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Your half-day adventure begins as you depart Messina aboard your motorcoach for a scenic ride along Sicily's mountainous eastern coast on your way to the historic resort town of Taormina.The village of Taormina is perched 700 feet above the sea and overlooks the Bay of Naxos. From the spectacular views, you'll be able to see why this was a famed resort even in Roman times. Here, you'll find remnants of its Greek and Roman history, a fine medieval quarter and castle ruins, and many modern shops and restaurants. Since motor vehicles are prohibited in the village, an elevator will take you from your motor coach to the city gates, where your walking tour begins. Your guided walk will introduce you to Taormina's delights including the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the bustling main street of Corso Umberto lined with former mansions, shops and bars. It's the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor drink while people watching. You'll have some free time to shop and explore.You'll also visit the inspiring Greek theater. Built in the 3rd century B.C., this inspiring structure is still perfectly conserved, and features striking acoustics. No wonder the Theater is still used for concerts today! From here you can also see some spectacular views of Mt. Etna, Europe's famous and most active volcano.After an adventure filled with wonder, it'll be time to re-board your motorcoach for the scenic ride back along the coast to your waiting ship.

Though Corsica is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon, it is also a land of stunning natural beauty that is worth exploring. Your guided excursion begins at the pier. Here you will step aboard an air-conditioned motorcoach and set out through your port city for a 45-minute drive sure to satisfy the nature lover within. Your destination is one of only three tortoise protection centers that exist in the entire world! (The others are in Africa and America)."A Cupulatta" (meaning turtle in Corsican) is a specialized reserve that was created in 1985 for the purpose of breeding, studying, and protecting tortoises and turtles from all over the globe. You'll want to be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a hat as your one-hour guided tour of this fascinating center involves some walking in the sun. But it will be worth every step as you'll have the chance to observe some of the 3,000 turtles and tortoises (180 species from every continent) that make their home here.As you stroll through the grounds - which, by the way, are dotted with lovely shade trees - you'll discover how different enclosures were designed to accommodate climate conditions required by the various species. It's an unforgettable experience. And if you didn't already know it going in, you'll come away knowing the answer to the age old question: What exactly is the difference between a turtle and tortoise? Exploring the natural beauty of Corsica isn't complete without a visit to one of the island's gorgeous beaches. So, have your swimsuits, sunscreen, and sunglasses with you as you'll also enjoy a fabulous beach break! And don't forget your towel because who can resist slipping into the warm, aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean?Then again, perhaps you'd just like to lay back and soak up some sun. Beach chairs are available for rental (subject to availability). Visit the beachfront restaurant/bar for delicious snacks and beverages. In fact, sip a cool, refreshing drink as you stroll along the shore, leaving your footprints in the wet sand at the tumbling surf's edge. And though the tide may quickly wash away your footprints, your beautiful day exploring Corsica's natural wonders will surely be etched in your memory forever.

Before our honeymoon, we are planning to spend a night at the Oregon coast to celebrate our marriage, but also to get away from the busy city life in Portland.

Board an air-conditioned motorcoach in Salerno. From there, you'll take a scenic 45-minute drive south along the Autostrada with magnificent views of the Bay of Naples en route to Mt. Vesuvius-the still-active volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 A.D. Your motorcoach drops you off at the 3,000-foot level of Mt. Vesuvius where you'll hike to the volcano's crater. The steep gravel path to the crater is approximately 550-yards long. You'll feel the energy of this active volcano as you walk across hardened lava where crevices still exude fumes and heat. The hike takes approximately 40 minutes to walk roundtrip. You'll have approximately two hours total at the Mt. Vesuvius site. It's a vigorous experience that pays off with stunning views of Naples and its bay. Afterwards, we'll stop at a local cameo factory where you can shop for handmade seashell and coral jewelry, including intricately carved brooches, rings and bracelets before driving to Pompei with a stop at a local chalet for a 30-minute break. At the Pompeii ruins, you'll discover the archeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash from Mt. Vesuvius. Explore the grounds on this 2-hour guided tour of the city. Entering by the sea gate, your guided walking tour takes in the city's baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen that were swiftly overcome by volcanic ash. The highlights include stunning frescoes and elaborately detailed mosaic-inlaid floors decorating interiors of wealthy homeowners' villas, as Pompeii was known as a vacation community for high society. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the remarkably preserved remains that hint at daily Roman life-their customs, buildings and cuisine; how they entertained, decorated and lived. Afterward reboard your motorcoach for the 30 minute return to Salerno.

