Europe Cruises: Excursions

This three tour combination lets you enjoy: City Highlights and the Peter & Paul Fortress, A Russian Folkloric Extravaganza and Peterhof Russian Versailles.

Day 1: Your coach brings you to the city center, the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, to enjoy the magnificent view of the Neva River and the Rostral Columns. This stop will give you a chance to take pictures of the Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, as well as the St. Peter and Paul Fortress situated right across the river. The tour continues inside the fortress. Once inside the cathedral, admire the beauty of its marble columns, glittering chandeliers, and painted decor combined with carved and gilded iconostasis, create a magnificent setting for the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. In July 1998 the remains of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II and his family were also buried in this cathedral. After the guided tour of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress grounds, you continue on a drive along the embankments of the Neva River. With a stop at St. Isaac’s Cathedral for another photo opportunity. The tour ends at St. Isaac’s Square from where your coach will take you back to the pier.

Day 1 Evening: Later in the evening you’ll be taken to the concert hall to enjoy a Russian Folkloric performance. Get acquainted with the fascinating songs and dances from the nations inhabiting Russia, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. You'll be offered Russian Champagne and mineral water. This evening will take you on a spiritual journey through different regions of Russia, with energetic dances of Don Cossacks and melodic Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy songs including the world-famous Kalinka and Katyusha.

Day 2:Take a short drive to Peterhof, the town of palaces, fountains and parks, was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. It lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 22 miles west of St. Petersburg. After a short walk from the parking lot you’ll reach the main entrance of the Grand Palace. Built in the beginning of the 18th century, Peterhof is known as the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. The estate construction spanned two centuries, and upon its completion it encompassed seven parks and more than 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. Peter himself designed the layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains. During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. Peterhof is also a monument to Soviet reconstruction, as the place was looted and practically razed to the ground by Nazi troops. For many years the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: There are cobblestone and long walking distances inside the Peter and Paul Fortress. This tour is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties and is not wheelchair accessible. Regarding the folkloric show, Repertoire of the theater is subject to change depending on which group is performing without prior notice. Photo/video at the theater is at additional cost. The theater is not wheelchair accessible. Peterhof is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. There are stairs, no elevators, gravel paths and long walking distances. Visit the inside of Peterhof Palace is approximately one hour, and although you might get a glimpse of the fountains, this tour is of the palace interior. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. Some of the fountains and/or rooms may be closed periodically for repairs. Tour sequence may vary on some dates. less

This tour has been designed for those who wish to combine a visit to one of the most important art museums of Florence with the world-famous Miracle Square of Pisa, and do so in a small group. This exclusive tour has a limited participation. Stop in Pisa for a brief photo stop by the Field of Miracles. Then drive to Florence, stopping first at Piazzale Michelangelo to admire the views of the city from this vantage point. Visit the impressive Uffizi Gallery without standing in long lines, admire Piazza della Signoria, and stop at Ponte Vecchio. Pause in the fascinating Piazza del Duomo and admire its magnificence. During the tour, you’ll enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, before making a stop at a showroom specializing in discounted gold items. Note: 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. The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. Tour may operate in reverse order. The Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays. This tour will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Spirit May 11th and September 20th, 2013 sailings. less

In the morning your tour takes you outside of the city to the historical town of Pushkin. The drive will take you to the Egyptian Gates, the entrance to the Tsar’s Village in Pushkin. Catherine’s Palace in the Tsar’s Village ranks as one of the masterpieces of world art. Peter the Great presented the estate to his wife Catherine in 1710 and the architect Braunstein built a small palace here. From this time until the time of the last Russian Tsar, Pushkin was used as the summer residence of the Royal Family. In 1756, Bartelomeo Rastrelli expanded the palace in Baroque style. Its grandiose, white and gold facade stretches 978 feet. During World War II, the palace was damaged severely, but since then it has been restored and stands now in its original glory. The palace tour takes you through the series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery, the Great Hall and the world famous Amber Room.

The parks of the estate add to the splendor of the palace, and several of them are embellished with a number of charming pavilions. The town of Pushkin is famous not only for its remarkable palace and parks, but the man it was named after – Alexander Pushkin, the most celebrated poet in the country and a resident of this town at the beginning of the 19th century. The lyceum, where he studied, is connected to the palace by an arch. After the tour you’ll continue to one of the dining venues for lunch after which, you’ll drive back to the city for a tour of the Hermitage Museum, the largest art museum in Russia and the most prestigious museum in the world. The Hermitage Museum occupies the Winter Palace, the winter residence of the Russian Tsars, and four more buildings.

* Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre- Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is done by van. It is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. There are long walking distances through the gardens of Pushkin. Catherine’s Palace is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep staircase and no elevators. There is extensive walking between different parts of the Hermitage. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and exact change is required. Flash photography is prohibited in the Hermitage. less

p>Take a short drive to the city center while your guide introduces you to the history of St. Petersburg. You’ll stop on the Spit of Vasilievsky Island for an opportunity to take in the views of the Neva River, the Rostral Columns, the Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, as well as St. Peter and Paul Fortress, situated right across the river. The tour continues with a drive along the Neva River embankments, passing St. Peter and Paul Fortress. The tour will then take you to St. Isaac’s Cathedral for another photo opportunity and a tour of this remarkable building, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and capable of accommodating 10,000 worshipers. The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated with different kinds of marble, malachite and other semiprecious stones. After, you’ll proceed to a dining venue for lunch.

In the afternoon your tour takes you outside of the city to the historical town of Pushkin. The drive will take you to the Egyptian Gates, the entrance to the Tsar’s Village. Catherine’s Palace in the Tsar’s Village ranks as one of the masterpieces of world art. From the time the palace was built until the time of the last Russian Tsar, Pushkin was used as the summer residence of the Royal Family. In 1756, Bartelomeo Rastrelli expanded Catherine’s Palace in Baroque style. The palace tour takes you through a series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery and, of course, the Great Hall. The parks of the estate add to the splendor of the palace, and several of them are embellished with a number of charming pavilions. The town of Pushkin is famous not only for its remarkable palace and parks, but the man it was named after. Since 1937, it has been named after Alexander Pushkin, the most celebrated poet in the country and a resident of this town at the beginning of the 19th century. The lyceum where he studied is connected to the palace by an arch.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is done by van. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. Tour order may vary. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and exact change is required. less

On this tour you’ll be in smaller groups with exclusive escorts and guides. Although a quick pace and substantial amount of walking is required, your day will be extremely rewarding. In the morning, enjoy an orientation drive through the Eternal City; you’ll pass the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the famed Colosseum. If time permits, you may explore on your own. Lunch will be held in a first-class restaurant after which you’ll continue to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, boasting Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares that faces the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit. You’ll then rejoin your motorcoach for the return to Civitavecchia. Note: Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Your guide will join you in Rome, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. Tour does include an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone terrain and several steps to negotiate. Order of sights may vary. Expect very large crowds at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, especially during summer months. The Vatican will be closed on August 14th, 2013, August 18th, 2013 and September 29th, 2013; this tour is not available for the Norwegian Epic August 11th, 2013 sailing, nor for the Norwegian Spirit August 15th, 2013 and September 20th, 2013 sailings. AVAILABLE FOR ALL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS AND ON BARCELONA TO BARCELONA NORWEGIAN EPIC SAILINGS ONLY. less