Europe Cruises: Excursions

Discover the highlights of Tenerife's capital by foot. Join your guide and see places most tourists miss. Not far from the harbor, you’ll find a fusion of modernity and tradition in the Plaza de España, next to the Cabildo (municipal council). Head towards the Guimera Theater, built in 1849 in classical romantic style. Nearby is Noria Street with its many pubs and restaurants where locals enjoy nightlife and where you’ll learn about the ‘murgas’, the satiric singing groups which perform songs during the carnival. You’ll notice that each 'murga' has its own colonial-style house where they rehearse their songs in strict secrecy so other 'murgas' don't find out what their lyrics are. Your journey continues with a visit to the municipal market ‘Nuestra Señora de Africa’ where you’ll find traditional foods, local fruits and vegetables and everything the locals buy every day in this popular market. Continue over the Serrador Bridge towards Calle Castillo (Castle Street) where most of the city center shops are located. Your walk leads you to Weyler Square. See the beautiful Carrara marble fountain and the palace of the Captaincy General. Head to Garcia Sanabria Park; an idyllic urban park in the heart of the city. Its large garden area where the vegetation blends with walkways, fountains, sculptures and gazebos, invites to leisurely walks and relaxation. You next destination is Pilar Street, lined with high-end shops. Before heading back to the port, you’ll have an opportunity to admire Principe Square and the San Francisco church. You may opt to stay in town a little longer to shop or explore more of this lovely city on your own or instead follow your guide back to the ship. Note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, participants should be fit. It’s not suitable for those on wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. We recommend you bring a bottle of water, wear a cap and sunglasses. Included in your tour is a visit to religious sites, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed in churches.The market is closed on Easter, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, so tour itinerary will vary during holidays. less

Take a stroll through Cannes on this walking tour as you learn about its history. Accompanied by your guide, admire the old town of La Sequet and the famous Boulevard of La Croisette. You’ll begin with a walk to the old part of the city built on the site of the former Canois Castrum, a Roman town dominated by a castle, on the slopes of Mont Chevalier. As you take Rue Perissol, the road ascends to Place de La Castre, surrounded by a defensive wall and dominated by the 16th-17th century Provencal Gothic style church, Notre Dame de L’Experance. The old bell tower leads you to a long tree lined terrace, offering a fine view of the town, harbor and Ile Ste. Marguerite. Continue on Rue Meynardier, formerly the main street linking the new town with Le Suquet. It is lined with a variety of shops and some fine 18th century doorways. Pass by the old covered market on your way to the famous Rue d’Antibes, the main shopping street. As you return to the maritime terminal along the famous Boulevard de La Croisette, see where locals stroll in the winter, and how the elegant promenade is bordered by palm trees and gardens overlooking a fine sandy beach. Luxury hotels and elegant shops line the front and side streets along with galleries, antique shops, cinemas and night clubs. At the top end of La Croisette, east of the port, is the new Festival and Conference center; the last stop before heading back to your ship. Note: Tour participation is limited. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. There are approximately 4 miles of walking over flat, uphill and cobblestoned terrain, with 25 steps to negotiate. less

At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace that Emperor Diokletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches live alongside Gothic chapels, history-filled museums alongside galleries of contemporary art and delicious-smelling restaurants compete with bustling cafes for the attention of passers-by. Your walking tour starts with a visit of Cathedral of St. Duje. The cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. A visit will also be made to the charming Temple of Jupiter and the Split City Museum. The City Split Museum occupies a set of Middle Age buildings in the north-east part of Diokletian's Palace, within which there are two yards, in which the most exhibition halls are situated. Other sights such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate and the Peristyle Square will be seen from the outside. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and bring bottled water. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties; there is approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets and approximately 40 steps in total on this tour. less

Koper is an ancient Mediterranean town that lies on the northern coast of the Istrian peninsula where the Adriatic Sea incises most deeply into the heart of Central Europe. Koper's rich Venetian Renaissance tradition is very well preserved and its many beautiful squares and burgher buildings bear witness to its long history as an important city of the 1,000 year old republic. Stroll around the hidden squares and feel the atmosphere that makes this city alive. The capital town of Istria had been founded on the maritime trade and today this pulse is provided by the port of Koper, founded 50 years ago. At Tito Square, you’ll find the Cathedral and the Praetor’s Palace, together with other important landmarks. Learn about the cultural heritage of this region during your visit to the Regional Museum and have a taste of some local products and wine at a local restaurant. Upon visiting the important sights of Koper, your tour ends on the Carpaccio Square, where the great Venetian master spent the last days of his life. Once the tour has completed, you may return to the port at your leisure. Note: Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less

As Monaco is one of the smallest independent states of the world, the highlights of Old Town and Monte Carlo are very easy to explore on foot. Your guide will walk you up and show you the Old Town with it's narrow alleys, the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly got married and where they are both now buried and the exteriors of the Prince's Palace with the changing of the guards. Then your guide will take you walking along the famous port up to Monte Carlo (using elevators to go up). Arriving at the Casino Square, you’ll have some time to explore the exclusive boutiques and chic cafes before walking back to the pier with your guide (if you wish to spend more time in Monte Carlo, you can walk back to the pier on your own). Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and bring bottled water. Guests must be able to walk approximately 3 1/2 miles over various surfaces. Tour order may vary. Casino de Monte Carlo opens its Salles Americaines (free admission) at 2:00pm, with slot machines only. Salles Publiques (entrance fee of 10 Euros in cash) is open at 2:00pm for Roulette and slot machines. Visitors must be at least 18 years of age and show passport or ID Card. Morning tours to Monte Carlo will not be able to enter the Grand Casino. There is a free-admission, American-style casino at the Cafe de Paris, which opens at 10:00am. less