel ranks among the world’s best. Funchal has a wide selection of resort hotels where watersports, golf and tennis are popular. Visitors can tour the 15th-century cathedral, orchid gardens of Quinta das Cruzes, and buildings associated with Christopher Columbus. Madeira’s discoverer, Zarco, is believed to have lived in the house Quinta das Cruzes. Now it displays furniture and paintings and is surrounded by fabulous gardens. The stunning 15th-century design of Sé Cathedral features white stucco with contrasting black basalt and red tufa rock; the ceiling is inlaid with ivory. Located near Town Hall, the Museum of Sacred Art contains art from several islands, including a group of 15th- and 16th-century paintings of Portuguese and Flemish schools. Visit colorful Mercado dos Lavradores during the morning to see flower vendors and fish and produce stands.

Suggested Private Excursions

Funchal History & Tradition (6 - 8 Hours)

Funchal History & Wine (6 - 8 Hours)

Madeira Mountains Jeep Tour (8 Hours)

Madeira Mountains Jeep Tour (4 Hours)

Funchal Sightseeing HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours)

Funchal at Your Leisure HD D&G (3 - 4 Hours)

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No information currently available.

No information currently available.

No information currently available.

No information currently available.

Perched amid the blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is unlike any other island destination you may be familiar with. It is a surprise just waiting to be discovered by visitors fortunate enough to reach its shores. Not only does it offer lush, tropical surroundings, splendid and unusual pink-hued beaches, plus a bevy of cultural attractions and sporting options, Bermuda is blessed with a distinct air of British propriety and European flavor that make it unique. Visitors will not only cherish memories of the islands' sherbet-toned homes, ubiquitous flower gardens and charming winding streets, but also of its gracious people, who are a little bit British, a little bit islander and always friendly.

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No information currently available.

Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838, during the Second Seminole War, Ft. Lauderdale has little left of its warlike past. Instead the city welcomes visitors with broad beaches and an easy pace of life, plus convenient air and water connections that make the city a perfect place to visit.

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No information currently available.

Cartagena is full of history and charm. At La Popa Monastery, you will have a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Enjoy the artisan center of Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), Plaza Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition and the Church of San Pedro Claver, and shop for Colombian emeralds - the finest in the world.

Linking the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Panama Canal provides one of cruising's most unforgettable experiences. Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts vessels by a fascinating feat of mechanics aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle. Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard cut. Gatun Lake is one of the world's largest man-made lakes covering 163 square miles. Gaillard Cut is an 8 mile channel built through solid rock which was the most difficult excavation in the canal construction.

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The Central Pacific's largest city, Puntarenas sits on a long, narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya in Costa Rica. For years, it was the country's principal port, and though Puntarenas handles big cruise ships, a large fishing fleet still anchors in the estuary behind town. Being the country's most important fishing port, Puntarenas is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood. Though the water is murky, and the beach may seem a bit urban, it's a lively town on weekends, when people from San José fill its waterfront restaurants and bars. A series of open-air cafes that line the beach are the perfect place to head for dessert, or refreshments, since they specialize in ice cream and fresh fruit drinks.

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No information currently available.

"Nine Bays of Perfection". Discover secret coves and hidden lagoons in and around the nine sparkling bays of Huatulco. As the hemisphere's first eco-tourism resort, Huatulco remains pleasingly primitive. Explore 22 miles of nearly virgin Pacific coastline, exotic wildlife and fantastic hiking, or enjoy a variety of traditional land and water sports. In Huatulco you'll find that unique combination of deluxe accommodations and modern amenities in an unspoiled, natural setting.

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Puerto Vallarta is where Mexico comes alive. Fall in love with Puerto Vallarta's old world charm and dreamlike natural beauty. Lush tropical jungles surround this quaint colonial city with interesting architecture, cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings. Discover chic boutiques along the Malecón, then check out the exploding art scene and sizzling nightlife. Sprawling golden beaches, Pacific blue waters and heart-stopping sunsets reflect on majestic mountains to complete this picture-perfect vacation spot.

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Much of Los Angeles lies in a fairly flat basin, surrounded by mountains and ocean. Although the Santa Monica Mountains, one of the most unheralded of the city’s remaining natural treasures, splits LA between the familiar sights of La-La Land to the south and the charmless suburbs to the north, the metropolis is easily traversed. Places for visitors to explore include Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, the central strip of Wilshire Boulevard with faded Art Deco "Miracle Mile" zone and good museums, and the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice, where visitors can stroll along the former’s remodeled pier and Third Street Promenade outdoor mall, or visit the latter’s famed Muscle Beach and oceanside Boardwalk. Lengthier trips to LA may include the old-fashioned charm of Old Pasadena, home of ever-popular Rose Parade and Bowl, Downtown, site of much city heritage and setting for what skyscrapers the area does have, the South Bay, the place to find the region’s second biggest city of Long Beach, and Malibu, where visitors can try to get a glimpse of movie stars and assorted celebrities.