Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

Start your morning with a visit to Pompeii. Here, a flourishing civilization, buried for 1,700 years under 20 feet of ash and pumice, was recovered so perfectly preserved that you can see how the 20,000 residents lived and loved, worked and played, ate and drank. En route, you’ll visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store. Visit the cliff-top town of Sorrento, a village with splendid views of the sea and the colorful marina below. Enjoy some free time to explore the flower-filled main street and the Corso Italia, lined with boutiques. Then it’s on to the hills above Sorrento, where a family-owned farm produces homemade products. Tour the farm and its old wine cantina, learn how they produce olive oil and homemade mozzarella, and during lunch get a chance to sample the local fare surrounded by a lemon and olive grove. Note: 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 of Pompeii’s excavations and approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking. For all Norwegian Epic calls and Tuesday calls on Norwegian Spirit, lunch at the farmhouse will be after 2:30 pm. less

Start your tours with a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the modern suburbs to the old trading centre of Borgund. Here, visit the Sunnmøre Open-Air Museum where you’ll see various types of farmhouses and boathouses. This Museum houses a number of different old boats and the shipbuilding process were known to be the most reliable along the coast. You’ll also find copies of the so-called Kvalsund and Fjørtoft-boats from the year 700 A.D. Alongside lies the fishing vessel "HELAND" - better known as the Shetland bus as it was used to carry Norwegian partisans across the North Sea during World War II. Lastly, make a detour up on Mount Aksla to enjoy the magnificent view over the town and its surroundings before returning to your ship. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 600 yards over even surfaces with 2 to 3 steps to enter/exit the coach. Walking at the Sunnmøre Museum is at the guests' discretion. Comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing are recommended. Please note that some of the door openings are low so guests should mind their head when entering. Tour may operate in reverse order. less

A great way to get acquainted with Huatulco is with a visit to the nice downtown area of La Crucecita, the evergreen Central Park (Zocalo) and the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, host of the world’s largest painting of the Virgin on its ceiling. Several stores are waiting to offer you a wide variety of handicrafts including black pottery from the valleys of Oaxaca, handmade woven rugs and carpets milled on traditional looms, and the world-famous 'alebrijes' allegories of fantastic animals. Typical products, like Mezcal (the original Oaxacan version of the well-known Tequila), chocolate rivaling with the best Swiss-made ones, coffee, regional cheese, clothes, wines and liquors, and much more are widely available. To complete the land journey, take a breathtaking view of the Bay of Tangolunda, the luxury resort area. Proceed to the marina of Santa Cruz to board a catamaran for one of the highlights of Huatulco, its wonderful shoreline, composed of several small bays with more than 36 beaches scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. Leaving the Santa Cruz Bay, you’ll pass your ship and head eastward to see the Bay of Chahue featuring three beautiful beaches and a Marina for private sailboats and yachts. Continue to La Bufadora (the blowhole) and take a closer look at the natural features of this paradisiacal area and hear the ocean’s voice roaring or be surprised with the massive natural Indian face, engraved through time by the sculpturing action of the waves and the wind - the Stone Face. Move on to the secluded Bay of Organo and the more commercial Bay of Maguey. Note: To fully participate, this tour requires leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. There is a limited number of steps, some cobblestones, uneven surfaces and some standing for extended periods of time. Catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bottled water is available on the bus, while water, soft drinks and beer are available aboard the catamaran. The tour itinerary may vary due to weather conditions. less

The Shetlands are a mosaic of over a hundred islands where land and water blend. The most northerly part of the British Isles, it is inhabited by approximately 22,000 people and an abundance of wildlife. It is a land shaped by the sea from dramatic sculptured cliffs to tranquil sandy bays. The delightful and inquisitive Shetland pony will come looking for food as your tour bus stops wherever possible for photos. The shaggy coats and flowing manes of the ponies equip them to withstand severe weather conditions; they have been in the Shetlands since at least Viking times. Then, travel south to visit Jarlshof. A violent storm in 1905 uncovered this remarkable archaeological site, revealing remains from the Stone Age and settlements from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The name Jarlshof, or "Laird's House", refers to the community of the Norse Jarls that resided here in the 7th century. You’ll be able to independently explore the remains of these village settlements, sprawled over a low green promontory by the sea. Your tour continues the short distance to the small historic village of Hoswick and a visit to the Hoswick Visitor Center. Here, you can have an understanding of the history and culture of the Shetlands from the interpretive displays and by watching the traditional knitting skills of the islanders. There is also the opportunity to purchase an original Shetland garment from the wide variety of cashmere or lamb wool items on sale in the knitwear shop. You’ll also see the small agricultural areas where sheep farming is important. Furthermore, see the distinctive black and brown Shetland sheep grazing in pastures enclosed by neat dry-stone walls, and small communities where peat is still used to heat homes. Your return to Lerwick will be across moorland. less

On your visit to Marseille, you’ll see the entrance of the old port guarded by the two fortresses: Saint John and Saint Nicolas. Drive to the Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde for a very interesting visit where you’ll discover the city of Marseille. In Avignon, city of art and culture, the metropolis of the Vaucluse region which spreads along the banks of the Rhone River, see the famous Pont d’Avignon with only four of its arches remaining. Avignon was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock which is crowned by the magnificent Cathedral and Palace of the Popes. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping on your own. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with a few steps in Avignon. Driving time between Marseille and Avignon is approximately 1 1/2 hours long. This tour is not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available in Avignon. less