PLEASE SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE DAY IN EACH OF THESE PORTS - ITALY, ADRIATIC, GREECE

[Fieldofdreams]

These are the ports we will be visiting. If you would share what you have done for the day in each of these ports:

 

Naples, Catania, Crotone, Bari, Sibenik, Venice (2 days), Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Katakolon

[Peregrina651]

Naples -- Viking's Herculaneum tour instead of Pompeii. It is smaller and closer to the ship but equally as well preserved as Pompeii.  Another time in Naples with Viking we had a chance to go to the National Archeology Museum. It is a quick cab ride from the ship. Except for an early back on board time, we could have spent the entire day in the Museum.

[Fieldofdreams]

Thank you

[SantaFe1]

29 minutes ago, Peregrina651 said:

Naples -- Viking's Herculaneum tour instead of Pompeii. It is smaller and closer to the ship but equally as well preserved as Pompeii.  Another time in Naples with Viking we had a chance to go to the National Archeology Museum. It is a quick cab ride from the ship. Except for an early back on board time, we could have spent the entire day in the Museum.

Oh boy, I beg to disagree.  We had never been to either and chose Herculaneum.  It was the worst excursion of our Med trip this spring, although we had a bad guide.  I have wanted to go there forever, and I was just really disappointed.  So wish we had gone to Pompeii.  But, as always, the guide is the deciding factor!

Edited May 4, 2023 by SantaFe1

[Peregrina651]

7 minutes ago, SantaFe1 said:

Oh boy, I beg to disagree.  We had never been to either and chose Herculaneum.  It was the worst excursion of our Med trip this spring, although we had a bad guide.  I have wanted to go there forever, and I was just really disappointed.  So wish we had gone to Pompeii.  But, as always, the guide is the deciding factor!

 

Bummer, SF! There is nothing more disappointing that to have our hard-made choices ruined by a lousy guide. You just need to get back to Naples so you can see Pompeii.

 

Still, there are lots of reasons that go into choosing one destination over another and for sure Herculaneum isn't for everyone -- but OP asked where we went. For one, it isn't handicapped accessible and it is hard on the knees.  We had done Ostia (very spread out) just a few days before so I decided that Herculaneum (small and compact) would show us something different in terms of town layout and features but still show us the damage done by the volcano and that it would also give us time to see some of Naples in the afternoon (which going to Pompeii would not have allowed).

[bison2013]

Ostia was a very pleasant surprise- we barely covered half of it. Same with Herculaneum. Downside of Herculaneum was lack of onsite lunch facilities (vending machines are not an option) so hunger cut our time in half.

 

We like to self guide so that we can go at our own pace and find the items of interest we have identified 'pre-visit'.

This is easier with the advent of the many audio guides but the website online/downloadable maps and commentary work for us as well.

[OneSixtyToOne]

Here are some of my "dailies"

Naples - Pompeii

Naples - Herculaneum

Split

Dubrovnik

Corfu

 

[philw1776]

11 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

Naples -- Viking's Herculaneum tour instead of Pompeii. It is smaller and closer to the ship but equally as well preserved as Pompeii.  Another time in Naples with Viking we had a chance to go to the National Archeology Museum. It is a quick cab ride from the ship. Except for an early back on board time, we could have spent the entire day in the Museum.

My 3rd attempt to visit Herculaneum coming in September. Can't wait. Please let it happen. Loved Pompeii.

The Museum is a world treasure. Day well spent there. They show Pompeii columns & wall in full color as it appeared 2,000 years ago. Would impress even 21st century folk never mind my barbarian ancestors of the day.
Ostia was another fav. Toured it with Viking Historian who began his Oxford carer there.

[dd57]

Kotor is a beautiful little town to walk around in.  We did that in the morning then took a tour over to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.  This was in 2015 and I don't remember who we used.  Perast has an interesting little museum and few little cafes.  Our Lady of the Rocks was also quite interesting.

[Fieldofdreams]

3 hours ago, dd57 said:

Kotor is a beautiful little town to walk around in.  We did that in the morning then took a tour over to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.  This was in 2015 and I don't remember who we used.  Perast has an interesting little museum and few little cafes.  Our Lady of the Rocks was also quite interesting.

