Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

This comprehensive and fast-paced excursion begins with a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to the fascinating city of Florence. Walk to the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy some free time for shopping before proceeding to the historic town of Pisa. Here, you’ll make a brief photo stop by Miracle Square where you can marvel at the exterior of the Campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower. Note: The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. Your guide will join you in Florence, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. The walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 2 miles. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. less

Begin your tour by sightseeing boat and pass by Suomenlinna, a series of small interconnected islands near Helsinki that are popular with area residents because of their museums, parks and gardens. In 1748, a fortress was built on the islands and was dubbed the ‘Gibraltar of the North’. As your guide describes Helsinki's unique relationship to the sea, continue past waterfront houses and old villas in this unique urban archipelago. Also pass by several other points of interest, including the icebreaker fleet docked for the summer season, and Helsinki Zoo. The zoo is one of the most northernmost zoos in the world. Disembark the boat and enjoy a short visit to Kauppatori (Market Square), where you can shop for local handicrafts, perhaps sample luscious Finnish berries or just enjoy the friendly atmosphere. In warm weather, the square is a popular spot with both locals and tourists. Rejoin your sightseeing coach for a leisurely panoramic tour of some of the main highlights the city has to offer. Pass the Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral, make a photo stop in Senate Square, and then continue on to Mannerheim Street with the Parliament House, National Museum and Finlandia Hall. The Olympic Stadium and new Opera House will also be seen before arriving at Sibelius Park for a final photo opportunity of the monument of over 600 steel pipes which honor the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Note: Order of sights may vary. The panoramic tour section does not include any visits to venues. If the Market Square is closed, an alternative shopping venue will be used. Participants must be able to get in and out of a boat. less

Your journey starts with a transfer to Peterhof, also called 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, often considered the chief delight of the grounds, 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 to 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.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties due to long walking distances, cobblestones and gravel paths in the Peterhof Gardens and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Grand Palace is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow staircases and no elevators. Visit to the inside of Peterhof Palace is approximately one hour, and although you might get a glimpse of the fountains, this tour is of the palace interior. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. Operation of hydrofoil depends on weather conditions and is subject to cancellation without prior notice. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. This tour will not be available on 9/05/13 as the entire complex will be closed. less

You'll begin this tour by visiting Ålesund’s attractive setting, built on three islands with the spectacular Sunnmøre Alps in the background. Pass by Borgundfjord, with charming suburbs and well-kept gardens. Head over to the municipality of Stordal, famous for its furniture factories, a very important export item in this region. Reach the fertile valley of Valldal, where strawberry cultivation is very common; ascend the valley to Trollstigen, reaching 850 meters above sea level. Start the descent down the Trolls' Path’ with its daring hairpin bends. Down in the valley, make a photo stop to take in the lovely waterfall called Stigfossen Waterfall cascading down the mountainside. Next, detour up to Trollveggen; here, you’ll find the Troll Wall with the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe. Alpinists from all parts of the world come visit this 1000 meter tall wall to try out the various routes to the top. Then, pass by Romsdalsfjord with its many small villages known for woodcarving and rose painting as well as ship- and boat- building. Before returning to your ship, cross over the Ørskog mountain plateau, a popular skiing area for the people in Ålesund. Note: Complimentary lunch will be provided. Tour may operate in reverse order. less