Rome (Civitavecchia)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Civitavecchia: Imperial Rome & The Vatican City - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.
Begin your tour with a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the stadium could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to view the gladiatorial battles that lasted up to 100 days! Adjacent is the Arc of Constantine which, dating from AD 315, is a forerunner to many other Triumphal Arches around the world. Possibly even more impressive are the excavations of the vast Roman Forum where the remains of temples, streetscapes, palaces and homes can be found.
After lunch, travel across the Tiber River to the Vatican City. Visit the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Residence which is estimated to contain 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries. The Museums contain an extraordinarily rich collection of precious arts, maps, sculptures and antiquities but surely the most breath-taking masterpiece is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. At the centre of the Vatican lies the vast Basilica of St. Paul, the world’s largest church where the colourfully dressed Swiss Guard can be found. The present Cathedral is a beautiful mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, formed under the hands of masters such as Michelangelo. The stunning interior is an elaborate and detailed display of marble, mosaic, gilt and bronze.
Your tour includes express entry to the Vatican Museums, past the regular lines. The Vatican requires visitors to cover upper arms and legs to below the knee.
Highlights:
- Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum
- Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
A tour designed for those who have visited Rome before, but would like to discover more of this fascinating city. Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will be waiting for you.
Take a journey back in time at the church of San Clemente as you descend down three levels and through two thousand years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th-century basilica which, in its turn, covers older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras.
In the afternoon discover how Rome evolved through the 18th-century and visit the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families. Believed to be the largest privately owned Palace in Rome, the Doria Pamphilj’s vast private art collection is still held here.
Your guide will also be delighted to make additional suggestions for your tour depending on your own personal interests. Alternatively, you may like to revisit some of your favourite places from your previous visit to Rome.
Highlights:
- Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history
- Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
Travel with your driver to Rome this morning to meet a food expert for a gastronomic walking tour of the Trastevere District, so called because it lies across the River Tiber. Trastevere was once the bohemian quarter of Rome and still retains its arty edge today. Explore the bustling market and ancient maze of streets whilst discovering the essence of Italy’s best loved food with tastings of gelato, Sicilian pastries, Jewish delicacies, meats and wine.
The remainder of the day can be spent as you wish, your vehicle and driver will remain at your disposal in Rome before returning you to Civitavecchia.
Highlights:
- Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies
- Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert local guide (3 hours)
- Entrance fees
- All taxes
- Food and wine tastings
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
Your driver will meet you at the port and bring you into Rome where your expert guide will meet you. Begin your tour on Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world; the Capitoline Museums, originally founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. Capitoline Hill has been a seat of religious or political power throughout the centuries, making it the most important of the “seven hills” of Rome. It was here that the most important temple in town, dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, was built. See the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter and marvel at the magnificent bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius at Campidoglio Square.
Afterwards, explore the museums, extended over two buildings; the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where you can view splendid frescoes portraying the history of Rome and the Pinacoteca (Picture gallery), and Palazzo Nuovo, where you can admire the wonderful sculptures. Finally visit the ancient Tabularium whose monumental arches overlook the Forum.
Continue up along the Via Veneto to the elegant Villa Borghese, accompanied by your local expert guide and private vehicle. Surrounded by a leafy parkland, the villa was originally designed as a palace of pleasure and entertainment to house Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s incredible collection of antiquities, paintings and custom pieces. Today the collections of sculpture and paintings are among the most important in Italy. Admire the stunning Caravaggio canvases, Titian's enigmatic ‘Sacred and Profane Love’ and the striking sculptures by Bernini and Canova during this fabulous visit. Return to Civitavecchia from here.
Highlights:
- Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world
- Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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04/01/2023 |
04/01/2023 05:00 PM |
Sorrento
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Travel outside along the coast today with your driver to the ancient site of Pompeii where your expert local guide will meet you to explore this most famous of places. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. There are theatres, thermal baths, shops and lavish dwellings, many of which have been incredibly well preserved. After your visit you will have time at leisure for lunch before returning to your cruise ship in Sorrento.