Thank you dd57

[millybess]

11 minutes ago, Fieldofdreams said:

Thank you dd57

We are using get your guide in a few weeks for this tour. 
 

https://www.getyourguide.com/kotor-montenegro-l32202/kotor-perast-old-town-and-our-lady-of-the-rock-boat-tour-t128505/

 

Ours is a 2 hour tour and is similar to the tour dd57 referred to. Get your guide has other longer and more extensive tours. Unfortunately Viking wasn’t offering something comparable. 

[Fieldofdreams]

56 minutes ago, millybess said:

We are using get your guide in a few weeks for this tour. 
 

https://www.getyourguide.com/kotor-montenegro-l32202/kotor-perast-old-town-and-our-lady-of-the-rock-boat-tour-t128505/

 

Ours is a 2 hour tour and is similar to the tour dd57 referred to. Get your guide has other longer and more extensive tours. Unfortunately Viking wasn’t offering something comparable. 

Millybess and DD57 and others - Thank you for sharing. Is this a tour you would recommend for a first visit to Kotor or would it be suggested to walk around Kotor for the day?  Thanks for any advice.

[dd57]

It depends on what you like to see.  We enjoyed doing both.  Perast is a tiny little village and we got the feeling it was where people really lived.  The part of Kotor that most people walk around in is an old medieval town.  A lot of people walk on top of the city walls, which we did, and a lot of people walk up the many stairs up the hill behind the city, which we didn't do.  The views are supposed to be spectacular.  If you want to do this, you should skip the boat tour.

[Fieldofdreams]

21 minutes ago, dd57 said:

It depends on what you like to see.  We enjoyed doing both.  Perast is a tiny little village and we got the feeling it was where people really lived.  The part of Kotor that most people walk around in is an old medieval town.  A lot of people walk on top of the city walls, which we did, and a lot of people walk up the many stairs up the hill behind the city, which we didn't do.  The views are supposed to be spectacular.  If you want to do this, you should skip the boat tour.

Thank you again, after a bit more research I think for this first visit we will just weave around the streets and alleyways of the old town at a leisurely pace and take it all in. If you have suggestions on any of the other ports I posted that would also be greatly appreciated.

[CorgiGuy]

Naples -  Presuming you dock at Stazione Marittima cruise terminal.

 

Naples is a walking town.  Here are a few suggested sight within walking distance from the cruise terminal.

 

Sansevero Chapel Museum - The Veiled Christ is a 1753 marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino exhibited in the Cappella Sansevero, Naples, Italy. Veiled Christ is considered one of the world's most remarkable sculptures.  Its remarkable.  25- min. walk  NOTE: ticket needed to enter, can be purchased on line before your voyage.  Highly suggested to purchase because quite often sold out.

One of, if not considered the top sight in Naples.

 

Teatro de San Carlo - Naples opera house.  One of the most famous in Italy & beautiful inside.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Piazza del Plebiscito - Near opera house, 14-min walk from terminal.

 

Galleria Umberto I - Indoor shopping center, not far from opera house.  Wonderful architecture.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Castel dell 'Ovo  - 25-min. lovely walk along the water from the cruise terminal.  When you come out of the terminal its to the left.

 

Piazzeria Speranzella - If you want a very highly rated true Neapolitan pizza.  Via Speranzella 84.  Approx. 20-min from cruise terminal.

 

Ferry to Capri - 3-min walk from terminal, ferry ride approx. 30 minutes.  Make sure you visit Anacapri, and take the chair lift to Monte Solaro, views are fantastic.

[Fieldofdreams]

9 minutes ago, CorgiGuy said:

Naples -  Presuming you dock at Stazione Marittima cruise terminal.

 

Naples is a walking town.  Here are a few suggested sight within walking distance from the cruise terminal.

 

Sansevero Chapel Museum - The Veiled Christ is a 1753 marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino exhibited in the Cappella Sansevero, Naples, Italy. Veiled Christ is considered one of the world's most remarkable sculptures.  Its remarkable.  25- min. walk  NOTE: ticket needed to enter, can be purchased on line before your voyage.  Highly suggested to purchase because quite often sold out.

One of, if not considered the top sight in Naples.

