Guided Tour to Mont Saint Michel, Lunch included

Shearwater is a classic Newport-style schooner yacht, only recently recognized as a national landmark in 2009. The vessel was built by Rice Brother Corporation in East Boothbay, Maine, back in a time when yachting was a rare combination of elegance and adventure; Rice Bros. were well known for building luxury pleasure yachts and produced some 4,000 hulls over a period of 64 years. The keel was laid down on January 4, 1929 and a news clip from the Boothbay Register reflects alongside a photograph "Tyler Hodgon at the old Tide Mill is getting out timbers for the schooner to be built at Rice’s. Vessel to be built of native white oak." Traditionally built from hand-hewn native white oak, she was the last boat to be constructed at that yard - likely due to the ensuing Great Depression brought on by the Stock Market Crash that occurred later that autumn. East Boothbay was a small coastal town with shipbuilding being its only industry. About 40 workmen were employed for the construction of SHEARWATER. Her designer Theodore Donald Wells was born in Hudson Falls, N Y on October 22, 1875. He was a naval architect and marine engineer, a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and also the Institute of Naval Architects London. His education included post-graduate work at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He began his career as a member of the firm Herreshoff and Wells, N. Y. City in 1902. Working with Herreshoff no doubt had an influence on his designs, which bear similarities to many of the famous Herreshoff designed yachts of that time. From 1903 to 1907 he worked for Wintringham and Wells and then began practicing his profession under his own name. Mr. Wells joined the Navy Department in March 1917 and became Superintending Constructor of the Baltimore District U. S. N. Notable yachts designed and constructed under his supervision are "Viking" a 272 foot steel motor yacht built for George F. Baker in 1929 by Newport News and "Karina" a three masted schooner built for Robert E. Tod in 1932 by Staten Island Shipbuilding. Mr. Tod was a well-known offshore yachtsman as was his former yacht ‘Thistle", which competed in the Emperors Cup ocean race. SHEARWATER was launched on May 4, 1929 and photographs in the Boothbay Register reflect her graceful and elegant lines. Her first Captain, Leon Esterbrook of Edgarton, MA, arrived to take charge of the fitting out. Her owner Charles E Dunlap was a member of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, Oyster Bay, NY and this became SHEARWATER’s first homeport after her completion in late September 1929. It was there in Oyster Bay that she first started to thrill those who sailed in luxury aboard her and those who were privileged to crew her on race day. Since her launching and documentation in Lloyd’s Register of American Yachts in 1929, she has had a colorful history and has been carefully maintained and restored to standards that few contemporary vessels are able to match and is truly a piece of American Maritime History. On November 7, 1942 SHEARWATER was requisitioned by the War Shipping Administration and became a member of The United States Coast Guard’s Coastal Picket Patrol during World War Two. She was painted gray and bore the numbers CG67004. Based at Little Creek, Virginia she patrolled the waters east of the Chesapeake Bay entrance and south towards Cape Hatteras. Her skipper during that period reflected on how they used their free time while out on submarine patrol to race against other yachts and in his own words "sailed in tandem with the schooner Lord Jim, racing in and out of port, up and down the east coast and winning." She was designed and built as a gaff rigged schooner but during this period was changed to a Marconi rig. She carries over 2,550 square feet while under full sail. A true veteran world cruiser, she first transited the Panama Canal in July 1946 and in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s completed a two and a half-year global circumnavigation. In December 1971 Mrs. John B. Thayer of Rosemont, wife of a former trustee and treasurer, donated SHEARWATER to the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute of Environmental Medicine. She was used by the university as a laboratory for research on physiological responses to the stresses of living and working underwater. Captained by James Shearson, she was fitted with compressors, generators, monitoring instruments and a small decompression chamber. She has participated in many Ancient Mariner and Classic yacht races in U S waters as well as racing in the Bay of Islands in New Zealand while on her circumnavigation in the early 1980’s. It is rumored she was once dismasted in the famous Newport to Bermuda race. She was last raced by the current owners in San Diego in May 1995 in the American Schooner Cup and finished second overall. She entered the yacht charter industry in 1966 whilst on the West Coast sailing to the Channel Islands and was again used to generate income to keep her shipshape while owned by the University of Pennsylvania. During the chartering industry’s infancy in the Caribbean, SHEARWATER was known as the " Queen of the Fleet". Today she continues this tradition offering the most unique sailing experience and has passed rigid Coast Guard inspections and can carry up to 49 passengers. We welcome you to join us for an excellent opportunity to experience the ambiance of a vintage sailing vessel while delighting in the splendors of The Manhattan sky-line, the Statue of Liberty or the beauty of the oceans beyond.

