VIP Wine Tasting with Gourmet Lunch
Ensenada, Mexico
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
- Adult from: $159.00 USD
- Child from: $159.00 USD
Duration 3 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Enjoy an inspired wine tasting and gourmet lunch at a winery restaurant in the Guadalupe Valley, a fertile area known as the Napa of Mexico, in part because the vast majority of Mexico’s wines are produced there. During the drive inland, you will notice the terrain becoming hillier with an abundance of sprawling farms and idyllic valleys such as Guadalupe. Its microclimate is similar to that in the Mediterranean as the summers are relatively cool with constant ocean breezes. Red wine grapes, in particular, flourish there, and over the past three decades or so, more than 150 wineries have become established along the valley’s wine route. Your introduction to one of the premier wineries will begin with an enlightening, behind-the-scenes tour. Afterwards, you will sample a wide selection of characteristic wines that beautifully represent the Guadalupe Valley. They will be paired with cheeses and artisan bread, which will perfectly complement the fabulous 3-course lunch that follows.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through the Guadalupe Valley, the Napa of Mexico.
• Gain an understanding of the valley’s terroir by touring a premier winery.
• Sample several representative Guadalupe Valley wines and enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 6 hrs
Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers.
You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch with a colorful Mexican folkloric show. Your escort will guide you to a place to change and show you where lunch will be served.
The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four.
lessDuration 5 hrs
Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.
This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.
Duration 4 hrs
Sample the highlights of San Diego during this guided excursion. Take a city drive to see the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and downtown San Diego. You'll drive through the magnificent 1200 acre Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park. Then onto the seaside village of La Jolla, considered the "Jewel of Southern California." Indulge in free time to shop and explore this affluent, hilly seaside resort community featuring boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Last stop is San Diego’s historic Old Town offering the finest in theater, galleries, shops and free, live entertainment.
Duration 4 hrs
OVERVIEW
Cruise through the surrounding waters in a spacious double-deck catamaran and snorkel at two prime locations. The scenery will be absolutely spectacular the entire way, but especially at El Arco, the natural arch that the tides and wind have cut out of the sheer granite over thousands of years. Few spots are so photogenic, especially if sea lions are present. In time, the captain will select an ideal spot to snorkel depending on the conditions. You can expect to observe an ever-changing parade of tropical fish in the Sea of Cortez, whose waters famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World.” The second snorkeling site will be teeming with marine life as well. Colorful parrotfish, vertical-striped Moorish idols and bright-blue damselfish are just a few of species frequently spotted. When you are not snorkeling, you can partake of an array of snacks, a boxed lunch and the open bar.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise to the tip of the Baja California peninsula aboard a spacious catamaran.
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters at two locations teeming with marine life.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch, various snacks and drinks from the open bar throughout the cruise.
• Look for sea lions on the rocky shoreline at El Arco at the peninsula’s tip.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 2 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Cruise through the Sea of Cortez on a double-deck catamaran and look for whales breaching the water’s surface. Along the way, you will pass El Arco – the iconic arch-shaped granite formation at the tip of the peninsula – where you will likely see sea lions along the rocky shore. Still, the star attractions are the whales that migrate to breed or give birth. More than a dozen species of whales frequent these waters, including humpbacks, blue whales and gray whales. It is always a breathtaking sight as one of these behemoths comes up for oxygen. Humpbacks are particularly mesmerizing to watch as they acrobatically breach the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive. When blue whales surface to exhale, the spray from their blowholes can shoot as high as 30 feet into the air. As you observe these massive cetaceans, appetizers will be served and the bar will be open.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Look for whales and other cetaceans while cruising through the Sea of Cortez.
• Learn fascinating facts about whale behavior and their breeding patterns.
• Enjoy appetizers and drinks from the open bar on the catamaran.
• Look for sea lions on the rocky shoreline at El Arco at the peninsula’s tip.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 5 1/2 hrs
Ultimate thrills and excitement are guaranteed on this off road 4 x 4 adventure. Head of out Cabo to a private Canyon, located on the highway to the Capital of La Paz. On arrival, meet the team and gear up as you board your 4 x 4 UTV. Follow your expert guides as they lead you into secluded canyon road ways, ascend steep climbs, speed through natural waterways, test your skills as you drive expertly over natural rock formations and explore the desert areas of the Baja. The guides are fun and enthusiastic, but are also experts on the local flora and fauna and you will have the chance to learn more about the indigenous plant and animal life of the area. Complete your off road adventure in a beach front terrace where you will enjoy freshly made, classic Mexican Lunch with a choice of traditional Mexican dishes, all with the unique Baja touch. A great way to explore the Baja with you behind the wheel. less
Duration 4 1/2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Spend hours luxuriating however you please at the Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta, an extraordinary resort overlooking the sea. It won’t take long to reach this 4-star slice of paradise, which will allow you all the more time to enjoy the generous amenities. As soon as you arrive, the concierge will present an overview of the property so you can maximize your time. Feel free to head straight to the beach and stretch out in a lounge chair. Beach umbrellas are also available if you would rather lie in the shade. If you prefer freshwater to saltwater, it will be comforting to know that the resort has four swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool on the rooftop with a bar serving drinks and sushi right there. This beach escape also includes a sumptuous buffet – one exclusively for adults, the other for families – and the use of single and double kayaks if you are feeling adventurous.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the waterfront Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta resort.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the pools, kayaking and doing most anything else.
