Europe Cruises: Excursions

Experience the sounds, flavors and culture of Mexico. Travel for approximately 45 minutes to a local resort, overlooking the city of Tapachula. On your way to the resort your guide will share interesting facts about the history, culture and customs of Mexico. Upon arrival, your local chef will greet you with a freshly made margarita before showing you how to prepare local dishes. In fact, you will be served the whole meal at the end of the class for your own enjoyment. Marimba players will share their skills with lively performances to enhance your Mexican cooking experience. You’ll be able to take home the recipe you just prepared. Note: Guests should wear comfortable shoes. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Take a scenic drive to the tropical forest area of Bijagual, which is located near the boundaries of the Carara Biological Reserve. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Pura Vida Botanical Gardens, one of the most spectacular private gardens in Costa Rica. See beautifully manicured gardens noticing that they are also bordered by one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Pura Vida is home to over 60,000 flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconia, 10 varieties of ginger, and orchids. Look for butterflies, macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, kingfishers, birds of prey, and waterfowl. During the 1 1/2 hour guided walk along gravel trails, your guide will help you explore this incredible wonderland. Take in the ocean views in the distance as you meander through the walkways and see some wildlife. After the walk concludes, continue on for a few minutes to Villa Lapas Ecological Hotel, where fresh tropical fruits will replenish your energy. Then browse the gift shop for souvenirs before heading back to your ship. Weather permitting, a quick stop will also made at the Tarcoles River for crocodile observation. Note: Participants must be in good health. Those with severe walking or mobility issues should not participate, as there is required walking on gravel terrain with some inclines. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring a hat and camera. less

Let's party aboard a Chiva! Drink, laugh, clap, sing and listen to jokes, as you enjoy non-stop "papayera" or "vallenato". Meet new people, enjoy live music and take part in the open bar while your Chiva takes you around Cartagena. You’ll make a photo stop at San Felipe Fortress, Manga, Pie de la Popa, El Centro, Boca Grande, Laguito, Castillo Grande, and the old city. Your Chiva will stop at the historic Santa Calatina’s Bastion. Here you can stretch, enjoy refreshments, dance to the beat of the music band or enjoy local entertainment. You’ll have some time for souvenir and handicraft shopping at Las Bovedas Artisan Center. Note: Chiva buses are old artisan modified buses used in rural areas for public transport. They are painted colorfully with local arabesques and figures. Most of the chivas have an incorporated ladder for the rack on the roof which is also used for carrying people; seats are bench like, made out of wood and with doors instead of windows and all of them have a unique nickname. We recommend you bring comfortable shoes and casual clothes. Wear sunscreen. 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

Drive through the picturesque marinas of Zea and Microlimano in Piraeus as your tour heads to the center of Athens. You’ll have the opportunity to admire some of the most important sites of Athens, such as Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus, Royal Palace, and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. The Acropolis is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander around the picturesque streets of Plaka, the old preserved district of Athens with numerous art and craft shops, restaurants and cafes. You’ll have plenty of free time for shopping or to independently enjoy Greek specialties at one of the traditional colorful taverns. After your wanderings at the old district of Athens, board your coach from a designated point at a set-up time for your return to the pier. 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