Norwegian Sun - March 2, 2024

Callao is your port of entry to the glittering, elegant city of Lima, the darling of Peru. Founded by Pizarro and the Conquistadors, the capital city today offers priceless collections ranging from the Museum of Gold to the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology. Pizarro's remains can be found in the Cathedral, built in 1746. From Lima, you can also take a tour to Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost city of the Incas high in the Andes, or to Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire.

This sleepy fishing village lends its name to the grape brandy that is produced here. Excursions from Pisco include visits Tambo Colorado, a site of well-preserved Inca ruins; flights over the mysterious, giant geoglyphs drawn in the earth's surface near the town of Nasca; and cruises to the Ballestas Islands, a nature sanctuary where you can observe a wealth of wildlife such as pelicans, cormorants and sea lions.

This is the port for Trujillo, the "Lordly City," whose elegant mansions and churches reflect the aristocracy of the Spanish colonial era. Here you may opt for a thrilling excursion to Chan-Chan, an immense and magnificent enclave that since A.D. 1300 has been the center of the sophisticated Chim culture.

The tropical city of Puerto Caldera provides access to San Jose, Costa Rica. Most tourists in San Jose come to visit the Opera House. Other excursions include Paos Volcano National Park, and Sarchi, known for its beautiful crafts. You can also go on a tour of the wildlife preserve and see tropical birds, alligators, and more.

San Juan del Sur is a tranquil fishing village nestled at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua. The lovely bay is peppered with small, private yachts and commercial fishing boats. The inhabitants of San Juan del Sur make their living fishing, diving, and catering to the visitors drawn to the bay's beautiful white-sand beaches, smooth waters, and ecological richness.

Hollywood discovered this little fishing village back in the 1960's, and since then luxury resorts and bougainvillea-covered villas have flourished in the delightful seaside climate. Yet hints of past tranquility remain: cobbled courtyards where the locals hold their markets, and superb sport-fishing just offshore.

Sail past Los Arcos, the soaring rock archway at the extreme southern tip of Baja California that guards Cabo's perfect harbor. This idyllic bay once sheltered treasure ships from the Orient, and pirate brigs bent on those treasures. Now Cabo caters to an international vacation set, and has a strong artistic tradition famous for its black-coral jewelry.

This metropolis is Canada's fastest growing city. Visit Gastown, a restored turn-of-the-century district where Vancouver's first saloon still stands. See trumpeter swans at Lost Lake, contemplate the ducks at Beaver Lagoon, or watch exotic aquatic creatures at the Stanley Park Aquarium. Climb the Lookout for a 360-degree view of the city.

Christened "The Emerald City", Seattle is known as one of the most livable cities in the world and actually receives less annual rainfall (36 inches) than New York and Atlanta. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, Puget Sound, and mountains, Seattle is a recreation enthusiasts' dream. In the summer, water sports are only 10 minutes away and winter sports, such as snow skiing, are only 45 minutes away.