Islets around Providence

The string of islets surrounding Providence Island are a veritable haven of peace and biodiversity, offering an excellent concentration of the region’s panoramas. Discover them during a boat trip, in the company of a local guide.

During a trip in a local boat, you will observe alternately, in the north east, Île d’Entrée, famous for its landscapes, and Île du Grand Caoui, its rocky coast and rich birdlife.

In the north west, like its neighbours La Grande Passe and La Petite Passe, Île de la Passe is a paradise for hikers, revealing fine expanses of sand and dense forests of spruce and fir trees, mossy undergrowth dotted with bright wild flowers.

On this island, you will also be able to visit the Maison Jos-Hébert museum, a reproduction of the house of the Lower-North-Shore’s first postman, a kind of local legend who used to deliver the post on dog sled.

·         This visit involves a short walk on relatively flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes that are suitable for the weather conditions.

Depart the pier and drive through the city center towards Kadriorg Park, the central park of Tallinn, founded in the early 18th century by Peter the Great. The centerpiece of the park is the Castle, whose main hall is probably the best example of Baroque architecture in Estonia. Explore the castles and the surrounding gardens, which were designed by the Italian architect, Michetti, to resemble those of Versailles.

Continue to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey, consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out.

End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all of the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, a medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time in the city center before returning to the pier.

·        This tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestone streets with some stairs. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

Settled about 1100 BCE by Phoenicians, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. It remains to this day an important port and an opening to the history and culture of southernmost Spain.

Your excursion begins with a picturesque walking tour from the pier to San Juan de Dios square, where you will witness the historic architecture of the town hall against a modern background of pedestrian walkways and palm-tree-lined fountains.

Continue through the Barrio del Pópulo, the heartbeat of the city and Cadiz’s old town. Considered one of the oldest neighborhoods in Europe, Pópulo was once home to Phoenicians, Punics, Romans, and Arabs alike.

Proceed to the Catedral de Cadiz for an outside visit to view the gold dome and exquisite Baroque façade. Construction of the cathedral began in 1722, when Cadiz was at the height of its power and one of the wealthiest ports in Western Europe, with gold and silver from the New World. Continue your walk through winding streets to the Plaza de las Flores and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Meet back up with your guide and pass by the lively Plaza San Francisco, home to the Convent of San Francisco, house of the Franciscans in Cadiz, founded in 1566. Continue to Plaza de la Mina, one of the most popular residential squares in Cadiz, and one of the historic gardens of the city.

End at the Flamenco La Cava, one of the city's premiere tablao, where you will be treated to an exciting performance of flamenco, replete with rhythmically tapping heels, clicking castanets, and the traditional rascado flourishes of the guitar. During the show, a full tapas style lunch will be served, the perfect enhancement to a quintessentially Spanish experience.

After lunch and the show, transfer back to the ship.

·        This moderate excursion involves a significant amount of walking (approximately 2.5 miles total). Most of the walking is over flat and even ground, but there are some uneven areas and cobblestones.  We recommend sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Hats and sunblock are also recommended. Note that sites may be visited in a different order.

Your exploration of Menorcan history begins with a short drive to the prehistoric settlement of Torralba d’en Salord. Excavations here, begun in 1973, have revealed one of the best-preserved megalithic sites of the Talayotic period. (Talaiot is the Catalan word for a large stone structure). The most spectacular ruins at the site are the Taula, a T-shaped monument nearly 20 feet tall, built with precision-cut stones, and its horseshoe-shaped enclosure, which was probably a place of worship. Also explore the ancient talaiots, which may have served as watchtowers, and the hypogea, underground burial chambers carved into the rock.

Returning to Mahon, follow your guide on a walking tour of the city beginning in the main square, Plaça de s'Esplanada, surrounded by historic buildings that reflect Mahon's rich heritage of Spanish, British, and French influences. As you walk downhill toward the harbor, you will pass more examples of the multitude of architectural styles characteristic of the city, including religious and government buildings from a variety of eras. Stop at the Museo de Menorca and explore it’s unique exhibits and artifacts illustrating the history of the island. When you reach the harbor, enjoy a stroll along the waterfront before rejoining the ship.

·        This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over sometimes uneven surfaces with gravel and some steps. Sturdy shoes are a must, as are layered clothing and protection from the sun.

Begin your hike at Tamaris Beach, a peaceful and scenic spot known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine natural beauty. After taking in the serene atmosphere, follow the coastal trails towards the Genoese Tower of Sant'Amanza, a route offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Corsica’s rugged landscapes.

The moderately challenging trail features rocky paths and gentle slopes, making it accessible to reasonably fit hikers. Along the way, immerse yourself in the scents of Corsican flora, including aromatic herbs and wildflowers, enhancing the charm of the environment.

After 30 to 45 minutes of hiking, you’ll reach the Genoese Tower of Sant'Amanza, built by the Genoese in the 16th century. Standing atop a hill, this historic tower is a reminder of Corsica’s strategic maritime history and offers spectacular views of the coastline and the serene Sant'Amanza Bay. Take your time to explore the site and capture stunning photographs of the surroundings, before returning to Tamaris Beach.

·        It is recommended to wear hiking shoes and comfortable clothing, as the approximately 4 km trail includes uneven steps and rugged sections.

Set off to ascend the summit of the Tête Pelée (139 metres or 456 feet) and enjoy stunning views over the isthmus and the Anse du Gouvernement beach, featuring vast plateaux, subarctic summits and wet and peaty plains.

