Europe Cruises: Excursions

Drive along the northeast coast further north to reach the Malpais de la Corona, a widespread plain of weather-beaten lava stone formed by the last eruptions of the Corona Crater over 3,000 years ago. Through the years, singular vegetation unfolded itself, which added a special charm to this otherwise poor and dry landscape. In this area you’ll visit Jameos del Agua, a partially open cave which is part of a huge lava tunnel. The famous native artist Cesar Manrique transformed this cave into a small paradise. As you enter, you can see the subterranean lake roofed by a huge arch of lava stones. Small, blind Albino crabs that are normally only found in deep-sea areas inhabit this lake. A tropical garden with beautiful plants is set up on an open area of the cave with an artificial pool in the center. Passing through the garden there is the entrance to the concert hall, a natural auditorium with capacity for more than 500 persons. Continue to Guatiza Village to visit the Cactus Garden where Cesar Manrique converted a natural gravel mine into a beautifully designed garden with more than 1,000 species of cacti from all over the world. The interior structure is circular with walls made up of terraces descending from the ground in levels displaying the different varieties of cactus. Surrounding the garden, you can also see the local cultivations of cactus with cochineal parasite used as a natural component for coloring and as ingredient for some other drinks and products. Your next stop will be at Tahiche Village, where you’ll visit the Cesar Manrique Foundation, which purpose is to preserve the environment and combine the beauties of the island with natural protection and decoration. The artist’s former house, now converted into a foundation, is a two-level structure built on five huge natural volcanic bubbles and is the best example of his ideas. The upper floor is inspired by the traditional architecture of Lanzarote and the underground level takes advantage of the five natural volcanic bubbles adapted for habitation and linked by small corridors. It contains some of his own work and a private collection of contemporary art by artists such as Picasso, Tapies, Miro, etc. The Foundation is also a center of art and culture popularization; in an adjacent building you’ll find organized exhibitions and art conferences during the year. From here you’ll return to your ship. less

This special tour is designed for guests who would like to look at the city from a different perspective, learn about the tragic death of one of the most mysterious figures in Russian history – Grigory Rasputin – and witness one of St. Petersburg’s masterpieces, also surrounded by the mystery of murder and intrigue – the amazing Cathedral of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. Your coach will bring you to the pier in the city center, where you’ll start your fascinating journey through the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. You’ll see the city from the water, which surrounds its numerous squares, monuments and palaces. After an hour of touring the waterways, you’ll arrive near Yusupov Palace, where you’ll disembark to discover an intriguing story about the palace, its owners and the dramatic events which ended the life of the famous favorites of the last Romanovs. Yusupov Palace is located on the banks of the Moika River and is one of the 57 palaces in Russia, four of which are in St. Petersburg and were owned by Felix Yusupov – often said to be almost as wealthy as the Tsar himself. This palace was Yusupov’s favorite and exemplifies his wealth and very eccentric style. Among the palace's treasures are French tapestries and porcelain, and Venetian mirrors and woodcarvings. It was here in 1916 that the notorious Grigory Rasputin was assassinated. He was lured to Yusupov's palace by several influential figures of the time, given poison cakes, which for some reason had no effect on him, then shot several times and thrown into the river.

The tour will take you through the rooms of the palace, and after climbing down the narrow, winding staircase, you’ll see the very place where Felix Yusupov and his accomplices assassinated Grigory Rasputin. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you’ll visit the magnificent Cathedral on Spilled Blood. This marvelous old Russian-style church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. The cathedral should not be perceived as simply a cult building; its idea is broader and deeper. The image of the Savior in this cathedral reflects not so much the cult aspect, but the political, historical, artistic, stylistic importance of the monument, and underscores its importance for the city. Built in 1883-1907, the church was designed in the spirit of 16th and 17th century Russian architecture, inspired particularly by St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow. With its distinctive cupolas, the Muscovy design is unique to St. Petersburg and provides a dramatic contrast to the Neo-Classical architecture which dominates the city center. The interior of the church, a memorial to the late Emperor Alexander II, is decorated with different marbles and several thousand square yards of mosaics. These mosaics are far from being ordinary; their surfaces were left unpolished, so that they reflect sunlight, which impressed worshipers and visitors alike. The Cathedral of Resurrection, as it is also called, is the only surviving monument to Alexander II in the city.

Get acquainted with the fascinating songs and dances from the nations inhabiting Russia, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. The evening will take you on a spiritual journey through different regions of Russia, with energetic dances of Don Cossacks and melodic Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy songs including the world-famous Kalinka and Katyusha. You'll be offered Russian Champagne and mineral water.

Experience Athens and its ancient treasure in a small group, traveling by minibus. After a visit to the Acropolis and its famous landmarks, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive though the highlights of Athens; admire the Propylaea, the temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and stand in awe in front of the Parthenon. You’ll then stop in the Plaka area for a traditional lunch followed by some free time to wander around the old district on your own. After, visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing an unrivaled collection of treasures of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek Art. A few of the museum's most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, Head of Hygeia (Goddess of Health), bronze statue of the 'Jockey-Boy' of Artemision, Golden Mask of Agamemnon and brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Thira (Santorini). Following your visit to the museum, you’ll return to your ship in Piraeus. 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. Please also be aware that there is much less congestion, both at the sites and in traffic during winter time, so tour durations may be slightly shorter than listed in the descriptions; the content of the tour will not be affected. less