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Field Trips and Excursions
Congratulations! passports trips are the product of many years of experimentation and refinement, and offer a near-perfect balance of planned activities and free time.
But what about that free time? You don't want to go all the way to Europe (or points beyond!) and spend every free moment in a hotel room — no matter how comfortable and accommodating your passports hotel room might be.
Nor do you want to wander around the sometimes confusing streets of some foreign capital city hoping to pick up "vibes," when a beautiful castle you've always heard about, and are now in a position to see, first-hand, lies only a short coach ride away.
You don't want to squander your precious free time overseas.
The answer lies in a selection of time-tested and modestly-priced "field trips" offered by passports for the purpose of enhancing your basic tour itinerary. The possibilities are endless. Many of them are described in the pages that follow here. You should have your itinerary handy as you read, in order to see what might fit in, and at what point along the way.
Keep in mind that all of these optional excursions premise a minimum enrollment of 15 persons, so it is important that you first talk about these possibilities with your group leader. Keep in mind also that you cannot easily sign up for these excursions while overseas; you must do so before departure.
We hope that you will enjoy piecing through the descriptions which appear below, and that you will take advantage of the tour offerings they present. Click on the hypertext links to navigate. Allow document to load completely before making selections.
Fancy an Irish Jig down by the river Liffey in the Emerald Isle? To the theatre tonight in London or Stratford? Delve into the unique mysteries of Stonehenge, or discover the grandeur of Royal Britain, past and present, at Windsor, Hampton Court or Warwick Castle...
Discover the architectural glories of France, from the châteaux of the Loire to Versailles; enjoy a gourmet dinner high above the city of Paris in the Eiffel Tower; ride on horseback through the plains of the Camargue, learn the great French art of stained glass...
Visit the Tuscan jewel of Siena, rival of Florence in heritage and beauty; experience the giddy sensations provoked by the Leaning Tower of Pisa; be initiated into the true secrets of Italian pizza; rediscover the glory that was Rome among the amazing ruins of Tivoli or Pompeii...
Germany, Austria and Switzerland Relax to the soothing rhythms of Old Father Rhine. Waltz by the banks of the Danube. Revel in the raucous pleasures of Bavarian folklore at the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. In the splendid surroundings of the Swiss heartlands absorb the majestic Alpine panoramas from Mount Pilatus or the Jungfrau...
Discover the soul of Spain encapsulated in music and dance at a flamenco show, or learn to dance your own Sevillanas in the heart of Andalucia. Stand in awe at the great Catalan holy site of Montserrat, nestled high in the Spanish sierras, or at the wondrous splendor of medieval Toledo...
In the ancient land of the Greeks, immerse yourself in Europe's great classical heritage: meet the Delphic oracle; go back in time to Homer's Mycenae; retrace the steps of St. Paul in Corinth. Alternatively, let yourself be charmed by the magic of the Greek islands on a day-long cruise through the Saronic Gulf...
A special note for group organizers Prices, terms and conditions.
THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND
Windsor Castle: This is a sight that no visitor to London should miss. Sitting proudly on a bluff above the River Thames, Windsor Castle dominates the landscape for miles around just as it dominates the heart and soul of England. Built by William the Conqueror to strengthen his hold on his new domain, it has been the main residence of every king and queen for the last millennium. The State Apartments, restored to international acclaim after the recent tragic fire, offer an unbelievable insight into the treasures, the possessions and the lifestyles of the Royals from the medieval warrior-kings to Queen Elizabeth II herself. St. George's Chapel, burial-place of King Henry VIII and the seat of Britain's highest Order of Knights, is a Gothic jewel of extraordinary beauty. These are just some highlights of this exciting visit to the most famous castle in the world. FROM: LONDON (HALF DAY)
Hampton Court: The Palace of Hampton Court is set in the idyllic surroundings of the stately River Thames and parkland grazed by deer. It is a jewel of Tudor and Renaissance architecture. Hampton Court was the favorite residence of King Henry VIII, the Stuart kings and King William of Orange. Ghosts from the royal past still famously haunt its splendid rooms and corridors. Explore the brilliantly reconstructed Tudor kitchens. Take time to wander through the breathtaking formal gardens, just recently restored to their seventeenth-century perfection. See the Real Tennis courts where Henry VIII used to work out the frustrations of kingship. Lose yourself in the Great Maze that inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland. The historic resonances and the varied delights of Hampton Court together make up one of the greatest treasures of Britain. FROM: LONDON (HALF DAY)
Warwick Castle: Situated in the very heart of England is Warwick Castle, a glorious sight that many people call the finest castle in the country. For centuries this was the ancestral home of the Earls of Warwick, one of the foremost families of the realm. The joy of Warwick is that it has something to entertain, educate and inspire everybody. From its landscaped lakes and gardens, which peacocks honor with their presence, to its mighty fifteenth century walls; from strolling minstrels serenading you in the courtyard to knights-in-armor jousting in the castle grounds; from one of Europe's finest collections of medieval weaponry to the magnificent Victorian staterooms, Warwick Castle is a continual delight. FROM: STRATFORD (HALF DAY) FROM: LONDON (FULL DAY)
Oxford and Stratford: This field trip takes you to two of the most celebrated towns in the British Isles. Oxford is the "city of dreaming spires." The hallowed halls of Oxford University constitute the heart of the world's most famous, beautiful and venerable seat of learning. As you tour the ancient foundation of Christ Church College, you walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest names, men of science, letters, politics and war, of the last 500 years. The experience is awe-inspiring. Stratford-upon-Avon is a different place altogether, but no less extraordinary. Indeed, its fame resonates throughout the world as the home of perhaps the greatest man of letters of them all, William Shakespeare. Pay homage to the Bard at his birthplace and other sites as picturesque as they are historic. The Royal Shakespeare Company, based in Stratford, is the most renowned theater group in England, perhaps even in the world. FROM: LONDON (FULL DAY)
Leeds Castle and Canterbury: Leeds Castle presents an unforgettably romantic picture when you first see it nestled in the valley, straddling two small islands in a lake. It is known as the 'castle of the queens' because, since it was bought by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1278, it has watched a parade of the greatest women in English history pass through its gates. Queen Elizabeth I even enjoyed the honor of being imprisoned here for a short while before her coronation. Leeds Castle is beautiful, opulent and redolent of royal history. Canterbury is unquestionably one of the most famous towns in Britain. Above all, the reason for its fame is its cathedral, the mother church of England, site of the martyrdom of St. Thomas à Becket, and goal of pilgrims from Chaucer's day to the present. The cathedral is also one of the artistic and architectural masterpieces of English Gothic. Its stained glass rivals in quality and abundance that of almost any cathedral in France. Canterbury is an unmissable stop on any tour through the history and culture of the British Isles. FROM: LONDON (FULL DAY)
Afternoon Tea: There is nothing more quintessentially English than tea accompanied by scones, cakes and cucumber sandwiches at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. What's more, there is nothing more delightful than to take afternoon tea in the restrained, sophisticated and quietly wealthy surroundings of one of London's many luxury hotels. It is one of life's irresistible little pleasures that the English have specialized in for generations. It should not be missed.
