Lottie A. I could use your advice.

You were the first person to help me on our maiden cruise. That was on the Quest from Civitavecchia to Athens back in Oct. 2011. Your answers to whatever the questions helped greatly. Onboard you were most gracious to me and my wife. I have since that first cruise taken an additional six of which three have been on Azamara. We like you are sold on Azamara and especially the Quest. Perhaps it's Captain Carl and Russ...well the whole crew.

Two other couples will be joining us . One has been to Europe many times and the other (my brother and sister in law) have never been anywhere outside the U.S. Our cruise is Oct 8-15 and I'm trying to figure a few things out. We have spent some time in Rome in the past but I certainly wouldn't mind repeating. Suggestions for a tour that day sound appropriate. It's the design of the day that concerns me. Should we consider a car and driver and if so from whom and how many people are we talking about? This would probably be for six. Florence is a spot that we have been to and would consider Pisa and or Lucca as I seem to recall you suggesting to someone on the CC boards. Should we hire a car and driver for this or train and taxi it ourselves? Another question. When we dock in Portovenere our plan was to see the Cinque Terre towns. Any suggestions?

Wanted to let you know that from prior posts that you've made we have decided to spend the day in Nice. Been to Monaco. Nice is so much more interesting.

Also interested after the cruise going from Barcelona up to Carcassonne and perhaps Toulouse or Montpelier. Train or just rent a car? Any and all ideas appreciated.

Thank you for any assistance you care to share.

Richard

Yesterday, Lottie A was providing an excellent cruise review on the Holland America forum. I'm certain she'll return here to help with your questions.

If I may add, we have used RomeCabs a number of times for transfers/tours and, if they provide a service that meets your needs, you might well consider them.

Hi Richard,

Of course I remember you and your lovely wife. That was a wonderful cruise on Quest wasn't it? I'm so glad you have continued our joint Azamara addiction since then.

I'm just off to work now but I'll try to help with your questions tonight. I'm sure other AZ cruisers will be able to advise you as well. We are a very helpful forum here! :D

We visited Lucca taking the train and stopped in Pisa on our return journey. Fabulous day, no hassle, no group timetable and no problems with the trains. Also extremely economical. We loved Lucca and would return without hesitation. Pisa was more crowded but the things you will wish to see are much closer together than I imagined. We were there for less time than allowed, were glad we had seen it but probably wouldn't hurry back. We've also visited Herculaneum by train - another excellent day and without problems. There were beggars on one train - not pushy, they had printed cards in several languages! - and a Mexican band on the other. Neither would deter us from using the trains again.

Thank you nordski and nuneham for your most helpful and prompt replies. As you said nordski ...Lottie A has already responded.

I'm always amazed at the high level of travelers who are willing to share their expertise on these forums. You are wonderful examples.

You are welcome.

I look forward to Lottie A's comments as well, so thanks for asking these questions.

Hi Richard, I'm home from work, so here are some thoughts for you.

I think a HOHO bus may be of interest to you in Rome, especially if your friends haven't been there before. However, first you could get the train from Civitavecchia to San Pietro station in Rome, it's the nearest to St. Peter's Square. Have a look around St. Peter's Basilica....you can book tickets online prior to going, which lets you cut the usually long line. Then go to the entrance of St. Peter's Square and get on a HOHO bus there. There are two different lines, so have a look at the maps and choose which attractions you prefer. You can do The Forum, The Colosseum, etc in about 3 hours.

Alternatively you could walk to The Pantheon, my favourite Roman building. It takes about 15 mins from St. Peter's and you can have lunch in the lovely square in front of The Pantheon. Maybe then wander around the charming side streets of Trastavere, buy some souvenirs, admire the Bernini fountains in Piazza Navona, get a portrait done by one of the many artists there, chill out in a bar....the list is endless. If you prefer to do a private tour then I second Nordski's recommendation of RomeCabs. They are very good and can custom design a tour for you.

