marazul

Yes. Four or 5 blocks? I have stayed there and it is beautiful.

The government is investigating the bot problem and looking to put an end to it. I posted an article about it in the Italy forum. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2951512-italys-antitrust-to-investigate-colosseum-ticket-sales/#comment-65749875

IMO- That's the best hotel in Madrid.

Just email them and ask them for the status of your tour. And also ask them your other questions about notifications.

The Acropolis tends to be packed at sunset, so "later in the day" is not necessarily the best time. First thing in the morning is the best time.

Terry, Sounion is a little over one hour away from Athens. The temple is lovely in a beautiful setting. However, it does not compare to the Acropolis. Save that for after you have done everything else in Athens. It is best at sunset, and then followed on the way back by a drive along the beaches and maybe stopping at one of the many tavernas for dinner.

Ooops! Mistype. I meant "take the train all the way to Monterosso first to get there faster, and then the ferry between the towns."

Correct, but the views are great fromthe sea, so taking the ferry for the short ride between a couple of the villages really adds to the experience.

We took that tour in a private version for four of us. Same description. It was excellent. Murcia is a lot more intetesting than Cartagena. We had driven through the area before, but our friends had not and this contributed greatly to our trip. Get a quote for a private tour just in case you don't get the large group. You might be able to find a few more through your roll call.

Or take the ferry all the way to Monterosso first to get there a lot faster, and then the ferry between the towns. You can always take the train back to La Spezia from the last town.

It is way too early for Madrid, but don't forget you can always get a taxi from the airport. I would book the transfers in Italy, especially if no advance payments are required. I like your idea of going to Pompeii on your way to Naples. You will have more time than on the way to Amalfi when you will also be looking forward to getting to your hotel. That also lets you visit Pompeii in the morning when it will be cooler out. Glad you are doing well.

Italy has announced new tourist train routes, some using vintage trains. They should start being implemented in the next few months. This sounds like a great complement to a cruise or just the main part of a land trip. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-tourist-trains/index.html

There are bank ATMs at the airport. Still, change just enough to cover your immediate expenses for the first day.

Good plan. Get them at the airport.

WARNING: We stayed at the 5-star Athens Coco-Mat hotel just next door to the Hera Hotel where we have also stayed. The Coco-Mat opened in a renovated building during the pandemic and it has a rooftop pool which we loved. HOWEVER, the top court of Greece has just ordered the Coco-Mat to demolish the top two floors of the hotel (added during the renovation) because it exceeds the height for center city buildings. Whether this ever happens or not is uncertain, but beware of booking there in case the government actually follows through with the condemnation. We were unaware of this when we were there, but I am certainly glad this action was mandated. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/07/15/news/greece/hotel-that-blocks-view-of-acropolis-ordered-to-demolish-top-floors/ https://news.gtp.gr/2023/07/13/greek-tourism-ministry-shuts-down-athens-hotel-for-construction-violation/

Why don't you download it now and see what happens? If it goes away (it shouldn't), you can download it again just before you go. It is a free app that anyone can download.

You can also take the ferry in the opposite direction to San Fruttuoso and Camogli. But, to quote cruisemom, Portofino is absolutely beautiful.

Transfers mean you and your luggage to/from port/airport/hotel. It is a "limo" service, not a taxi service. The transfer service includes personal pickup at the terminal, help with your luggage, etc. The taxi is just an unscheduled pickup at a taxi line or the street. It's probably an issue of licensing for rides within the city so the transfer companies are not in competition with ordinary taxis for rides. That is why they will take you to the museum with a tour, but not just a ride.

Here is a thought on jetlag and Madrid. I am a great believer in the "stay up, early supper and bed" theory. However, in Spain there is no such thing as early supper. Restaurants open at 8 pm and that is early. (Actually, some restaurants in tourist areas will open earlier.) In your case, you can take your Palace tour, follow the little itinerary I sent you walking to the Plaza Mayor, down the steps of Arco de Cuchilleros and on to Mercado San Miguel for lunch. Then you could go to the hotel for a 2-hour siesta (set the alarm), go to the pool for a while, and then have dinner at 8 pm and back to the hotel. Then you will be on Spanish time. The next morning take an 11 or 12 o'clock train to Barcelona. This method has worked for me. No guarantees for anyone else! There are many good restaurants near you, like Taberna del Alabardero, Casa Gallega, Asador Real, etc. You also could go to Botín. https://botin.es/en/menu-botin-en/ You must reserve there. Their signature dish is roast suckling pig, but there is a lot more.

The Majestic on Passeig de Gracia.

Just about all restaurants will have them. They all post the menus and have a blackboard with the specials outside on the sidewalk. Read the menus and pick a place you like.

Aix and Cassis.

And it has a pool! I might try it next time. You are going to have an amazing trip.

I hope you discuss the "service" doggy issue.

Look at hotels in the triangle from Teatro Real to Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor. All these hotels will put you within a 15 minute walk of the Royal Palace. All 3 or 4 stars with guest ratings above 4 (out of 5). https://www.google.com/maps/search/Hotels/@40.4171336,-3.7089188,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m16!2m15!3m6!1sHotels!2sMadrid,+Spain!3s0xd422997800a3c81:0xc436dec1618c2269!4m2!1d-3.7037902!2d40.4167754!5m6!3e2!3e3!4e3!5m2!1s2023-08-12!2i3!6e3?hl=en&entry=ttu I always do a street view of the ones I am interested in.