Med Cruise next week... any must-see places
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm off on honeymoon next week, 12 nights cruise around the med. We think we pretty much know what we're doing in terms of the touristy stuff at each location but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations about any of the following destinations that you wouldn't know about unless you'd been to the area? Any "must see" or "must do" places we should consider? Open to any suggestions from people in the know.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
Monte Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Mykonos
Istanbul
Kusadasi
Athens
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Thanks in advance
I'm off on honeymoon next week, 12 nights cruise around the med. We think we pretty much know what we're doing in terms of the touristy stuff at each location but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations about any of the following destinations that you wouldn't know about unless you'd been to the area? Any "must see" or "must do" places we should consider? Open to any suggestions from people in the know.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
Monte Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Mykonos
Istanbul
Kusadasi
Athens
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Thanks in advance
Have a great time.
A couple of thoughts on places we've tried at some of your stops - sounds a busy cruise by the way, doesn't sound like many 'sea' days for a rest.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
The Columbus Monument at the lower end of the Rambla's - weird little lift to a viewing platform with nice view of harbour area etc - not expensive nor much time and a different view of town.
Monte Carlo
a PHers option: the Prince's car collection
http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/englis...
Florence/Pisa
assuming you mean docking in Livorno - Pisa/Florence are the obvious places to visit. But if you've already been there, an alternative could be: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre 'The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside.'
Rome
can't comment - only started a cruise from there, so not actually been to the city (yet)
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Pompeii is quite easy to diy - rather than a ship excusion, walk to the railway station, short train journey to the site and pay your own way in and then have more freedom to wander in your own time.
(Mykonos)
(Istanbul)
Kusadasi
A trip to Ephesus - I've been to many ancient sites and ruins and it is very very impressive.
Athens
The Parthenon of course, but our trip also went out to Sounion, a remote ruined temple on a peninsula which was quite a nice contrast to the bustle of the city.
Venice
The Guggenheim there is quite nice, with good view of the Grand Canal
also looks like the Biennale is running - an international art exhibition held at the Arsenale - we went a few years ago, some quite wacky stuff, but interesting and different
A couple of thoughts on places we've tried at some of your stops - sounds a busy cruise by the way, doesn't sound like many 'sea' days for a rest.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
The Columbus Monument at the lower end of the Rambla's - weird little lift to a viewing platform with nice view of harbour area etc - not expensive nor much time and a different view of town.
Monte Carlo
a PHers option: the Prince's car collection
http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/englis...
Florence/Pisa
assuming you mean docking in Livorno - Pisa/Florence are the obvious places to visit. But if you've already been there, an alternative could be: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre 'The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside.'
Rome
can't comment - only started a cruise from there, so not actually been to the city (yet)
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Pompeii is quite easy to diy - rather than a ship excusion, walk to the railway station, short train journey to the site and pay your own way in and then have more freedom to wander in your own time.
(Mykonos)
(Istanbul)
Kusadasi
A trip to Ephesus - I've been to many ancient sites and ruins and it is very very impressive.
Athens
The Parthenon of course, but our trip also went out to Sounion, a remote ruined temple on a peninsula which was quite a nice contrast to the bustle of the city.
Venice
The Guggenheim there is quite nice, with good view of the Grand Canal
also looks like the Biennale is running - an international art exhibition held at the Arsenale - we went a few years ago, some quite wacky stuff, but interesting and different
llewop said:
Have a great time.
A couple of thoughts on places we've tried at some of your stops - sounds a busy cruise by the way, doesn't sound like many 'sea' days for a rest.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
The Columbus Monument at the lower end of the Rambla's - weird little lift to a viewing platform with nice view of harbour area etc - not expensive nor much time and a different view of town.
Monte Carlo
a PHers option: the Prince's car collection
http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/englis...
Florence/Pisa
assuming you mean docking in Livorno - Pisa/Florence are the obvious places to visit. But if you've already been there, an alternative could be: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre 'The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside.'
Rome
can't comment - only started a cruise from there, so not actually been to the city (yet)
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Pompeii is quite easy to diy - rather than a ship excusion, walk to the railway station, short train journey to the site and pay your own way in and then have more freedom to wander in your own time.
