Silversea Cruises Debuts 10 New European Land Excursions

For those who seek authentic and immersive travel experiences, Silversea's destination experts have designed a new collection of multiple-day, pre- and post-cruise Silver Shore Land Adventures. From the natural wonders of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, to the cultural heritage and monuments of Perugia, to the artistic treasures of Bilbao's landmark Guggenheim Museum, these carefully planned tours showcase some of the world's most remarkable destinations.

And with free roundtrip air available on many voyages, savvy travelers can use their air travel savings to spend an extra three or four nights enjoying an in-depth, leisurely exploration -- making Silversea cruise and land vacation packages some of the best values in travel today.

"We're pleased to offer a new selection of land programs highlighted by many new interesting destinations, such as Umbria, often called the undiscovered Tuscany," said Darius Mehta, Silversea's associate vice president of air and land programs. "Each program features luxury accommodations, sightseeing and activities tailored to the varied interests and tastes of our discerning guests. Whether your interest is in art, culture, history or cuisine, there is something for everyone."

The new options join an already expansive array of land programs, including mid-voyage land adventures, single- or multiple-day inland tours offered during the cruise; Silver Shore Simply Hotel, single-night programs that feature a 4.5- or 5-star hotel stay before or after the cruise; and Silver Shore Grande Hotel, two-night programs that enable guests to extend their vacation at landmark hotels or boutique properties. Plus, guests can call upon the Silver Shore Concierge to plan personalized pre- and post-cruise land adventures.

Except as otherwise indicated, the following all new Silver Shore Land Adventures feature deluxe accommodations, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.

MEDITERRANEAN

Perugia & Assisi -- Umbria Soggiorno: Each of the Etruscan, Roman, Middle Ages and Renaissance periods has left its mark on Umbria in the form of timeless masterpieces. Discover the heritage and many monuments of Perugia, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Assisi, and Orvieto -- a spectacular town of Etruscan origin. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Rome. Three nights from $3,099.

Marqués de Riscal & The Guggenheim: Frank O. Gehry has designed two outstanding buildings in Spain and this land adventure features both. Visit Bilbao's landmark Guggenheim Museum on your overnight in the city, then head to the heart of Spain's Rioja wine region and the spectacular Marqués de Riscal hotel designed by Gehry and overlooking picturesque vineyards. Lunch at Posada Mayor de Migueloa, dinner at the famous El Portal de Echaurren, and a visit to San Sebastian complete your enriching experience. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Barcelona. Three nights from $3,379.

Minarets & Medinas -- Fez to Marrakech: Experience vibrant, modern Casablanca, then travel inland to the imperial cities of Fez and Marrakech. In Fez visit the impressive Dar el Makhzen, Royal Palace, the ancient Fes Medina and Mellah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel next to Marrakech, the "Pink City," to explore enchanting gardens, souks and squares. Guests on this pre- or post-cruise, four- or six-night option depart or join ship in Barcelona. Prices start at $3,219.

Florentine Soggiorno: The award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is an enchanted sanctuary in the midst of Florence. Its Renaissance palazzo is filled with original frescoes and sculptured reliefs. Majestic trees shade a centuries-old private park. The wonders of Uffizi and the Duomo are a stroll away. Tuscan hill towns beckon. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Venice. Three nights from $2,559.

UNESCO Sites of Greece: Discover the archaeological and cultural treasures of Northern Greece. From Athens and Thessaloniki to Vergina and the Royal Tombs, the final resting place of King Phillip II, father of Alexander the Great. Explore charming Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Athens. Three nights from $3,119.

Chateaux of the Loire Valley: Explore the great beauty and history of the Loire Valley from the luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel Les Hautes Roches. This refined and romantic property is a combination of chateau and cave, and an idyllic retreat during your travels through the French countryside to visit Chateau d'Villandry, Chateau D'Azay-le-Rideau and Chateau d'Angers, housing the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestries. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Nice or Monte Carlo. Four nights from $4,699.

Castello Banfi -- Tuscan Soggiorno: Castello Banfi is a family-owned vineyard estate and winery recognized the world over for its dedication to excellence in the art of Italian winemaking. During your stay, learn the secrets to preparing authentic Italian cuisine, sample wines produced on the estate and take in the scenic beauty of Montalcino. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Rome. Two nights from $2,149.

NORTHERN EUROPE

Iceland's Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal phenomena at Geysir. Relax in the famed Blue Lagoon -- a natural geothermal spa located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from Reykjavik. Three nights from $1,459.

Exploring Lapland: Travel north of the Arctic Circle to Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna and Riksgränsen in Swedish Lapland, where the last wilderness in Europe exists. Here under the midnight sun you’ll find majestic mountains, glaciers, rushing rivers and forests. Visit the Ice Hotel Art Center and experience river rafting on the Torne River. This pre- or post-cruise, three- or four-night option departs from Stockholm. Prices start at $4,589.

Cliveden Stately Home of England: One of the world's finest luxury hotels, Cliveden is an Italianate mansion set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside with a palpable sense of history. For over three centuries, it has been home to some of the most famous names in English and American history including three dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Astors. This pre- or post-cruise option departs from London and Southampton. Two nights from $989.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper -- and launching in December, Silver Spirit -- all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.

In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "Best Innovation in Products and Services" from the Italian Innovazione Marketing Oggi Awards (2009); "World's Leading Small Ships Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2009); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2010); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" Excellence Award by Spain's Cruise News Media Group (2009); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2010); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).