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

This exclusive tour is an opportunity to travel in a small group by minibus to see the magnificent ruins of Ephesus which is one of the best preserved Greek/Roman cities in Asia Minor. You’ll experience other historical and natural values around it such as at your first stop, the House of Virgin Mary. This was declared a place of pilgrimage in 1892, and has since been visited by many Christian pilgrims. From here you’ll continue to Ephesus, one of the most interesting and extensive ancient cities in the world. Built in the 3rd century B.C., this is the center of attraction in the Aegean Region. The remains from the Roman period are a grand amphitheater, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scholastic Baths, the Odeon, the Lower Agora, and the State Agora. The tour will end with a stop at a local handicraft center designed as a typical Turkish village to see how the famous Turkish carpets are made before driving to Izmir. Note: This tour is similar to IZM_01 Ephesus & the Virgin Mary tour but is conducted in small groups and requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. Expect crowded venues and long lines. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection. There is approximately 1 3/4 miles of walking over uneven and cobblestone surfaces with inclines and steps. 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

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

In order to visit the two main highlights of Rome - The Vatican and the Colosseum, this fast-paced tour involves a significant amount of walking but will be very rewarding. You’ll depart from the port of Civitavecchia with your escort to Rome where you’ll meet your guide. Being an exclusive tour, once in Rome, you’ll be in smaller groups. After passing through Piazza Venezia by the Vittorio Emmanuele Monument and the Roman Forum, your first stop will be the Colosseum. You’ll begin your exploration of the Eternal City with an inside guided visit of this Imperial Roman symbol of power. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most spectacular fountains. The high-Baroque Fontana di Trevi was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732. Legend has it that you can ensure your return to Rome by tossing a coin in the fountain. After securing your next visit to Rome, you’ll walk to the Pantheon where you can enter on your own and have free time for lunch before heading to the Vatican Museum. One of the highlights here will be your visit to the remarkable Sistine Chapel with its magnificent ceiling which took Michelangelo over four years to decorate. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares. Facing the square is the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit before returning 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 requires an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone terrain and stairs. 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