Europe Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and views of the Corfiot countryside on your way to the Avlaki Bay. The stables are located in a shady olive grove by the sea. Your ride sets off across the wild headland and along Avlaki’s lanes and tracks towards the beach. The trail offers riders some magnificent views of the beautiful peninsula of Erimitis and passes through paths bordered by many beautiful trees, flowers and shrubs and a wide variety of wild herbs including bay, oregano, thyme, mint and myrtle. From a vantage point you’ll also have the chance to admire the Albanian coastline and enjoy a unique view of Caparelli Island which houses an old Venetian lighthouse. You’ll then ride down to a pretty beach of the area where you’ll stop for few minutes before retracing the same route, which will bring you back to the riding center. Here you’ll be helped to dismount from your horse and enjoy a cool and refreshing drink. Continue to the long sandy beach of Avlaki (Roda) for some free time. There are facilities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports; sun beds and umbrellas are available to rent on your own from local concessionaires. A few steps from the beach, you’ll find sea front taverns where you can enjoy a snack or refreshment (at your own expense). Note: Participants must be at least 14 years of age. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. Depending on the total number of participants the tour may be divided into smaller sub groups and may be performed in a different sequence however all features and inclusions will remain unchanged. less

Enjoy an orientation drive of Rome and have free time to take in the sites of your choice, or do some shopping. Drive by landmarks like Trajan’s Column, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Then, you’ll be dropped off at a central location where you’ll have approximately three hours of free time. Your escort will advise you of the pick-up time for your return back to Civitavecchia. Note: All meals and incidental expenses are at your own expense. Please return to the meeting point no less than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Drop-off location may vary. 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 Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. There is no guide on this tour; your escort will point out places of interest and give the explanation during the orientation drive. AVAILABLE FOR ALL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS AND ON BARCELONA TO BARCELONA NORWEGIAN EPIC SAILINGS ONLY. less

Enjoy a combination of Slovenia’s best known sites the capital city of Ljubljana and Lake Bled. Both are a wonderful gateway to Slovenian heritage. After a guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Following your approximate two hour drive to the Alpine town of Lake Bled, you’ll have different options to enjoy from a walk around the picturesque lake to visiting a medieval castle visit, all during your free time and at your own expense. After World War II, this was one of the most appealing state residences and drew many people who were attracted by the beauty of this town. Today new pilgrims have been discovering this tranquil and lovely place.

After a guided walk through Ljubljana, a medium sized European city, you’ll have time to explore your own pace. It offers all the friendliness of a small town and at the same time has everything that a capital should. This city of culture boasts one of the oldest philharmonic halls in the world. Every year it hosts more than 10,000 cultural events ranging from prestigious concerts, theater performances and fine art exhibitions.

Link the pieces of the puzzle when you visit Pompeii’s ruins together with its uncovered history and treasures housed at the archaeological museum. Experience the 'original pizza' in the city that boasts the world's first pizzeria, dating back to 1830, and see the sites of Naples. Travel along the coast with magnificent views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius - the still-active volcano that buried Pompeii in 79 A.D. - in the backdrop. At the ruins of Pompeii, you'll discover the archaeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash from Mt. Vesuvius. Entering by the sea gate, your walking tour takes in the city's baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Plaster casts mark the positions of the fallen that were swiftly overcome by volcanic ash. Your guide will point out the remarkably preserved remains that hint at daily Roman life, their customs, cuisine and how they entertained, decorated and lived. Highlights include stunning frescoes and elaborately detailed mosaic-inlaid floors of wealthy homeowners' villas, as Pompeii was a vacation community for high society. On the way back to Naples, you’ll stop at a cameo factory where artisans have honed their craft for generations. You'll have some time to shop for handmade seashell and coral jewelry, including intricately carved brooches, rings and bracelets. Sit back and enjoy classic Pizza Margherita at a typical Neapolitan pizzeria accompanied by a mixed green salad and beverage. Before heading to our next stop, take a sightseeing loop around the city for a quick orientation, driving past the round-towered Castel Nuovo, San Carlo Opera House, Umberto Gallery, the Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola Church. Driving along the waterfront, notice the site where Naples was first founded: Castel dell'Ovo or 'egg castle'. Its curious name comes from a Roman legend that claimed the castle was built over an egg placed on the site with the belief that if the egg broke Naples would fall. Visit The National Archaeological Museum next. Originally cavalry barracks, Charles of Bourbon established the museum in the late 18th century to house the fantastic Farnese Collection that he had inherited. Highlights include the Farnese Bull and a classical Roman sculpture depicting figures from Greek mythology. The museum houses a collection of murals, frescoes and mosaics from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Note: The tour doesn't operate on Tuesdays. During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. This tour includes extensive walking during the visit to Pompeii’s excavations. There is approximately 2 1/2 miles of walking while on tour and 40 steps to negotiate in the museum. less

Take a journey into the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chiapas. Your professional guides will provide in-depth information about the history of the area, the people of Chiapas and the intense work put into creating the perfect cup of coffee. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a complimentary drink along with a safety briefing before your hiking adventure. Follow your guide through a slow paced walk while observing different kinds of exotic flowers, small fauna and the forest that surrounds you. Also, enjoy a scenic view of the Tacana Volcano which marks the border between Mexico and Guatemala. After your hiking journey, enjoy a snack, taste some coffee or shop at the local stores before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Guest should wear a hat, light jacket and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. Guest must be able to walk on their own and be in good health. less