Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
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Shore Excursions / Rome
Rome
Piazza Navona
Ostia Antica, Square and Foutains
The history of the square goes back to Ancient Rome. In this area rose the large Circus of the Emperor Domitian. As a matter of fact the vast elliptical shape of the square matches exactly the outlines of the circus. Here were carried out mock sea battles, grandiose public shows, games etc. In the following centuries, although the complex fell into ruins, the site was still a favourite spot by the Romans. In the Middle Ages several festivals took place in this square, it was used for jousting, horse-racing, and water festivals. During the latter, which often took place in the stifling dog-days of August, the piazza was flooded and Rome's aristocracy had their gilded carriages pulled around the artificial lake, while throwing money on every hand in order to increase popular gayety. The square, with its fountains, the church of S.Agnese, Palazzo Pamphilj and the buildings that surround it, was already constructed between the 1600's and 1700's. The church was designed by Borromini (1645-50). Pope Innocent X was buried here. Once completed the square, the Pope continued to embellish it with the construction of two fountains. One of these, masterpiece by Bernini, is the central Fountain of the Rivers. On the group of rocks sit the giants symbolizing the rivers of the four Continents: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the River of the Plata. Today the square is surrounded by characteristic coffees and wine-bars, in the centre of the square the painters expose their works, and the Romans, adults and kids, come to take a walk creating an indissoluble harmony between art, history and true life.
Ostia Antica: Leaving Rome and following the cost road it takes about 30 minutes to reach Ostia, the Roman city of the Imperial age whose Latin name "Ostium" means "Mouth of the river" reflecting its position along the Tiber river. Ostia was founded around the 42th century BC by King Anco Marzio and became the harbour of Rome around which throughout the following centuries, a flourishing trade and business centre developed. Your visit to Ostia Antica itself starts at Via delle Tombe which leads to the Porta Romana one of the city's three gates. Then you will arrive at the Terme di Nettuno where you can admire the beautiful black and white mosaics representing Neptune and Amphitrite, the theatre built by Agrippa and the Forum. At the end of Via dei Dipinti, the Museo Ostiense displays some of the ancient sculptures and mosaics found among the ruins
Pantheon Piazza di Spagna
During classical antiquity this temple was dedicated to all gods of pagan Rome. Marco Vispasiano Agrippa, Agusto's favourite son, built it between 27 and 25 BC in law, to celebrate bis victory against the Persians. The original rectangular shape was modified after two fires when Adriano rebuilt it in a circular shape in AD 125. That is why it then became a Christian church and was dedicated to "Santa Maria and Martyred", to all the saints in substitution for the ancient pagan gods. According to legend the opening on the dome was made by a vicious demon, who, during the consecration ceremony of the church wanted to escape and managed to demolish this part of the roof with butts of his horns.
In the middle of the square rises the obelisk point of convergence of different roads. Roman imitation of the Egyptian obelisks, it dates back to the Imperial age, it came from the Gardens of Sallustio, but it was put here as element of link between the church and the stairway. The hieroglyphs were carved in Rome imitating those of the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo. At the corner formed by the convergence of Sistina Street and Gregorian Street stands Palazzetto Zuccari, planned by Federico Zuccari and known with the appellative of "house of the monsters" because the windows on the sides are modelled on mouths of monsters. Here lived the queen -4-
Shore Excursions / Rome
of Poland Maria Sobiesky.Proscenium to the church is the monumental stairway of the church TrinitĂ dei Monti planned in 1726 by Francesco De Sanctis and realized completely in travertine marble. He chose as reference and for inspiration the number three, in honour of the church of the Trinity, De Sanctis created a flight of steps divided in three parts which unite and then converge immediately in two opposite directions in an alternation of convexity and concavity of the walls, of the staircases and of its squares. Since 1951 in April and May a great exhibition of azaleas gives to the stairway a particular fascination.
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Shore Excursions / Vatican City
Arch of Titus, you will visit the Coliseum, surrounded by impressive monuments such as the ruins of the Arch of Constantine the Great.
Vatican City Vatican City and Ancient Rome
Duration 6 hours
Vatican City After crossing the park of Villa Borghese we reach the Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum, you'll be show a fine collection of antiquities, including: • The sculpture museum • The fascinating tapestry gallery • The gallery of maps • The world famous Sistine Chapel, decorated by Michelangelo The tour will then proceed to St. Peter's Basilica, when you will view the art treasures of the largest Roman catholic church in the world, including Michelangelo's Pietà
Ancient Rome Passing by Piazza Barberini, with the Triton Fountain by Bernini, we proceed to Piazza Venezia, where you will see the imposing memorial to Victor Emanuel II, the first king of United Italy. The tour will then proceed to the Roman Forum, the old centre of Imperial City, where the Senate House, the Basilicas and the Temples of the major gods are located. After walking down the Via Sacra and passing by the
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Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento
Pompei and Sorrento
influence, can help us to better understand many of the writings of the New Testament.
