Europe Cruises: Excursions

Travel along the coast from Monaco to Nice driving on parts of the three beautiful scenic roads. You see the F1 circuit before getting to Grand Corniche to reach the cliff-top village of Eze, where you’ll have a short stop at the perfume factory at the base of Eze village. There are many memorable sights along the way, all seen from the comfort of your motorcoach. You’ll make a couple of stops along the way to admire the breathtaking views and for perfect photo opportunities. Before driving back to Monaco pier by the Lower Corniche, you’ll also enjoy a drive through Nice. 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. less

Leaving the port of Athinios, you’ll head to the picturesque town of Oia. Built high up on the ridge of red rocks, it offers breathtaking views of the blue Aegean and the caldera below. Take a stroll around the narrow streets with free time to visit the art galleries, antique shops and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the coffee and pastry shops. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 1/2 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 with sufficient time. less

Start with a guided walk through old parts of Bergen. Make your way past the University Library and Botanical Gardens. See the Grieg Hall, built in the shape of a Grand piano and the park where many of the city’s Art Museums are located. Cross the Bergen’s main square, Torgalmenningen, with the Seamen’s statue. Soon after, pass the Fish Market on your way to Bryggen Hanseatic Quarters. Here, is where nowadays many artists and businessmen have settled, you can also find a great variety of restaurants and pubs in the area. Before reaching Bergen’s oldest street, Øvregaten Street, pass by St. Mary’s church, one of the outstanding Romanesque churches in the country. Bergen has seven mountains, and on this tour you’ll take the funicular to the top of Mt. Floien, 1,000 feet above the city. The ride takes about five minutes and travels at a 26-degree incline, stopping for commuters along the way. At the summit, be prepared for magnificent views of the city, harbor, and countryside, weather permitting. There’ll be time for shopping or a short walk on one of the forest trails before you return to the city center by funicular and before heading back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and in good health. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. This tour may operate in reverse order. less

The State Hermitage is a museum of art and culture, one of the largest and oldest in the world. It was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. Its collections, of which only a small part is on the permanent display, comprise nearly three million items. Today the Hermitage museum encompasses buildings on the Palace Embankment and its neighborhoods. The Hermitage Museum occupies the Winter Palace – the winter residence of the Russian Tsars, and four more buildings: the Little Hermitage – Catherine’s original collection – the Old Hermitage; the Hermitage Theater – Catherine’s private theater – and the New Hermitage. Catherine started her art collection in 1764 by purchasing paintings. Her collection consisted of Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Antoine van Dyck, Rafael and others.

In her lifetime Catherine's acquired paintings from old masters, books, engraved gems, drawings, coins and medals and a natural history collection. Later Russian emperors continued to expand the collection and in 1852 the Hermitage was opened to the public. Immediately after the Revolution of 1917 the Imperial Hermitage and the Winter Palace were proclaimed state museums. The range of the Hermitage exhibits was further expanded when private art collections from several palaces of the Russian Tsars and numerous private mansions were being nationalized.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: The Hermitage requires considerable walking and stair climbing, and there may be lines and delays between galleries. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and correct change is required. Current information will be provided on board as prices are subject to change. This tour requires extensive walking. The route of the Hermitage tour is a subject to change without prior notice due to the museum's restrictions. Flash photography is prohibited. Entrance to the Hermitage is not wheelchair accessible; there are approximately 25-step stairs. less

Meet your guide and begin with a short drive up to Fjallgatan for a panoramic overview of the city. Continue to Gamla Stan, the enchanting, medieval Old Town. You’ll pass the Royal Palace and the dramatic royal theater as you drive to the island of Djurgarden, a favorite getaway spot for Stockholm residents and home of the Vasa Museum. In the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the Swedish warship ‘Vasa’, once considered the pride of Sweden’s navy. The present museum is built around the restored 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. It was salvaged in 1961 with more than 12,000 objects on board and is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. Continue on your tour to Ostermalm, a fashionable neighborhood of stately apartment buildings, then on to Sergel’s Torg, a square that is the focal point of modern Stockholm. Proceed south past the Parliament Building and the House of Nobility before returning to the pier. less