Europe Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a drive to the southern part of Lanzarote, passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and crossing black lava streams before arriving to the southwest coast of the island. There you’ll make a photo stop by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. On your way to the Timanfaya National Park, you’ll stop for a short camel ride. The park is a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava and fields of ashes formed by eruptions during the 18th century are mixed here in a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called the "Lunar Route”, which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. Visit one of the local wine cellars for a taste of the local wine before the return drive to your ship. Note: Because Fire Mountains is the most visited attraction, to avoid delays at the entrance, tour order may vary but all mentioned sites will be covered. No professional camera or video equipment is allowed at Timanfaya National Park, including the camel area. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. less

The coastline east of Malaga is not as well known to tourists as the other side, but towns such as La Cala, Rincon de la Victoria and Torre del Mar, are popular for Spaniards. Along this subtropical coast grow sugar cane, avocado and custard trees. Some 35 miles from Malaga is Nerja, which counts many retired Britons among its residents. The historic center, which begins in the Balcony of Europe, dates from around 1487. Its 9th century castle is today a perfect view point above the sea. To the side of the balcony, you’ll find the 17th century Savior Church, constructed in Baroque-Mudejar style and the 16th century Our Lady of Sorrows Hermitage with its paintings by the master Alonso Cano. In the old quarter of town, typical small shops offer local handicrafts and local products such as sweet wine, olive oil, honey and tropical fruits. After a walk through the city, you’ll continue to the famous Caves of Nerja. Millions of years old, these breathtaking beautiful caves, should not be missed. Your surroundings get more fascinating as you descend deeper into the bowels of the earth. In its interior you’ll gaze in awe the largest stalagmites columns in the world, 161 feet high and 59 feet in diameter. Their capricious rocky formations can be compared to Modernist cathedrals, and their eight rooms include the Room of the Cataclysm, as well as the Room of the Cascade. Every year in August the Festivals of Music and Dance take place here. Note: This tour includes approximately 1 1/4-mile (2,000 meters) of walking and there are approximately 400 easy steps to be negotiated; they are perfectly safe, but not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. less

Visit Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarters, the Old Town of Gamla Stan. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, and travel through the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. You’ll also see Stortorget and the Great Square, the hub of the Old Town, dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Rejoin your coach and continue through the city center and on to the Nordic Hotel in the heart of the city, where the world’s first permanent ice bar is located. The interior is kept at -5° Centigrade all year round. The whole interior, including glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. A complimentary drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell you more about the bar and its construction. After tasty drinks you’ll drive to Djurgarden, a favorite getaway spot for Stockholm residents. In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered the pride of Sweden’s navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Its salvage in 1961, with more than 12,000 objects on board, is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Note: You’ll spend approximately 25 minutes in the ice bar. Depending on the licensing laws, non-alcoholic drinks will be served if the bar is unable to offer vodka. Tour sequence may vary in order to avoid congestion at the venues. There are cobblestone streets in the Old Town. You’ll have some free time for lunch on your own in the Old Town or City Centre. less

After a short sightseeing tour of Messina’s Piazza Duomo, you’ll continue to Savoca, a village where scenic beauty and historical-artistic heritage make it one of the most attractive, although less-known places in the area. At the entrance to the village you’ll make a short stop at ‘Bar Vitelli’, which houses a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather'. You’ll visit the Cappuccini Church and see 37 mummified bodies of friars and noble people who lived there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then start a slow walk along the village’s main street which climbs up the hill, featuring several churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Along your walk you’ll also see ruins of a Norman castle and magnificent views. Continue to Forza d’Agro, a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman Castle of Capo Sant'Alessio, and the coastline towards Messina. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola came here when they filmed some scenes for the movie '[The Godfather III'. From the main square, you’ll walk up a lane that leads to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of San Agostino and you’ll also see the Baroque Mother Church before driving back to the pier. Note: Tour contains approximately 1 mile of walking including uphill roads and steps to negotiate. less