Europe Cruises: Excursions

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.

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.

A great day is in store for your small group. Learn about the history of the Olympic Games, marvel at the ancient site of Olympia, see the treasures housed at the Archaeological Museum and experience the real taste of Greece when you sample olive oils and wines produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Drive the 25 miles that separate the port of Katakolon from the site of Ancient Olympia. You’ll learn about history, Greek Gods and the ritual of the Olympiads as you walk through the ruins of what once was a revered sanctuary and home to the First Olympic Games. Continue to the Archaeological Museum where you’ll find the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, among many other magnificent pieces found in the area. Admire the sculpted ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and many other priceless pieces. Drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery to Magna Grecia Farm lying in the heart of a traditional agricultural region. You’ll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. Make sure you try the ouzo, a local liqueur that tastes like licorice. Take in a demonstration of olive harvesting. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the olive tree and the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You’ll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes (appetizer dishes) accompanied by local wine. Flirt with Greek culture as you watch a short demonstration of Syrtaki dance, and maybe try a few steps yourself. Note: There is approximately 1 1/2 mile of walking on even ground, dirt and gravel. Please note that the visit to Magna Grecia is shared with other groups from your ship. less

Discover the ultimate dolphin adventure by spending an exciting day (approximately 6 hours) working beside the trainers. You’ll gain an insight and understanding of the basic skills needed to care for and train dolphins and sea lions through practical hands-on experience, while being an active member of the team of marine mammal experts. You’ll be in close contact with the dolphins and sea lions throughout the day – both in the pool and poolside - while assisting trainers in every aspect of their work. This is a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A light lunch from the snack bar is included. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Please bring your swimsuit and a towel. less

A 30-minute scenic drive from Piraeus will bring you into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass a host of major sites including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens and the Old Olympic Stadium where a brief photo stop will take place. Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. A delicious lunch complimented by wine will be enjoyed at the most famous Greek restaurant 'Dionysos' with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Considered one of the great museums of the world, the New Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis, displays a dramatic collection of artifacts and statues from the Pantheon, the Porch of the Caryatids and surrounding sites. After visiting the museum, you’ll enter the old part of the city called the Plaka and explore its predominately pedestrian streets with the picturesque houses, shops and numerous cafes. After some free time in this area you’ll return to your ship by coach. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 1/2 mile on uneven terrain, gravel and cobblestone. The Acropolis site and the Plaka area are not wheelchair accessible. The New Acropolis Museum is closed on Mondays. Guests on May 11 and September 20, 2013 sailings will visit the National Archaeological Museum instead. During summer months and when there are many ships at the port of Piraeus, expect extreme overcrowding at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. less