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
<div>Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.<br />
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<div>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.<br />
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<div>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.<br />
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<em>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.</em><br />
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<strong>Highlights: </strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum</li>
<li>Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel</li>
<li>Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration: </strong>8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions</strong>:</div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions</strong>:</div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
</div>

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<div>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.</div>

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<div>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.<br />
</div>

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<div>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.<br />
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<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history</li>
<li>Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration:</strong> 8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
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<div>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.<br />
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<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies </li>
<li>Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration: </strong>8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level</strong>: Low <br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert local guide (3 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
<li>Food and wine tastings</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<div></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>

<div></div>
</div>

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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
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<div>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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world</li>
<li>Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration:</strong> 8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
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06/22/2023 |
06/22/2023 |
Barcelona
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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Barcelona: Walking Tour with Picasso Museum and Medieval Quarter
<p><span><span><strong>A walking tour through the Ribera quarter of the city with the Santa Caterina Market, Palau de la Musica, Santa Maria del Mar church, the Born Cultural Center, the Montcada street with medieval mansions and visit the Picasso museum.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>4 hour tour<br />
Morning or afternoon tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Moderate physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong></span></span></p>

<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals, Taxis or other services not specified</font></p>

<p><br />
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<span><span> <br />
La Ribera quarter was in Roman times a place for country homes. In the 6<sup>th</sup> century, the area was dominated by a Christian necropolis. The first monastery was raised here in the 11<sup>th</sup> century. In the 13<sup>th</sup> century it was a busy tradesmen’s district and Passeig del Born was Barcelona’ s main square from the 13<sup>th</sup> to the 18<sup>th</sup> centuries. Jousting tournaments, executions and other public entertainments took place in the Middle Ages.<br />
The Santa María del Mar church is one of the best examples of 14th century Catalonian Gothic architecture. It is the work of the architect Berenguer de Montagut and was the templeof the shipowners and merchants in Gothic Barcelona. Seen from the outside, its appearance is solid and robust, dominated by straight lines. The inside consists of three naves, an ambulatory and is without a transept. The amazing height of the central nave with its majestic octagonal columns stands out.<br />
The Palau de la Música Catalana was built between 1905 and 1908 by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and it is an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau, the only concert venue in this style to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (4th December 1997), which today represents an essential landmark in the cultural and social life of Catalonia.<br />
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The Santa Caterina market building was constructed on the former site of the Convent of Santa Caterina, from which it takes its name. The refurbishment of Barcelona’s first covered food market by the architectural practice of Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue was completed in 2005. The food market revealed a gleaming, undulating and brightly coloured roof designed to be seen from the air. The roof is attached to the building by a wooden structure, and a vast mosaic of coloured ceramic pieces, representing fruit and vegetables, boldly breaks with the traditional look of a market.<br />
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The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a clear example of the ties Pablo Picasso had with the city of Barcelona. Here, he not only received sound academic training but also the artistic effervescence that lit the fire and opened the doors towards modernism.<br />
Inaugurated in 1963, the Picasso Museum not only owns the most important and exhaustive collection of the works of art from Pablo Picasso's youth and period of training but also holds temporary exhibitions of other artists related to this artistic figurehead.</span></span></p>

<p></p>
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Barcelona: Walking Tour of the Gothic and Jewish Quarters
<p><span><span><span><strong>A walking tour through the gothic and Jewish quarters of the city with the San Felipe Neri and Santa Maria del Pi churches, Plaça del Rei, Palau Reial Major, Plaça Reial, Sant Jaume square, roman ruins, City Hall, Governor Palace and a visit to the gothic cathedral and the old synagogue.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>4 hour tour<br />
Morning or afternoon tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Moderate physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong><strong> </strong></span></span></p>

<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals, Taxis or other services not specified</font></p>

