| Venice, Italy | Ancona, Italy | Santorini, Greece | Mykonos, Greece | Piraeus/Athens, Greece | Corfu, Greece | Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Venice, Italy Cruise Excursions
Within about 40 minutes' sailing time from Venice, you can reach the two most famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon, Murano and Burano, noted for their craft work. In Murano it's worth visiting the traditional glass-blowing shops and watch one of the glass-blowers at work. From the island it's just a short boat ride to Burano, a very picturesque and colorful town famous for its lace production.
Saint Mark's and Surroundings
The focal point of your trip will be the most famous square in the world! You will board a boat to travel to Saint Mark's Square. Here you will be met by your local guide, who will take you on a walking tour to discover magnificent art treasures. The first stop will be the Doge's Palace, the symbol of the government of the Republic and at the same time the highest expression of Venetian Gothic architecture. You will visit the Armory with its collection of over 2000 arms of great historical interest and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs that joins the prestigious and rich palace to the dark and damp cells of the prisons. You will then continue towards the Basilica, which has always been the city's main church, the place in which the Doges were consecrated, and the center of Venice's religious and public life. You will be enchanted by the splendid contrast between Byzantine and Western architecture, the rich marble decorations and the precious mosaics that have made the basilica famous throughout the world as the "Golden Church". Then you will have a look at Saint Mark's Campanile, which is almost 100 meters high, and the Clock Tower with the two Moors that mark the time, before saying goodbye to your guide. You will linger a little longer in the Square in order to take an unforgettable photograph amongst the most famous pigeons in the world or to wander into the famous "calli" surrounding Saint Mark's. Your guide will await you at the set time for the return journey to the ship aboard the boat.A Glimpse of Venice
Our shore excursion will allow us to discover Venice through its canals with a panoramic tour by boat which will show us some of its most striking glimpses. We will leave from the Maritime Station and, after sailing through the "Canale della Giudecca", will arrive at the st. Mark's Basin. We will then sail along St. Mark's Square until reaching the island of the Lido of Venice, direction to the St. Andrea's Island, an ancient fortress, which we will circumnavigate by sailing through the St. Erasmus's Channel. From there we will be able to have a view of the Murano's island, the ancient Arsenal, before returning to the harbor.Murano and Burano
You will board a boat and begin your exploration of the two most famous islands of the Lagoon: Murano and Burano. After a scenic journey of approximately 50 minutes, you'll arrive at the island of Murano, famous for its ancient glass production, to see a master glassmaker at work in a local glassworks. You'll continue by boat to Burano, a picturesque island famous for its handcrafted lace. There will be free time to admire the colorful village, take unforgettable photos, have a pleasant stroll along the peaceful narrow streets and, shop for local products. On the return journey the boat will stop at St. Mark's Square for those who wish to remain on their own and make their way back to the ship later.Romantic Venice from a Gondola
You will leave the port aboard a private boat that will take you to Riva degli Schiavoni, where your local guide will accompany you towards Bacino Orseolo on a short walking tour. You will see the famous Doge's Palace on your right as you enter Piazzetta San Marco, marked by a pair of granite columns, known locally as the "Colonne del Todaro" (from the Venetian name for Saint Theodore, who was the city's patron saint before Saint Mark's remains were stolen by Venetian merchants), and then cross beautiful Saint Mark's Square to reach the gondolas. You will then board one of these unique traditional Venetian gondolas for a 35-minute tour of some of the most important canals of the historic lagoon city. This gondola trip will allow you to discover hidden corners of the city that are visible only from the water and admire glimpses of Venetian history and everyday life. After returning to Bacino Orseolo, you will have the opportunity to stroll around Saint Mark's Square and take some photographs of the splendid five-domed cathedral, built to house the saint's relics; the magnificent Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove with the Correr Museum; the Clocktower with the two Moors that ring a bell on the hour; and the famous Caffè Florian. Finally, you will walk to the Cornoldi district to board the boat that will take you back to the ship.
