NorbertsNiece

Tomorrow we set foot in Dubrovnik. Geoff is taking a trip to Cavtat and I'm on a walking tour. Dubrovnik, Croatia Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik is set within well-preserved 13th to 17th-century fortifications. Although earthquakes and civil war have shaken this once mighty city-state, it retains an abundance of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings many of which have been restored to their former glory. Within the historic walls, discover limestone streets lined with stone townhouses decorated with sprays of bougainvillaea. Highlights include St Blaise’s Church, the Onophrian Fountains and Sponza Palace, and a walk along the city walls which offer panoramic views. ------ CABLE CAR AND CAVTAT You’ll travel by coach to the Dubrovnik cable car, which first opened in 1969 and has recently been refurbished. The cable car ascends to a height of approximately 1,500 feet and provides spectacular views over Dubrovnik’s Old Town. At the upper station there is a café, restrooms and souvenir shop, as well as a spacious terrace with coin-operated telescopes where you can admire more of the view. You’ll head back down to the lower station where you’ll board your coach for the journey to Cavtat. This is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Dubrovnik region, and as you explore on foot you’ll see the legacy of its Greek and Roman history and medieval buildings. Afterwards you’ll travel by coach back to your ship. Please note: There is approximately 300 yards of walking at the cable car stations, with a few steps. The cable car takes a maximum of 30 passengers per trip. Walking in Cavtat is at your discretion. DUBROVNIK IN DEPTH You’ll first head to the Cable Car Station in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, which will provide incredible views over the city, including its distinctive red-tiled rooftops. After returning back down to the main station, a guided walking tour will explore the Old Town. The city’s historic building and 13th-century walls are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll ascend the stairway at Pile Gate to the top of wall and continue along the southern part of the walls to see the Minčeta Fortress, St John’s Fortress, Bokar Fortress and the Maritime Museum. Upon reaching the Stradun, you’ll arrive in the very centre of the Old Town where you will have some free time to explore at your leisure before the return transfer back to your ship. Pease note: You will need to walk up to approximately 1700 yards over cobblestone and paved terrain with continuous inclines and more than 280 steps.

Sailaway. Dinner. I had GF banana fritters from the special menu. They were not good. Soggy. Think this could be the very first time I've left a dessert!

Route map of our trip and my walk around Syracuse 😀

I head back to the ship. Briefly considered an Uber. The area to walk through is quite grotty to be honest. One eyed cat says ciao. The Church of San Tommaso al Pantheon in Syracuse is considered to be the main " Monument to the Fallen of the First World War ", because inside it rests the remains of the Syracusan soldiers perished at the front during the First World War. Another special moment, a lady feeding feral cats ❤️

The interior of the Sanctuary is quite exceptional. It can seat 6,000 and host 11,000 people! The Madonna herself is quite small set behind the altar.

(WiFi went down as did the rain here. Storm was quite something. Has passed. Oktoberfest being held in the Supper Club instead of the Lido) I've now changed direction and decide to head for some thing I can actually see, The Basilica of the Madonna delle Lacrime (Our Lady of the Tears) Superpower 🦸‍♀️ intact. It's closed. I'm actually 30 minutes early. The museum/souvenir shop man sees me and opens the crypt up. Grazie mille!!

(Currently massive thunder and lightning storm outside 🌩) Now, the joy of being 'lost' in a strange land is you come across the most wonderful sights. Here's one. Volume up. 20231016_142309.mp4

Back at the port I turn around and head into Syracuse. This is where things go 'slightly' wrong. You'd have thought by now I'd have learnt to not trust GPS. Anyway my super power 🦸‍♀️ is the ability to go on wild goose chases! I'm looking for Archimedes Square. Don't find it.

We head back to the bus. On the road back we pass Belvedere. Archimedes had designed large bronze mirrors which were placed here; they reflected the sun's rays onto the sails of the advancing Roman fleet burning them. Lots of fascinating history about Sicilian puppetry here

I am now in need of a restroom. There are no public toilets. I come across my bus partner and we go for a coffee in a cute little café outside the Cathedral where there are facilities. It's actually €1 to use them but free if you 'dine' in. This is an Aladdin's cave of delights inside. So fabulous. We had ice cream! Too much to eat in the time left I decant mine into a paper cup and take it with me! Expletive deleted. I don't know why random pics are rotated. Can't fix. 🤬

The stunning Fuente del Amenano. You know it's a genuine NorbertsNiece blog when there's a pigeon shot!

Given some free time I go walkabout. There is a fish market and various food stalls, restaurants and cook to order kebab stands.

Day 8 Catania contd More from the Cathedral interior. Some creepy remains, a stunning pulpit.

Day 9 sea day Good morning and thanks for following. After today we have 5 days in a row in different ports. Followed by 3 sea days. It simply isn't going to be possible to post all shore pics every day as currently and eat, chill, watch England play rugby/soccer and sleep! Please bear with me. I WILL catch up!

Bellini died of dysentery at the age of 33. Originally interred at Père-Lachaise in Paris, his remains were transferred to his birthplace of Catania in 1876. The score of the opening of 'La Sonnambula' adorns the tomb. Will continue tomorrow. Domani 💤

The Basilica Cathedral of Saint Agatha, a Roman Catholic cathedral, has been destroyed rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and eruptions of Mt Etna. Originally constructed in the the 11th century on the ruins of ancient Roman baths. Statues of St Peter and St Paul stand proudly at the entrance.

The Elephant Fountain is a monument located in the center of Piazza del Duomo designed by architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini between 1735 and 1737. Its main element is a black basalt statue of an elephant, commonly called u Liotru, which has become the emblem of the city of Catania.

Pictures from our walk through Catania. Statue of Bellini who was a 19th century opera composer known for his melodic lines for which he was named 'the swan of Catania'. More about him later. I have absolutely no idea why some pics are doing a 180⁰. Have tried and failed, to remedy.

Have had a super day in Sicily. Had forgotten how much I love Italy and how rusty my Italian is! Our guide was Beatrice; she had excellent English and gave an excellent commentary on the way to/from/around Catania. I did warn our Saga chaperone, Julie from Saga World, that I'm rubbish at group excursions with a tendency to wander off! I was very well behaved today and wasn't missed once!! First set of pics are from the tour bus.... looking for Etna. Last eruption was in August! The island is also recovering from wildfires. We pass the Commonwealth Cemetery. In this cemetery most of the graves are those of men who lost their lives in the landings in Sicily on 10 July 1943, as part of the early stages of the campaign to capture the island (Operation Husky).

Oh no! I do hope the passenger is ok 😢

Delayed going ashore. Port Authority clearance awaits.

Yes, I have been recommended a Ponant experience however I doubt my bank account would tolerate it!

Sailing in to Syracuse. The Church Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tears. Orca are out on deck. One has captured an image of a tuna's head emerging from the water! Hope he posts it on line. We are not the only cruise ship in town.

Day 8 Syracuse Good morning and thanks for following. 28⁰c forecast We've both got tours that meet at 0915 so early breakfast it is! While Geoff watched Rugby last night in the North Cape Bar I scrolled through the many films on TV and came across my all time favourite! Free drink from the bar if you can guess what it is!