Travel Inspiration

Serbia’s fascinating capital holds surprises around every corner—explore it all on intimate tours and excursions arranged by your cruise. On your agenda:

• Marvel up at the soaring dome of St. Sava, an orthodox temple in the heart of the old town—head inside for your private guided tour.

• Visit the Royal Palace, a grand stucco villa built in the 1920s, and wander through the beautifully appointed rooms that reflect Baroque and Renaissance styles.

• Taste a range of tart plum brandies—along with other delicious local delicacies—at local Quburish Distillery.

A day spent mostly on the river gives you an unparalleled view of some of the Danube’s most splendid natural scenery. Today, you'll:

• Wander past the crenelated towers of striking Golubac Fortress, a medieval fortified town with a tumultuous past built in the 14th century.

• Sail through the iconic Iron Gate, a series of soaring and stupendous narrow gorges that mark the boundary between Serbia and Romania—the gates are one of the greatest natural wonders in Europe.

• Wind your way through the stunning scenery that cuts a path through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, marveling at the figure of King Decebalus carved right into the mountainside.

Today, explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and beyond on a day that intimately connects you to the country’s past—and its local customs:

• Climb to the top of imposing Baba Vida Fortress, the largest medieval castle in the country, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress.

• Hike around the spectacular and bizarrely shaped sandstone rock formations in Belogradchik—the fairytale-esque shapes are associated with legends passed down through the centuries.

• Visit a local home and learn how to make traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a savory, flaky pastry with cheese.

The legendary island embodies barefoot luxury, with awesome vistas and chances to indulge at every turn:

• Wake up to a stunning view just outside your ship—whitewashed, domed churches and thatched-roof windmills blanketing cliffs that plunge into the brilliant blue waters below.

• Browse the boutiques that line the island’s narrow, cobblestone streets, where traditional handicrafts and high-end designers mingle.

• Hop aboard a ferry and travel back to the 6th century B.C. as you boat around the tiny island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo dotted with ancient ruins!

Get off the busy beaten tourist path when you pull into port at charming Ermoupoli, on the Greecian island of Syros:

• Climb to the top of the hill to take in Aghios Georgios Cathedral, its imposing bell tower standing sentinel over the island.

• Relax on the picturesque main square Piatsa, as the mournful refrains of rebetiko—Greek blues—waft over from open-air taverns.

• Get a little lost as you wander through the town’s delightful maze of winding stairways and arches, past private mansions and colorful hillside homes!

An ancient Greek port city on the Ionian coast, Ephesus—in Turkey—stuns with its archeological wonders:

• Marvel at the soaring, well-preserved ruins in one of the greatest outdoor museums in the world, which includes the remnants of the mythical Temple of Artemis.

• Trek up to the top of Bulbul Mountain, past grazing herds of sheep and green countryside, to spy uniquely terraced houses and a shrine to the Virgin Mary.

• Dine under the stars—with Ephesus’ most iconic landmark, the Celsus Library, as your backdrop—as you’re serenaded by classical musicians during an exclusive concert just for your ship’s guests

Begin your journey at the end of the world, in Ushuaia, Argentina. The southernmost city on the globe, Ushuaia is dramatically flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the Darwin Range. On your agenda:

• Head out on a guided hike deep into the beech forests of stunning Tierra Del Fuego National Park.

• After you’ve worked up an appetite, board a catamaran for a lunchtime cruise around Beagle Channel—stay alert so you can spot sea lions and giant imperial cormorants.

• Embark your home for the next 8 nights, a sleek and nimble expedition ship equipped with all the comforts—and an ice haul to break through the frosty expanses of ice you’ll encounter on your way to Antarctica!

To get to Antarctica, you must first pass through the infamous Drake Passage, an adventure in itself! Here’s what’s in store:

• Use your binoculars to locate giant seabirds, like the wandering albatross, wheeling through the sky.

• Study up on the wondrous creatures and varied land you’ll soon encounter by attending a fascinating talk hosted by the on-board naturalist.