Ancona, Italy Cruise Excursions
Ancona is a city with two distinct urban centers; the old historic center located on the Colle Guasco, and modern Ancona dating back to the 1700s. A trip to Monte Conero, a natural wonder and Sirolo, one of the most charming towns in the region, with a picturesque Medieval center overlooking the sea.
Fabriano, The City of Paper
You will leave the port of Ancona by coach for the hour-and-a-half journey to Fabriano, the City of Paper, surrounded by lush green hills, the last outpost in the province of Ancona before Umbria. Your walking tour will start in the Piazza del Comune, where you will be able to admire the Palazzo del Podestà, built in 1255 and adorned with elegant mullioned windows, and the Sturinalto Fountain in front of it. Alongside is the Town Hall, the old residence of the Chiavelli family, the Loggiato di San Francesco and the Palazzo Vescovile. You will then visit the Mazzolini Giuseppucci Pharmacy Museum, where you can marvel at the extraordinary wooden furnishings by the Perugian artist Adolfo Ricci, which represent the greatest scientists and most important discoveries of the nineteenth century, and the original Ginori porcelain collection. Next you will visit the Teatro Gentile and the Cathedral of San Venanzio, which is the heart of the town. Its interiors boast important frescoes by the Fabriano school and Mannerist and Baroque paintings, including works by the famous Caravaggesque painter Orazio Gentileschi. However, the highlight of your trip to Fabriano will be the Paper and Watermark Museum, housed in the former Monastery of San Domenico. Here you will be able will see the craftsmen engaged in the various stages of papermaking and have the chance to make a sheet of watermarked paper as a souvenir.Portonovo Bay and Relaxation at the Beach
We will depart from the port in direction of the Coast of the Conero Mountain, a natural park of rare beauty, with its jagged coasts and amazing suburbs where the time seems to have stopped, absorbed in the colors and in the perfumes of the Mediterranean style. We will make a brief stop to admire from high altitudes the panorama of the characteristic village of Portonovo and his enchanting bay. We will continue in direction of the famous tourist place of Numana and we will reach a bathing establishment, where we can relax under the sun and to enjoy a refreshing swim.Along the "Riviera Del Conero" Aboard a Yacht
Do not miss the opportunity to find out the most exciting and impressing corners of the "Riviera del Conero" on board an exclusive and luxury yacht. After a short trip with our local guide, we will arrive at Marina Dorica, where our skipper will welcome us on board the elegant and comfortable yacht. We'll sail to the "Riviera del Conero", where we will spend sometime in comfort and relaxation. We will anchor in front of the picturesque bay of Portonovo. During the stay you can swim or snorkel or just relax and sunbath on board, where drinks and snacks will be available. A dinghy will be available for those guests who are interested in visiting the little village of Portonovo and its church of St. Mary. We will then sail back to Sirolo before returning to Ancona.The Treasures of Urbino
You will leave the port of Ancona aboard a coach for the hour-and-a-half journey to Urbino, where you will meet your guide. Lying on a hill located between the Folgia and Metauro rivers, Urbino stretches eastwards towards the Adriatic Sea and is without doubt one of Italy's best-preserved historic towns. The hilltop affords wonderful views over the surrounding mountains. You will start your discovery of this charming and historically rich city on foot, strolling through its streets until you reach the Ducal Palace in the impressive Piazza Rinascimento. This palace, construction of which was begun by Federico da Montefeltro in 1455, is structurally very solid with a slim and well-balanced appearance and a rational and practical internal layout: a city in the guise of a palace. You will be able to admire the interior and the Cortile d'Onore in the company of your guide, before moving on to the nearby Cathedral, which was also built by Federico da Montefeltro.Frasassi Caves
