Cruise Day 1: 
Hobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses host galleries and cafes. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. The city's backdrop is 4166 feet high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.
Free time to explore the Richmond Historic Village, a superb example of convict heritage buildings, relaxed shopping and delicious examples of Tasmanian food. See the oldest bridge in Australia and take an optional tour of the Richmond gaol for a fascinating look at convict life in Tasmania.
Milford Sound is a fjord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rain-forests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fjord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Boat tours are a popular way to explore.
Dunedin is a city in New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbor on the South Island’s southeast coast. It's known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a large student population. Hiking and cycling trails crisscross the dramatic landscape of the adjoining Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
Continuing on, we’ll spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife. We take an adventurous drive through a series of tunnels to get unrivaled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ Yellow-Eyed Penguin. We’ll also see Little Blue penguins, New Zealand sea lions and fur seals who come ashore regularly. 
Akaroa is a town on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbor, where rare Hector’s dolphins swim. The Akaroa Museum includes 3 heritage buildings and chronicles the town’s development, especially its 19th-century British and French colonial history. The Giant’s House has terraced gardens and features colorful sculptures and mosaics.
We'll drive past many of the areas damaged in the earthquake and see the huge reconstruction process. Access to some areas are still restricted but we'll see as many iconic landmarks as possible before stopping for lunch (not included) at a riverside cafe.
Picton is a town on the north coast of the South Island, in New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to the islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is a 19th-century former convict and cargo ship. EcoWorld Aquarium shelters and rehabilitates native animals such as tuatara reptiles and blue penguins. Nearby, the Queen Charlotte Track traverses coastal forest, skyline ridges and bays.
social bouts, dolphins are a magnificent sight! During our cruise, we're also likely to see New Zealand Fur Seals and a variety of seabirds: like Gannets, Shearwaters and Penguins.
Tauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand's North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbor connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.
Visit the carving school and see traditional wood carvings and Maori women demonstrate flax weaving. We'll take a short walk through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to view the mud pools, the famous Pohutu Geyser and hot pools that make Te Puia such a unique destination. There's a chance to see New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose built Kiwi-house. Then enjoy a Maori Cultural 
Performance on the Marae with traditional songs, dances and demonstrations of fighting skills, including the famous Haka.
The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island. It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artifacts. It's also home to the 19th-century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront promenade is lined with remnants from its days as the country’s first colonial capital.
Then, a short drive to Kawakawa, location of the world famous "Hundertwasser Toilets" where modern art meets modern convenience in possibly the world's most architecturally important public bathroom.
Then we stop at Kerikeri Inlet, where the river meets the sea and the original Mission Station which was established in 1819. The Stone Store was originally used as a Missionary Society warehouse and the adjacent "Kemp House", New Zealand's oldest building completed by missionary carpenters and Maori sawyers. Kemp House was a family home of simple, Georgian design and has changed little over time.
Singles Cruise Pricing
Inside Cabin - Interior staterooms are an excellent value. These spacious staterooms have no window which is great if you like to sleep late!
Ocean View - The large picture window will delight you and provides an excellent view of the ocean and all destinations!
* Some oceanview cabins have obstructed views
Private Balcony - Enjoy the scenic views from your own private balcony. Most balcony staterooms also have a separate sitting area.
I will share a cabin with a friend or use the Singles Cruise Match Program
| Cabin Type | Deposit | Full Payment |
|---|---|---|
|
Inside |
$600 | $2958.68 |
|
Oceanview |
$600 | $3408.68 |
|
Balcony |
$600 | $3868.68 |
| Best Single Travel provides roommate matching to our clients who confirm their reservations at least 70 days before departure. Amounts are per-person in US Dollars and Include Taxes and Port Charges |
||
I want my own cabin
| Cabin Type | Deposit | Full Payment |
|---|---|---|
|
Inside |
$1000 | $4507.68 |
|
Oceanview |
$1000 | $5407.68 |
|
Balcony |
$1000 | $6327.68 |
| Amounts are per-person in US Dollars and Include Taxes and Port Charges | ||
|
Pre-Night Sydney Package (roommate matching not guaranteed on pre-nights) |
Get Your Deposit Down & Lock in Your Rate - Full Payment is Due 24, 2019
Vacation Day 1 : Wednesday - Arrive San Antonio, Texas
After breakfast, we will uncover 300 years of history at the Alamo, an awe-inspiring story that’s more intriguing than you might imagine. Established in 1718 as Mission San Antonio de Valero is best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. The Church, or "Shrine", has become the most recognizable structure on the Alamo grounds. Some traces from the battle still exist but changes to the structure reflect its later role as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot warehouse and eventually a memorial to the Alamo defenders.
