Europe Cruises: Excursions

Your tour adventure takes place on a Rigid Inflatable Boat, so-called RIB. After being briefed on safety instructions, you’ll be suited up with a Personal Floatation Device before you head out of the harbour. Your boat will drive in the coastal waters around Ålesund. Go as far as Runde Birdrock or into the sheltered waters of the inside of Alesund, depending on the weather. Your guide will look out for interesting wildlife, birds or even eagles. You can also get closer to a rock where seals are basking. Finally, after approximately 90 minutes of adventure, you’ll return back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and be in good health. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from back problems. Participants must be able to swim. Wear flat or rubber sole shoes, expect to get wet. A waiver liability release form will be given to all guests. Lifejackets and goggles will be provided. This tour requires guests to walk approximately 300 meters from the pier to the RIB’s staging area. The route is the guide’s decision, depending on the weather and fitness of the participants. less

Link the pieces of the puzzle when you visit Pompeii’s ruins together with its uncovered history and treasures housed at the archaeological museum. Experience the 'original pizza' in the city that boasts the world's first pizzeria, dating back to 1830, and see the sites of Naples. Travel along the coast with magnificent views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius - the still-active volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 A.D. - in the backdrop. At the ruins of Pompeii, you'll discover the archaeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash from Mt. Vesuvius. Entering by the sea gate, your walking tour takes in the city's baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen that were swiftly overcome by volcanic ash. Your guide will point out the remarkably preserved remains that hint at daily Roman life, their customs, cuisine and how they entertained, decorated and lived. Highlights include stunning frescoes and elaborately detailed mosaic-inlaid floors of wealthy homeowners' villas, as Pompeii was a vacation community for high society. On the way back to Naples, you’ll stop at a cameo factory where artisans have honed their craft for generations. You'll have some time to shop for handmade seashell and coral jewelry, including intricately carved brooches, rings and bracelets. Sit back and enjoy classic Pizza Margherita at a typical Neapolitan pizzeria accompanied by a mixed green salad and beverage. Before heading to our next stop, take a sightseeing loop around the city for a quick orientation, driving past the round-towered Castel Nuovo, San Carlo Opera House, Umberto Gallery, the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola Church. Driving along the waterfront, notice the site where Naples was first founded: Castel dell'Ovo or 'egg castle'. Its curious name comes from a Roman legend that claimed the castle was built over an egg placed on the site with the belief that if the egg broke Naples would fall. Visit The National Archaeological Museum next. Originally cavalry barracks, Charles of Bourbon established the museum in the late 18th century to house the fantastic Farnese Collection that he had inherited. Highlights include the Farnese Bull and a classical Roman sculpture depicting figures from Greek mythology. The museum houses a collection of murals, frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Note: The tour doesn't operate on Tuesdays. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. This tour includes extensive walking during the visit to Pompeii’s excavations. There is approximately 2 1/2 miles of walking while on tour and 40 steps to negotiate in the museum. less

A fabled resort for pleasure seekers even in ancient Rome, Capri has earned a legendary reputation as the 'island of love.' A speedy ride across the Bay of Naples takes you to the Marina Grande Harbour on Capri. Here, a minibus will take you to Anacapri where you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenic views. Visit Villa San Michele, and then have some free time before you continue to the town of Capri for lunch. Following lunch, enjoy a stroll to the piazzetta, along old cobblestone streets and to the Augustus Gardens. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views and have time to look around on your own before taking the minibus down for the return ride to Naples. Note: The tour will not operate for Norwegian Jade winter sailings. During summer months expect extreme heat and overcrowded venues. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. less

For those looking for a water adventure on a hot summer day, there’s no better choice than Solaris Aqua Park, a great attraction offering something for everyone. Enjoy a scenic drive from Split to the town of Sibenik and onto Solaris Beach Resort. This is the first water park in the heart of Dalmatia with a family beach, perfect for families with children and for anyone with an adventurous spirit. It offers a wide variety of activities and games that will appeal to the kid in all of us.

Numerous slides, jets and waterfalls with water effects are just a part of the adventure that will you and your family will enjoy. Take a short break in comfortable tubes flowing down the 'lazy river'. If the aqua park wasn’t enough, your tour also includes activities at the Solaris Beach Resort including tennis courts, golf courts, Pirate mini golf, a Dalmatian village lunch area, lounge pool bars, and a pine forest perfect for an afternoon stroll.

NOTE: Children under the age of 6 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We recommend that you wear appropriate sun protection, a swimsuit, sun glasses, bring a change of clothing and a towel from the ship. Tour not recommended for guests in wheel chairs due to several steps at the entrance to the Village Homes. Tour involves approximately 1/4 miles of walking over flat, gravel terrain. Areas in Solaris Beach Resort and Solaris Aqua Park are subject to availability. less

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