You will leave Ancona by coach, arriving in the little town of Genga about an hour later where you will meet your guide and begin the tour of the caves. Discovered on 28 June 1948 by Mario Marchetti, Paolo Beer and Carlo Pegorari, the caves were first opened to the public in 1974. Since then countless tourists have visited this enchanting spot where nature can be admired in its full beauty, splendor and magnificence. The spectacular beauty of these caves is due in part to their many stalactites and stalagmites and numerous chambers. You will follow the most famous route through the caves, passing through the "Ancona Abyss", the first part of the cave discovered by the three explorers and named after their native city, the "Crystallized Lake" and the "Fairy Castle", whose name was inspired by its spires and pinnacles. As you continue along the route, you will pass through many striking chambers, such as the "Organ Pipes", the "Hall of Candles", the "Bear's Hall" and the "Grand Canyon". We will finish our excursion in one of the most famous winery, where you can taste some good local wine.Visit of Ancona and the Conero Coast
Our excursion will begin with a brief panoramic drive in Ancona, a city with two separate and distinctive urban characters: the old historical and monumental center on the Guasco Hill where is found on its summit the Greek acropolis and, today, the Cathedral of St. Ciriaco. The modern part, the valley, inhabited since the end of the year seven hundred. While leaving the city behind us, we will head toward Sirolo where will begin our discovery of the Conero Mountain; a true casket of naturalistic beauties. Sirolo is one of the most fascinating places of this region with an attractive Medieval center and a picturesque position on top of the sea. Here we will visit the church of St. Nicola of Bari and the Rosary Church in Baroque style. Then we will continue in direction of Portonovo: here we will make a brief stop to admire from the heights of the panorama the characteristic village of Portonovo and his enchanting bay.
Santorini, Greece Cruise Excursions
Oia is a typical Santorini village: a maze of marble-paved streets, ochre-coloured houses and the blue dome-shaped roofs that are such a distinctive feature of the island. From here you can admire spectacular views of the islands of Folegandros and Sikinos and of the now extinct volcano.
Oia
Leaving the ship by motorboat, you will arrive at the port of Anthinios where you will find guides and buses to take you to Oia Village. Following the coast road to the northern end of the island, you will drive along the "Caldera", which is the typical rocky cliff that completely surrounds Santorini. At Oia, you will go for an inviting stroll along its lanes, overlooked by the typical ochre houses with their characteristic blue dome-shaped roofs. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the islands of Folegandros and Sikinos and of the famous volcano, now extinct. Further on, you will enjoy another breath taking view of the beaches of Ammoundi and Armenians, with the pretty church of St Nikolaus.Perissa Beach
Once we have disembarked from the ship and reached the port of Athinios using the tender, we will begin our excursion with a panoramic ascent from which we can admire the famous "Caldera" or volcanic crater. The tour continues, reaching the superb black beach of Perissa, where there will be sunbeds, umbrellas, lots of sunshine, and crystal clear water. A drink will be served during the time spent on the beach. Before returning on board, we will have some free time in Thera, a characteristic village where we can purchase souvenirs or products from local culinary traditions.Oia Village
Leaving the ship by motorboat, you will arrive at the port of Anthinios where you will find guides and buses to take you to Oia Village. Following the coast road to the northern end of the island, you will drive along the "Caldera", which is the typical rocky cliff that completely surrounds Santorini. At Oia, you will go for an inviting stroll along its lanes, overlooked by the typical ochre houses with their characteristic blue dome-shaped roofs. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the islands of Folegandros and Sikinos and of the famous volcano, now extinct. Further on, you will enjoy another breath taking view of the beaches of Ammoundi and Armenians, with the pretty church of St Nikolaus. Then we continue our tour to Thera, the main center of the island. Here, you will have some free time for a walk or for shopping, before going back to the harbor by cable car.Volcano Hiking