Take time to explore a few of the shops around Alamo Plaza before we board the Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus. Our first stop will be at the Pearl Entertainment Complex, a culinary and cultural destination along the banks of the river. Have lunch at one of the many, restaurants or cafes. Back on the Bus we will complete the one hour 
loop, learning about San Antonio with our live onboard guide. A leisurely 1 mile stroll along the River Walk takes us back to the Hyatt Place hotel. Relax before our night out on the town.
After breakfast we visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum, housing art & artifacts reflecting the history & culture of the American West. Western art shares the stories of the cowboy, the vaquero, Native Americans, and the vast beauty of the Western landscape through drawings, sketches, paintings, and sculptures. The McNutt Sculpture Garden is the Briscoe Museum’s lush public outdoor space that features a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures depicting iconic figures of the American West
Next it is lunch at the famous Buckhorn Saloon, where it all began—where history was made and legend lives. It is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution. Many of the original furnishings still grace today's Buckhorn Saloon, including the back-bar which was hand-crafted of marble and cherry wood.
piñatas, jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. Covering a three-block area, Market Square has a fantastic selection of gifts and souvenirs in the many art galleries, shops and boutiques along the plazas, inside the Farmer's Market and El Mercado buildings.
After breakfast we will visit four historical missions at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. No permanent Spanish settlements existed and the priests were responsible for creating viable Spanish communities.
Mission San Juan Capistrano moved to the San Antonio River on March 5, 1731. The unfinished church was utilized as a cemetery. Today there is a church with a three-bell tower, compound walls, a few foundations of the original Mission Indian living quarters, the granary building, the convent, a well, a 1800s residence and a small museum.
Mission Espada, was the first Spanish Mission in Texas. Distinctive Spanish design features can be seen in the church doorway, bell tower, and brick archways. 
After breakfast we board our motor coach and hit the road towards the historic Route 66 and Gallup, New Mexico. As we enter the gateway to Indian land we will stop in Window Rock, AZ, a small city that serves as the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation. At the Navajo Nation Museum, learn about the colorful and unique history of the Navajo people via various exhibits and an interpretive video. The museum also has a wonderful gift shop that houses various books about Navajo culture, 
jewelry, and other fine collections. 
Are you ready to stand in 4 states at the same time? Four Corners Monument is the only place in the United States where four states intersect: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. You can stand on that spot and truly be in four states at one time.
Today we spend all day visiting the famous Monument Valley Park, a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border. The park, an iconic symbol of the American West is frequently used as a filming location for Western movies. The valley is host to towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, it truly is one of the natural wonders of the world.
Enjoy a cookout lunch in the Valley and choose to tour Monument Valley by jeep or horseback with Navajo guides.
2) 
We wake up today at Canyon de Chelly National Park and monument, located in northeastern Arizona, completely on the tribal lands of the Navajo Nation. The park is considered one of the longest inhabited landscapes in the northwestern hemisphere with more than 4,000 years of occupation. It has ruins of indigenous tribes including Navajo and Pueblo Peoples and still houses about 40 residents within the canyons.There are over 2700 archaeological sites within the many canyons of Canyon de Chelly but only 13 of the 700 standing ruins have been stabilized, re-enforced, or protected from degradation.
will learn about the people and the events that went on in Canyon de Chelly. View the ruins of the early people, and admire their beautiful artwork in the forms of pictographs and petroglyphs.