<p><br />
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<span><span>Its early city centre, which was surrounded by walls during Roman times, makes up what today is the Gothic and Jewish Quarter. Narrow streets, with quiet squares and attractive corners, are home to an abundant collection of Gothic buildings, both civil and religious. Surrounding Barcelona's impressive gothic Cathedral, medieval palaces emerge, such as Casa dels Canonges and Casa d´Ardiaca. The Plaça del Rei brings together another labyrinth of marvellous buildings, such as the Palau Reial Mayor and the Chapel of Santa Ágata. The Plaça Sant Jaume holds the Palau de la Generalitat (headquarters of the Catalan government) and the City Hall.<br />
<span>The oldest</span> <span>synagogue in Europe dating back to 1306 is in Barcelona. </span>The site of the older Call of Barcelona –the Call Major– is located between l’Arc de Santamon, Call, Bisbe and Sant Sever Streets. In the mid-13th century, the geographic space designated to the Jewish community was amplified. On the outskirts of what is today the Church of Sant Jaume, the Call Menor (Minor) sprouted and thrived.</span></span></p>


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Barcelona: Montserrat Half Day Excursion
<p><strong><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Drive through countryside villages to the Benedictine abbey of Montserrat Monastery which contains the most revered image in Catalonia, the Virgin of Montserrat, patron saint of the catalan people. You will be able to attend to a recital by the Escolania, one of the oldest choirs in Europe and visit the museum.</font></strong></p>
<strong>5 hours tour<br />
Morning tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Light physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong>

<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals or other services not specified</font></p>

<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The moreneta of Montserrat. The adoration of this Virgin extended all over South America when the monk Bernat Boil accompanied Christopher Columbus to the New World. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">It is said that an image of the Virgen de Montserrat appeared in a cave in the mountain. Situated 45 kilometres Northwest of Barcelona, the monastery was founded by Abbot Oliba in 1025, although there is evidence that in the year 888, there was a chapel dedicated to the Mother of God. In the 12th century the Romanesque church was built and in 1223, the first European School for child singers. Leon XIII declared the Virgin of Montserrat patron saint of Catalunya. In the year 1500, San Ignacio de Loyola arrived as a pilgrim. The library has over 300,000 books. We have a choir school. There is a museum with paintings by artists such as El Greco, Picasso and Dalí. There are even treasures from ancient Egypt, amongst which one of the most outstanding treasures is a mummy. Montserrat lost most of its heritage during the Napoleonic Wars. However, since the Monastery was restored in 1844, the Museum has formed a valuable collection of artistic works. Private donations, from the artists themselves, and the sensitivity of the monks have made this possible. The Museum is divided into different sections organised in an instructive way. There are 13th century documents that prove that a choir school already existed in Montserrat. It was a religious and musical institution, made up by choir boys. </font></p>
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Barcelona: Girona Full Day Excursion
<p><strong><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Drive along the highway to visit this important medieval city, with the Call Jewish quarter, the Bonastruc ça Porta jewish center, located in the emblematic building that housed the last synagogue of Girona, it is currently the home of the Museum of the History of the Jews and the Nahmanides Institute for Jewish studies. The Arab baths, the gothic Cathedral and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. </font></strong></p>
<strong>7 hours tour<br />
Morning tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Light physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port </strong><br />

<p background-color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals or other services not specified.</font></p>