The local caique will take you on a boat trip to Nea Kameni. You will sail along the volcanic shores with the peculiar shape formations. The black volcanic rocks and the white pumice offer beautiful views for you to admire. After disembarking the caique, an uphill walk will take you to the crater of the still active volcano. During your walk up the ascending path you will have the opportunity to observe the lava fragments and the volcanic rock formations. Once you have reached the crater you will have time to relax and enjoy the view of Santorini island and the amazing cliff of Caldera. After your descent back to the caique you will sail towards the thermal springs of Palea Kameni. From here your caique will take you back to the ship.Santorini, Shades of White and Blue
Do not miss the opportunity to visit the most picturesque parts of Santorini, where you can admire the most breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in local life and taste the most genuine and authentic flavors of this corner of the Mediterranean. You will take a coach from the little port of Athinios to Profitis Ilias, the highest peak of this splendid island full of colors and contrasts. You will then head to the typical village of Megalochori, with its traditional whitewashed houses in the middle of a network of alleys and bridle paths. After the visit at Megalochori village, in a local tavern, you will have a chance to try the famous wine of Santorini, with its warm and seductive colors, just like the land that produced it. The last stop on your visit will be the beautiful village of Fira, with its blue domes that blur with the sky, where the cordial nature of the locals will welcome you in the shops. This will be a great occasion to buy souvenirs or one of the tasty local gastronomic specialties.Santorini 4X4
You will disembark by tenders from the ship to the port of Athinios from where you will depart by jeep for Akrotiri, located on the northern end of the island where you will see a lunar landscape created by last eruption of the volcano. You will pass by the beach of Vlihada, before taking in the beach of Perissa, and, afterwards, the traditional village of Megalochori. Next destination will be the mountain of Profitis Elias. the highest mountain of the island (550 m) with an incredible view of the Aegean Sea and a panoramic view of Santorini. Then you will continue down the road down to Kamari beach passing through the village of Exo Gonia. When you arrive at Kamari, you will follow the black beach sand until the beach of Monolithos. final destination will be the capital of the island, Thira, there you will have free time to stroll through the city and admire the beautiful view of the caldera before taking the cable car down to the port of Thira to return by tender to the ship.Caique Cruise to the Island of Thirasia and Beach Relaxation
The world-famous attractions of Fira, Oia and Megalochori are not all that Santorini has to offer. Your excursion will take you by caique from the port of Athinios to the island of Thirasia, which with 268 inhabitants is the ideal retreat from frenetic city life. You will see picturesque views of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, volcanic islands that emerged after the most recent eruptions in 197 BC and 1707. You will cross the striking dark green hot sulphur springs of Palea Kameni to reach the beach on Thirasia Island. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy the scenery, swim in the crystal clear water and photograph the beauty of a part of Greece still off the beaten track for most tourists. Back on board, a delicious snack awaits you to conclude your day at sea whilst you sail along the enchanting cliffs between Oia and Thera.
Mykonos, Greece Cruise Excursions
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the island’s most scenic sites. A visit to Mykonos, with its world-famous windmills and little white houses, is an unforgettable experience. Strolling through narrow alleys, you can explore the town center, with its bright-painted balconies, many elegant shops and famous Little Venice district.
