Europe Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy the fun and adventure of Corfu’s countryside while traveling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea and beautiful green hills and take a look at the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. After picking up your 4 x 4 vehicle at the pier, your guide will lead you up the main coastal road to the northeast of the island. You’ll then take small country roads to quaint villages, stopping at one of the prettiest traditional and oldest villages of the island to take in the views. Then take an uphill narrow winding road (with 27 zigzag turns) to the Sokraki where you’ll stop once more to admire one of the most fantastic panoramic views. Following a dusty road, you’ll arrive at Troumbetta. You’ll also pass through other picturesque sites and stop at Bella Vista to take in some more spectacular views and enjoy some refreshments and Greek snacks. You’ll find it difficult to decide which village is the prettiest as all will leave you with incredible pictures and memories. At the end of the tour you’ll visit a traditional Koum Kouat distillery. The Koum Kouat citrus fruit, a variety which only grows in Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products - a liqueur with the same name, plus fruit-preserved sweets. You’ll be able to view a small exhibition of antique distillery equipment, sample the produce and of course purchase local liquors. Note: Vehicles are all manual gear and self driven. 4 passengers can be accommodated in each vehicle, but we recommend 2 passengers per vehicle as the back seats are not comfortable for adults. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and must provide a valid driver’s license. A local guide will lead the caravan. If you would like a personal driver for the vehicle, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk onboard to make arrangements at an additional cost. Even though this tour has limited participation and is conducted in small groups; a minimum number of participants is required to operate. 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. less

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the thrill of racing aboard a multimillion-dollar America's Cup race boat. Two classic thoroughbreds nearly 70-feet long with masts the height of an eight-story building, duel in an equal match for a fractional advantage. They round the first mark and head off on the next leg. The race boats slice through the clear blue waters at speeds you have never sailed before. The skippers and crewmembers explain the strategy for winning the race, and you rise to the task! And, as if by miracle, a photo boat arrives to record for posterity the moment you raced a '12' to 'victory' in the St. Maarten 'America's Cup' 12-Meter Regatta. Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and possess sailing experience. Participants with no sailing experience must be at least 12 years of age and 21 years of age to be served alcoholic beverages. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. less

Don’t miss this brand new world-class attraction. The Barbados Concorde Experience is one-of-a-kind in the Caribbean and very few places in the entire world can call themselves home to a Concorde. However, thanks to its close links with Barbados during its flight operation, this is exactly where you can find G-BOAE now. A leisurely drive along the lively south coast of Barbados will take you to this state-of-the-art facility. Learn about the history of flight and particularly supersonic flight. 'Engineered for Speed', a visual show with sound and light effects, will leave you breathless and feeling that you have just witnessed a spectacular takeoff. A visit into the interior of this amazing aircraft will give you a chance to experience how passengers felt traveling on it. When exiting you 'land' right back in Barbados and now it’s time to explore some of the island. Leaving Alpha-Echo you’ll enjoy incredible views of the picturesque east coast as you drive through the countryside passing many quaint villages with their friendly locals. Your final stop will be at a local 'rum shop', where you’ll have the opportunity to take in some 'Bajan' culture and enjoy a refreshing drink before departing for the port. To guarantee a smooth flow through the Barbados Concorde Experience this tour might sometimes be done in reverse. The tour content will however not change. less

