Europe Cruises: Excursions

Drive through Corfu and arrive at Achilleon’s Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great love for Greek history and mythology which is clearly reflected in the decoration of the palace. Its name also shows her admiration for the greatest warrior of the Trojan War, Achilles. The most recent page in the long history of Achileon was written in 1994 when it held a summit conference of the leaders of the EEC. During the works that took place beforehand, the building and the grounds were given their present look. After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes for a short visit to the Museum of Olive Oil. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Then, board your coach for the drive back to Corfu Old Town where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off there to walk through the narrow lanes and browse the souvenir shops on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship. 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

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. Visit the central market, home to hundreds of stalls brimming with locally grown vegetables, meats, seafood, as well as handicrafts. Continue to the new Medina of Casablanca and the Habous quarter with its Arab-Islamic architecture. You’ll see the facade of the Royal Palace and cross the quarter and the colorful olive market on foot. Drive through the residential quarter of Anfa and your guide will point out the location of the Casablanca Conference held during World War II. The main highlight of Casablanca is the famous Hassan II Mosque; stop here for an inside visit of this great architectural masterpiece. This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. You'll have some free time at Mohamed V's square for more photo opportunities or even some shopping.

Note: Tour involves approximately one mile of walking on level ground at Medina. Walking portion is not wheelchair accessible.

After your tender drops you off at the port of Athinios, you’ll drive to Pyrgos village, one of the oldest settlements and the highest village on the island. Admire the beautiful old houses and the Venetian fortress crowned by several churches. From Pyrgos Square the road runs uphill to the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah, the highest point of the island. From here, the views out over the caldera are majestic. Leaving Pyrgos you head to the northern end of Santorini to the village of Oia, which offers magnificent views of the caldera and the rest of the other islands. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful old mansions and houses perched on the cliffside, you’ll realize why the traditional Cycladic architecture is so well known. Here you’ll have free time to stroll around the narrow streets with the old beautiful houses and the tiny picturesque shops. Then, leaving the village of Oia, make your way to one of Santorini’s most renowned Greek tavernas where you’ll enjoy dinner, music and dances. Experience a typical Greek fiesta dancing to 'Zorba the Greek' and breaking plates while the bouzouki plays its solo. After a buffet-style dinner, you’ll continue to Fira town, the picturesque capital of the island built on the rim of the caldera wall. Enjoy the town at leisure before returning to your ship. Note: Tour participation is limited. Tour involves walking for approximately ½ mile on level, some steps and cobblestone streets. Amount of walking and exertion during free time is up to you. Not recommended for guests on wheelchairs. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. Most tours end in Fira where you’ll board a cable car to return to the pier (cable car ticket will be provided). Lines for the cable car are very long, especially during summer months or when there are several ships in port; please allow sufficient time to return to the tender landing pier. less

Enjoy a drive to the southern part of Lanzarote, passing the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and crossing black lava streams before arriving to the southwest coast of the island. There you’ll make a photo stop by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. On your way to the Timanfaya National Park, you’ll stop for a short camel ride. The park is a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava and fields of ashes formed by eruptions during the 18th century are mixed here in a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called the "Lunar Route”, which goes deep inside the heart of the national park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. Visit one of the local wine cellars for a taste of the local wine before the return drive to your ship. Note: Because Fire Mountains is the most visited attraction, to avoid delays at the entrance, tour order may vary but all mentioned sites will be covered. No professional camera or video equipment is allowed at Timanfaya National Park, including the camel area. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. less

Discover some of the most scenic parts of Mallorca and the lovely village of Valldemossa during this picturesque ride on the Soller Railway. Depart the pier for the approximately 50-minute sightseeing drive through Palma, and on to the Son Reus Train Station. Upon arrival, board the historic Soller train. The Soller Railway has been running a daily train service along the 17-mile (27-kilometre) route between Palma de Mallorca and Soller, without interruption, since 1912. Your scenic, 45-minute journey is an enchanting voyage highlighted by beautiful panoramic views of the Mallorcan Mountains, orange groves and small, fairytale-like villages. Pass through 13 tunnels and numerous bridges before arriving at Soller. After some free time in the beautiful village of Soller, board a coach for the drive to Son Marroig. This stunning estate is renowned for its picturesque setting on the slopes of Mallorca’s northern mountain range. You’ll make a photo stop at a lookout which offers spectacular views of the coastline and ‘Foradada’, a locally-renowned rock formation rising from the sea. Leaving Son Marroig, your drive continues on through the rugged northern interior of the island en route to Valldemossa, where a visit is made to the Carthusian Monastery. This 17th-century monastery, also known as ‘Cartuja’, is famous for its beautiful cloisters and gardens. More importantly, it housed two illustrious guests, composer Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand, during the winter of 1838-39. A guided tour of the monastery includes the cloisters, the 18th-century pharmacy, the former monks’ cells and the rooms once occupied by the famous couple. Following your visit, some time is made available for browsing the many shoppes at your leisure before re-boarding the coach for the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking on uneven pathways, with some steps to negotiate at Soller Station and approximately 1/2 mile of walking. The train is not air-conditioned or wheelchair-accessible, and has wooden seats. The train journey is not exclusive to NCL guests. less