The path leading to one of the most emblematic summits on the island of Miquelon opens before you, winding its way through a dense forest, where the leafy trees stretch up towards the sky. Each step resonates on the soil, accompanied by the soothing whisper of nature as it awakens around you. The heady fragrances of the wild plants and maritime pines perfume the air, adding a sensorial dimension to your journey.

As you advance towards the Tête Pelée, there is less and less vegetation, which makes way for jagged cliffs and breathtaking panoramas. The salty sea spray of the ocean will caress your face as you reach spectacular viewpoints, where the infinite horizon encounters the tumultuous waves of the Atlantic.

Once you arrive at the summit of the Tête Pelée, a majestic silence reigns, only interrupted by the noise of the wind which forges the rocky crests. A unique moment during which time seems to stand still between a feeling of absolute freedom and total wonderment.

·        This excursion involves walking 8 kilometres (5 miles) on steeply sloping rocky paths. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for guests suffering from physical problems and/or not trained for physical exertion.

Explore know-how and the love of good food as you discover “Les Saveurs Fermières” goat farm and its delicious local products.

During the farm visit, go behind the scenes of goat cheese production, then taste some of the farm’s creations.

• This tour involves some walking on some uneven terrain. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

On Paros, the discreet neighbour of Mykonos and Santorini, the charm of the Cyclades can be seen in all its gentleness and timelessness. Between golden beaches and pine forests, discover the historic villages of Parikia, Naoussa and Lefkes, as well as the stunning Byzantine Panaghia Katapoliani basilica.

The Katapoliani church, also known as Ekatontapiliani church, was founded in the 4th century and is one of Greece’s most beautiful Paleo-Christian monuments. Located in the heart of Parikia, the basilica was nicknamed “the Church with the Hundred Doors” in the 7th century, as a nod to the splendour of the Temple of the Hundred Gates (Ekatonpylon) in ancient Thebes in Egypt.

A few kilometres from there, on the island’s heights, explore its former capital, Lefkes, with its labyrinth of little streets and whitewashed stairs overgrown with bougainvillea. You will discover the old wash houses, still used today by some inhabitants, the House of Literature, picturesque Ramnos street, its taverna and boutiques, as well as the superb views over the sea and Naxos in the background.

Then you will head for the north of the island and Naoussa, a fishing village, a perfect picture postcard of the Cyclades. The whitewashed houses here are decorated with blue doors and shutters, the octopus dry on washing lines while the small bars and tavernas have a trendy appearance. However, the real eye-catching site here is the Venetian castle, constructed in the 15th century by the Sommaripa family. Rising out of the sea, behind the port and its traditional boats, it has impressive views over the azure sea.

·        This bus excursion involves some moderate walking on flat ground, with some steps up to the Panaghia Katapoliani basilica. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and sun protection. Appropriate dress is necessary to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Take one of Spetses’ most beautiful itineraries and admire the views over the Argolic Gulf.

From Spetses pier, a minibus will take you to the Agia Sotiria Church. This where the hike begins. You will follow a path that climbs along the ruins of the Miltiadi windmill and walk through an impressive pine forest, on Louviara crest. You will arrive at the Panagia Daskalaki Church, then the Vigla peak, by following the crest path to the Synantisi Kynigon crossroads. The small church of Panagia Daskalaki is located in the centre of the mountain. Every year, a festival is organised there to celebrate the first day of the church year as well as the start of the hunting season. The hike will continue down to Dapia.

·        This excursion involves approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) of walking on uneven ground. Participants must be in good physical condition. This excursion is only conducted in English. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

Depart the ship by small local boats across the beautiful UNESCO biosphere reserve of Fakarava to the white sand beach of Teahatea just after the Garuae Pass.

The boat is (8 m) 50 long, special for excursions. It is equipped with all safety equipment and with a covered top and sides. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes depending on the weather conditions. You will have 2-2 ½ hours of free time to relax on the beach, enjoy a swim in the crystal clear lagoon or go snorkelling. Iced coconuts will be offered to you directly on the white sand beach and refreshments (fresh fruit juices, ice tea, and water) will be served.

You can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this heavenly site.

·        The boat ride maybe bumpy and rough depending on the sea conditions. No facilities are available on the beaches: no rest room, nor beach chairs or umbrellas. Bring your snorkelling gear, provided by the ship, along with a towel and sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses. The excursion is weather dependant, and the beach may be substituted with a different one.

Recognizable by its famous peaks, set off to discover Ua Pou during this 4WD adventure. You will visit the North Coast and stop at the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints such as Hakanahinui Bay, also called Shark Bay, the Donkey Plateau, overlooking the legendary Ua Pou airport and the main Hakahetau village.

Your guide will comment on each stop and show you around Hakahau, its church, its port and its craft center. This last stop will allow you to meet the island's artisans who will have traveled from other valleys early in the morning. You will discover the specialty of the island: flowered stone, its real name Phonolite with garnets. Among the 'umete' (bowls), sculptures and tiki in flowered stones of all sizes, you can also find penu (pillons) with a contemporary shape or even seed necklaces, pandanus hats...

The visit will end with the sound of the ukulele, a guitar that your driver will play as a thank you for your coming and the time to take the same route back to Hakahetau Bay. Let yourself be won over by the simplicity and authenticity of this magnificent island.

·        This tour involves off-road driving on bumpy trails and is not recommended for people with back, neck problems, motion sickness or pregnant women. This excursion involves very little walking. Participants are advised to bring insect repellent. Each vehicle can carry four passengers.  Although the drivers are the best available, they are not guides. A French-speaking guide and an English-speaking guide will be present during the tour and stops will allow for numerous explanations and discussions about life on the island