LEIXOES (PORTO) - April 8, 2011
Oporto Sights & Rivercruise
Excursion Code: E-LXO1
Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs
Level: moderate
Price: $57
Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal located near the mouth of the river Douro. You’ll begin your tour with a panoramic drive to Oporto’s center, passing Foz do Douro. Visit the cathedral, a 12th century Baroque building that began life as a Gothic structure. Continue to the Ribeira quarter, well known for its brightly-tiled or pastel-painted façades many in faded glory. You will then embark a typical Rabelo Boat, once used to transport the barrels of wine from the Douro region down to the wine cellars in Gaia and specifically designed for the river Douro. The discovery of port wine dates back to the 17th century when British merchants came to establish trade with Portugal. The wine of the Douro region was fortified with brandy to prevent it from turning sour while in transit. It was found that the stronger and sweeter the wine, the better flavor it acquired. Over the years, methods of maturing and blending were refined and continue today in the port lodges. Croft was one of the first big exporters followed by other English and Scottish firms. After your cruise along the Douro, you will visit a port wine cellar where you can taste the wine and learn more about its production before returning to the pier.
Note: Port wine tasting and boat tour included. Walking information: surface uneven with cobblestones and stairs.
Oporto Highlights & Walking Tour
Excursion Code: E-LXO2
Duration: approx. 4 hrs
Level: moderate
Price: $50
Oporto, Portugal’s second city and port, is both the Episcopal seat as well as the trade and industry centre of the country. This excursion will take you into the heart of the city, which is also known as the “City of Granite.” Your bus will take you to Cordoaria, from where you will start your walk through the labyrinth streets in the city centre. You pass Clerigos Tower, once the tallest structure in Portugal was designed by the architect Nicolau Nasoni before you continue to Lello Library, considered one of the most beautiful ones in the world, with its neo-gothic façade. Walk to Aliados Avenue and then to São Bento Railway Station, one of the city’s grandest buildings with its magnificent tiles by Jorge Colaço that take on two great themes – the history of transport and the battle of Aljubarrota. Your bus will take you to Guindais lift which takes you to the Ribeira quarter situated by the river Douro. Enjoy the views over the magnificent Douro, its bridges D. Maria Pia and D. Luís and to Vila Nova de Gaia city and enjoy some free time before continuing to a Port wine cellar, where you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Port Wine. Return to the ship.
Note: This excursion is a combination of a bus and walking tour, incl. Guindais lift and port wine tasting. Walking information: moderate, surface uneven with cobblestones and stairs.
VILLA GARCIA (SPAIN) - April 9, 2011
We will make a short port of call in Villa Garcia to disembark the guests for the excursion to Santiago de Compostela. The participants will re-embark the ship in La Coruña this evening.
Santiago de Compostela & La Coruña
Excursion Code: E-VIG1
Duration: approx. 11.5 hrs / full day
Level: moderate
Price: $182
May be combined with excursion E-VIG2.
Guided bus tour to Santiago de Compostela, the place where, according to the legend, the remains of the apostle Saint James were found. Santiago de Compostela continues to be a magnificent place and one of the best examples of medieval town building. After approx. 1hr 15 min drive you arrive in Santiago where you begin with a city tour including a walk to the famous cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. You will be able to see the great Romanesque architecture of the cathedral and the surrounding buildings before enjoying lunch at the well-known Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos, a former pilgrim’s hospital which is now a luxurious hotel. Before lunch there will be a music demonstration from a typical Galician group. After some free time in Santiago you depart for La Coruña (approx. 1hr 30 min drive). The city is well-known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, known as gallerías. Originally, this type of structure came about as a naval architecture solution for the challenging weather, particularly designed for rainy days. The sightseeing tour in La Coruña includes a stop at San Anton Castle, an old prison which has been converted into the city museum, a photo stop at the Romanesque lighthouse “Torre de Hercules” and a walk in the old town, dominated by the Town Hall Square and once surrounded by walls on three sides and the sea on the other, stretching along the Fisherman’s Quarter. After visiting St. Charles Gardens return to the ship.
Note: Cathedral entrance fee, lunch (incl. coffee, water and glass of wine), folklore music included. The tour involves a lot of walking over cobblestoned streets and is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. In the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela all guests must cover their shoulders and no shorts or short skirts are permitted.
LA CORUÑA (SPAIN) - April 9, 2011
La Coruña Walking Tour
Excursion code: E-VIG2
Duration: approx. 1.5 hrs / evening
Level: moderate
Price: $41
May be combined with excursion E-VIG1.
