Europe Cruises: Excursions

Depart the pier and take a short walk across to the train station to board your exclusively chartered standard train for an approximate 3 to 3 1/2 hour journey from Warnemunde to Berlin. While relaxing and watching the German countryside pass by, you’ll be served a light snack. Upon arrival at one of Berlin’s train stations, your local Berlin tour guide will welcome and assist you to board your coach. Depart on an exciting tour of Berlin, covering the top 10 highlights of this bustling city. Photo stops will be made at the East Side Gallery, a 3/4 mile long section of the Berlin wall, Checkpoint Charlie and at the Bebelplatz where below the ground level lies the Empty Library. You’ll pass by the Potsdamer Platz, formerly a no man's land between East and West where the first gap in the Berlin Wall was made in 1989, and which is today a pristine block of futuristic glass-and-steel skyscrapers. A few blocks away from here, at the Holocaust Memorial, you’ll have another opportunity for a photo stop before making your way over to the famous Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag government building. Enjoy a traditional German pub style lunch before continuing your tour. Next, there's an an outside visit to the Charlottenburg Palace, the oldest surviving Prussian palace, and then drive into the former western part of Berlin, along the Kurfuerstendamm, where you’ll pass by the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church and the largest department store on the continent of Europe, the KaDeWe. Continue passing Berlin’s main train station with more than 80 shops that are all open seven days a week. Also, see the Victory column commemorating the Prussian victories. Depending on the order of the tour and timing, you’ll have the opportunity to either spend some time at leisure at the Kurfuerstendamm, Friedrichstrasse or Berlin’s Main Train Station (or similar), before transferring to the station for your return journey back to Warnemunde. Note: The order of the sights may vary. 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

Romantic charm and beautiful scenery will make your visit to Dubrovnik memorable. After a photo stop to take in the magnificent view of Dubrovnik from a vantage point by the road, drive through the picturesque villages of the fertile Konavle Valley to a restaurant located in an old mill next to the cascading waters of the Ljuta River. Here, your gracious host will offer you a light snack of local specialties such as smoked ham, cheese, homemade bread and a glass of local wine. Continue to the seaside resort of Cavtat. You’ll have free time to enjoy the quiet little town, a favorite destination for sailors and yacht enthusiasts. Then drive back to the charming Dubrovnik Old Town for an orientation tour with your guide, followed by free time to explore on your own. Note: This tour is not suitable for passengers who have difficulties walking due to the uneven cobblestone streets. There is approximately 1 1/4 miles of walking. Tour may be operated in reverse order. When tendering in to Dubrovnik Old Town tour duration will be shorter. less

Ljubljana is the largest and busiest Slovenian city with a combination of romantic stories, Medieval charm and a lively student atmosphere. During the walking tour of the interior streets of Ljubljana, your guide will try to capture the transformation from the Roman times to the present. Ljubljana bears witness to all the five millenniums of its history. Apart from the remains of the Roman Emona, it boasts a Medieval castle and numerous old city center Baroque buildings with uneven roofs and richly decorated facades and portals. Picturesque bridges complete the mosaic of Ljubljana across the Ljubljanica River and the vast Tivoli Park, which extends to the very city center. Your tour will pass all the main attractions: Three bridges created upon the idea of the superstar Slovenian architect Joze Plecnik, Preseren Square named after the poet, the open-air market known for its organic food and Slovenian culinary highlights, the Town Hall which is still kept as in the Medieval century situated in the square which was the cities soul, Robba's Fountain masterpiece from the Baroque era and many more hidden gems along your walking tour making for an exciting exploration that has something for every taste. Note: This is primarily a walking tour and guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less

A very fast paced, but rewarding day awaits. This ultimate scenic tour includes the most spectacular sites along the Campanian coast, including Pompeii, possibly the most famous excavation in the world. Start with a fast-boat ride to Marina Grande in Capri, a port lined with colorful old fishermen’s houses. A funicular will take you up to a terrace with a marvelous scenic overlook of the small island, the coast and the sparkling sea. Walk to the piazzetta, the heart of Capri’s shopping and nightlife. You’ll visit Augustus Gardens with your guide, or if you prefer, explore the narrow streets, take in the magnificent views, or relax at an outdoor cafe. You’ll then continue to Sorrento by jet-foil where lunch awaits. After lunch, you’ll have some time to wander the flower-filled streets or admire the high-quality handicrafts for which Sorrento is famous. Head to Pompeii where you’ll enter by the sea gate and visit the city’s baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Because Pompeii is so well preserved, you can see many fine details that reveal the lifestyles of the residents, such as mosaic floors and colorful frescoes in some of the homes. Time permitting, visit a cameo factory near Pompeii and browse handmade jewelry. Note: Tour is not available for winter sailings. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and very long lines at the funicular. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. Tour may operate in reverse order. less

This comprehensive and fast-paced excursion begins with a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to the fascinating city of Florence. Walk to the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy some free time for shopping before proceeding to the historic town of Pisa. Here, you’ll make a brief photo stop by Miracle Square where you can marvel at the exterior of the Campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower. Note: The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. Your guide will join you in Florence, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. The walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 2 miles. 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