New York & Gems of Europe Cruise

New York & Gems of Europe Cruise

Tours Starts: New York, United States

Tours Ends: Rome, Italy

Days 1 & 2

Arrive in New York City

Welcome to New York! These first two days are yours to take in the Big Apple. Take an hour-long sightseeing cruise through New York Harbor, the ideal way to view many of New York’s most iconic sights, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, Manhattan’s skyline, and more. Next, take a ride all the way up to the main Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. The evenings are at your leisure—and you can make them late in the city that never sleeps. (B)

Hampton Inn Newark or similar

Day 3

New York City and Embarkation (Departs at 4:00 PM)

Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum this morning. It is a solemn place of remembrance that tells the story of the events of 9/11 through artifacts ranging in scale from the monumental to the intimate, as well as through first-person accounts and multimedia displays. Board the Norwegian Getaway for an afternoon departure. (B)

Day 4

At Sea

Day 5

Bermuda (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Enjoy a full day at port in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory with a temperate climate, relaxed attitude, and stunning pale pink sand beaches. Visit the Royal Naval Dockyard, one of the island's most historic attractions, and full of old structures used by the British Navy and more than a few pirates. This is a great region for leisurely walks and shopping, especially at the Clocktower Mall.

Days 6 - 9

At Sea

Day 10

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

This stunning island city is best known for its historic buildings, vibrant green hillsides, friendly people, and confections made with the unique Azorean pineapple.

Day 11

At Sea

Days 12 & 13

Lisbon, Portugal (4:00 PM – 4:00 PM Next Day)

Welcome to Portugal’s coastal capital, watched over by 7 picturesque hills. The peaks’ view of Lisbon’s historic cobblestoned streets and stately ruins, mixed seamlessly with the modern world that grew up around them, is one of Europe’s prettiest. Make sure to come to Lisbon hungry, as their restaurants take scrumptious advantage of their variety of fresh local seafood and succulent Alentejan beef.

Day 14

Cádiz, Spain (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)

Cádiz boasts ancient streets, seaside fortresses, and Moorish architecture infused with the easygoing energy of southern Spain.

Day 15

Málaga, Spain (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Loaded with history and brimming with vibrant energy, the city that gave the world Picasso remains a wonderful place to visit. Explore art galleries, eat some of Spain’s finest beachside cuisine, see the spectacular “one armed” Renaissance cathedral La Manquita, or enjoy Málaga’s massive Moorish fortresses known as the Alcazaba and Castillo de Gibralfaro.

Day 16

Cartagena, Spain (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Spend the day in Cartagena, a strikingly beautiful city overflowing with culture and history. Among its 12 museums, 10 landmark buildings, and innumerable churches and monuments, you'll see evidence of Carthagian, Roman, Vandal, Visigoth, Moorish, and modern influences.

Day 17

Palma De Mallorca, Spain (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Welcome to Palma de Mallorca, the island city off the Spanish mainland. Don’t miss Palma’s Old City, which you can find behind the iconic 13th century La Seu Cathedral. The Old City consists of narrow, quiet streets that highlight the area’s Moorish past.

Day 18

Barcelona, Spain (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

You'll be mesmerized by this thoroughly modern city where Roman ruins live next door to sophisticated high-rises, innovative exhibition spaces, and one of the world’s most impressive sports complexes. A spectacular display of architecture, Barcelona boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a long, sandy coastline, fabulous food, cultural and artistic exhibitions, and shopping. Use your time in this port to see the world-famous Las Ramblas, Gaudí's Sagrada Familia, Olympic Park, and views from Montjuic.

Day 19

Cannes, France (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Cannes may be best known for its film festival, but this resort town on the French Riviera is far more than just a glamorous place to watch a movie. Don’t miss the palm tree lined Promenade de la Crositte, Cannes’ most famous street. It has fabulous views of the white sand beach, as well as excellent restaurants, shopping, and cafes.

Day 20

Livorno, Italy (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)

Livorno is a perhaps Tuscany’s most modern city, a fact that contrasts beautifully with its numerous ancient towers, forts and city walls. The coastline is stunning, and Livorno’s breathtaking views are nearly as abundant as its renowned restaurants.

Day 21

Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome (6:00 AM)

Travel into Roma, where you will enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the highlights of this ancient city. Today's sights include outside views of the Roman Forum, once a marketplace and center of daily Roman life, and the Colosseum. You’ll also see the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and of course the fabled Trevi Fountain. (D)

Ergife Hotel or similar

Day 22

Leisure day in Rome, Italy

There is history wherever you look in Rome, not to mention world-class shopping, outstanding food, and a vibrant culture. Spend the day enjoying the Eternal City on your own. (B)

Ergife Hotel or similar

Day 23

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.