You will start walking from the port to the beach on the Atlantic coast (only 1,600 ft) and then continue via Plaza del Orzan and Plaza Maria Pita passing by many conservatories and beautiful old houses. The city is also well-known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, known as gallerías. Originally, this type of structure came about as a naval architecture solution for the challenging weather, particularly designed for rainy days.
Note: Walking information – The surface is cobblestoned and flat.
BORDEAUX (FRANCE) - April 11, 2011
Bordeaux City Tour
Excursion code: E-BOR1
Duration: approx. 2.5 hrs / morning
Level: moderate
Price: $52
May be combined with excursion E-BOR2
Departure by coach from the ship for a combined panoramic and walking tour of Bordeaux. Since 2007 the city has been officially included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This distinction recognises the beauty and unity of style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage. You will see the Chartrons river front where the wine trade started, the 18th century Place de la Bourse, the Cailhau Gate and the Big Bell as well as the WWII German submarine base. Stop at the Palais Rohan and walk to the 13th-century Cathedral of Saint-André, where Eleanor d'Aquitaine married Louis VII. Enjoy a taste of the local “Canele” cake during the walking tour before you continue by coach through the Gambetta and Tourny squares. Stop at the monument to the Girondins of the French Revolution at the Quinconces square and walk to the Grand Theatre nearby. The theatre was built by Victor Louis in 1773 and is one of the most beautiful in Europe; a pure work of art from the 18th century. After this you stroll through the Old Bordeaux area with the Parliament and St. Pierre squares, before transferring back to the ship by coach.
Note: Incl. “Canele” cake. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. No inside visit of the cathedral as it is closed on Mondays.
Saint-Emilion & Pomeral Vineyards
Excursion Code: E-BOR4
Duration: approx. 7 hrs / full day with lunch
Level: more difficult
Price: $144
Departure to St Emilion region through Entre-Deux-Mers and Pomerol vineyards where the Merlot grape is king. The unusual concentration of iron oxide in the soil accounts for the unique character of Pomerol wines. The illustrious Pétrus has made this appellation, one of the smallest in Bordeaux, world-renowned. You will stop at one of the nearby wine Châteaux: Fonplegade, de Cantin, Franc-Mayne, Gazin, Canon, Beauséjour-Bécot, la Gaffelière, etc. and you will be explained the techniques of wine making during the visit of the cellar and before a wine tasting. The lunch will be served in a traditional local restaurant in St. Emilion village. After lunch, you will visit the main monuments of the town: the church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the ramparts, the market place, the monolithic church or underground church from the 9th and 12th centuries. Consecrated to the holy hermit by the Benedictine monks, it is unique in Europe for its size and represents the ultimate Christian transformation of natural caves in the cliff-face used for religious purposes from prehistoric times to the present day. Beside the church, the catacombs include a charnel house and a number of sepulchers from the 11th and 12th centuries. The Hermitage was constructed by transforming a natural grotto in which, during the 8th century, a holy man, who gave his name to the town, used to live. Strolling in the streets, you will also see the Cadene gate and the King's Tower. There will be some free time for shopping or browsing before driving back to Bordeaux.
Note: Incl. twp course lunch with wine/water/coffee, wine tasting. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Difficult walking on steep cobblestoned streets in St-Emilion, in addition to possible stairs in the chateaux. Not recommended for disabled passengers.
Médoc Vineyards
Excursion Code: E-BOR2
Duration: approx. 4 hrs / afternoon
Level: moderate
Price: $85
May be combined with excursion E-BOR1
After driving along the famous Quai des Chartrons, cradle of the Bordeaux wine trade, your tour of the Médoc starts just north of the city. The Médoc wine road, located between the Gironde estuary and the Landes forest, provides magnificent views of vine-covered slopes as far as the eye can see. You will have the opportunity to take photos of some of the most famous châteaux of the area including Margaux and Pichon Longueville.
Médoc vineyards are meticulously well-kept almost to the point of fanaticism and the region's world famous châteaux produce wine with great reputation including Moulis, Listrac, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe, Pauillac, Médoc, Haut Médoc and Margaux (with the celebrated château of the same name). You will be able to visit the cellars of some famous châteaux such as Giscours, Lynch Bages, Siran, Beychevelle, Lascombes, Palmer, Issan, Kirwan, Prieuré Lichine, Rausan Ségla and d'Arsac before learning about the techniques of wine making and enjoying everyone’s favorite part, the tasting session! After this, you drive back to the ship.
Note: Wine tasting included. Accessing the chateaux cellars will involve walking up and down stairs.
SARK (GREAT BRITAIN) - April 13,2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to Sark (we recommend to wear rain trousers).