At 1.6 million acres the Kaibab National Forest borders both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. Today we enjoy a beautiful drive through the Forest with stops at Sunset Crater (extinct volcano) and Wupatki National Monument (Prehistoric Pueblo dwellings) on our way to the big one – Grand Canyon National Park! 
Well-preserved rock-formed Pueblo dwellings in the Wupatki National Monument are evidence of an ancient civilization. Ancient pueblos dot red-rock outcroppings across miles of prairie. Where food and water seem impossible to find, people built pueblos, raised families, farmed, traded, and thrived. The pueblos all have a distinctive deep red color and were made from thin, flat blocks of the local Moenkopi sandstone.
Visit the Grand Canyon ALL DAY at your own pace using the 
Hermits Rest Route (Red Route): Explore this less-traveled route on the South Rim's western end as Hermit Road follows the rim for 8 miles with scenic overlooks.Westbound stops include Village Route Transfer, Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mojave Point, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista and Pima Point. Eastbound stops include Hermits Rest, Pima Point, Mojave Point, Powell Point and Village Route Transfer.
We’ll travel through the scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona today. After breakfast we drive south, past Flagstaff, onto Arizona State Route 89A, descending through a breathtaking series of switchbacks into a scenic, smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon. Known for colorful rocks and unique formations, Oak Creek Canyon is famous the world around for its spectacular scenery. Once we've snaked our way down the switchbacks, SR 89A winds a lazy course down the length of Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. It's actually possible to enjoy the scenery here without leaving our bus, so keep your camera ready.
Go off road 4-wheeling, choose mild to wild in Sedona. Surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. Jump in a jeep and experience a thrilling adventure and spectacular scenery beyond words to describe. Our colorful Western Guides will show us the inner sanctuaries and secrets of the magical, mystical lands of Sedona – a place of peace for your soul, and joy for your heart. Time for shopping and food in Uptown Sedona, dense with New Age boutiques, souvenir shops and art galleries.
Discover the grandeur of London aboard an open-top, double-decker bus on our morning sightseeing tour. See Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Soak in the sights of St Paul’s Cathedral, pass the historic Westminster Abbey, drive by the Queen’s royal residence of Buckingham Palace, view the London Eye and much more. With audio commentary throughout our journey, it’s the perfect way to see the beauty of London while hearing about its rich and famous history.
Grab your luggage, board our train, sit back and relax as our train passes through green rolling hills and valleys on our 2 hour scenic ride to York.
Step back in time as we discover the amazing history of York, dating back to the Viking. First stop is the York Castle Museum, famous for its collections of costume, textiles, military and social history. Immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past as we wander through Victorian streets, venture into the prison cell of notorious highwaymen and discover what life was like on the front line in the First World War.
experience, discover more of this cultural ‘melting pot’ with the help of 22 animatronics characters, with a strong emphasis on authenticity, everything from their clothing, facial features and speech has been meticulously researched.
fter breakfast, it's time to board our train for Edinburgh. Enjoy panoramic vistas, dramatic coastline and castle ruins on our 2 1/2 hour journey to Scotland. Our train will travel through the beautiful town of Durham, where the River Wear loops around the Romanesque Durham Cathedral and Norman Durham Castle. Upon arrival the dark stone buildings of Edinburgh surround Waverley Station and welcome us into their history-filled alleys.
guide, we'll tour the city’s main attractions such as Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Stroll along the Royal Mile and through Old Town, the city’s oldest quarter strewn with historic landmarks. Visit inside Edinburgh Castle, a huge and wonderful place to explore. It’s rich with history, has superb architecture and the castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Today begins with a short ride through the rugged Scottish countryside to Stirling and our first stop. Stirling Castle, a critical medieval stronghold and former residence of Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. Visit the castle where a number of Scottish Kings and Queens have been baptized, crowned, or died in or near Stirling Castle. At least one King was murdered nearby: while another committed murder within its walls. Stand in the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland and Imagine the great banquets and battles that 
took place around the castle as you look towards the southern Highlands and the Ochil Hills.