• Savor a traditional Mexican buffet lunch and enjoy the open bar.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 4 hrs
OVERVIEW
Hike through the hauntingly beautiful desert on the outskirts of Cabo San Lucas and enjoy a sampling of refreshing craft beers afterwards. As you walk through this natural reserve, the guide will describe the abundant flora and fauna. The views will be magnificent the entire time, but especially from where the dirt trail winds along the Pacific Ocean. In time, you will come upon the huge stone arch that the sea and wind have carved out of granite at Land’s End. The beachside arch is so photogenic that it has become a Cabo San Lucas icon. What better way to celebrate the adventure than with a craft beer tasting at Baja Brewing? The exact selection will depend on the day and the season, but you can expect to sample beers that are only available in Mexico and others that are typically exported. The choices may include a blonde ale, an oatmeal stout and a raspberry-infused beer.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike through a desert landscape with a guide that will describe the plants and animals.
• Admire the gorgeous views, which only get better as you near the sea.
• Walk along the beach for an up-close look at the iconic stone arch at Land’s End.
• Savor a selection of unique craft beers at Baja Brewing after the hike.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 4 1/2 hrs
Are you ready to try Mexican salsa, margaritas and learn how to dance the Salsa? Then this tour is for you. Upon arrival at one of Mazatlan’s beachfront resorts, you’ll learn the art of making the best Mazaritas “Mazatlan Margaritas” in town and experience a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn about spices and make a variety of sassy salsas while snacking on fresh cheese quesadillas and chicken taquitos. After your cooking lesson, get ready for some real fun. A salsa instructor will show you step by step, the moves and swings of the salsa. By the end of the tour, you’ll be ready for the dance floor and armed with fantastic recipes. After the class, you’ll have the choice to relax on the beach, enjoy one of the hotel’s pools, or shop at the stores of the Golden Zone which is just a short stroll from the resort.
Duration 4 1/4 hrs
OVERVIEW
Revel in the party atmosphere and festive music while enjoying a complimentary cocktail at three vastly different bars, each with its own personality. Start by visiting one of the best places in Mazatlan to have a craftt beer in a bohemian ambient: Cerveceria Tres Islas, located in one of the more famous downtown street, Miguel Aleman Avenue, where the locals go to have some drinks and tastefull food. After testing some different kinds of craft beer, we will take a ride on our Trolley Party Bus to reach our second bar of the tour, the very popular Compañia Minera Cantina, a classic place in a old beautiful Downtown Hacienda, here you will enjoy excellent cocktails made by the the best bar tenders in town. Compañia Minera belongs to the famous restaurant El Presidio, considered one of the best restaurants in Mazatlan, so, you could enjoy great food also. A scenic ride along the coast – with a complimentary beer to keep the party flowing – will bring you to Vista del Palma, a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the sea. The cocktails are handcrafted and the good times nonstop.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a complimentary cocktail at three of the liveliest bars in Mazatlan.
• Get caught up in the nonstop party atmosphere as you hop from bar to bar.
• Admire the waterfront views from each bar, especially from rooftop Vista del Palma.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 4 hrs
OVERVIEW
Ride a camel caravan-style along one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California and celebrate the adventure while dining on Mexican specialties and sampling tequilas. Camels are well-suited to traveling across sand as they have been used for transportation in the desert for centuries. As you will discover firsthand, camels have a side-to-side gait that has been likened to riding ocean waves. You will not only ride one of these so-called “ships of the desert,” but also learn fascinating facts about their characteristics and behavior. It is a common misconception that camels store water in their humps; rather, their humps are composed of fibrous tissue and fat that reduces heat-trapping and is a source of energy. You will discover more about these extraordinary animals while interacting with them following your adventurous ride. After enjoying some handmade tortillas, beans and salsas, you will enjoy a tasting of classic Mexican tequilas.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride along the Pacific Ocean on a camel ideally suited for traveling over sand dunes.
• Learn about the history, characteristics and behavior of camels.
• Interact with the camels following your ride for an insight into their personalities.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing and bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.