Need Help/advice Planning Excursions

[katiegirl1264]

Hi

 

We are on EDGE in August. Any advice for each stop on the itinerary would be MUCH appreciated! we're open to Celebrity tours/Private Tours or walking tours...

 

CATANIA/SICILY

 

VALETTA/MALTA

 

SANTORINI GREECE

 

ATHENS

 

MYKONOS

 

NAUPLION

 

KATAKOLON

 

NAPLES

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

 

 

[sailco]

Have you joined your roll call yet? There's usually lots of helpful advice and planning happening. Also, the Ports of call boards are very helpful.

[chemmo]

Why not join the roll call for your cruise? Not only will they probably have some tours already organised members are often well traveled and willing to advise new cruisers. An added bonus is they often arrange a few events on board and can advise also re hotels, airport transfers....

 

Re your ports of call just a few things which have been highlights for us...

 

Valletta, meander up the hill to where the cannon goes off at midday. Great views and a bit of tradition. Wonder back through the streets stopping for a snack and drink. Head for St Johns, Knights Templar church. Excursions by both cruise ships and holiday companies tend to be morning so arriving about 2pm it will be quieter. Check you are not arriving on a church service day. Make sure you watch the ship enter and leave the harbour, great views.

 

Santorini, there are some great tours but you can just head off up the cable car, visit the fabulous archaeological museum (easy walking distance) and enjoy the views. In between the usual tourist tat there are some shops selling some really nice ceramics and silver jewellery. Whilst not cheap some is unique and attractive...

 

‘Athens on your own’ (Celebrity coach into the centre of Athens with a set collection time) is a good option if you are worried about using public transport. Plan your day well, impossible to see everything...Focus on just one or two things.

 

Naples itself we didn’t particularly like but Pompeii is a must....We have never hiked Vesuvius but believe it is a great experience.

 

I have only commented on places we have visited at least twice...I will leave others to comment on your other ports of call.

 

Just a final comment on ‘pacing’ yourself. Even the young and very fit can find these port intensive itineraries exhausting in the Summer. Try to mix intensive full port days with others that are a simple stroll around the port. Also try to mix coach tours, boat tours, beach stops to ensure your trip has variety. Most important make sure you find time to just sit with a quiet drink and soak up the atmosphere...

 

Hope you have a fantastic cruise!

 

 

Edited July 18, 2019 by chemmo

[Essiesmom]

Catania:  Take a tour to Taormina.  first time we took the ships tour, which included entry into the amphitheater.  Second time we just did the transfer, Taormina on your own.  It's a charming town.  

 

Mykonos:  a charming quintessential Greek island, just take the tender in (unless you are lucky enough to get the dock) and wander around.  

 

Naples:  Everyone should go to Pompeii at least once.  You can take the ship tour which usually includes a stop at a cameo shop.  Sometimes the ship will offer a Pompeii on your own tour, just transport there and back.  If you choose that, go the Ricksteves.com and download a free audio tour and print some maps to go along with it.  Ipod or mp3.  EM

[TeeRick]

I agree with the advice to join your roll call and check out others who are also booking private tours.  Also try trip advisor for some highlights.  There are also specific destination boards here on CC that have loads of advice on pretty much any port you are visiting.