Europe Cruises: Excursions

This cruise shore excursion is an ideal introduction to the city’s highlights. Reach the natural fortress of the Acropolis, and with your guide you’ll walk up the uneven footpath heading to the summit. Sights include the Propylaea, Temple of Apteros Niki, Erectheum and the Architectural Triumph of the Parthenon. Continue with a city drive and see Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Royal Palace, Hadrian’s Gate and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium. After lunch, drive along the scenic coastal road which affords splendid views of the Saronic Gulf and takes you through some of Athens' most beautiful suburbs. Arrive at Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon, standing some 200 feet above the sea at the edge of a cliff. It is one of the most breathtaking and deeply moving sights in all of Greece. Fifteen of the original 34 columns of the Doric order still stand in majestic splendor. 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. Please also be aware that there is much less congestion, both at the sites and in traffic during winter time, so tour durations may be slightly shorter than listed in the descriptions; the content of the tour will not be affected. less

Enjoy the charms of the streets, squares and hidden corners of Valencia. Sample its signature dish and the symbol of Spanish cuisine around the world ¬– Paella. There is nothing more relaxing than a boat trip on the Albufera Lake, a natural habitat of great ecological interest with a rich variety of wildlife. Explore the city of Valencia, with sights of the City of Arts and Sciences, a panoramic drive and a stroll through the old quarter to visit some of the most important historic buildings. Few cities like Valencia are able to blend so many architectural styles including Medieval, Art Nouveau, Baroque and Gothic along with ancient ruins and the most modern avant-garde buildings this well. See the New Valencia, where The City of Arts & Sciences is a leisure center designed for the diffusion of science and culture. Its unique buildings will impress you.

Walk to la Plaza de la Reina in the historical center and discover its more relevant monuments and buildings. Admire the Cathedral with the Miguelete Tower and its many different architectural styles and works of art - La Lonja declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO and the Central Market’s modernist building. Enjoy a traditional Paella lunch and a glass of wine while taking in the views of the beach as the locals do. Learn about another surprising area of Valencia, the Albufera Nature Park. It features the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake is home to rare species of wading birds and a variety of wildlife. Its waters have been worked by fishermen and rice growers supplying ingredients and inspiration for the region’s delicious cuisine.

This is an opportunity to see the magnificent ruins of Ephesus - one of the best preserved Greek/Roman cities in Asia Minor, and also experience other historical and natural values around it. Your first stop is at the House of Virgin Mary, declared a place of pilgrimage in 1892, and has since been visited by many Christian pilgrims. Next, continue to Ephesus. Built in the 4th century B.C., this is one of the most interesting and extensive ancient cities in the world and the center of attraction in the Aegean region. The remains from the Roman period are the Grand Theater, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scholastic Baths, the Odeon, the Lower Agora, and the State Agora. After lunch, you’ll visit a local handicraft center designed as a typical Turkish village to see how the famous Turkish carpets are made. Note: Expect crowded venues and long lines. There is approximately 1 3/4 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with inclines and steps. During summer months, expect crowded venues and long lines as well as temperatures that can reach extreme highs. 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. Tour only available for Norwegian Jade. less

In the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada lays Granada, a peculiar blend of Arab and European culture with a wealth of extraordinary monuments. Take in the views, as you travel north over the Malaga mountains and through the picturesque countryside. Visit the Alhambra, palace of the sultans and one of the finest examples of Moorish art in Spain. Six centuries of Moorish rule left an indelible mark on Spanish culture and architecture, especially in the south in Andalusia, where this palatial complex is one of the world’s great architectural wonders. The Alhambra has been damaged and restored over the centuries, but it’s not difficult to picture the place as it was, in all its glory 600 years ago. From floor to ceiling, every inch seems to be covered with some kind of pattern: geometric, floral or Arabic script. The ceilings drip with stucco stalactites and each room seems more richly decorated than the previous one, walls of wood filigree frame courtyards and fountains. Rose-colored walls stand in sharp contrast to the turquoise and black Pool of Myrtles and the garden is scented with jasmine and rose. Continue to the small summer palace along an avenue of stately cypress trees and venture into the Generalife Gardens, with trimmed flowerbeds and box hedges, myrtle bushes and above all, fountains. The view from the gardens is splendid. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city making a photo stop at the Albaycin district. You’ll have free time to explore or to have lunch on your own. Note: This tour includes approximately 2 miles (3 km) of walking on flat and uneven terrain with some steps. The Alhambra is not wheelchair accessible. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. less

Get to know the city of Marseille and the charming old town of Aix en Provence, two iconic cities rich in history and culture. You’ll drive to Marseille to enjoy the sites, arriving by the Corniche J.F. Kennedy, which follows the natural coast and offers a lovely view of the islands dominated by the Marseilleveyre Summit. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica was built in the mid-19th century in the Romano-Byzantine style. Those able to climb the 170 steps to the top will be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of Marseilles and the surrounding area. And if not, you’ll still have a great view from the lookout point. Discover the medieval charm of Aix en Provence on a walking tour to see some of its main sites. You’ll visit Cours Mirabeau one of the most popular and lively areas in town. This wide avenue decorated with fountains and shaded by rows of trees is the central hub of Aix. You'll see the Saint Sauveur Cathedral and its unique combination of architectural styles that date from the 5th to the 17th century. Following the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to shop, have lunch on your own at one of the lively cafes or to explore further. You’ll meet your guide at a designated time and place for the return to Toulon. Note: There is approximately 2 miles of extensive walking on relatively flat terrain and approximately 170 steps to reach Notre Dame de la Garde. less