Paradise Beach
After a short panoramic drive towards the south part of the island, passing many bays, you will reach Paradise Beach, renowned for its fun-loving style typical of Mykonos. The beach clubs will be the backdrop for your evening of music and fun. You will be able to use the sun loungers and umbrellas to relax and have the time of your life as the sun sets over the sea.Panoramas and Flavours of Mykonos
Departing the pier, you will proceed south towards the beach of Agios Ioannis. On the way you will pass Ornos beach, one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches in Mykonos, with luxurious hotels, tavernas and yachts anchored offshore and enjoy a nice view of Delos Island in the background. Continuing past the beaches of Kalafatis and Agia Anna, you will head to the center of the island and the traditional village of Ano Mera. Reaching the courtyard of the Tourliani Monastery, along with your guide you will receive an outside orientation of the Panagia Tourliani Monastery, built by monks in 1542 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Monastery has wonderful, unique island architecture, while the beautiful carved marble fountain in the courtyard will surely impress us. Returning to the town of Mykonos, you will start your walking tour through the narrow whitewashed streets, where you will appreciate the fact that its confusing layout was designed to foil the attacking pirates. The picture-perfect Little Venice, so called due to its striking resemblance in design to the famous canal city, and the nearby windmills, an island trademark, both offer a wonderful photo opportunity. A typical dinner awaits you in a local Taverna.Jeep Tour of Mykonos
A local guide will be waiting for you in the small port of Tourlos to show you the jeeps that will take you on a tour of some of the most beautiful and undiscovered corners of the island. A quick stop at the lighthouse at Cape Armenistis will give you time to admire the stunning views over the cliffs of the north coast of the island and the nearby island of Delos. You will then head to the bay of Agios Sostis, with its unspoiled beaches and Ano Mera, a tiny village situated in the very heart of the island, where a beautiful monastery and typical Greek taverns can be found in the main square. Here you will have the opportunity to taste some typical Greek products. Following a series of picture-postcard views, you will have a chance to admire a view of Mykonos, the capital of the island, from above, with its traditional white houses and world-famous windmills, which are even more magical and unforgettable at sunset. You will leave the jeeps close to the town center, where your guide will give you information on how to get around, so you will be free to wander around the cobbled streets, with the typical houses with their brightly colored balconies, and the elegant shops, bars and restaurants of the Little Venice area, with verandas right on the seafront. A non-stop shuttle service will be available to take you back to the ship.
Piraeus/Athens, Greece Cruise Excursions
The guided tours of the Acropolis of Athens reveal some of the more prominent features of Greek civilization, a culture that left magnificent remains that still amaze and enchant thousands of years later. The excursion to Cape Sounion includes a visit to the impressive Temple of Poseidon, an incredible building set on the highest point of the cape, 200 feet above sea level.
Corinth Canal Crossing
Departing from Piraeus, you will travel to the village of Isthmia to cross the famous Corinth Canal. This canal was constructed in 1882, but the idea of connecting the Ionian and Aegean Seas dates back to the Roman times. At Isthmia, you will embark a local boat to cross the canal. The canal is 3,7 miles long, 63 feet wide with sloping sides reaching 173 feet. A refreshment will be served during your trip through the canal.Acropolis and Plaka
The tour will begin from the port of Piraeus, where we will pass and admire the naval harbor of Zea, which was built in the early fifth century BC by Themistocles, to defend themselves from the Persian Empire. After a short drive we will arrive to the cradle of Western civilization and capital of Greece, the cosmopolitan Athens. A large and modern city, Athens is the site of the most incredible ruins from the ancient world. We will proceed our exciting travel through time with the visit to the famous Acropolis. Much of what you will see dates to Athens golden age, the fifth century BC. The most famous building is the Parthenon, which was built as a temple to Athena, the patron deity of Athens. Continuing our sight seeing tour, we will see among other monuments the Ancient Agora, which was the marketplace of classical Athens and the Panathenaic Stadium, which is the only major stadium in the world, built fully of white marble. We will have a photo stop at the Stadium and then we will continue with our panoramic tour which important neoclassic monuments, such as the University, the National Library and the National Academy. Finally, we will continue by foot to Plaka, which is the oldest section of Athens and full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and side walk open air coffee shops. Still a popular residential area adorned with unique neoclassical buildings, ancient monuments and antique shops, hosts the Old University, the Tower of the Winds, Ancient Angora and the Lysicreates monument. You will have free time to browse or shop on your own before meeting again for your return the ship.Acropolis: Birthplace or Greek Civilization
