marazul

If you are interested in seeing Venice, I would take a train there from Rome and spend two or three nights there before the cruise. Large ships cannot dock in Venice. They have to dock in ports that are 2-3 hours away. Then take the train back to Rome and visit for a couple of days at least. Another alternative is to fly directly to Venice for your stay and then take the train to Rome. This would maximize your time at both places. And that would make your anniversary trip even better. Search this board for many suggestions on the train ride. It is easy and fast. You don't say how long a cruise you are looking for. @euro cruiser's suggestion is a very good itinerary for the highlights. A longer cruise would of course let you see more.

Sorry, I didn't ask and I should have since we also like to add more time.

There are a number of last minute cruises on the website right now. Under "Offers" click on the "Finale Sail." They add to this from time to time.

@Hlitner@Vineyard View- I was advised to be patient, which doesn't come naturally for me. It's too early for next year's flights even if the airlines have their schedules out by now.

I will hold out a little longer and see what happens. I like (liked?) Flight Ease's other features of delayed booking and SB insurance.

It doesn't show AA flights, but it shows codeshare with BA and IB. And the prices are twice what we got for our cruise this fall. Let's hope...

Bummer. I am about to start looking for next march.

That's when they open the reservations. You can reserve as long as they have spots.

Two months ahead of time.

Messina and Taormina are in Sicily. Sicily is in Italy. You should post on the Italy board, not here.

Bon voyage! Post from time to time.

Great excursions in no specific order: Tarquinia Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio Ostia Antica Lake Bracciano - Castello Odescalchi - Cerveteri Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano

It's doable. I assume your hotel is close to the Acropolis.

January = rainy and short days.

😁☺️

Same site. Not too far in the southern part of heaven.😁

If you can hold out getting Colosseum tickets, wait until one week before the day you want to visit it. There are plenty of arena + SUPER sites available online. You can see the underground from the arena. At least, that is the situation now. You are taking a chance that they won't change it. And we are leaving Rome November 3! PS - It looks like a lot of Charlotte people are heading to Rome this year.

Bummer!

Thanks. Unfortunately, the base price has also gone up since we booked a few months ago. Anyone wanting to book, don't wait. And keep checking for future sales and price drops.

Fortunately, you don't have to decide now. Get your info on how to get to Honfleur and what to do there. Just go if it is a decent day. Stay as long as your son is entertained. He could also get bored on a long day on the ship.

It would be close to the end of the season. Many beach facilities might be closing down and the water getting cold.

You might want to try 'A Taverna do' Re, a very good pizza and Neapolitan specialties restaurant. It is near the port and not far from your hotel. You could share a pizza and then try some of the local pasta dishes such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina or Linguine alla puttanesca. https://www.atavernadorenapoli.it/

That's for sure. 🙃

That's normal to ask for passport info. It's fine and secure.

@alserrod @Hlitner @GAgaltravel@abouna And here is the grand slam scenario. We were staying at Monterosso for three days. On day 2, there were high seas so the ferries did not run AND there was a train strike for the Cinqueterre line only on the same day! We had a wonderful beach day, but I am sure there were many disappointed people. So, check the "sciopero" website for scheduled strikes and keep your options open. Do try for the ferries at least one way because the views are wonderful, but have your train info ready just in case. If there is a scheduled train strike, check the weather report for the ferries. If all goes south, improvise. Enjoy. It is a beautiful place.