Europe Cruises: Excursions

This one-day visit gives you a sampling of the city's treasures, including a visit to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, and an up-close look at the statue of David, magnificently carved by Michelangelo. As you approach Florence, you'll stop at the Piazza Michelangelo for an overview of the city's tiled roofs, steeples and domes. All the main attractions in Florence are centrally located and perfect for a walking tour. First, you'll visit the Galleria Dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous Statue of David, and best of all, you’ll have a reserved time for entering so you won't have to stand in long lines! You'll visit Piazza del Duomo, the religious center of Florence in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Continue on to the Piazza della Signoria, the Basilica of Santa Croce and then walk to the Ponte Vecchio for a photo opportunity. After lunch, some free time for shopping is allowed before returning to Livorno. Note: Your guide will join you in Florence, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 2 miles. Most museums are closed on holidays. The Galleria Dell’Accademia is closed on Mondays; this tour will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Spirit May 11th, 2013 and September 20th, 2013 sailings. less

Avignon, a city rich in culture and art, spreading along the banks of the Rhone River was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock, on which stand majestically the Cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes was one of the largest buildings of its time. It was fortress and palace, covering over 2 1/2 acres in a luxurious, sumptuously decorated maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages. Most of its original furnishings were lost or burned over centuries, but the rooms are still impressive. Visit the Palace of the Popes, followed by free time for lunch, shopping or further exploration on your own. Drive to the amazing eagle’s nest village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky spur in the Alpilles range and offering great views of the countryside and vineyards. In the village of Les Baux, you’ll see a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll also have some free time to walk along the narrow and winding streets lined with local artisans who display and sell their works. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with a few steps in Avignon and about 20 steps in Les Baux. Not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available at both Avignon and Les Baux. Please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less

Your day begins with a scenic drive to Palmares County. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will provide you with fascinating information regarding Costa Rica's culture and history and give you the chance to ask questions. Once in Palmares, you’ll see Costa Rica’s most fascinating churches, and will have the opportunity to visit them and learn of their uniqueness. Your next stop will be Doka Estate, located at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level. This beautiful estate and coffee plantation was declared a historical and architectural heritage site by the Costa Rican Government. Your guide will relay the magic of coffee from seed to cup. Enjoy a typical buffet at La Cajuela restaurant surrounded by beautiful gardens with mountain views. You’ll have free time to visit souvenir shops and take home some special coffee products. Your last stop will be La Garita, a magnificent botanical garden featuring a learning greenhouse, flower showroom and a bird area of scarlet macaws, blue and gold macaws and cockatoos. Note: Wear comfortable shoes, long pants and a light jacket; bring sunscreen and sunglasses. less

First, visit Alesund’s attractive setting, built on three islands with the spectacular Sunnmore Alps in the background. Pass by Borgundfjord, with charming suburbs and well-kept gardens. Head over to the municipality of Stordal, famous for its furniture factories, a very important export article in this region. Reach to the fertile valley of Valldal, where strawberry cultivation is very common; ascend up the valley to Trollstigen, reaching 850 meters above sea level. Start the descent down the Trolls' Path with its daring hairpin bends. Down in the valley make a photo stop to take in the lovely waterfall called Stigfossen waterfall cascading down the mountainside.

Next, detour up to Trollveggen; here, you’ll find the Troll Wall with the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe. Climbers from all parts of the world come visit this 1,000-meter tall wall to try out the various routes to the top. Then, pass by Romsdalsfjord with its many small villages known for its ship and boat building. Before returning to your ship, cross over the Orskog mountain plateau, a popular skiing area for the people in Alesund.

The posh waterfront of St. Tropez and the “Little Venice” of Provence are yours to enjoy on this day. Drive along the wooded coastline to the fashionable, picturesque waterfront of St. Tropez. Join your guide on a walking tour of the port and the old harbor filled with yachts, from the most humble to the most luxurious. On the waterfront and in neighboring streets, the old pink and yellow houses have been converted into cafés, luxury boutiques and antique shops. You’ll have some time at leisure to do as you wish. Need suggestions? Why not relax at a waterfront café, watch an artist create a masterpiece or browse the local market? After some free time for lunch on your own, you’ll see how the other half lives in “Little Venice” as you continue to Port Grimaud. This is the first of the Cote d'Azur's custom-built resorts and it was designed to resemble an old world Mediterranean fishing village. During your free time, you might opt take a mini cruise along its canals, enjoy people watching from a café or climb up to the roof of the church for a striking panorama of the gulf of St Tropez. It’s entirely up to you! Note: There is approximately 2 miles of walking on relatively flat terrain and some large steps to negotiate in both towns. less