Today we leave Scotland behind as we travel south back to England stopping on the way at Gretna Green, famous for runaway weddings. Discover the history and experience the magic of anvil weddings and runaway romance at the famous blacksmiths shop museum and exhibition, including a wedding re-entactment.
to the lives and times of The Beatles. Join us on a magical history tour and see how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become the greatest band of all time – from their Liverpool childhood, through the early days of the band, to world domination and on to their solo careers. Find out how the Fab Four met, go behind the scenes at the famous Abbey Road Studios and take an underwater trip on the Yellow Submarine! Hang out at the Casbah Coffee Club or explore the stunning replica of the Cavern Club. Listen to The Beatles story unfold through the 'Living History' audio guide beautifully narrated by John Lennon's sister, Julia. 
Today is a full day of touring and shopping. Our first stop is in Stoke on Trent, about an hour from Liverpool at the World of Wedgewood. Trace over 250 years of ground-breaking design and production and discover Josiah Wedgwood’s lasting influence on industry and society; then shop at the largest Wedgwood retail space in the world.
the architecture of the buildings around the square particularly those converted into workshops called "shopping" where jewelery of all sorts has been manufactured over the centuries.
This morning we will tour Wales' capital city and the eleventh-largest city in the United Kingdom. Cardiff is a very green city, complemented by Bute Park which sits in the heart of the city. It has a reputation as a city of castles, having 5 different castles within its surroundings. Visit the revitalized dockside where coal was once shipped across the world and opera singers now delight music-loving audiences.
museum stands on the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house. During the last fifty years, over fifty original buildings from different locations in Wales and from different historical periods have been re-built in the 100-acre parkland. Each building is frozen in time and opens a door into Welsh history offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Today we say goodbye to Wales as we travel back towards England and our final destination London. The city of Bath in South West England, founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans who used the natural hot springs as a thermal spa is our fist stop.
A trip to England would not be complete without a visit to Stonehenge, a prehistoric ring of stones with each standing stone around 13 feet high, 7 feet wide and weighing around 25 tons. Take a walk around the Stone Circle, discover the story of Stonehenge – the stones, the landscape, the people and its meaning then wander around the Neolithic houses and step inside to imagine how people lived 4,500 years ago.
Arrive in Amsterdam (airport code AMS) and take your provided shuttle to the group's hotel. Meet all your new singles travel friends as we are greeted in the lobby by our tour host at 5:00pm. Then walk to a local restaurant for dinner (not included). 
Today we enjoy a full day tour in and around Amsterdam. In the morning we drive to the fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, where we will visit a cheese farm and wooden clog maker. Later we will of course take a look at the world famous windmills and enter the Windmill De Kat, the only remaining working windmill in the world which makes paint.
Vacation Day 3: Amsterdam - Cologne - Braubach - Koblenz
13th century,and wall rings containing a keep, residential buildings, baileys and bastions. Travel back into the Middle Ages on our guided tour, view the interior rooms such as a castle kitchen, great hall, bedchamber, chapel, armory, wine cellar and battlements allows us to travel back into the Middle Ages.
After breakfast we drive to Sankt Goarshausen to board our ship for an amazing day on the Rhine River exploring the Loreley Valley. The Rhine is 820 miles long, from Switzerland it flows through Germany, eventually emptying into the North Sea in the Netherlands. The most scenic section is the Middle Rhine, between Rüdesheim and Koblenz due to the number of historic castles, romantic towns and wine vineyards peaking over the mountain cliffs, which is why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Enjoy the scenery on our morning drive from Wiesbaden to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its well-preserved medieval old town and and part of the Romantic Road. Nestled amidst beautiful, unspoiled countryside and still with a largely intact walkable town wall with medieval fortifications, Rothenburg with its winding alleyways and artistic treasures is the ideal place to relax after our guided tour.
walls. You can't help but ask yourself whether time has stood still, as you amble past the beautiful old houses, secluded squares and tucked-away corners of the old quarter, where towers, taverns and town gates has stood for centuries.
