Shore Things: 10 Unmissable Destination Experiences

Our Shore Things experiences let you dive into history, culture and natural wonders at every stop. From ancient cities to stunning landscapes, here are 10 amazing experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.

01. VIGO OR LA CORUÑA, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA & CATHEDRAL

Visit this famous final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in north-west Spain and see a unique city imbedded with history and magnificent architecture, of which the cathedral is the jewel in the crown.

 

02. ROME, VATICAN & SISTINE CHAPEL

This full day coach experience takes you to the majestic “Eternal City” of Rome with its beautiful museums, historic buildings and amazing works of art. Upon arrival in the Vatican City, you will walk to the fascinating Vatican Museum, home to ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian relics. Then visit the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel that lies within the museum, where Italian artist Michelangelo’s most famous work, ‘The Creation of Adam’, can be seen on the ceiling. The walls are adorned with magnificent frescoes and paintings, including works by Botticelli, Pinturicchio and Luca Signorelli.

03. KIRKWALL, THE ITALIAN CHAPEL

Marvel at this highly ornate Catholic chapel in the Orkney islands, which was built out of two Nissen huts during World War II by Italian prisoners during the time they were creating the Churchill Barriers.

 

04. BELFAST, GIANT'S CAUSEWAY

Travel through some of Northern Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you journey to the Giant's Causeway, where for centuries visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The Giant's Causeway is an area of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Most of the columns are hexagonal, although there are some with four, five, seven or eight sides. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

 

05. REYKJAVIK, THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

This full-day experience includes three of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful landmarks – Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Strokkur Geyser, collectively known as the “Golden Circle”.

06. SANTA CRUZ, MOUNT TEIDE NATIONAL PARK

Declared a national park in 1954, the Cañadas del Teide National Park includes an enormous volcanic crater, which has been dormant since 1909 and is over 46km (29 miles) in circumference. From the crater, rising 3,749m (12,300ft), is Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain. The surrounding arid landscape in the crater is often said to resemble the set of a Western movie.

 

07. CASABLANCA, MAGICAL MARRAKECH

Visit the ancient city of Marrakech, also known as ‘The Land of God’ in ancient Berber text. It is located where the Atlas Mountains meet the Sahara. It is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco. The name Marrakech itself conjures up visions of colourful exotic markets bustling with people, fortune-tellers, street acrobats and hawkers.

 

08. FLÅM, FLAMSBANA RAILWAY

This experience introduces you to breathtaking Norwegian landscapes as you journey through UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery, including a ride on what has been described as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

09. FUNCHAL, CABLE CAR & MONTE TOBOGGAN

This experience includes a 15-minute cable car ride up to Monte and then a thrilling return journey down to Livramento is made on the famous basket sledges called “toboggans”. The Funchal toboggan is one of Madeira’s most famous attractions. Dating back to the 1850s, this sled ride was the primary means of downhill public transportation in Funchal.

10. ST MARYS, ISLES OF SCILLY, UK – TRESCO ABBEY GARDENS

The world-famous Tresco Abbey Gardens are one of the country’s most spectacular sub tropical gardens and have been described as “paradise”. Nowhere else in the British Isles can you see such an exciting and exotic collection of plants growing in the open. The collections here are ever expanding and are arranged on several terraces on a gently sloping hillside linked by small flights of steps. The gardens feature species from South Africa, Madeira, New Zealand and Australia amongst others and also flora that are unable to survive on the British mainland. Keep your eyes peeled for rare red squirrels.

These are just a few of the incredible Shore Things you can experience with Ambassador Cruise Line, but there's so much more to explore! Check out our cruise blog for more travel inspiration, tips, and must-see destinations for your next trip.