Europe Cruises: Excursions

This excursion combines the charm of both old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship. Note: Short pants are not permitted in the cathedral. Tequila samples are only given to guests 21 and older. less

Visit Stockholm’s oldest and coziest quarters, the Old Town of Gamla Stan. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, and travel through the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. You’ll also see Stortorget and the Great Square, the hub of the Old Town, dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Rejoin your coach and continue through the city center and on to the Nordic Hotel in the heart of the city, where the world’s first permanent ice bar is located. The interior is kept at -5° Centigrade all year round. The whole interior, including glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. A complimentary drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell you more about the bar and its construction. After tasty drinks you’ll drive to Djurgarden, a favorite getaway spot for Stockholm residents. In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered the pride of Sweden’s navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Its salvage in 1961, with more than 12,000 objects on board, is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Note: You’ll spend approximately 25 minutes in the ice bar. Depending on the licensing laws, non-alcoholic drinks will be served if the bar is unable to offer vodka. Tour sequence may vary in order to avoid congestion at the venues. There are cobblestone streets in the Old Town. You’ll have some free time for lunch on your own in the Old Town or City Centre. less

After a short sightseeing tour of Messina’s Piazza Duomo, you’ll continue to Savoca, a village where scenic beauty and historical-artistic heritage make it one of the most attractive, although less-known places in the area. At the entrance to the village you’ll make a short stop at ‘Bar Vitelli’, which houses a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather'. You’ll visit the Cappuccini Church and see 37 mummified bodies of friars and noble people who lived there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then start a slow walk along the village’s main street which climbs up the hill, featuring several churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Along your walk you’ll also see ruins of a Norman castle and magnificent views. Continue to Forza d’Agro, a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman Castle of Capo Sant'Alessio, and the coastline towards Messina. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola came here when they filmed some scenes for the movie '[The Godfather III'. From the main square, you’ll walk up a lane that leads to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of San Agostino and you’ll also see the Baroque Mother Church before driving back to the pier. Note: Tour contains approximately 1 mile of walking including uphill roads and steps to negotiate. less

Experience Corfu's most enchanting landmarks and colorful villages as well as breathtaking views of the island on this delightful tour. After an approximate 30-minute drive, you’ll first stop at Paleokastritsa, not only one of the most beautiful spots on the island but also a vantage point from which splendid views of the area's multiple bays can be seen. It’s said that at one of these bays, Odysseus met Nausica after he was washed ashore. Here you’ll visit the Monastery of the Virgin and its small museum. Your tour will continue towards the village of Lakones where you can look down on the Paleokastritsa and take memorable pictures. While continuing your drive to the western section of Mount Pantokrator, you’ll get the feeling that the entire island of Corfu is spread below your feet. After passing various Corfiot villages, you’ll walk through the beautiful fishing village of Kassiopi which is dominated by an ancient plane tree in its main square to reach your typical Greek lunch. After lunch you’ll continue exploring the northeast coastline via the village of Nissaki and the coastal resorts of Barbati, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia and Kontokali. Continuing your drive through the beautiful countryside, you’ll reach the Old Town of Corfu where you’ll have a chance to admire from the comfort of your motorcoach, the architecture of the beautiful mansions, the Byzantine churches, the old fortress, the Palaces of St. Michael and St. George and the lively Esplanade Square, before your return to the pier. Note: During summer months expect crowded venues and long lines. 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. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less