Europe Cruises: Excursions

Leaving the port of Athinios, you’ll head to the picturesque town of Oia. Built high up on the ridge of red rocks, it offers breathtaking views of the blue Aegean and the caldera below. Take a stroll around the narrow streets with free time to visit the art galleries, antique shops and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the coffee and pastry shops. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 1/2 mile on level, some steps and cobblestone streets. Amount of walking and exertion during free time is up to you. Not recommended for guests on wheelchairs. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Most tours end in Fira where you’ll board a cable car to return to the pier (cable car ticket will be provided). Lines for the cable car are very long, especially during summer months or when there are several ships in port; please allow sufficient time to return to the tender landing pier with sufficient time. less

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavik with one stop at the Pearl Vantage Point. You'll leave the harbor towards the Laugardalur or 'warm water valley', passing the city’s main sports and recreation area with its outdoor geothermal swimming pool. From here, you'll head inland and arrive at the City’s municipal conservation area of Heidmork. Reykjavik has easy access to a plentiful, clean and uncontaminated water supply from the cold spring area Gvendarbrunnar. The surrounding lava fields, craters and imposing mountain ranges bear witness to the country’s fiery origins and succeed in providing visitors with a taste of the great outdoors. You'll return to the hustle and bustle of the inner city, driving past the open-air museum at Arbaer where selected old houses are shown and cross the Ellidaar, (Ellida River) one of the world's cleanest Salmon rivers known to flow through a capital city. You'll then make a stop at The Pearl (or Perlan), which, is built on the hot water reservoir tanks that provide Reykjavik with water for the taps and radiators. Here, the panoramic view at the platform is so splendidly clear, it is the perfect photo opportunity. You'll continue past the Hallgrims church, and head for the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets before passing the city lake, Tjornin, with its rich birdlife. Your next stop will be at the harbor area for a photo stop. On the way back, you'll follow the coastline, pass the famous Hofdi house where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Note: Most of the sites on this tour can be seen from the coach. Order of sites may vary. less

Driving for approximately 30 minutes from the port through the lush and verdant Corfiot countryside will bring you to a leading resort at Dassia village. Lying on the east coast of the island, you’ll have approximately four hours to sit back and enjoy the beautiful setting with its beach and crystal-clear waters. Swim in the Ionian Sea and pay homage to the sun and sea gods who have showered their blessings upon this mythical isle. A beach bed and umbrella (one umbrella per two beds), and soft drink or coffee from the hotel are included. Further refreshments may be purchased from the canteens and beach bars on hand. For the more adventurous, watersports are available on the beach at an additional charge. Note: Please remember to wear your swimsuit, bring a towel and sun protection. Lifeguards will be present on the beach. This tour will only operate from June through August. 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. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less

Travel up to the scenic, ridge-top road that runs along the southern part of Streymoy Island, pausing above Thorshavn for a photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking this colorful capital city. Then your next photo stop will be above Nororadalur (north valley) where on clear days a dramatic view of the island of Koltur stands gloriously before you. Winding down into a valley, you can see colorful villages. On your journey back to Thorshavn you’ll be taken through a 1 3/4 mile (three-kilometer) long tunnel and then along a fjord at sea level. less

Visit the Art Nouveau centre, located in the old pharmacy building, right in the heart of Alesund. The museum provides an interesting insight into the history of the fire in 1904 and the creative Art Noveau period. The town centre was rebuilt shortly after the fire in the characteristic architecture of that period. You’ll see various examples of this picturesque Art style that has made Ålesund one of the three last Art Nouveau-cities in Europe. Continue through the town of Alesund and uphill to the little attractive park at the foot of mount Aksla. Here, you’ll find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the emperor Wilhelm II, which he also has the main street in town named after him. You may walk up towards mount Aksla for a spectacular view or just sit at the park and rest before heading back to your ship. Note: This is a walking tour and participants must be in good health. Bring a rain gear jacket as this tour operates in all weather conditions. less