Europe Cruises: Excursions

Arguably the best known of all the Greek islands, Mykonos is renowned today for its nightlife and lively beaches. Following the Greek War of Independence, during which Mykonos played a significant role, life settled down for a while before it was 'rediscovered' as a beautiful location for filming, attracting actors, artists and jet setters. Today, both the lifestyle and true history of the island are showcased through this walking tour of unique Mykonos town. First you’ll visit the Mykonos Archaeological Museum, which houses pottery from Delos and some grave stelae and jewelry from the Island of Renia, the Delos necropolis. Among the museum's highlights is an exhibit of a pithos, or Minoan storage jug, which features a Trojan War scene in relief, and a statue of Hercules. Continue your walk with an exploration of the Mykonos that tourists seldom see, and discover her mysteries amid narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed houses and walled gardens. Discover the town's deliberately confusing layout, designed as a means to foil attacking pirates. The nearby windmills, an island trademark, once ground wheat that was used to bake bread for islanders and sailors alike. Now they stand as symbols of the island and afford a wonderful photo opportunity. Finally, do as the Mykonians and enjoy a refreshment of ouzo with some traditional mezedes before returning to your ship. Note: Tour is dependent on weather conditions and entails 2 1/2 hours of walking on cobblestone streets with slight inclines and a few steps. Even though tour has limited participation and is conducted in small groups; a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. The Mykonos Archeological Museum is closed on Mondays. The visit to the museum will not be possible for guests on the Norwegian Spirit sailings of June 4 & August 27, 2013. less

Have a close look at one of the most beautiful bays of Europe and France’s principal naval base. The only way to get within close proximity of the arsenal and admire the National Marine buildings is by boat. Your boat trip you’ll see the marine cemetery, the last anchorage place for old vessels, the port of La Seyne sur Mer and its old shipyards along with the Corniche of Tamaris. Cruise by Lazaret Bay and its mussel farms, Les Sablettes, St. Mandrier Peninsula, the jetty which closed the bay from the east and its fortifications Eyguillette, Balaguier, St. Louis, Lamalgue, Tour Royale and Cap Brun.

Toulon’s coastline is lined with deep creeks shaded by pines, turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and picturesque small fishing ports. Visit the Musee National de la Marine and discover the history of the port, the conditions of onboard convict ships, the daily life of sailors and the operations of the French nuclear attack submarines. Highlights include large models of 18th century vessels, the control panel of the Clemenceau, and a model of the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle. At the completion of your tour, you can walk back to your ship or stay in town for some time to sip a café, do some shopping, or just do nothing, it’s up to you!

Note: Due to closure of the naval museum, this tour is not available on Norwegian Spirit’s September 30th sailing. There is an approximately 15 minute walk back to the ship from your drop off point at the completion of the tour. The Naval Museum and boat are accessible to wheelchair guests. For guests not in wheelchairs there are approximately 30 steps to negotiate while in the Naval Museum. The boat is shared with guests on shore excursion TLN_12. less

Travel through the city districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm, and Djurgarden. Pass the Royal Palace, which overlooks Stockholm’s inner harbor. Fjallgatan with its magnificent view of the city is a must as well as the enchanting medieval Old Town, and 'Gamla Stan'. From the historic island of Riddarholmen, adjacent to the Old Town, you have a stunning view over the lake Malaren and the City Hall. Proceed past the Royal Dramatic Theater along Strandvagen to the island of Djurgarden. This is full of Stockholm’s amusement and recreation centers, as well as great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafes and restaurants. Here, you’ll also find the Grona Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, housing the 17th century warship Vasa. Continue through the Diplomat quarters and through Ostermalm, a fashionable neighborhood of stately apartment buildings. On the island of Kungsholmen, you’ll pass the impressive City Hall, renowned for its architecture, and site of the annual Nobel Prize. Proceed south via the Western Bridge to Sodermalm before returning to your ship. Note: There will be no inside visits conducted on this tour; there will be photo stops only. If traveling in a wheelchair, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Wheelchair can be stored in luggage compartment, if foldable. less

Take a panoramic tour of Cartagena. Begin with a photo stop of San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, originally built in the 17th century and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Snap pictures of the ancient towering walls and main entrance. Then, drive by the Old City where your guide will point out historical facts about the Inquisition Palace, the Cathedral and its dome churches. Your next stop will be Las Bovedas, built in the late 18th century as dungeons and as a means of storage. Sightsee and shop in the many handcraft boutiques and stores. Continue your journey for a sightseeing tour of the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Here, you'll have the option to stay in the city, visit Pierino Gallo Mall, or return back to the ship on your own. Note: This is a panoramic tour with optional photo stops. Only collapsible/foldable wheelchairs are welcomed. Transportation does not have a lift and cannot accommodate scooters. Participants must be able to negotiate two to three steps up into the transportation. Please visit the Shore Excursion Desk for more details. You have the option to return to the ship either with the tour or on your own. less

Travel through the city districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm, and Djurgarden. Pass the Royal Palace, which overlooks Stockholm’s inner harbor. Fjallgatan with its magnificent view of the city is a must, as well as the enchanting medieval Old Town, “Gamla Stan” with the Royal Palace. From the historic Island of Riddarholmen, adjacent to the Old Town, you have a stunning view over the lake Malaren and the City Hall. Proceed past the Royal Dramatic Theatre along Strandvagen to the island of Djurgarden. This is full of Stockholm’s amusement and recreation centers, also great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants. Here, you’ll also find the Grona Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open Air Museum and the well known Vasa Museum, housing the 17th century warship Vasa. On the island of Kungsholmen, you’ll pass the impressive City Hall, renowned for its architecture, and site of the annual Nobel Prize. Proceed south via the Western Bridge to Sodermalm before returning to your ship. Note: If traveling in a wheelchair, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. There will be no inside visits conducted on this tour; there will be photo stops only. Wheelchair can be stored in luggage compartment, if foldable. less