Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best excursions available at every port of call on Disney’s European cruises. Each destination offers something unique, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sampling local cuisine, or enjoying breathtaking landscapes. Let’s dive into the must-do excursions for each location that Disney Cruise Line sails to in Europe.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Canals and Windmills Tour
- Route: Northern Europe
- How to Get There: A short bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €85 per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans and take a scenic canal cruise through Amsterdam. This tour offers a perfect blend of Dutch history, architecture, and picturesque landscapes. You’ll learn about traditional Dutch craftsmanship, such as clog making and cheese production, while enjoying the beautiful countryside.
2. Le Havre (Paris), France: Paris Highlights and Seine River Cruise
- Route: Northern Europe and British Isles
- How to Get There: A 2-hour bus ride from the port to Paris.
- Cost: Approximately €200 per person.
- Duration: 10-11 hours.
- What You Do: This full-day excursion takes you to Paris, where you can visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. The highlight is a relaxing Seine River cruise, offering stunning views of the city’s famous bridges and monuments. This is a great way to see the best of Paris in a day.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland: Golden Circle Tour
- Route: Northern Europe and Iceland
- How to Get There: A 45-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €120 per person.
- Duration: 8 hours.
- What You Do: Explore Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, which includes visits to Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. This tour offers a comprehensive overview of Iceland’s unique geology and stunning landscapes, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
4. Lisbon, Portugal: Sintra and Cascais
- Route: Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula
- How to Get There: A 30-minute bus ride from the port to Sintra.
- Cost: Approximately €90 per person.
- Duration: 6 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the fairytale-like town of Sintra, home to the stunning Pena Palace. After exploring Sintra, head to the coastal town of Cascais for a relaxing stroll along the beach. This excursion combines history, architecture, and coastal beauty in one memorable day.
5. Bilbao, Spain: Guggenheim Museum and City Tour
- Route: Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula
- How to Get There: A short bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €80 per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- What You Do: Discover the cultural heart of Bilbao with a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, followed by a guided tour of the city’s historic old town. The museum’s contemporary architecture is a highlight, as are the modern art exhibitions inside.
6. Stockholm, Sweden: Vasa Museum and City Hall
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 15-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €75 per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship, and then tour Stockholm’s City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year. This excursion offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history and its modern-day cultural significance.
7. St. Petersburg, Russia: Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 1-hour bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €150 per person.
- Duration: 8-9 hours.
- What You Do: Explore two of Russia’s most famous landmarks: the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, and Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the “Russian Versailles.” This full-day excursion is rich in art, history, and opulent architecture.
8. Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval Old Town Walking Tour
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 10-minute walk or short shuttle ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €40 per person.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- What You Do: Step back in time with a guided walking tour of Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll explore cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and well-preserved city walls, all while learning about Estonia’s rich history and culture.
9. Naples, Italy: Pizza and Pompeii
- Route: Western Mediterranean (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: This excursion combines a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii with a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza. It’s a must-do for history buffs and food lovers alike.
10. Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy: Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Route: Western Mediterranean (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: A visit to Pisa to climb the iconic Leaning Tower and explore the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli. This excursion is perfect for those looking to experience one of Italy’s most famous landmarks.
11. Athens (Piraeus), Greece: Acropolis and Parthenon
- Route: Eastern Mediterranean
- How to Get There: A 20-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €90 per person.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the ancient Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, one of the most iconic structures in the world. This excursion offers a deep dive into the history of ancient Greece, with breathtaking views of Athens from the Acropolis hill.
12. Venice, Italy: Gondola Ride and St. Mark’s Square
- Route: Adriatic and Greek Isles
- How to Get There: A short walk or shuttle ride from the port to St. Mark’s Square.
- Cost: Approximately €100 per person.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- What You Do: Experience the romantic charm of Venice with a gondola ride through its iconic canals, followed by a guided tour of St. Mark’s Square, where you can visit the stunning Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. This excursion captures the essence of Venice’s unique beauty.
13. Kotor, Montenegro: Bay of Kotor Cruise and Perast
- Route: Adriatic and Greek Isles
- How to Get There: A short walk to the dock for the boat tour.
- Cost: Approximately €70 per person.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- What You Do: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise through the stunning Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Europe. The tour includes a visit to the charming town of Perast, where you can explore its baroque architecture and visit the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.
14. Copenhagen, Denmark: Tivoli Gardens and City Tour
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 15-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €80 per person.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, located in the heart of Copenhagen. The tour also includes a visit to key city landmarks such as the Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace, and Nyhavn Harbour.
15. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Old Town Walking Tour
- Route: Adriatic and Greek Isles (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Explore the medieval city walls and historic Old Town of Dubrovnik. This walking tour offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and takes you through some of the most well-preserved medieval architecture in Europe.
