Europe Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a drive to the southern part of Lanzarote, passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and crossing black lava streams before arriving to the southwest coast of the island. There you’ll make a photo stop by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. On your way to the Timanfaya National Park, you’ll stop for a short camel ride. The park is a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava and fields of ashes formed by eruptions during the 18th century are mixed here in a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called the "Lunar Route”, which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. Visit one of the local wine cellars for a taste of the local wine before the return drive to your ship. Note: Because Fire Mountains is the most visited attraction, to avoid delays at the entrance, tour order may vary but all mentioned sites will be covered. No professional camera or video equipment is allowed at Timanfaya National Park, including the camel area. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. less

Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on our way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal, on this cruise tour. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride back to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at one of the famous wine lodges in Funchal, where you'll sample (and may purchase) the world famous Madeira Wine. Note: A jacket is recommended as Madeira has a microclimate. This tour involves approximately 3/4-mile of walking (5 to 10 minutes) on cobblestones and uneven surfaces with approximately five steps to get to the viewpoint at Eira Do Serrado; approximately 10 steps at Monte and five to eight steps at the Madeira Wine Company. Cable car is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as access is similar to a ski lift; i.e. cable car does not stop for boarding, rather it moves slowly. An approximately five-minute walk is required from the bus stop to the wine lodge. Itinerary may be operated in reverse order. Toboggan ride will be closed in observance of Good Friday, so it will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Jade sailing of April 3, 2012. less

Visit the site of the First Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history, marvel at the treasures housed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum, and experience the real taste of Greece when you sample olive oils and wines produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Approximately 25 miles east of Katakolon is the site of Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you cannot help but to envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seated in the marble benches as the athletes took their marks on the starting line. Your tour continues to the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Here you’ll find the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, among many other magnificent pieces found in the area. Admire the sculpted ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and many other priceless pieces. Reboard your coach and drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery to Magna Grecia Farm lying in the heart of a traditional agricultural region. You’ll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. Make sure you try the ouzo, a local liqueur that tastes like licorice. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the olive tree and the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You’ll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes (appetizer dishes) accompanied by local wine. Flirt with Greek culture as you watch a short demonstration of Syrtaki dance, and maybe try a few steps yourself. Opah! Note: There is approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking on even ground, dirt and gravel. 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

The coastline east of Malaga is not as well known to tourists as the other side, but towns such as La Cala, Rincon de la Victoria and Torre del Mar, are popular for Spaniards. Along this subtropical coast grow sugar cane, avocado and custard trees. Some 35 miles from Malaga is Nerja, which counts many retired Britons among its residents. The historic center, which begins in the Balcony of Europe, dates from around 1487. Its 9th century castle is today a perfect view point above the sea. To the side of the balcony, you’ll find the 17th century Savior Church, constructed in Baroque-Mudejar style and the 16th century Our Lady of Sorrows Hermitage with its paintings by the master Alonso Cano. In the old quarter of town, typical small shops offer local handicrafts and local products such as sweet wine, olive oil, honey and tropical fruits. After a walk through the city, you’ll continue to the famous Caves of Nerja. Millions of years old, these breathtaking beautiful caves, should not be missed. Your surroundings get more fascinating as you descend deeper into the bowels of the earth. In its interior you’ll gaze in awe the largest stalagmites columns in the world, 161 feet high and 59 feet in diameter. Their capricious rocky formations can be compared to Modernist cathedrals, and their eight rooms include the Room of the Cataclysm, as well as the Room of the Cascade. Every year in August the Festivals of Music and Dance take place here. Note: This tour includes approximately 1 1/4-mile (2,000 meters) of walking and there are approximately 400 easy steps to be negotiated; they are perfectly safe, but not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. less

In the morning your tour takes you outside of the city to the historical town of Pushkin. The drive will take you to the Egyptian Gates, the entrance to the Tsar’s Village in Pushkin. Catherine’s Palace in the Tsar’s Village ranks as one of the masterpieces of world art. Peter the Great presented the estate to his wife Catherine in 1710 and the architect Braunstein built a small palace here. From this time until the time of the last Russian Tsar, Pushkin was used as the summer residence of the Royal Family. In 1756, Bartelomeo Rastrelli expanded the palace in Baroque style. Its grandiose, white and gold facade stretches 978 feet. During World War II, the palace was damaged severely, but since then it has been restored and stands now in its original glory.

The palace tour takes you through the series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery, the Great Hall and the world-famous Amber Room. The parks of the estate add to the splendor of the palace, and several of them are embellished with a number of charming pavilions. The town of Pushkin is famous not only for its remarkable palace and parks, but the man it was named after – Alexander Pushkin, the most celebrated poet in the country and a resident of this town at the beginning of the 19th century. The lyceum, where he studied, is connected to the palace by an arch. After the tour you’ll continue to one of the dining venues for lunch after which, you’ll drive back to the city for a tour of the Hermitage Museum, the largest art museum in Russia and the most prestigious museum in the world. The Hermitage Museum occupies the Winter Palace, the winter residence of the Russian Tsars, and four more buildings.