Europe Cruises: Excursions

Board your coach for an approximate 30 minute transfer to Kourouta Beach. This is a public beach area where you’ll have free time (approximately 3.5 hours) to relax under the sun and swim. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent at the beach on a first-come, first served-basis. There is a beach taverna nearby for refreshments or a light snack at your own expense. Credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted. You’ll need Euros for purchases at the beach.

Barcelona's favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breathtaking. Head to Montserrat through the main streets of Barcelona, driving by Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. On Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town, your guide will point out of the masterpieces of Gaudi's architecture: the Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, two of the best-known landmarks of the city. Diagonal Avenue leads the way to Montserrat.

This peculiar rocky mountain range is the site of the monastery where people come to worship ‘La Moreneta,' the black Madonna, patron of Catalunya. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the Escolans also live in Montserrat, forming the oldest boys’ choir in Europe. During your stay and visit to Montserrat, you'll visit the sanctuary and have free time to take in the activity of your choice. Spend extra time at the sanctuary, explore some more, take pictures, shop for that last-minute souvenir, have lunch or grab a coffee at one of the restaurants or cafeterias there. Once you finish the visit you'll be driven back to your ship.

Enjoy Valencia the easy way and discover what this fascinating city offers! It’s the perfect way to see the city for those who cannot walk or stand for long periods of time. Details are given along the way by your guide and there are opportunities to take pictures. The architecture of this beautiful city ranges from ancient Roman works to Santiago Calatrava's cutting-edge City of Arts and Sciences. Take a panoramic drive around the city, making a photo stop at the impressive City of Arts and Sciences located in the old river bed and built as a large scale urban recreation center for culture and science.

It showcases some of the most futuristic and beautiful architecture in the world. See the heart of the city as you pass Plaza de la Reina, the historical center. Here you’ll find the more significant monuments and buildings; an important collection of the city’s rich heritage. You’ll have some free time in the city center to explore further, shop or taste some of the local specialties. A drive along the sea front promenade offers views of the America’s Cup marina.

Take a stroll through Cannes on this walking tour as you learn about its history. Accompanied by your guide, admire the old town of La Sequet and the famous Boulevard of La Croisette. You’ll begin with a walk to the old part of the city built on the site of the former Canois Castrum, a Roman town dominated by a castle, on the slopes of Mont Chevalier. As you take Rue Perissol, the road ascends to Place de La Castre, surrounded by a defensive wall and dominated by the 16th-17th century Provencal Gothic style church, Notre Dame de L’Experance. The old bell tower leads you to a long tree lined terrace, offering a fine view of the town, harbor and Ile Ste. Marguerite. Continue on Rue Meynardier, formerly the main street linking the new town with Le Suquet. It is lined with a variety of shops and some fine 18th century doorways. Pass by the old covered market on your way to the famous Rue d’Antibes, the main shopping street. As you return to the maritime terminal along the famous Boulevard de La Croisette, see where locals stroll in the winter, and how the elegant promenade is bordered by palm trees and gardens overlooking a fine sandy beach. Luxury hotels and elegant shops line the front and side streets along with galleries, antique shops, cinemas and night clubs. At the top end of La Croisette, east of the port, is the new Festival and Conference center; the last stop before heading back to your ship. Note: Tour participation is limited. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. There are approximately 4 miles of walking over flat, uphill and cobblestoned terrain, with 25 steps to negotiate. less

This panoramic tour will take you to Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world offering breathtaking views. Next you’ll visit Camara de Lobos, the traditional fishing village that inspired Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. It was named by explorers Joao Goncalves Zarco and Tristao Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions (lobos de mar) that lived there at the time. Here you’ll have free time to explore this traditional, picturesque village. You’ll then be driven towards Funchal to sample the famous Madeira wine at the Madeira Wine Company.

Note: his tour involves walking on level ground with some steps in order to gain access to the edge of the cliff at Cabo Girao and at the Madeira Wine Lodge. A jacket is recommended as Madeira has a microclimate.