16. Helsinki, Finland: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 20-minute ferry ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €60 per person.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a sprawling complex of fortifications spread across six islands. This excursion offers a unique look at Finland’s military history and provides plenty of opportunities for scenic walks.
17. Bergen, Norway: Floibanen Funicular and Mount Floyen Hike
- Route: Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Take a funicular ride to the top of Mount Floyen for stunning views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords, followed by a peaceful hike through the Norwegian wilderness.
18. Palma de Mallorca, Spain: Valldemossa and Chopin
- Route: Western Mediterranean
- How to Get There: A 30-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €75 per person.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the picturesque village of Valldemossa, located in the Tramuntana mountains. This excursion includes a tour of the Carthusian Monastery, where the famous composer Frédéric Chopin once stayed. You’ll also enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Mallorcan countryside, making it a perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
19. Santorini, Greece: Oia Village and Wine Tasting
- Route: Eastern Mediterranean (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Visit the stunning village of Oia, famous for its whitewashed buildings and breathtaking views of the caldera. The excursion includes a wine tasting at a local winery, offering a taste of Santorini’s unique volcanic wines.
20. Mykonos, Greece: Delos Island Archaeological Tour
- Route: Eastern Mediterranean (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Explore the ancient ruins of Delos, believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. This excursion is a must for history enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural significance of this ancient site.
21. Cobh (Cork), Ireland: Blarney Castle and Cork City
- Well it’s hardly going to be ‘Go to Supervalu or Dunnes’ now is it?
- Route: British Isles
- How to Get There: A 45-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €80 per person.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the famous Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab.” The tour also includes a visit to Cork City, where you can explore its historic streets and enjoy some traditional Irish hospitality. This excursion is a perfect way to experience the charm and history of Ireland.
22. Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland: Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle
- Route: British Isles
- How to Get There: A 1-hour bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately £90 per person.
- Duration: 6-7 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Loch Lomond, followed by a visit to the historic Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important fortresses. This excursion offers a combination of Scotland’s natural landscapes and its rich history, making it a must-do for those visiting the Scottish Highlands.
23. Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland: Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar
- Route: British Isles
- How to Get There: A 30-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately £60 per person.
- Duration: 4 hours.
- What You Do: Discover the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic stone circle. This excursion is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in ancient civilizations, offering a deep dive into the history of the Orkney Islands.
24. Bergen, Norway: Floibanen Funicular and Mount Floyen Hike
- Route: Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Enjoy stunning views of Bergen from Mount Floyen after taking the Floibanen Funicular. Follow up with a peaceful hike through Norway’s beautiful wilderness, making it an ideal excursion for nature lovers.
25. Zeebrugge (Bruges), Belgium: Bruges Walking Tour and Canal Cruise
- Route: Northern Europe
- How to Get There: A 30-minute bus ride from the port to Bruges.
- Cost: Approximately €60 per person.
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- What You Do: Explore the medieval city of Bruges with a guided walking tour through its cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. The tour includes a scenic canal cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture and charming canals. It’s a perfect excursion for those looking to experience the beauty and history of Belgium.
26. Oslo, Norway: Vigeland Park and Viking Ship Museum
- Route: Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords
- How to Get There: A 15-minute bus ride from the port.
- Cost: Approximately €70 per person.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- What You Do: Visit the famous Vigeland Park, home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, followed by a tour of the Viking Ship Museum. This museum houses well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into Norway’s Viking past. It’s a must for art lovers and history buffs alike.
27. Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany: Berlin City Highlights
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic
- How to Get There: A 3-hour train ride from the port to Berlin.
- Cost: Approximately €200 per person.
- Duration: 12 hours.
- What You Do: This full-day excursion takes you to Berlin, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie. The tour includes both guided and free time to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. It’s a long day, but well worth it for the chance to experience one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
28. Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval Old Town Walking Tour
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Discover Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided walking tour. This excursion offers a fascinating look at Estonia’s history and architecture, with plenty of opportunities for scenic photos.
29. St. Petersburg, Russia: Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace
- Route: Northern Europe and Baltic (Previously Covered)
- What You Do: Explore the Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace, two of Russia’s most famous landmarks. This full-day excursion is rich in art, history, and opulent architecture, offering a deep dive into Russian culture.
Conclusion
Disney Cruise Line’s European itineraries offer an array of unforgettable excursions, each providing a unique glimpse into the culture, history, and natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, visiting world-class museums, or simply soaking in the stunning landscapes, these excursions will ensure that your European adventure is as magical as the cruise itself. By planning your excursions in advance, you can make the most of your time ashore and create lasting memories on your Disney Cruise.
