Europe Cruises: Excursions

In Solin, the site of the ancient Salona, it will seem as if time has stood still. At the time of its greatest prosperity (3rd and 4th centuries), Salona had approximately 40,000 inhabitants while Split did not even exist. Archaeologists have excavated remains of temples, amphitheaters, early Christian churches, burial grounds and baths. We can certainly say that in Croatia, this is the most important excavation site from Roman times. After your tour in Salona, you’ll drive along the beautiful Riviera of the Seven Castles to the charming town of Trogir. This tiny island is connected to the mainland with a bridge and is situated in between the mainland and the larger island of Ciovo. Trogir is completely occupied by spectacular constructions in stone-houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls, except for the green parks on the island. The streets are narrow and they truly give a feel of how life might have been in the old days. You’ll visit the main attraction in Trogir - the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three semi circular apses dominates the entire town. The main portal carved by the local artist, Radovan, in the 13th century is world famous. Other fine buildings that you’ll see are the Town Loggia, the Town Hall and Cipiko Palace.   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. Guests must be able to walk approximately 1/2 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with 15-30 steps. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Time permitting; you’ll have approximately 40 minutes for shopping and browsing. less

Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on our way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal, on this cruise tour. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride back to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at one of the famous wine lodges in Funchal, where you'll sample (and may purchase) the world famous Madeira Wine. Note: A jacket is recommended as Madeira has a microclimate. This tour involves approximately 3/4-mile of walking (5 to 10 minutes) on cobblestones and uneven surfaces with approximately five steps to get to the viewpoint at Eira Do Serrado; approximately 10 steps at Monte and five to eight steps at the Madeira Wine Company. Cable car is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as access is similar to a ski lift; i.e. cable car does not stop for boarding, rather it moves slowly. An approximately five-minute walk is required from the bus stop to the wine lodge. Itinerary may be operated in reverse order. Toboggan ride will be closed in observance of Good Friday, so it will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Jade sailing of April 3, 2012. 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.

Not far from Mykonos lays the island of Delos, the 'island of light'. According to mythology, Zeus, the King of the Gods, fell in love with a beautiful Titaness named Leto, but when his wife discovered his infidelity, she forbade Mother Earth to give Leto refuge. Lonely and pregnant, Leto wandered the earth until the island appeared amid the waves so that she would have a place to give birth to twins: Artemis, goddess of the hunt and virginity, and Apollo, god of truth and light. Pilgrims from all over Greece came to pay their respects, creating one of the wealthiest and most revered shrines of antiquity. After reaching the island by chartered boat, you’ll discover among the ruins, one of the island’s most spectacular relics, the Avenue of the Lions, where perfect replicas of the 7th century Naxian marble beasts crouch in silent vigilance at the sacred lake where Leto gave birth to her twins. Beyond, a path leads to Mt. Kynthos, where Zeus observed the event. There are many other interesting monuments which you’ll be able to admire during your visit. Note: Tour involves approximately 1/2 mile of walking on uneven gravel terrain. Not recommended for guests on wheelchairs. Delos is explored on foot and the two-hour walk is over uneven terrain and the steps can be slippery. 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. The boat ride between Mykonos and Delos can be rough at times, depending on sea conditions. Due to time constraints, this tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit guests on sailings departing from Venice. Delos is closed on Mondays so this tour is not available for Norwegian Spirit sailings of sailings of June 10 and September 2, 2013. less

If there is one memory you’ll take home with you, it’s of drifting through Venice’s canals on a gondola as darkened waters lap your boat and music melts on the air. This delightful after-dinner excursion offers the chance to experience that quintessential canal ride while being serenaded by musicians in traditional fashion. O sole mio! From your ship, you’ll transfer by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Basin where your gondola awaits. After your ride, you can stretch the evening’s magic with a stroll around St. Mark’s Square. Perhaps stop for an espresso at one of the elegant cafes with their orchestras and chandeliers before catching the motor launch back to your ship. Note: This excursion is dependent on weather and tide conditions. It is not recommended for guests with physical disabilities. The gondola seats 4 passengers each and several gondolas share two serenaders. The walk from the boat drop-off point to the gondola station is approximately 15 minutes with 4 bridges to cross each way. THIS TOUR IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS. less

Start your tours with a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the modern suburbs to the old trading centre of Borgund. Here, visit the Sunnmøre Open-Air Museum where you’ll see various types of farmhouses and boathouses. This Museum houses a number of different old boats and the shipbuilding process were known to be the most reliable along the coast. You’ll also find copies of the so-called Kvalsund and Fjørtoft-boats from the year 700 A.D. Alongside lies the fishing vessel "HELAND" - better known as the Shetland bus as it was used to carry Norwegian partisans across the North Sea during World War II. Lastly, make a detour up on Mount Aksla to enjoy the magnificent view over the town and its surroundings before returning to your ship. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 600 yards over even surfaces with 2 to 3 steps to enter/exit the coach. Walking at the Sunnmøre Museum is at the guests' discretion. Comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing are recommended. Please note that some of the door openings are low so guests should mind their head when entering. Tour may operate in reverse order. less