Europe Cruises: Excursions

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

Enjoy a picturesque winding road, a city perched high above the Bay of Naples and a city full of highlights. Start with a panoramic drive from Naples along the winding coast taking you to the quaint city of Sorrento. Upon arrival in Sorrento, your guide will introduce you to this lovely city and give you free time for getting to know the city better, for shopping or just to do as you please. You’ll then meet your guide at the designated place and time for the return drive with more beautiful views of the coast to Naples for lunch. Dine at a typical Neapolitan pizzeria where you'll experience the "original pizza" in the city that boasts the world's first pizzeria back in 1830. Sit back and enjoy a classic Margherita pizza accompanied by a mixed green salad and beverage. After lunch take a sightseeing loop around the city of Naples for a quick orientation, driving past the round-towered Castel Nuovo, San Carlo Opera House, Umberto Gallery, the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola Church. Capture a panoramic view of the city and the Bay of Naples from the vantage point of Posillipo Hill before returning to your ship. Note: The tour is only available for Norwegian Jade winter sailings and Norwegian Epic summer sailings. Guests must be able to walk approximately 500 yards over even surfaces with 5 - 10 steps. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers and bring bottled water. Walking during the free time is at the guests' discretion. The drive between Naples and Sorrento is approximately 1 ½ hours each way. Due to traffic restrictions of the Sorrento center a short walk from the motorcoach drop off point to the main center and vice versa will be required. less

This tour gives you a guided introduction to the highlights of Florence and more free time for shopping and exploring this magnificent city at your leisure. Before entering Florence, you’ll stop at a leather factory where you’ll see artisans at work as well as have the opportunity to do some shopping. Your walking tour starts at the Piazza del Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Continue on to the Piazza della Signoria and see the outside of Dante’s home. In the square, view a copy of Michelangelo’s David (not the original) and the Loggia dei Lanzi, along with other sculptures. Next, visit Santa Croce Square, where your guide will explain, from the outside, the details of what is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Italy. You’ll have approximately 3 1/2 hours to explore, shop and enjoy lunch on your own. The pick-up point and time will be provided by the tour escort. Note: There will be only one departure from Florence. Please return to the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Your guide will join you in Florence, however you will have an escort with you throughout the day. The level of exertion during free time is completely up to you. less

This touring option allows you complete freedom to maximize your time and explore the places that really interest you. Discover in comfort and at your own pace with the convenience of a private vehicle and English speaking driver/guide (other languages available on request) at your disposal. You set your pace and itinerary, just tell us where you want to go!
Note: Entrance, parking fees and meals are not included, in order to allow you complete freedom of choice. Bring local currency, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Extra hours available at an additional cost. Guests, who are planning to visit the religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed in churches. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour. less

Depart the pier in the late morning for an approximate 2 1/2-hour scenic tour that covers the main attractions within the Warnemuende/Rostock area. Drive to Rostock past the typical Eastern Block living quarters of the area. Upon arrival in Rostock’s center, you’ll see its century’s old red-brick architecture, experience the local Hanseatic ambience, pass the old ‘New Market’ with its beautiful City Hall, and St. Mary's Church – Rostock's famous landmark. Continue past ruins of the old city walls and a former STASI prison (State Security of former East Germany) before continuing into the countryside. You’ll pass by the Bad Doberan Cathedral, one of northern Germany’s largest and mightiest medieval churches that towers above the rest of the village and nearby fields. From here you’ll continue through lush countryside and small villages before returning to your ship. This is a perfect tour for guests with walking difficulties. Note: The order of the sights may vary. Most shops in Rostock will be closed on Sundays. less

Drive in a Super 4 x 4 vehicle over the lava plateau of Hellisheidi onto the southern coastal lowlands, to the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi. Your journey takes you through some of the prettiest countryside in Iceland, with the green fields, farms and villages so characteristic of the South. Make a short stop at Hvolsvollur before continuing towards the magical land of Thorsmork. The route changes as you leave behind the asphalt of the main road and head inland. You’ll have to cross several brooks and rivers thus experiencing the wilderness at its best. A stop at a glacier fed lagoon makes you realize how close you are to the surrounding glaciers, as their icy tongues appear from the hills above. In this desert of ice and rock, the valley of Thorsmork marks a clear contrast with its vegetation and grass covered Rhyolite Mountains. Leaving the Glacier Lagoon, you'll drive through the beautiful landscape of the valley of Thorsmork before stopping for lunch. Before the barbecue feast, you'll explore a little of the area on foot, hiking along a mountain path. Those who are not able to walk have the option to stay behind and enjoy the scenery. After this exhilarating experience, you’ll head back to Reykjavik, making one last stop at the waterfall Seljalandsfoss. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall itself. Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems. less