Europe Cruises: Excursions

Fill your senses with the rugged scenery and vibrant colors of this isolated part of the Italian Riviera. Due to the difficulty to reach this area, it’s one of the best preserved regions of the Mediterranean, with centuries-old footpaths and mule tracks winding high above the sea, leading through olive groves, terraced vineyards, orchards and woods. Small sandy beaches among the rocks, high cliffs, caves and tiny bays characterize the very scenic coast. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hills are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Cinque Terre National Park. A drive north takes you to the Cinque Terre. In Manarola, after some free to explore, you’ll embark a motorboat for a scenic cruise (weather permitting) that will take you to the fishing village of Vernazza, where you’ll enjoy time at leisure. No visit to the Cinque Terre can end without visiting Monterosso al Mare. After an introduction from your guide, you’ll have free time to explore the tiny shops and have lunch on your own. Note: Villages may be visited in reverse order. Motorboat transport depends on the weather and sea conditions between villages. Transport can be on choppy seas; the train will be used when weather conditions prohibit boat transfers. Your guide will meet you in La Spezia and will accompany you through the villages; however, you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. There is approximately 1 mile of walking through cobblestones, gravel, uneven and inclined terrains as well as numerous steps. 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

Le Castellet is a typical Provencal hilltop village perched on wooded hills above the vineyards. The seaside resort town of Bandol, with its sheltered bay, is cradled by the surrounding hills. Mountain and sea, what a great combination! A scenic drive takes you to the remarkable stronghold of Le Castellet, formerly owned by the Lords of Les Baux. It boasts well preserved ramparts, a carefully restored 12th-century church, and a castle dating back to the 11th century. Entering by one of the two fortified gates, called le portail and le portalet, you’ll be taken on a guided walking tour around the narrow streets up to the castle which is now home to the town hall. Time at leisure allows you to explore the arts and craft workshops, galleries, pottery and many other shops before the drive to the seaside resort of Bandol. This small, pleasant resort located on a bay is sheltered by high wooded slopes. Enjoy some free time here to take in the activity of your choice. Relax while in one of the inviting waterfront cafes or stroll along the fashionable boutiques. The choice is entirely yours! Note: There is approximately 2 miles of extensive walking on relatively flat terrain in Bandol and uphill and cobblestone terrain in Castellet. less

Visit Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarters, the Old Town of Gamla Stan. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, and stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. You’ll experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. You’ll also see Stortorget and the Great Square – the hub of the Old Town, dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy, which meets each year to decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Rejoin your coach and continue through the city center and on to the Nordic Hotel in the heart of the city, where the world’s first permanent ice bar is located. The interior is kept at -5° Centigrade all year round. The whole interior, including glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. A complimentary drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell you more about the bar and its construction. Note: You’ll spend approximately 25 minutes in the ice bar. Depending on the licensing laws, non-alcoholic drinks will be served if the bar is unable to offer vodka, which might depend on the time of the day (no alocohol allowed before 11:00 am). Tour sequence may vary in order to avoid congestion at the venues. less

Visit two of the Venetian lagoon’s islands, Murano and Burano; the first world-famous center of glass-making and the second renowned for its lace. First you’ll travel along a portion of the beautiful Giudecca Canal passing St. Mark’s Basin and other landmarks, then cross the lagoon to Murano, where you’ll visit a glass factory and have a unique opportunity to see how beautiful Murano glass is made, followed by some time for shopping. After visiting the glass factory, continue with a leisurely trip across the lagoon to lovely little Burano with its gaily painted houses and brightly painted fishing boats. Enjoy a walk through the streets of this charming and picturesque island where fishermen are always mending nets or repairing their boats. On Burano, one encounters a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. Women sometimes sit in their doorways working on a piece of lace. Burano lace is extremely delicate and time-consuming to create. A small piece may take several weeks to complete, making it highly prized. You'll have a chance to admire some of these works of art when you visit one of the stores that sell the famed Burano lace. Note: Although most walking is on level ground, passengers with physical limitations are advised that there are some steps on both islands. The order of sights may vary. THIS TOUR IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS STARTING IN BARCELONA AND ENDING IN VENICE AND FOR NORWEGIAN JADE GUESTS COMBINING 2 CONSECUTIVE SAILINGS. less

Today you’ll visit Pergamon, the intellectual center of Asia Minor, and an ancient healing center - Asclepion. Pergamon, a center of learning and arts possessed one of the greatest libraries of antiquity. Among the ruins lays an impressive amphitheater, the Temples of Trajan and Dionisus, the Altar of Zeus, the Sanctuary of Demeter, a three terrace gymnasium and the Agora. The next stop is Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city, which was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. This center was something very similar to a modern natural healing clinic where patients were given exercises, drugs, herbal remedies or the waters of the springs to drink. Galen, who first introduced the notion of experimentation to medicine, was among its famous physicians. You’ll make a stop for a shopping opportunity and refreshments. The tour will end with a drive to Izmir. Note: There is approximately 1 1/4 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with inclines and steps. During summer months, expect crowded venues and long lines as well as temperatures that can reach extreme highs. 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. A cable car is used to transport guests up to Pergamon from the parking area. less