Port transfers

[kay21]

Looking forward to first Azamara cruise on 10 July. Wondered if anyone knows if there will be shuttle bus to Dubrovnik from Port Gruz and if so, how late will it run? With overnight in Dubrovnik, hoping to enjoy a proper night out! Thanks. Any ideas for Livorno? Already visited Pisa and Florence.

[Lottie A]

There is an Azamara shuttle in the daytime from Port Gruz to the square behind the Pile gate...the entrance to the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Not sure what time it runs until at night but a taxi would cost no more than 20 euro's and probably less. It's about a ten minute drive. Dubrovnik at night is great....when all the tourists have left. You are lucky to have an overnight there.

 

Have you considered Lucca from Livorno? It is the most beautiful walled medieval city and not far from Livorno....about 45 mins by car. You can do a private tour, a ship's tour or DIY and get the train from Livorno. You have to change at Pisa for Lucca. It's beautiful and I actually prefer it to Florence. If you want details of the lovely private driver Paolo from Tuscany tours just ask me.

Spursgirl and I have recommended him to so many people and they have always been very pleased with his services.

[kay21]

Thanks for the tips. Lucca sounds like a good choice. Is train to Lucca quite easy. Wondered if the change in Pisa might be too complicated. I'd be interested in getting details for Paolo, if you don't mind. Thanks.

[Lottie A]

Thanks for the tips. Lucca sounds like a good choice. Is train to Lucca quite easy. Wondered if the change in Pisa might be too complicated. I'd be interested in getting details for Paolo, if you don't mind. Thanks.

 

Kay, it's quite easy to do the train to Lucca. You get the ship shuttle bus to the main square in Livorno, Piazza Grande. Then in the centre of the square is the bus stop...I think it is bus stop C, for the train station, but my memory may be wrong...it is easy to find though. It is too far to walk to the train station and you will get lost. Don't get the train station bus that is from the side of the McDonalds as this one goes the wrong way. Then get the train to Pisa and you change there for Lucca. A little Italian helps, but many tourists do this journey so the staff are very familiar with tourists. There are multiple train options per hour....it's a very busy train.

 

If you do want to do it with a private transfer then this is the email address for the lovely Paolo.

 

info@unforgettabletuscany.com

 

He will collect you from the ship, drive you to Lucca and wait for as long as you want. We usually find about 5 hours is enough for sightseeing, shopping and a nice lunch in Piazza Amfitheatro. Lucca is a really underrated city, charming and non touristy. If you want to buy an Italian leather handbag then buy it here. Much less expensive than Florence and fantastic choice of leather shops.

 

Hope you have a fantastic time.

[NatieL]

I am interested in doing the trip to Lucca with Paolo if I can share the vehicle. I am travelling alone.

 

Anne

[Spursgirl]

Anne, have you posted on your roll call to see if other guests on your cruise are also interested in a private tour to Lucca?

[kay21]

Hello Anne

I've been in touch with Paolo. He has given me a cost for three but I've asked him for a new price for four people. Just waiting to hear back from him. I've asked how many he can take just in case a few more people are interested. Went with Lottie's recommendation and asked for 5 hour trip. This includes stop at Villa Torrigiani and gardens, which Paolo recommends. I'll get back to you as soon as I hear from him. Sounds like a lovely trip. Happy for you to join us. Travelling with husband and eighteen year old daughter, all very sociable!

Karen

[Lottie A]

Paolo has an 8 seater Mercedes van...very nice...good aircon. I would say that it seats 7 comfortably and 8 at a bit of a squash.

 

Please give him a hug from Lottie and Hazel if you do book him. :)

[NatieL]

Sounds like a great time. I will keep checking back for more info.

 

Anne

[NatieL]

I would also be interested in joining others for Rome and Sorrento tours, if possible. I have just signed up for the cruise and I am really looking forward to it! Travelling solo is a new experience for me.

[florisdekort]

Thanks for the tips. Lucca sounds like a good choice. Is train to Lucca quite easy. Wondered if the change in Pisa might be too complicated. I'd be interested in getting details for Paolo, if you don't mind. Thanks.

 

 

Although I try to avoid Azamara group tours, their shore excursions called "Lucca and wine tasting" was one of the best ones I've taken. Brief guided tour of Lucca, lots of free time and a visit to an amazing Tuscan winery.

[Lottie A]

Although I try to avoid Azamara group tours, their shore excursions called "Lucca and wine tasting" was one of the best ones I've taken. Brief guided tour of Lucca, lots of free time and a visit to an amazing Tuscan winery.

 

Yes I've done that one too. I would agree that it is one of the best ship's tours that I have been on. You get about two hours free time in Lucca (which wasn't enough for me, but I love the place) and then the winery visit, which was an interesting hour. I bought some very good wine there and we had wine tastings with nibbles. It's an option if you don't go with Paolo, but there is no contest between the two in the level of personal service and the time you get in Lucca. If you did want to add a winery visit to your day with Paolo, then I'm sure he would arrange that.

[kay21]

Sounds like a great time. I will keep checking back for more info.

 

Anne

 

Hello Anne

Paolo has come back to me with a very reasonable price for 4 people, works out at €80 per person. He can take up to eight so we could add another 3 or 4 to our group if anyone else is interested. Cost would come down to €50 per person with 8. If not, are you happy just to go ahead with the 4 of us?

Karen

[natie]

Yes, that sounds wonderful. I am a retired principal from Canada. I have been fortunate to do lots of travelling but not many cruises. Travelling alone is quite new to me but I am really looking forward to the trip. Thanks so much for including me. I am happy with whatever arrangements are made and appreciate the time you have spent on this.

 

How will we arrange to connect?

[kay21]

Yes, that sounds wonderful. I am a retired principal from Canada. I have been fortunate to do lots of travelling but not many cruises. Travelling alone is quite new to me but I am really looking forward to the trip. Thanks so much for including me. I am happy with whatever arrangements are made and appreciate the time you have spent on this.

 

How will we arrange to connect?

I'll confirm with Paolo for the four of us. I can get back to him if anyone else wants to join us. We've signed up for the Meet and Mingle. We'll be the Scots with the teenage daughter!

[Lottie A]

Hope you all have a lovely day in Lucca with the charming Paolo. :)

[natie]

Sounds great. I will figure out how to sign up for the Meet and Mingle and see you there.