What’s a girl (or guy) to do when Europe is on your bucket list, but flying is not?

Hop aboard a cruise leaving Fort Lauderdale to flit about top ports of the Mediterranean and Atlantic with ease and guidance! The 49-day Atlantic Adventurer with Holland America Line, departing October 2017, will be hosted by Henk and Lucia Barnhoorn and filled with picturesque moments, friendship, delicious dining and exclusive excursions.

This once a year sailing, is a long standing favorite and here’s a sneak peak at what makes it so spectacular. Details on our Cruise Specialists exclusive excursions and other favorite port stops.

Exclusive Excursion in Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Furnas Valley & Tea Garden

A scenic drive to Furnas Valley, the crater of a now extinct volcano, will showcase the varied inaccessible green landscapes of the region. Stopping at the largest botanical garden in the Azores, Terra Nostra Park, short walking tour allows you to appreciate the surprisingly wide range of plants grow ingin the volcanic soil. Entering the caldeiras, the hot bubbling sulpher pools, where the hot springs are believed to soothe a number of ailments will give you a different take on the beauty of this area.

Next, you’ll enjoy a different side of Portugal. Approaching Cha Gorreana – the oldest tea garden in Europe, you’ll be treated to an incredible view over the plantation, learn about the production process with a visit to the factory and relax with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade pineapple cake.

Finally, a short visit to the charming town of Ribeira Grande provides time for strolling the historic center’s streets lined with 17th and 18th century architecture.

Tasting Barcelona, Spain
Must try Cuisine

One of Europe’s most underrated culinary destinations, Barcelona, is home to a variety of unique delicacies. As the capital of the Iberian Peninsula’s Principality of Catalonia, Barcelona’s finest gourmet dishes and beverages hail from Catalan culinary tradition.Not only are these culinary offerings incredibly delicious with elaborate presentation, they also tend to be packed with fruits and veggies. As such, Barcelona is the perfect gastronomical destination for anybody seeking to tantalize their taste buds.

• Montados: One of the simplest, yet most satisfying varieties of tapas, a montado consists of a small slice of baguette topped with fish, pork, sausage, vegetables or cheese.
• Patatas: Daring tourists are encouraged to try patatas, which, despite their deceivingly bland appearance, can be incredibly spicy. This Spanish specialty consists of small white potato wedges fried in oil and served with aioli.
• Tigres: Seafood enthusiasts adore Barcelona’s stuffed mussels, which are typically referred to as tigres. Even those who barely tolerate seafood may enjoy this dish, as its mussels are mixed with onion, pepper and tomato sauce before being breaded and fried.

Exclusive Excursion Funchal, Portugal
Taste of Madeira

Winding along the coast, you’ll first reach the village of Câmara de Lobos “The Sea Wolves’ Lair”, a picturesque fishing village, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill. A stop will be made to allow you to explore some of the surrounding area and It’s the perfect place to sip a famous local drink called “Poncha”, made from Rum and honey at a local bar before taking in a bit of the surrounding area.

As the road continues, you’ll pass incredible sites:

• vineyards of Estreito de Câmara Lobos, one of the most important wine growing areas of the island (don’t worry, you’ll stop at The Blandy Wine Lodge later for tasting!)
• steep valleys showcasing terraced cultivation seen throughout Madeira
• pine woods and eucalyptus forest, easily identifiable by their scent

This will take you to Cabo Girão, the second highest sea cliff in the world, and the highest in Europe. It rises sheer from the sea, so that the viewpoint offers breathtaking views along the coast, over Funchal, and out over the distant horizon.

But the views are only going to get better as you continue onward.A short ascent on an easy path leads to the summit of Pico do Serrado (about 3,000 feet) with superb views of Madeira’s highest peaks and the Curral das Freiras village below, a hamlet so remote that the Santa Clara Convent Nuns used it as an escape from the pirate raids of the 16th century.

Explore Livorno, Italy
Go beyond the Leaning Tower

The port of Livorno is often seen as just a gateway to a photo with the famed leaning tower of Pisa, but our Italy fanatics say it’s a shame to miss out on all the other excursions offered in the area.

Why not head to Florence?

Florence frames beauty at every turn. Stroll along the streets to admire the city’s stunning architecture, past buildings that date back to even before the time when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The jewel of Tuscany will impress and astound you.

A must see, is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the iconic center of Florence. The structure was completed in 1496, when it was crowned by its magnificent dome.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see Europe’s most sought after spots.

Contact Cruise Consultant Sharon Whiting for more information!