Europe Cruises: Excursions

The Hermitage Museum ranks among the most prestigious museums in the world, containing about three million objects of unparalleled importance. The route takes you through the State Rooms of the Winter Palace, the collection of Western European art featuring Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and others, Dutch and Flemish Art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck, and the French Impressionists Collection. You’ll see the collection of Spanish art (second only to Madrid’s Prado), and the collection of French art, which is the largest outside France, displaying works by Degas, Renoir, Monet, Cezzanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Matisse.

From the Hermitage, your coach proceeds to drive towards one of the main landmarks of St. Petersburg – the Church on Spilled Blood. This exquisitely decorated cathedral was built on the spot were Tsar Alexander II had been fatally wounded by a member of the People’s Will revolutionary terrorist organization on March I, 1881. Combining the artistic styles of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, the cathedral is a kaleidoscope of decorative elements, with an extensive collection of mosaics that cover over 8,400 square yards, and five domes that are covered with more than 1,000 square yards of jeweler’s enamel.

Your journey starts with a transfer to Peterhof, also called the Russian Versailles. 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. The Grand Palace, built in the beginning of the 18th century, 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. The layout of the 300 acre park and spectacular fountains was designed by Peter himself. The Grand Cascade, consists of three waterfalls, an avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. Samson, the main attraction of Peterhof, is located at the base of the Great Cascade. During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. For many years, the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration.

Now all guests of the city can enjoy the spectacular view of the fountains and the palace. After your tour of the Grand Palace, you’ll proceed to the magnificent gardens of the Low Park to admire the numerous fountains and statues of the Grand Cascade. As part of your Imperial tour experience, we have arranged a special hydrofoil boat transfer from Peterhof back to the city center, which will take you on a short 30 minute ride across the Gulf of Finland. After arriving back to town, you’ll be taken to the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, where you’ll enjoy views of the city including the Hermitage Museum and St. Peter and Paul Fortress, which you will tour next. Once inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral, you’ll be surrounded by marble columns, glittering chandeliers and painted decor, combined with carved and gilded iconostasis which create a magnificent setting for the tombs of Romanov monarchs. In July 1998, the remains of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family were also brought to the cathedral. The tour continues along the Neva embankment.

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

Take in Iceland’s natural beauty and experience an adventure in a Super Truck. Your adventure begins at the pier as you board your Super Truck. First, head to the UNESCO site of Thingvellir, where you’ll make a stop before heading to Iceland's majestic hinterland along the dramatic 'Cold Valley'. Next, drive to the ice cap and into the white world of Iceland's second largest glacier, Langjökull – 'The Long Glacier'. Here, your expert driver will take your Super Truck adventure to the next level as he takes you on a once in a lifetime journey over the ice and snow. Next, head back to the woodlands of Húsafell, where you’ll stop for lunch. Continue to the nearby waterfalls of Hraunfoss and Barnafoss - two of Iceland's most picturesque. Before you return to your ship, pass by the Hvalfjordur tunnel and along the coastline. Note: Participants must be 12 years of age, in good health and accompanied by a responsible adult. This tour is not recommended for guests with back problems. Wear comfortable shoes and a waterproof outer layer. less