Europe Cruises: Excursions

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

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

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

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.

Discover one of the best kept secrets in the world of photography – Iceland! Whether you consider yourself a keen amateur or a dedicated professional, there is no doubt that Iceland’s fascinating photographic terrain will set your pulse racing. If you are an enthusiastic nature and landscape photographer, you know that there are precious few places left in the world that offer a dramatic and accessible landscape that has not been over exposed. Iceland is a visually exciting place for those photographers seeking inspiration for a new and challenging location to explore. You’ll be able to take in some of the best photographic locations in the region. Through your photo lens, discover wonderful panoramic views over vast lava fields, hot springs, mountain ranges, lakes, unspoiled nature, bird life and picturesque fishing villages. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the famous Blue Lagoon complex. Note: Participants must be 16 years of age and be in good health. Most venues are not wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to step in and out of the vehicle rather quickly to take advantage of the photographic opportunities. This is a special interest tour for photography enthusiasts - no equipment is provided. less