Our brand-new Land Program combines land and sea travel in a way that promises authentic, enriching experiences for explorers across the globe. Immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of cities, countries, and continents, forging deep connections with locals and embracing all the thrills of travel (and Azamara’s legendary service and amenities) along the way.
Europe is home to some of the world’s most celebrated historical sites, natural wonders, and fascinating cultures. Here’s how you can experience Europe in fresh, exciting new ways with our Land Program.
Embracing Europe
For many, a European getaway is one of life’s rites of passage. No matter where you choose to explore, the culinary, cultural, historical, and artistic experiences waiting for you are practically a greatest hits of human achievement. But look beyond Europe’s biggest attractions, and you’ll discover a whole new world—one that’s as fascinating as it is fun.
Here are a few of our favorite European adventures we can’t wait to share with you.
Greece is the Word
The birthplace of Western civilization, the influence Greece had (and continues to have) on the modern world is immeasurable. And you’ll feel it in every step you take through this captivating country when you join us for our In-Depth Exploration of Greece Land Journey. On this exciting five-night journey, you’ll enjoy specially curated tours of Athens with expert local guides who will walk you through the ins and outs of Greek culture. They’ll also share the mythological details that bring iconic Greek landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon to life in ways you never thought possible.
We’ll also take you to the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 (though the stadium itself is much older). In fact, it was initially constructed in 330 BC for the original Panathenaic Games, then rebuilt in 144 AD by Athenian Roman Senator Herodes Atticus. It was during this rebuild that it was transformed into the world’s first (and only) stadium constructed entirely of marble. You’ll take an in-depth tour of the stadium, and you can step foot on the grounds where sporting history occurred. Perhaps it will even inspire you to go for gold of your very own!
Making our way north from Athens, we’ll visit the archaeological site of the Python in Delphi—considered by Ancient Greeks to be the center of the Earth. Then we’ll visit Meteora, home of the Meteora Monasteries that tower high above the canyons of the Pindus mountain range. Precipitously built, these beautiful monasteries are home to ornate wood carvings, beautiful fresco paintings, gold-leafed iconography, and religious relics. We’ll explore the history of these truly incredible monasteries, as well as the treasures they contain, before returning to the nearby town of Kalambaka for a traditional Greek meal (one of the many you’ll enjoy from family-owned, generations-old local restaurants).
Sip and Savor Your Way Across the Continent
If you’re a lover of fine wine and spirits, Europe is sure to captivate. And when you join us, we’ll take you deep into the heart of wine country in France, Italy, and more. Raise your glasses–it’s going to be a memorable trip.
On our Champagne, Cognac & Wines of France AzAmazing® Journey, we’ll spend time in France’s wine capital, Bordeaux, as well as the commune Saint-Émilion, one of the region’s most revered red wine producers. While here, you’ll discover the winemaking traditions that make Saint-Émilion so special while exploring the local varietals.
In the Champagne wine region, you’ll visit the tomb of Dom Perignon—the Benedictine monk whose name has become synonymous with sparkling wines. We’ll also take you on a tour of Veuve Clicquot Maison de Champagne, where you can explore the history of this iconic brand, and meet up on a local family estate for an intimate champagne tasting.
While on this journey, we’ll also take a special look at the cognacs of France. Experts will walk you through the differences between varietals, explore the process of harvesting the grapes, and offer fascinating insight on how different woods impact the final product during distilment. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample world-class cognacs for yourself.
On our Basque Country & Rioja Wines Land Journey, we’ll sample the wines of the Basque region, highlighted by two nights in La Rioja—arguably the home of the best wine produced in the country. While we’re here, we’ll make a special stop at Marqués de Riscal—the famed vineyard featuring the Marqués de Riscal Vineyard Hotel designed by Frank O. Gehry. While the twisting visuals of the hotel will capture your eyes, it’s the wine that will capture your taste buds—especially when paired with a gourmet lunch that showcases the flavors at play.
