Shore Excursions - Europe, Africa & the Middle East

Discover all the picture-perfect monuments London has to offer! At a comfortable pace with your own personal car, driver and guide, you’ll see Buckingham Palace and continue along beautiful Hyde Park in the heart of the city. Marvel at the historic Tower Bridge and drive through Charing Cross to historic Trafalgar Square, graced with statues, grand fountains and Nelson’s Column at its center.

Journey by private car and leave the city behind… Explore the lovely English countryside of South Wiltshire and delight in some of the country’s best-known sites. See Salisbury Cathedral, a masterwork of Gothic architecture, and visit historic Bath. Witness the grandeur of English history at Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Then experience the mystery and power of mighty Stonehenge.

Overlooking the impossibly blue Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s best-preserved medieval walled cities. Enter into the picturesque Old City through one of the four historic gates and explore with your personal guide along the charming cobbled lanes, graced now with inviting cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Walk atop the imposing ramparts, visit the Church of the Assumption and admire a fine collection of religious art at the Dominican Monastery.

Get to know the charming Danish capital in the intimate company of your own private guide. This is a captivating city of water built on two main islands, connected by bridges, surrounded by the sea, and interlaced with canals. Your in-depth tour includes world-famous Tivoli Gardens; the imposing Christiansborg Palace, now home to the Danish Parliament; and Nyhavn, an inviting harborside district where historic sea merchants’ homes are now filled with some of the city’s most popular cafes and restaurants.

Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, this ancient city founded by Alexander the Great is now a thriving metropolis, popular for its seaside ambience and historic culture. Your in-depth privately-guided sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom El-Shokafa, an important archaeological site from the 2nd century A.D. and the largest Roman-era funerary complex in Egypt. See the Roman amphitheater and continue along the sweeping edge of the harbor to visit the Fort of Qait Bay.

Strategically positioned on the Baltic Sea, this city’s colorful maritime history is reflected in its rich culture and wealth of finely-preserved medieval architecture. Join your personal guide and stroll through Old Town to see the imposing, richly decorated Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Then visit the historic Dome Church, the oldest in Estonia, and explore the fascinating Open Air Museum where 18th century rural life has been recreated in a picturesque forest just outside the capital.

With the freedom and flexibility afforded by your own private car, driver and guide, you’ll enjoy an enriching day of exploration. Begin in Senate Square, flanked by the neoclassical architecture of Helsinki University and dominated by the imposing green domes of the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland. See the grand President’s Palace, built as a private mansion and redesigned in 1843 as a palace for Russian czars. Continue on to Parliament, Finlandia Hall and the beloved Sibelius Monument.

In historic Aquitaine along the scenic banks of the Garonne River lies Bordeaux, the world’s most famous wine region - home to appellations like Saint Emilion and Pauillac. But most revered perhaps are the astounding wines of the Médoc region… Travel by private car with your expert guide into these picturesque vineyard-laced landscapes and visit three historic chateaux estates for tastings of their superb vintages.

Delight in the scenic French countryside as you journey comfortably by private car from your ship to the City of Lights. Your personal guide will offer insight into the rich history and unique charms of Paris as you discover the city’s best known monuments. Drive up the elegant Champs Elysees to Place de la Concorde to admire the imposing Arc de Triomphe. See the Eiffel Tower and then tour the Louvre to see some of humanity’s greatest works of art!

The flexibility and easy pace of private car sightseeing promises enriching exploration of France’s beloved Provence region. Visit Arles, a remarkable town with ancient monuments and medieval cloisters, and Aix-en-Provence where artists and writers like Cezanne and Zola have found inspiration. Marvel at the rugged outlines of the Luberon Mountains and ascend to the fortified town of Les Baux, set on a rocky hilltop with sweeping views of the countryside. Then explore the wondrously preserved monuments of Avignon, like the Papal Palace and the Pont du Gard bridge.

