Mardi Gras World Tour

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.

Included: 3 hour cruise on a double story stunning white catamaran 1 hour swim stop BBQ dinner with unlimited soft drinks 1 large beer / sangria served after swim break Stunning coastal views of Barcelona   Menu*: Burger Sausage Potato or Pasta Salad Bread, olives and crisps   *There is a vegetarian option under demand with veggie burger and veggie sausage.

If you are looking to spend an unforgettable adventure packed day in nature, Forestal Park Tenerife is the perfect place to go. This unique adventure park is located in an incomparable setting in the protected pine forests of La Esperanza in the beautiful north-eastern corner of Tenerife. In the park you will find all sorts of challenging fun and games for all ages and physical capacities including over 90 activities, platforms high up among the treetops and 11 lengthy zip lines.  There are two different circuits with for different ages and abilities. You'll have the time of your life as you swing through the treetops; you'll find hanging bridges, gangways and giant spider’s webs. When you climb up to our 30 metres viewing platforms you will see the most stunning views of Mount Teide and the neighbouring islands The whole park has been extremely well planned with circuits and grades for all ages and abilities. You'll even find a professional climbing wall. If you like excitement, you will love Forestal Park  

Central Park Sightseeing bike rental is an excellent choice to rent a bike for your next adventure. They will offer to make your Central Park adventure easier by providing na illustrative map, a nice color helmet a chain-lock for your convenience, and a helpful basket. All this equipment is included in this bike rental offer. Central Park Sightseeing presents a variety of high-quality bikes as comfort, hybrid, mountain, tandem (for two people) bikes, baby seats and baby trailers. The team members are pleased to offer recommendations of specific routes, must-see attractions, and special food place options. So, pack some light snacks, get a bottle of a water and burn your calories!     •    All necessary equipment including an illustrative map, a nice color helmet, a chain-lock and a basket for your convenience     •    Well-maintained bikes for men, women, and children who dream of enjoying Central Park

Hop right into all the action in the world-famous South Beach in Miami.  This amazing two-day adventure lets you explore all the great things South Florida has to offer.  Visit the renowned Everglades and get up close and personal with our friendly reptile, the alligator! Enjoy a thrilling airboat ride, and then watch and learn as our expert reptile handlers teach you all about these amazing creatures. For the brave, photo opportunities are always available. Miami is a place like no other.  Your first taste of the beautiful city will start with a visit to the Bayside Shopping Complex. Situated on the Biscayne Bay, this complex offers specialty boutiques, name brand stores, restaurants on the water, and spectacular views. Your accommodations are provided right in the heart of the Art Deco District in South Beach. Just seconds away from restaurants, shops, museums, night clubs, and the beach, you will always have something to do. Day two you go for a morning swim with the dolphins!  Day 1    • World-famous South Beach, Miami, sightseeing and shopping   • Airboat through the Everglades and meet a live alligator   • Stay in the Art Deco district      Day 2   • Stay in Miami  Or  • Swim with dolphins! Remember that dolphin interaction is guaranteed! • Short stint in Miami to top off that golden Florida tan before returning to Orlando.   Hotel rooms: One room with one King bed will be allocated to groups of two or less unless otherwise specified. One room with two double beds will be allocated to your group for every four passengers. Two rooms with a total of four double beds will be allocated for groups up to eight.  Should the above bedding arrangements not suit your parties’ demographics, you may request additional rooms (at an extra charge). These cannot be guaranteed UNLESS reserved at the time of making this reservation.  A valid photo id and credit card will be required at check-in at your hotel for incidental charges.    Upgrade your trip to include a Dolphin Swim in Key Largo.  Optional Dolphin Swim Program-This is your once in a lifetime opportunity for a dolphin swim in the beautiful Florida Keys.  During your swim, you can expect foot pushes, dorsal tows, water fights, kisses and handshakes as well as a number of other amazing behaviors.  Learn all about the dolphins and what to expect during your 45 minute orientation.   Swimmers must be at least 7 years old to participate. Participants should be comfortable in water that is 12 - 15 feet deep. A participating parent or guardian, age 18 or older must accompany swimmers age 7 to 9 years. Swimmers age 10 to 17 must be accompanied at the facility by a participating or observing parent or guardian age 18 or older, but can enter the water independently. No pregnant swimmers allowed.   Persons with disabilities can be accommodated but are required to fill in an eligibility form for review by our facility prior to booking being confirmed.   Participants must understand English or bring someone that can translate in order to take part in the swim program. We require a minimum of 72 hour(s) in advance to book this activity online. PERSONAL ITEMS: Camera (underwater not allowed), film, suntan lotion, insect repellent. Earplugs will be provided for airboat ride. Money needed for food/drinks and souvenirs. Swimwear/towels and an overnight bag.     **Notice to Single Travelers: mandatory supplemental charge of $95 built in to the room rate

Tallera Grove - Bistro Molines Bistro Molines is set among the peaceful surrounds of Tallavera Grove, overlooking a valley of terraced vineyards and grazing cattle. Awarded a Sydney Morning Herald Good Guide Chefs Hat in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Bistro Molines combines the finest food with relaxed friendly service and European influenced serenity. Chef Robert creates sophisticated yet rustic French Provencal dishes for his ever changing menu and continues to amaze with his culinary genius that attracts people from the word over to his little piece of paradise. Flight: 2x 50 minute flights Wine Tasting: Included before meal Food: 3 Course Meal Drink: Bottle of Tallavera Grove Wine plus Coffee/Tea Menu: Bistro Molines Menu Extras: Additional food/drink may be purchased at an additional cost payable directly to restaurant/winery Bimbadgen Estate - Esca Restaurant Located high on a hill in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, Bimbadgen is a striking winery and vineyard encompassing an expansive Cellar Door, award-winning Esca Restaurant, outdoor amphitheatre, modern tasting rooms and accommodation all in the one stunning location. Esca is a regional restaurant that uses produce sourced locally or grown on the Estate including lemons, figs and fresh herbs. A feature of the menu are the Esca Tasting Plates, like a mini-degustation, where guests can enjoy three ‘tastes’ from the menu each matched with a Bimbadgen wine. Dedicated to the art of food & wine matching, Esca’s modern Australian cuisine, fresh local and home grown produce and spectacular views make for a truly memorable dining experience. Esca's contemporary restaurant design features large glass windows and an open balcony allowing guests stunning wine country views over the Bimbadgen vineyards to the Brokenback ranges. Flight: 2x 50 minute flights Wine Tasting: Included before meal Food: 3 Course Meal Drink: Bottle of Bimbadgen Estate Wine plus Coffee/Tea Menu: Esca Menu Extras: Additional food/drink may be purchased at an additional cost payable directly to restaurant/winery Upon take-off enjoy full panoramic views of the Sydney skyline, Pacific Ocean and the historic Port Botany. Within 5 minutes your professional pilot will have you over the beautiful Sydney Harbour flying past icons such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House before heading North over Sydney’s glistening northern beaches, right up to Palm Beach. As Pittwater emerges below, the flight heads inland to the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Waters regions before passing over the Central Coast to eventually land amongst the famed vineyards of the Hunter Valley. After landing, experience local wine tasting before sitting down to gourmet lunch at one of the region’s most reputable restaurants. The peaceful surrounds and genuine country hospitality of the Hunter Valley perfectly complements the superb food and wine the area is renowned for.