Europe Cruises: Excursions

Drive through the central parts of Stockholm, view the dominating Royal Palace, the Parliament building, the Opera and much more. Continue to the nearby island of Djurgarden, where the number one attraction in Stockholm is located, the Vasa Museum. Visit the museum, housing the warship Vasa, once the pride of Sweden’s mighty navy. On her maiden voyage in 1628 she capsized and sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour. In 1961, after 333 years at the bottom of the sea she was salvaged and is today restored to much of her original magnificence. Continue through the northern outskirts of the city and through the scenic countryside enroute to Sigtuna, an idyllic little town, an approximate 45 minute drive north of Stockholm. Sigtuna was founded around 980 AD on the threshold of a new age as the Viking period became the medieval period. Sigtuna became the first Christian town in Sweden, a centre of the new religion. In the 13th century, Dominican friars built the first brick church, St Mary’s. Since the 16th century, it has been the parish church. Enjoy some free time before returning to Stockholm and the pier. Note: There are cobblestone streets in the Old Town. less

Depart the pier and take a short walk across to the train station to board your exclusively chartered standard train for an approximate 3 to 3 1/2 hour journey from Warnemunde to Berlin. While relaxing and watching the German countryside pass by, you’ll be served a light breakfast snack. Upon arrival at one of Berlin’s train stations, your local Berlin tour guide will welcome and assist you to board your coach. Your sightseeing tour begins with an overview of some of the major highlights of Berlin. You’ll pass by remnants of the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz Square, Checkpoint Charlie, the Red City Hall, Unter den Linden Boulevard, Gendarmenmarkt Square, Potsdam Square, the Victory Column, Bellevue Palace, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag government building and Bebelplatz with the Empty Library memorial. After passing these world-famous landmarks and attractions, you’ll have the opportunity to spend approximately 3 hours on your own to visit a museum, do some shopping or return to some of the sights for closer inspection. After your time at leisure, you’ll meet your escort at a central point and return by coach to the train station, where you board your private train for the return journey to Warnemunde. Note: Lunch is not included on this tour. The order of the sights may vary. less

Explore and enjoy the underwater world of the Sea of Cortez without getting wet! Travel through the sea inside a semi-submersible - a unique 60-foot long, 33 passenger watercraft featuring seats that sit below the water level with glass panels for viewing the rich marine life of Cabo San Lucas. Loaded with great photo opportunities, this is a great family oriented tour. You’ll start with your guide giving you a historic and informational briefing about Baja and your tour. Just minutes after departure from the pier, step down into the semi-sub and encounter the underwater wonders said to be part of one of the most fertile bodies of water in the world which host over 800 species of fish from small tropicals to whale sharks. This air-conditioned vessel is built according to U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements and regulations to ensure passenger safety, comfort and security. Totally surrounded by glass paneled windows, each seat has a fabulous view and comes equipped with a fish identification card to help you identify all the unknown creatures awaiting you. Your guide will provide you an educational as well as entertaining trip into a world normally seen through the eyes of fish. The vessel never leaves the surface as you motor along sitting safe and sound eight feet below. Just on the other side of your glass window you’ll come face to face with the underwater creatures around Pelican Rock - the #1 dive spot in Cabo. Your turnaround point is Land’s End, the last tip of rock, the last bit of land in Baja California. This is where the waters of the Sea of Cortez meet those of the Pacific Ocean. Go up to the surface for great photos of the arch and the sea lion colony. The sub will take you back to the pier with your memories and camera filled with the underwater wonders of Cabo! Note: Children under the age of 4 are free of charge but must remain seated on parents lap. This tour is not recommended for those passengers with claustrophobia or those prone to seasickness. The semi-sub is equipped with a restroom as well as outdoor seating for those needing fresh air en route. Guests must be able to negotiate several steps down into the vessel. less

Begin your tour with a view of the impressive military fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies. This is an exceptional accomplishment of Spanish military engineering where construction began in 1656 and lasted for 121 years. At the Rafael Nuñez House, a horse carriage ride will take you through the narrow streets of the walled city where you’ll find Colonial houses and squares such as La Merced, Santo Domingo, Custom Square, San Pedro Claver, and the beautiful Baroque door of the Inquisition Palace at Bolivar Square. Visit the dungeons within the walled city ramparts which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market. This market offers a variety of brightly decorated cloths, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous people of Colombia. Note: Bring comfortable attire, hat and sun block. less