 

Teatro de San Carlo - Naples opera house.  One of the most famous in Italy & beautiful inside.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Piazza del Plebiscito - Near opera house, 14-min walk from terminal.

 

Galleria Umberto I - Indoor shopping center, not far from opera house.  Wonderful architecture.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Castel dell 'Ovo  - 25-min. lovely walk along the water from the cruise terminal.  When you come out of the terminal its to the left.

 

Piazzeria Speranzella - If you want a very highly rated true Neapolitan pizza.  Via Speranzella 84.  Approx. 20-min from cruise terminal.

 

Ferry to Capri - 3-min walk from terminal, ferry ride approx. 30 minutes.  Make sure you visit Anacapri, and take the chair lift to Monte Solaro, views are fantastic.

CorgiGuy - This is fantastic! thank you...

[kctwinmommy]

I'll have to keep an eye on this thread, some good posts to come back and read. Thanks to all the people replying with good information!

[CurlerRob]

Also for Naples, if you have interest in a private tour, we have used the folks below twice. The first time for a full day tour that included Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast road to Positano (with a late lunch there). A full, but extremely worthwhile day for us as first-time visitors.

 

On a second visit, we hired them for a tour of Naples, the catacombs and their favourite pizza stop (while this can be a religious debate, there are no bad pizza places in Naples ...).

 

We could not have been better served by Aldo Limos - great counsel as well as the ability to do a fully customized itinerary. Don't worry about their Sorrento location, they work easily from Naples as well.

 

https://www.aldolimos.com/en/ 

 

🍺🥌

[lackcreativity]

Admitting that what I love ( castles, cathedrals, palaces, hill towns, old towns, some wandering on our own, nice views, good food) might not be what you love. However, you did ask what we did in these ports, and we have been to most of them. In several ports there was more than one place we wanted to go, but these are the places we chose.

 

Naples - missed port due to weather

 

Catania - Enchanting Taormina (could also easily do On Your Own) One of several favorites for us, something absolutely charming around every corner, along with the amazing Greek theater at the top with that spectacular view.

 

Crotone - Santa Severina - a hill town with an inside visit to a castle, nice views, real inhabitants, a church with a 10th century  baptistry and a farm visit with terrific local food -  What's not to love?

 

Bari - Castellana Caves & Polignano a Mare The caves were nice but footing was a little challenging and a scheduling mix up kept us waiting quite a while, which shortened our time at the very beautiful Polignano a Mare. Would have really liked to have more time there.

 

Sibenik - We scheduled the Included Walking Tour, but it was pouring down rain at the time and we turned in our tickets. Sitting in the World Cafe we watched the route the guide took from the ship and later when the rain stopped we went out on our own. We were really glad we did, as it was a nice Old Town, and easy to navigate on our own. If I had known we were going on our own I would have done some research first since we missed out on a guide's input. Still, a nice visit.

 

Venice - Luckily, we have been to Venice by land three times, since our stop was diverted to Ravenna with just a day's notice. Viking did a masterful job of  reworking the excursions to include a tour of Ravenna. That was a place worthy of a visit on its own, famous for mosaics, which were  truly spectacular. 

 

Dubrovnik - One of our favorite ports, the included excursion was very good, with an excellent guide and two inside visits. After the tour we remained behind on our own to  walk the wall and eat lunch locally, before returning on the Viking shuttle.

 

Kotor - Beautiful sail in, even though it was grey and cloudy, and the skies opened up the moment we stepped ashore. We returned to the ship, but from our docking spot right in the middle of town we did get a chance to walk around in the dark after dinner. The night time experience was sort of eerie, as it was dimly lit and mostly empty. Very atmospheric! Looking forward to returning on our trip in the fall.

 

Corfu - The excursion we took when we were there seems to have been eliminated (The Achilleion Palace and the Old Town).

 

Katakolon - Olympia seems to be the only game in town, and that (with the Museum) was an interesting visit, but once  was enough and we will not repeat the visit when we are there in route to Istanbul in the fall.

 

Enjoy your trip. You will be stopping in wonderful places, and should enjoy whatever you do.

         

         

Edited May 6, 2023 by lackcreativity

[Fieldofdreams]

11 hours ago, lackcreativity said:

Admitting that what I love ( castles, cathedrals, palaces, hill towns, old towns, some wandering on our own, nice views, good food) might not be what you love. However, you did ask what we did in these ports, and we have been to most of them. In several ports there was more than one place we wanted to go, but these are the places we chose.

