Europe Cruises: Excursions

Drive through the picturesque marinas of Zea and Microlimano in Piraeus as your tour heads to the center of Athens. You’ll have the opportunity to admire some of the most important sites of Athens, such as Constitution Square, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus, Royal Palace, and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. The Acropolis is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander around the picturesque streets of Plaka, the old preserved district of Athens with numerous art and craft shops, restaurants and cafes. You’ll have plenty of free time for shopping or to independently enjoy Greek specialties at one of the traditional colorful taverns. After your wanderings at the old district of Athens, board your coach from a designated point at a set-up time for your return to the pier. 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. less

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 see a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets and be given additional time to shop. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you shop and stroll in the handicraft store. Note: This tour is available for Norwegian Jade winter sailings only. Participants are required to remove their shoes in order to enter the mosque and are provided with an environmentally friendly bag to store them. As this tour visits a place of worship, please dress respectfully: no bare shoulders or exposed knees. Should the Blue Mosque be closed to visitors due to religious festivities, you’ll visit another historical mosque. Some sections of Topkapi Palace may be temporarily under renovation and closed to the public. There is approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven surfaces and some inclines including an approximate 20 steps on this tour. 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.

Designed for maximum adventure, this excursion takes place in a pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. The scenery and incredibly varied flora and fauna you’ll encounter while hiking through the sub-tropical forest makes this the adventure experience of a lifetime. Your adventure begins with a speed boat ride across the bay to a secluded beach, then an off-road adventure to the heart of the tropical forest. From the base camp at 2,000 feet, take a short mule ride to the peeks of the tropical hills where you’ll start a series of fantastic zip-lines that take you soaring 250 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage. The adventure continues as you splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools and negotiate the jungle bridges that bring you back to the base camp for a deserved rest, some snacks, and a chance to see photos of your wild adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. Not for guests with physical disabilities. This tour is physically demanding so you must have strength in your arms to climb a ladder and the ability to walk up steps or hills for 15 minutes. Wear hiking/tennis shoes and shorts, bring mosquito repellent and a change of clothes as you’ll get wet on the tour. Cameras can not be taken on the tour for safety reasons but a professional photographer will accompany the group. Light snacks and bottled water included. There will be some time for pictures and souvenirs. less

Unlike other Puerto Vallarta adventures, this one combines it all. Your journey will start with an inflatable powerboat ride past Los Arcos Marine Reserve. Your first stop is Quimixto, a remote seaside village from where you’ll depart on a horseback ride (helmets are provided for your safety) through the tropical forest arriving at a breathtaking waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Continue to the tranquil cove of La Bola with its beautiful clear waters for you to explore by snorkel. Your last stop is Pizota, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on this pristine beach and then relax in one of the hammocks. You can also explore its tropical waters by kayak. Look back one more time at this paradise as you board the powerboat for your return to Puerto Vallarta. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, weigh less than 250 lbs. and be able to swim. As this adventure takes place in a remote area only accessible by boat, participants must be in good physical condition. It is not recommended for those with heart, back or respiratory problems, pregnant women or guests with walking difficulties. less