We have an all morning bus ride as we travel to the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, built for 19th-century Bavarian kings. Both royal castles overlook the village of Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, known as “The High Country of the Swans”, a fairy-tale like village.
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Today we leave Germany behind as we drive to Innsburck, Austria, the capitol of the Alps. Experience Innsbruck’s old town on our guided walking tour and view over 800 years of the city’s colorful history: The Golden Roof, Emperor Maximilian I’s splendid alcove balcony, bore witness to jousting tournaments. Lavish celebrations were held at the Imperial Palace. Ambras Castle became a magnificent feature above the city. And guards kept watch for fire, storms and enemies from the City Tower until the 20th century. the exciting Middle Ages today. 
Karwendel Nature Park. The Nordkettenbahnen lifts will take us high up into the mountains from the city center. Our journey takes just 20 minutes from the lift station to our first stop, Seegrube at 1 and 1/4 miles up. From the Seegrube, another cable car continues 1000 feet higher to the Hafelekar. 
Travel through the Arlberg Road Tunnel, at 6.6 miles it is Austria's longest road tunnel, on our way to Lucerne, a small city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture and snow-capped mountains surrounding Lake Lucerne. 
Spend the morning in the Swiss Alps. Our Golden round trip will takes us to the most spectacular spots on Mount Pilatus and to the summit by boat, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway and Panorama Gondolas.
time atop Mt Pilatus, venture on a high-altitude stroll, grab lunch or enjoy the vista from the terrace.
Vacation Day 10: Lucerne to Zurich
Drive around Zurich, a global center for banking and finance that lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. Our tour passes by the most important landmarks in the city of Zurich, such as the castle-like National Museum, the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, historic Limmatquai, Zurich’s Opera House, St. Peter’s Church with Europe’s largest clock face and Lake Zurich.
Day 1: Arrive Milan, Italy
Two Lakes. Take the "Mottarone Vetta" chair lift to the summit and admire the astonishing 360° panorama from the Po Valley to the peaks of the Alps, from the summit of Monte Rosa to the seven lakes. 
Just 1640 feet from Stresa, are the terraces of the Italian Botanical Garden of Isola Bella leapfroggers. This complex of Baroque art has ten terraces full of remarkable plants and flowers: rhododendrons, oleanders and a rich collection of camellias brought as a gift by various guests from all over the world, exotic botanical species, flowers and bulbs that color the flowerbeds, parterres and hedges, all taken care of by the skilled hand of the gardeners.
Madre into sumptuous garden-palace combo. Here we can walk in a typical village, with its charming streets, among ancient houses built around the church of San Vittore. The restaurants offer typical dishes of the lake: hot and cold, salmon trout, perch fillet, grilled fresh water.
After breakfast, it's time to leave our first lake behind as we drive to Lake Como and our beautiful hotel on the lake. After about an hour, we will reach the city of Como, located in the southern part of Lake Como. It is known for its Gothic-style Duomo, the panoramic funicular and the pedestrian path along the lake. Como is a city of culture and the Old Town features elements from its Roman and Medieval past, as well as religious buildings and palaces. On our guided tour. discover the Broletto, town hall palace,Teatro Sociale and Church of San Fedele. Our guide will take us to Via degli artigiani, a very important area in the historic center of Como where over time the most important tradesmen have developed their skills. Here we will find the shops of the ancient artisans.
Next we take the funicular railway, which has linked Como and Brunate since 1894 and is still the quickest way of travelling between these two towns. It is also an opportunity to enjoy enchanting views over Lake Como and the Alps.
temperature extremes. The clear blue waters of Lake Como are nestled between rugged mountains and fringed with elegant villas and quaint villages that tumble down wooded hillsides to the lake shore. The enduring charm and beauty of the Italian Lakes has lured everyone from Roman emperors and Hollywood celebrities to the cream of European society. 
