Europe Cruises: Excursions

If you prefer to travel in smaller, more intimate groups, this tour will give you the perfect opportunity to experience highlights of the cities of Rabat and Casablanca. It combines the modern aspect of the economic and business center of Casablanca and the historical elements of Rabat with its ancient culture and a mixture of Phoenician, Islamic and Andalusian civilizations. After an approximately 1 1/4 hour drive, you’ll arrive Rabat, capital of Morocco and one of the four imperial cities. See the vast courtyard outside the Royal Palace and the 12th century Hassan Tower gracefully dominate the ruins of a mosque.

The Mohamed V Mausoleum is the resting place of the father of Moroccan independence and one of your stops. In the old town, discover the fascinating Andalusian garden of the Oudaya Kasbah and its Moorish cafe overlooking the Bou Regreg River. See where the Roman town of Sala stood outside the walls of Rabat, and the remnants of a fortified cemetery built in the 14th century, known by most at the gardens of Chellah, one of the most visited sites in Rabat. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Your return drive to Casablanca will include a brief tour with a photo stop at Hassan II Mosque, and a brief shopping stop at United Nations Square.

Note: This tour involves approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking on uneven ground in Oudayas Kasbah and Chellah.

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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

Visit the site of the first Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history. Then head to the beach and spend the rest of the day basking in the Greek sun or swimming in the waters of the Ionian Sea. Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you can’t help but to envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seating in the marble benches as the athletes took their marks on the starting line. After your visit to Olympia, you'll head to the beach where you'll enjoy many of its comforts. Your stay includes the use of a sun bed and umbrella at the main beach as well as a complimentary refreshment. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Note: Walking distance is approximately one mile on uneven gravel and sandy surfaces. Please remember to take your swimsuit, sun and foot protection and a towel from the ship. You’ll be provided with a drink voucher good for one soft drink, water or coffee. 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

Drive through the Turkish countryside along a hilly road to arrive at the House of Virgin Mary, the site where the Blessed Virgin is reputed to have spent the last years of her life. Your guide will read related Bible pages in the courtyard of the House of Virgin Mary and you’ll spend time at this holy pilgrimage shrine. After this special experience, you’ll visit the site where the Temple of Artemis once stood. This wonder of the Ancient World, is today considered as a place for holy pilgrimage. You'll also visit the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. Here you’ll find many frescoes, mosaics, and graceful columns to attest to the glory that marked the place where St. John the Evangelist, lived and died. Before returning to your ship, you’ll stop at a small Turkish village where you can learn about Turkish handicrafts and art and have a Biblical lunch of foods cited in the Bible. Note: This tour is conducted in small groups and requires a minimum number of participants to operate. There is approximately 1 3/4 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with inclines and steps. During summer months, expect crowded venues and long lines as well as temperatures that can reach extreme highs. We recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Tour only available for Norwegian Jade. less

Visit Sorrento, Positano and Pompeii: three of the most fabled destinations on the Bay of Naples. Enjoy lunch in a hotel in Sorrento overlooking the sea and indulge in free time for shopping, photography or just soaking up the sublime atmosphere. Start your day with a drive through the coast of Amalfi en route to Positano. Here, whitewashed and pastel houses tumble down the cliffs to a beach dotted with brightly colored fishing boats. Long a draw for sophisticated world travelers, Positano boasts elegant designer boutiques, luxury shops and seaside cafes. You’ll then go to Sorrento where lunch awaits. Take advantage of free time to explore the flower-filled main street of Sorrento and the Corso Italia, lined with boutiques and sidewalk cafes. Your day culminates with a visit to Pompeii in the afternoon. Entering by the Sea Gate, you’ll tour the city’s baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. The highlights include stunning frescoes and mosaic-inlaid floors. En route you’ll visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store. Note: The roads of Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are narrow and winding. Persons who suffer from motion sickness should take this into account. This tour is conducted in small groups. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. From the months of November through March, due to the earlier closure of Pompeii excavations, this tour will be run in the reverse order. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. less