Dover Castle and Canterbury: As an alternative to Leeds on the above excursion, Dover Castle is the outstanding choice. As you stand by the white cliffs to look out over the English Channel to France, you stand at the gates of history. This is, and always has been, Britain's gateway to Europe. From the Roman lighthouse to the First World War tunnels under the chalk cliffs, Dover has played a pivotal role in the security of Britain. The substantial, powerful ruins of the medieval keep bring to mind not just thoughts of chivalry and siege warfare, but also a succession of images that evoke in romantic splendor the birth and development of a nation. FROM: LONDON (FULL DAY)
Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury: Bath is a city of legendary beauty. It delights by its elegant streets and squares of Georgian houses built in soft, yellow Cotswold stone. This is the decadent Bath of Jane Austen's novels. But there is much more to the city than this. The highlight of the visit belongs to an earlier age, that of Aquae Sulis, the ancient spa whose underground remains constitute the most vivid and dramatic evocation of the Romans in Britain. You can still see the bubbling hot spring that brought the Romans to this privileged spot 2,000 years ago. Two thousand years is nothing in the life of the next monument you will see. Stonehenge is more than twice that age, and even more celebrated. This prehistoric stone circle, a structural work of genius, is a sight you cannot afford to miss. No one will ever know what this place meant to those who built it. Stonehenge is unique, a place to fire the imagination. A few miles to the south lies the charming market town of Salisbury, blessed with one of England's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. Visible from afar, its famous spire, the tallest in England, has inspired poets and painters alike. FROM: LONDON (FULL DAY)
Hatfield House Medieval Banquet: Bawdy, rollicking, all-singing, all-dancing royal entertainers are at your disposal as you eat and drink in the lovely, opulent setting of Hatfield House just outside London. This celebrated seventeenth century mansion was once home to Queen Elizabeth I. You will be eating in one of its historic outbuildings, served by jesters, knights and wenches under the eagle-eyed supervision of the King himself. This is a wonderful way to absorb and join in the fun, the food and the frolics of the night life of centuries gone by. FROM: LONDON (EVENING)
Thames River Cruise and Greenwich: See London from the soothingly lovely perspective of the River Thames. This cruise takes you from Westminster Pier, in the shadow of Big Ben, all the way downstream to Greenwich and the meridian itself. The trip is punctuated by entertaining cockney commentary which introduces you to London's riverside treasures: the Globe Theatre, St. Paul's Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the spectacular waterfront of Greenwich. Visit the great naval sites of historic Greenwich or simply enjoy free time in this intimate, lovely town that straddles east and west, before reboarding the boat to Westminster and the heart of London. FROM: LONDON (HALF DAY)
Backstage at the Theatre: This is an indispensable outing for theatre buffs. In the heart of London's Theatreland, you will enjoy a private tour of the acclaimed Theatre Museum, including fascinating insights into the worlds of theatrical make-up and costume. Afterwards, continue to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, for a unique backstage tour that introduces you to the hidden glories of the most beautiful theatre in London. The tour is a show in itself. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an in-depth look at the wonderful world behind the scenes of the productions that have made London theatre famous throughout the world. FROM: LONDON (HALF DAY)
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: The great Scottish countryside, with its lochs and heather-clad mountains, is all yours to enjoy in this relaxing and inspiring excursion to the region where the Highlands and Lowlands meet in scenic splendor. This is the land of Rob Roy, and the Macfarlane, Macgregor and Colquhoun clans. It is landscape beloved of Sir Walter Scott himself. After absorbing the wild, yet somehow intimate appeal of the myriad Trossachs lochs, you will embark on a delightful short cruise on Loch Lomond, the largest and among the grandest of all the Scottish lakes. FROM: EDINBURGH (FULL DAY)
Scottish Evening: Tartans, kilts, sporrans and trews; haggis, neeps and tatties; the strong, melancholy sound of the bagpipes; brave lads and bonnie lasses; "Flower of Scotland," the Sword Dance, "The Bonnie Banks and Braes of Loch Lomond" and "Auld Lang Syne." In the heart of Edinburgh, sit back, eat well and enjoy this entertaining insight to the very essence of Scottish culture. FROM: EDINBURGH