(Mykonos)
(Istanbul)
Kusadasi
A trip to Ephesus - I've been to many ancient sites and ruins and it is very very impressive.
Athens
The Parthenon of course, but our trip also went out to Sounion, a remote ruined temple on a peninsula which was quite a nice contrast to the bustle of the city.
Venice
The Guggenheim there is quite nice, with good view of the Grand Canal
also looks like the Biennale is running - an international art exhibition held at the Arsenale - we went a few years ago, some quite wacky stuff, but interesting and different
Many thanks for the informative post - it is much appreciated!A couple of thoughts on places we've tried at some of your stops - sounds a busy cruise by the way, doesn't sound like many 'sea' days for a rest.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
The Columbus Monument at the lower end of the Rambla's - weird little lift to a viewing platform with nice view of harbour area etc - not expensive nor much time and a different view of town.
Monte Carlo
a PHers option: the Prince's car collection
http://www.palais.mc/monaco/palais-princier/englis...
Florence/Pisa
assuming you mean docking in Livorno - Pisa/Florence are the obvious places to visit. But if you've already been there, an alternative could be: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Terre 'The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. Part of its charm is the lack of visible corporate development. Paths, trains and boats connect the villages, and cars cannot reach them from the outside.'
Rome
can't comment - only started a cruise from there, so not actually been to the city (yet)
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Pompeii is quite easy to diy - rather than a ship excusion, walk to the railway station, short train journey to the site and pay your own way in and then have more freedom to wander in your own time.
(Mykonos)
(Istanbul)
Kusadasi
A trip to Ephesus - I've been to many ancient sites and ruins and it is very very impressive.
Athens
The Parthenon of course, but our trip also went out to Sounion, a remote ruined temple on a peninsula which was quite a nice contrast to the bustle of the city.
Venice
The Guggenheim there is quite nice, with good view of the Grand Canal
also looks like the Biennale is running - an international art exhibition held at the Arsenale - we went a few years ago, some quite wacky stuff, but interesting and different
As for being quite a busy cruise, I agree! We have 2 full sea days and Mykonos is just a half day. I've been to Barcelona before so we'll probably keep that day fairly chilled as well.
Thanks again for the info.
i spent two weeks in mykonos about 5 years ago and loved it, very wealthy island with lots of nice restaurants, bars, designer shops, expensive boats in the harbour and the night life is not far off ibiza standards.
the actual town centre is quite compact so you should be good to explore for half a day, try and grab a cocktail in one of the 'Little Venice' bars and round the corner from there you will see the windmill which was used in a scene from one of the Jason Bourne movies.
beautiful place but very expensive, two weeks eating and drinking out everynight left me destitute
the actual town centre is quite compact so you should be good to explore for half a day, try and grab a cocktail in one of the 'Little Venice' bars and round the corner from there you will see the windmill which was used in a scene from one of the Jason Bourne movies.
beautiful place but very expensive, two weeks eating and drinking out everynight left me destitute
wiggy001 said:
Hi all,
I'm off on honeymoon next week, 12 nights cruise around the med. We think we pretty much know what we're doing in terms of the touristy stuff at each location but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations about any of the following destinations that you wouldn't know about unless you'd been to the area? Any "must see" or "must do" places we should consider? Open to any suggestions from people in the know.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
Monte Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Mykonos
Istanbul
Kusadasi
Athens
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Thanks in advance
Can i ask what company you booked through as it looks a decent itinerary as I myself have been looking at Med cruises. I'm off on honeymoon next week, 12 nights cruise around the med. We think we pretty much know what we're doing in terms of the touristy stuff at each location but just wondered if anyone had any recommendations about any of the following destinations that you wouldn't know about unless you'd been to the area? Any "must see" or "must do" places we should consider? Open to any suggestions from people in the know.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
Monte Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
Mykonos
Istanbul
Kusadasi
Athens
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Thanks in advance
Callismichael said:
Can i ask what company you booked through as it looks a decent itinerary as I myself have been looking at Med cruises.
Princess Cruises via Thomas Cook (my sister works for TC and her friend has used Princess many times and rates them highly, but I guess that depends on what you are after from the cruise itself).I've been to all these places many times on cruise ships.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
You should be able to get a bus from the Cruise Terminal into the city for a Euro. If it's you first day on board then you may want to just chill and get the feel of the ship.