<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The so-called "City of the Four Rivers", shows us a historic centre dominated by medieval buildings and reminders of Romans, Arabs and Jews. Inside the walled enclosure of "La Força Vella" you can find the culiminating works of its historical destiny. One of the rivers, the Onyar, divides the historic centre from the modern city. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The old centre of this Catalan city preserves remains of its long history, from the time it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B. C. To them we owe its original wall, whose remains stretch from the Archaeological Walk to the Wall Gardens. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Set in this walled enclosure (La Força Vella), stands the Cathedral. Its Romanesque origin is shown in its fortress-like appearance and strategic location, although the most outstanding aspect is an immense Gothic nave, the widest in Medieval European architecture. Inside, it preserves one of the textile jewels of Catalan Romanesque, the Creation Tapestry. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Girona has other key pieces of religious architecture, like the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants. The convent of Sant Doménech, built in Gothic style and a clear example of the importance of the religious orders in the colonisation and repopulation of Catalonia during the Middle Ages, stands amid gardens. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Also to this historical period belong important displays of Arab and Jewish art, the result of these cultures living side-by-side with Christianity for centuries. So, you will discover the multitude of small streets making up El Call, the Jewish quarter of Girona. Calle Força is the heart of this district, which had a synagogue and centres of cabbalistic study. The Call is currently one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain.</font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">In the 12th century, Jews moved to a lower part of the city. In 1160 they were already inhabiting the Call, the name given to Jewish quarters in Catalonia. It is a name coming from Latin callis (street), which would become carrer in Catalan and calle in Spanish. In medieval times, call meant a "group of narrow streets". These paved, narrow and labirynth streets constituted the urban space where most of the Jewish population in Girona settled in the 13th and 14th centuries. The community's main body was formed by tradesmen and craftsmen: tailors, shoemakers, weavers, barbers, furriers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths and silversmiths opened their workshops in the Call´s narrow streets. Others devoted their time to medicine and astrology, while those who had the means became money-lenders. In Girona there is The Bonastruc ça Porta Centre, located in the emblematic building that housed the last synagogue of Girona, is currently the home of the Museum of the History of the Jews and the Nahmanides Institute for Jewish studies.</font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Not far from here, a Capuchin convent houses the Arab Baths, where we should point out a pavilion built on eight fine columns and crowned by an octagonal cupola.</font></p>
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Barcelona: Girona, Figueres & Dali Theater-Musem Full Day Excursion
<p><strong><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Drive along the highway to Girona to visit this important medieval city, with the old Call Jewish quarter, the Bonastruc ça Porta jewish center, the arab baths & the gothic cathedral. Afterwards to Figueres to visit the Dali fascinating surrealist theater-museum, a monument to the artist´s fervid imagination. </font></strong></p>
<strong>9 hours tour<br />
Morning tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Moderate physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong>

<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals or other services not specified</font></p>

<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Set in this walled enclosure (La Força Vella), stands the Cathedral. Its Romanesque origin is shown in its fortress-like appearance and strategic location, although the most outstanding aspect is an immense Gothic nave, the widest in Medieval European architecture. Inside, it preserves one of the textile jewels of Catalan Romanesque, the Creation Tapestry. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Also to this historical period belong important displays of Arab and Jewish art, the result of these cultures living side-by-side with Christianity for centuries. So, you will discover the multitude of small streets making up El Call, the Jewish quarter of Girona. Calle Força is the heart of this district, which had a synagogue and centres of cabbalistic study. The Call is currently one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Not far from here, a Capuchin convent houses the Arab Baths, where we should point out a pavilion built on eight fine columns and crowned by an octagonal cupola. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Figueres, county capital of Alt Empordà, extends over a river plain situated inland in the province of Girona. Known as the home of Salvador Dalí, this town with deep Catalan roots offers visitors the chance to go to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to the genius of surrealist painting. </font></p>


<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The Dalí Theatre-Museum is without doubt, however, one of the historical milestones that has left the greatest mark on the character of the town was the birth of Salvador Dalí. Situated in the old municipal theatre, has become one of the main cultural places to see in the city. Designed by the artist himself, it holds an important exhibition, which, through numerous works, allows you to take a trip through the career of the main considered a master of Surrealism. The site was extended with the Torre Galatea, where the artistic genius died. </font></p>
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Barcelona: Gaudi & Domenech Masterpieces Half Day City Tour
<span><span><span><strong>Visit the Sagrada Familia magnificent church inside (The Temple of the Holy Family) Gaudi´s unfinished masterpiece, the Modernist Sant Pau Complex by Lluís Domènech.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>3 hours tour<br />
Morning or afternoon tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Moderate physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong></span></span><br />

