scher

Please recommend some great vineyards, that you have been to in Tuscany that have tours that include a full lunch overlooking the vineyard and countryside. I would also like a full explination of how the wines are made and how to taste them correctly.

In my opinion, you have too much of an expectation for what you can accomplish in the time allowed.

 

We took the train from Venice to Florence after our cruise and didn't arrive until early afternoon. Not sure which train you can catch in Venice, but I would advise purchasing your ticket in advance. We waited in line for an hour at Venice to purchase our tickets.

 

When you arrive in Florence, you will need to check in to your hotel before your tour Florence. I have been to Florence twice and to see the city right, you need about four days. You can see something of the city in an afternoon. If you go to Academia to see David you will need about 2.5 hours just for that. Checking out the Duomo and Point DeVeccho will kill the rest of the day.

 

 

Trying to see Pisa and the Sacred Compound is not easily done DIY since it is not close to the train station.

 

If you try to cram all this into the allowed time, consider paying for a tour company like Romeinlimo (previously mentioned). They can keep your luggage in the vehicle. However, that will cost you some $$$

We are not coming in from a cruise and docking in Venice and then trying to catch a train. We will have been in Venice for a few days and will try to catch a early morning 7am ish train to Florence.

I was hoping to get a quick 2 hour walking tour of Florence and then on to a Vineyard for the rest of the day in Tuscany, then maybe be dropped off at a hotel near the train station in Pisa so we could take a direct train to the port of Civitavecchia

Euro cruiser I was thinking the same thing. Just felt that if we were going to tour a vineyard in Tuscany it would probably be closer to stay near the vineyard and then go from there to the port. Not sure if that was possible

The day before my cruise leaves from the port of Civitavecchia we will be coming from Venice. I was thinking we would take the train to Florence and would love to tour Florence for a few hours and then go on a tour of a vineyard with a outdoor lunch and view of Tuscany for the afternoon. If possible would love a quick stop for a picture in Pisa and then head to the port then next morning the day of the cruise. I do not want to stay over at the port and would prefer to not rent a car nor switch trains to many times....Does anyone have any suggestions. If it were not so expensive I would hire a driver to tour us in Florence and Tuscany and then take us to the Port the next morning but I think that would be a fortune. Any thoughts or hints would be appreciated.

Originally we were going to take the train from Venice to the Port all in one day and were advised this was not a good idea just in case something happened like a strike or something.

Normally one hour to one half hours before sailing time.

thank you

Our ship leave Civitavecchia port at 5pm what is the latest that you can board?

I was definitely intrigued by the subject line as we are booked on our first Oceania cruise this summer. Reading the responses, I know we’ll be fine, even if we are the youngest people on our cruise (which I’m sure we won’t be at 47). We did a Viking River Cruise this past summer. Aside from a 14-year old, we were the youngest on board. Other passengers mentioned it numerous times, and a few tried to buy us drinks… perhaps we reminded them of their own children? Anyway, it was a great cruise, and the age difference didn’t bother us.

Thanks Stan & Jim for the Imago recommendation! We will be staying in Rome pre-cruise 2017. It will be our 25th anniversary, and this looks like a great place to celebrate.

Congratulations scher on your upcoming 30th anniversary!

Thanks and congrats to you also....Enjoy!

Congratulations!

Thirty years is an amazing accomplishment!!!

 

For that Anniversary Dinner, if you're feeling very flush, may I recommend Imago at the Hassler?

http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/en/restaurants-bars/imago/menu-and-wine-list

Not inexpensive, but the food is beyond beyond and the lights of the eternal city twinkling at your feet might be prove a balm to your not being on the ship for your big day ;)

Hint:

The Hasser is perched atop the Spanish Steps, quite near the Pantheon.

Have the taxi meet you at the foot of the Spanish Steps, for the most romantic after dinner stroll, EVER! ;)

This looks amazing and thanks so much for the anniversary wishes.....I will look into it. Remember I don't know how much romance there will be our two kids 26 and 23 will be with us

As others have said, it's hard to tell until we know more about what your children like.

 

My 3 children - in their late 20's and early 30's - love Celebrity, but I don't think they would like Oceania without any night life. Then again, they loved Celebrity in their teens when Celebrity was more like Oceania. They like dressing up, good food, sophisticated settings, etc. But...they do like to meet others and party at night!

Sounds like my kids....a good mix. I'm thinking we would all be happiest of Celebrity. Maybe my husband and myself alone next time on Oceania

The last few Celebrity cruises that I have been on in the Caribbean, there have been small dance contest, Karaoke, etc. Maybe no twisting or sock hops, but plenty of 50's and up music, some ballroom dancing, disco music and dancing ranging from slow to hopping up and down!

 

European cruises may be different, however.