Monte Carlo
You'll probably use tenders to get into the port, although they can now get bigger ships along side. Just walk into town. If your into F1 then you should walk the track. Although you'll be eating on board it is worth getting a spot of lunch in one of the many cafes etc.
Florence/Pisa
As already said you'll be docking in Livorno which is a good 30 mins from Pisa/Florence. You really have to see the Leaning Tower if you've not been. Easy to do on your own via train, they are cheap in Italy. You'll need to get a bus to the station. If you use trains you must validate your ticket in the machine before travel! Don't miss the ship!
Rome
You'll dock in Civitavecchia which is a good hour from Rome. Again you can get the train, the station is a reasonable walk from the dock gates. The ship may well do a shuttle to Rome direct from the ship, it's probably your best bet, don't miss the ship!
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
It's not difficult to do Pompei on your own and cheaper than the ships tour. Naples has some good shopping, watch out for the con men who hang around the dock!
Mykonos
The dock to town is a reasonable walk along the coast road, or take the shuttle bus, just mooch about town if you only have half a day.
Istanbul
Loads to look at here, if you don't do an official tour there will be plenty of willing taxi drivers who'll take you on a private tour. If you just go walking you may miss out on all the sights. Be prepared to be pestered, especially in the markets.
Kusadasi
Great for buying fakes if that's your thing, you can walk straight into town. Loads of carpets and leather for sale and you will get pestered! Ephesus is a must see here, similar to Pompei though, so depends if ruins are your thing.
Athens
You'll dock in the port of Peiraias which is a good 30 mins from Athens, it's a nice port with loads of shops and restuarants etc. loads to do in Athens, probably best to do an arranged tour.
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Really worth getting up for the sail in, even if it's dark! The Vaporetto (water buses) are great for getting around, you can get a day pass I think. Try and get a seat on the bow of the boat, one goes directly up the Grand canal. Best way to sight see and get some pics.
Barcelona (1.5 days and overnight)
You should be able to get a bus from the Cruise Terminal into the city for a Euro. If it's you first day on board then you may want to just chill and get the feel of the ship.
Monte Carlo
You'll probably use tenders to get into the port, although they can now get bigger ships along side. Just walk into town. If your into F1 then you should walk the track. Although you'll be eating on board it is worth getting a spot of lunch in one of the many cafes etc.
Florence/Pisa
As already said you'll be docking in Livorno which is a good 30 mins from Pisa/Florence. You really have to see the Leaning Tower if you've not been. Easy to do on your own via train, they are cheap in Italy. You'll need to get a bus to the station. If you use trains you must validate your ticket in the machine before travel! Don't miss the ship!
Rome
You'll dock in Civitavecchia which is a good hour from Rome. Again you can get the train, the station is a reasonable walk from the dock gates. The ship may well do a shuttle to Rome direct from the ship, it's probably your best bet, don't miss the ship!
Naples (Pompeii/Vesuvius)
It's not difficult to do Pompei on your own and cheaper than the ships tour. Naples has some good shopping, watch out for the con men who hang around the dock!
Mykonos
The dock to town is a reasonable walk along the coast road, or take the shuttle bus, just mooch about town if you only have half a day.
Istanbul
Loads to look at here, if you don't do an official tour there will be plenty of willing taxi drivers who'll take you on a private tour. If you just go walking you may miss out on all the sights. Be prepared to be pestered, especially in the markets.
Kusadasi
Great for buying fakes if that's your thing, you can walk straight into town. Loads of carpets and leather for sale and you will get pestered! Ephesus is a must see here, similar to Pompei though, so depends if ruins are your thing.
Athens
You'll dock in the port of Peiraias which is a good 30 mins from Athens, it's a nice port with loads of shops and restuarants etc. loads to do in Athens, probably best to do an arranged tour.
Venice (1 day and overnight)
Really worth getting up for the sail in, even if it's dark! The Vaporetto (water buses) are great for getting around, you can get a day pass I think. Try and get a seat on the bow of the boat, one goes directly up the Grand canal. Best way to sight see and get some pics.
