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

Enjoy the fun and adventure of Corfu’s countryside while traveling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea and beautiful green hills and take a look at the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. After picking up your 4 x 4 vehicle at the pier, your guide will lead you up the main coastal road to the northeast of the island. You’ll then take small country roads to quaint villages, stopping at one of the prettiest traditional and oldest villages of the island to take in the views. Then take an uphill narrow winding road (with 27 zigzag turns) to the Sokraki where you’ll stop once more to admire one of the most fantastic panoramic views. Following a dusty road, you’ll arrive at Troumbetta. You’ll also pass through other picturesque sites and stop at Bella Vista to take in some more spectacular views and enjoy some refreshments and Greek snacks. You’ll find it difficult to decide which village is the prettiest as all will leave you with incredible pictures and memories. At the end of the tour you’ll visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit, a variety which only grows in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products - a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit-preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the produce and of course purchase local liquors. Note: Vehicles are all manual transmission and self-driven. Driver must be experienced with manual transmission and be able to start the vehicle on an incline or off road situation. There is no narration while driving; your leader/guide will give explanations at the different stops. A local guide will lead the caravan. If you would like a personal driver for the vehicle, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk onboard to make arrangements at an additional cost. Four persons can be accommodated per vehicle, but we recommend two passengers per vehicle as the back seats are not comfortable for some adults. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and must provide a valid driver’s license. Even though this tour has limited participation, a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Not recommended for guests with neck, back or hip problems as well as physical limitations. 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

The small fishing village of Katakolon is the gateway to the mystical site of Ancient Olympia, some 25 miles to the east. Visit the remarkable site of Olympia where the first Olympiad was held. Its setting could not be more idyllic: in the middle of a fertile valley with the rivers of Alphios and Kladhios flowing past. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place in the sacred area called Altis. The most imposing monument in this area was the outstanding Temple of Zeus one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Nowadays there exists only the ruins of the temple and the statue has disappeared, its traces lost in the ages. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Continue to the Archaeological Museum, a five-minute walk from the site. Among the great finds of the area that are displayed here are the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. In addition you’ll be able to admire ornaments from the Temple of Zeus, and many other priceless pieces. 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