 

Naples - missed port due to weather

 

Catania - Enchanting Taormina (could also easily do On Your Own) One of several favorites for us, something absolutely charming around every corner, along with the amazing Greek theater at the top with that spectacular view.

 

Crotone - Santa Severina - a hill town with an inside visit to a castle, nice views, real inhabitants, a church with a 10th century  baptistry and a farm visit with terrific local food -  What's not to love?

 

Bari - Castellana Caves & Polignano a Mare The caves were nice but footing was a little challenging and a scheduling mix up kept us waiting quite a while, which shortened our time at the very beautiful Polignano a Mare. Would have really liked to have more time there.

 

Sibenik - We scheduled the Included Walking Tour, but it was pouring down rain at the time and we turned in our tickets. Sitting in the World Cafe we watched the route the guide took from the ship and later when the rain stopped we went out on our own. We were really glad we did, as it was a nice Old Town, and easy to navigate on our own. If I had known we were going on our own I would have done some research first since we missed out on a guide's input. Still, a nice visit.

 

Venice - Luckily, we have been to Venice by land three times, since our stop was diverted to Ravenna with just a day's notice. Viking did a masterful job of  reworking the excursions to include a tour of Ravenna. That was a place worthy of a visit on its own, famous for mosaics, which were  truly spectacular. 

 

Dubrovnik - One of our favorite ports, the included excursion was very good, with an excellent guide and two inside visits. After the tour we remained behind on our own to  walk the wall and eat lunch locally, before returning on the Viking shuttle.

 

Kotor - Beautiful sail in, even though it was grey and cloudy, and the skies opened up the moment we stepped ashore. We returned to the ship, but from our docking spot right in the middle of town we did get a chance to walk around in the dark after dinner. The night time experience was sort of eerie, as it was dimly lit and mostly empty. Very atmospheric! Looking forward to returning on our trip in the fall.

 

Corfu - The excursion we took when we were there seems to have been eliminated (The Achilleion Palace and the Old Town).

 

Katakolon - Olympia seems to be the only game in town, and that (with the Museum) was an interesting visit, but once  was enough and we will not repeat the visit when we are there in route to Istanbul in the fall.

 

Enjoy your trip. You will be stopping in wonderful places, and should enjoy whatever you do.

         

         Thank you, incredibly helpful!

 

[Fieldofdreams]

Just now, Fieldofdreams said:

Thank you very helpful, sure others on CC will feel the same

 

[surus]

On 5/4/2023 at 9:56 PM, CorgiGuy said:

Naples -  Presuming you dock at Stazione Marittima cruise terminal.

 

Naples is a walking town.  Here are a few suggested sight within walking distance from the cruise terminal.

 

Sansevero Chapel Museum - The Veiled Christ is a 1753 marble sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino exhibited in the Cappella Sansevero, Naples, Italy. Veiled Christ is considered one of the world's most remarkable sculptures.  Its remarkable.  25- min. walk  NOTE: ticket needed to enter, can be purchased on line before your voyage.  Highly suggested to purchase because quite often sold out.

One of, if not considered the top sight in Naples.

 

Teatro de San Carlo - Naples opera house.  One of the most famous in Italy & beautiful inside.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Piazza del Plebiscito - Near opera house, 14-min walk from terminal.

 

Galleria Umberto I - Indoor shopping center, not far from opera house.  Wonderful architecture.  15-min walk from terminal.

 

Castel dell 'Ovo  - 25-min. lovely walk along the water from the cruise terminal.  When you come out of the terminal its to the left.

 

Piazzeria Speranzella - If you want a very highly rated true Neapolitan pizza.  Via Speranzella 84.  Approx. 20-min from cruise terminal.

 

Ferry to Capri - 3-min walk from terminal, ferry ride approx. 30 minutes.  Make sure you visit Anacapri, and take the chair lift to Monte Solaro, views are fantastic.

 

Edited May 8, 2023 by surus

[surus]

Thank you Corgi Guy. Is there enough time to visit Capri? Do you buy ferry tickets ahead of time? 

