Need Mediterranean Recommendations

[andyman1970]

Need to book an anniversary trip for Sept 2010 in short order - we know we want Mediterranean for 12-14 days/nights. Must sees are Rome, Venice, Istanbul with preference to also see Egypt. Looking at RCL, Celebrity and Princess options but can't seem to nail down the right option.

 

We want to spend a few days in both Rome and Venice so we would prefer to start / end in either Rome or Venice, or have at least 2 days in one of those locations.

 

Its not our first cruise, but it is our first European cruise. Any and all recommendations are appreciated, especially if I can be pointed to the right roll call thread.

[andyman1970]

Bump to the top :D

[cruisemom42]

I posted some possible Princess itineraries for someone on this thread who has almost the same wishlist as you:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1042968

 

 

One of the cruises hits Rome, Venice, and Istanbul but no Egypt. The other hits Rome, Istanbul, and Egypt but no Venice. The second is a wonderful itinerary, and I might suggest that you could take a few extra days either before or after the cruise and go to Venice on your own from Rome.

 

Whatever you decide, good luck. There is a lot of information on all the ports on the Mediterranean Forums under the Ports of Call section here.

[LHT28]

You may have to either take a longer cruise or save Egypt for another cruise.

 

Ruby Princess Sep 14th gives you most of the wish list

You could fly to Rome a few days early take the train to Venice to board the ship

[Essiesmom]

Get thee to a travel agent, brick and mortar type. EM

[AmoMondo]

Egypt is going to be very hot at that time of year. many of the med cruises don't start including it to later in the year/or early in the year. Definitely go for a stay in venice - it is truly magical (but unbelievably expensive place)

 

One ide might be to stay for a few days in venice, then do a 7 night cruise from there that includes istanbul (you will have loads to pick from), then stay in rome at the end of the cruise. Train travel is easy in Italy, so it would not be difficult to transfer there from Venice. Alternatively hire a car and explore the Lakes/Tuscany enroute to Rome (but dump it when in Rome!)

 

Alternative view - do 2 b2b cruises - one out of Venice taking in the East med and then couple hour transfer to genoa or Savona for a West med cruise.

[hubofhockey]

Sounds like mine without Egypt - Ruby Priuncess Grand Mediterranean includes Venice, Athens, Kusadesi(Turkey), Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples, Rome, Florence, Monte Carlo (Cannes), and Barcelona. Happy cruise hunting.

[andyman1970]

Thanks for the all the great info. We think we've found the one we want: Greek Isles and Mediterranean Rome to Venice - 12 days on the Princess Star. Egypt will have to wait.

[cruisemom42]

Thanks for the all the great info. We think we've found the one we want: Greek Isles and Mediterranean Rome to Venice - 12 days on the Princess Star. Egypt will have to wait.

 

It's a nice itinerary. I'm doing the same route in reverse (Venice to Rome) next June.