• As you near Antarctica, you’ll sail pass gleaming, island-size icebergs and spy the jagged mountain peaks covered in glaciers that pour into the frigid sea—welcome to the frozen world of the White Continent!

Your journey begins in earnest once you reach your ultimate destination—the wild and wonderous White Continent:

• Hop into a zodiac to sail the short distance to shore, past spotted leopard seals snoozing on ice floes, whales breaching the ice-packed surface, and arched icebergs that jut dramatically out of the sea.

• Whip out your camera to capture one of the greatest wildlife sites on earth: the vast colonies of penguins that call this remote land home.

• End your day back on your warm ship with a gourmet meal—and a gorgeous sunset over the pale-blue frozen ocean!

Hawaii’s bustling capital offers up fascinating history, culture, and astounding natural beauty in spades — here’s how you’ll discover it all:

• Pay a visit—and pay your respects—at Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial, a moving tribute to the heroes who lost their lives on the “Date of Infamy”.

• Climb into an “outrigger” canoe at Oahu’s world-famous Waikiki Beach for a ride along the crystal blue waters.

• Wander through the opulent rooms of Iolani Palace, the official residence of Hawaii’s former monarchy, with an after-hours tour—followed by entertainment and a gourmet meal just for your group!

The Big Island’s rugged, otherworldly terrain — including two of the world’s most active volcanoes — is sure to captivate you. Prepare to be awed:

• Drive across the Kilauea volcano crater to see up close the infinite diversity of this UNESCO International Biosphere Preserve — the stunning scenery swiftly switches from tropical rainforest to tundra.

• Soar above fiery lava vents and the thick rainforests that fringe the coast in a private helicopter tour — it’s simply one of the best ways to see the island.

• Sail along the Kohala Coast during a sunset catamaran tour; this is the ideal way to end a busy day exploring all that the Big Island has to offer!

Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” is a laidback stunner with lush, breathtaking scenery everywhere you turn — here’s how you’ll discover her best angles:

• Sway to sweet luau music during your group’s private lunch at a grand plantation estate, home to many extravagant parties in its 1930’s heyday.

• Glide alongside monk seals and green sea turtles in coastal Kauai’s cool, clear waters during an afternoon snorkeling session.

• Listen to an ecologist share fascinating insights into the unique Hawaiian Archipelago during a private interpretive lecture just for your group—then enjoy a relaxing dinner (and a cocktail or two!) to end the night at your luxury resort!

Today, you’ll set out on a guided sightseeing tour of traditional Tokyo, wandering along the narrow streets of this historic district. On your agenda:

• Take in the soaring Senso-ji, a large Buddhist temple with a five-story pagoda, dating originally from the 7th century and rebuilt after its destruction during World War II.

• Shop for artisan crafts and wares in the Kappabashi district—keep an eye out for the district’s famously unusual craft: plastic food replicas! These plastic burgers, sushi, ice cream, and more are so realistic you’ll want a taste.

• Save your taste buds for your evening cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make tender soba noodles from scratch and enjoy a dinner made from the results!

This morning, you’ll travel by local bus and express train to Kyoto, considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Japan, renowned for its traditions, temples, festivals, and cuisine:

• Visit Nishiki market to see the fish, pickles, tea, tofu, sweets and other foodstuffs on display.

• Discover the back lanes and traditions of Gion, a district famous for its geisha—if luck is with you, you may see one breezing into one of the local teahouses to perform for guests.

• Lunch on traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at Tenryuji, one of the most important—and breathtaking—temples in Kyoto.

Today, take in the picturesque views of terraced rice fields in Asuka, where you’ll:

• Visit a small-scale farm to learn how to prepare a local dish using vegetables grown in the area. This is a true farm-to-table experience!

• Explore the town’s ancient monuments and rice terraces as you discover more about its colorful past with your private guide.

• Travel onto Osaka, Japan’s undisputed culinary capital, and indulge in a twilight street food tour where you’ll make a moveable feast out of takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more!