Europe Cruises: Excursions

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavik with one stop at the Pearl Vantage Point. You'll leave the harbor towards the Laugardalur or 'warm water valley', passing the city’s main sports and recreation area with its outdoor geothermal swimming pool. From here, you'll head inland and arrive at the City’s municipal conservation area of Heidmork. Reykjavik has easy access to a plentiful, clean and uncontaminated water supply from the cold spring area Gvendarbrunnar. The surrounding lava fields, craters and imposing mountain ranges bear witness to the country’s fiery origins and succeed in providing visitors with a taste of the great outdoors. You'll return to the hustle and bustle of the inner city, driving past the open-air museum at Arbaer where selected old houses are shown and cross the Ellidaar, (Ellida River) one of the world's cleanest Salmon rivers known to flow through a capital city. You'll then make a stop at The Pearl (or Perlan), which, is built on the hot water reservoir tanks that provide Reykjavik with water for the taps and radiators. Here, the panoramic view at the platform is so splendidly clear, it is the perfect photo opportunity. You'll continue past the Hallgrims church, and head for the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets before passing the city lake, Tjornin, with its rich birdlife. Your next stop will be at the harbor area for a photo stop. On the way back, you'll follow the coastline, pass the famous Hofdi house where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Note: Most of the sites on this tour can be seen from the coach. Order of sites may vary. less

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

Travel up to the scenic, ridge-top road that runs along the southern part of Streymoy Island, pausing above Thorshavn for a photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking this colorful capital city. Then your next photo stop will be above Nororadalur (north valley) where on clear days a dramatic view of the island of Koltur stands gloriously before you. Winding down into a valley, you can see colorful villages. On your journey back to Thorshavn you’ll be taken through a 1 3/4 mile (three-kilometer) long tunnel and then along a fjord at sea level. less

Arguably the best known of all the Greek islands, Mykonos is renowned today for its nightlife and lively beaches. Following the Greek War of Independence, during which Mykonos played a significant role, life settled down for a while before it was 'rediscovered' as a beautiful location for filming, attracting actors, artists and jet setters. Today, both the lifestyle and true history of the island are showcased through this walking tour of unique Mykonos town. First you’ll visit the Mykonos Archaeological Museum, which houses pottery from Delos and some grave stelae and jewelry from the Island of Renia, the Delos necropolis. Among the museum's highlights is an exhibit of a pithos, or Minoan storage jug, which features a Trojan War scene in relief, and a statue of Hercules. Continue your walk with an exploration of the Mykonos that tourists seldom see, and discover her mysteries amid narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed houses and walled gardens. Discover the town's deliberately confusing layout, designed as a means to foil attacking pirates. The nearby windmills, an island trademark, once ground wheat that was used to bake bread for islanders and sailors alike. Now they stand as symbols of the island and afford a wonderful photo opportunity. Finally, do as the Mykonians and enjoy a refreshment of ouzo with some traditional mezedes before returning to your ship. Note: Tour is dependent on weather conditions and entails 2 1/2 hours of walking on cobblestone streets with slight inclines and a few steps. Even though tour has limited participation and is conducted in small groups; a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. The Mykonos Archeological Museum is closed on Mondays. The visit to the museum will not be possible for guests on the Norwegian Spirit sailings of June 4 & August 27, 2013. less

Enjoy the main sights of Helsinki, also referred to as the 'Daughter of the Baltic' or the 'White City of the North' from the comfort of your motorcoach. Your tour begins with a drive along a picturesque road on your way to see the great variety of Helsinki’s architecture. In Senate Square, you’ll see several buildings attributed to the Neo-Classic architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Enjoy a photo stop at the famous Lutheran Cathedral and continue on to Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare. You’ll see the Parliament House, the National Museum, and also Finlandia Hall, designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. Pass the new Opera House on your way to the Olympic Stadium where the 1952 Olympic Games were held. Then it’s on to Sibelius Park, where you can photograph a monument completed of 527 steel pipes honoring the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Enjoy a view of Embassy Park and the colorful open-air market on your drive back to the pier. Note: Order of sights might vary. Although some photo stops are included, no sites will be visited on this tour. Only collapsible/foldable wheelchairs are allowed as they can be stored in the luggage compartment of the bus. Guests must be able to manage 3 steps to enter the bus. less

Your tour adventure takes place on a Rigid Inflatable Boat, so-called RIB. After being briefed on safety instructions, you’ll be suited up with a Personal Floatation Device before you head out of the harbour. Your boat will drive in the coastal waters around Ålesund. Go as far as Runde Birdrock or into the sheltered waters of the inside of Alesund, depending on the weather. Your guide will look out for interesting wildlife, birds or even eagles. You can also get closer to a rock where seals are basking. Finally, after approximately 90 minutes of adventure, you’ll return back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and be in good health. This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from back problems. Participants must be able to swim. Wear flat or rubber sole shoes, expect to get wet. A waiver liability release form will be given to all guests. Lifejackets and goggles will be provided. This tour requires guests to walk approximately 300 meters from the pier to the RIB’s staging area. The route is the guide’s decision, depending on the weather and fitness of the participants. less