Highlights:
- Visit the incredibly preserved Roman city of Pompeii
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking guide at the Pompeii site (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Pompeii site
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Today meet your English-speaking driver-guide and private vehicle for a half-day excursion along the stunning Amalfi Coast taking in the villages of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. The Amalfi drive is the most romantic drive in Italy, following the road snaking along the edge of the rocky cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Amalfi is the coast's largest town and home to the magnificent 10th-century Duomo fronted by a beautifully coloured 13th-century facade. Also be sure to admire the amazing views from Ravello’s Villa Ruffolo.
Highlights:
- Drive along the magnificent Amalfi Coast, stopping at Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
- An expert English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour (6 hours)
- Entrance fees to the Villa Ruffolo
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
Explore the island of Capri in style today as you take a cruise in your skippered private motorboat. As you circle the Island of Capri you will be able to stop at Marina Piccola, a delightfully picturesque inlet that provides the Caprisi and other sun worshippers with their best beach – it is also safe for swimming. The entire cove is romantically lined with stabilimenti – elegant bathing lidos.
We suggest lunch at Al Gallo D’Oro (payable locally), which serves an excellent selection of local fare.
Travelling west, pass the beach of Marina Grande and of Bagni di Tiberio. Continue to the next stretch of coastline which consists of the high calcareous cliff with fissures and grottoes covered by lush, indigenous vegetation.
Enjoy time at leisure for shopping or perhaps a lazy swim from the boat before cruising back to Sorrento.
Highlights:
- Private skippered motorboat to explore the beautiful island of Capri, including Marina Piccola and Marina Grande.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- 34-foot (1-4 pax) or 43-foot (5-6 pax) private motorboat with English-speaking skipper (8 hours)
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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04/02/2023 07:30 AM |
04/02/2023 11:00 PM |
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Amalfi
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04/03/2023 07:30 AM |
04/03/2023 05:00 PM |
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Siracusa
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04/04/2023 09:00 AM |
04/04/2023 05:30 PM |
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Cephalonia (Argostoli)
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04/05/2023 01:00 PM |
04/05/2023 08:00 PM |
Katakolon
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Katakolan - Olympia Tour, site of the Olympic Idea - 4 hours
Guests will be met by our English speaking guide to commence the tour. Upon completion of the tour, transfer to the ship.
Olympia is situated in the quiet beautiful valley of the Alfios, in the territory of Pisatis. The setting, in great contrast with most Greek sites, is pastoral, green and lush. The ruins are shaded by evergreen oaks, Aleppo pines, poplars, and olive-trees. En route to Olympia, pass Pyrgos, the modern capital city of the province. Olympia was not a city, but a sacred precinct occupied exclusively by temples, dwellings for priests and officials, and public buildings in connection with the Pan-Hellenic games that were hosted there for more than a millennium. In 393 AD, the Christian Emperor Theodosius, in his crackdown of pagan festivals, closed the games and his successor had the temples destroyed. Later, the River Alfios changed its course to flow directly over the sanctuary where it remained buried under seven meters of sand and silt until the 1870s. A striking feature of the festival was the proclamation of the Ekecheiria, or Olympic Truce. Still more surprising was its almost universal observance, witness to the high prestige of the Olympic festival. Explore the archaeological site including the Stadium, the Temples of Zeus & Hera, the Ancient Wrestling House, the Altar (where the Olympic Flame of the modern times is lit), the Roman Aqueduct, the guesthouse and the workshop of the Athenian sculptor, Pheidias.
Next, visit the museum and admire the sculptures from the Temple of Zeus, the statue of Nike Peonios, and the statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. The museum also includes a rich collection of statues of the Roman emperors and objects used or dedicated by the ancient competitors.
Duration: 4 hours approx.
