Europe Cruises: Excursions

Discover the highlights of Tenerife's capital by foot. Join your guide and see places most tourists miss. Not far from the harbor, you’ll find a fusion of modernity and tradition in the Plaza de España, next to the Cabildo (municipal council). Head towards the Guimera Theater, built in 1849 in classical romantic style. Nearby is Noria Street with its many pubs and restaurants where locals enjoy nightlife and where you’ll learn about the ‘murgas’, the satiric singing groups which perform songs during the carnival. You’ll notice that each 'murga' has its own colonial-style house where they rehearse their songs in strict secrecy so other 'murgas' don't find out what their lyrics are. Your journey continues with a visit to the municipal market ‘Nuestra Señora de Africa’ where you’ll find traditional foods, local fruits and vegetables and everything the locals buy every day in this popular market. Continue over the Serrador Bridge towards Calle Castillo (Castle Street) where most of the city center shops are located. Your walk leads you to Weyler Square. See the beautiful Carrara marble fountain and the palace of the Captaincy General. Head to Garcia Sanabria Park; an idyllic urban park in the heart of the city. Its large garden area where the vegetation blends with walkways, fountains, sculptures and gazebos, invites to leisurely walks and relaxation. You next destination is Pilar Street, lined with high-end shops. Before heading back to the port, you’ll have an opportunity to admire Principe Square and the San Francisco church. You may opt to stay in town a little longer to shop or explore more of this lovely city on your own or instead follow your guide back to the ship. Note: This tour involves a considerable amount of walking, participants should be fit. It’s not suitable for those on wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. We recommend you bring a bottle of water, wear a cap and sunglasses. Included in your tour is a visit to religious sites, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed in churches.The market is closed on Easter, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, so tour itinerary will vary during holidays. less

Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of Cabo San Lucas. Explore a part of Cabo that many never see, such as the famous Cabo Wabo and the incredible buys at the local flea market for starters. After a brief walk from the pier with your tour guide, your first stop is a very folkloric street where your warm up for shopping will take place. Then it’s off to the church of San Lucas - a small catholic church built in 1730 by Spanish missionaries. Across the street is the main park in town where you’ll enjoy a popsicle and walk to the town square to learn about the culturally rich background of Cabo. View real whale skeletons set up on display and visit the local Cabo San Lucas museum. Follow your guide down a scenic side street on your way to a popular Mexican restaurant to enjoy a complimentary, non-alcoholic beverage and after a brief stop there continue past the legendary Cabo Wabo Cantina owned by the 1980s rock star Sammy Hagar of the famed rock band Van Halen. Move on to the local market and try your bargaining skills, from hammocks to clothes, trinkets to leather goods, talavera pottery and much, much more…you’ll find all the souvenirs you need at the flea market. You’ll have free time to shop before heading back to the pier with your guide. less

Barcelona's favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking. Head to Montserrat through the main streets of Barcelona, driving by Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. On Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town, your guide will point out of the masterpieces of Gaudi's architecture: the Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, two of the best-known landmarks of the city. Diagonal Avenue leads the way to Montserrat.

This peculiar rocky mountain range is the site of the monastery where people come to worship ‘La Moreneta,' the black Madonna, patron of Catalunya. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the Escolans also live in Montserrat, forming the oldest boys’ choir in Europe. During your stay and visit to Montserrat, you'll visit the sanctuary and have free time to take in the activity of your choice. Spend extra time at the sanctuary, explore some more, take pictures, shop for that last-minute souvenir, have lunch or grab a coffee at one of the restaurants or cafeterias there. Once you finish the visit you'll be driven back to your ship.

A little bit of history, a little bit of art and a little bit of the city are waiting for you. Take a pleasant drive to Le Bardo where you’ll visit the famous national museum. The Bardo is one of the most important museums in North Africa. It offers a wealth of artifacts and mosaics, which take you through the centuries of Phoenician, Roman and Arab history. Its collection of Roman mosaics is considered one of the largest in the world. A short drive to Medina, gives you the opportunity to do some shopping or just enjoy a stroll through the picturesque meandering streets.

Note: This tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or with walking difficulties. There is a moderate amount of walking, including 2 flights of stairs at the Bardo Museum and navigating crowded, narrow streets in Medina.

Koper is an ancient Mediterranean town that lies on the northern coast of the Istrian peninsula where the Adriatic Sea incises most deeply into the heart of Central Europe. Koper's rich Venetian Renaissance tradition is very well preserved and its many beautiful squares and burgher buildings bear witness to its long history as an important city of the 1,000 year old republic. Stroll around the hidden squares and feel the atmosphere that makes this city alive. The capital town of Istria had been founded on the maritime trade and today this pulse is provided by the port of Koper, founded 50 years ago. At Tito Square, you’ll find the Cathedral and the Praetor’s Palace, together with other important landmarks. Learn about the cultural heritage of this region during your visit to the Regional Museum and have a taste of some local products and wine at a local restaurant. Upon visiting the important sights of Koper, your tour ends on the Carpaccio Square, where the great Venetian master spent the last days of his life. Once the tour has completed, you may return to the port at your leisure. Note: Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less