Europe Cruises: Excursions

Driving along the scenic Lower Corniche you’ll reach the dazzling city of Nice that enjoys a privileged setting on the hill-framed curve of the Baie de Anges on this shore excursion. Travel along the Promenade de Anglais, see the Russian Orthodox Church and take a walk around the fascinating old town with its narrow streets teeming with life. Reboard your coach for the drive to the Medieval village of Eze. You’ll be dropped off at the general parking area in Eze and will have the choice to visit the perfume factory or to walk up the steep cobblestone streets of Eze where the alluring Medieval atmosphere will enchant you. Don’t miss the magnificent views of the coast from the top before rejoining your coach to continue to the diamond, Monaco. Your coach will park at the foot of the rock, where you'll be carried to the top by escalators and elevators. On the upper level, enjoy a guided walking tour, passing by the main sights. After a short drive along the F1 circuit, you’ll reach Monte Carlo where you’ll start another walking tour that will bring you up (80 steps) to the square where you’ll discover the well-known Grand Casino. Here you’ll have some free time to take in the attractions of your choice around the Place du Casino before returning by motorcoach to your ship. 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. Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. Tour order may vary. The return from Monaco Rock to your ship will be approximately 10 minutes of walking. . less

In Solin, the site of the ancient Salona, it will seem as if time has stood still. At the time of its greatest prosperity (3rd and 4th centuries), Salona had approximately 40,000 inhabitants while Split did not even exist. Archaeologists have excavated remains of temples, amphitheaters, early Christian churches, burial grounds and baths. We can certainly say that in Croatia, this is the most important excavation site from Roman times. After your tour in Salona, you’ll drive along the beautiful Riviera of the Seven Castles to the charming town of Trogir. This tiny island is connected to the mainland with a bridge and is situated in between the mainland and the larger island of Ciovo. Trogir is completely occupied by spectacular constructions in stone-houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls, except for the green parks on the island. The streets are narrow and they truly give a feel of how life might have been in the old days. You’ll visit the main attraction in Trogir - the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three semi circular apses dominates the entire town. The main portal carved by the local artist, Radovan, in the 13th century is world famous. Other fine buildings that you’ll see are the Town Loggia, the Town Hall and Cipiko Palace.   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. Guests must be able to walk approximately 1/2 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with 15-30 steps. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Time permitting; you’ll have approximately 40 minutes for shopping and browsing. less

Drive through Corfu and arrive at Achilleon’s Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great love for Greek history and mythology which is clearly reflected in the decoration of the palace. Its name also shows her admiration for the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, Achilles. The most recent page in the long history of Achileon was written in 1994 when it held a summit conference of the leaders of the EEC. During the works that took place beforehand, the building and the grounds were given their present look. After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes for a short visit to the Museum of Olive Oil. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Then, board your coach for the drive back to Corfu Old Town where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off there to walk through the narrow lanes and browse the souvenir shops on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship. Note: During summer months expect, crowded venues and long lines. 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. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. Visit the central market, home to hundreds of stalls brimming with locally grown vegetables, meats, seafood, as well as handicrafts. Continue to the new Medina of Casablanca and the Habous quarter with its Arab-Islamic architecture. You’ll see the facade of the Royal Palace and cross the quarter and the colorful olive market on foot. Drive through the residential quarter of Anfa and your guide will point out the location of the Casablanca Conference held during World War II. The main highlight of Casablanca is the famous Hassan II Mosque; stop here for an inside visit of this great architectural masterpiece. This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. You'll have some free time at Mohamed V's square for more photo opportunities or even some shopping.

Note: Tour involves approximately one mile of walking on level ground at Medina. Walking portion is not wheelchair accessible.

Not far from Mykonos lays the island of Delos, the 'island of light'. According to mythology, Zeus, the King of the Gods, fell in love with a beautiful Titaness named Leto, but when his wife discovered his infidelity, she forbade Mother Earth to give Leto refuge. Lonely and pregnant, Leto wandered the earth until the island appeared amid the waves so that she would have a place to give birth to twins: Artemis, goddess of the hunt and virginity, and Apollo, god of truth and light. Pilgrims from all over Greece came to pay their respects, creating one of the wealthiest and most revered shrines of antiquity. After reaching the island by chartered boat, you’ll discover among the ruins, one of the island’s most spectacular relics, the Avenue of the Lions, where perfect replicas of the 7th century Naxian marble beasts crouch in silent vigilance at the sacred lake where Leto gave birth to her twins. Beyond, a path leads to Mt. Kynthos, where Zeus observed the event. There are many other interesting monuments which you’ll be able to admire during your visit. Note: Tour involves approximately 1/2 mile of walking on uneven gravel terrain. Not recommended for guests on wheelchairs. Delos is explored on foot and the two-hour walk is over uneven terrain and the steps can be slippery. 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. The boat ride between Mykonos and Delos can be rough at times, depending on sea conditions. Due to time constraints, this tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit guests on sailings departing from Venice. Delos is closed on Mondays so this tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit sailings of sailings of June 10 and September 2, 2013. less

If there is one memory you’ll take home with you, it’s of drifting through Venice’s canals on a gondola as darkened waters lap your boat and music melts on the air. This delightful after-dinner excursion offers the chance to experience that quintessential canal ride while being serenaded by musicians in traditional fashion. O sole mio! From your ship, you’ll transfer by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Basin where your gondola awaits. After your ride, you can stretch the evening’s magic with a stroll around St. Mark’s Square. Perhaps stop for an espresso at one of the elegant cafes with their orchestras and chandeliers before catching the motor launch back to your ship. Note: This excursion is dependent on weather and tide conditions. It is not recommended for guests with physical disabilities. The gondola seats 4 passengers each and several gondolas share two serenaders. The walk from the boat drop-off point to the gondola station is approximately 15 minutes with 4 bridges to cross each way. THIS TOUR IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS. less