At the core of this sprawling cityscape is the palace that Emperor Diokletian built for his golden years at the turn of the 4th century. What began as an imperial residence and fortified camp is today an intriguing warren of narrow cobblestone streets, where pre-Romanesque churches live alongside Gothic chapels, history-filled museums alongside galleries of contemporary art and delicious-smelling restaurants compete with bustling cafes for the attention of passers-by. Your walking tour starts with a visit of Cathedral of St. Duje. The cathedral is built on the remains of an ancient shrine and is supposed to be the oldest in the world. A visit will also be made to the charming Temple of Jupiter and the Split City Museum. The City Split Museum occupies a set of Middle Age buildings in the north-east part of Diokletian's Palace, within which there are two yards, in which the most exhibition halls are situated. Other sights such as the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate and the Peristyle Square will be seen from the outside. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and bring bottled water. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties; there is approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets and approximately 40 steps in total on this tour. less

On this tour a Faroese family opens the doors to their home and invites you in. Your hosts will serve light refreshments including coffee, tea, and home-baked cake. This visit will give you an excellent opportunity to make acquaintance with locals and to see how a Faroese family lives. On your way back to the harbor, the driver will take you to a viewpoint overlooking Torshavn. less

Discover one of the most beautiful bays of Europe on this relaxing tour and get close to places only accessible by boat. You’ll get within close proximity of the arsenal and admire the National Marine buildings. See the marine cemetery, the last anchorage place for old vessels; the port of La Seyne sur Mer and its old shipyards along with the Corniche of Tamaris. Cruise by Lazaret Bay and its mussel farms, Les Sablettes, St Mandrier Peninsula, the jetty which closed the bay from the east and its fortifications Eyguillette, Balaguier, St Louis, Lamalgue, Tour Royale and Cap Brun.

Toulon’s coastline is lined with deep creeks shaded by pines; it offers turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and picturesque small fishing ports. At the completion of the tour you decide if you’re ready to head back to the ship or if you prefer to stay in town to do some shopping, try the local cuisine or just relax at your leisure.

Your scenic drive by night will first take you through the historical area of Istanbul. Travel to the heart of the Old City, as you drive over the Galata Bridge and view the Old City’s Sea Walls as well as the Sea of Marmara. As you reach the heart of Old City, take in the breathtaking photo opportunity of the Blue Mosque’s magnificence. Also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque’, it was built by his order over a seven year period in 1609. You’ll see the German Fountain and Obelisks at the Byzantine Hippodrome, which was once at the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. It is now a tranquil city park. Nearby, from outside, you’ll see the 6th century St. Sophia Museum, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Continue your journey back to the new city as you drive over the Ataturk Bridge reaching Taksim Square, where the city life is bustling 24 hours a day. Enjoy some free time to explore Taksim independently before your journey back to the pier. Note: This evening tour is designed for guests with limited mobility and who do not wish to walk long distances and is only available for the first night in Istanbul on the Norwegian Jade winter sailings. Please expect differences in tour duration due to traffic conditions. less

Sit back in the comfort of your motorcoach while discovering Naples’s major landmarks. The route takes you past piazzas, monuments, churches and museums. Capture a panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Naples from the vantage point of Posillipo Hill and enjoy a complimentary refreshment or an ice cream at a local cafe. Note: Walking during the free time is at the guests' discretion. less

This afternoon you’ll be transferred from your ship to the boat pier in the center of the city. St. Petersburg was founded on the banks of the Neva River, the main waterway of St. Petersburg. The embankments of the Neva were constructed in the middle of the 18th century. Developing the best traditions of Russian architecture and town planning, the architects of St. Petersburg made expert use of the natural conditions and created splendid architectural ensembles on the Neva which are interlined by the community of their artistic design.

On this cruise you’ll have a unique opportunity to view St. Petersburg from a totally different perspective. Enjoy this leisurely ride uninterrupted by traffic jams while sipping on your champagne and enjoying emotional performances by a colorful Gypsy group.

Drive through the heart of Oslo and see its highlights such as the Akershus Fortress, new Opera House, Parliament Building, Royal Palace, and the Nobel Institute. Pass through Vigeland Sculpture Park and continue through beautiful residential areas past the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and stop for a fantastic view of the city and the fjord. Pass the Open Air Norwegian Folk Museum and the Viking Ship Museum before arriving at Bygdoynes for a beautiful view of Oslo and the Oslofjord.

Note: This is a panoramic tour only, no venues are visited.