<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source="" trebuchet=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals or other services not specified</font></p>
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<br />
<span><span><span>The urban development of the central area of Barcelona was defined, towards the end of the 19th century, by the Eixample (urban expansion). An extensive grid, with large avenues and chamfered corners, joined the irregular layouts of old districts and outlying towns to the surrounding hills. The emerging Catalonian bourgeoisie chose this place to build its mansions and palaces, following the most daring principles of Modernism. <br />
<br />
The Sagrada Familia great expiatory temple: in 1883 the brilliant Gaudí agreed to direct this work, succeeding Francisco de Paula. The artist worked on it until his death. Work to complete this great church still continues today. The first architect to work on this project planned a Neogothic building. However, following his death, Gaudí took over, respecting the original layout of the work, but soon leaving the mark of his personality and way of doing things. He finished only the chapel of San José, the crypt and the door of El Nacimiento. The façades and the entire exterior show extensive decorative elements in bright colours. La Pasión entrance has a cryptogram there.<br />
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The Modernist Sant Pau Complex was built between 1905 and 1930 and designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner as a garden city for nursing the sick. After being used as a public hospital for a century, its newly refurbished pavilions shine again in all their splendour. A visit to this exceptional architectural ensemble is a unique experience. This is Europe’s foremost art-nouveau complex and an icon among Barcelona’s dazzling array of landmarks which embodies the city’s innovative spirit. It was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1997 and now its architectural and artistic values have been brought to a wider audience with the new use of its pavilions.</span></span></span><br />
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Barcelona: Tour of the Gaudi Houses
<strong><span><span>A<span> walking tour in the city center to visit inside the Gaudi houses, </span></span></span><span><span><span>Casa Milá La Pedrera, a beautiful and charming monument of great fantasy with its famous roof-top chimneys resembling medieval knights and the incredible Casa Batlló, an architectural gem with a mosaic façade and a tiled roof. From outside the art nouveau buildings, Amatller with ornamentation of polychrome tiles and the Lleo Morera in floral style and the Modernist museum inside (closed on Mondays). </span> </span></span></strong><br />
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<span><span><strong>3 hours tour<br />
Morning or afternoon tour<br />
No wheelchair<br />
Light physical activity<br />
Pick up and drop off at the Port</strong></span></span>
<p background-color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Included: </strong></font><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Guided Tour; Entrance Fees</font></p>

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<p background-color:="" font-size:="" sans="" source=""><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><strong>Not Included: </strong>Any meals, Taxis or other services not specified</font></p>
<span><span><em> </em><br />
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The urban development of the central area of Barcelona was defined, towards the end of the 19th century, by the Eixample (urban expansion). An extensive grid, with large avenues and chamfered corners, joined the irregular layouts of old districts and outlying towns to the surrounding hills. The emerging Catalonian bourgeoisie chose this place to build its mansions and palaces, following the most daring principles of Modernism. Works by Gaudí, such Casa Milà “La Pedrera”, Casa Batlló and the temple of the Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family); Casa Amatller of Josep Puig i Cadalfach and Casa Lleó-Morera of Lluís Domènech I Montaner are just a few of the many modernist gems treasured by the city.<br />
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Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera (Catalan for “The Quarry”), is a building designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It was built for Roger Segimon de Milà. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. The building does not have any straight lines. Most people consider it magnificent and overwhelming; some say it is like waves of lava or a sand-dune. This building seems to break our understanding of conventional architecture. The most astonishing part is the roof with an almost lunar appearance and dreamlike landscape.<br />
Casa Batlló building looks very remarkable, like everything Gaudi designed, only identifiable as Modernisme or Art Nouveau in the broadest sense. The ground floor, in particular, is rather astonishing with tracery, irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work. It seems that the goal of the designer was to avoid straight lines completely. Much of the façade is decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles (trencadís) that starts in shades of golden orange moving into greenish blues. The roof is arched and was likened to the back of a dragon or dinosaur.<br />
The Museu de Modernisme Català is housed in a centrally located modernista building designed by the architect Enric Sagnier.n The top floor of the MMCat showcases the furniture and decorative arts and has a room dedicated to Antoni Gaudi. The ground floor displays paintings, sculptures and stained glass.</span></span>
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Barcelona: Gaudi’s Barcelona – 4 hours
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona. Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!<br />
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Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.<br />
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<strong><span><span><span>Highlights: </span></span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><font color="#484848">Visit the impressive, but still unfinished Sagrada Familia, masterpiece of the Catalan architect</font></li>
<li>Wander through Parc Guell, the UNESCO World Heritage Site considered Gaudi's most colourful creation</li>
</ul>