Lucca is probably my favourite Italian city and I was there a week ago. It is quite easy to get the train there. You get the ship shuttle into Livorno, then a bus to the train station, take the train to Pisa and change there for Lucca. It is possible to see both Pisa and Lucca in a day but personally, I would spend all day in Lucca. It's a charming walled, medieval town with shady streets, lovely churches, great shopping and piazza's and the perfect place to wander, sit, eat, drink and people watch. If you want to buy Italian leather, particularly a handbag ( you would say a purse!) for your lovely wife....:)....then Lucca is the place to do it. The choice and quality is excellent and the prices in Lucca are much better than in Florence. That goes for any purchases actually.

Lucca has a medieval Bell Tower to climb, with fantastic views over the walled city, Puccini was born here and you can visit his house and the small museum, the Piazza Amfitheatro is a great place for lunch. It used to be the site of the Roman Amphitheatre and is the same shape today. Have a cappuccino, drink some Prosecco....the little bar outside San Frediano church has the BEST Prosecco in Italy! :D I know, because I have drunk a few glasses there over the years! Lucca is just beautiful and a genuine Italian city. Florence is lovely too, but it is a tourist trap.

It is easy and low cost to get to Lucca by train, as nuneham said, but Hazel and I know a wonderful private driver called Paolo who has a 7 seater Mercedes van and we always use his services to get to Lucca from Livorno. It takes about 40 mins and he would certainly make a stop for you at Pisa. He drops you right outside the entrance to the ancient city, marks your route on a map and will wait for you. We usually book him for 5/6 hours and last week it cost us about €40 each for 7 people.....so about €280 for the 7 of us. We find it better than the crowded trains and he is truly a lovely man. I can get you his email address if you would like to ask him for a quote. Mention mine and Hazel's name and he will give you his best price.

Cinque Terre from Portovenere. You can get a ferry from Portovenere (which is a small town, but charming for a relaxing day...great seafood restaurants) to Monterosso and I think Vernazza too, but I'm not sure of the frequency in October. Perhaps this is one port where you may consider the ship's tour. I think it would be easier.

So Nice next. It is really easy to get the local bus from Monaco to Nice and the 50 min drive along the Cote D'Azur has to be one of the most beautiful in the world. You come out of the port, cross the road and turn right. Then walk for about 600 metres to the bus stop. I think it's the 100 bus, but you will see lots of people, including locals, waiting for it. The cost is €1.50 each way! You get off at Nice bus station and then I would suggest the Flower market in the morning, great cafe's and little shops around here. Maybe a walk around The Old Town, serious shopping at the Galeries Lafayette for the ladies, a walk along Le Promenade des Anglais, a cocktail at the Hotel Negresco or maybe take the little white train around Nice? It goes from the Promenade.

If your cruise goes to Sorrento or Amalfi then you should certainly think about doing a tour with Aldolimo's. They have fantastic drivers who know the area like their backyards and can take you to some beautiful places that other tourists don't get to see.

I can't really help with Carcasonne from Barcelona though. It seems a very long way to me and I think car hire would be the way to go. Unless you have an overnight in Barcelona then I would be worried about being so far from the ship. I love Barcelona so much that I would always stay there. We just had 4 days there pre Zuiderdam cruise and it was VERY hot, but fabulous.

I feel like a travel guide now....when I retire I might like to do that! :D

Hope this is of some help Richard. Have a lovely cruise and please come back and tell us all about it. Best Regards to your wife.

Xx

Lottie.

Richard, Here is Paolo's email address if you would like to ask him for a quote to take you to Lucca. Remember to mention Lottie and Hazel to him. He knows us well and he will give you a good deal.

info@unforgettabletuscany.com

Lottie, I can't thank you enough. I knew you would be a good source. We could possibly be as many as six or as few as two when it comes to tours other then Rome.

Your description of Lucca sold me. I hope our friends join us on this excursion while our sister and brother in law most likely will go Florence. Perhaps not after reading your description of Lucca.