Sorrento Sorrento is one of the best known resorts in Italy, situated on a tract of coastline of unrivalled beauty, on the northern slope of the Sorrentine Peninsula, in a sheltered spot, surrounded by luxuriant hills where vines, olives and above all high quality citrus fruits are grown. The site of patrician villas during Roman times, it has been a highly prestigious retreat since 700. Sorrento has been nicknamed "La Gentile" because of the gentleness of its climate, the refinement of its streets and gardens and of the friendliness of its inhabitants. Sorrento nestles on a tufaceous terrace, 50 meters high, which falls steeply down to a blue, crystalline sea. This peculiar geographical position gives it a special character. The city does not have a promenade, but looks down, like a balcony, over the port and two Marinas, with unexpectedly charming views. Access to the sea is gained mostly via stairs, passageways carved into the rock and lifts.
Pompei It is my opinion that Pompeii is the most important archeological site anywhere. Almost every other ancient urban site is simply the remains of a ghost town, long ago deserted by its citizens who carried away with them everything of value. Prior to the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was a thriving city. Then it was buried with so little warning in 79 A.D. that Pompeii was literally frozen in time.
If we want to know details about what life was like in a Roman city during the first century, I think by studying Pompeii we can get the very best perspective with the least speculation. We can understand how the privileged rich man and the ordinary slave lived from day to day in the Roman Empire during the time when Christianity was beginning to spread throughout the Mediterranean. A better understanding of life in Pompeii, a city with both Roman and Greek
Deaprture from Naples : 8:30 am return by 5:00pm -7-
Shore Excursions / Pompei and Sorrento
Duration 8.5 hours.
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Shore Excursions / Capri
Capri Tour
Capri: Luxuriant, extraordinary, and such a mild climate.
Capri is a Mediterranean island of calcareous origin that has been visited over the centuries by intellectuals, artists and writers, all enthralled by its magical beauty. A mix of history, nature, worldliness, culture and events that daily blend together and bring the Legend of Capri to life; a legend that sees no comparison anywhere in the world. 08:30 am the couple meets the guide in port they transfer to the hydrofoil to reach Capri within 30 minutes leave by hydrofoil to the island of Capri. On arrival, weather permitting, visit by rowing boat, the Blue Grotto and tour of the island by car and guide with visit of Capri and Anacapri . Stop for lunch ( on your own ). Back again to Marina Grande to board to return to Sorrento 3:30 pm - take the hydrofoil depending on the times 4:00 pm Return to Sorrento in time to board your ship .
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Shore Excursions / Amalfi Coast
who founded shelter in these three little valleys. It has followed the same destiny of the Amalfi Republic; it was the place of the Naval Academy too. During the XVI and XVII century, it became rich thanks to his trade. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta built in the XIII century, which his dome is completely in majolica. We can see, on the major altar, a Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna with a child, which legend say that came to Positano, on the wave of the sea. We can see, on the seaside, some towers, used for defensive purpose,against the pirates assaults, like the "Torre Trasita" and "Torre Sponda"
Amalfi Coast
Duration 8.5 hours : Departure from Naples at 8:30 am return to ship by 5:00 pm
Amalfi When you come to Amalfi, the panorama is wonderful. White houses clinged on the rocks are opposed to the big Saint Andrew Church, located in the middle of the town. Amalfi is full of steps and to arrive to the Cattedrale di S.Andrea there is a long way with 57 steps. On the right side of the Cathedral, we find the church tower(XII century) while above we discover the chiostro del Paradiso and the chiesa del Crocifisso. Here the visitor can discover the historical religious past of the Amalfi Church. From the Atrium of the Cathedral, which hoverhangs the square, we discover little streets that go to discover new places of Amalfi.Every street hides a square, where in the past people used to sell his merchandise. Through one of this street we discover Piazza dei Dogi, still called Piazza dei Ferrari, because there were smith's shop. From here, other streets go everywhere; one of these takes us to the sea, where we find the entrance of the Antichi Arsenali. Another street takes us to the Vagliendola quarter, with its tower houses. This street gets to the Hotel dei Cappuccini. It was a monastry called San Pietro della Canonica and founded in the XIII century
Positano Roman origin, was founded by people from Paestum, - 10 -
Shore Excursions / Florence
Florence
You will have free time to have lunch on your own and shop .