Sark Horse and Carriage Island Tour
Excursion code: E-SRK1
Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Level: easy
Price: $58
A visit to Sark, the smallest independent feudal state in Europe, is like stepping back in time. There are no cars, no tarmac roads, no high-rise developments; only superb scenery giving Sark an enchantment which is unique; unspoiled by cars and all the noise and bustle of modern day life. Transfer from the foot of Harbour Hill by a tractor-bus for the ride up to the center of the village. The slow and graceful lifestyle of Sark is evident as you climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the island. The leisurely scenic ride stops at various points along the way giving you splendid views of the island and the main points of interest. One of the quaint aspects of Sark is the presence on the island of a Seigneur - a feudal lord, or lord of the manor. The present Seigneur lives in La Seigneurie, an imposing building near to the Island’s north-west coast. It has been the home of the Seigneurs of Sark since 1730 and here we visit the beautiful garden. Our carriage journey continues with more scenic sightseeing as we move towards the island’s west coast and along the Rue de la Moinerie to a vantage point overlooking the cliffs and coastline.
Note: Requires the physical ability to get on the tractor and the carriage.
Independent Cycle Exploration
Excursion code: E-SRK2
Duration: approx. 2 hrs
Level: more difficult
Price: $30
With the absence of cars and with only a few tractors being permitted, the quietness and slower pace for which the island of Sark is renowned is yours to enjoy. Coming ashore at the foot of Harbour Hill we transfer to a tractor-bus for the ride up to the centre of the village. Here you collect your bicycle and then following the well sign-posted routes and by-ways you are off for an independent exploration – travelling at your own pace. Pass the island’s prison, a small stone structure containing just two cells, and St. Peter’s Church, Sark’s parish church – which is well worth a visit. You can then enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery with numerous bays and headlands before continuing onthe inland country lanes which are a dream to pedal on. One of the quaint aspects of Sark is the presence on the island of a Seigneur - a feudal lord, or lord of the manor. The present Seigneur lives in La Seigneurie, an imposing building near to the island’s north-west coast. It has been the home of the Seigneurs of Sark since 1730 and here you can visit the beautiful garden. Depending on the time you elect to take with your cycle ride, there may be time on return to the village to browse amongst the small street of shops before taking the return tractor-bus down to the harbour. Or, if you still have energy, why not walk back down the hill?
Note: There will be assistance when you collect your bicycle and helmets are provided.
GUERNSEY (GREAT BRITAIN) - April 13, 2011
Important Note: Tendering by Polarcirkel Boats from the ship to Guernsey (we recommend to wear rain trousers).
Guernsey Island Drive
Excursion code: E-GUE1
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Level: easy to moderate
Price: $62
Guernsey is a green, beautiful island belonging to the British Crown situated within sight of the Normandy coast of France. Its French influence is everywhere - in street names, its Patois, which is a mixture of Norman-French and English, and its love of fine cuisine. Crossing the center of the island, where we see large areas of the countryside with greenhouses, we can appreciate the importance of the horticultural industry to the economy of the island. This part of the island also has an abundance of wild plants and flowers, many of which flourish in Guernsey’s mild climate, including Mediterranean varieties at their northernmost limits. Crossing to the west coast we see a contrast of cliffs and stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, the rock pools uncovered by the receding tides. We travel along almost the entire length of the west coast before stopping to visit Guernsey Pearl at Rocquaine Bay. Here you will find thousands of pearls and pieces of pearl jewellery. Or, why not take a stroll along the beach during your free time here. Later you will also visit the Little Chapel - a church in miniature. It is beautifully decorated with pebbles, shells and myriad pieces of coloured broken china. As you climb the steps around the Chapel, and perhaps enter the tiny interior, you can appreciate the dedication shown in creating this unique religious symbol.
St. Peter Port Walking Tour & Castle Cornet
Excursion code: E-GUE2
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Level: difficult
Price: $46
Let your guide take you back to a bygone era, when St. Peter Port harbor was alive with the sights and sounds of trade. Boasting the best anchorage in the English Channel, and sheltered from the prevailing winds, the port offered a safe haven for many a ship. Smuggling, legalized piracy, the lucrative entrepot port, and of course the wine trade, are the subject of stories woven around the cobbled streets of St. Peter Port, which our guide tells us about as we make our way along the seafront towards the majestic medieval Castle Cornet. Entering the castle, built in the 13th century to defend the surrounding waters, you will begin to understand what life was like for those living in this imposing fortress. The deprivation, the dank stench from the dungeons, the constant danger of invasion and the many deaths within its walls are brought to life by your guide’s narration. Guernsey is well known for a local delicacy of fruit bread – gache, pronounced `gosh` and we enjoy refreshments of coffee and gache at the end of the tour. Time permitting you may remain at Castle Cornet to independently explore the excellent museums or you can return towards the center of St. Peter Port for shopping.
