Europe Cruises: Excursions

This cruise shore excursion is an ideal introduction to the city’s highlights. Reach the natural fortress of the Acropolis, and with your guide you’ll walk up the uneven footpath heading to the summit. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and the Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon. Continue with a city drive and see Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Hadrian’s Gate and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. After lunch, drive along the scenic coastal road which affords splendid views of the Saronic Gulf and takes you through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs. Arrive at Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon, standing some 200 feet above the sea at the edge of a cliff. It is one of the most breathtaking and deeply moving sights in all of Greece. Fifteen of the original 34 columns of the Doric order still stand in majestic splendor. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain locations the marble is uneven and slippery. During summer months and when there are many ships at the port of Piraeus, expect extreme overcrowding at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Please also be aware that there is much less congestion, both at the sites and in traffic during winter time, so tour durations may be slightly shorter than listed in the descriptions; the content of the tour will not be affected. less

The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Turkish food… all things that come to mind when you think of Istanbul. This tour is designed to cover the major highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time in this classical city. Visit one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known as the Blue Mosque because of the over 21,000 blue-green Iznik tiles used for its interior decoration. The six minarets and the layout of the domes and semi-domes create a unique exterior. Walk to the Hippodrome to see the remains of what was once the scene for political struggles and uprisings in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. Continue your walk and visit Hagia Sophia, "Holy Church of Wisdom," now mostly referred to as St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and considered as the 8th wonder of the world by most art historians. St. Sophia originated as a church in 360 AD and was later converted into a Mosque when the city was conquered by the Ottomans. Today, it’s considered as the most important Byzantine monument in the world. Another highlight of your tour is Topkapi Palace, a great walled complex hugging the shores of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The Treasury Section houses the 86-carat spoon maker diamond and an equally impressive emerald dagger. Another stop in your itinerary is the Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar is composed of two sections: the covered traditional part and the modern open section. The covered section is a whole quarter on its own and is surrounded by a wall which can be entered through several gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades are segregated into different sections. You’ll have a chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You’ll also visit the open and modern section which offers the best artworks and most reliable shopping. Here, you’ll see a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets and be given additional time to shop. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you shop and stroll in the handicraft store. A Turkish lunch is also part of your classical Istanbul experience. Note: This tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit's August 3, 2013 sailing. Participants are required to remove their shoes when entering the Mosque and are provided with an environmentally friendly bag to store them. As this tour visits a place of worship, please dress respectfully: no bare shoulders or exposed knees. Should the mosque be closed to visitors due to religious festivities, you’ll visit another historical mosque. On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar closes and only the shops of the outer open area of the bazaar remain open. Therefore, the visit of the covered section may be replaced with the Spice Bazaar. The "Gallery" section of St. Sophia and "Harem" section of Topkapı Palace are not included. There is approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven surfaces and some inclines and steps on this tour. Your Turkish lunch includes water; additional drinks are available at an extra charge. This tour will be subject to national and religious festive days due to the closure of the sites and venues during the month of Ramadan from July 9, 2013 through August 7, 2013, including the Festival Period of Ramadan from August 8, 2013 to August 10, 2013. less

If there is one memory you’ll take home with you, it’s of drifting through Venice’s canals on a gondola as darkened waters lap your boat and music melts on the air. This delightful after-dinner excursion offers the chance to experience that quintessential canal ride while being serenaded by musicians in traditional fashion. O sole mio! From your ship, you’ll transfer by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Basin where your gondola awaits. After your ride, you can stretch the evening’s magic with a stroll around St. Mark’s Square. Perhaps stop for an espresso at one of the elegant cafes with their orchestras and chandeliers before catching the motor launch back to your ship. Note: This excursion is dependent on weather and tide conditions. It is not recommended for guests with physical disabilities. The gondola seats 4 passengers each and several gondolas share two serenaders. The walk from the boat drop-off point to the gondola station is approximately 15 minutes with 4 bridges to cross each way. THIS TOUR IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS. less

After your tender drops you off at the port of Athinios, you’ll drive to Pyrgos village, one of the oldest settlements and the highest village on the island. Admire the beautiful old houses and the Venetian fortress crowned by several churches. From Pyrgos Square the road runs uphill to the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah, the highest point of the island. From here, the views out over the caldera are majestic. Leaving Pyrgos you head to the northern end of Santorini to the village of Oia, which offers magnificent views of the caldera and the rest of the other islands. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful old mansions and houses perched on the cliffside, you’ll realize why the traditional Cycladic architecture is so well known. Here you’ll have free time to stroll around the narrow streets with the old beautiful houses and the tiny picturesque shops. Then, leaving the village of Oia, make your way to one of Santorini’s most renowned Greek tavernas where you’ll enjoy dinner, music and dances. Experience a typical Greek fiesta dancing to 'Zorba the Greek' and breaking plates while the bouzouki plays its solo. After a buffet-style dinner, you’ll continue to Fira town, the picturesque capital of the island built on the rim of the caldera wall. Enjoy the town at leisure before returning to your ship. Note: Tour participation is limited. Tour involves walking for approximately ½ mile on level, some steps and cobblestone streets. Amount of walking and exertion during free time is up to you. Not recommended for guests on wheelchairs. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Most tours end in Fira where you’ll board a cable car to return to the pier (cable car ticket will be provided). Lines for the cable car are very long, especially during summer months or when there are several ships in port; please allow sufficient time to return to the tender landing pier. 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

Journey back in time to the evolution of Greek Civilization. Visit the Acropolis and its famous landmarks and see the highlights of Athens. Admire the Propylaea, the temple of Apteros Niki, the Erectheum, and stand in awe in front of the Parthenon. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Plaka followed by some free time to explore this old district. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing an unrivaled collection of treasures of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Classical Greek Art. A few of the most important exhibits include the bronze statue of Poseidon, Head of Hygeia "Goddess of Health", a bronze statue of the "Jockey-Boy" of Artemision, Golden Mask of Agamemnon and brilliant Minoan-style frescoes from Santorini. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain areas the marble is uneven and slippery. There is additional walking and steps at the museum. During summer months expect extreme large crowds at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Please be aware that there is much less congestion at the sites and less traffic during winter, so tour durations may be slightly shorter than listed but the content of the tour will not be affected. less