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

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

Visit Sorrento, Positano and Pompeii: three of the most fabled destinations on the Bay of Naples. Enjoy lunch in a hotel in Sorrento overlooking the sea and indulge in free time for shopping, photography or just soaking up the sublime atmosphere. Start your day with a drive through the coast of Amalfi en route to Positano. Here, whitewashed and pastel houses tumble down the cliffs to a beach dotted with brightly colored fishing boats. Long a draw for sophisticated world travelers, Positano boasts elegant designer boutiques, luxury shops and seaside cafes. You’ll then go to Sorrento where lunch awaits. Take advantage of free time to explore the flower-filled main street of Sorrento and the Corso Italia, lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Your day culminates with a visit to Pompeii in the afternoon. Entering by the Sea Gate, you’ll tour the city’s baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. The highlights include stunning frescoes and mosaic-inlaid floors. En route you’ll visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store. Note: The roads of Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are narrow and winding. Persons who suffer from motion sickness should take this into account. This tour is conducted in small groups. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. From the months of November through March, due to the earlier closure of Pompeii excavations, this tour will be run in the reverse order. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. less

Although quick paced with a substantial amount of walking and climbing, your day will be extremely rewarding. See the highlights of Florence, including Michelangelo’s David and climb to the top of Pisa’s famous leaning tower. You’ll arrive at Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy the wonderful panorama of Florence from this unique terrace. In the historical center of Florence you will begin your walking tour. Visit the Galleria Dell'Accademia, where you’ll see Michelangelo’s masterpiece: the original statue of David. Visit Piazza del Duomo, the religious center of Florence in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Piazza della Signoria and walk to the Ponte Vecchio for a photo opportunity. You’ll have free time for lunch on your own and shopping. Meet back at your bus and head to Pisa where you'll join your guide for a climb up the 294 steps of the world-famous Leaning Tower. In Miracle Square you will view the Cathedral and Baptistery from the outside and enjoy some free time for photo opportunities or shopping. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age to climb the Tower. No bags are allowed for the Tower visit for security reasons. Even though the tower has reopened to the public, Italian authorities have strict limitations on the amount of persons allowed in per hour/day. The walking distance between the Field of Miracles in Pisa, and the bus parking area is approximately 15 minutes each way. Please note that on public holidays, most major stores will be closed; however, most leather and souvenir shops will be open. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 3 miles. Due to the intensity of this tour, we do not recommend this excursion for guests with walking difficulties. The Galleria Dell’Accademia is closed on Mondays; this tour will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Spirit May 11th, 2013 and September 20th, 2013 sailings. less