Florence is really nice - as mentioned it is a good trek from Livorno, though, so worth taking the organised transport.
Didn't like Rome at all. Good to see the Colloseum and Vatican, but otherwise unimpressed.
Athens is a s
thole. We were advised to avoid the hordes of cab drivers who gather at the dock and walk to the nearest Metro. After an exhausting, sweaty day of walking the 4 miles to the Metro, all round Athens, back to the ship and so forth, we met plenty of people who had paid €100 to a cab driver who whisked them from place to place in air conditioned comfort. Definitely the way to go.
Didn't like Rome at all. Good to see the Colloseum and Vatican, but otherwise unimpressed.
Athens is a s
thole. We were advised to avoid the hordes of cab drivers who gather at the dock and walk to the nearest Metro. After an exhausting, sweaty day of walking the 4 miles to the Metro, all round Athens, back to the ship and so forth, we met plenty of people who had paid €100 to a cab driver who whisked them from place to place in air conditioned comfort. Definitely the way to go. Again, this is fantastic information and just what we were after, so many thanks for this.
Just to confirm though, we fly to Barcelona on Monday (arrive around midday) and the cruise departs on Tuesday, Most of Monday and a little of Tuesday morning to explore.
Interesting the mention of making sure we are on deck when arriving at Venice - are any of the other ports worth getting up for (seeing as we mostly dock early mornings)? I'm not fussed about seeing commercial docks at 7am, but if there is any decent scenario on any entry points then I'd be interested to know.
Thanks again
ETA: we have arranged the ships excursions for the following:
Florence and Pisa (on our own but using their transport seemed less hassle than public transport given the distances)
Rome (quite cheap so again seemed less hassle)
Pompeii and Vesuvius (Probably would've done Pompeii ourselves but the ships excursion offers a trip up Vesuvius which really appeals to me)
For each of the other stops we'll be making our own way about, so the above is valuable info.
Just to confirm though, we fly to Barcelona on Monday (arrive around midday) and the cruise departs on Tuesday, Most of Monday and a little of Tuesday morning to explore.
Interesting the mention of making sure we are on deck when arriving at Venice - are any of the other ports worth getting up for (seeing as we mostly dock early mornings)? I'm not fussed about seeing commercial docks at 7am, but if there is any decent scenario on any entry points then I'd be interested to know.
Thanks again
ETA: we have arranged the ships excursions for the following:
Florence and Pisa (on our own but using their transport seemed less hassle than public transport given the distances)
Rome (quite cheap so again seemed less hassle)
Pompeii and Vesuvius (Probably would've done Pompeii ourselves but the ships excursion offers a trip up Vesuvius which really appeals to me)
For each of the other stops we'll be making our own way about, so the above is valuable info.
Edited by wiggy001 on Tuesday 20th September 14:34
cjs said:
The only other sail in worth seeing is Istanbul, the rest are all pretty bland.
Definitely worth going out in the evening during the overnight in Barcelona, although Monday evening won't be the most exciting night.
I did wonder whether the sail in at Istanbul would be worth it - it certainly looked like it'd be interesting from a look at the map!Definitely worth going out in the evening during the overnight in Barcelona, although Monday evening won't be the most exciting night.
We will definitely be out in the evening in Barcelona. I was there for a stag weekend a few years back so vaguely remember it being a nice city! And to be honest, a quiet-ish night will probably suit us after the wedding this weekend!
Oh and make sure you enjoy the ship, Princess are one of the best 'larger' ship lines. Do you know which ship you're on? Make sure you let them know you are on honeymoon, they may well look after you in some way.
Worth booking a meal in one of the speciality restaurants, they usually charge a nominal fee but worth it for a special night. Try and catch the onboard shows if that's your thing.
I sound like a travel agent!
Worth booking a meal in one of the speciality restaurants, they usually charge a nominal fee but worth it for a special night. Try and catch the onboard shows if that's your thing.
I sound like a travel agent!
cjs said:
Oh and make sure you enjoy the ship, Princess are one of the best 'larger' ship lines. Do you know which ship you're on? Make sure you let them know you are on honeymoon, they may well look after you in some way.
Worth booking a meal in one of the speciality restaurants, they usually charge a nominal fee but worth it for a special night. Try and catch the onboard shows if that's your thing.