This morning we drive north to the town of Torino, Italy which is close to the border of Switzerland and board the famous Bernina Express, one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. Our rail journey takes us all the way to the world-renowned Swiss mountain resort of St. Moritz. The train will take us from an altitude of 1407 feet up to 6000 feet! We’ll cross the spiraling viaduct at Brusio and the Bernina Pass to the alpine valley known as the Engadin. Marvel at the scenery of the Alps as we view monumental glaciers, cross steep gorges, and pass through tunnels under some of the area’s most massive mountains.
Once we arrive in St Moritz, there will be free time for lunch and shopping before we board the funicular to the Chantarella station. From the station, we'll stroll along the approximately 1 1/4 mile theme trail to the original Heidi Hut used in the 1978. There are around 200 different species of plants, mostly protected mountain flowers, and they are planted in pretty flower islands and marked with numbers.
Menaggio, although peaceful and relaxing there’s is are lot of activities to do in and around Menaggio. You can enjoy walks through the town and its numerous gardens. Along the way you can take a look at some of Menaggio’s lovely little churches: San Stefano (17th century), San Giusto and San Carlo accompanied by a beautiful bell tower and the ruins of a medieval castle above the town is also worth a visit.
Water enthusiasts can head to The Lido, a modern building to plunge into the cool, fresh waters of Lake Como. Water skiers can rent a power boat and skis, rent a sailing boat and skiffs are also available. The Menaggio-Cadenabbia Golf Club is about 3 miles from town and quite a wonderful place to play a round. Visit the information center on the square for lots of information on local walks. As Menaggio is linked by ferry to all parts of the Lake the wonders of traveling by water transport can be thoroughly enjoyed.
Leave the beautiful Italian lake district behind as we drive a little over an hour to Parma, located halfway between the Lakes and Cinque Terre. Since Ancient Roman times, the city of Parma has been considered Italy’s gastronomic capital so get your taste buds ready to discover Parma and its culinary traditions. Parma takes its cheese seriously and needs to be aged for a minimum of two years. The cheese is produced from the milk of cows that graze in the hills of the Po Valley.
Discover another culinary specialty of this area: Parma ham, better known as prosciutto di Parma. Famed for it delicate and sweet flavor, sliced paper thin, and aged a minimum of 400 days, it is produced from specially bred pigs in the countryside just outside of the city. 
Discover the Italian Riviera as we travel through the beautiful villages of Cinque Terre. After breakfast we drive to La Spezia, meet our guide, and travel by local train to Cinque Terre. The first village we encounter is Riomaggiore, it sits right on the Gulf of Genoa, at the upper edge of Italy’s boot, where the water is unspoiled and the bluest of blues. A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, brings us to the shoreline on the Mediterranean's Gulf of Genoa, with a small beach and a wharf framed by tower houses.
Corniglia is the central town of the five villages and has a population of less than 300 inhabitants. It is located in an elevated position above the ocean, atop steep cliffs, and it is the only Cinque Terre town without direct access to the sea. The tiny village is connected to its train station by a footpath known as Lardarina (377 stairs) and connected to the other villages by well maintained footpaths. Corniglia is an ancient Roman village that is surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces.
The last of the five villages along the Cinque Terre strip, Monterosso al Mare is the most visited, because it has the only sizable sand beach and the biggest hotels. The village, located on hills cultivated with vines and olives has amazing beaches, beautiful reefs and crystal clear waters. The old town area is separated from the more modern resort area by the Aurora tower and is home to the ruins of a medieval castle and San Francesco church.
After breakfast we meet our guide for our tour of Genoa, the 6th most populated city in Italy as well as its largest port. For 700 years Genoa was one of Italy's most powerful city-states and its colorful buildings tumble downhill towards the waterfront. Genoa has a rich tradition of art, music, gastronomy, architecture and history. Our guide will explain the city's illustrious history; this was, after all, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus!
Then it is on to Milan, Italy's global capital of fashion and design to explore its most famous sights. La Scala theatre: the opera house, where the high society and VIPs show their status to the world of music, La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the sparkling and exclusive shopping mall of the Milan fashion city and the Duomo cathedral, a masterpiece of gothic art with its white marble spires.