Leaving from the port of Piraeus, the most important monument of the ancient world is the goal of our excursion. Located in the middle of the plain of Attica, the highest part of the Acropolis, was the ideal place to build the fortified "Upper City", first Rock of the Kings of Athens and home of the most ancient worships. Converted into the religious center of Ancient Athens, the Acropolis reflects the splendor of the Age of Pericles, who made of it a monument to Greek civilization. We will be able to take a picture of the famous porch of the Caryatides, located in the most sacred part of the Acropolis, consecrated to Athena and Poseidon. One never tires of admiring the Parthenon in all its magnificence and perfect architecture. The image of the most famous temple of the world, built in 447 BC is an image that will always remain with you. In 438 BC the temple was dedicated to the Goddess Athena Parthenos and in the following centuries was used as a church, a mosque and a weapons arsenal. The Parthenon is even today the emblem of the city of Athens and perhaps without exaggeration the most potent symbol of our civilization. The excursion will be completed by a scenic tour of the modern city of Athens.Athens and Cape Sounion
The first part of the tour is dedicated to a visit to the majestic Acropolis, site of ancient Athens, and a mecca visited every year by millions of tourists. After lunch the tour will continue to Cape Sounion, famous for the Temple of Poseidon, situated in a splendid position at the top of a sheer rock from which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf and the Cyclades. The visits to the archaeological excavations take place on foot and passengers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.Ancient Corinth and the Canal
After a one and a half hour drive, you will arrive at the famous Corinth Canal. The idea of building the canal goes back to the time of Rome, when emperor Neron started the first excavations with silver shovels and Hebrew slaves. Only by the end of the nineteenth century was technology sufficient to "cut" the Isthmus. From the bridge over the canal (built 90 meters above the water) you will be able to admire the vastness of this construction more than 6 kilometers long. If you are lucky enough to see a ship passing through the straits, get ready to take an unforgettable picture! Then you will continue around ancient Corinth, a city described by Saint Paul as "rich and sinful." Protected by a powerful fortress, the city had a forum larger than Rome, with temples, theatres, baths, fountains, stores and basilicas. The most impressive structure remaining today is the Doric Temple of Apollo.Cape Sounion
During the scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf to Cape Sounion, you will pass the walls of Themistocles and the summer resort of Varkiza. At Cape Sounion, you will visit the Temple of Poseidon, which was built in the 5th Century BC. This impressive temple was constructed on the highest peak of the headland, standing at a height of 197 feet above the sea level. Here you will enjoy the magnificent view of the blue Aegean and the distant islands. Many cruise ships passing Cape Sounion today still pay their respects to Poseidon by lowering the ensign or blasting the ship's horn.The Acropolis and the Archaeological Museum
Starting from the port of Piraeus, you will head towards the heart of Athens, passing by numerous points of interest such as the Arch of Adrianos, Constitution Place, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Parliament. You will quickly see that half of the Greek population is concentrated in Athens. The first stop will be at the National Museum of Archaeology, an unparalleled house of treasures containing collections of masterpieces from all over Greece. Built between 1866 and 1889, it is considered one of the most important museums in the world. After the visit to the Museum you will visit the Acropolis and the famous temples of the ancient city.
Corfu, Greece Cruise Excursions
The guided tours of the island include a visit to the Achillion, the sumptuous house built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria in honor of the invincible Achilles, picturesque Paleokastritsa and the beautiful Kanoni, where you can visit the island-monastery of Vlacherna. In Corfu town, the Archaeological Museum is worth visiting. You can also take an exciting jeep tour of the island.