Full Day
Duration of Tour 8.5 hours Departure from Livorno at 8:30 am Return to Dock by 5:00 pm
" Florentia", the florid, was the name given by the Romans to this small settlement located at the foot of the ancient Etruscan Fiesole and founded in the first century BC. The Etruscans, an ancient and mysterious race, of whom we know very little, but who left numerous testimonies around about Florence, had settled on the hills surrounding the plain of the river Arno as far back as the VII-VI centuries BC. Florence has retained an extraordinary wealth of art treasures, a glorious witness to its centuries of civilization. Cimabue and Giotto, forefathers of Italian painting, lived here; Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano, renovators of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio, innovators of the Renaissance; Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Botticelli and universal men like Leonardo and Michelangelo. Famous monuments indicate the various stages of Florentine art: the Baptistry with its mosaics; the Duomo with its sculptures; medieval churches 'with their frescoes; public and private palaces - the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo Davanzati; monasteries and cloisters; convents and "cenacoli"; the Certosa. The Etruscan civilization is well represented in the Archaeological Museum. You will be picked up at dock and proceed towards Florence - drive approx. 1 ½ hours You will be met by local guide and have a walking tour including visit of Accademia museum - Michelangelo's David.
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Shore Excursions / Livorno - Pisa - Lucca
Livorno - Pisa - Lucca Tour
Pisa & Lucca: This tour will give you the opportunity to admire the leaning tower of Pisa, considered one of the wonders of the world and the famous Square of Miracles. The tour will continue to the town of Lucca where you can admire the medieval wall which still today surrounds the city. You will be able to walk through the charming alleys of the historical centre. The historical center of Lucca is walled, and traffic is restricted, even motorbikes. Walking is therefore the best, most enjoyable way to get around .Sights to see are the Duomo, Palazzo Guinigi, Piazza del Anfiteatro Romano,Museum of Palazzo Mansi. 8:30 am : Pickup at pier 9:30 am Arrive in Pisa spend time to visit piazza dei Miracoli and the leaning tower of Pisa for a couple of hours 11:30 am Depart Pisa for Lucca Possibile sights : Duomo, Plalzzo Guinigi, Piazza del Anfiteatro Romano etc. Have lunch in Lucca 15:30 Depart from Lucca 16:00 Arrive in Livorno If you prefer to do only Lucca , then you may go directly there and spend more time to sightsee.
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Shore Excursions / Venice
Burano can be reached from the Fondamenta Nuove or from the Murano Faro stop, Burano is one of the prettiest islands in the lagoon: it is a miniature Venice where all the houses are painted in bright colors. Burano is famous for its lace work, an art carried out since the sixteenth century and which is famous worldwide. As soon as you get off the boat you will walk along Via Marcello and then turn right to the Fondamenta of San Mauro: You will soon come to Via Baldassare Galuppi that opens onto the square with the same name. Here you will find the Lace Museum, where you can see old pieces of lace and can watch the various stages of work carried out by the experts. In the square there is also the Church of San Marino, which houses the "Crocefissione" painting by Tiepolo and also Palazzo del PodestĂ .
Venice Murano and Burano
The island of Murano became famous in 1291, the year in which the glass production was transferred here from the old city center due to fear of fires in the kilns. To get to the "glass island" you must go to Fondamenta Nuove . You will catch a glimpse of the San Michele island while traveling between le Fondamenta Nuove and Murano. This is Venice's cemetery where famous people such as Stravinsky and Diaghilev are buried. Once you get to Murano, get off at the Colonna stop and walk along the Fondamenta dei Vetrai, where you can see the famous kilns lined up one after the other. Some of these are open to the public: choose one to watch the expert master glass blowers creating an object in glass. You can also buy blown glass things at the kilns directly. One of the oldest glassworks is Venini, a company that exhibits its own work in many Museums of Modern Art around the world. Just before the Vivarini Bridge you will see the Church of San Pietro Martire on your left, where there are some frescoes by Bellini, Tintoretto and del Veronese. Cross over the bridge and walk along the Fondamenta Cavour, where the Glass Museum is located, housing 4000 pieces that shown the development of glass blowing techniques over the centuries. One of the items on shown is the wonderful Barovier cup, made from enamel-painted blown glass and decorated with allegorical figures. Just a short walk from the museum there is also the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, which was built in the 8th century. Here you can admire the Vergine Orante, a splendid mosaic that depicts the Virgin Mary. The Basilica also has a curious fact: the apse in Venetian Byzantine style is facing the Canal. Burano - 13 -
Shore Excursions / La Spezia & Cinque Terre
Manarola, not by boat but by walking through the famous "Via dell'Amore." This gentle walk will offer you a wonderful view over the coastal sandstones and Punta Mesco promontory. This trail, which will take about 20 minutes to walk, is suitable for everyone in your family - and it is unforgettable! Once in Manarola you can take the boat again to reach Vernazza, passing by Corniglia. Arrive at Monterosso, the last stop, where you will find your driver waiting for you. Same pickup time
La Spezia & Cinque Terre
Same return
To visit the Cinque Terre means to visit five villages suspended between sea and earth, clinging to the cliffs and surrounded by green hills. Here the sea, the hills, the vineyards, the old ancient villages and the Genovese-style churches combine to result in breathtaking scenery.
