bdoster
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We are considering a Greece cruise, and heard that the ports are so overcrowded in the summer. It's early in the season, but wondering what cruisers are seeing as far as crowds and lines. Any comments? Thanks!
Our cruise was mid October, was fantastic weather and moderate crowds.
The most was at Santorini getting up and down the cliff. By 2 pm the line for the lift was out to me main road with a wrap around the square in Thera
We ended up walking down which was tricky due to slick rocks, donkey poo and the donkeys pushing into you. The trip walking down was and hour and half, and hot.
That said I would do it again. Was beautiful, each isle unique and Athens just awesome. Had fab food and very welcoming people.
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With all due respect, we did it in 30 minutes. If you are reasonably fit and there aren't many people or donkeys in your way, it's a half hour or so. I'm sorry it took you two hours; please know that is not the same for everyone.
Never inferred it was, the trail condition and the donkeys attempting to run us over led to some of the time. I fell twice do to the slick stones.
I am thrilled for you
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Yes it is, depending on how many ships are anchored. It could even be longer than an hour and the wait is in a street with no shade and blistering heat so it is quite an ordeal for some.
Make sure you wear a hat, and if possible use an umbrella or parasol to give you some shade, and drink plenty of water if its hot.
Having said that, it is well worth the discomfort to see this beautiful island, and the views of the caldera are superb.
Agree, the views are spectacular
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I am on a Celebrity cruise where arrival at one port is 2 PM.
Shore excursions for this port say they depart at 1:30 Pm and 1:45 PM, before the ship arrives.
All other ports have the shore excursions departing after the ship arrives.
Anyone else ever encountered this type problem?
When I called Celebrity to ask about the discrepancy in timing I was told to book it now and ask on board about it 11 months from now.
Not surprised about the answer. As you pay now and they have the use of your $$$.
On the Panama Canal trip the ship stopped and let people off on tender for a specific excursion before arriving at colon.
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Is the cable car waiting time from the top down to the tender area really that long ie 60 mins?
Yes. But that is quicker than the walk down the winding path took us 2 hours to walk down. It is steep and donkey droppings make it slick
Get in line and wait my advice. And I am a quick walker. We had a bag of souvenirs and 2 bottles of ventsantos wine
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Love RomeinLimo, have just returned from 3 weeks in Europe, with one spent in Amalfi where we used them for our transfers from FCO and the return to the Port Civitavecchia; where we also scheduled a tour to Pompeii.
Alex and Maurizio, our 2 drivers were wonderful to our group. Alex was waiting at FCO and efficiently whisked us from the airport, gave interesting commentary on the drive to Amalfi, stopped for us to obtain groceries.
Maurizio was prompt to our Villa for our return trip, quickly loaded the van and had us to Pompeii before the crowds. He also recommended a great lunch.
Lucio, who was scheduled for us by RIL was a great guide in Pompeii; very knowledgeable and brought Pompeii to life for our group.
Appreciate your service! 5 stars for sure!
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We also LOVED our tour with Sylvie:)
Used Sylvie as well, great day! Recommend her as well.
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Just completed TA on Reflection as well.
Book with Sylvie, you will not be disappointed! She was waiting as promised, toured us in her comfortable van to some of the most beautiful sights in the Côte d'Azur.
Very thoughtful in her itinerary, we made Eze before the tour busses, enjoyed a stroll on the Nice beach front, visited a bustling market and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
Thank you Sylvie!
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We used Sylvia Cristo with Alps Guides and enjoyed all Nice, Monte Carlo, Eze and Villefranche had to offer. Heard many stories onboard of missed trains and waisted time. Recommend her service for a group of 6-8
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We also cruised out 10-12-15. The port entrance is not through the fort.
Our hotel took us to the far birthing area where rhapsody was moored. She had to walk approx 3 blocks after porters took our luggage.
We on disembark I hired a car to take us to the train station, we were moored at the celebrity dock and I was very thankful to have the ride. It is several blocks on uneven surfaces to get out of the port and then approx 3 block once you walk past the Fort to the train station. Lots of traffic. If you have any luggage I would not walk it.
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Our ship will be at dock 12 BIS (N). I have checked on Google Maps and it seems to be a 2 kms walk. Having to wait for 2 shuttle bus does not sound very attractive and that is what makes me wonder if we should walk instead.
Is it possible to walk from the train station to our ship? Is it safe? Does it make sense?
You can, but I would not especially depending on what ship you are boarding, could be a long haul, dragging luggage.
There are multiple berths at the port.
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I have the opposing view, I love the insight brought by the local guide and always feel I get our money's worth. The guide knows which route to take into the sight, how to avoid the crowds and ensure you get the pictures you want.
Have used for Ephesus, Rome, Vatican, Acropolis, Normandy, Paris - Louvre and have one booked for Pompeii this fall. They tailor your visit to your interest and you do not waste time hunting for what you want to see.