Notes:
• Sun protection is recommended
• Comfortable non-slip shoes for uneven cobble or marble streets/steps is recommended
• Bottle of water - recommended
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04/06/2023 08:00 AM |
04/06/2023 04:00 PM |
Chania
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Chania Walking Tour (Chania, Crete) - 3 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Archaeological Museum
- Venetian fortifications
- The Arsenals
- The 1860 Greek Orthodox Cathedral
- The 1879 Roman Catholic Cathedral
- The Etz Hayyim Synagogue
- The Turkish Quarters
This specially designed tour around the old town and Venetian port will reveal Chania's status as a cultural crossroads. Our walk will allow you to visit the most important sites, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, the 1860 Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the 1879 Roman Catholic cathedral, the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, and the Turkish quarters behind the inner harbour. The tour will also bring out plenty of hidden spots off the beaten track, which reflect the eclectic mix of influences that has given Chania its very unique atmosphere.
A walk through time, the tour promises to help you gain an understanding of how the city's multilayered history has unfolded. While it has been well researched and planned, it is designed to be informal and "loosely" organised to allow for flexibilities that can add to your pleasure.
Tour Duration: 3 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Applicable taxes
- Transfers to/from port of Chania
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Heaven and Crete (Chania, Crete) - 5 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Tour of the botanical park
- Cretan delicacies and drinks tasting
- Meze style lunch
- Tour around scenic areas and villages of the Cretan mountains
- Visit to a traditional winery and its vineyards
- Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals
- A wine-tasting session with 5 different types and styles of wines
- Info booklet and Wine Certificate
Enjoy the flora of Crete in a unique setting, home to a vast variety of Mediterranean fruits, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants. Learn about herbs and spices growing here and their use in the Cretan diet. Try local delicacies and feast like a Cretan before visiting a well-known winery, where you will get to taste their awarded wines.
Tour Duration: 5 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Applicable taxes
- Transfers to/from port of Chania
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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Wine and Olive Trails of Crete - 4 hours
Highlights/Description:
- Visit to the oldest olive tree in the world
- Visit to a traditional winery and its vineyard
- Information about the unique viticulture and the indigenous grape varietals
- A wine-tasting session with 5 different types and styles of wines
- Info booklet and Wine Certificate
- Visit to an organic olive oil estate and extra virgin olive oil tasting
- Picnic with traditional Cretan delicacies and drinks
A magnificent introduction to ancient sights and flavors! Visit the oldest olive tree in the world and learn about the history of its sacred land. You will then enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of the best wineries in the area. Continue with the tour of an innovative, yet old fashioned, organic extra virgin olive oil estate using traditional techniques and enjoy a delicious picnic rich with Cretan delicacies.
Tour Duration: 4-5 Hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Licensed, English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Applicable taxes
- Transfers to/from port of Chania
Not Included:
- Meals, unless otherwise noted
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
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04/07/2023 08:00 AM |
04/07/2023 05:00 PM |
Athens (Piraeus)
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Piraeus: The Ancient City of Athens - 8 Hours
Dominated by the remarkable Parthenon, which has stood for over 2,000 years, Athens is a city of major architectural and archaeological treasures. At Piraeus Port you will receive a warm welcome from your guide and driver who provides a captivating insight into the city’s history and culture during your full day tour.
For most, the highlight of a visit to Athens is the world famous Acropolis and the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena, it is one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world. This afternoon, delight in the mesmerising display of eclectic Greek and Oriental art at the Benaki Museum. Complete your day with a drive past the Panethenaic Stadium, the pure marble masterpiece that served as the original site for the modern Olympics. At the end of the tour you are privately transferred back to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
- Ascend the Acropolis to the Parthenon, one of the most important ancient monuments in the Western world
- Tour the Benaki Museum
Tour Duration: 8 Hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
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Piraeus: Cape Sounion - 5 hours
Meet your guide as you disembark your cruise ship in Piraeus and venture along the scenic coast to Cape Sounion where you visit the ancient ruined Temple of Poseidon. This temple is believed to date from the 5th century BC and was built to honour Poseidon, who ranked second only to Athena herself in terms of power. The Temple enjoys an impressive position, high on the cliffs, and has, over the centuries, been marked by many travellers’ carved signatures, including that of Lord Byron. After touring the site, you return to your cruise ship in Piraeus.
Highlights:
- Venture along the coast to Cape Sounion to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon
Tour Duration: 5 hours
Tour can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour
• An expert A&K local guide (5 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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04/08/2023 05:00 AM |
04/08/2023 |