<div><br />
<strong><span><span><span>Tour Duration:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 4 Hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour Can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Parc Guell is not recommended for people with mobility issues and is inaccessible for wheelchair users. Please enquire for more information<br />
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<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong> </span></span></span></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Private transport by luxury car or minivan</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>An expert local driver and guide for 4 hours</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Entrance fees to all sights and museums</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>All taxes</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><strong><span><span><span>Exclusions:</span></span></span></strong></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</span></span></span></li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
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Barcelona: Art and Architecture in Barcelona – 8 hours
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe! Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028! <br />
<br />
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.<br />
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After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.<br />
<br />
<strong><span><span><span>Highlights: </span></span></span></strong>
<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Walk the labyrinthine alleys of the medieval Gothic Quarter to find architectural gems like the Church of Santa Maria del Mar</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span>Admire the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, where some of the artist's earliest works are housed</span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><br />
<strong><span><span><span>Tour Duration:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 8 Hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour Can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong> </span></span></span></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>Private transport by luxury car or minivan</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>An expert local guide for 8 hours</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span>Entrance fees to all sights and museums</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>All taxes</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<div><strong><span><span><span>Exclusions:</span></span></span></strong></div>

<ul>
<li><span><span><span>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</span></span></span></li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
|
06/25/2023 |
06/25/2023 |
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
<div>Your driver will meet you at Civitavecchia today to transfer into Rome where you will be met by your expert local guide.<br />
</div>

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<div>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.<br />
</div>

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<div>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.<br />
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<em>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.</em><br />
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<strong>Highlights: </strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Tour some of Rome's most iconic sites including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum</li>
<li>Explore the impressive museum collections in the Vatican City and the breath-taking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel</li>
<li>Spend time in the Basilica of St. Paul, the largest church in the world</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration: </strong>8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions</strong>:</div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to Colosseum, Imperial Forum and Vatican Museums</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions</strong>:</div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
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Civitavecchia: Rome for Repeat Visitors - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
</div>

<div></div>

<div>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.</div>

<div></div>

<div>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.<br />
</div>

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<div>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.<br />
<br />
<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Visit the church of San Clemente and discover its fascinating history</li>
<li>Explore the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a majestic royal residence of one of Rome’s most illustrious families, which houses a vast private art collection</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration:</strong> 8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to San Clemente and Doria Pamphilij</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
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Civitavecchia: Gastronomic Rome and Time at Leisure - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
</div>

<div></div>

<div>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.<br />
<br />
<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Uncover Rome's bohemian quarter, along with tastings of Italy's best loved delicacies </li>
<li>Car and driver at your disposal to discover Rome</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration: </strong>8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/ Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level</strong>: Low <br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert local guide (3 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
<li>Food and wine tastings</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<div></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>

<div></div>
</div>

<div></div>
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Civitavecchia: Museums of Rome - Capitoline and Borghese - 8 hours
<div>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.<br />
</div>

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<div>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. <br />
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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.<br />
<br />
<strong>Highlights:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Travel out to Capitoline Hill and visit one of the oldest museum complexes in the world</li>
<li>Visit Villa Borghese, home to a collection of sculptures and paintings that are among the most important in Italy</li>
</ul>

<div><strong>Tour Duration:</strong> 8 hours<br />
<br />
<strong>Tour can Operate:</strong> Morning/Afternoon<br />
<br />
<strong>Wheelchair Accessible:</strong> Please enquire for more information<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical Activity Level:</strong> Light<br />
<br />
<strong>Inclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>Luxury car or minivan at your disposal during the tour</li>
<li>An expert English-speaking guide in Rome (6 hours)</li>
<li>Entrance fees to the Capitoline Museums and Villa Borghese</li>
<li>All taxes</li>
</ul>

<div>
<div><strong>Exclusions:</strong></div>

<ul>
<li>All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs</li>
<li>Gratuities</li>
</ul>
</div>

<div></div>
|
06/29/2023 |
06/29/2023 |