WHAT YOU VISIT: Cable Cars/ Mount Srd The Dubrovnik cable car began operating in 1969, but was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. Restored in 2010, it transports guests to the top of Mount Srd, which at 1,351 feet (412 meters), towers over Dubrovnik's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and the Adriatic Sea. The Imperial Fortress, located at the top is now home to a museum showcasing the Croatian War of Independence, can be explored independently. Buggy Safari The two-seater, stick-shift buggy has a roll bar for safety and is easy to drive. Set off caravan style and explore the fragrant pine forests, Croatian countryside and idyllic villages along the gorgeous Dalmatian coast. Dubrovnik Old Town: Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik has long been a cultural capital with deep artistic traditions. Pedestrian-friendly Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, begins at 12th century Pile Gate, one of three original entry points to this walled city. Often referred to as the Croatian Athens, Dubrovnik's history can be traced in such Byzantine and Gothic architecture as Onofriou's Fountain and Sponza Palace. Chimes ring from the 14th century bell tower and the city's widest street, Stradun, has also become its most fashionable. WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY: Considered to offer the best views of Dubrovnik, the top of Mount Srd is the perfect spot from which to take in awe-inspiring views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the cobalt waters of the Adriatic Sea, and the southern Dalmatian coast. On a clear day, you can see over 60 km (37 miles). SHOPPING: There is a souvenir shop atop Mount Srd, and the streets of Old Town are brimming with charming stores and boutiques. Popular souvenirs include hand crafted lace and embroidery items, lavender, and sugared almonds. And if you see a necktie (cravat) that you like, this is the place is the time to buy it – Croatians invented the necktie!

Corfu, one of the Ionian Islands nestled off the west side of the Greek mainland, is 36 miles long, 15 miles wide and over 3,000 feet high at the peak of Mt. Pantocrator. It's one of the greenest islands in the Mediterranean with over 3 million olive trees and it is rimmed with rocky coves, secluded beaches and picturesque villages. The weather is idyllic making your time here a blissful escape. Make the most of it on this captivating tour designed around history, culture and fun in the sun. The town is a maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. During your drive from the pier, take in the vibrant scene from charming chapels and old mansions to secret gardens. Among the bustle there are shops and stalls selling local items like wild honey, fig cakes and handmade lace. By the Old Fort keep an eye out for the Liston Esplanade, one of Corfu's most notable eateries. Continuing along the coast, you'll be dazzled by the beauty of Paleokastritsa Village, a seaside village built among six small coves and nestled in the rugged coastline. It's surrounded by olive, lemon and cypress groves and possesses some of the finest scenery in the entire Mediterranean. Your first destination, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was founded in 1288. The present day complex was erected in the 18th century and offers unrivalled views of Paleokastritsa, so be sure to grab your camera. You'll pass lemon trees and a carefully tended flower garden on the way to the chapel, where a small museum exhibits Byzantine and ecclesiastical art. Next, you'll trace the western coast of Corfu to Glyfada Beach for a delightful interlude of sun and sand. Spread out your towel or sink into a chair under a colorful umbrella, soaking up the beauty of the tree-covered cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Take a swim, hire a watercraft or dive into some of the watersports on offer. The beach is lined with inviting cafeterias and tavernas so when you've worked up an appetite you can retire to the shade and a refreshing drink and tasty bite (not included). Saying farewell to the beach you'll re-board your motorcoach for the scenic return drive to your ship. Along the way, you'll listen to tales of ancient Corfu, called Kerkyra in Greek from the Nymph Korkira, the daughter of the River God, Aesopos. You'll learn how the island has been ruled over time by many different cultures from the Phoenicians and Italians to the French and British, and echoes of each period remain. It's just part of the magic of this ethereal land.

FYI this item is cheaper at Costco at just $399. Zola does price match or you can just buy at Costco. If you do buy at Costco just let us know so we don’t get 2!