For those who want to visit the Holy Land and leave with a general overview of what this rich area with different cultures and religions has to offer, this is the tour for you.
Day 1: Begin your visit to Jerusalem with a magnificent view over the 'Golden City' from the top of the Mount of Olives and then visit the garden and Church of Gethsemane. It was in this garden of olive trees that Jesus spent the last moments before his arrest. Take a short drive to Jaffa Gate, walk through the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on the site of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. See the last five Stations of the Cross. Continue your walk through the Christian Quarter and the bazaar to the Roman Cardo and the Western Wall. After lunch, drive to Bethlehem and visit the Church of Nativity, built above the place where Christ is said to have been born. Returning to Jerusalem, check into your hotel and after dinner drive around the illuminated walls and monuments of Jerusalem.
Day 2: After breakfast, check out and start your morning tour with a descent to the lowest place on the surface of our planet - the Dead Sea. Stop for pictures of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, then continue to the mountain fortress of Masada. Take the cable car to the summit and visit the site. Having visited Masada, drive to Ein Bokek. Enjoy lunch at a hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. After lunch take an 'unsinkable' swim in the Dead Sea. The mineral rich water, fabled for its healing powers and rejuvenating qualities will amaze you. Drive back to your ship. Note: Tour has limited capacity but a minimum number of participants is required to operate. We strongly recommend you pre-book this tour as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Tour involves walking for approximately 1 mile over uneven surfaces, cobblestones and uphill. There are also over 150 steps to negotiate. Masada is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking as it involves approximately 2 hours of walking or standing to visit the site. It’s possible to wait for the group at the summit near the exit. Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting churches and holy sites. To bathe in the Dead Sea, please bring a bathing suit (towels and lockers are provided by the hotel). All meals and overnight accommodations are included. The price for children (ages 3-12) is for one child per double room. less

Spend some time among the mountain pines and the fresh mountain air – perhaps a welcome change from many days in the sea air. Breathtaking mountain village scenery, priceless Byzantine treasures and local cuisine are waiting for you on this day trip to the Troodos Mountains. The inaccessible nature of this mountain area has meant that monasteries and churches have remained intact through the centuries. Today the Cyprus mountain range contains a treasure-trove of Byzantine art. The two churches you’ll visit are included on UNESCO's World Heritage List because of the original architecture and excellent quality of their frescoes. Ascend the Troodos mountain range behind Limassol port and the fresh smell of the pine trees will strike you as soon as you step out to visit the medieval village of Kakopetria, for a walk through its cobbled streets. The village has a few souvenir shops and near the village you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas of the Roof, so called because its dome is covered by another protective sloping roof. The church’s frescoed walls and ceiling span 600 years of Byzantine art (11th-17th centuries). You’ll taste some traditional dishes during lunch before visiting the Church of Panagia Forviotissa at Asinou which is considered by many to have the finest Byzantine frescoes on the island. This 12th century church boasts wall depictions in particularly vibrant colors. There are great views of Limassol Bay on the way back to port. Note: Tour involves walking for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on uncovered, uneven ground at the church and cobblestone and paved village streets, some uphill and downhill with approximately 20 steps. Some areas of Kakopetria village are not wheelchair accessible. No bare shoulders or shorts are allowed in places of worship; please wear modest attire when visiting churches. No photos or video camera allowed inside churches. less

A very fast paced, but rewarding day awaits. This ultimate scenic tour includes the most spectacular sites along the Campanian coast, including amazing Pompeii, possibly the most famous excavation in the world. Start with a fast-boat ride to Marina Grande in Capri, a port lined with colorful old fishermen’s houses. A funicular will take you up to a terrace with a marvelous scenic overlook of the small island, the coast and the sparkling sea. Walk to the piazzetta, the heart of Capri’s shopping and nightlife. You’ll visit Augustus Gardens with your guide, or if you prefer, explore the narrow streets, take in the magnificent views, or relax at an outdoor cafe. You’ll then continue to Sorrento by jet-foil where a delightful lunch awaits at a leading restaurant. After lunch, you’ll have some time to wander the flower-filled streets or admire the high-quality handicrafts for which Sorrento is famous. Head to Pompeii where you’ll enter by the sea gate and visit the city’s baths, villas, theaters and wrestling grounds. Because Pompeii is so well preserved, you can see many fine details that reveal the lifestyles of the residents, such as mosaic floors and colorful frescoes in some of the homes. Time permitting, visit a cameo factory near Pompeii and browse handmade jewelry. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and very long lines at the funicular. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. Tour may operate in reverse order. Online price is inclusive of the Pre-book and Save offer. less