In the comfort of your own private car and with the attentive services of your own personal guide, you’ll wind along the spectacular Riviera coastline to visit the elegant and picturesque enclaves of Cannes and Monte Carlo. Visit Nice, famed for its grand and historic seaside promenade. Explore St. Paul de Vence, a picturesque medieval village set on a narrow spur between two deep valleys. And delight in the captivating charms of Eze, perched like an Eagle’s nest on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Travel by private car from your ship directly to the capital for a delightful tour with your personal guide. Your in-depth sightseeing includes City Hall, the remains of the Berlin Wall, which fell 20 years ago, and the Brandenburg Gate, the sole remaining gate of 14 that were erected in the 1700’s. Then head over to Museum Island to visit the Pergamon Museum, home to the monumental Pergamon Altar - a Greek Temple of the 2nd century BC discovered in Turkey and shipped to Berlin in the late 19th century.

In the company of your own expert guide, your leisurely-paced in-depth private car sightseeing tour begins at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and through Constitution Square past Parliament. See the Panathenian Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games, and continue on to the Catholic Cathedral and bustling Omonia Square. Then explore the glorious ancient monuments of Athens including the Roman Temple of Zeus and the magnificent sites of the hilltop Acropolis.

Your privately guided exploration of this magical Greek isle begins in the town of Rhodes, an ancient city extended in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Knights of the Order of St. John. With these magnificent Knight-built Gothic structures, Rhodes is considered to be one of the finest fortified medieval cities in Europe. Then ascend through the narrow streets of nearby Lindos, a charming whitewashed village along the sea, to explore its magnificent Acropolis, set high with breathtaking views of the Aegean.

This tiny Greek isle in the ever-blue Aegean is steeped in history, rich in culture, and nearly overwhelming in its beauty. Traveling comfortably with a private car, driver and guide, your in-depth island exploration begins along the coastline. Visit the enchanting village of Oia where small white houses, churches and winding paths climb the steep hillside nearly 500 feet above the sea! Continue to the fortress settlement of Pyrgos, the highest point on the island, and visit the winery. Your tour ends in the capital Fira, a picturesque town filled with charming shops, cafes and galleries.

Your comprehensive privately guided tour begins in the heart of the city at Dam Square, created in the 13^th century and still lively now 24 hours a day! Then visit the renowned Rijksmuseum (National Museum) set in a historic building and revered for its collection of masterpieces by van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt and others. Later in the afternoon, delight in the colorful blooms of the unique floating flower market at Keukenhof.

With the attentive services of your own private guide, and a car and driver, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your exploration of Rotterdam to your personal interests. Begin your morning with an overview of the city and a guided visit to one of the city’s many museums and colorful markets. In the afternoon, visit the Euromast Tower for stupendous views of Rotterdam or continue your exploration into art and culture at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, home to an outstanding collection of artwork from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.

With your guide shedding light on the history, culture and traditions of Italy, you’ll travel by private car directly from your ship to The Eternal City. Start in the historical center of Rome and toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Then visit the Pantheon, the Temple of Roman Gods built 2,000 years ago by the Emperor Hadrian. Continue on to St. Peter’s Square, the Circus Maximus and Piazza del Campidoglio, the historic plaza designed by Michelangelo. Then stand in the Colosseum, where more than 70,000 Romans sat enthralled 2,000 years ago during the ceremonies.

With your own personal guide leading the way, this enriching day will reveal the highlights and monuments of the proud city where Christopher Columbus was born. Your tour begins at the Harbor to see the iconic Genoa Lighthouse, erected in 1544. Continue through the historic city center to the handsome Piazza Fontane Marose and along Via Garibaldi, one of Genoa’s most famous streets, to the lavishly Baroque church of Santissima Annunziata. Then tour the outstanding collection of the National Gallery, housed in a richly adorned palazzo.

Your comprehensive privately-guided sightseeing reveals the grandeur of the extraordinary city which gave rise to the Renaissance. Drive along the romantic Viale dei Colli and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views over the city and River Arno. Continue into the historic city center for a guided stroll through the charming streets that surround the Duomo. See the Baptistery, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque style and one of the oldest structures in Florence. Admire the soaring multi-colored marble architecture of Giotto’s Bell Tower, built in the 13th century, and then tour the interior of the Cathedral to gaze upon the magnificent cupola designed by Brunelleschi.

