Europe Cruises: Excursions

Your 4-wheel drive vehicle awaits shipside to take you on an exciting adventure of the Berber villages, not easily accesssible by other means. Passing through the colorful villages of Zaghouan and Bon Ficha, catch your first glimpse of a Berber village. The village of Takrouna is a natural and historical site, which covers the crest of the hill. From its elevated position, 656 feet/200 meters above sea level, enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Hammamet and the Zaghouan Mountain. Together with Jeradou and Zriba, Takrouna forms a group of Berber villages. Your guide will show you the distinctive homes and explain the lifestyle of these Berber families. There is an opportunity to visit the local museum and sample typical mint tea as part of this experience. Leaving Takrouna, venture off-the-beaten track on dirt roads that take you past the villages of Zriba and Geradu. This wilderness adventure gives you a close up look at Tunisia's fascinating natural "off-roading" landscape.

Note:This tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs, with walking difficulties, conditions or injuries which can be aggravated by off- roading and bumpy roads; pregnant women are not allowed due to off-road conditions. The approximately 60 minute off-road drive is subject to suitable weather conditions. There is an approximately 90 minute drive from La Goulette to Takrouna where restroom facilities are available. Each vehicle has a driver, there is no commentary during the drive, the guide will give explanations at each stop.

This is a short and pleasant paddling experience to the magnificent Los Arcos, a dramatic natural rock that arches starkly out of the sea at Land’s End. You’ll be transported by van from the pier to the kayak launching area and geared up as your guide briefs you. Easy paddling of your two-person kayak will take you across the San Lucas Bay, an underwater park and marine sanctuary and to the famed Lover’s Beach, only accessible by water and one of the few beaches in the world that joins two seas: the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. After you paddle back to the beach, you’ll return to the tender pier by van. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh no more than 220 lbs. This tour is not for pregnant women or guests with knee, back, neck or heart problems. Guests must be physically fit and able to paddle a kayak 1-1/2 miles. Snorkeling gear and a bottle of water will be provided. Snorkeling instructions are available upon request. Wear your swimsuit and bring towel. less

For the most adventurous, this is the perfect tour to correlate the disastrous eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction of the splendid city of Pompeii. Visit the famous city destroyed by a volcanic eruption and learn how its inhabitants lived. Learn how prior to the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was a thriving city, teeming with privileged rich people and ordinary slaves. See their homes and places of work during the days of the Roman Empire. The city was prosperous due to the region’s fertile soil. Hike up to the volcano’s crater and see the rivers of lava where crevices still exude fumes and heat. Vesuvius has erupted many times, but the eruption that stays in the mind of millions of people is the one in 79 A.D. Take in stunning views of Naples and the bay from the top. Time permitting, you’ll visit a cameo factory near Pompeii. Note: The tour will not operate for Norwegian Jade winter sailings from the end of November through mid-April. The steep gravel path to the crater is about 550 yards and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk round-trip. This tour is not recommended for guests with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure and does not include lunch. Guests should bring along local currency to purchase a snack outside of Pompeii. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. In the event of bad weather and the closure of Mt. Vesuvius crater, an orientation drive of Naples will be done instead. less

Begin your adventure by taking a deluxe drive to the Guanacaste flat lands while enjoying the beautiful passages surrounded by trees and cattle fields. Once at the operation base, you’ll have time to change and get ready to paddle after being briefed on safety procedures. Float down the Corobici River and enjoy its great scenery and wildlife. This classic floating trip is perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. As you raft along this tranquil river, you might spot one of the more than 300 species of birds from the nearby Palo Verde National Park. The more commonly seen birds are ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and blue, tiger and boat-billed herons. Other wildlife in the area includes otters, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, iguanas and many other lizards. At the conclusion of your trip, a native-style lunch will be served. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh less than 270 lbs. and be in good health. Bring a towel, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes if desired; tour may get you wet. less

After an orientation drive through Messina, you’ll head towards the slopes of Mt. Etna through the scenic countryside. See the impressive views from the vantage point of Cratere Silvestri. Here, you begin your ascent, first by cable car and continuing in 4 x 4 vans. With the assistance of Alpine guides, you’ll walk to see the last lava flow. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on the volcano. Note: This tour not recommended for guests with back, heart or respiratory problems as this tour reaches approximately 9,500 feet above sea level. There is an uphill walk of about 3, 300 feet. It can be windy and chilly at high altitudes, so a warm jacket or windbreaker is recommended. less