Murano Glass & Burano Lace

Visit two of the Venetian lagoon's islands, Murano and Burano; the first world-famous center of glass-making and the second renowned for its lace. First you'll travel along a portion of the beautiful Giudecca Canal passing St. Mark's Basin and other landmarks, then cross the lagoon to Murano, where you'll visit a glass factory and have a unique opportunity to see how beautiful Murano glass is made, followed by some time for shopping.

After visiting the glass factory, continue with a leisurely trip across the lagoon to lovely little Burano with its gaily painted houses and brightly painted fishing boats. Enjoy a walk through the streets of this charming and picturesque island where fishermen are always mending nets or repairing their boats.

On Burano, one encounters a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. Women sometimes sit in their doorways working on a piece of lace. Burano lace is extremely delicate and time-consuming to create. A small piece may take several weeks to complete, making it highly prized. You'll have a chance to admire some of these works of art when you visit one of the stores that sell the famed Burano lace.

Magnificent Ephesus Tour

Today you'll visit Ephesus, one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world and learn its secrets. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

Her temple was once considered the Seventh Wonder of the Ancient World and attracted pilgrims worshipping the female; first Cybele, then Artemis and finally the Virgin Mary.

Among the ruins lays an impressive amphitheater, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Scholastic Baths, the Lower Agora, State Agora, and Odeon. You'll make a stop for a shopping opportunity and refreshments before returning to your ship in Izmir.

Hidden Secrets of the Old City on Foot

Explore the old city of Istanbul on foot with visits to alternative and hidden places that most everyday visitors miss. Following a short bus drive to the city center, visit the Great Palace Mosaic Museum which displays the fascinating remains of the 6th century mosaic floor of Constantine's Palace.

The museum houses the mosaics used to decorate the pavement of a peristyle court, dating possibly to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Walk to Sogukcesme Street or "Street of the Cold Fountain". This narrow street with historic colorful houses is sandwiched in-between the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The street is named after the fountain situated at its end. The wooden two and three-story Ottoman houses were built during the 19th and 20th century and beautifully restored between 1985 and 1986. Some of these houses have been converted to beautiful hotels, one houses a library, and even a former president of Turkey was born in another.

Continue to Caferaga "Medresesi" Theological School, a former religious school built in 1559 by the most important architect of his era. This small building has had a number of restorations and now serves as the 'Applied Turkish Handicrafts Center", a tourist complex with a small cafe, classrooms/exhibition rooms and a garden where traditional Turkish handicrafts such as calligraphy, ceramics, and jewelry are taught, made and sold. No tour of Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar.

One of the greatest and most visited sights in the city, the covered part is a whole quarter on its own, with a maze of streets and lanes where you can find practically anything you can think of; from a small trinket to the most valuable antiques. Explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You'll also visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar, offering the best and most reliable shopping. Take part in a presentation on the unique art of Turkish carpets with time to shop. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments while you shop and stroll in the handicraft store.

Mount Vesuvius by 4 x 4 & Hike

Located on the west coast of Naples, you'll find the still-active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. For the adventurous traveler, this is the ideal way to explore the volcano that destroyed the city of Pompeii. You'll arrive at the base of the National Park of Vesuvius, from where you'll board a special 4 x 4 coach. Ecologic and equipped with air-conditioning, it will take you to a height of about 3,000 feet.

During the drive up the beautiful path in the National Park, you'll relax looking at the Gulf of Naples. Once at 3,000 feet, you'll proceed on foot for another 1,000 feet up on a narrow zigzagging path. Once on the rim of the crater walls, you'll meet an official alpine guide and walk part of the way around the edge to enjoy this natural phenomenon and, of course, a panoramic view that includes Naples and the entire bay.

After visiting the crater, you'll walk back to the 4 x 4 coach, which will take you to the motorcoach parking for your return drive to Naples and your ship

Highlights of Rome with Transfer Tour

Begin your exploration of the 'Eternal City' with an outside visit of the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum - Imperial Rome's symbol of power. You'll drive past the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Marcello Theatre, and Circo Massimo to the Trevi Fountain - one of Rome's most spectacular fountains.

The high Baroque Fontana di Trevi was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732. Legend has it that you can ensure your return to Rome by tossing a coin in the fountain. You'll have some free time for lunch before rejoining your coach to head towards St. Peter's Square.

Here you'll visit the Basilica, which can hold up to 300,000 people. After your visit, you'll be transferred to your Norwegian Cruise Line program hotel or the airport for your departure.

Pisa & Trolley Ride

Drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside en route to the historic town of Pisa, located on the banks of the Arno River. Enjoy a short trolley ride that takes you directly to Miracle Square, next to the famous Leaning Tower. Your walking tour begins near Miracle Square.

During World War II, much of Pisa was destroyed by German and Allied bombing, however the cathedral, baptistery and famous Leaning Tower escaped unharmed.

There'll be some free time to admire the exterior of the campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower and enjoy some coffee or browse for souvenirs in Pisa before returning to your ship.

Barcelona City Highlights With Transfer

At first sight you'll see that Barcelona is a city with charming streets, busy with people and full of life. The old town districts are famed for their historical monuments, narrow streets and Bohemian atmosphere, and are a perfect place for a stroll. The city also has the biggest selection of modernist architecture making it a genuine open-air museum. Barcelona is the only European capital with almost three miles of beaches where you can enjoy the most modern amenities.

From the pier, head to the Sagrada Familia, passing through the Barceloneta Quarter or Fisherman Area, and Calle Marina. From the outside, your guide will offer you an explanation of all the details related to the temple. Continue with a panoramic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town. See one of the masterpieces of Gaudi's architecture: the Casa Mila, best known by Barcelonians as 'La Pedrera' and Casa Batllo. Reaching Diagonal Avenue you enter the upper Eixample Area where the Sagrada Familia Temple is.

After this, continue to the Montjuic Hill, claimed by the city on the occasion of the 1929 International Exposition, when the mountain was developed and trade fair halls and sports installations were constructed as well as the parks and gardens which are to be found all over the mountain.

Today it is the most important recreational area in Barcelona. Drive by the Olympic Ring and make a brief stop at the Mirador del Alcalde for a panoramic view of the city. Finally, arrive at the Gothic Quarter for a walking visit.

The facade of the cathedral and octagonal dome are Neo-Gothic structures of the 19th century, designed according to a 15th-century drawing. From here, you'll be dropped off at a Norwegian Cruise Line program hotel, Mont Blanc, Catalunya Square or continue to the airport.