Europe Cruises: Excursions

Your journey starts with a transfer to Peterhof, also called Russian Versailles. 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. The Grand Palace, built in the beginning of the 18th century, 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. The layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains was designed by Peter himself. The Grand Cascade, often considered the chief delight of the grounds, consists of three waterfalls, an avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. Samson, the main attraction of Peterhof, is located at the base of the Great Cascade. During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. For many years, the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration.

Now all guests of the city can enjoy the spectacular view of the fountains and the palace. After your tour of the Grand Palace, you’ll proceed to the magnificent gardens of the Low Park to admire the numerous fountains and statues of the Grand Cascade. As part of your Imperial tour experience, we have arranged a special hydrofoil boat transfer from Peterhof back to the city center, which will take you on a short 30-minute ride across the Gulf of Finland. After arriving back to town, you’ll be taken to the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, where you’ll enjoy views of the city including the Hermitage Museum and St. Peter and Paul Fortress, which you will tour next. Once inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral, you’ll be surrounded by marble columns, glittering chandeliers and painted decor, combined with carved and gilded iconostasis to create a magnificent setting for the tombs of Romanov monarchs. In July 1998, the remains of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family were also brought to the cathedral. The tour continues along the Neva embankment.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties due to long walking distances, cobblestones and gravel paths in the Peterhof Gardens and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Grand Palace is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow staircases and no elevators. Visit to 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. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. Operation of hydrofoil depends on weather conditions and is subject to cancellation without prior notice. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. This tour will not be available on 9/05/13 as the entire complex will be closed. less

First, visit Alesund’s attractive setting, built on three islands with the spectacular Sunnmore Alps in the background. Pass by Borgundfjord, with charming suburbs and well-kept gardens. Head over to the municipality of Stordal, famous for its furniture factories, a very important export article in this region. Reach to the fertile valley of Valldal, where strawberry cultivation is very common; ascend up the valley to Trollstigen, reaching 850 meters above sea level. Start the descent down the Trolls' Path with its daring hairpin bends. Down in the valley make a photo stop to take in the lovely waterfall called Stigfossen waterfall cascading down the mountainside.

Next, detour up to Trollveggen; here, you’ll find the Troll Wall with the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe. Climbers from all parts of the world come visit this 1,000-meter tall wall to try out the various routes to the top. Then, pass by Romsdalsfjord with its many small villages known for its ship and boat building. Before returning to your ship, cross over the Orskog mountain plateau, a popular skiing area for the people in Alesund.

Note:Complimentary lunch will be provided. Tour may operate in reverse order. less

Discover some of the most scenic parts of Mallorca and the lovely village of Valldemossa during this picturesque ride on the Soller Railway. Depart the pier for the approximately 50-minute sightseeing drive through Palma, and on to the Son Reus Train Station. Upon arrival, board the historic Soller train. The Soller Railway has been running a daily train service along the 17-mile (27-kilometre) route between Palma de Mallorca and Soller, without interruption, since 1912. Your scenic, 45-minute journey is an enchanting voyage highlighted by beautiful panoramic views of the Mallorcan Mountains, orange groves and small, fairytale-like villages. Pass through 13 tunnels and numerous bridges before arriving at Soller. After some free time in the beautiful village of Soller, board a coach for the drive to Son Marroig. This stunning estate is renowned for its picturesque setting on the slopes of Mallorca’s northern mountain range. You’ll make a photo stop at a lookout which offers spectacular views of the coastline and ‘Foradada’, a locally-renowned rock formation rising from the sea. Leaving Son Marroig, your drive continues on through the rugged northern interior of the island en route to Valldemossa, where a visit is made to the Carthusian Monastery. This 17th-century monastery, also known as ‘Cartuja’, is famous for its beautiful cloisters and gardens. More importantly, it housed two illustrious guests, composer Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand, during the winter of 1838-39. A guided tour of the monastery includes the cloisters, the 18th-century pharmacy, the former monks’ cells and the rooms once occupied by the famous couple. Following your visit, some time is made available for browsing the many shoppes at your leisure before re-boarding the coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven pathways, with some steps to negotiate at Soller Station and approximately 1/2 mile of walking. The train is not air-conditioned or wheelchair-accessible, and has wooden seats. The train journey is not exclusive to NCL guests. less

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place in 776 B.C. Today, only parts of the temple remain at the museum and only ruins remain at the site. The Temple of Zeus no longer exists and its traces have disappeared through the ages. The Temple of Hera, Prytaneion, and Philippeion were monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage. Stand at the starting line and imagine the voices of thousands of spectators seating on the stone bleachers. Continue with a drive through picturesque countryside to a local family-owned wine estate where you’ll be welcomed by the owners, the Kanellakopoulos family. Start you tour from the winery, with a mix of old and new equipment, the cellar and the very old olive press. Afterward, visit the traditional family museum with a collection of various old agricultural tools and equipment, interwoven with the estate cultivation throughout the years. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the local wines and snacks offered by the owners. less