 

Floridiana has a good point. It all depends on when you are planning on sailing. ;)

 

 

 

Could you share the cruises you are both booked on and interested in?

We are booked on the Celebrity Reflection in Sept of 2016 it is rome, naples, sicily, athens, mykonos, santorini, rhodes, and kusadsi. We are flying into Venice and then traveling to the port in Civitavecchi stopping in florence. My main objective was 2 fold originally one was to go from Barcelona with ports along the way especially Greece ending in Venice. Second was to be on the cruise during our 30th anniversary. None of that is happening. The ship was important and the clientele was important (for the kids more) I could not get it all. So I ended up forgoing Barcelona. Going on my own to Venice and taking a cruise round trip from Rome. Just to be able to sail on what I though worked best for us being Celebrity Reflection.

The Oceania Cruise had more of what i was looking for port wise. Leaving form Barcelona ending up in Venice only one stop in Greece but I would get over that. Just don't think it would be great for the kids. I was thinking it would be to mature of a crowd. I think I am correct. BTW I will not be on the cruise on my anniversary but I will still be in Rome. Flying home the next day.

If you book during US vacation times, there will be other young people on board. During our Christmas/New Year's cruise, youngsters ranged from below teen to teens and to twenties. All well behaved, especially the youngest ones.:) The teens and twenties played ping-pong, mini golf (Riviera) and whatever other sport was offered and went off to explore the islands and beaches during the day.

 

Anyway, for me, the itinerary is really all that counts.

No this is a September cruise all the school kids are just going back to school ...no breaks. We are not looking for a ship load of kids just a few good ones in the 20's

We are regular Oceania cruisers currently on the celebrity eclipse. This cruise is fabulous and you and your kids will be very happy. Your kids will be bored on Oceania. You might be too. It's a totally different vibe.

 

Contrary to what some may assume there are no twist contests or anything of the sort. No announcements. Formal nights gone. It's now evening chic. Very upscale feel on ship. We've met many on board who also sail on luxury lines

 

We are in a suite with private dining room and access to Michaels club It does not feel mass market at all. Great entertainment Fabulous service. Ship is gorgeous

 

 

 

We booked two more while on board

We also have two o cruises booked

 

We like both lines

But o is not for anyone under 50 imo - maybe some but not many

Thank you for taking the time to let me know this. It is awesome information. This trip as I told my kids is not like a cruise to the caribbean....We are not looking for belly flop contest and wild running around. This is a very tiring port intensive touristy cruise. We know that! However, It would still be nice for the little bit of down time on the cruise for them to meet people of their own age. They are always welcome to hang with us and the old folk but If they could meet some of their own I would be happy for them. My friend booked on Viking and I saw that they include almost everything in their price, which I did not realize. I think I just saw a very large number and looked away quickly. But it included airfare and port excusions and alcohol so it started looking fabulous to me. I then in turn started second guessing this cruise thinking in the end Celebrity which seems less at first glance would end up being more. I saw the O cruise which had great stops on it so was thinking of changing. But I love the celebrity vibe and the Reflection looks like an amazing ship. I think I will stay put. Thanks for all the info you really put it in perspective

Thanks I think my kids would like at least a few around their age. I think I have my answer. Thank you

Hi all,

I am a family of 4, 2 adult children 23 and 26 at the time of sailing my husband and my self are in our mid 50's. I have a Celebrity European cruise booked but love the itinerary for the new Sirena coming out. I do not know much about Oceania. Is this not a great choice for bringing along my older kids? Will it be to much of a mature crowd for them? I'm wondering if I should stick with Celebrity. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

Great advice thank you

I'm not sure I'm comfortable with driving in europe.

We are traveling in September. So the schedules don't seem to run that far in advance.

A car does not sound like a bad option

We are a family of 4 so driving a rental would be a good option except we drive on the right side of the road here. Is it opposite in Italy? I would love to stay in Florence and forgo rome. The port hotel seems like a good choice also. Can I pre reserve a car from hertz? And where would I pick it up and then where would I drop it off

Wow that is great amazing information. I think my safest plan will def be to enter into rome the day before and plan on heading to the port early in the morning. I can now see by Hanks explication how things can possible go awry. Thank you so much. It is very appreciated.

As noted above by the wise cruisemom42 and others, there are many excellent options in Italy. Hard to say exactly which one is our top favorite. Much depends on other factors, including the folks you are traveling with, the weather, luck in ordering the right dishes, the beauty/uniqueness of the settings, etc.