Option 1: You will visit the towns of Riomaggiore. After visiting the village you will move on to the village of Manarola, by walking through the famous "Via dell'Amore." This gentle walk will offer you a wonderful view over the coastal sandstones and Punta Mesco promontory. This trail, which will take about 20 minutes to walk! You will continue for Vernazza, passing by Corniglia and lastly Arrive at Monterosso, the last stop. 8:30 am: Pick up at La Spezia Pier 4:30 pm: Return to La Spezia pier This tour can be done only by car as quoted or a combination of car with guide and ferry boat between towns as option 2 below .
Option 2: Half an hour after you leave your cruise ship you will arrive in Portovenere, where you will board the ferry with your guide to reach the first village, Riomaggiore. After visiting the village you will move on to the village of - 14 -
Shore Excursions / Taormina
Taormina
It has long been Sicily's most famous resort town. It was here, in romantic Taormina, that a self-exiled D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterly's Lover, one of the most passionate and erotic love stories of its era. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages, each with its own secrets --great restaurants, cafÊs and ice cream bars. Some of these intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone walls, others are set on terraces overlooking the coast or in more public but equally pleasant squares. Of particular architectural interest are the Greco-Roman theatre, the Odeon, and the medieval palaces and churches. Wherever you are in Taormina, Taormina is beautiful by day but in the evenings its atmosphere is simply enchanting, whether you stroll the illuminated streets or indulge in the view of the coast over a delicious dinner. second largest city. • Depart Messina at 8:30 am • Depart Taormina at 3:00 pm and drive through Messina - highlights of Messina before returning to ship
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Shore Excursions / Mount Etna
Mount Etna
Mount Etna, towers above Catania, Sicily's second largest city. Etna is Italy's highest and most voluminous volcano and it has a history that is long and complex. The oldest lavas, exposed on the lowermost flanks of the volcano, erupted 300,000 years ago. Between 150,000-100,000 several volcanic centers coalesced and calderas formed and filled. Between 65,000-25,000 years ago a major vent grew to the southeast of the present summit. Phreatomagmatic eruptions were common during this period. Most of the summit of this volcano was removed by subsequent caldera collapse. Between 18,000-5,000 years ago four major volcanic centers continued to construct Etna and three calderas formed. Valle del Bove is a depression that formed about 5,000 years ago by gravity sliding on the east flank of the volcano. Most of the cones, craters, and prehistoric lava flows and tephra deposits at the summit of Etna formed within the last 5,000 years. 4WD from 1.900m Rifugio Sapienza up to 2900m Climb of one hour approx, to the top craters Bocca Nuova and Central. Descent passing by the craters of the last eruptions of 2002/03 and 2001 with visit of the Valle del Bove. Return to departure point after approx 4 hours walk. Equipment: Mountain boots, rucksack with picnic lunch and water, wind & water proof jackets, woolen hat and gloves.