Explore the city in-depth at a leisurely pace in the company of your own private guide. Your sightseeing begins in the historic center of Naples in Piazza del Plebescito, a vast city square inspired by the grand colonnaded architecture of St. Peter’s in Rome. Dominating the Piazza is the imposing Palazzo Reale, the Imperial palace built in the early 1600’s and renovated by successive rulers including Napoleon’s sister Caroline who reigned here briefly at the end of the 18th century. Then tour the impressive displays of the Archaeological Museum, including treasures excavated from Pompeii.

In the attentive company of your own personal guide, this in-depth, private car sightseeing tour explores two historic Sicilian towns. In Monreale, the magnificent 12th century Duomo is splendidly decorated with glittering gold mosaics which depict events from the Old and New Testament. This is certainly one of the grandest and most impressive churches in all of southern Italy. Return to Palermo and tour the Cathedral, a unique blend of architectural styles from Norman and Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical! Then visit the Palatine Chapel and Royal Palace; with 1,000 years of history, this grand structure is now home to the Sicilian Parliament.

As your personal guide offers insight into this enchanting corner of Italy, you’ll travel comfortably by private car from your ship directly to the Cinque Terre region, one of the most picturesque in all of Europe. Spend a leisurely day with your guide exploring along the breathtaking coast of the Italian Riviera, visiting all five Cinque Terre towns including the lovely beaches of Monterosso, the breathtaking views from Vernazza, and Corniglia - perched high on a cliff above the Mediterranean. These seaside towns are nestled along the cliffs and due to a lack of roads and parking, your private car will wait as you and your guide use the region’s efficient transportation system to explore the region.

With your own personal guide at your side, you’ll explore across the Venetian Lagoon to visit some of the city’s most renowned islands. See the legendary artisans of Murano, producing some of the most beautiful glass works in the world. On Burano, you’ll be charmed by the colorfully painted homes that line the canals. Here in this island village, lace is delicately handcrafted as it has been for centuries. Then alight on the island of Torcello to visit Santa Maria Church; the first Cathedral in Venice dates to the 11th century and the island’s wealth at the time is reflected in the superb quality of Santa Maria’s Byzantine mosaics.

Begin your comprehensive privately-guided exploration with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of central Bergen. Explore the bustling fish market and stop by the colorful port, lined with picturesque wooden buildings from centuries past. Your sightseeing continues up Mount Floyen where you’ll have sweeping views over Bergen and the sea. Tour the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer, and then visit Fantoft Stave Church, an amazing reconstruction of a 12th century wooden church.

Your in-depth privately guided sightseeing begins in Aker Brygge. Oslo’s historic shipyard has been revived as an inviting seafront promenade and marina with shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes that draw visitors and city residents alike. Continue along Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main boulevard with the elegant Royal Palace standing at one end and the impressive Central Station anchoring the other. Then enter with your personal guide onto the expansive grounds of Akershus Slott, a medieval 13th century fortress that evolved over the centuries into a fine Renaissance palace.

With your own personal guide leading the way, you’ll delight in the myriad charms of Lisbon, old and new. See the spectacular Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Built in 1515 as a fortress to guard Lisbon’s harbor, this tower was the starting point for many of the world’s greatest explorers during the Age of Discovery. Then visit the impressive Roman Cathedral and Church of Santa Clara. Immerse in the unique, cosmopolitan ambience of Lisbon as you explore through Bairro Alto and Chiado, two historic neighborhoods now filled with some of the city’s most popular boutiques, cafes and clubs.

Peter the Great’s magnificent city is yours to explore in the intimate company of your own personal guide, with a private car and driver to ensure a leisurely, comfortable pace. Tour the world-renowned Hermitage and marvel at its vast collection of masterpieces from antiquity through the 20th century. Then set out to discover the city, traveling through Palace Square and along the elegant Nevsky Prospekt to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world. Admire the brilliantly colored domes of the Church of the Spilled Blood, built at the turn of the century on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.