Europe Cruises: Excursions

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

After an approximately one hour ride along a picturesque road, you’ll stop at the Old Bridge for a magnificent view of Porvoo’s quaint Old Quarter. Porvoo is the second-oldest town in Finland, dating back to 1346. In this popular artists’ center you’ll enjoy a walk along cobblestone streets lined with colorful wooden houses. Enjoy some time to explore Porvoo on your own, perhaps browsing the many artisan and handicraft shops, before your short drive to Haikko Manor, where you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, ride back to Helsinki for a tour of the city which includes a visit to Temppeliaukio Rock Church, Sibelius Park and Senate Square. You’ll also see Market Square, the Uspenski Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and many other city highlights. Note: Order of sights might vary. Guides are not allowed to escort large groups through churches while service is in progress. In this instance the guide will describe the church from the outside. We cannot guarantee entry if services are being held. Due to new traffic restrictions, buses will no longer be allowed to drive nearby the rock church; therefore, there will be a 20 minute walk to and from the church (approximately 1,600 feet). Guests must be able to perform substantial walks over uneven surfaces. less

Admire Pisa’s famous Field of Miracles where you’ll have time to walk around on your own to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. In Pisa, you’ll have one hour at leisure to take in the sights or shop in the numerous small stores. You’ll then continue to the popular seaside resort area of Viareggio with free time for dining, shopping or going to the beach to simply laze on a sun bed under an umbrella. The seaside promenade is open to pedestrian traffic only and is lined with elegant shops offering the latest fashions, small boutiques and cafes. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the resorts, cafes, or restaurants known for fresh seafood. You’ll be taken to a famous beach, where your stay includes use of the changing rooms, the beach and the swimming pool, and the use of a complimentary sun bed and beach umbrella (umbrellas may be shared among two guests). Note: We recommend that you bring a towel, a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, proper foot protection and a change of clothes. Please bring a towel from your ship. Keep in mind that most shops close between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. This tour is only available from mid-June through mid-September. The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. 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.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: Tour is subject to weather conditions. Boats are not wheelchair accessible. There is no narrative commentary while on the river boat. Only champagne and water will be offered as refreshments. The exact route of your trip will depend on the boat size and traffic conditions of the waterways. less

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.

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