Dublin Theater: In the English-speaking world, Dublin vies with London and New York in the quality and extent of its theatrical entertainment. The Abbey Players, the resident troupe at Ireland's national theatre, are universally recognized as one of the top thespian groups in world theatre. An evening at the Abbey Theatre or the Gate, probably the most beautiful theatre in Ireland, is a must for any visitor to the city of Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw. It is world-class entertainment in a world-class cultural capital. FROM: DUBLIN
Abbey Tavern, Howth: For a different face of Irish entertainment, an evening at the Abbey Tavern in Howth is hard to beat. Howth itself, a beautiful fishing and resort village on Dublin Bay, makes the visit worthwhile. The Abbey Tavern is the icing on the cake. In the atmospheric surroundings of this traditional Irish pub, complete with turf walls and fires, you will eat excellent local food before sitting back to enjoy one of the best and most acclaimed shows of Irish music and dancing in the whole country. FROM: DUBLIN (EVENING)
Irish Dancing Lessons: Keep your back straight, hands down by your side, legs together, chin up and... a h-aon, a dhó, a trí (or one, two, three in English). In the footsteps of Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, immerse yourself in the ways of traditional Irish dancing. It is rhythmical, raucous, fast-moving, energizing and fun. Irish dancing is still very much a living part of the local culture for all generations of Irish people. The sheer joy of participation makes the great musical heritage of Ireland come thrillingly to life. FROM: DUBLIN/CORK/LIMERICK (EVENING)
Aran Islands: This is an unforgettable journey back into an Ireland of long ago, a world away from the chic sophistication of modern Dublin. Ferries cross Galway Bay to transport you to the strange, rocky landscapes of Inishmore where Gaelic is still spoken among the locals, and sheep battle with occasional cars for priority on the tiny island roads. A short stroll takes you to the fort of Dun Aengus, one of Europe's most dramatic prehistoric monuments, set on the edge of a cliff 60 feet high plunging sheer down into the Atlantic swells. This is the rural Ireland which people come in search of, the Ireland with which people fall in love. FROM: GALWAY (FULL DAY)
Powerscourt and Glendalough: Within easy reach of Dublin City you find yourself in one of Ireland's most scenic national parks, the Wicklow Mountains. First stop is Powerscourt whose spectacular gardens, overlooked by the great Sugarloaf Mountain, rank among the finest in Europe. Continue to Glendalough, the mystical valley where, in the earliest days of Irish Christianity, St. Kevin made his home. Explore the famous archaeological site surrounding his hermitage, in its lakeland setting of unparalleled beauty. In the opinion of many, this is the loveliest spot in all of Ireland. Return to Dublin along the famous coastal drive offering view after view of the Irish Sea. FROM: DUBLIN (FULL DAY)
Eiffel Tower dinner: Dine in luxury at the restaurant Altitude 95 in the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy your high quality four course meal in surroundings like no other, 95 meters up above the streets of Paris on the first floor of the most famous structure ever built. After dinner, continue to the top of the Tower for unforgettable views over the beautiful capital of France. The lights of the city spread out beneath you, whichever direction you look, will take your breath away. It is scarcely possible to imagine a sight more spectacular and more romantic. FROM: PARIS
Versailles: No visitor to Paris should miss Versailles. This magnificent Baroque palace is one of the world's most stunning symbols of royal entitlement, and the ultimate model of extravagance and ostentation. Former residence of the kings of France and seat of government for over 100 years, scene of the opening sallies of the Revolution, witness to some of the most important events of modern history; Versailles encompasses within its walls and grounds so much that it is hard to take it all in at once. From the Hall of Mirrors to the Hamlet of Marie-Antoinette, from the fountains to the staterooms, from the Royal Chapel to the royal retreats at Trianon, Versailles leaves you awestruck. The name of Louis XIV, the Sun King, Versailles' creator, sparkles in the memory, along with the extraordinary cast of characters who in the seventeenth and eighteenth century populated this, the greatest palace ever built. FROM: PARIS (HALF DAY)
Bateaux-Mouches and Illumination Drive: To see Paris by night is one of life's great pleasures. The city is transformed into a wonderland like no other. From the perspective of a riverboat, whose shimmering lights reflect in the calm waters of the Seine, you can immerse yourself in the romance, glory and grandeur of France's capital. Monuments, from the Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower, will pass in their pomp and splendor by your gaze. Complete the evening with a drive down the boulevards lit up as much by the joyous buzz of Parisian life as by the illuminations that decorate the world-famous monuments of "The City of Light." FROM: PARIS