Note: Please wear appropriate clothing for a walking tour and non-slip footwear. The walk will make stops for photographs and approximately one and a half hours is spent walking and visiting Castle Cornet. There are a few steps to negotiate at Castle Cornet but the terrain is mainly flat.
HONFLEUR (FRANCE) - April 14, 2011
Honfleur Walking Tour & Eugène Boudin Museum
Excursion code: E-HON1
Duration: approx. 3 hrs / morning
Level: moderate
Price: $52
May be combined with excursion E-HON2
This walking tour will show you the charming and picturesque fishing port of Honfleur. Honfleur is also home to many artists that are inspired to this day by the beauty of their town and the enchantment of Normandy skies. The tour takes you along narrow streets lined by timber-framed houses to sights such as the wooden 15th century church of St. Catherine with its impressive bell tower, the salt warehouses originally run by the ‘gabelle’ (salt tax) collectors, the Lieutenancy, residence of the former governor of the city and the Old Port with its picturesque quaysides.
The visit continues with the Eugène Boudin Museum. The museum houses permanent exhibitions over 1,200 m2 spread throughout nine rooms in a 19th century chapel and two modern buildings. Discover the extensive collection of pre-impressionist and contemporary paintings by Norman artists: Boudin, Dubourg, Monet, Dufy and Friesz, to name a few. The museum also presents a large collection of Norman ethnography including headwear, dresses and furniture. After the visit, walk back to pier.
Note: Cobblestones and uneven ground in Honfleur.
Deauville & Pays D’Auge
Excursion Code: E-HON2
Duration: approx. 4.15 hrs / afternoon
Level: easy
Price: $101
May be combined with excursion E-HON1
Departure from pier and drive to Deauville via the Côte fleurie. The Auge region provides a wonderful backdrop to the beaches of the Côte fleurie, with its pasturelands, thatched cottages, manor houses and local products like cider and cheese. One of the great charms of this area lies in the diversity of its manors, which are generally countrified, pleasant to look at, and always perfectly adapted to the rural setting. On arrival in Deauville we visit the “Planches,” a wooden promenade that runs the length of the beach, which Deauville is famous for. Elegant buildings such as the Pompeian Baths and the "Bar du Soleil" line the "Planches" where celebrities enjoy being seen. After an orientation tour of this delightful sea resort you have time to explore further at leisure before we continue through Le Pays d’Auge.
Next discover local products by visiting a distillery: from the apple press, one continues through to the distillery with its bright copper stills and then on to the cellar of the castle where the Calvados ages in oak casks. You will be invited to sample the produce at the tasting room and delight in the perfection of this outstanding brandy. In addition to the wine tasting, three types of delicious Normandy AOC (Appellation Origine Controlée) Cheeses: Camembert, Livarot and Pont L’Eveque will be offered. Drive back to Honfleur.
Note: incl. wine tasting, cheese. Walking information: Even ground (flat) in Deauville.
DOVER (GREAT BRITAIN) - April 15, 2011
Important note: This excursion is mainly for passengers who stay on board in Dover and continue to Stavanger (Cruise “Norwegian Fjords”). This excursion is not suitable for guests who disembark or embark in Dover.
Canterbury with Cathedral
Excursion Code: E-DOV1
Duration: approx. 4 hrs / morning
Level: moderate
Price: $160
The south of England is an extraordinary place of legend and literature, castles and cathedrals, with a coast as dramatic as its 4,000 years history. You’ll start the tour by traveling to the top of the famous white cliffs for a photo stop of Dover Castle. A medieval historian described Dover Castle as “the key to the kingdom,” and when seen from the English Channel, its massive outlines etched into the sky above the famous white cliffs of Dover and the harbor, the importance of England’s oldest and strongest fortress can be appreciated.
Leaving Dover, you will travel to medieval Canterbury. The city, a cradle of Christianity in Saxon England, stands on a site that had already been occupied for 350 years when the Romans arrived there in 43 AD. Canterbury has preserved some of its medieval character. Long stretches of the town walls survive, built in the 13th and 14th centuries on Roman foundations. During your tour of Canterbury, you’ll see how the medieval atmosphere blends with the modern amenities. The long grey cathedral that dominates the city and skyline is the Mother Church of Anglicans throughout the world. It dates from Norman times, and for 350 years after the murder of Thomas Becket in the cathedral in 1170 it was the destination of countless pilgrims. Your Guide will point out the main aspects of the cathedral before you begin your individual visit and you’ll also have the chance to walk around the precincts affording fine photo-opportunities, before continuing the tour. There will then be an opportunity for you to browse in the nearby shops before commencing the return drive to Dover.
Note: This excursion will be guided in French/English language.