Insignia 5/7/11 - shore excursions

[travelbug10]

8 of us traveling together and would like recommendations on shore excursions in Rome, Florence, Siciliy, Amalfi coast. Also, recommendations for hotel in Athens prior to cruise. And what about air - is it better to do the air yourself or stick with oceania's air??

[LittleRedJohn]

Several years ago, we stayed six nights at the Intercontinental in Athens before embarking on the Nautica. Great hotel. It's in a residential/business area a couple miles from downtown. A tram stop is two blocks away. If we were going there again, we'd stay there again. It's expensive. But so are the hottest hotels downtown, and the area around them is crowded and noisy. LittleRedJohn.

[ClaudiaF]

8 of us traveling together and would like recommendations on shore excursions in Rome, Florence, Siciliy, Amalfi coast. Also, recommendations for hotel in Athens prior to cruise. And what about air - is it better to do the air yourself or stick with oceania's air??

 

 

Since there are so many of you, you have the perfect amount to book your own drivers/guides in all the ports. You will have far better tours than the ship bus tours and can make the tours your group wants to see at your own pace.

For Rome I have used Claudio many,many times as have many on these boards. He is great!

http://www.limoinrome.com/home.htm

for Florence ( from Rome or Livorno)

http://www.papillonservice.com/index.htm

Amalfi coast touring

Marcello at

http://www.seesorrento.com/seguimi_eng.html

in Sicily we always grabbed taxi at the port

for Athens

http://www.greecetaxi.gr/index/private_tours.html

You didn't mention what you want to spend for hotel and there are a zillion...from the fabulous Grand Bretagne $$$$$$$$ and down. But,

on our last trip to Athens we stayed at the wonderful Elektra palace Hotel. Excellent location. Everything was great with this hotel. Location perfect too! Did I mention the location?

http://www.electrahotels.gr/electra-palace-athens/index.html

hope this gives you some help in your planning. Have a great cruise!