Europe Cruises: Excursions

A drive to the southern part of the Lanzarote will take you past the picturesque villages of Macher and Uga and cross black lava streams before arriving at the southwest coast of the island, passing by Los Hervideros where the sea water seems to boil in a volcanic cave. After a brief photo stop and a short drive, you’ll reach the Timanfaya National Park, a natural museum of unique beauty. Bizarre craters, streams of lava, and fields of ashes are mixed here with a nearly unrealistic lunar landscape, all formed during the last eruption in the 18th century. Upon arrival to Islote de Hilario, a crater with the highest surface temperatures in the region, you’ll experience still-existing activity not far underground as you gather around for the fun demonstrations. The geothermal energy is so strong that water gushes up and dry weed catches fire within seconds. At the restaurant El Diablo, located at the top of the hill, food is cooked on a natural grill powered by the heat within the earth below. Board a coach to embark on a tour of the Fire Mountains called "Lunar Route" which goes deep inside the heart of the National Park and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Through a recorded narration, you’ll learn about the history of the volcanic eruptions and see how slowly life conquers the inhospitable landscape with very few endemic plants. From here you’ll drive to the wine-growing area of La Geria where the locals have modified grape-growing through the centuries in order to preserve the vines from the harsh natural elements and provide a special cultivation for the grapes that produce the famous Malvasia wine. These vines are grown inside dimple-like craters and surrounded by volcanic stone semi-circles (called Zocos), built for each individual vine to provide much needed protection from the fierce winds. After this photo stop you’ll return to your ship. Note: Because Fire Mountains is the most visited attraction, to avoid delays at the entrance, tour order may vary but all mentioned sites will be covered. No professional camera or video equipment is allowed at Timanfaya National Park, including the camel area. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended. less

Travel along the Campanian coastal route to Sorrento. As you make your way towards the Sorrentine Peninsula, enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Bay of Naples. Once in Sorrento, you’ll have approximately 1 1/2 hours on your own to explore, shop and eat in Sorrento's charming flowered-filled streets that offer a wide array of boutiques, souvenir shops, and outdoor cafes. (Please note that lunch is not included in this tour.) You’ll then take a local shuttle bus and drive to a local beach. Your escort will designate a meeting time and place and then you’ll be on your own for approximately 3 hours at the beach. You can use the changing rooms and will have the opportunity to relax on the beach, taste the cuisine of the local restaurant or have a cappuccino on the panoramic terrace. A complimentary sun-bed and beach umbrella will be provided for you. After a relaxing summer day on the Italian coastline, you’ll re-board the coach for the return drive to your ship in Naples. Note: The amount of walking is at guests' discretion. This tour does not include lunch or entrance fees. An escort will be on the coach to/from Naples to answer questions. Items such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, proper foot protection and a towel should be brought with you from your ship. If guests should miss the return bus, transportation back to the vessel is your own responsibility and expense. Time in Sorrento and at the beach may be altered due to traffic. The transfer from Sorrento Town to the beach takes approximately 6-7 minutes each way and is operated by local shuttles buses so many guests will be standing. This is the only transportation authorized through the short, narrow street that connects the town and the beach. For this reason, depending on crowds and traffic involved, some waiting at the shuttle bus pick-up points may be expected. This tour is only available from mid-June to mid-September except for Norwegian Spirit August 3rd and August 15th 2013 sailings, and Norwegian Epic August 11th 2013 sailing. less

Depart the pier for Bad Doberan, a former summer residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg and home to a grand example of Gothic red-brick architecture. Enjoy a visit into the Minster, which was built between 1294 and 1368 and used to be a mighty Cistercian convent. It is home to one of Germany’s earliest winged Altars and also exhibits the earliest wood carved Madonna statue in northern Germany dating back to 1290. Transfer to a tiny train station and board the 'Molli', a narrow gauge steam train, for a leisurely 15-20 journey from Bad Doberan to Heiligendamm, 'chugging' at an approximate speed of 35 km per hour. Pass along Europe’s longest tree lined avenue, also referred to as the 'green tunnel'. Board your coach for a brief ride to Kuehlungsborn, where your guide will take you onto one of the sea bridges which are very popular to these old resorts, before you get the opportunity to stroll through the town center on your own or treat yourself to a short walk along the beach promenade. Board your coach again for a short transfer to your refreshment venue where you’ll enjoy some coffee and traditional German cake. Note: Order of sights may vary. The Molli steam train route may alternate, depending on the day of operation. less

Enjoy a relaxing 30 minute scenic ride through the lush Tuscan countryside. You’ll arrive at the estate of one of the area’s renowned wine cellars. Once there, you’ll tour the winery and learn how these delicious wines are produced and view the cellars where the wines are aged to perfection. Admire the estate’s vineyards, where the Sangiovese grapes are grown. These are the principal grapes used in the production of Chianti. You’ll get to see the vineyards cultivation of red and white wines along with the olive trees that produce some of the area’s finest oils in the world. Taste a variety of the house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You’ll be able to purchase your favorites to take back with you before returning to your ship. Note: Guests are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes. The terrain is relatively leveled with possible cobblestone areas and 4-10 steps to negotiate. less

Begin your tour with a motorcoach ride through the area known as the 'Le Vieux Port' or Old Port where the Greeks landed in 600 B.C. Here the cafes, the boats and the restaurants are classically French. Continue the drive along the Corniche J.F Kennedy, which follows the natural coast and offers lovely views of offshore islands dominated by the Marseilleveyre Massif. During the photo stops from your coach, you’ll see Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, the most magnificent building of its kind in southern France, with the statue of the Virgin on the top of the bell tower. The basilica was built in the mid 1800s in Romano-Byzantine style and boasts beautiful ex-votos on the walls and a stunning marble statue in the crypt. Driving through the shopping district, you’ll stop outside the Longchamp Palace where you are rewarded with the chance to take some excellent photos. During your drive, you’ll feel the South of France and the 'Marseillais' the natives with this very singing dialect. A real pleasure! Note: This tour involves minimal walking at photo stops (optional). less