Europe Cruises: Excursions

The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Turkish food… all things that come to mind when you think of Istanbul. This tour is designed to cover the major highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time in this classical city. Visit one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. The six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi-domes create a unique exterior. Walk to the Hippodrome to see the remains of what was once the scene for political struggles and uprisings in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. Continue your walk and visit Hagia Sophia, "Holy Church of Wisdom," now mostly referred to as St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and considered as the 8th wonder of the world by most art historians. St. Sophia originated as a church in 360 AD and was later converted into a Mosque when the city was conquered by the Ottomans. Today, it’s considered as the most important Byzantine monument in the world. Another highlight of your tour is Topkapi Palace, a great walled complex hugging the shores of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The Treasury Section houses the 86-carat spoon maker diamond and an equally impressive emerald dagger. Another stop in your itinerary is the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar is composed of two sections: the covered traditional part and the modern open section. The covered section is a whole quarter on its own and is surrounded by a wall which can be entered through several gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades are segregated into different sections. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open and modern section which offers the best artworks and most reliable shopping. Here, you’ll see a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets and be given additional time to shop. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you shop and stroll in the handicraft store. A Turkish lunch is also part of your classical Istanbul experience. Note: This tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit's August 3, 2013 sailing. Participants are required to remove their shoes when entering the Mosque and are provided with an environmentally friendly bag to store them. As this tour visits a place of worship, please dress respectfully: no bare shoulders or exposed knees. Should the mosque be closed to visitors due to religious festivities, you’ll visit another historical mosque. On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar closes and only the shops of the outer open area of the bazaar remain open. Therefore, the visit of the covered section may be replaced with the Spice Bazaar. The "Gallery" section of St. Sophia and "Harem" section of Topkapı Palace are not included. There is approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven surfaces and some inclines and steps on this tour. Your Turkish lunch includes water; additional drinks are available at an extra charge. This tour will be subject to national and religious festive days due to the closure of the sites and venues during the month of Ramadan from July 9, 2013 through August 7, 2013, including the Festival Period of Ramadan from August 8, 2013 to August 10, 2013. less

On your visit to Marseille, you’ll see the entrance of the old port guarded by the two fortresses: Saint John and Saint Nicolas. Drive to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde for a very interesting visit where you’ll discover the city of Marseille. In Avignon, city of art and culture, the metropolis of the Vaucluse region which spreads along the banks of the Rhone River, see the famous Pont d’Avignon with only four of its arches remaining. Avignon was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock which is crowned by the magnificent Cathedral and Palace of the Popes. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping on your own. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with a few steps in Avignon. Driving time between Marseille and Avignon is approximately 1 1/2 hours long. This tour is not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available in Avignon. less

Avignon, a city rich in culture and art, spreading along the banks of the Rhone River was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock, on which stand majestically the Cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes was one of the largest buildings of its time. It was fortress and palace, covering over 2 1/2 acres in a luxurious, sumptuously decorated maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages. Most of its original furnishings were lost or burned over centuries, but the rooms are still impressive. Visit the Palace of the Popes, followed by free time for lunch, shopping or further exploration on your own. Drive to the amazing eagle’s nest village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky spur in the Alpilles range and offering great views of the countryside and vineyards. In the village of Les Baux, you’ll see a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll also have some free time to walk along the narrow and winding streets lined with local artisans who display and sell their works. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with a few steps in Avignon and about 20 steps in Les Baux. Not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available at both Avignon and Les Baux. Please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less

Journey back in time to the evolution of Greek Civilization. Visit the Acropolis and its famous landmarks and see the highlights of Athens. Admire the Propylaea, the temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and stand in awe in front of the Parthenon. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Plaka followed by some free time to explore this old district. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing an unrivaled collection of treasures of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek Art. A few of the most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, Head of Hygeia "Goddess of Health", a bronze statue of the "Jockey-Boy" of Artemision, Golden Mask of Agamemnon and brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Santorini. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain areas the marble is uneven and slippery. There is additional walking and steps at the museum. During summer months expect extreme large crowds at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Please be aware that there is much less congestion at the sites and less traffic during winter, so tour durations may be slightly shorter than listed but the content of the tour will not be affected. 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