NEW SHORE EXCURSIONS, INCLUDING FIRST-EVER ‘FAMILY FUN TOURS,’ FEATURED ON CARNIVAL FREEDOM’S 2007 EUROPE CRUISES
New Tours Part of More Than 150 Shore Excursions Available in Conjunction with 12-Day Mediterranean, Greek Isles Cruises Aboard Newest ‘Fun Ship’
MIAMI (March 8, 2007) – Carnival Freedom’s inaugural 12-day European cruise program – set to kick off later this month – will feature more than 150 different shore excursion choices, including new “Family Fun Tours” in Turkey providing parents and children an opportunity to explore the fascinating region together as a family.
Also featured on Carnival Freedom’s European voyages are several new shore excursions, including a wine cellar tour in Barcelona, and an exciting land/sea tour of magnificent Dubrovnik, a driving tour of France’s Provencal villages, and a visit to Florence’s famed Uffizi Museum.
These new tours are among the more than 150 shore excursion options available in conjunction with Carnival Freedom’s 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” itineraries featuring popular seaside destinations in Italy, Croatia, France, Spain, Greece, and Turkey.
“With its centuries-old architecture, excellent museums and interesting historical sites and landmarks, Europe is one of the fastest growing markets in cruising,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. “For Carnival Freedom, we’ve assembled a diversity of shore excursion options that provide guests of all ages with an opportunity to experience and explore this fascinating vacation destination,” he added.
Carnival Freedom will operate 19 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises March 14 – Oct. 16, 2007, round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia). The new 2,974-passenger SuperLiner will return to Europe to operate a similar program in 2008.
Sample “Family Fun” tours include:
Ancient Past & Modern Istanbul (Istanbul – Med & Greek Isles Cruises) – Families can explore past and present Istanbul with visits to the fabled 17th century Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum, Church of Divine Wisdom and the city’s legendary grand bazaar with more than 4,000 shops. The day ends with a stroll along Istklal Street for a sampling of local culture with galleries, bookstores, and cafes. The day includes lunch featuring traditional Turkish fare and a ride on an old-time trolley.
Old City & Private Yacht Cruise – (Istanbul – Med & Greek Isles Cruises) – Families sail on a private yacht on the Bosphorus Sea past ancient palaces, including the 19th century Dolmabahce Palace, now a museum. A visit to the Old City includes a tour of the Blue Mosque and the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the seat of government during the Ottoman Empire and home to the 86-carat “Spoonmakers Diamond,” the 7th largest in the world.
Ephesus & The Train Museum (Izmir- Med & Greek Isles Cruises) – This exciting excursion combines the opportunity to explore the historic city of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with a tour of a Turkish train museum. Also included is a visit to the Corinthian-style Hadrian Temple, the first structure made entirely of marble, as well as the Great Theatre dating back to the Hellenistic period. Next is a stop in Camlik which features an open-air Train Museum, the largest collection of steam engine trains in Europe
Other new shore excursions for the Carnival Freedom’s 12-day European cruises:
Cordorniu Wine Cellars & Barcelona (Barcelona – Grand Mediterranean) – This tour is highlighted by a visit to the cellars of the largest “cava” wine producers in the world and includes a train ride through the underground cellars of the Cavas Codorniu vineyards. Also included is a look at the winemaking process, as well as a photo opportunity at Sagrada Familia, the Holy Family Church, whose construction began in 1884 and remains unfinished.
A Scenic Drive through Provencal Villages (Cannes – Grand Mediterranean) – On this tour, guests view the rolling countryside of France’s Provencal Villages and enjoy olive oil tastings at Moulin du Flayosquet, a historic 13th century mill. Also featured are visits to the quaint villages of Lorgues — surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and featuring a fortified 12th century gateway — and Tourtour, whose Montagne Ste-Victoire was one of Cézanne’s favorite painting subjects.
Dubrovnik by Land & Sea (Grand Mediterranean Cruises) – This boat/walking tour includes a boat tour of Dubrovnik’s historic Old City Harbor, as well as a walking tour past famous buildings such as the Sponza Palace, notable for its columned courtyard and elaborate stone carvings, the Church of Saint Blaise, Onofriou`s Fountain, and Rectors Palace. The tour concludes with a visit to Island of Lokrum, a nature preserve rich in history and featuring a 12th century monastery and magnificent gardens.
Winery & Mt. Etna (Sicily – Grand Mediterranean) – In addition to visiting Europe’s largest active volcano, this excursion includes a tour of a Sicilian winery where participants can sample local wine and cheese, as well as a panoramic bus tour of the City of Messina past the Piazza Duomo’s Cathedral with its famous astronomic clock. After arriving at the top of Mount Etna and viewing surrounding scenery of lemon groves, orchards, and vineyards, guests visit the Silvestri Craters and see the recent lava flow.
Positano, Sorrento & Pompeii (Naples – Grand Mediterranean) – On this tour, participants visit the ancient city of Pompeii which was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and features ornate temples and porticoes. Also included is the fabled town of Sorrento, offering magnificent views of Naples Bay, along with a visit to Positano, a charming fishing village with numerous seaside boutiques and cafes.
Carnival Freedom’s 12-day “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises include eight ports: Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey featuring scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome (Civitavecchia). The seven 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises depart March 14 and 26, April 7 and 19, May 13, June 18, July 12, Aug. 5 and 29, and Sept. 22, 2007.
The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises visit seven ports: Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy. The 12 voyages depart May 1 and 25, June 6 and 30, July 24, Aug. 17, Sept. 10, Oct. 4 and 16.
Carnival Freedom will also offer a series of “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greek Isles” cruises May 10 to Oct. 25, 2008.
For additional information and reservations on Carnival Freedom’s European programs, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, or visit carnival.com.
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