Europe Cruises: Excursions

Take this tour for a unique opportunity to visit one of the most recognized landmarks together with access to an area closed off to most in Topkapi Palace. Begin your tour with a visit to the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. Continue with a visit to Topkapi Palace, once a residential complex for royals and the central nerve of the empire, which now functions as a museum. As you walk the grounds, through courtyards and buildings, see the collection of Chinese porcelain and Turkish treasures including the 86-carat spoon maker diamond and emerald dagger. Strictly closed to outsiders, you’ll be provided a ticket to enter the Harem section of Topkapi Palace. As you enter, envision the colorful and lively old days in the now empty rooms where a mysterious history fascinates many. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open and modern section which offers the best artworks and most reliable shopping. Here, you’ll stop at the modern section where you’ll enjoy local snacks and a presentation of carpets, leather or jewelry, followed by time for shopping.

Located on the west coast of Naples, you’ll find the still-active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. For the adventurous traveler, this is the ideal way to explore the volcano that destroyed the city of Pompeii. You’ll arrive at the base of the National Park of Vesuvius, from where you’ll board a special 4 x 4 coach. Ecologic and equipped with air-conditioning, it will take you to a height of about 3,000 feet. During the drive up the path in the National Park, you’ll relax looking at the Gulf of Naples. Once at 3,000 feet, you’ll proceed on foot for another 1,000 feet up on a narrow zigzagging path. Once on the rim of the crater walls, you’ll meet an official alpine guide and walk part of the way around the edge to enjoy this natural phenomenon and, of course, a panoramic view that includes Naples and the entire bay. After visiting the crater, you’ll walk back to the 4 x 4 coach, which will take you to the motorcoach parking for your return drive to Naples and your ship. Note: The tour will not operate for Norwegian Jade winter sailings from the end of November through mid-April. Participants must be able to walk approximately 1 1/2 miles on an incline. This tour is not recommended for guests with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure and does not include lunch. During summer months expect extreme heat; we recommend that you dress in layers, wear a hat and bring bottled water. In the event of bad weather and the closure of Mt. Vesuvius crater, this tour will not operate. less

The rugged Montserrat Mountain range northwest of Barcelona is one of Spain’s most picturesque areas. Like jagged teeth, the formations soar skyward creating unparalleled natural beauty. The mysterious peaks have inspired many legends and motivated Wagner to write some of his most beautiful arias. Departing from Barcelona, your coach takes you to Collbato. From there your trekking starts to reach Montserrat Monastery (approximately 3 hours). At a height of 2,380 feet, on a sort of natural platform, stands the Montserrat monastery, located in the middle of the mountains, which could be considered a unique example of natural art.

It appears that 20 or 25 million years ago, this geographical area was occupied by a small inland sea in which rock formations were deposited, later forming the mountainous relief known as Montserrat. Once in Montserrat you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the spectacular environment. The famous Montserrat Monastery, founded as a Benedictine Abbey during the 11th Century, is firmly perched on a ledge hanging 2,400 feet above the River Llobregat. Here, the 12th century Black Virgin of Montserrat awaits your discovery. Once the hiking tour has finished, you’ll have some free time to explore the monastery.

The coastal bike tour approximately 8 miles (14km) follows the tracks of the narrow-gauge Parenzana Railroad, which once ran from Trieste to Porec. For 34 years, the Parenzana Railroad was the main transport route between Istria and Central Europe. Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian mayors of the municipalities through which the line had passed decided to establish this new route. The name symbolizes the friendship between the three nations and is now an opportunity for everyone who wants to keep fit. About a hundred years after the Parenzana first started puffing steam along the tracks, all health-conscious people, hikers, cyclists, runners, and other sportsmen and sportswomen, tourists or locals, can experience a new way of getting to know interesting places. The route takes you through old towns and villages, to the sea, through vineyards and olive tree plantations, through short tunnels, across valleys, and up into hilly land. It ends in the tourist town of Portoroz, where you’ll take a return transfer to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh less than 330 lbs.(150 kg) and be in good health/physical condition. less

Upon arrival at Tarquinia Porta Clementina, you’ll collect your bicycles and meet the group leader. Then, proceed through the Medieval historic center of Tarquinia passing by some of the most important monuments in this historic village. Visit the main palazzo and the National Etruscan Museum. Continue towards Santa Maria in Castello until you arrive at the typical farmhouse for a wine tasting session. From here, you’ll return to your ship by coach. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. The bike ride is approximately 3 miles, mainly down hill or level ground. AVAILABLE FOR ALL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS AND ON BARCELONA TO BARCELONA NORWEGIAN EPIC SAILINGS ONLY. less