Europe Cruises: Excursions

After a scenic drive, you’ll arrive in Pompeii where you’ll visit the Roman resort buried by volcanic ash. Your tour will take you to the city’s baths, villas and theaters. See the well-preserved frescoes and mosaic-inlaid floors. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen who were swiftly overcome by the ashes. After lunch, if time permits, you’ll visit a cameo factory to see how the jewelry is made. Continue along the mountain road, which takes you to one of the picturesque villages of this famous area to explore its quaint streets. Continue along the coast, and take in stunning views at every turn of the winding road. When the Amalfi road closes to traffic (during holidays), this part of the tour is done by motor boat. The views from the water are simply spectacular. In case of inclement weather and rough seas, the cruise to Amalfi will be substituted by a visit to Sorrento. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. less

Would you like to enjoy a day of authentic Mexican fun? At Hacienda Dona Engracia we have a real Mexican Fiesta planned for you, with colors, displays, contests and more. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the hacienda and tequila factory, with free tequila samples. During lunch you’ll be entertained with music, displays of dancing horses, traditional Mexican folkloric ballet and of course, typical Mexican food. After the party there will be time for some contests, prizes and fun. Then you’ll head to the downtown area for a city tour and some shopping in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Passing through the charming downtown area you’ll see the famous waterfront Malecon, the ever popular statues and the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral before you head back to your ship. See you at the Mexican Fiesta! Note: Short pants are not permitted in the cathedral. Tequila samples are only given to guests 21 years of age and older. less

This classic Reykjavik excursion encompasses the ‘Big Three’ – Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir, and more. The ‘Big Three’ are collectively known as the Golden Circle and provide a look at some of the scenic wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. You’ll begin your day venturing into the beautiful Thingvellir national park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site only about 30 miles from Reykjavik, and ranking at the top of Iceland’s attractions. This national park has outstanding sceneries with an area surrounded by mountains and encompassing a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. Continue to Geyser area where you’ll see hissing springs and other geothermal phenomena. Lunch will be served in this area amongst these scenic surroundings. Next, drive to the Gullfoss waterfall. The ‘Golden Waterfall’ is the most famous of the country’s many waterfalls. Here, the river Hvita drops 96 feet in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle. Then, visit waterfall Faxi with its salmon ladder and adjoining traditional sheep round up pen; also, the town of Hveragerdi to see an earthquake exhibition. Being located on an old magma chamber, Hveragerdi is notorious not only for its abundance of hot springs, which heat the community’s greenhouse industry, but also for its earthquakes. Lastly, appreciate a scenic drive of the city on your way back to your ship. Note: The itinerary might be reversed, if necessary. Most of the sights of this tour can be seen from the coach. less

One of the highlights of Huatulco is definitely its wonderful shoreline, composed of several small bays with more than 36 beaches, scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. Take a closer look from the ocean to the natural features of this paradisiacal area and hear the ocean’s voice roaring at La Bufadora (the blowhole) or be surprised with the massive natural Indian face engraved through time by the sculpting action of the waves and the wind - the Stone Face. Visit the resort area at Tangolunda Bay, where buildings are mixed with the mountains as the background. Change your heading toward the west and check the secluded bays of Organo and Maguey. Continue your journey up to Cacaluta Bay and its island, named Playa del Rey in honor of the King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who fell in love with this bay during his visit to Huatulco. You'll enjoy a couple of hours of fun and pleasure aboard your catamaran and have seen six of the nine most beautiful bays in the world - Huatulco, the Nine Bays of Oaxaca. Note: You will not have the opportunity to swim, since this is only a sightseeing tour. There is no walking involved. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruits of the season are served on board. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bring suntan lotion. less

This tour covers the top 10 sights of the Hanseatic city of Rostock and is the best way to ensure you do not miss the highlights during your visit to Warnemunde (Rostock). Begin with an approximate 30-minute ride into the heart of the city, followed by a panoramic tour of the city by coach before you disembark and cover most of the sights on foot. Step back in time on a city walk through Rostock, Mecklenburg - Vorpommern’s largest city, passing by the University of Rostock, the oldest and largest university in continental northern Europe, a city gate which survived the ravages of time, the ‘New Market’ Square lined with six original carefully preserved, gable houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, the Town Hall, and St. Mary’s Church, an imposing brick Gothic church built in the 13th century. See the convent of the Holy Cross and the adjacent medieval city wall. View the modern functional buildings (concrete slab structures) built during the 1960s and in contrast the little fishing village Warnemunde, acquired by Rostock’s town council in 1323, before returning back to your ship. This tour is a compilation of the best sightseeing attractions Rostock has to offer! Note: The order of the sights may vary. Inside visit of the Marien church is not part of the tour. You may visit the church on your own leisure time. Since it is currently undergoing renovations, some parts of the church as well as the astronomical clock cannot be seen. Most shops in Rostock will be closed on Sundays. less

Your day starts with an approximate 1 1/2 hour drive to Rabat, the diplomatic capital of Morocco. Discover Rabat’s rich history and see its major treasures. Admire the majestic exterior of the Royal Palace built in 1864. Explore the archaeological site of Chellah, an ancient Phoenician city. Excavations uncovered the remains of “Decumanus Maximus” its principal way, a forum, monumental fountain, triumphal arch and other important ruins. Visit the Mohamed V Mausoleum, where the father of Moroccan independence is buried. You’ll also see Hassan Tower, one of the prestigious architectural heritages of the Almohad dynasty.

After lunch at a typical Moroccan restaurant, continue on foot to the ancient medina with its colourful souks to the Kasbah of Oudaya. This is a quiet and picturesque spot with white and blue houses in the middle of bustling Rabat. Visit the beautiful Andalusian Gardens located on the site of the old palace grounds and enjoy a soft drink at the Moorish cafe on the banks of the Bou Regreg River. Back in Casablanca, you’ll have an orientation tour of the city including a photo stop at the Hassan II Mosque, the seaside resort of Ain Diab and time permitting, some time for shopping.

Note: Tour involves approximately one mile of walking on uneven ground. The Phoenician town of Chellah is not wheelchair accessible.