Norwegian Cruise Line Launches Europe Cruisetours

Voted Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for five years in a row by the World Travel Awards, Norwegian Cruise Line is launching new Italian Cruisetours to enhance guests’ dream European vacations. On sale now for cruises in 2013 and beyond, the new Cruisetours can be purchased as part of Norwegian Jade’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles or Adriatic cruises from Venice, Italy or Norwegian Epic’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean cruises from Civitavecchia, Italy.  Ranging in length from 11 to 15 days including the sailing, the Cruisetours transport guests to the heart of Italy, offering the freedom and flexibility to explore the incredible cuisine, history and culture of this beautiful country.

“Italy is an amazing destination that offers so many unique experiences,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.  “With our new Europe cruise tours, Norwegian guests now have the opportunity to travel into the heart of the country and explore the authentic side of Italy along with their cruise.”

For guests traveling on board Norwegian Jade’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles or Adriatic cruises from Venice, as well as Norwegian Epic’s seven-day Mediterranean Cruise from Civitavecchia, the 15-day Classic Italy Cruisetour features seven nights of the best the country has to offer.  Beginning in Venice, with walking tours including St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the island of Murano, the tour proceeds to Pisa, where guests have the opportunity to view the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as experience a wine tasting on a Tuscan countryside farm. Traveling onto Florence, guests will explore The Accademia of Fine Arts, housing Michelangelo’s David, and Signoria Square. The Classic Italy cruisetour finishes in Rome and Vatican City, where guests will visit the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, concluding the Italian trip of a lifetime.

Those guests wishing to explore Italy’s cultural side will delight in the 14-day Wine & Art of Northern ItalyCruisetour, which features the wine region of Piedmont, the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and the medieval town of Parma.  With activities including Barolo & Asti Spumanti wine tastings; Parma ham and Parmesan cheese tasting; city tours in Milan, Turin, and Parma; and an aged Balsamic vinegar sampling, this tour is available to guests on Norwegian Jade’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles or Adriatic cruises from Venice.

For those with an adventurous spirit, the five-day Italian Lakes & Parma Cruisetour, offered with Norwegian Jade’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean & Greek Isles or Adriatic Cruise from Venice, highlights the villages and Alpine landscapes of Lake Como, the medieval town of Parma and the fashionable city of Milan. It features a scenic cruise to Bellagio, the beautiful Italian lake district, and city tours in Milan and Parma.

Guests who have limited time to explore Italy before or after their cruise can see Rome and Vatican City’s best features on the 11-day Rome & The Vatican tour, offered for guests sailing on Norwegian Epic’s seven-day Eastern Mediterranean Cruise from Civitavecchia.  Including such legendary sites as the Forum and Colosseum in Rome and the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, this Cruisetour provides guests with the ultimate Italian historical experience.

Norwegian is offering these tours with Gate 1 Travel, a leader in escorted tour programs worldwide for more than 30 years.  All tours feature an English-speaking Italian tour manager, first class hotels, time for optional exploring, whisper technology-enhanced touring, some meals including wine and mineral water, and air-conditioned motor coach transportation.

Source: Norwegian