Europe Cruises: Excursions

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

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

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

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

Leaving the harbor of Marseille, your drive will take to Gordes stopping for photostops along the way. The houses of Gordes rise in picturesque tiers above the Imergue valley on the edge of the Vaucluse plateau. The stone buildings built in tight against the base of the cliffs and those perched on the rocks above, including the 12th century castle, are made of a beige stone that glows orange in the morning sun. Enjoy the atmosphere of this charming village and stroll through the small paved, sometimes stepped alleyways lined with gutters defined by two rows of stone with vaulted passageways, arcades of old tall houses and rampart ruins. Continue your exploration of Provence with a short drive to Roussillon, a village that stands on the highest hill between the Coulon valley and the Vaucluse plateau. These striking hills, composed of ochre rock of 16 or 17 different shades featured in the local houses, enhance the beauty of the village and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time at leisure before returning to your awaiting ship in Marseille. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 1/2 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with approximately 20 steps at Gordes and Roussillon. Not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available at both Gordes and Roussillon. less