Giverny: For lovers of Impressionist painting, Claude Monet's house and gardens at Giverny are the ultimate place of pilgrimage. Some people say that the gardens are his greatest masterpiece. They certainly rank among the great gardens of France. The ponds, the green-painted Japanese bridge, the rhododendrons, wisteria, weeping willows and, of course, the water lilies are a joy to wander amongst, made familiar by Monet's own paintings. This is a much loved excursion, both for the sensory pleasures of the place itself and as a kind of homage to a sublime artistic genius. FROM: PARIS (HALF DAY)
The Art of Stained Glass: Perhaps the greatest visual legacy of France to the world is its glorious heritage in the field of stained glass. From Chartres to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris or the cathedrals of Rouen, Amiens, Albi or Metz, French stained glass, ancient and modern, offers a depth of quality and quantity unparalleled elsewhere. This field trip introduces you to the skills of the glassmaker's art and the different techniques of staining glass, then and now, and offers a unique insight into this craft that has given so much joy to the generations of visitors to the great cathedrals of France. FROM: CHARTRES
Chartres and the Loire Valley: Chartres Cathedral is the jewel in the crown of French Gothic architecture, one of the most celebrated buildings of all time. For many, this is the place that defines the Gothic age, spiritually, architecturally, culturally, in every sense. Its glorious stained-glass windows will take your breath away. The Loire châteaux of Chenonceau and Chambord make a dramatic contrast. Chambord, royal château par excellence, is all bombast, grandeur and fantasy. It astounds by its preposterous size and bravado. Nearby Chenonceau, on the other hand, delights by its gentle, welcoming loveliness, suggesting only warmth, reverie and romance. This day is filled with such awe-inspiring visions, glimpses into a bygone era, wealth, splendor and unspeakable charm. FROM: PARIS (FULL DAY)
'Sound and Light' in the Loire Valley: The châteaux of the Loire by night assume a wholly different character, more sultry and alluring than in the daytime light. The sheer romance of these splendid creations comes suddenly to the fore. The Spectacle Son et Lumière is an opportunity to let your imagination roam in the face of history brought alive by music, dancing shadows, and lights, fierce or subdued, stroking the soft stone of the châteaux walls. Each château does it differently: some are sensuous and evocative in their interpretations, some use costume drama to recreate the châteaux of days gone by. Every one offers a wonderful experience. FROM: TOURS/SAUMUR/AMBOISE (EVENING)
Horseback riding in the Camargue: This legendary corner of France consists of the wide delta of the river Rhone, a land of dramatic, flat marshlands and paddy fields offering endless views. The region abounds in wildlife: fighting bulls, white horses, ibises and pink flamingoes. First, immerse yourself in the natural landscape on a romantic and evocative horseback ride accompanied by a local herdsman. Then it's on to the medieval fortified town of Aigues-Mortes to see the greatest of the Camargue's man-made treasures. This town was built 750 years ago as the assembly point for the crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Its powerful medieval walls still exist in their entirety, and you can walk the ramparts today, looking out on to the sea like the warrior-knights of yesteryear. FROM: NIMES/ARLES (FULL DAY)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is undoubtedly the most famous monument in Italy and one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world. Even so, as you stand beneath it and look up at its unbearably precarious stance, it is hard to believe your own eyes. This age-old tower, that has withstood all attempts so far to stop its leaning, overlooks in dominant defiance the aptly named "Field of Miracles" in Pisa. The adjacent cathedral and the baptistery, among the loveliest examples in Tuscany, complete the harmonious and miraculous picture. This is an not-to-be-missed stop on any tour of the treasures of Italy. FROM: FLORENCE (HALF DAY)
Siena: Siena, the great historical rival of Florence, is a pleasure to visit. The main square, the Piazza del Campo, is often called the most beautiful in Italy. This is the setting for the extraordinary annual spectacle of the Palio, Italy's liveliest and most colorful sporting occasion. Indeed, at all times of year, Siena is awash with vitality and life. Color is the theme of its buildings too, notably the stunning marble facade of the cathedral, the finest example of medieval church architecture in the country. Delightful, charming Siena is the perfect complement to Florence. FROM: ROME/FLORENCE (HALF DAY)