[jc522]

We took this cruise in March of 2023.

Naples - We docked in Naples at noon, so time was short and few excursions were offered. We hired a private driver from AP Tours to see the Amalfi Coast, but we did not have enough time to enjoy it. If you have time, Positano is the most picturesque city to see on the Amalfi Coast.

Bari - Bari Walking Tour

Sibenik - Sibenik Promenade

Split - Split Walking Tour

Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Walking Tour

Kotor - Highlights of Montenegro

Corfu - Panoramic Corfu & Old Town Walking Tour

If you don't need the history lesson that you get on a guided tour, you might prefer to go into these towns on your own. Take a leisurely walk around the charming old walled city, and relax at an outdoor cafe while enjoying some of the local food and drinks. The excursions usually don't give you enough time to relax and explore on your own. We might repeat this cruise without guided excursions.

Crotone - Charming Santa Severinas Hilltop Village. Not very interesting.

Katakolon - Ancient Olympia

 

Day 1 Chioggia/Venice - Venice On Your Own. Give yourself plenty of time. Go on the earliest excursion. You don't have to return on your excursion's water taxi, so come back on the last Viking excursion water taxi of the day. We had time to tour the Doge's Palace, walk thru Saint Marks, and walk around and have a (mediocre) meal at a very touristy restaurant at the Rialto bridge.

Day 2 Chioggia/Venice - Scenic Chioggia by Foot. This town was the highlight of our cruise. Do a search on this forum for more information.

Day 3 Chioggia/Venice - The ship left port at 8pm. You'll have time to go back to Chioggia on day 3 to explore and have another great meal. Or you can just sit outside a cafe and have some local pizza and ice cream.

 

Enjoy!

Edited May 8, 2023 by jc522

[Fieldofdreams]

8 minutes ago, jc522 said:

We took this cruise in March of 2023.

Naples - We docked in Naples at noon so time was short and few excursions were offered. We hired a private driver from AP Tours to see the Amalfi Coast, but we did not have enough time to enjoy it. If you have time, Positano is the most picturesque city to see on the Amalfi Coast.

Bari - Bari Walking Tour

Sibenik - Sibenik Promenade

Split - Split Walking Tour

Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Walking Tour

Kotor - Highlights of Montenegro

Corfu - Panoramic Corfu & Old Town Walking Tour

If you don't need the history lesson that you get on a guided tour, you might prefer to go into these  towns on your own. Take a leisurely walk around the charming old walled city, and relax at an outdoor cafe while enjoying some of the local food and drinks. The excursions usually don't give you enough time on your own to relax and explore. We might repeat this cruise without guided excursions.

Crotone - Charming Santa Severinas Hilltop Village. Not very interesting.

Katakolon - Ancient Olympia

 

Day 1 Chioggia/Venice - Venice On Your Own. Give yourself plenty of time. Go on the earliest excursion. You don't have to return on your excursion's water taxi, so come back on the last Viking excursion water taxi of the day. We had time to tour the Doge's Palace, walk thru Saint Marks, walk around and have a (mediocre) meal at a very touristy restaurant at the Rialto bridge.

Day 2 Chioggia/Venice - Scenic Chioggia by Foot. This town was the highlight of our cruise. Do a search on this forum for more information.

Day 3 Chioggia/Venice - The ship left port at 8pm. You'll have time to go back to Chioggia to explore and have another great meal, or you can just sit outside a cafe and have some local pizza and ice cream.

 

Enjoy!

Thank you so much.... great information!  Really found your responses very helpful! Question about Taormina, if Viking offers "Taormina on Your Own" as they have on previous cruises, is it possible to hire a professional guide at the Amphitheater or in Taormina for a few hours to take us around? Is it worth it? Alternatively, thoughts on just using the Rick Steve's approach, download a self walking guide and do it on our own?  BTW JC522 I totally agree with you that sometimes in certain situations it is nice not to be a guided tour and just wonder and explore. We have only taken one other Viking Ocean cruise, just recently to Australia and New Zealand and I found most of the paid excursions through Viking not to be a great experience and the included excursions an even worse experience, just window tours riding around cities for a few hours. Obviously everyone has to decide for themselves what best suits there situation but with so little time in each port it's nice to spend time on your own.