An ecological paradise of unbridled diversity, Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name, which means “rich coast.” The city of Puerto Limón has a few attractions, including the waterfront Parque Vargas and an interesting ethnohistory museum, but most visitors head to one of the many astounding national parks outside the city. A cruise through the canals of Tortuguero National Park offers the chance to observe endangered sea turtles, sloths, monkeys and even jaguars.
Discover curated experiences designed to ensure each moment ashore is uniquely rewarding. No matter which you choose, each excursion has been created to provide an exceptional travel experience. For those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel, the Concierge Ashore can transform tours into a private experience or craft an entire bespoke event just for you.
Tortola is at the heart of the British Virgin Island’s world-renowned sailing culture. Long, narrow and just over 21 square miles in area, the largest island of the BVI boasts a quintessentially Caribbean coastline of secluded white sand beaches, hidden coves and great natural anchorages. Inside a horseshoe-shaped harbor, the BVI capital of Road Town is the friendly, laid-back center for commerce, dining on fresh seafood and exploring nearby islets, tiny cays, reefs and dive sites.
Barbados is a sophisticated tropical beauty steeped in English heritage and enlivened by the warm Bajan culture. In the capital of Bridgetown, the well-preserved Old Town and historic Garrison district represent an impressive British legacy designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s lush interior is largely covered in forest and fields of sugar cane, a source of prized rums and great colonial fortunes. Attractions include restored great houses, a wildlife preserve, the underground formations of Harrison’s Cave, first-rate golfing and some 60 beaches of incredible variety.
Rugged mountains, rainforest, black sand beaches and natural wonders: this is Dominica, the Nature Island. Volcanoes forged the striking interior of high peaks, deep gorges, rivers and waterfalls. Geothermal forces are still at work, from roiling the waters of Boiling Lake to blowing bubbles at Champagne Reef. The dramatic underwater topography of boulders, plunging stone walls and ancient craters is filled with colorful tropical fish, making for great diving and snorkeling as well as whale watching.
Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and arguably America's greatest walking city. Step along the cobblestones in any direction and you'll run into history. The Freedom Trail connects 16 significant sites, including the Paul Revere House, Boston Common and the USS Constitution. Once dubbed the “Athens of America,” this cultural capital is rich with museums, libraries, music venues and art galleries. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses a world-renowned art collection, famously heisted in 1990.
With it's tranquil blue waters, 28 miles of beaches and some nine miles of coves, the Bay of Roses has been ranked one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Tempted by this harbor, the Greeks came in the 5th century BC to set up a commercial village. Various settlement remains can still be seen, including the monastery of Santa Maria. Other top sights include the 16th-century Castell de la Trinitat and the Dolmen de la Creu d’en Cobertella, the largest megalithic monument in Catalonia.
Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is a handsome 18th-century city with stately buildings, broad avenues and historic public squares. Highlights include the majestic gate known as Porte de Bourgogne, the stained glass windows of Bordeaux Cathedral, the 12th-century Romanesque basilica and the impressive Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall. But no visit to Bordeaux is complete without an acknowledgment of what makes this region of France known worldwide – wine! Wine lovers everywhere will recognize appellations such as Pauillac, St. Emilion, Margaux and Sauternes.
The Samaná peninsula is the Dominican Republic’s natural treasure, a region of verdant mountains, waterfalls, a beautiful bay and miles of pristine beaches. The port town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná overlooks Samaná Bay, where the annual winter gathering of thousands of Atlantic humpback whales is the top attraction. At the bay’s western end, Los Haitises National Park preserves and protects a diverse collection of subtropical plants and birds amid the forests and mangroves. Samaná’s famous beaches are on the northern coast along the Atlantic.