Pompeii and Naples: The long trip south from Rome to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii rewards you with a fascinating and unparalleled insight into life as it was lived by the ancient Romans 2,000 years ago. Nowhere else can you feel so close to the people who lived through this extraordinary epoch in the history of mankind. At times as you walk among the astounding archaeological excavations of Pompeii, it is almost as if the terrible events of 71 AD happened yesterday. Through the awful human tragedy of the eruption of Vesuvius, which froze for ever the life of a town and its inhabitants, let the real people of ancient Rome return to life in the streets, houses, shops and public baths of today's Pompeii. The universally acclaimed Archaeological Museum in Naples, bristling with treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum, is your next stop before returning to Rome via the historic town of Monte Cassino for dinner. FROM: ROME (FULL DAY)
Florence: Never in the history of mankind has so much genius, in all its forms, been concentrated in one small place as in Florence in the fifteenth century. This is the quintessential Renaissance city. The opportunity to glimpse the fruits of this brilliant cultural flowering should not be missed. The 'open-air museum' of sculpture on the loggia in the Piazza della Signoria, Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Accademia, Brunelleschi's ground-breaking dome on Florence Cathedral: you will discover all these glories of human achievement as you tour the city. As if this were not enough, shopping in Florence is a continual delight, from the jewelry shops of the Ponte Vecchio to the city's leather markets and haute couture boutiques. Florence has more than enough for anybody to fall in love with. FROM: ROME (FULL DAY)
Villa Adriana, Tivoli: This is one of the most extraordinary monuments of ancient Rome, evocative enough in its state of romantic ruin to astonish the visitor. It was the summer residence of the Emperor Hadrian. Architecturally it is a uniquely beautiful vision. The fusion of architecture and landscape — oleanders, pines and cypress trees growing amid the ruins — creates an unforgettable sight. More a city in miniature than a villa, this residence, with its splendid halls, temples, lakes, ornamental canals and artificial islands, defines the wealth, pomp, genius and extravagance of Imperial Rome. FROM: ROME (HALF DAY)
Pizza and Pasta making: This is a wonderfully entertaining opportunity to get to know the culinary arts of Italy. Under the instruction of a professional pizzaiuolo, learn the traditional ways of pizza-making, handed down over generations by Italian mammas to the delight of the whole world. Try your own hand at this art and learn a skill that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Watch again as the chef shows you how Italy's other greatest export, pasta fresca, is made. Bravo bravissimo!. The secrets of Italian cooking are now yours. FROM: ROME
GERMANY, AUSTRIA AND SWITZERLAND
Hofbräuhaus: In the heart of Munich, in the tiny square called the Platzl, stands the Hofbräuhaus, probably the most famous bar/restaurant in the world. Nearly three hundred and fifty years ago, the official court brewery of the old kingdom of Bavaria established itself on this spot. It has been here ever since, entertaining locals and visitors alike with its uniquely Bavarian mix of beer, hearty food, Oompah! music, thigh-slapping, laughter and fun. Musicians in Lederhosen and mighty Dirndl-clad waitresses preside over the proceedings with heroic aplomb, to create an atmosphere of Gemütlichkeit that is the eternal spirit of Munich. FROM: MUNICH (EVENING)
Rhine Cruise: The stretch of the River Rhine between Boppard and Oberwesel must be among the most celebrated and loved corners of the world. This is a fantasy world of fairy-tale castles perched high on the cliffs above the river; of vine-clad hillsides and picture-perfect villages; of myths and legends that echo deep in Germany's soul. From your splendid vantage point on a cruise through these hallowed places you will skirt the darkly looming rock of the Lorelei, hear the stories that animate the romantic ruins visible from the water, and relax to the gentle rhythms of Old Father Rhine. This is the very essence of Germany. FROM: HEIDELBERG/COLOGNE (HALF DAY)
Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Oberammergau: Discover three of the treasures of the beautiful Bavarian Alps on this magnificent field trip. Universally known as the home of the world's most famous Passion Play, the picturesque little Alpine village of Oberammergau focuses international attention on itself once every ten years. At all other times, though, it stands out as the center of Bavarian woodworking. There is no better place to get acquainted with the traditional arts and crafts of southern Germany. King Ludwig II's castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof need no introduction. These are places of outrageous fantasy, the creations of a 'madman,' iconic symbols of the Bavarian nation. As you explore the rooms and corridors of these extraordinary dreamlike castles, you will begin to unravel the tortured imagination of one of the most fascinating figures in the history of Europe. FROM: MUNICH/INNSBRUCK (FULL DAY)
Hellbrunn: This is one of the most entertaining ways to spend a couple of hours in the vicinity of the Austrian city of Salzburg. In the grounds of the seventeenth-century Schloss Hellbrunn, summer residence of Salzburg's visionary but somewhat daft ruler Marcus Sitticus, are the famous Wasserspiele. These are an amazing series of whimsical trick fountains designed by Marcus Sitticus himself for his amusement as he inflicted his unique sense of humor on his unsuspecting guests. You will enjoy that same delightful torture as you dodge the showers of water that come from nowhere in this quirky repository of fantasy and fun. FROM: SALZBURG (HALF DAY)
Waltzing Lessons: The art of the Viennese Waltz is as alive today in Austria as when Johann Strauss composed the Blue Danube and Wine, Women and Song. People of all generations love to take part in the beautiful Austrian national dance. Under Viennese skies and under the guidance of a professional teacher, learn the art of this elegant and charming ballroom dance. Delight your partner, impress your friends, astound your parents and try not to step on anybody's toes. FROM: VIENNA (TWO HOUR LESSON)
Mt. Pilatus: The craggy outline of Mount Pilatus, that lords it over the lakeside city of Lucerne, is one of Switzerland's greatest and most thrilling attractions. You will ride to the top of this 7,000 foot granite mountain by cable-car, to be confronted by some of the most awe-inspiring vistas imaginable. The views from the summit extend over the whole range of the Swiss Alps, as far south as Italy and north to the great Bavarian plain. There are numerous trails to walk, each offering spectacular scenery for the hardy souls who have braved these daunting peaks. You will descend the other side of the mountain by cog-railway, riding down the steepest such track in the world. The adventure draws to a close but its magical memories will remain with you for ever. FROM: LUCERNE (HALF DAY)
Stadtkeller: For a thoroughly entertaining evening offering good food and a lighter look at Swiss folklore, there is no better place than the Lucerne Stadtkeller. Here, to the accompaniment of ten-foot Alpine horns, cow bells, flag throwing and the ever-present sound of the yodel, enjoy a meal of fondue, rösti and other Swiss specialities. The Stadtkeller offers laughter, fun and just a touch of education in the atmospheric surroundings of the historic heart of Lucerne. FROM: LUCERNE (LUNCHTIME OR EVENING)
Jungfrau: The journey from Wengen to the Jungfrau is the adventure of a lifetime. The Jungfrau, in the celebrated scenic region of the Bernese Oberland, rises majestically to a height of over 12,000 feet. You will ascend it by railway, travelling at unbelievable inclines through granite and glacier. At the station of Jungfraujoch you disembark into a labyrinth of tunnels. One leads to an elevator which climbs to the spectacular observation deck of the Sphinx Terrace. Another leads to the Ice Palace, carved entirely out of glacial ice. The choices are legion. Whichever choice you make you will be rewarded a thousandfold. FROM: WENGEN (HALF DAY)
El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen, Segovia: Just to the north of Madrid lie the mountains of Guadarrama. Nestled among the hills, three places beckon. El Escorial is unique: palace, monastery, library, pantheon of the kings of Spain. It is the extraordinary vision of King Philip II, the greatest figure in Spanish history. Close by is another scarcely credible monument, the awe-inspiring Valley of the Fallen, created in homage to all those who died in the Spanish Civil War, but most of all to the dictator General Franco himself. Continue across the mountains to the romantic city of Segovia, which beats to a more distant historic drum. From the great Roman aqueduct to the medieval Alcázar, Segovia rivals Toledo itself as Queen of the Cities of Castile. FROM: MADRID (FULL DAY)
Toledo: This ancient city and former Spanish capital encapsulates and evokes so much of the beauty, history, culture and appeal of Spain. Peopled by Romans, Moors, Christians and Jews, every race and creed has left its profound mark in the streets and buildings of this privileged place: the glorious Gothic cathedral; the medieval synagogues; the delicate Mudéjar architecture. Memories of El Greco, Toledo's most famous citizen and a colossus in the history of art, are everywhere. You will see his greatest masterpieces. You also have the opportunity to watch local craftsmen at work on the intricacies of traditional damasquinado jewelry. So rich is Toledo's patrimony that the city has been declared a 'World Heritage Monument.' Join in the international admiration that this entrancing city inspires. FROM: MADRID (HALF DAY PLUS LUNCH)
