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

Visit the Art Nouveau centre, located in the old pharmacy building, right in the heart of Alesund. The museum provides an interesting insight into the history of the fire in 1904 and the creative Art Noveau period. The town centre was rebuilt shortly after the fire in the characteristic architecture of that period. You’ll see various examples of this picturesque Art style that has made Ålesund one of the three last Art Nouveau-cities in Europe. Continue through the town of Alesund and uphill to the little attractive park at the foot of mount Aksla. Here, you’ll find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the emperor Wilhelm II, which he also has the main street in town named after him. You may walk up towards mount Aksla for a spectacular view or just sit at the park and rest before heading back to your ship. Note: This is a walking tour and participants must be in good health. Bring a rain gear jacket as this tour operates in all weather conditions. less

Upon arrival in Scalloway, the former Shetland capital, you’ll visit the castle, built in 1600 by the tyrant Earl Patrick Stewart using forced labor. It is four stories high and now roofless. Your next visit will be the nearby Scalloway Museum which houses a special "Shetland Bus" exhibition depicting the village's unique role in WWII operations. You’ll continue through the Tingwall Valley with its Norse heritage and arrive for a visit to the Gott Ponies. These were owned and bred by David Roberson, a Shetland pony enthusiast, breeding very good quality ponies. David or a member of his staff will be delighted to share their knowledge with you. Afterward, you’ll head northward through peat and heather covered landscapes. On the return journey to Lerwick, you may wish to take the opportunity to photograph one of the spectacular views of many of the islands that make up the Shetland’s archipelago. 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