 

Below are a few of my photo examples/samples. Here is more background on La Tagliata on the Amalfi Coast near Naples. We super enjoyed this experience and food. Maybe others did not. But, it worked for us. It is built on three terraces with great views of Positano and its dramatic coastline. Overlooking organic vegetable gardens and vineyards, these super fresh items are grown and used in the restaurant’s kitchen. This local wine is produced without any chemicals and has a special taste that highlights this part of the visit to Italy, the world’s largest wine producer. La Tagliata is operated by Dora and Don Luigi. They serve handmade pasta made by Signora Dora, with her son Vincenzo working along side her in the kitchen. Two other children, Peppino and Antonietta, serve tables and greet guests with warm, friendly, family hospitality.

 

Assuming you're not looking for the high-end, pricy places, the great news is that most any place will be very good to great to excellent. It's hard to have a bad meal in Italy!! The secret is to do some asking where you are staying and/or of others you meet there for their local suggestions. Then apply the eyeball test! If it looks touristy and the people sitting there (or the staff) are bored and uninterested, then that place probably should be avoided. If it looks like there are locals there and/or they are enjoying it, then it will probably be very good. Or maybe even better!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 207,603 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

Along a canal, this is Da Raffaelle where we had an outdoor table right next to the waterway. Wonderful food and spectacular setting. It is located at Ponte delle Ostreghe 2347. It is west of San Marco Square and south of La Fenice Opera House. Their website is: http://www.ristorantedaraffaele.com/index-eng.htm

 

 

 

Overlooking Positano along the Amalfi Coast, this is the view as we dined, family-style for lunch, at La Tagliata. The views here were super and the sun came out in strong force as we enjoyed our three-course lunch with local wine and drinks. Their website is http://www.latagliata.com.:

 

 

 

In the kitchen, this is our chef-owner in the area where our meal was prepared. Excellent setting, food and a less-touristy focus.:

 

 

 

Here is more from our three-course lunch with local wine and drinks. This includes a sampling of the many desserts served to our table.:

 

 

 

Fantastic!!! thank you

Hope I am not bothering anyone on here because I posed this question on another group and got some pretty snotty answers.

I am traveling from Venice by Train to get to the port of Civitavecchia for my departure at 5pm. Understanding that you need to be there the latest a hour before embarking. Is this a difficult task to do If I leave Venice at like 8 am? Or should I leave Venice the night before and stay overnight in Rome. I am hoping to not have to do that as one more stopover in a hotel is a bit of a inconvenience but would do it as to not miss the boat. Thanks in advance.

Wow! We are back to the old question of is it possible. Absolutely if everything goes absolutely on schedule. Italian trains do not! Also all it takes is an accident, problem with the train control system or any of 50 other things and you will miss your ship. It is also a 20 minute walk to the shuttle station where you take a bus into the port or a 10-15 minute taxi ride if a truck does not block the access lanes or are on strike.

 

Alcpa is correct. Overnight in Rome or someplace MUCH closer! Your roll call will let you know what others are doing!

sorry to bother you!! Let me know if you ever come to New York City and need information about the transit system there....I would make it sound like a bother to guide you. I understood the train system in Europe was amazing but I guess it is not.

You are going to have a very long day.

You must be onboard 90 minutes before departure. Don't forget too that the muster drill will also take place prior to sailing.

One thing to consider is the potential for a transportation worker's strike. We have been subject to work stoppages in Italy and France.

If I might make a recommendation....take a late train from Venice, overnight in Rome and use one of the recommended taxi services from your hotel to the port. It would certainly reduce the stress level. You can also take the train from Rome.

There should be others on your Roll Call that are arranging transportation from Rome and can share the ride.

So I am not sure I understand...if the is a "Work Stoppage" wouldn't it be the same stoppage the day before as the same day? If no one is working wouldn't I be out of luck the day before also?

I will be traveling by train from Venice to Rome to the port of Civitavecchia to get on the Relection. The Cruise says it departs at 5PM What is the latest I can board? and is this doable from Venice on the same day?

But you will never regret the time you have in Venice. Every time you turn a corner you will come across something amazing. Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path and discover some gems for yourself.

Thanks for trying to make me feel better....when I was originally booking this trip I was trying to accomplish a few things.....Tapas in Barcelona, A lunch in a vineyard in Tuscany. Going to Santorini and Mykonos and getting to Venice. Along with other stops in between. None of the Cruise ships did this itineary that I wanted to go on so I had to improvise. I wanted a newer ship so most of the cruises were out. I didn't want to go on Hal because it was a older ship and I felt the passengers would be more elder then myself and with that I am bringing my young adult children and thought that Hal would be the most boring for them when at sea. Although they had a great route it didn't work.

We ended up with Celebrity Reflection leaving out of Rome and returning to Rome. Had to forgo Barcelona and Florence but goes to Naples Sicily Mykonos Santorini Athens Rhodes and Kusadasi. We are flying into Venice and will stay 3 days and then speed train to Rome and then to the port. Staying in Rome 3 days post cruise.