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I agree with other posters, sunset is seen from the rim anywhere. Took us 2 hours to walk down the donkey path in October; should have got in the line that was over an hour to get to cable car.
We did a private tour that did a loop around the island, scenic spots for photos & took us to Venetasanos Winery, is located right above the port of Athinios. The caldera view here was stunning and the desert wine, taste was out of this world good. Really enjoyed seeing the coastal area of the island that is never featured in the pictures.
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Just off Reflection:
Captain: Apostolos Bouzakis
Chief Engineer: Konstantinos Bakas
Staff Captain: Kyriakos Matragkas (joined mid-cruise)
Guest Relations Manager: Julie Sherrington
Hotel Director: Niyazi Korkmaz
Cruise Director: Richard Spacey
F & B Manager: Srdjan Prastalo
Executive Chef: Tato Garcia
Captains Club: Marlene
Anyone be left? we sail October 21
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When in Venice have the cocktail of Venice, a spritz. Rosso Pomodoro Venezia is where we ate. It's located near St Marco. Nothing fancy but good. Make sure to order a spritz or two before leaving Venice. [ATTACH]382591[/ATTACH][ATTACH]382592[/ATTACH]
I agree with the Spritz, love them. We discovered on Burano at lunch. Had some of the best fresh fish on Burano...they bring the fresh fish for you to choose, 30 minutes later a feast!
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I'm gonna jump in here and ask about Venice. Our cruise only gives us two nights where we can have dinner and that's in Barcelona before we board the ship and Venice when we finish! Other than TLCOhio's post all I've heard anything about is the tourist traps around St. Mark's.
Anything at St Mark's is over the top expensive. Wander the walkways back to the Rialto bridge. We found many with a great menu, very reasonable prices and wonderful food.
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We will be staying in Paris for a few days after our Greek Cruise and are looking at booking an apartment. Any suggestions on where to stay, what area to stay in?
Thanks for you ideas/suggestions in advance.
Love the Latin Qtr. We stayed in a VRBO apt in 2009. Very centrally located, close to BatoBus, shops, Notre Dame. Love Paris, be sure to go to the Louvre at dusk & hear the musicians in the alcoves MAGICAL!
Enjoy!
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Thanks ! I have booked the Flamenco show!
Cheers
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Cruising with a 2 day port stop in BCN on Celebrity. Since the ship docks, can you come & go at anytime of the night? Want to book the late Flamenco show which will be over around M/N
Any one done this?
Thanks in advance!
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Florence - Il fagoli , very close to Plaza Santa Croce. By far the best we had there
Roma - l'Osteria dei Pontifici on the large boulevard running to the south of the Vatican.
Civitavecchia- Tenuta del'Argento. Superb meal and view of the port is devine
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I'm booking romeinlimo for some of my pre-cruise time in Rome, thanks to the many accolades here on CC. My questions:
1-They are suggesting an 8 hour tour with a driver, and a guide for the Vatican. Do we need a guide for other sites? Or is the driver usually knowledgeable enough to provide info?
2-Have you ever just gotten a guide at the Vatican rather than scheduled one in advance? If so, how did that work out? Did you still have to stand in line for tickets? Can you just visit the "church" on your own without tickets? (I obviously have lots more research to do! I visited Rome years ago, but I was on a tour and they took care of everything.)
3-Do you tip on top of the fee for the driver, or is it included?
4- Not a romeinlimo question, but has anyone ever done a day trip from Rome to Pompeii? Is that possible?
Thanks in advance for answers to my questions!
Have used Romeinlimo many times and have trips booked this fa with them.
1/2. We spent 4 hours in 2011 with a guide at Vatican and barely scratched surface. Only hit specific areas, guide is worth every penny! So much knowledge and u are not hunting the things you are interested in, they know and take u.
I would get a hide for Coliseum/ forum as well
3. Yes, you are paying a business for their service, the driver is making the experience
4. Have a trip booked for Pompeii in oct with them. We are starting in Amalfi. Is 3.5 hours from Rome to Pompeii.
Ciao
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There is a large market within a mile of the port, great selection. We bought wine, water and sodas. Our transfer from Tenuta dell'Argento (which they provide at no charge) took us prior to port. "Coop" market. This was in October 2015.
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We booked with Janey a transfer from FCO to Civitavecchia and had Mike as our driver. Very professional group, prompt response to emails and reasonable rates. For 5 of us with luggage was 185 euros.
Would not hesitate to book and use again. This was our 3rd time to use, consistent quality and great people.
Is it possible to walk from Civitavecchia train station to Ship
in Italy Ports
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Is several blocks with uneven pavement to the entrance of the port. The area where you drop your luggage depends on which berth your ship is docked. The shortest of them is at least a half a mile and if you are at the 2
On the seas side of the port is an additional walk around the fort which would be another mile.
Would make for an unpleasant venture.
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