The Relais Saint Michel Menu*: Baked Camembert in phyllo dough with apples and arugula salad ** Salmon with rice and two vegetable sides (e.g. mushrooms and broccoli) ** Apple tart ** 1 bottle of cider + 1 bottle of water for 6 pers.  Coffee or tea Vegetarian Menu*:  Baked Camembert in phyllo dough with apples and arugula salad or Crudité plate ** Tagliatelle with vegetables or Omelet with vegetables **  Apple tart ** 1 bottle of cider + 1 bottle of water for 6 pers.  Coffee or tea Children menu* (under 12 years old):  Tagliatellis with ham or Ground beef with french fries or 'Moules Marinières" with french fries Apple pie or Chocolate mousse or Ice cream vanilla-strawberry Soft drink * Exemple of menus, subject to modification * The menu is not available in english  From December 19th, lunch in the Mont Saint Michel at the restaurant "Terrasses Poulard" or "Mouton Blanc" with the following menu:  Normandy salad with warm baked camembert ** Cod-fish loin, butter sauce with basmati rice and vegetables ** Caramel cream with salted butter ** 1 Bottle of cider for 6 persons 1 bottle of water for 6 persons Coffee or tea    Please note :  Those with reduced mobility should note that the climb up to the abbey can be tiring Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended in Winter On-site visit duration: 4h30

Efteling Theme Park Resort fills you with wonder Efteling is a unique theme park with a fairytale atmosphere, natural surroundings and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions, making it ideal for the whole family.  Unforgettable family adventures Enjoy precious moments together. Step inside this fairytale world full of wondrous tales, delightful dreams and adventures at high speed. Glide through the enchanting world of fairies and trolls in dream flight ‘Droomvlucht’, huddle together during the exciting spectacular park show Raveleijn and enjoy the spectacular Aquanura water show. Children filled with wonder The little ones listen to the sounds of the fairytale forest and party together with Jokie in the Carnival Festival. They jump and dance along to the live entertainment and have endless fun on the children’s rides.  For genuine daredevils  Do you dare climb aboard a rollercoaster where you must escape a fire-breathing dragon at high speed? Do you have the courage to set sail on a raging sea and risk encountering the mysterious ghost ship ‘the flying Dutchman’? Or is a 90kph shoot into the deepest, darkest mineshaft more your thing? The latest Baron 1898 is ready for you. This is your chance, show us what you're made of, come and visit Efteling.  Attractions Drift away in the incredibly beautiful world of Dreamflight and enjoy the view from the Pagode. Laugh at grandpa’s dripping wet trousers on the Piraña and take a relaxing boat ride in the gorgeous natural landscape of the Gondoletta. Shows & Live Entertainment Your heart will beat faster during a wondrous encounter or a spellbinding park show. Would you like to meet and greet your favourite Inhabitants of the Fairytale Forest? Watch and listen... or sing and dance along! Don’t forget to visit the spectacular Raveleijn park show. Restaurants If your legs begin to get tired and your stomach starts grumbling, just follow your nose to one of the many catering outlets and restaurants throughout Efteling Park. There’s something delicious for everyone to eat or drink! Amsterdam Canal Boat The one hour cruise will show you a different side of Amsterdam. From the elegant merchants’ houses from the Golden age to the iconic views of Magere Brug "Skinny Bridge", the Anne Frank House Museum, Heritage Museum and the beautiful Westerkerk Church, prepare to be amazed with this new view of Amsterdam. You may make use of the Wi-Fi network at the piers Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein without cost. This has been made possible by ZapFi. All Canal Bus boats offer full toilet facilities on board.

Take your camera or smartphone and join our walking tours and motor coach tours to remember Madrid in a different way! Madrid shows the multiple contrasts inherited through the History. Elegant squares such as Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de España, Parque del Oeste, Príncipe Pío, el Puente del Rey, la Ermita de la Virgen del Puerto, ending at Segovia’s Bridge - Puente de Segovia, one of the best viewpoints of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Almudena. We will continue to Puerta de Toledo, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Las Cortes, Plaza de Neptuno, Atocha, Paseo del Prado, Puerta de Alcalá, Alcalá street, the Retiro’s Park and Las Ventas Bullring, plenty of cheers and colors in the afternoons of bullfight. We will return to the city center through Plaza de Colón. And we will continue towards the new Madrid, with its modern buildings, gardens, the great avenue Paseo de la Castellana, until Plaza de Castilla (Europe’s Gate) and we’ll go down towards Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via and Plaza del Callao, to end at Plaza de Isabel II (in front of Royal Opera House). We will make convenient stops for walking and taking pictures at Plaza Mayor, Templo de Debod and Las Ventas Bullring, if the weather permits and always accompanied by our guide. Free drink by courtesy of our partnership Hard Rock Cafe. The building that today houses the national museum del Prado was designed by architect Juan de Villanueva in 1785. It was constructed to house the Natural History Cabinet, by orders of King Charles III. However, the building's final purpose - as the new Royal Museum of Paintings and Sculptures - was the decision of the monarch's grandson, King Ferdinand VII, encouraged by his wife Queen Maria Isabel de Braganza. The national museum del Prado, opened to the public for the first time in November 1819. The Museum's first catalogue, published in 1819, included 311 paintings, although at that time its collection comprised just over 1,510 pictures from the various Reales Sitios (Royal Residences). The exceptionally important royal collection, which represents the foundation of the Museum's collection as we know it today, started to increase significantly in the 16th century during the time of Charles V and continued to thrive under the succeeding Habsburg and Bourbon Monarchs. It is down to them than nowadays we can contemplate in the Museum as greatest masterpieces as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, The Nobleman with his hand on his Chest by El Greco, Las​ Meninas by Velázquez and The Family of Carlos IV by Goya. The visit will take place in chronological order, starting with the exhibit hall where the masterpieces of J. Bosch (El Bosco) (1450-1516): The Table of the 7 Deadly Sins, The Hay Wain, The temptations of San Antonio, The Stone of Madness and The Garden of Delights, to continue with the rooms devoted to the Greco (1540-1614): The gentleman's hand on his chest, The Trinity, Christ embraced the cross and The Annunciation. Velázquez (1599-1660): The Worship, Drunkards, Equestrian Portraits, the Forge of Vulcan, The Christ, The spinners, Spears and Las Meninas, ending with Goya (1746-1828): The family of Carlos IV Pictures, The Shootings of May 2, Pestles and Black Paintings.               