I sound like a travel agent!
We are on the Star Princess, and my sister has already made sure they know we are on honeymoon Worth booking a meal in one of the speciality restaurants, they usually charge a nominal fee but worth it for a special night. Try and catch the onboard shows if that's your thing.
I sound like a travel agent!
Definitely planning to try the speciality restaurants (a nominal fee on top of the cost of a wedding won't exactly break the bank!), and we definitely plan to mix up our evenings on board between speciality restaurant, bar, casino, shows etc to try to get the most out of the ship (we've only ever done 2 night cruises with P&O before, so not had the time the experience everything the ship has to offer).
Thanks again for your help
Wiggy, we are doing a Med cruise in October covering some of the ports you will visit. Incidentally with Princess, and they are good.
Would recommend you look on the www.cruisecritic.co.uk and look on the ports for info on each. Princess do organised trips like all cruise lines but they are expensive and you are herded like sheep. I suggest you look for private trips, which if there are several of you will work out very economical compared to the Princess ones. We have booked with TuscanHeart for both Rome and Florence days, having found others on the cruise wanting to do the same (via CruiseCritic) Both TuscanHeart and RomeinLimo have rave reviews on both CruiseCritic and good old trip advisor. Don't worry about them not getting you back to the ship in time for sailing, that is one thing they don't let happen. And of course, you can tailor make your day with them if their are certain sights you want to see. Cant help with the other ports other than Barcelona which we have visited several times before. I would suggest you use the tourist bus, there are 3 different routes crisscrossing the City and you can hop on hop off anywhere and swop routes. Parc Guell is well worth the 10 minute uphill walk from where you get off the bus. The bus (if you are upstairs) is an ideal place to view the wacky architecture including Segrada Familia. I would recommend that you visit the Food Market which is on the left hand side up Las Ramblas near the top Walking away from the sea) It is really good, and has many bars/cafes within it as well as all the food stalls. Rick Stein raved about it claiming it is the best market in Europe. The Cathedral is worth a visit as well as a church called Santa Marie del Mar. This is just down a narrow path from the Picasso Museum. Also just by there is a great tapas bar which is full of locals, and surprisingly Brits. I can't remember the name of it but found it on www.worldsbestbars. We never go to Barcelona without going there more than once. It opens about 7 in the evening and at lunch times. A good map for Barca is the Insite FlexiMap. And don't forget to use trip advisor, but remember to read between the lines on some of the comments.
Have a great trip
Peter
Would recommend you look on the www.cruisecritic.co.uk and look on the ports for info on each. Princess do organised trips like all cruise lines but they are expensive and you are herded like sheep. I suggest you look for private trips, which if there are several of you will work out very economical compared to the Princess ones. We have booked with TuscanHeart for both Rome and Florence days, having found others on the cruise wanting to do the same (via CruiseCritic) Both TuscanHeart and RomeinLimo have rave reviews on both CruiseCritic and good old trip advisor. Don't worry about them not getting you back to the ship in time for sailing, that is one thing they don't let happen. And of course, you can tailor make your day with them if their are certain sights you want to see. Cant help with the other ports other than Barcelona which we have visited several times before. I would suggest you use the tourist bus, there are 3 different routes crisscrossing the City and you can hop on hop off anywhere and swop routes. Parc Guell is well worth the 10 minute uphill walk from where you get off the bus. The bus (if you are upstairs) is an ideal place to view the wacky architecture including Segrada Familia. I would recommend that you visit the Food Market which is on the left hand side up Las Ramblas near the top Walking away from the sea) It is really good, and has many bars/cafes within it as well as all the food stalls. Rick Stein raved about it claiming it is the best market in Europe. The Cathedral is worth a visit as well as a church called Santa Marie del Mar. This is just down a narrow path from the Picasso Museum. Also just by there is a great tapas bar which is full of locals, and surprisingly Brits. I can't remember the name of it but found it on www.worldsbestbars. We never go to Barcelona without going there more than once. It opens about 7 in the evening and at lunch times. A good map for Barca is the Insite FlexiMap. And don't forget to use trip advisor, but remember to read between the lines on some of the comments.
Have a great trip
Peter
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