Europe Cruises: Excursions

Your journey starts with a transfer to Peterhof, also called Russian Versailles. Peterhof, the town of palaces, fountains and parks, was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. It lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 22 miles west of St. Petersburg. The Grand Palace, built in the beginning of the 18th century, is known as the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. The estate construction spanned two centuries and upon its completion, it encompassed seven parks and more than 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. The layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains was designed by Peter himself. The Grand Cascade, often considered the chief delight of the grounds, consists of three waterfalls, an avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. Samson, the main attraction of Peterhof, is located at the base of the Great Cascade. During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. For many years, the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration.

Now all guests of the city can enjoy the spectacular view of the fountains and the palace. After your tour of the Grand Palace, you’ll proceed to the magnificent gardens of the Low Park to admire the numerous fountains and statues of the Grand Cascade. As part of your Imperial tour experience, we have arranged a special hydrofoil boat transfer from Peterhof back to the city center, which will take you on a short 30-minute ride across the Gulf of Finland. After arriving back to town, you’ll be taken to the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, where you’ll enjoy views of the city including the Hermitage Museum and St. Peter and Paul Fortress, which you will tour next. Once inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral, you’ll be surrounded by marble columns, glittering chandeliers and painted decor, combined with carved and gilded iconostasis to create a magnificent setting for the tombs of Romanov monarchs. In July 1998, the remains of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family were also brought to the cathedral. The tour continues along the Neva embankment.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties due to long walking distances, cobblestones and gravel paths in the Peterhof Gardens and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Grand Palace is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow staircases and no elevators. Visit to the inside of Peterhof Palace is approximately one hour, and although you might get a glimpse of the fountains, this tour is of the palace interior. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. Operation of hydrofoil depends on weather conditions and is subject to cancellation without prior notice. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. This tour will not be available on 9/05/13 as the entire complex will be closed. less

Your walk will start at Victoria Pier in the heart of Lerwick, opposite the Market Cross. A leisurely stroll takes in the award winning, recently restored Tolbooth. This is now the headquarters of Lerwick's lifeboat station. You’ll see the unique "lodberries", once used by the town merchants for the landing and storage of goods. Climbing uphill you’ll observe a traditional method of recycling in the Shetlands, where an upturned former ferry is now the roof of a garage. You’ll pass various churches on the way to the steep, narrow, intricate web of lanes to the Town Hall, built in 1882. On the first floor, you’ll find the Shetlands' history depicted in pictorial narrative through stained glass windows. Proceed to Fort Charlotte, named after Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. The fort never saw action, but it housed a garrison throughout the Napoleonic Wars; it was later a base for the Royal Naval Reserve. It also served as the town jail and courthouse from 1837-75, and later a customs house and a coastguard station. At the end of your walking tour you may wish to stay in town to explore Lerwick's variety of small independent shops, browsing for local crafts and knitwear. less

Visit the archaeological site of Olympia. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place in 776 B.C. Today, only parts of the temple remain at the museum and only ruins remain at the site. The Temple of Zeus no longer exists and its traces have disappeared through the ages. The Temple of Hera, Prytaneion, and Philippeion were monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage. Stand at the starting line and imagine the voices of thousands of spectators seating on the stone bleachers. Continue with a drive through picturesque countryside to a local family-owned wine estate where you’ll be welcomed by the owners, the Kanellakopoulos family. Start you tour from the winery, with a mix of old and new equipment, the cellar and the very old olive press. Afterward, visit the traditional family museum with a collection of various old agricultural tools and equipment, interwoven with the estate cultivation throughout the years. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the local wines and snacks offered by the owners. less

The island of Mykonos is world-famous for its unique landscape, windmills, beautiful bays, superb beaches, and white houses and churches with their red or blue domes. Pass by Ornos Beach, one of the most stunning and cosmopolitan beaches on the island with an abundance of luxurious hotels, tavernas and yachts mooring offshore. As you head to the center of the island to visit the village of Ano Mera, you’ll make a short photo stop at the beach of Kalafatis. After a short visit to the Monastery Panayia Tourliani you’ll enjoy ouzo and Greek appetizers at the peaceful little square of the village. Note: Tour involves approximately 1/2 mile of walking on level ground. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. less