Europe Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a very scenic and relaxing excursion, experiencing Italy's coastline by motorcoach and spending time in the beautiful village of Sorrento. You’ll be driven along a coastal road, winding along breathtaking curves, before arriving in Sorrento perched high above the Bay of Naples. Your guide will provide you a brief orientation of the city. Once you've been given your meeting point and time, enjoy some free time to explore the flower-filled main street and the Corso Italia or admire the high-quality handicrafts for which Sorrento is famous for. Stop for lunch in Sorrento before you board your motorcoach for a drive along the coastline. You’ll marvel at the constantly changing views of deep gorges, the clear blue sea, citrus orchards, olive groves, and fishing villages nestled in secluded bays en route to one of the picturesque Amalfi Coast villages. Here you’ll also have time to explore on your own. If time permits, you’ll visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store before returning to your ship. Note: This tour is only offered on the Norwegian Jade winter sailings. Guests must be able to walk approximately 500 yards over even surfaces with 5-10 steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers and bring bottled water. Walking during the free time is at the guests' discretion. The drive between Naples and Sorrento is approximately 1 1/2 hours and from Amalfi to Naples is approximately 2 1/2 hours. Guests wishing to enter the Cathedral of St. Andrew on their own must ascend approximately 60 or more very steep steps. The order of the tour may be reversed. Due to traffic restrictions in the Sorrento center, a short walk from the motorcoach drop off point to the main center and vice versa will be required. less

This three tour combination lets you enjoy: City Highlights and the Peter & Paul Fortress, A Russian Folkloric Extravaganza and Peterhof Russian Versailles.

Day 1: Your coach brings you to the city center, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, to enjoy the magnificent view of the Neva River and the Rostral Columns. This stop will give you a chance to take pictures of the Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, as well as the St. Peter and Paul Fortress situated right across the river. The tour continues inside the fortress. Once inside the cathedral, admire the beauty of its marble columns, glittering chandeliers, and painted decor combined with carved and gilded iconostasis, create a magnificent setting for the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. In July 1998 the remains of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II and his family were also buried in this cathedral. After the guided tour of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress grounds, you continue on a drive along the embankments of the Neva River. With a stop at St. Isaac’s Cathedral for another photo opportunity. The tour ends at St. Isaac’s Square from where your coach will take you back to the pier.

Day 1 Evening: Later in the evening you’ll be taken to the concert hall to enjoy a Russian Folkloric performance. Get acquainted with the fascinating songs and dances from the nations inhabiting Russia, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. You'll be offered Russian Champagne and mineral water. This evening will take you on a spiritual journey through different regions of Russia, with energetic dances of Don Cossacks and melodic Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy songs including the world-famous Kalinka and Katyusha.

Day 2:Take a short drive to Peterhof, the town of palaces, fountains and parks, was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. It lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 22 miles west of St. Petersburg. After a short walk from the parking lot you’ll reach the main entrance of the Grand Palace. Built in the beginning of the 18th century, Peterhof is known as the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. The estate construction spanned two centuries, and upon its completion it encompassed seven parks and more than 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. Peter himself designed the layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains. During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. Peterhof is also a monument to Soviet reconstruction, as the place was looted and practically razed to the ground by Nazi troops. For many years the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: There are cobblestone and long walking distances inside the Peter and Paul Fortress. This tour is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties and is not wheelchair accessible. Regarding the folkloric show, Repertoire of the theater is subject to change depending on which group is performing without prior notice. Photo/video at the theater is at additional cost. The theater is not wheelchair accessible. Peterhof is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. There are stairs, no elevators, gravel paths and long walking distances. Visit the inside of Peterhof Palace is approximately one hour, and although you might get a glimpse of the fountains, this tour is of the palace interior. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. Some of the fountains and/or rooms may be closed periodically for repairs. Tour sequence may vary on some dates. less

Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. After the Acropolis, you’ll drive to both the old and new sections of Athens, separated by Hadrian’s Arch. You’ll pass the statue of Lord Byron, the Corinthian Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square to the former Royal Palace. Here you’ll have a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform, as they stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other sights on the drive include the Academy, National Gardens and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, built in 1895 for the first modern Olympic Games. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain locations the marble is uneven and slippery. During summer months and when there are many ships at the port of Piraeus, expect extreme overcrowding at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. less

First, you will pass Perlan or 'The Pearl', a glass dome on the top of the hot-water tanks in Reykjavik. Then, you’ll continue through Reykjavik’s suburbs, towards Hafnarfjordur. From here, you’ll drive through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula towards the Blue Lagoon, where you will stop for approximately two hours to indulge in the waters of the lagoon itself. The Blue Lagoon owes its existence to the nearby geothermal power plant. A new facility was opened in 1999 offering a tax-free shop, café and very good changing-room facilities. The water of the Lagoon is 98° F warm, mineral-rich and reputed for its healing properties. The blue color of the water, the steam and the 13-foot high lava wall surrounding the Lagoon succeed in creating a unique atmosphere. This natural and very popular health spa is now a major attraction in the region and considered to be one of the most visited places on the island. This is not a swimming-pool for regular swimming, rather a unique relaxing bathing experience. Drive back to Reykjavik, over the barren Reykjanes peninsula dominated by old lava-flows. From the Blue Lagoon, you’ll head back to Hafnarfjordur and continue on to Reykjavik. Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems. For hygienic purposes, you will have to take a shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon. less