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Shore Excursions / Barcellona
Barcellona
Barcelona's Old city is, without doubt, one of the nicest and most romantic of Europe. Its small streets, little shops, everything invites you to wander around, getting to know every place of this charming area. The centre of the city is of course Pl. de Catalunya, to the south of which you can find the old town and most of the museums and other historical places of interest of the city. Between Diagonal and Pl. Catalunya is most of the "Eixample" area ("expansion" in English), which arose from the famous "Pla Cerdà" (Cerdà's city plan), aimed at joining the old town with the nearby villages, which are now part of Barcelona. These villages, such as Gràcia, Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, etc. have remained untouched over the years and have kept most of their own historic and cultural identity. L' Eixample, with its square blocks of houses forming a grid pattern, has as its main boulevard the Passeig de Gràcia, where you will find the famous "Pedrera" of Gaudi. Other important landmarks are: Sagrada Família, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barri de la Ribera and L'Illa Diagonal. Duration : 6.5 hours Departure dock 9:00 am - Return to dock 15:30
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Shore Excursions / Tour Gaudi
Tour Gaudi Duration 4 hours :
The aim of this tour is to visit the main modernist art route in Barcelona. The dynamism of the Modernist in he arts at the turn of the 20th century is reflected in the architecture of the "Eixample" district. The "Eixample" meaning "expansion", refers to the area where from 1860 onwards the city began to spread beyond the medieval city walls, key works by Barcelona's genius architect GaudÏ and other leading Modernist movement but went far beyond it. His unique style, which stemmed from providing wildly creative solutions to technical problems and an extravagant ornamentation, still causes a sensation today. Two of his most striking works are on the "Passeig de Gracia", the Casa Batllò, a dazzling example of his use of different materials and abstracts forms, and further up the Casa Milà , popularly known as La Pedrera. Gaudi's church Sagrada Familia is probably the most impressive building in the city and an unmistakable landmark. You will pass by the Paseo de Gracia to arrive to the Park Guell. It was first intended as a residential garden suburb but was later converted into a colorful, magnificent, city park. It is blend of nature and modernist architecture.The park affords impressive views over the city, which stretches as far as the sea. Then you'll heard to the Sagrada Familia where you will receive the explanations of your guide will point the most relevant modernist buildings. Then you will arrive to the shopping mall "L'I lla Diagonal" with a range of different retailer shops, unique gift shops and boutiques where you will enjoy a limited shopping time before returning to the cruise.
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Shore Excursions / Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco
Drive through the French Riviera.
Cannes, Montecarlo e Monaco
Return to Cannes at 17:00
Cannes, Jewel in the crown of the "C么te d'Azur" since the dawn of time, focal point for festivals throughout the world and a cultural melting pot, the city of Cannes welcomes you. It is the sun which first playfully with the azure blue of the sea, before laying down to sleep in the arms of its wooded mountains. It's lush vegetation prospers languidly in the idyllic climate. The perfect getaway for those who appreciate the finer things in life. With its Old Port, the illustrious "Croisette" and the Old Town, scented with Italian fragrances , Cannes is a festival of discovery. And with the "Rued'Antibes", which reads like an honours list of the best known designers and is the last word in luxury and elegance, Cannes is also a festival of shopping. Once in your life you have to go for a trip in Monaco. This mythic place, between the Alpes and the Mediterranean sea will offer you dreams and reality. Alone, both or with your family, for romantic holidays, simple tourism or a business trip, the Principality of Monaco will offer you a universe of many facets. Monaco Monte-Carlo provides you many discoveries, a highly cultured place with its many museums, nice welcome with its nicest hotels in the world, sumptuous gastronomy with his well known restaurants. Everything is done for your satisfaction! Take the advantage of what the Principality has to offer by planning your stay in advance. Duration : 8.5 hours Pick up at 8.30 Cannes dock transfer to Monaco, visit Montecarlo.
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Shore Excursions / Nice
Nice
(Rue de la Préfecture) Formerly the "Palais Royal", built at the beginning of the 17th century to accommodate the Governors and Princes of Savoy when they came to stay in Nice. After Nice was reunified with the rest of France in 1860, the building became the headquarters of the "Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes". Since the inauguration of the new administrative centre to the west of Nice, it has been home to the President of the General Council and the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. At n° 18 rue de la Préfecture, there is a very fine house dating back to the 16th century.
It's worth taking the time to discover Nice in depth: wander at random through the narrow streets of the old town and then stroll along the famous "Promenade" before entering into the heart of the city with its rich architectural and cultural heritage and its parks and gardens. Nice has a total of 19 museums and galleries, 32 classified historical monuments and 300 ha of parks and gardens, woodland and green areas in addition to 150 ornamental lakes and fountains.
IN OLD-NICE Whilst wandering through the old town, take a look at the "ogival arches" above some of the shops, dating back to medieval times. They have been carefully restored, especially in the Rue du Pont Vieux and Rue de la Préfecture. You can also see many examples of stone lintels on the facades of private houses.
Le PALAIS de JUSTICE (Place du Palais) Law courts built in neo-classical style at the end of the last century. The courthouse annex occupies Caserne Rusca, former barracks across the square. A pleasant pedestrian area separates the two buildings.
Le PALAIS de la PRÉFECTURE - 20 -