Europe Cruises: Excursions

Leaving the pier, you’ll drive to Trogir which is situated on a small island and squeezed in between the mainland and the larger island of Ciovo. Except for the green parks the entire island is occupied by spectacular constructions of stone-houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers, walls etc. You’ll visit the main attraction in Trogir - the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three semi circular apses dominates the whole town. The main portal is world-famous and was carved by the local artist Radovan in the 13th century. Other fine buildings that will be viewed are the Town Loggia, the Town Hall and the Cipiko Palace. The entire town is like an open-air museum so just strolling through narrow streets will be an unforgettable experience. Continue on to acquaint yourself with a typical Dalmatian village, its inhabitants and traditions. You’ll drive inland to the Primosten area to the small picturesque village of Burni. On the way you’ll pass interesting landscapes and see the impressive transformations of this rocky terrain into an oasis of fertile, hospitable living. After visiting village homes (some of which are several hundred years old) enjoy a refreshing rest in the shade of surrounding trees, while your hosts in national costume serve local specialties and homemade wine. You’ll be entertained with local songs and music to complete your enjoyment of this genuinely unique tour. 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 0.65 mile over various surfaces with 30-45 steps. Space is limited but a minimum is required to operate. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 40 minutes for shopping and browsing. Tour order may vary. less

Enjoy a very scenic and relaxing excursion, experiencing Italy's most famous coastline by motor launch, with minimal walking involved, and time within the beautiful village of Sorrento. After an approximate one-hour drive by coach, you will arrive to the town of Salerno, located at the very end of the Amalfi Coast. There you'll board a private motor launch and enjoy a 45-minute cruise, viewing the Dolomitic cliffs, which at many points, tower perpendicularly out of the sea and have been sculpted by nature into fantastic shapes. Amalfi is situated at the mouth of a deep gorge along the coast. Learn how this was a major shipping port during the Middle Ages and it was also an independent maritime state. Enjoy a narrated walk around the town center of Amalfi, with your guide, who will explain the history and architecture of the Cathedral of St. Andrew as you marvel at the exterior architecture, a mix of Moorish and early Gothic design. Its main treasures are the 11th-century bronze doors from Constantinople. Enjoy some free time on your own in Amalfi, for maybe shopping or relaxation, before cruising back to Salerno where your coach will be waiting to drive you to Sorrento. With its luxuriant vegetation and sun-drenched climate, Sorrento became a favorite resort of wealthy Romans. Experience this cliff-top setting, with an imposing Duomo, distinctive for its 13th-century cloister, and a charming, flower-filled town, all there for you to explore. Enjoy lunch with wine in a local restaurant in Sorrento before returning back to your ship. Note: Tour is not available for winter sailings. Guests must be able to walk approximately 500 yards over even surfaces with 5 - 10 steps. There are several steps to access the lunch venue. Comfortable walking shoes, hat, and sunscreen are highly recommended. Walking during the free time is at the guests' discretion. The drive between Naples and Salerno is approximately 45 minutes and from Sorrento to Naples is approximately 1 1/2 hours. Guests wishing to enter the Cathedral of St. Andrew on their own must ascend approximately 60 or more very steep steps. The order of the tour may be reversed. The motor launch has both inside and outside seating. In case of bad weather conditions and/or rough seas, the cruise to Amalfi will be cancelled and an orientation drive of the Amalfi Coast will be made instead. Due to traffic restrictions of the Sorrento center a short walk from the motorcoach drop off point to the main center and vice versa will be required. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. less

Fill your senses with the rugged scenery and vibrant colors of this isolated part of the Italian Riviera. Due to the difficulty to reach this area, it’s one of the best preserved regions of the Mediterranean, with centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks winding high above the sea, leading through olive groves, terraced vineyards, orchards and woods. Small sandy beaches among the rocks, high cliffs, caves and tiny bays characterize the very scenic coast. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hills are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Cinque Terre National Park. A drive north takes you to the Cinque Terre. In Manarola, after some free to explore, you’ll embark a motorboat for a scenic cruise (weather permitting) that will take you to the fishing village of Vernazza, where you’ll enjoy time at leisure. No visit to the Cinque Terre can end without visiting Monterosso al Mare. After an introduction from your guide, you’ll have free time to explore the tiny shops and have lunch on your own. Note: Villages may be visited in reverse order. Motorboat transport depends on the weather and sea conditions between villages. Transport can be on choppy seas; the train will be used when weather conditions prohibit boat transfers. Your guide will meet you in La Spezia and will accompany you through the villages; however, you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. There is approximately 1 mile of walking through cobblestones, gravel, uneven and inclined terrains as well as numerous steps. less

Board your local boat (caique) from the old port of Santorini for a 15-minute trip up to Nea Kameni. En route, admire the volcanic shores with the peculiar shape formations of the black volcanic rocks and the white pumice. After disembarking, a steep and fast-paced 30-minute (3/4-mile) hike on rocky and gravel terrain takes you to the crater of the still active volcano. During your walk up an ascending path, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the lava fragments and the volcanic rock formations. Once you’ve reached the crater you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini Island and the amazing cliffs of the caldera. Then you start your descent back to the boat. Finally you’ll sail towards the thermal springs of Palea Kameni, with its green sulfur warm waters and temperatures that reach 37° C (98° F). Here you’ll have the opportunity to jump off the boat and swim to the springs (weather permitting). Note: The volcano’s hiking area is a very steep lava field with loose rock and uneven terrain. There is no shade; we recommend that you wear appropriate sun protection and footwear. If you wish to swim, please bring your swimsuit, a towel and a change of clothes. The changing facilities on the boat are limited. You must be a strong swimmer as the waters are deep and the current is strong. There are no lifeguards on the boat or the island. The sulfur water may stain your clothes. The sea water is cold; however the springs are very warm. Tour participation is limited. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. This tour ends at the tender pier and you have a choice of returning to your ship or purchasing a cable car ticket to get to Fira town. less