Jeep Safari
Your tour will begin by leaving the port and following the main coastal road heading towards the island's north coast, passing the popular resorts of Alykes, Kontokali and Gouvia en route. Upon arrival in Gouvia, your tour will continue through Ag. Vassilios and Ano Korakiana before taking a narrow winding road passing through Sokraki one of oldest villages on the island, perched on a mountain peak and surrounded by pine and olive trees. The tour will then continues along a mountain ridge with a panoramic view of the islands Mathraki and Othoni - the northwestern part of Greece - towards the village of Troumbetta. From Troumbetta you will follow a narrow country lane in a westerly direction passing by the villages of Alimatades, Vistonas and Makrades before stopping at "Castellino" restaurant located high up in the village of Lakones renowned for its spectacular panorama over the bay of Paleokastritsa. Here you will have the opportunity to indulge in a typical Greek meze and a glass of wine. From Lakones, you will go down to Paleokastritsa bay, also known as "Corfu's Capri": a natural harbor with a sandy beach that is entirely protected by a rocky cliff. According to mythology, this is the bay where Odysseus was shipwrecked and where he met Nausicaa.Visit to Corfu and Achilleion
The tranquil island of Corfu, known to the Greeks as Kerkira, was where Empress Elizabeth of Austria chose to take refuge, far from the obligations of the Hapsburg court. The Empress, a lover of solitude, spent much time surrounded by the peace and quiet of the island, admiring its beautiful landscapes. She immediately ordered a villa to be built, Achilleion, which, after her death, was bought by Kaiser William II, also enchanted by the beauty of Corfu. Accompanied by your local guide you will enter the fascinating and fairytale world of Achilleion, the home that the Empress dedicated to her favorite hero, Achilles. This sumptuously decorated villa is surrounded by magnificent gardens sweeping down to the sea. Leaving the villa, you will then continue towards one of the island's most beautiful locations, Kanoni; an islet connected to the mainland, with a beautiful white monastery. There will be enough time to take photographs to capture this picturesque panorama, before heading towards Corfu Town. The heart of the town, built on the side of a hill, contains a labyrinth of small alleyways crisscrossing larger, bustling streets abound with typical old craftsmen's workshops.Visit of Paleokastritsa and Corfu Town
This excursion leaves the port for Paleokastritsa, one of the most beautiful resorts on the island with fine beaches, wooded hills and crystal-clear sheltered bays pierced by black rocks. Here you'll visit Paleokastritsa's venerable monastery, founded in 1226 and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere created with shady archways and lovely gardens. From here, a stop will be made at Kanoni, site of the old cannons and the magnificent view across the bay to the Nunnery of Vlacherna and Mouse Island. Next you will board a bus back to Corfu Town for the walking tour. You'll visit the Church of St. Spiridion, the patron saint of the island, which contains a priceless collection of icons. After passing narrow streets and Parisian archways you will arrive at the Town Hall and the Cricket Square. Before returning to the ship you will have time for shopping in Corfu Town.Aqualand Fun Tour
During this excursion you will visit the largest water park in Greece. You will depart from the port of Corfu for Aqualand, a park located in Agios Ioanis, where you will have plenty of time to enjoy all of the attractions on offer. The park has a bar and restaurant. Numerous changing facilities, sunbeds and umbrellas are spread throughout the park. There is something for all ages, including a pool with a wave machine, slides of various heights, the Lazy River and much more!! After a few hours of fun and relaxation, you will head back to the ship.Glyfada Beach Tour
Glyfada Beach is one of the island's nicest and most popular beach resorts, with several luxurious hotels, shops, tavernas and the longest sandy beach in Corfu. This tour takes you to the Grand Hotel, the very best resort, situated in a lush garden, filled with hundreds of different kinds of flowers, shrubs and trees. The hotel's beautiful beach offers all kinds of water sports and everything you need for an unforgettably relaxing day on the beach!
Dubrovnik, Croatia Cruise Excursions
The tours of Dubrovnik include historic Ragusa, better known as the old town of Dubrovnik, a walk along the city's exterior wall, among the best preserved in the Mediterranean, and a visit to the Maritime Museum.
