Europe Cruises: Excursions

After a safety briefing, head for famed Lover’s Beach, past the sea lion colony and towering rock formations of Land’s End toward Santa Maria Cove. Anchor at a palm-studded tropical cove where the reefs are teeming with colorful tropical fish and you’ll have approximately 1 1/4 hours to snorkel in the tranquil waters alongside the boat. Snorkeling instructions are provided upon request. After your swim, you’ll be treated to your choice of soda, beer or a Mexican cocktail. Open bar is available throughout the cruise, after the snorkel portion of the tour. On the return trip, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 240 lbs. This tour is not for guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems or pregnant women. A signed waiver is required. less

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the southwest coast of the island, passing by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. After a brief photo stop and a short drive, you’ll reach the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. 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. At the restaurant El Diablo, located at the top of the hill, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "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. After this photo stop you’ll return 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

Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. After the Acropolis, you’ll drive to both the old and new sections of Athens, separated by Hadrian’s Arch. You’ll pass the statue of Lord Byron, the Corinthian Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square to the former Royal Palace. Here you’ll have a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform, as they stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other sights on the drive include the Academy, National Gardens and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, built in 1895 for the first modern Olympic Games. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain locations the marble is uneven and slippery. During summer months and when there are many ships at the port of Piraeus, expect extreme overcrowding at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. less

Mainly a fishing village, Herculaneum was most appreciated for its position overlooking the Bay of Naples. It became very rich as it was chosen as a summer resort by wealthy Romans who built wonderful villas adorned with frescoes, mosaics and great sculptures. There’s a feeling about Herculaneum that’s quite different from what one feels in other ancient world centers brought to light so far, including Pompeii. The torrent of mud flooding down from the volcano served for centuries as the best possible defense against atmospheric agents and illegal excavators. See the houses, shops, and baths, including wooden elements, foodstuffs and fabrics that are preserved intact, thus offering a unique vision of their lives long ago. En route, visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store. Note: Participants must be able to walk 1 mile over uneven, cobblestone terrain and be able to manage approximately 30 steps. less

Enjoy the sights along France’s most spectacular coastlines. Drive the famed Golden Corniche and enjoy some time in charming Saint Raphael. Admire stunning coastal views along the famous Golden Corniche – the Esterel cliff road – one of the most beautiful parts of the French Riviera. The road runs close to the sea in some areas and passes between villa gardens set with palms, orange trees and mimosa. The Esterel has a breathtaking beauty and is made up of volcanic rocks, which at Agay are blue in color and elsewhere are green, yellow, purple and grey. The fiery red of the rocks makes a striking contrast with the deep blue of the sea. The fashionable resort town of Saint Raphael is situated on Frejus Bay. The waterfront by the Old Harbour bristles with activity stimulated by the cafes and shops, which line the pavements of Cours Jean Bart and Quai Albert 1st. You’ll have some free time to seek out a souvenir during your visit or simply relax and watch the world go by. less

Board your coach in Tórshavn harbour, the rocky peninsula where the ancient vikings met. Travel up to the scenic, ridge-top road that runs along the southern part of Streymoy Island, pausing above Tórshavn for a photo stop at a viewpoint. Further north, stop for breathtaking views of Kaldbak and Kollafjørður fjords. Next, pass a charming mountain tarn to admire the hand-hewn stone salmon ladders leading to Lake Leynar. Arriving at Leynar, you may visit the local wood turner or take a walk on the beach. Then, discover the colorful village of Kvivik, site of an ancient viking settlement dating from the 10th century. Alongside a pleasant stream, explore the remnants of viking farmhouse and byre; here, you can enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful village. Your next stop will be Kollafjørður, where you’ll visit an old faroese church. This black, wooden built church with its traditional faroese turf roof is one of nine churches built in the period from 1830 to 1850. You journey back to Tórshavn will take you through a three-kilometer long tunnel and along a fjord at sea level. less