Sensational South America
The vibrancy of South America’s unique cultures and destinations only deepens the more you travel. Take the time to stay and make the most of your extended trip by indulging in epicurean delights and spectacular vistas.
1) Reconnect with your senses in Buenos Aires. Savor the unique parilla (grilled meats) or delectable wines and cheese of the region. Breathe in the aromas of freshly brewed coffee. Be moved by the rhythm of a passionate tango in La Boca, the colorful port where the romantic dance was invented. Open your eyes to the natural beauty that surrounds you along the picturesque River Parana, one of the world’s three major deltas, on a scenic boat ride.
2) The Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains are just the tip of the long list of adventures to be had in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A Jeep safari through the lush Tijuca Rainforest, located in the heart of the city, is a true eye-opener – a marked contrast from both the city’s concrete jungle and azure beaches. Taking in a scintillating samba at the world-famous Plataformas will leave your feet tapping and a visit to a local churrasco (barbecue) will have your taste buds singing.
3) An extra night in Santiago will allow time to soak up the majesty of the presidential offices at Palacio de la Moneda, mingle in the social and historic epicenter that is the Plaza de Armas, or take in the grandeur of the exquisite Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and the amazing views from the top of San Cristobal Hill. The world-renowned wine varietals to be found in Chile are certainly worth a trip to the lush vineyards just outside the city limits.
Naturally New Zealand
So much of what makes New Zealand such a spectacular place to tour lies in its depth of natural, unadulterated beauty. The country has held onto its vast multitude of natural resources, from stunning glaciers and fjords to rugged and rustic mountains and serene, sandy beaches. It’s an ideal destination to extend your cruise vacation.
4) In Auckland, get closer to nature with the Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World attractions at Kelly Tarltons. Here, on the waterfront, you get to see New Zealand’s unique aquatic species up close. The Auckland Zoo, which is home to one of the largest collections of native and exotic animals in New Zealand, is a similarly captivating experience. You can see native species up close with special behind-the-scenes tours like Safari Nights. You can also revel in Auckland’s natural landscapes with a harbor cruise, afternoon tea included, along the waters that surround the city. For an even more surreal experience, tour Waiheke Island and dip your toes in the sand of its scenic beaches.
Amazing Australia
Australia is a country of unparalleled natural beauty, from the vast outback to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, along with exquisite experiences in some of the world’s greatest cities, so be sure to take the time to vacation a little while longer and uncover more.
5) Sydney, in particular, is a city that offers a multitude of experiences for travelers about to embark on their cruise, or having just disembarked. Adventuresome travelers can walk the catwalk to the very top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Or, if you prefer to be in the water, you can learn to surf on world-famous Bondi Beach. The Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, are a magical place any time of year and some of Australia’s finest wines are produced in the Hunter Valley, just a two-hour drive from Sydney, where you can stroll through the lush vineyards and sip award-winning wines.
Awe-Inspiring Asia
Legendary landscapes and exotic, one-of-a-kind cultures await you in Asia, where there is always something to discover. From China and Japan to Singapore, the range of cultures, cities and people you find here will never cease to amaze you in their history, pride, beauty and smiles.
6) Singapore honors its rich, mixed cultural heritage through bustling cultural enclaves, including Little India. Institutions, such as the Peranakan Museum, discover the history of ethnic Chinese settlers who adopted the customs of the local Malay communities. No visit would be complete without tasting some of the delectable Peranakan cuisine, delicacies to be found in the city’s bustling hawker centers. This city’s modern masterpieces, from the Singapore Flyer to the glittering Esplanade, will enthrall you.
7) To truly get to the heart of Tokyo, you must devote a few days to delve into this metropolis of contrasts, from the ultramodern to the ancient and time-honored. For a slice of true Tokyo pop culture, let us schedule a guided visit to Tokyo’s Akihabara district. For a slice of tradition, visit one of the serene and historic temples that are dotted throughout the city. Or for an escape from all the hustle and bustle of the city, head straight for majestic Mount Fuji.
8) Beijing is a treasure trove of cultural and historic monuments. Marvel at the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square or even walk along part of the Great Wall. For a true cultural immersion, we can arrange a hands-on cooking lesson where you’ll learn how to cook authentic Chinese dishes. Or stop over for a wellness visit to the Centre for Chinese Medicine and indulge in a traditional Chinese healing treatment that has been passed down for generations.