Our cruise is Sept 8-15 and hopefully the weather in the Med will be good. I look forward to some new destinations. The itinerary is Barcelona/ Monte Carlo,Monaco/Portovenere/Livorno/Rome/Sea/port Mahon,Menorca/Barcelona. We are arriving Barcelona two days before cruise departure and just taking in more of one of our favorite cities. We also intend extending after our departure from Quest for at least another 3-4 days. That's where the idea of Carcassonne came from. Perhaps take in that area of France where we haven't been.

My wife and I along with my sister and brother in law have rented an apartment thru A.....for our two night stay in Barcelona. It's the first time that I've used this service. The apartment is exactly where I wanted it which was in a quiet section of the Gothic. It looks great. I'll let you know.

Thank you again for your wonderful response to my questions. I hope you don't mind if I bother you again in the future.

Can you recommend a restaurant or two in Nice for lunch. Hopefully in old town. Before heading back to the ship perhaps a nice spot for drinks and a snack in Monaco in late afternoon before departure?

Thanks again.

Lottie, I can't thank you enough. I knew you would be a good source. We could possibly be as many as six or as few as two when it comes to tours other then Rome.

 

Your description of Lucca sold me. I hope our friends join us on this excursion while our sister and brother in law most likely will go Florence. Perhaps not after reading your description of Lucca.

 

Our cruise is Sept 8-15 and hopefully the weather in the Med will be good. I look forward to some new destinations. The itinerary is Barcelona/ Monte Carlo,Monaco/Portovenere/Livorno/Rome/Sea/port Mahon,Menorca/Barcelona. We are arriving Barcelona two days before cruise departure and just taking in more of one of our favorite cities. We also intend extending after our departure from Quest for at least another 3-4 days. That's where the idea of Carcassonne came from. Perhaps take in that area of France where we haven't been.

 

My wife and I along with my sister and brother in law have rented an apartment thru A.....for our two night stay in Barcelona. It's the first time that I've used this service. The apartment is exactly where I wanted it which was in a quiet section of the Gothic. It looks great. I'll let you know.

 

Thank you again for your wonderful response to my questions. I hope you don't mind if I bother you again in the future.

Of course I don't mind Richard. I'm always happy to talk about cruising, as you know. :)

I have never been to Carcassonne but have always wanted to go, ever since I read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse about ten years ago. If you haven't read it, then it's an interesting book.

An apartment in Barcelona sounds wonderful. I can recommend a great tapas restaurant in Barcelona. It's called Ciudad Condal and its on the corner of Ramblas Catalunya and Gran Via but note....not THE Ramblas as this is a tourist trap. Ciudad Condal is full of locals, the house red is great and you may have to wait for a table, but trust me, it's worth it. Just order an assortment of tapas and you can't go wrong. My friend Brian tells me there is a fantastic hat shop for men in The Barri Gothic, if you ever wear a hat. He does!

Mahon is a nice port too. The sail in and out is really pretty and Minorcan gin is a great buy. It's strong though, so be careful. The island is very charming....I would explore it by car if you can. Ciudadella is a very nice town and is the old capital. Well worth a visit.

In Nice we usually have a quick breakfast on the ship, then our first stop is the wonderful Flower Market ( it sells many things, not just beautiful flowers) for a real French Cafe Creme and pastries for breakfast. We don't have a particular favourite Restaurant in the Old Town but there are many good ones, so we just stop where we feel like. There is a good one in the square near the pink clock tower but I can't remember the name. In Monaco I suppose you do have to have a drink at the Cafe de Paris in the Casino Square. It is a must do....but remember you are paying for the ambience and history and not just the drink! I remember my partner not saying much when he paid €45 for a coke, two beers and an ice cream! Euro's not dollars. That did include a tip though!

Have you seen that new Prime C menu? It looks wonderful. I have been sailing on Silversea a lot recently but I really must book another Quest cruise soon. :)

I just looked at the menu and got famished just gazing. Dinner isn't till 7:30 tonight.

Another question regarding a guarantee cabin. It's the first time I've done this and I booked a balcony. Do these sort of arrangements usually work out and how long before sailing do you know what you've got.

Thank you so much for the above. Those tapas sound great.

