Europe Cruises: Excursions

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

Explore one of the most interesting Mayan sites in the region, a collection of ancient stone carvings dating from roughly 300 BCE to 100 BCE. These carvings were found at the Izapa Ruins and depict the Mayan ideas of the creation of the universe and their religious beliefs. Among the carvings is a particularly interesting and complex one called Stella 5 that depicts the Tree of Life as well as about a dozen human figures, animals and more. This complex carving has led to many different theories about its subject matter. Most theories concern the Mayan religious beliefs; however some involve speculation about visitors from other continents before the arrival of Columbus. The Tree of Life in the Mayan world is depicted as a Ceiba tree. This tall tree is commonly found in Chiapas and the Mayan jungles. It is easily identifiable by its extraordinary height, high crown and large, buttressed roots. For the Mayans, the tree represents a connection between the three realms of the universe- the underworld, earth and the heavens. Afterwards, take a short bus ride to Chocolate Discovery. Here, you’ll learn about the discovery and history of the sacred cacao bean and its importance to the Mayan people. Learn how the cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate right at the main square. Also, see a variety of local handcrafts and exotic flowers of the region. Local dances and marimba players will share their skills with lively performances. After a short stop to see the local church, you will be on your way back to your ship. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a visit to the Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez is one of the most illustrious cartageneros of all times. He became president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style and is now a museum. During your guided walk you'll admire some of the best-preserved Colonial Spanish architecture in South America with its imposing merchant's houses, narrow streets, flower-bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. Next, visit the Dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century. Walk to the Plaza Bolivar where you'll visit the Gold Museum which houses a complete and beautiful archeological display of the pre-Colombian cultures and the fabled El Dorado. You'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures of this lovely city. Note: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays when it will be substituted by a visit to Galeria Cano next door, which has replicas of the Gold Museum. The visit to San Felipe Fortress is only Panoramic; there is approximately 20 minutes stay in Las Bovedas and approximately 30 minutes at the emerald shops. Rafael Nunez House will be closed until June 2013; San Agustin Cloister will be visited instead. less

In the picturesque Karst region of Slovenia and just a stone’s throw from the Slovenian-Italian border lies the Lipica Stud Farm - the cradle of the Lipizzaner horse. You'll visit the stud farm, which was founded in 1580 and, today, it is a jewel among the cultural and historical monuments of the Republic of Slovenia. For over four centuries, the Lipica Stud Farm has nurtured the tradition of breeding and selecting thoroughbred horses. In the period after World War II, Lipica established its own classical riding school and has successfully performed with its horses at various equestrian events all over the world. The riding school was established during the Austrian Empire in 1572, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. Records show that a wooden riding arena was first commissioned in 1565, but it wasn't until 1729 that Emperor Charles VI had the architect Fischer von Erlach build the white riding hall used today. For a time, the riding hall was used for various private ceremonies, but it is now open to the public, who may witness the training and performances by the stallions. The Spanish Riding School was named for the Spanish horses that formed one of the bases of the Lipizzaner horse exclusively used at the school. Today the horses delivered to the Spanish Riding School are bred in a court stud in Piber in western Styria, Austria, though they originally came from the stud in Lipica, which also gave name to the race. Note: We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and drink a lot of water. Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less

Your coach will take you from the pier to start your walking tour from Senate Square, with its neo-classical atmosphere. It is surrounded by the Main Lutheran Church, the Senate Building, and the University. Walk by the central railway station of Eliel Saarinen and see the National Theater and Sanoma Talo. Enjoy a flavorful cup of fresh coffee and pastry served in one of the many coffee venues in downtown. Continue your tour by walking to Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare where you’ll see Helsinki’s museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum, the new Music Hall and the House of Parliament. Then, visit the world famous Rock Church built of bedrock and quarried stone. Continue your walk towards Sibelius Park, in which the name was given to the park honoring Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. Note: Guests must be in good physical conditions to walk approximately 4 miles uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Order of sights may vary. less