If Italian wines are more your taste, our Castellos & Wines Of Tuscany AzAmazing® Journey will be the toast of your European adventure. Under the beauty of the Tuscan sun, you’ll spend your days fully immersed in Italian wine culture. Visit an authentic Chianti winery for an inside look at the production of the latest batch, then enjoy guided tours of Orvieto, Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni—complete with curated wine tastings along the way.
Immerse Yourself in Europe’s Iconic Cities
London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Barcelona—we make it easy for you to dive headlong into Europe’s major metropolises. If it’s an authentic experience you’re after, a journey with us is your chance.
Paris, Je T’aime
On our Best of Paris Overnight Experience, you’ll spend two nights exploring the “City of Lights.” Dine on the River Seine, discover the stories behind some of mankind’s most-beloved artistic achievements on a guided tour of the Louvre, and make your way to the summit of the Eiffel Tower for a view that will take your breath away. More of a free spirit? Embrace that joie de vivre on our Paris on Your Own Overnight Experience, where you can absorb all the wonders of “Paname” at your own pace.
A Magical Visit to Venice
They say there’s nowhere else on Earth quite like Venice, and we’re inclined to agree. As beautiful as it is unique, this is the kind of city where it pays to take your time—and that’s exactly what you can do when you join us here. We’ll stroll through Venice on the way to St. Mark’s Basilica for a special guided tour (and don’t worry about the lineup to get inside–when you travel with us, you won’t have to wait). Then, enjoy an early-evening gondola ride through the city’s historic canals. As the day turns to night, make your way to Piazza San Marco, Venice’s famous public plaza, where the sounds of symphony orchestras fill the air.
Beautiful Barcelona
In Barcelona, architecture is king. La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Parque Guell are just a few of the city’s landmarks (all designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudi)—and you’ll see them all on a Land Journey with us. We’ll take you on a full day of sightseeing Barcelona’s celebrated attractions, giving you a deeper understanding of their importance to the city, as well as their influence on design principles around the world. When playing tourist leaves your stomach rumbling, it’s off to Barcelona’s central market, La Boqueria. Located just off the Ramblas, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined street that poet Federico García Lorca once called “the only street in the world which I wish would never end”, La Boqueria’s aisles are overflowing with fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fresh seafood, and more—a veritable foodie paradise you’ll want to explore for hours.
Wherever You May Rome
Sometimes it feels like you could spend an eternity exploring “The Eternal City” and still only scratch its surface. We’re not complaining, because it means there’s always something new (and very old) waiting for you to see for the first time. A trip to Rome with us is a perfect blend of iconic and insider. We’ll tour the Vatican Museum, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain, but we’ll also make time to visit local butcheries to sample market-fresh meats and cheeses. Then, because there’s no better way to experience the local flavor than with the locals, we’ll join a Roman family for an authentic meal and evening of la dolce vita!
London Calling
Cosmopolitan, cool, iconic…you could spend all day spinning adjectives to describe London accurately. That said, we think your time could be better spent wandering the city’s diverse neighborhoods and exploring its rich history. That’s exactly what you can expect when you visit London with us, starting with a comprehensive tour of its most famous sites—including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Imperial War Museum, Whitehall, and Trafalgar Square. From here, it’s off for a cruise down the River Thames before stepping aboard the London Eye for a breathtaking eye-in-the-sky view. Take a walk along the Millennium Bridge before sharing a quiet moment at St. Paul’s Cathedral with other travelers and locals alike. London may lovingly be referred to as “The Big Smoke,” but we think its reputation as one of the world’s most exciting cities is pretty clear.
Europe is Waiting for You
Whether it’s a journey to Moscow, riding the rails aboard the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, or an out-of-this-world exploration of Iceland, there’s another side of Europe for you to discover with us. Find the perfect adventure for you today. Don’t forget to check out our other Land Program offerings around the world!
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