CuriousCruiser101

OK - here goes.

Cannes - took the tender across, looked around the town, went back for swimsuits and hit the beach.

Took tour to Florence but on reflection wished we'd done the Pisa tour, beautiful place tho. (I think there was a leather factory in here somewhere but cannot recall where.)

Rome - amazing - took tour again as some distance, went on the train, saw the Vatican, Spanish Steps and Trivedi Fountain. Very busy, very hot but worthwhile.

Two days sailing - went by very quickly as we were tired!

Athens, took the bus, went round the Plaka district and also round the Acropolis, not for the fainthearted as it's a bit of climb and extremely busy once there but amazing. Saw the Colesseum but you really need a whole day to actually go in. So much to see!

Rhodes - fabulous day. Walked around the old town had lunch then hit the beach. Brilliant day, loved Rhodes.

Santorini - what can I say. We took the tour as I'd been scared off by reports of long queues for cable car etc. You take your chances, but I would swerve the donkeys! Time was just about enough, so much walking and climbing in the heat but the views are stunning. We also stopped at a winery, which I don't usually like but this one was exceptional, again with stunning views.

Sailing day - much needed rest.

Malta - again we took the historical city trip, Mdina and Valletta. If they still do this trip when you sail I would be cautious. It is far too rushed and again you need to be fit for all the fast walking required to cover both sites with entrances to palaces etc. missed o/a waiting for people to catch up. We went back to the ship for lunch then rushed back up in the lift to the Baraka Gardens for a couple of hours. Humidity got to me tho!

Back sailing then Barcelona. We opted for an extra day and night in a hotel as our flight was so late. We picked the weekend of the massive festival with music, dancing, parades and far too many people! Massive energy and amazing buildings to see.

All in all a very good itinery but the queues for places like the Colosseum and the Vatican are massive, far too long for the average port call so if you want to do any I would strongly advise you book a ticket online which offers the chance to skip the queue.

I think that's it - if you need any more info please ask. Enjoy!

I've been unable to find it mentioned anywhere - previous trips have had 2 so I'm assuming it will be the same?

We are sailing next Tuesday 11th on the Vision of the Seas on the Greek Island tour - I can't seem to find any information on the formal nights. Does anyone know just how many there are, and if possible which nights? Many thanks.

We enjoyed this same itinerary so much in 2017 on Brilliance that we're doing it again, just on Vision as you are, in July. Fairly easy and frequent local travel in all ports. Best advice gained on this cruise: Do not waste your money on a full drink package because you're hardly on board while pier side.

Many thanks for this - we fell foul of the soft drinks package years ago - realised there was water available everywhere! All we really got was two very nice RC logo drinking cups. Or was there another drinks package? We have never drunk much on a cruise, too worried about missing any of the next day and too tired to stay up late drinking! We have got a full drinks package included in our itinerary as part of our deal.

Florence/Pisa- We did the Florence and Pisa On Your Own, so we could have cruise line transportation security but the ability to explore on our own- great day

 

Rome- sooo much to see and far away, so I recommend booking through the cruise line and doing a tour that covers as many sites as possible- it’s a busy day but worth it

 

Athens- Acropolis

 

Santorini- easy to DIY- once off the tender, go to the left where the “boats to Oia” are advertised and depart, only about 15 Euros pp to get you to Oia and then bus you back to Fira a few hours later- gorgeous!

 

Valletta- the HOHO worked pretty well for us- I loved the Blue Grotto and walking around Old Town where the fortress is

 

 

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Many thanks - everyone has been so helpful - so excited now!

Most informative - many thanks.

Starting in Barcelona:

Cannes

Florence/Pisa/Laspezia

Rome

Athens

Rhodes

Santorini

Valletta

Thank you - new to these forums

Going on this trip in September. As it's only our third cruise I was wondering about other cruisers' experience of the trips ashore. The first one we did around the Med and found several of the ports were easy to go on foot and navigate successfully with hop on hop off buses. Our second was Egypt - coach from the ship only. So just interested in any advice - also opinions on the ship - have seen some rather negative reviews ! Thanks in advance.

Going on this trip in September. As it's only our third cruise I was wondering about other cruisers' experience of the trips ashore. The first one we did around the Med and found several of the ports were easy to go on foot and navigate successfully with hop on hop off buses. Our second was Egypt - coach from the ship only. So just interested in any advice - also opinions on the ship - have seen some rather negative reviews :(! Thanks in advance.