More Than 80 Shore Excursions Available On Carnival Liberty's Mediterranean Cruises

More Than 80 Shore Excursions Available On New Carnival Liberty's Mediterranean Cruises

Apr 12, 05 | 7:26 am

From gondola rides and guided museum tours to kayaking excursions and day-long trips to ancient cities and landmarks, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering more than 80 different shore excursions in conjunction with its first-ever Mediterranean cruises aboard the new Carnival Liberty. All Carnival Liberty's shore excursions can be pre-booked at carnival.com and guests are encouraged to book their preferred tours in advance. The 2,974-passenger SuperLiner will operate eight 12-day voyages roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) July 20 - Oct. 12, 2005.

The Carnival Liberty will visit some of Europe's most historic and charming cities, including Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. "Each of these cities offers historic sites and museums, beautiful architecture, and unforgettable dining and shopping opportunities. We are pleased to offer such a wide range of shore excursions for our guests to explore and experience all this magnificent region has to offer," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival's president and CEO. Highlights of Carnival's European shore excursions include: Murano, St. George's Island & Gondola Tour (Venice) - Guests will visit the famous glass production company, Murano, where they will have the opportunity to observe master glassmakers as they create stunning glass pieces. This excursion will also include a visit to San Giorgio Island, home of the magnificent domed Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, followed by a relaxing 30-minute gondola ride through some of Venice's picturesque canals.

Leaning Tower of Pisa with Tower Entrance (Livorno) - This excursion will visit one of Italy's most famous and historic landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where guests can take the 294 steps to reach the top of the tower and admire the beautiful surrounding region. The excursion also includes stops at the cathedral square, "Piazza dei Miracoli," and the Baptistery, which houses a variety of art treasures.

Monaco and Monte Carlo (Cannes) - This nine-hour tour will include a visit to Monaco, the second smallest city-state in the world, as well as a guided walking tour through Old Town to the Palace Square, and a stop at the Royal Palace to see the changing of the guards. Following a half-hour motorcoach ride, guests will visit Monte Carlo, famed for its legendary casino, shopping, restaurants and luxury hotels. Note: guests must be 21 to enter the casino.

Sea Kayaking (Dubrovnik) - Following a panoramic drive to the majestic Janska Bay, guests will embark on a sea adventure to experience the tranquil beauty of the Adriatic Sea. A seafood lunch with wine is included, as well as leisurely time for swimming and relaxation.

Mount Etna (Messina) - On this excursion, guests will take a motorcoach tour through the beautiful landscape and view the stunning flora and fauna surrounding Mount Etna, the world famous volcano in Sicily. As the ride climbs higher, guests will also see layers of hardened lava, as well as craters exuded by the volcano.

Art, Picasso & Gaudi (Barcelona) - Lovers of art history will particularly enjoy this excursion, which explores Barcelona's historic and artistic past. The tour will include stops at two landmarks designed by Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi - the famed church, Sagrada Familia; and Park Güell, a beautiful public garden featuring more of Gaudi's works. Guests will also visit the Picasso Museum, which houses many oils, drawings and masterpieces by the renowned artist.

Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri (Naples) - This 10-hour excursion will explore three historic and beautiful towns in southern Italy. The tour begins with a morning visit to Pompeii, where guests will have the chance to discover the ruins and structures of this centuries-old city, such as the enormous Forum and great temples, as well as homes and shops that were once buried by ash and pumice stone raining down from Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Guests will then travel along a scenic and picturesque coastal road to Sorrento, where they will enjoy a lunch of local cuisine and wine. From Sorrento, guests will enjoy a relaxing boat ride to the beautiful island of Capri.

Numerous golfing opportunities featuring some of most beautiful and challenging courses in Italy, France and Spain are available, as well.

Additional information and advanced reservations on Carnival Liberty's European shore excursions are available on Carnival's Web site, www.carnival.com Guests are also welcome to visit the Carnival Liberty's shore excursion desk once on board to book shore excursions.

Following the Mediterranean cruise program, the Carnival Liberty will operate a 16-day transatlantic voyage departing Rome (Civitavecchia) Oct. 24, and arriving at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 9, 2005, calling at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; and St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

Carnival Liberty will then launch the cruise industry's only year-round six- and eight-day Bahamas/Caribbean schedule from Fort Lauderdale beginning Nov. 12, 2005.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com