Fly into Calgary airport (YYC) and make your way to Banff and the group's hotel, 
Uncover the secrets of Banff, an historic mountain haven, with our local guide leading the way. Gaze at stunning views, stroll down spectacular rails and hear legends of Banff’s past. The town filled with culture and history, is surrounded by an untamed wilderness. Hear stories of 11,000 years of history, hidden in these rugged hills. We’ll stop at the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and the “oh wow!” view at Surprise Corner. We'll venture down peaceful pine-scented trails and learn about the wildlife habitat. Our tour ends in downtown where we will have free time for lunch and shopping.
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain and appreciate a stunning bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges, with breathtaking vistas in every direction. Glide on the Banff Gondola, up over the treetops to the crest of a steep-sided Rocky Mountain peak and step out into a jaw-dropping mountaintop experience at 7,486 feet. Stroll along the ridge-top boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Take one of the scenic hikes like, the self-guided Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to Sanson's Peak. At the peak experience the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a Canadian National Historic Site. More adventurous hikers can try the South East Ridge Trail that runs along the ridge of the mountain, taking you to Sulphur Mountain's true summit. While on top don't miss the new multi-sensory Above Banff Theatre. Soar over the Canadian Rockies from the perspective of a fierce bird of prey: the bald eagle.
What’s the most unforgettable tour in the Canadian Rockies? A scenic day spent exploring the highest road in Canada - the Icefields Parkway. On our full day journey, witness the evidence left behind by many ice ages, Icy blue glaciers that cling to the face of several majestic mountains and deep blue lakes. We will stop at Peyto Lake, Bridal Falls during the journey out, however, the highlight of this day is a visit to the Athabasca Glacier which seeps down from the central core of the Columbia Icefield.
Board a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle and ride up onto the glacier, passing an ancient forest and spectacular viewpoints. Then, step out on to the glacier itself, which is the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic.
The Canadian Rockies offers rafting in both mild and wild rivers for every level of adventure seeker, even for those who aren’t sure they are! Experience a great morning whitewater rafting, one of the highlights of our Canadian Rockies trip. Best part is - you get to choose your adventure speed. 
This afternoon it is time to relax and soak in the steamy hot mineral water where travelers have come to ‘take the waters’ for over a hundred years. We will take the Roam transit to Banff National Park’s only hot springs pool for an authentic heritage experience. The elevation of Banff Upper Hot Springs, at 5,200 feet, makes it the highest in Canada. The hot pool is outdoors and while in the pool, we can look across the valley to Mount Rundle. 
After breakfast we begin our day trip to hike Lake Louise and admire Moraine Lake. UNESCO has protected both areas because of their priceless natural beauty. Watch for wildlife as we make our way to the beautiful Lake Louise, known as the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”.
incredible views and opportunities to see wildlife. We may encounter Hoary marmots, Chipmunks, Squirrels, Pika, Mountain Goats and Grizzly Bears. We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch before we reach our destination, the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House where cakes and tea are sold all day long.
After our shuttle ride from Banff, check-in to our hotel (TBA). Drop your luggage off (rooms might not be ready) and let's get a bite to eat before we go to the top of the Calgary Tower, a 625.9-feet free standing observation tower in Downtown Calgary. Once at the Observation Deck, enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Certain landmarks are highlighted and by touching these buildings on our screens, we will be provided with information and interesting facts. The theatre features an original short film: Calgary Tower – Building and Icon, and Travel Alberta's most recent fly-through video capturing breathtaking footage of Alberta.
Vacation Day 1: Lisbon
Today we discover Lisbon on our full day guided city tour. Explore Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods as we drive through crooked cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafes and learn how Lisbon grew from a fishing village into a cosmopolitan city during the Age of Discoveries. Pause to admire the Lisbon church’s intricate stained glass rose window, reconstructed with fragments from the original. See the 16th-century Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO), a grand religious building historically associated with the early sailor explorers and the Monument to the Discoveries built on the north bank of the Tagus River in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. 
