Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

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.

* 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. There are long walking distances through the gardens of Pushkin. Catherine’s Palace is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep staircase and no elevators. There is extensive walking between different parts of the Hermitage. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and exact change is required. Flash photography is prohibited in the Hermitage. less

This one-day visit gives you a sampling of the city's treasures, including a visit to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, and an up-close look at the statue of David, magnificently carved by Michelangelo. As you approach Florence, you'll stop at the Piazza Michelangelo for an overview of the city's tiled roofs, steeples and domes. All the main attractions in Florence are centrally located and perfect for a walking tour. First, you'll visit the Galleria Dell'Accademia where you can see Michelangelo's famous Statue of David, and best of all, you’ll have a reserved time for entering so you won't have to stand in long lines! You'll visit Piazza del Duomo, the religious center of Florence in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Continue on to the Piazza della Signoria, the Basilica of Santa Croce and then walk to the Ponte Vecchio for a photo opportunity. After lunch, some free time for shopping is allowed before returning to Livorno. Note: Your guide will join you in Florence, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. 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 walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 2 miles. Most museums are closed on holidays. The Galleria Dell’Accademia is closed on Mondays; this tour will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Spirit May 11th, 2013 and September 20th, 2013 sailings. less

Avignon, a city rich in culture and art, spreading along the banks of the Rhone River 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, on which stand majestically the Cathedral and the Palace of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes was one of the largest buildings of its time. It was fortress and palace, covering over 2 1/2 acres in a luxurious, sumptuously decorated maze of galleries, chambers, chapels and passages. Most of its original furnishings were lost or burned over centuries, but the rooms are still impressive. Visit the Palace of the Popes, followed by free time for lunch, shopping or further exploration on your own. Drive to the amazing eagle’s nest village of Les Baux de Provence built on a rocky spur in the Alpilles range and offering great views of the countryside and vineyards. In the village of Les Baux, you’ll see a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, the 12th century Church of St. Vincent and the 17th century Chapel of the White Penitents. You’ll also have some free time to walk along the narrow and winding streets lined with local artisans who display and sell their works. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 3 hours on uneven ground and cobblestone, with a few steps in Avignon and about 20 steps in Les Baux. Not recommended for guests who are wheelchair confined. Public restrooms are available at both Avignon and Les Baux. Please dress appropriately. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. 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