Europe Cruises: Excursions

Take an approximately 45-minute boat tour along the very tip of the longest, most desolate and perhaps the most beautiful peninsula in the world. Explore pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed Los Arcos, a dramatic natural rock monument that arches starkly out of the sea. A complimentary beverage will be served on board while you listen to an enlightening narration by J.M. Cousteau about the underwater life, the colorful history of Baja California and its fragile ecology. You’ll soon see that Cabo San Lucas lays claim to miles of unspoiled beaches, little coves and impressive hotels. less

Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of Cabo San Lucas. Explore a part of Cabo that many never see, such as the famous Cabo Wabo and the incredible buys at the local flea market for starters. After a brief walk from the pier with your tour guide, your first stop is a very folkloric street where your warm up for shopping will take place. Then it’s off to the church of San Lucas - a small catholic church built in 1730 by Spanish missionaries. Across the street is the main park in town where you’ll enjoy a popsicle and walk to the town square to learn about the culturally rich background of Cabo. View real whale skeletons set up on display and visit the local Cabo San Lucas museum. Follow your guide down a scenic side street on your way to a popular Mexican restaurant to enjoy a complimentary, non-alcoholic beverage and after a brief stop there continue past the legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina owned by the 1980s rock star Sammy Hagar of the famed rock band Van Halen. Move on to the local market and try your bargaining skills, from hammocks to clothes, trinkets to leather goods, talavera pottery and much, much more…you’ll find all the souvenirs you need at the flea market. You’ll have free time to shop before heading back to the pier with your guide. 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

Barcelona's favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking. Head to Montserrat through the main streets of Barcelona, driving by Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. On Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town, your guide will point out of the masterpieces of Gaudi's architecture: the Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, two of the best-known landmarks of the city. Diagonal Avenue leads the way to Montserrat.

This peculiar rocky mountain range is the site of the monastery where people come to worship ‘La Moreneta,' the black Madonna, patron of Catalunya. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the Escolans also live in Montserrat, forming the oldest boys’ choir in Europe. During your stay and visit to Montserrat, you'll visit the sanctuary and have free time to take in the activity of your choice. Spend extra time at the sanctuary, explore some more, take pictures, shop for that last-minute souvenir, have lunch or grab a coffee at one of the restaurants or cafeterias there. Once you finish the visit you'll be driven back to your ship.

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