We have booked a guarantee balcony before and I must say we have always been very lucky with our cabin allocation. It's strange that some people are told their cabin allocation about a month before sail date yet some have to wait until a week before. I think that was the latest we ever heard. Check on your cruise personaliser or maybe your T/A will email you.

When you do know your cabin allocation you can check any feedback on it by looking at UKtog's excellent Azamara cabin thread sticky.

I will be going to Rome for a few days with my partner tomorrow, so any other queries I will be happy to answer on my return. I am sure other Azamara cruisers would be able to help out too. There is a huge wealth of experience and information on this forum.

We have also been very happy with our guarantee balconies. This time we were given our cabin number within days of booking, in the past we have waited until late. We have also met people who have been upgraded, although still in a balcony, after receiving their cabin number. I'm sure you will be fine. We would never be tempted to an oceanview guarantee on account of those with an obstructed view, which we think should be sold as 'insides'.

Great suggestions from Lottie. We also love that coastal drive between Monaco and Nice. If you're in Monte Carlo again do take the bus up to the garden at the top for an interesting visit and great views back over the city.

Just one more suggestion, do book your tickets for the Sagrada Familia online before you leave. The queues were really long - almost felt guilty just strolling past!

Thank you again Lottie. Enjoy your Roman holiday.

Nuneham you are so right about getting tickets in advance. On our last trip to Barcelona we didn't get tickets in advance and did not have the patience to wait in the rain like the other 5000 people. Advanced tickets to both the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum are on our lists of to do's.

What are your ports? I can also help with Cinque Terre, Lucca and other places to visit in Tuscany. I hired a driver who was quite reasonable and he has a van that will hold 6 people. If you are willing to post your e-mail address, I will gladly share my information with you.

We were in Nice two days last year pre-cruise. Wonderful city to DIY. Lottie is spot on about the flower market and there are a lot of restaurants to choose from. I would have to go back through my pictures to see what ones we ate at. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the pizzas were that we had....I believe near Old Town....if you like pizza, that is.

Edited...I just saw your ports.

That's an offer I will gladly accept. My email address is richachapman@sbcglobal.net

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

That's an offer I will gladly accept. My email address is richachapman@sbcglobal.net

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

I have a busy day today but will put some things together and e-mail you tomorrow. I will put cruise critic in the subject line. :D

Thanks for the update and enjoy the day.

Thanks for the update and enjoy the day.

Had a very enjoyable day.

Good luck with tour planning. :)

Hi Richard,

Just got back from my lovely long weekend in Rome and have to tell you about this fantastic restaurant we found.

It's called La Taverna dei Fori Imperiale and its on a side street near The Forum....named Via della Madonna dei Monti 9. It's closed Tuesday's though. Reservations recommended because it's full of Romans.

It's been run by the same family for four generations and the food and wine choice is excellent.

We had lots of dishes and shared them. The Saltimbocca alla Romana was the best I have ever tasted.

I am not usually a dessert person....but the semifreddo al torrocino (candy nougat gelato) was delicious and as for the chocolate Souffle ....well my friend Hazel would have been in heaven! :)

If you can manage to get there when your in Rome, well I think you'll love it.

Lottie, you have a wicked way with my senses. Sounds delightful and we will try and make it a destination in our travels around the city. Especially good that it's near the Forum. Very central. Thank you again and it sounds like your Roman holiday was a success.

Indeed you might say it was a great success Richard. So much so that I will be going to Rome nearly every weekend for the next few months! :D

If you need any "on the spot" advice I will do my best to help, so please just ask away.

Thanks again Lottie. You are both knowledgeable and well traveled. Your recommendations are quite insightful and highly regarded.

I'm sure I'll be asking you another question or two before our trip. Take care and have a wonderful summer between London and Rome.

Thanks again Lottie. You are both knowledgeable and well traveled. Your recommendations are quite insightful and highly regarded.

I'm sure I'll be asking you another question or two before our trip. Take care and have a wonderful summer between London and Rome.

I am blushing now Richard, but thank you very much. You are so kind. 😊

Happy to help anytime.