Adventures Ashore:
Each cruise will include two small-group excursions with our Circle of Interest host, depending on your cruise's itinerary.
Sorrento - Positano and lunch at Hotel Le Sirenuse
(Sept 16, Sept 23, Sept 30, Oct 14 and Oct 21 sailings)
Take a romantic drive from Sorrento to Positano along the renowned Amalfi Drive with rocky cliffs overlooking the sea and breathtaking views of the coastline and sandy coves. Formerly a forgotten fishing village, Positano has become a retreat for the wealthy and is now a popular resort area. You'll visit the luxurious Le Sirenuse Hotel, frequented by the international elite, for a delicious lunch and more spectacular views from the beautiful garden terraces of the Sirenuse Hotel high above the sea. After lunch, drive back to Sorrento via the Amalfi Drive for shopping if time permits.
Please note: On select dates, the Sirenuse hotel has only limited seating available. In this case an alternative superb five-star hotel in Positano will host lunch for additional guests booked on this excursion. The Amalfi Drive is along a winding road, and those prone to motion sickness should be aware of this.
Santorini - Pyrgos Village with Wine & Meze
(Sept 23, Sept 30, and Oct 14)
Start this adventure at the historical monastery of Profitis Ilias, whose interior is closed but its location provides commanding views over Santorini. A walking tour through Pyrgos, a small village which was once the island's capital, shows the remnants of a large Venetian castle overlooking the village testify to its former status.
End your walking tour at a local taverna where you will enjoy magnificent views of Santorini andlocal specialties such as tomato fritters, fava puree, cheese pies, meatballs, local cheese, tomatoes, olives and unlimited wines. Departing from the taverna you will proceed to Fira, perched on the volcano's caldera. Here you will have the option to either descend to the port by cable car or enjoy the town and its magnificent views.
Marsellies - Taste of Chateauneuf du Pape
(Oct 7 sailing)
Travel through southern Vaucluse, between Avignon and Bollène, and discover the Côtes du Rhône appellation which includes amongst its vineyards several great wines which have contributed to its international reputation: Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Enjoy some free time in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, where you will find a number of wine tasting cellars from the different domaines.
Visit the Maison Bouachon for a wine tasting and special brunch in the cellars including bread, salami, olives and cheese. Maison Bouachon wines have been expressing the rich variety of the region for over a century. They have now become the most prominent wines of Châteauneuf du Pape, the choicest appellation of southern France. After brunch, visit the cellars of Le Verger des Papes and enjoy a wine tasting of white, red and muscat wines.
Return to Marseilles for a short orientation tour of this large Mediterranean city, featuring the inhabitants' beloved landmark church of Notre Dame de la Garde, overlooking the whole town, as well as the old harbor which, after extensive renovation, has become a very pleasant part of the town, with a city hall, sidewalk cafes and yachts.
Navplion - Walking Tour & Ouzo Tasting
(Oct 21 sailing)
Your walking tour begins at the pier as you marvel at the beautiful neoclassical buildings lining the port, and then to Kapodistriou Square and Park. We will continue through the backstreets not normally meant for tourists, and come upon the old Catholic church and the 1702 Church of Agios Spyridon just below. The worry beads you see everywhere in Greece have a museum of their own in Navplion and we will visit the Museum of Komboloi to learn of their origin. Next we will proceed through the popular Syntagma Square (Constitution Square), to visit the spectacular display of folk costumes and traditional textile-producing techniques at the Popular Art Museum, winner of the 1981 European Museum of the year.
After learning of the ways of Greeks in the past, we move on to Karonis Wine Shop, where you will enjoy the current Greek life. Mr. Karonis is regarded as a specialist on Greek wines and has written a number of books on the various wines of Greece. Today, however, in the true Greek style, you will sample a variety of mezes and the favorite spirit of the Greeks, ouzo.
Portofino - Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting at the Splendido
(Sept 16 and Oct 7 sailings)
Standing amid verdant woodlands overlooking a ravishing seascape, the world-famous Hotel Splendido is a unique blend of beauty and comfort. Originally a monastery, the building was converted it into a family summer house and eventually transformed into the Grand Hotel Splendido in 1901. The Hotel is renowned for its elegance and the charm of its rooms, the uniqueness of its location - it is set on a hillside overlooking the spectacular bay and tiny harbor of Portofino - and its superb Italian cuisine.
The maitre d'hotel will introduce you to the history, the secrets and the many uses and varieties of one of Italy's most beloved products - olive oil. You will have the chance to taste various oils from different parts of Italy: Puglia (south), Tuscany (central) and Liguria (north). Afterward, you will enjoy a delicious lunch of Italian local dishes prepared with olive oil, served with local wine, and some olive oil sorbet as well! Before going back to the pier, you may want to take a stroll in the lovely gardens and enjoy the beautiful panorama over Portofino Bay.
Barcelona - Wine Tour to Jean Leon
(Nov 4 sailing)
Owned by Torres Wine Cellars, this cellar is specifically appealing to Americans visiting the region since the founder was a Spanish-American gentleman. You will be greeted by a wine specialist and shown through the cellar. After the guided tour, emjoy a privileged tasting of five wines produced in this cellar, accompanied by some snacks.
At the end of the tour, you will return to Barcelona with an hour-long panormaic city drive, passing through the main city arteries and enjoying a photo stop at Sagrada Familia.
Cadiz - Jerez: Sherry and Dancing Horses
(Nov 4 sailing)
Depart Cadiz and travel to Jerez de la Frontera, 20 miles north. Upon arrival, you will visit Gonzalez Byass Sherry Cellars and have a chance to taste their incredible sherry.
You will then continue to drive to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts where you will visit the main horses' stalls, the harness room, clinic and other facilities. At noon, you will be a guest at the Andalusian Horses Dance, an authentic ballet with choreography based on classical dressage and vaquera movements.
Activities On Board:
- Olive oil tastings
- Private wine tasting from Reserve wine list
- Private cocktail reception and dinner with the Circle of Interest host
- Circle of Interest group photo
Price: $450 per person
Number of Guests: Minimum 30/Maximum 40
Back to Previous Page