Colosseum in Rome at sunset
Destination Immersion

Azamara Ashore Land Experiences: Highlights of Europe

Monday, April 25, 2022
By Azamara

Our Azamara Ashore Land Experiences combine 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.

Today, we’re sharing some highlights of our favorite Azamara Ashore Land Experiences across Europe with you. A European getaway is one of life’s rites of passage for many. No matter where you choose to explore, the culinary, cultural, historical, and artistic experiences waiting for you are practically the 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

Acropolis of Athens at golden hour with a beautiful dramatic sky

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 Mythological Greece Land Experience. On this exciting five-night journey, you’ll enjoy specially curated tours 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 your very own gold!

The ruins of a theatre in ancient Delphi, Greece at sunset

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 and 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).

Discover all of our Greece Azamara Ashore Land Experiences.

Sip and Savor Your Way Across the Continent

A group of friends sitting around an outdoor dining table drinking wine.

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. So raise your glasses — it’s going to be a memorable trip.

The landscape of Saint Emilion village in the Bordeaux region in France

On our Champagne, Cognac & Wines of France Land Experience, 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.

Row vine grapes in champagne vineyards in France

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’s Maison de Champagne, where you can explore the history of this iconic brand and visit a local family estate for an intimate champagne tasting.

While on this journey, we’ll also take a 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 into how different woods impact the final product during distilment. Of course, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample world-class cognacs for yourself.

Frank Gehry's Boutique Hotel Near Eltziego in the Wine Region of La Rioja

On our Basque Country & Rioja Wines Land Experience, 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 stop at Marqués de Riscal — the famed vineyard featuring the Marqués de Riscal Vineyard Hotel designed by Frank O. Gehry. The twisting visuals of the hotel will capture your eyes, but it’s the wine that will capture your taste buds — especially when paired with a gourmet lunch that showcases the flavors at play.

Immerse Yourself in Europe’s Iconic Cities

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

Cozy old street with pink house at the sunny sunrise in Paris, France

On our Paris En Route to/from Monte Carlo and Paris En Route to/from Nice Land Experiences, you’ll spend three 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. We’ll also take you to Giverny to tour the home of Claude Monet, and the Château de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a breathtaking achievement of 17th-century French architecture. 

Discover all of our France Azamara Ashore Land Experiences.

A Magical Visit to Venice

A couple travels by gondola on canal in Venice, Italy

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 to St. Mark’s Basilica for a 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.

Discover all of our Italy Azamara Ashore Land Experiences.

Beautiful Barcelona

The iconic Sagrada Familia Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain

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 3-Night City Stay Land Experience 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 and their influence on design principles around the world. Then, 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. It’s a veritable foodie paradise you’ll want to explore for hours.

Discover all of our Spain Azamara Ashore Land Experiences.

Wherever You May Rome

The city of Rome in the afternoon

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 Museums and Piazza Navona, but we’ll also make time to visit local butcheries to sample market-fresh meats and cheeses. Then, it’s off to the Trevi Fountain. Remember to toss a coin into this iconic fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City before enjoying an evening of la dolce vita!

Europe is Waiting for You

When you journey to Europe with us, another side of the continent is just waiting for you to discover. Learn more about our Azamara Ashore Land Experiences here, and find the perfect adventure for you today.


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