Europe Cruises: Excursions

Mykonos is world famous for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and transparent waters. Along the south coastline of Mykonos lie some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Kalafatis beach is a short drive from your ship. Here you can enjoy the clear waters of the Aegean Sea along with a sandy beach and the sun. You’ll find everything you need for a relaxing or an exciting time on the beach. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: Please remember to wear your swimsuit and take a towel and sunscreen. There is a beach taverna nearby for refreshments or a light snack at your own expense. Swimming is at the guest's own risk as there is no life guard on duty. Please note that this is not a shuttle service. If you should miss the scheduled departure from the beach, it will be your responsibility at your own expense to return to your ship. Additional activities are available at the beach for an extra cost paid directly to local concessionaires and are not part of the tour package. The drive to/from the pier is approximately 15 minutes each way, dependent upon traffic conditions. This tour will only operate from June through August. less

Your scenic drive by night will first take you through the historical area of Istanbul. Travel to the heart of the Old City, as you drive over the Galata Bridge and view the Old City’s Sea Walls as well as the Sea of Marmara. As you reach the heart of Old City, take in the breathtaking photo opportunity of the Blue Mosque’s magnificence. Also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque’, it was built by his order over a seven year period in 1609. You’ll see the German Fountain and Obelisks at the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once at the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. It is now a tranquil city park. Nearby, from outside, you’ll see the 6th century St. Sophia Museum, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Continue your journey back to the new city as you drive over the Ataturk Bridge reaching Taksim Square, where the city life is bustling 24 hours a day. Enjoy some free time to explore Taksim independently before your journey back to the pier. Note: This evening tour is designed for guests with limited mobility and who do not wish to walk long distances and is only available for the first night in Istanbul on the Norwegian Jade winter sailings. Please expect differences in tour duration due to traffic conditions. less

Discover one of the most beautiful bays of Europe on this relaxing tour and get close to places only accessible by boat. You’ll get within close proximity of the arsenal and admire the National Marine buildings. See the marine cemetery, the last anchorage place for old vessels; the port of La Seyne sur Mer and its old shipyards along with the Corniche of Tamaris. Cruise by Lazaret Bay and its mussel farms, Les Sablettes, St Mandrier Peninsula, the jetty which closed the bay from the east and its fortifications Eyguillette, Balaguier, St Louis, Lamalgue, Tour Royale and Cap Brun.

Toulon’s coastline is lined with deep creeks shaded by pines; it offers turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and picturesque small fishing ports. At the completion of the tour you decide if you’re ready to head back to the ship or if you prefer to stay in town to do some shopping, try the local cuisine or just relax at your leisure.

Note: There is an approximately 15 minute walk back to the ship from your drop off point at the completion of the tour. This tour is wheelchair accessible. The boat is shared with guests booking shore excursion TLN_11. less

Experience Puerto Vallarta in all its glory. Travel along the main highway to Old Town, along the city’s cobblestone streets for a stop at City Hall and the Cathedral of the Lady of Guadalupe. Pass the elegant area of Conchas Chinas on your way to the southern end of town. Finally, stop at a charming restaurant for a complimentary beverage before heading to Old Town for some shopping. You’ll be assigned a time to rejoin your coach for the return trip to your ship. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship. Note: Short pants are not permitted in the cathedral. less

Located in the west part of Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the scenic town of Sarchi. It is considered the home of Costa Rica’s best craftsmanship. Here, more than a century ago, primitive local artists began painting and decorating their traditional oxcarts in intricate and colorful designs. These powerful vehicles, hauled by teams of oxen, soon became the primary means of transportation throughout the nation. You’ll see how the hand-painted Costa Rican oxcart art has evolved into a brilliantly executed form of native artistic expression. You can also find an immense variety of local wood products, ranging from elaborated hand-made furniture to hand-carved doors. Leather goods and all kinds of souvenirs will be available for purchase. Lastly, make a brief stop at the little town of Grecia, famous for its historical metal church, Cathedral de la Mercedes. The church is painted in a deep dark red color and has a gothic style; its metal pieces were imported from Belgium in the 1890’s. Note: Wear light clothing, walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. less