Europe Cruises: Excursions

The Marietas Islands have been classified as a National Wildlife Preserve due to the numerous species of birds, marine mammals and fish that live here. This tour will let you experience the ecological sights and sounds of this natural environment. From the pier, an eco-guide will escort you to your state-of-the-art catamaran where you’ll meet your crew and receive a brief orientation. Leaving the dock, begin the 1-1/2-hour trip across Banderas Bay to the Marietas Islands. En route, get acquainted with the area through interesting and historical commentary. Keep an eye out for wild dolphins and sea turtles, which thrive in these waters. During the winter months (December to March) humpback whales are also a common sight. If encountered, your boat will pause to observe these creatures. As you approach the islands, your crew will provide you with detailed instructions on both snorkeling and kayaking. You’ll be fitted with snorkeling equipment and a review sheet, which contains information on the types of fish and animals you may encounter. After a 10-minute guided bird-watching trip around the islands by boat to familiarize you with the water conditions and to see the various species, your boat will drop anchor and you’ll have approximately 1 1/2 hours to explore the waters by kayak and/or snorkel. Enjoy a deli-style lunch and open bar aboard the catamaran on the way back as you just sit back and enjoy the entertainment provided by your enthusiastic crew. Depending on weather conditions, you’ll make a beach stop on the return back to your ship. Note: Participants must be in good health. We recommend that you bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. less

Unlike other Puerto Vallarta adventures, this one combines it all. Your journey will start with an inflatable powerboat ride past Los Arcos Marine Reserve. Your first stop is Quimixto, a remote seaside village from where you’ll depart on a horseback ride (helmets are provided for your safety) through the tropical forest arriving at a breathtaking waterfall where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Continue to the tranquil cove of La Bola with its beautiful clear waters for you to explore by snorkel. Your last stop is Pizota, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on this pristine beach and then relax in one of the hammocks. You can also explore its tropical waters by kayak. Look back one more time at this paradise as you board the powerboat for your return to Puerto Vallarta. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, weigh less than 250 lbs. and be able to swim. As this adventure takes place in a remote area only accessible by boat, participants must be in good physical condition. It is not recommended for those with heart, back or respiratory problems, pregnant women or guests with walking difficulties. 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, driver and English speaking 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. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour. less

The 50-minute drive to Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), will take you through Moscow Prospect, then on the Kiev Highway to the Egyptian Gates, the entrance to Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s Village in Russian). Catherine’s favorite palace is without a doubt one of the masterpieces of world art. Peter the Great presented this estate to his wife Catherine in 1710, and on it a small palace was built by the architect Braunstein. From this time until the time of the last Russian Tsar, it was used as the summer residence of the Royal Family. In 1756, it was expanded in the Baroque style. During World War II, the palace suffered severe damage, but since then has been restored and stands now in its original glory.

The palace contains a series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery and, of course, the Great Hall and the famous Amber Room. The parks of the estate add to the splendor of the palace, and several are embellished with a number of charming pavilions. Among them are the Grotto Pavilion and the Hermitage. The town of Pushkin is known not only for its remarkable palace and parks, but for the man it was named after. Since 1937, it has been named after Alexander Pushkin, the most celebrated poet in the country.

This exciting half-day excursion begins with a short walk to your four-person, manual transmission, open-air Jeep®, before you depart caravan-style to explore the scenic countryside of Puerto Vallarta. Your experienced guide will lead you up the Sierra Madre Mountains, passing through typical Mexican villages along the way. Make a short stop at Hacienda Dona Engracia, the only tequila factory in the area where you’ll receive a short briefing on the process of making tequila. Continue your adventure by passing fruit and tobacco plantations and taking in the spectacular natural beauty of the area. After your adventurous ride, enjoy a complimentary snack at a beautiful beach setting. Here, you’ll have time to swim, bask in the sun, play volleyball or simply relax before it’s time to get back in your Jeep® and drive back to your awaiting ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Driver must be at least 25 years of age and provide both a valid driver’s license and credit card. All vehicles must remain with the group throughout the tour. Bring your swimsuit, towel, comfortable shoes and appropriate clothes as you may get dusty or wet depending on the season. Any additional food or drinks ordered will be at your own expense. less

Explore Istanbul with this tour, designed for wheelchair confined guests and their companion with a specially designed van. Your tour will begin with a drive to the Asian Side of Istanbul, through the coastal road of Dolmabahce viewing the gate of this famous palace and cross to the Asian Side, via Bosphorus Bridge. After a short orientation tour on the Asian side, you will have a short stop where you will have the best photo opportunity of town. Tour will continue to St. Sophia Museum, originating in 326 under Constantine the Great, became Hagia Sophia and was rebuilt on a larger scale during the reign of Emperor Justinian. His intention was that the new building should surpass in splendor all others in antiquity. St. Sophia Museum was formerly known as the Church of Hagia Sophia (Divine Wisdom). In 1934 Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, had Hagia Sophia converted into a museum. Today, the museum is the most important Byzantine Monument in Istanbul, famous for its immense dome and beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most colorful sites of Istanbul; this Bazaar is composed of two sections namely the covered part and the modern part. The covered part is a whole quarter on its own, surrounded by a wall and entered through eleven gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades such as carpets, jewelry, leather goods, silver; varieties of souvenirs, textile, antiques, and home textile are segregated into particular sections of the bazaar. You will have the chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for. You will also have the opportunity to visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar which offers the best artworks and reliable shopping to your disposal. At this point you will have another period of time for shopping and a presentation about unique Turkish carpets and Turkish arts & products. Note: Walking during the free time is at the guests' discretion. The covered portion of the Grand Bazaar is not open on Sundays. The Asian side panoramic trip is subject to the heavy traffic conditions on weekdays and might be replaced with the panoramic drive by the Old City walls. The Gallery section of the Museum of St. Sophia is not included in the program. This tour is designed for full time wheelchair confined guests and their companion only. The vehicle used on this excursion is adapted with an access ramp (or lift where available) to accommodate a limited number of wheelchairs. Guests interested in this tour must present themselves to the Shore Excursions Desk on board the vessel to review availability and departure times. Guests wishing to utilize a wheelchair on this excursion must provide the Shore Excursions desk with the total dimensions (height, length and width) and weight of the electric scooter or wheelchair at the time of booking. Use of a motorized scooter is not guaranteed on this excursion. Please note that this information is subject to change and availability is not guaranteed. less