View the impressive Belem Tower, a small fort that was constructed in the center of the Tejo Estuary to guard Lisbon from seafaring raiders. For such a trivial role the fort was lavished with beautiful and intricate details that include North African Moorish styled watchtowers, shield shaped battlements and the first European stone carving of a Rhinoceros.
Our morning begins with a drive to Sintra, a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tile work. The monastery was seriously damaged by the 1755 earthquake and was the abandoned. The building of Palacio da Pena, which started in 1840 and finished in 1885, when king Fernando died. It was inhabited by the royal family until 1910, when the Portuguese Republic was established and monarch was abolished.
Free time for lunch before we drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and get a souvenir certificate with the inscription "where the land ends and the sea begins". Pass the stunning beaches of Cascais, including Praia do Guincho, the most picturesque beach on the Lisbon coast.
Enjoy a free day in Lisbon to discover this magical city on your own or with a few of your new travel friends. If you are interested in a guided activity, you can check out the Lisbon tours and activities here - 
Our trip to the Portugal’s “Silver Coast” begins in the medieval walled town of Óbidos, located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall, and divided between two parishes. Óbidos, steeped in history, culture and tradition remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Inside the wall are colorful buildings, a small church, a market, lots of cafe's and locally made souvenirs. Stroll around the village walls and cobbled narrow streets with your guide and don’t forget to try the drink Ginja, a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries.
height of a 10-story building, are caused by an underwater canyon - 3miles deep and 125 miles long - that ends abruptly just before the shore of the city. We will stop here for free time for lunch.
After breakfast we will have a guided tour of the University of Coimbra including the Palace of Schools where we can visit the Royal Palace that includes the Grand Hall of Acts, the Private Exam Room and the Armillary Room; The Royal Chapel of Saint Michael and the Joanine Library where we visit the Noble Floor, the Middle Floor and the Academic Prison. The Science Museum has 18th and 19th Century Physics Cabinets, the Natural History Galleries and the Chemistry Laboratory. Visit the Botanic Garden where we can travel around the world through botanic. Then we drive to Porto, the capital of northern Portugal and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During our cultural tour, we will have the opportunity to visit interesting places such as the Bolhão Market, Santa Catarina Street, the Majestic Café, Avenida de Aliados, the cathedral, Batalha Square, Infante D. Henrique Square and many others. One of the buildings that we will visit today will be the impressive Palace of Porto Stock Exchange (Bolsa Palace), headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of neoclassical style.
This morning we will be transferred to the river area. Enjoy a nice walk across the Douro River as we get to know the six bridges that crown the city of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Then will set sail on an exciting 50-minute ride along the Douro River. See the different points of interest that surround the city and hear about the famous Rabelos boats, authentic barges of the region. Some of the places of interest that we can see from the boat are the Bolsa Palace, the Museum of Port Wine, Cristal Palace, Ribeira de Oporto, Mosteiro de Serra do Pilar, among others. Upon docking we will drive over to the World of Wine, WOW for short. In centuries old Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, WOW pays homage to the region, and shines a light on the most important Portuguese industries and traditions. But WOW is more than museums, it is an entire district full of new and exciting things to do, explore, and learn. Six museum experiences, nine restaurants, shops, a temporary exhibition space, an events space and a wine school. The six museums, called experiences, have themes like wine, cork, chocolate, fashion (considering that Porto is the heart of Portugal’s garment industry), and the The Bridge Collection, featuring a vast array of centuries-old drinking vessels and glasses. Enjoy 2 experiences of your choice.
Today we take an unforgettable journey through the beautiful landscapes and scenic mountains of the Douro Valley plus get to enjoy wine tasting and a picnic lunch. We stop in Amarante, settled in the 4th century BC and the home of the beautiful Monastery of San Gonçalo on the chapel next to the bridge over the Tâmega River. According to tradition, San Gonçalo had lived and was buried in there.