Europe Cruises: Excursions

Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. After the Acropolis, you’ll drive to both the old and new sections of Athens, separated by Hadrian’s Arch. You’ll pass the statue of Lord Byron, the Corinthian Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square to the former Royal Palace. Here you’ll have a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform, as they stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other sights on the drive include the Academy, National Gardens and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, built in 1895 for the first modern Olympic Games. 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

Seek an active adventure in Dragonja, an attractive valley in any season. Your guide will provide you with instructions and information before you start your hike through this ever changing valley. Hike through deep green pools, red bushes, purple foliage or flowing seeping water through stones depending on the season. Discover the beautiful natural scenery and ecosystem along your way.

Note: We recommend that you wear proper sun protection, sport clothing and comfortable low-heeled walking shoes, bring a camera and cash, a backpack for your belongings, sun glasses and bug repellent. Tour consists of 3 miles of walking and hiking uphill over varying terrain and is only recommended for guests in good physical condition. less

Explore the beautiful and picturesque villages of Corfu by bike. Leave the port by coach to Dassia where you’ll select your bike and receive all necessary instructions. Accompanied by a local guide, your mountain bike expedition begins with a short and easy uphill climb to the village of Kato Korakiana. Once you reach the village, stop for a short rest at a traditional coffee shop before continuing on to another village. The foothills of Mount Pantokrator offer stunning views of the inner plains of the island, which are stretched below. Through a narrow paved alley, reach the picturesque village of Saint Marcos, an old Venetian settlement with carefully restored stone-built houses and a Byzantine chapel. At a local tavern in this village, enjoy a Greek snack before you take the road down the hill. Note: Tour involves approximately 12 1/2 miles (20 km) of riding on uneven terrain or asphalt road on a slight incline for a total of approximately two hours. Participants must be in good physical condition and must be at least 12 years of age, weigh no more than 220 lbs. and be a minimum height of five feet. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Mandatory helmets are provided, along with elbow, knee and wrist protection. Even though this tour has limited participation and is conducted in small groups, a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. less

Explore Baja California's desert aboard a rugged Jeep® Wrangler. Your destination is La Candelaria, a small oasis village in the middle of the desert. Once your vehicle is assigned, you’ll set out across the desert caravan-style, following your local guide. Along the drive you’ll be shown some of the local flora and fauna that is found all over the Baja. There are several working ranches along the way, where you’ll see herds of cows and goats roaming the roads. Keep your camera ready as there are many photo opportunities. Driving will be shared among the four guests in the Jeep®. At La Candelaria, you’ll be served a delicious snack and a soft drink or bottled water at the local boarding school, which is home to approximately 75 students during the school week. You’ll also visit a local artist specializing in pottery. As the works are in high demand, there are not always samples available for viewing. Back in the convoy, continue your exploration down one of Baja's largest river washes until it reaches the Pacific Ocean. At the beach, you’ll have some free time to comb the beach for shells or just relax and watch the waves crashing on the shore. Your return trip to the pier will be along Baja's famed Highway 1. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age to snorkel. Drivers must be at least 25 and present a valid driver's license. All vehicles have manual transmission and a maximum capacity of four passengers per vehicle. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart condition, knee pain or injury, spinal and or neck pain or injury or any recent injuries should not participate. Guests must be able to walk approximately 750 yards over uneven dirt surfaces to do the walking portion of this tour. Guests with mobility problems can rest at the boarding school while the rest of the group participates on the walking portion of the tour. less