Europe Cruises: Excursions

After a short orientation drive through the busy streets of the city, you arrive at one of the most popular tourist night clubs in Istanbul. During dinner you’ll have the opportunity to see belly dancers, folk dance groups from different regions of Turkey and a finale performance by an international singer. Note: Tour is only available for the first night in Istanbul on the Norwegian Jade winter sailings. Guests interested in this tour must present themselves to the Shore Excursions Desk on board the vessel to review availability and departure times. Guests wishing to utilize a wheelchair on this excursion must provide the Shore Excursions desk with the total dimensions (height, length and width) and weight of the electric scooter or wheelchair at the time of booking. Use of a motorized scooter is not guaranteed on this excursion. Please note that this information is subject to change and availability is not guaranteed. less

After departing the port, drive along the Paseo Maritimo with hotels on one side and luxurious yachts on the other. You’ll pass the cathedral and the Almudaina Palace, along the way to the center of Palma through Avenida Argentina and Avenida Jaime III with its exclusive shops, and Via Roma, known as Flower Street. On the way to Valldemossa, see impressive landscapes of pine forest and groves of almond and olive trees. Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful villages of the island with a magnificent view over the valley and the capital of Palma on the horizon. A stop for a soft drink will be made in Valldemossa. Returning to Palma, you’ll drive up to the Bellver Castle, and have a beautiful view overlooking the Paseo Maritimo and the town. Then, traveling through the city, you’ll reach the Plaza de Toros (bull fighting ring) where you’ll have free time to take some photos or to go into one of the famous pearl factories where the famous Majorca Pearls are manufactured. Here you can see how expert artisans create the man-made pearls and you’ll have an opportunity to purchase some to take home. Note: Bellver Castle is not visited on this tour. less

Enjoy a relaxing 30 minute scenic ride through the lush Tuscan countryside. You’ll arrive at the estate of one of the area’s renowned wine cellars. Once there, you’ll tour the winery and learn how these delicious wines are produced and view the cellars where the wines are aged to perfection. Admire the estate’s vineyards, where the Sangiovese grapes are grown. These are the principal grapes used in the production of Chianti. You’ll get to see the vineyards cultivation of red and white wines along with the olive trees that produce some of the area’s finest oils in the world. Taste a variety of the house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You’ll be able to purchase your favorites to take back with you before returning to your ship. Note: Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. The terrain is relatively leveled with possible cobblestone areas and 4-10 steps to negotiate. less

Your drive from Piraeus will pass by the Zea and Microlimano Marinas on your way to Athens. Your first stop will be the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, reconstructed in the 19th century on Roman foundations. This is where the revival of the games took place in 1896. After you pass by some of the most important sites of Athens including the Royal Palace, Constitution Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, you arrive at Acropolis Hill with a spectacular view of the Parthenon and the glorious monuments of the Acropolis. Your tour continues to the New Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum focused on the Acropolis findings. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. Note: There is approximately 1/4 mile of walking and approximately 20 steps on this tour. The New Acropolis Museum is closed on Mondays. Guests on May 11 and September 20, 2013 sailings will visit the National Archaeological Museum instead. 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. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. less

This excursion takes you on a wonderful scenic drive along the coastal road from Cannes to Nice. Drive past the luxurious hotels and elegant shops which border the famous Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes. Beyond La Pointe de La Croisette, you’ll see the popular resort of Golf Juan and Cap d'Antibes, the most southerly tip of land. You’ll then reach the district of Villeneuve Loubet, famous as a summer resort and situated on the banks of the River Loup. Next, pass the fishing village of Cagnes sur Mer before reaching the capital and main attraction of the French Riviera, Nice. Continue the drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a splendid palm-lined boulevard stretching three miles along the Baie des Anges. Go by landmarks such as the legendary and imposing Hotel Negresco with its Rococo facade, the Russian Orthodox cathedral built with pink bricks, light gray marble and vividly colored ceramics beneath six onion domes which give an exotic touch to the Nice scene. Your drive continues past the Regina Hotel to Cimiez Hill, a sophisticated part of Nice with many large villas. You’ll also pass the Franciscan Monastery, gardens and Roman arenas, before joining the highway for your return to Cannes. less

Enjoy the sights along France’s most spectacular coastlines. Drive the famed Golden Corniche and enjoy some time in charming Saint Raphael. Admire stunning coastal views along the famous Golden Corniche – the Esterel cliff road – one of the most beautiful parts of the French Riviera. The road runs close to the sea in some areas and passes between villa gardens set with palms, orange trees and mimosa. The Esterel has a breathtaking beauty and is made up of volcanic rocks, which at Agay are blue in color and elsewhere are green, yellow, purple and grey. The fiery red of the rocks makes a striking contrast with the deep blue of the sea. The fashionable resort town of Saint Raphael is situated on Frejus Bay. The waterfront by the Old Harbour bristles with activity stimulated by the cafes and shops, which line the pavements of Cours Jean Bart and Quai Albert 1st. You’ll have some free time to seek out a souvenir during your visit or simply relax and watch the world go by. less