Tour of Dubrovnik
This tour is divided into two parts: a walking tour of the Old City and a panoramic tour by coach. The coach tour begins on the new panoramic road offering a breathtaking view of Dubrovnik and its riviera. Next, it's off to the Pile Gate to the beginning of the famous main street, the Stradun for a guided tour. Here, you will visit the Franciscan Monastery whose cloister ranks among the most inspiring sites of the city. It is also home to the oldest working pharmacy in Europe (opened in 1317). There will be a visit to the Dominican Monastery, where you will view the finest collection of Renaissance paintings in Dubrovnik, the Rector's Palace (15th Century), which was previously the seat of the Government and Rector in the once independent Republic of Dubrovnik (abolished by Napoleon in 1808) as well as the Sponza Palace, noted for its columned courtyard. From here, you'll visit the church of St. Blaise, patron saint of the city, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Dubrovnik. Situated on the main square, today's church is the second church built on this spot. The older, Romanesque church of St. Blaise burnt in a fire in the beginning of the 18 the century. Only 3 years after the fire Dubrovnik had a church dedicated to its patron saint which remained unchanged until today. After the guided tour you will have free time and an opportunity to explore the town on your own.Sveti Jakov Beach
Spend your day in Dubrovnik in most relaxing atmosphere, at the beach. Sunbathing on pebbled beach, swimming in crystal blue sea will give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik. Upon arrival to Dubrovnik you will embark the boat and sail to the beach which offers one of the most beautiful views on Dubrovnik. Sun-ombrellas and chaises lounges will be ready for you and when you get hungry of all the swimming light lunch will be served. Enjoy the pleasant sail back to the ship.Ragusa: Ancient Fortress City and Naval Power
Your local guide will accompany you up to the panoramic point on the hill overlooking the city, from where you will admire a breathtaking view over the suburb that was once the legendary Ragusa. You will then return towards the Pile Gate, from where you will begin your walk along the walls that encircle the old city. A mighty fortified system, amongst the most beautiful and best preserved in the entire Mediterranean, still protects the old city centre of Dubrovnik today. You will continue along a spectacular route, almost 2 km in length, strolling along the bastions of the city and admiring splendid monuments such as the Minceta Tower, with its powerful round body, Saint John's Fort, whose current form dates back to the sixteenth century, Bokar Fort, built in the form of a circular bastion between 1564 and 1570 and the Maritime Museum. You will dedicate some of your time to visit the latter, to admire documents, prints, portraits and models of ships that testify to the great naval expansion of the Republic of Ragusa and the development of steam-navigation.Cvtat and Lokrum Island
We will depart from the ancient heart of the city of Dubrovnik by motorboat to reach Cvtat, a small town with picturesque gulfs and beaches. You will have time to walk along the scenic promenade with its beautiful gardens full of bougainvillea and orange trees and also, enjoy a relaxing drink in one of the many bars situated by the beach. After this stop, we will leave by motorboat to reach the small island of Lokrum once owned by the Benedictine abbey. Due to the rich vegetation and its exotic plants, the island was declared a nature reserve in 1964, and in 1976 it became a special reserve for the Sylvan Vegetation. Here you will have the perfect opportunity to bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, or if you prefer, you can walk along one of the many nature trails where you can admire the many pine and cypress trees before our return.
How to Sign up for Shore Excursions before the Cruise
To select your Excursions for the Costa Victoria cruise, please follow the instructions below:
1. Log onto Costa's website.
To log in, please enter your First Name, Last Name and your booking number into the section labeled “Enter your details” on the right-hand-side of the screen.
2. After you have logged in, scroll down to see all of the ports listed.
3. Select the port you'd like to view the excursions for and click "View excursions" in the yellow box to the l. Example: Ancona
4. The next page that loads lists all of the available excursions for the port you have selected. If you don't see them, please scroll down.
All available excursions are listed for you to select. If you'd like more information on a particular excursion, please click "View" located in a little yellow box on the right hand side of each excursion. Please note prices for excursions are listed in Euros. At the time of this publication, $1.35 (US) = 1 Euro.
Each excursion has a number of icons that indicate what sort of tour it will be. For more information on the meaning of the icons, please see the icon legend.
5. If you're ready to sign-up for your excursion, select the number of adults and children partaking in the excursion from the drop-down menu of your excursion.
6. Once you have finished selecting all of the excursions you wish to participate in for this port, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Confirm" in the little yellow box. If you’d like to change your selection, click “Reset” (Please note, if you select “Reset” you will need to re-enter your information for this port again.)
7. Congratulations! You have selected your excursions for the first port. You can continue customizing your cruise by selecting the next port from the list in step 2. Simply hit "back" in the yellow box or the back key on your web browser.