Microbreweries and home-brewing activities have gained in popularity of late, with upwards of 1,500 independent brewers now making quality craft beer all over the country. In light of this ever-increasing interest in the art of the brew, the experts at tour company Urban Oyster have teamed up with Manhattan by Sail’s Clipper City Tall Ship to offer a sightseeing and beer-educating experience along New York's world-renowned harbor.  The Clipper City is the largest sailing vessel in New York, and was built as a lumber-hauling schooner in 1854. She was later rebuilt based on the original plans, which are now part of the Smithsonian Institute’s permanent collection. In the 1980s, the Clipper City was in grave disrepair until Manhattan by Sail’s founder and native New Yorker Tom Berton arranged to have her restored. The revitalized Clipper City (refurbished with people in mind instead of cargo) comfortably accommodates 150 passengers and crew. With her sprawling deck, ample seating and full bar, she measures in at 158 feet long and 120 feet up from the deck.  The Clipper City Craft Beer Tasting Sail sets sail every Saturday and Sunday afternoons. As the beer connoisseurs introduce your taste buds to a variety of exceptional locally brewed lagers and ales, not to mention an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie, the yacht makes its way down the East River. As you learned about beer-making and the various distinctions between brews, the topsail Clipper heads for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, offering fantastic vantage points of the Manhattan skyline along the way. She sails back toward South Street Seaport where she began, but not before lingering at Lady Liberty and allowing for great views of landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and the suspended Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with its massive towers and double decks that connect the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. The views really are stunning, so take advantage of the ship's raised quarter deck for unparalleled sightseeing.  The beer tasting is bookended by opportunities to imbibe at the open bar with a range of liquor, wines and spirits. The crew socializes with the passengers and even welcomes guests to help hoist the sails. At the end of your sail, when you come back to dry land, the South Street Seaport area is a great place to find somewhere delicious to eat, talk about what you learned over a late lunch, and soak up some of that beer. 

You’ll learn the history of New York City, told in terms of the development of the city and its parks.  You’ll bike right up to Strawberry Fields, the memorial to the life of John Lennon, and see the famous building where he lived.  Central Park is a national park in the heart of New York City. A perfect combination of historical architecture and nature, truly one of the wonders of the world, right in the middle of New York City's skyscrapers.. When you decide to see Central Park with your family or your friends and for those who enjoy a little leg stretching, this guided bike tour meets your needs. Their experienced and also well-informed tour guides will share their interesting knowledge about historical attractions, celebrity homes, movie locations, in accordance with your wishes. They know how to entertain you! This fun tour takes nearly 2 hours in relaxing way, so it includes many stops near essential attractions of Central park. Instead of endless walking or getting lost, you will enjoy when you discover this amazing park. Attractions: • Turn around Cherry Hill fountain as gorgeous west side buildings swallow you up • Strawberry Fields and the Imagine Mosaic, tributes to John Lennon's memorial. • Be fascinated from the skylines across Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. • See the beautiful Great Lawn's landscape on the top of Belvedere Castle. • Smell the glamorous flowers of the Shakespeare Garden. • Take a look at Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's masterpiece Bethesda Terrace. It is considered the heart of Central Park. • Envy Alice in wonderland statue overlooks the conservatory water • Souvenirs in Tavern on the Green gift shop are catchy nowadays! When you pick this guided tour option, they will provide the equipment like bike, map, helmet, basket, lock during the tour. Please remember to bring your cameras. You can't miss taking pictures of must-see places in Central Park wonderland!.. • All Central Park Sightseeing team members are professional licenced New York City guides who will give you great service • You will be well-informed about park history, movie locations, and celebrity homes around the park • Group size maximum 20 people • Many designated stops, all must-seen places • This tour is designed for all ages who love bike rides • You will bike in Central Park nearly two hours or more if you want to. • The bike and other equipment rents are included in the price • You will bike just under 7 miles This tour is conducted in Spanish