Europe Cruises: Excursions

This exclusive tour is an opportunity to travel in a small group to witness the magnificence of Bosphorus Strait, relax and replenish energies in a Turkish bath, and delight your taste buds with specialties of Turkish cuisine. Embark on a deluxe boat to cruise on the Bosphorus. During your exclusive cruise, you’ll enjoy the mixture of past and present sights including unforgettable castles, towering minarets, and world-famous modern luxury hotels. Next, continue to one of Istanbul’s leading Turkish baths for a one-of-a-kind experience. Upon arrival, an attendant greets you and gives you directions. You’ll first go to the changing cabins to change into your traditional cotton wrap before entering the steam area. Lockers are provided for your belongings. Please note that the Turkish bath is segregated, with separate sections for men and women. Lay down on the hot marble platform, and after a brief period of relaxation in the steam room an attendant (who might be male or female) will give you a vigorous scrub to exfoliate your skin, together with a bubble wash. Make sure to allow time for a leisurely bath; after this experience, you’ll leave refreshed and renewed. Stop at the Grand Bazaar with its two distinctively different sections. The covered part, surrounded by a wall, can be entered through several gates where you’ll anything imaginable in its thousands of stalls. You’ll have the chance to explore its exotic atmosphere for a brief period of time before continuing to the open and modern section which offers the best and most reliable shopping. During your time around the Grand Bazaar, you’ll take part in a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you shop and stroll in the handicraft store. A typical Turkish lunch will also be served during the tour; an essential experience on your visit to Istanbul. Note: This tour is conducted in small groups and requires a minimum number of participants to operate and is only available on Norwegian Spirit sailings. Expect differences in tour durations due to traffic conditions. Your Turkish bath experience includes the traditional package: bath, rubbing & bubble bath. There are separate sections for men and women, therefore couples do not stay together. A wrap/cloth is provided for cover, but you can wear a bathing suit under. There is approximately 1/2 mile of walking over uneven surfaces and some inclines and steps on this tour. Your Turkish lunch includes water, a soft drink, glass of beer, or wine and tea or coffee. Internal authentic side visit of Grand Bazaar is not included. less

The Hardanger Fjord is one of the favorites among the many Norwegian fjords. You’ll start by driving by the fortress of Bergenhus, King Håkon's Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower. Pass by the buildings of the Hanseatic period and the fish market of Bergen. Continue to the Bjørnefjord, where you’ll have a short drive along the fjord with lovely views of islands and snowcapped mountains in the distance. Reach Hatvik, and cross the fjord by ferry to Venjaneset on the opposite side. Once at Mundheim, link up with the Hardangerfjord - the queen of the fjords. Near the village of Norheimsund, make a stop for lunch and continue to the Steinsdal waterfall. Here, the water falls away from the cliff enabling you to walk underneath without getting wet! Then, climb up the Tokagjel gorge via several tunnels and reach the mountain plateau Kvamskogen. Descend to the fjord once more before climbing up to Gulbotn, a recreation area with lit up skiing tracks. Lastly, come down to the Sørfjord, where you’ll find Oster Island, the largest island on the west coast. Note: This tour may operate in reverse order. less

This touring option allows you complete freedom to maximize your time and explore the places that interest you most. Discover in comfort and at your own pace with the convenience of a private vehicle, driver/English speaking guide (other languages available on request) at your disposal. You set your pace and itinerary, just tell us where you want to go!

Note: Entrance, parking fees and meals are not included, in order to allow you complete freedom of choice. Bring local currency, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Extra hours available at an additional cost. Guests, who are planning to visit the religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour.