It’s not all talk around here. It’s all action!

One of the things which creates the most excitement and buzz around the Cruise Specialists office is the release of our exclusive shore excursions with hosted cruises. They change with each sailing adding a new twist for long time cruisers and something fun for us to share with our guests.

Here are just a few recent exclusive shore excursions:

Canary Islands with Tapas

Prepare to be dwarfed by nature as you take in the beautiful and diverse scenery of Tenerife, from golden and black volcanic sand beaches to giant mountain cliffs. Drive through the fishing village of San Andrés, which lies at the foot of the Anaga Mountains. Stop for photos at one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Las Teresitas, with 216,000 tons of golden sand imported from the former Spanish Sahara.

From sea level, your motorcoach will climb to the highest point, El Bailadero, offering panoramic views over the fertile valley of Taganana, framed by jagged mountain peaks. Drive through a tunnel cut into the Anaga Mountains as you slowly descend to the valley below on your way to the hidden village of Taganana. The white walls of the houses stand out brightly amidst the deep green mountains.Continue up to take in the 360-degree views at English Point. On clear days, you can see the whole Anaga mountain range all the way to the city of Santa Cruz and the highest mountain peak of Teide as well as Gran Canaria and La Palma rising from the sea.

Stop for photos at Cruz del Carmen Lookout, then make your way to the old Spanish capital city of La Laguna, with its outstanding architectural monuments, palaces and traditional houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit La Iglesia del Cristo Church which is famous throughout the Canary Islands.

End your journey with a stop for tapas and refreshments including a delicious local coffee known as a barraquito.

Madrid Overland Adventure

Day One
Transfer to the railway station for a comfortable, high-speed train ride to Madrid. Madrid is an active city, characterized by intense cultural, artistic and commercial production. Hotly contested historically by Catholics and Muslims, Madrid is packed with visible remnants of both cultures. The 18th century saw a period of magnificent, monumental construction, which you will witness on your panoramic drive through the city.

Enjoy free time to purchase lunch at Retiro Park (at your own expense) and eat like a local. Visit the legendary Prado Museum a diverse art gallery with ancient coins, valuable sculptures, and sketches by famous artists. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a free evening to dine and explore as you wish.
Day Two
Have breakfast at the hotel then set out for Toledo. Upon arrival, visit the Santo Tomé Church. With its 14th-century Mudéjar tower, the church is home to the famous El Greco painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz, exhibited in a special room.

You will also visit Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, a Mudéjar construction built in 1180 with five naves, a coffered wooden ceiling, Plateresque altars, and an altarpiece by the school of Berruguete. The Catholic Monarchs sponsored the construction of the San Juan de los Reyes Toledo temple to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Toro (1476). The Transito Synagogue is one of the most important examples of Spanish-Jewish art. Inside, you will find the Sephardic Museum, preserving important traces of Jewish culture. Return to Madrid for a free afternoon and evening.

Day Three
A boxed breakfast is provided for you to eat at your leisure. Transfer to the station for the high-speed train ride to Cádiz, where you will rejoin the ship.

Now you can see why we get so excited to create and share these adventures! They’re another way we can enhance your trip through our experienced staff and wonderful hosts.

Be sure to ask your Cruise Specialists about any exclusive tours on upcoming Grand Voyages and World Cruises!