Tangiers: As the boat sails south from Andalucia and you look back at the rock of Gibraltar, the most southerly point of the Iberian peninsula, you know that you are about to enter an entirely different world. A new language, a new people, another country, another continent: Tangiers, Morocco. Africa! Exotic, eclectic images fill your day; mosques and minarets, souks and casbahs, magic carpets, haggling salesmen, snake charmers, camels, sultans and belly dancers. The unimaginable difference that a few miles of ocean makes: experience it for yourself. FROM: COSTA DEL SOL (FULL DAY)
Montserrat: The extraordinary lunar landscapes of the Montserrat mountain range are home to the most sacred site in Catalonia. The beautiful monastery of Montserrat was built in this impossible place to house a statue of the Black Madonna, venerated since the twelfth century. This is where St. Ignatius of Loyola laid down his sword for God, where Wagner's Parsifal came in search of the Holy Grail. Breathtaking, winding roads lead you to the spot. After visiting the monastery, continue by funicular to the summit of the 'saw-tooth' mountain to be greeted by stupendous views stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. FROM: BARCELONA (HALF DAY)
Flamenco: The art of flamenco is in many ways the art of Spain itself. The poet Federico García Lorca called it "the most gigantic creation of the Spanish people." An evening of flamenco music and dance is a must for any traveler to Spain, with its complex and insistent rhythms, its castanets, guitars and clacking heels, its defiant dance movements and songs that tear at your heart strings. For many people, this is the highlight of any visit to Spain. FROM: MADRID/SEVILLE/GRANADA (EVENING)
Flamenco Dancing Lessons: And if you want to try your hand at this sensuous and sensual art form, now's your chance... FROM: MADRID/SEVILLE (EVENING, ONE HOUR CLASS PRIOR TO SHOW)
Delphi: To the ancient Greeks, Delphi was the omphalos, the umbilical center, the mystical heart of the world. In the dramatic shadow of Mount Parnassus, home of the Muses, Delphi's magnificent ruins attest to the former glory of this mysterious place. Here, the High Priestess of Apollo, in frenzied fits inspired by that god, would issue oracular proclamations and advice to all who came in search of truth. Explore the full extent of this remarkable sanctuary: its Sacred Way, its treasuries, temples and stadium. The nearby museum houses one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient sculpture, 'The Charioteer of Delphi,' as important in the history of art as the Oracle itself was in the history of mankind. FROM: ATHENS (FULL DAY)
Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus: When you cross the Corinth Canal from Athens, you enter the region of the Peloponnese, blessed with some of the greatest sights of the ancient world. The town of Corinth will be forever associated with the preachings of St. Paul but its history goes back long before. Archaeologists are still busy uncovering the layers that make up this ancient city's illustrious past. Epidaurus astounds by the sheer beauty of the site, nestled among green hills and overlooking the sea. The theater is perhaps the finest of all the ancient Greek monuments. You cannot but be moved by the timelessness, stillness and serenity of this place where human genius lives in perfect harmony with nature. Mycenae exerts a different pull on the imagination. Thoughts of Greek mythology fill your head, of Agamemnon and the dark history of the House of Atreus. This is the ancient Greece of which Homer spoke, a world lost in legend, mystery and romance. FROM: ATHENS (FULL DAY)
Saronic Gulf Cruise: The three islands of Poros, Aegina and Hydra in the Saronic Gulf make an absolutely delightful change from the sometimes claustrophobic atmosphere of city life in Athens. The great highlight of this day is Hydra, the island of Greece's beau monde. This car-free paradise is dazzlingly beautiful. Its shops, cafes and art galleries offer endless appeal. But it is by no means the only pleasure of this excursion. The magnificent coastline of the Peloponnese, the charmingly quaint harbor of Poros, the ancient Temple of Aphaia set high on the hills of Aegina, and the picture-perfect island of Hydra all leave indelible memories as you cruise in relaxed satisfaction back to the mainland. FROM: ATHENS (FULL DAY)
FRANCE
ITALY
GERMANY
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
LUCERNE
INNSBRUCK
WENGEN
SPAIN
MEXICO
GREECE
HAWAII
AUSTRALIA
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