edinburgher

a later thought. With such a long stay in port, you could sightsee the city in the morning and do the Cavtat run in the afternoon, in which case you could go TO Cavtat by boat from the Old Harbour after city sightseeing and maybe lunch, and return by bus directly from Cavtat to the port gate, so very easy to reboard without further walking. And it would mean you could walk the city walls in the morning before it gets too hot and busy as that is what most visitors would do. Be aware that Dubrovnik can be extremely hot and crowded.

It’s a buggy safari. A very different alternative to the buggy ride, and which you could consider, would be to take the public bus from the port to pretty Cavtat, (small seaside resort0 only around 30-40 mins away. With such a long time in port, you have time to do this AND follow your afternoon sightseeing plan. So very easy as the bus station begins at the port gate at Gruz so you only need to exit the gate and immediately turn right into the bus station. Libertas bus company bus route #10 heading east (in the direction of the airport) with departures hourly, sometimes a little more frequently. Dubrovnik is the terminus at one end, Cavtat the terminus at the other end so finding a seat isn't difficult.. Exit the bus there, at the bus station in the car park, backtrack through the car park and walk the peninsula walkway to finish back in Cavtat. Runs along the waterside with pretty views, and many will be sea bathing , snorkelling or sunbathing right alongside. It is flat, often shaded and many benches to rest on along the way. And Cavtat is pretty too with many cafes and bars alongside the harbour. which is where the peninsula walk finishes. Do look at it online, maybe Tripadvisor? the walk is super popular and we have done that trip 3 times, in part as it is so easy from the port also because it is such an enjoyable thing to do, especially on a really hot day when being in the busy city isn't that comfortable. For spectacular sea and Dubrovnik views from on high on the way to Cavtat, sit on the right side as you face forward.(left side when boarding and facing the back) Pay driver for the ticket.not from the bus station ticket office.(that used to be the case) Croatia now transitioning between kuna and euros, so I expect the fare will be at most euros 5 pp each way but you can check that.somewher online. (Used to be 20 kuna) You reboard the bus in Cavtat at the same spot you arrived into. From the harbourside cafes and bars you only need to turn a corner and you are there at the bus stances. An alternative one or both ways trip would be to take one of the ferry/shuttle boats which run back and forth betwen Dubrovnik and Cavtat. With your plans, I would advise you travel TO Cavtat by bus from the port gate, but consider taking one of the frequent little ferry boats back from Cavtat harbour to Dubrovnik. Tthis because the little ferry/shuttle boats start and end at the OLD Harbour in Dubrovnik which would put you in the centre of town ready for lunch and sightseeing. If you were to return by bus you would finish at the port gate again and have to make your way into Dubrovnik centre, although I suppose if you are back at the port you could have lunch onboard before heading out again. Whatever it is a suggestion for you to consider. And if you want to buy snacks or drinks,or anything such as toiletries you may have forgotten to pack, the supermarket KONZUM is next to the bus station. Exit the port gate, walk through the bus station to the opposite end and it is there. Depending on where you are docked it can usually be seen.

We walked every where in our 3 days. We had only 2 days so needed to speed up a little. 😀 And the subway was a sort of sightseeing trip. Part of my reply to a different thread in case anyone reading it might decide to do the same:And something a bit different. and a little more off the usual cruise passenger sightseeing list, (or perhaps not?) we also rode part of the Underground/Subway to see some of the extravagantly tiled stations. They are quite a feature of the system and there will be much info and many images to be found with an online search from which you can decide which lines and stations would be of most interest to you. We got off at the stations we most wanted to see, then jumped onto the next one which came along to continue our journey. It was very easy to do, despite us not speaking any Spanish.and cost hardly anything at all. You should be able to find online info on using all types of public transport in Buenos Aires

is there a beach we can get to easily for our port day in Heraklion? As nobody has yet replied, just asking if you have tried googling "Heraklion beaches" or similar?

As nobody has responded, just offering an alternative. You could consider taking a ship shuttle (which most lines offer) which will drop you off somewhere close to the Vieux Port, then take a train from the main station (Gare St Charles) the short journey to Aix. and either explore on your own or join a tour there.

Saving $ on the red Hop on/hop off bus We saved even more than that by using public transport (buses and the Underground/.subway),our feet, and a couple of taxis. It is quite an easy city to move around.

Trying to decide between Recoleta and Puerto Madero. Sorry, no advice on actually staying in either, but posting to advise you do not miss visiting Recoleta Cemetery, ideally NOT in a tour group. When we were there, we were able to explore much of this amazing space, in contrast we saw tour groups arrive, go directly to the tomb of Eva Peron then leave., and this is a cemetery worth an awful lot more exploration. And should you be there at a weekend, there was an excellent art/craft market very close to the entrance. We bought some lovely quality items there as most, if not all, items for sale were hand crafted by the sellers and these were the nicest items we saw for sale in our time in the city.. I cannot remember its name as we came across it completely by chance when exiting the cemetery and saw it only a few steps away, but it would definitely be worth a browse. An internet search of art/craft markets should find it. And if visiting the cemetery on your own and the market is open, you would have the flexibility to enjoy both to the max without the costraints of a tour group. We had lunch in a restaurant/cafe very close to the market. It is a very nice area. And something a bit different. and a little more off the usual cruise passenger sightseeing list, (or perhaps not?) we also rode part of the Underground/Subway to see some of the extravagantly tiled stations. They are quite a feature of the system and there will be much info and many images to be found with an online search from which you can decide which lines and stations would be of most interest to you. We got off at the stations we most wanted to see, then jumped onto the next one which came along to continue our journey. It was very easy to do, despite us not speaking any Spanish.and cost hardly anything at all. You should be able to find online info on using all types of public transport in Buenos Aires I

Unless the tour includes something else, outside the city, you might want to reconsider and save your money. I am with Hank on this one although others may have their own views. The tour you are loooking at sounds like a private tour and not a shorex, and it appears you do not have your own small group of pax from your RC with exclusive use of the transport and guide otherwise they would pick up at the port. You must therefore be joining a tour which is open to anyone and you need to follow their ts and cs. Wth this arrangement i do not think there is any gain for you unless the main focus of the tour is out of town to somewhere really special. and you have not given any details about this tour apart from the meeting point. If this your first visit to Dubrovnik, there is no need for a city tour as it is a really easy DIY city to explore and most folks will explore on foot, do the walls for the views, and maybe, just maybe take the cable car., although the walls are considered to be more highly rated than the cable car. Exploring on foot, walking the walls, enjoying a meal or a snack along the way,and, in recent years, finding Game of Thrones locations( if you have an interest) will already fill your day. If you can say whether you are tendering or porting you will get very good information from we CCers on how to DIY your day and save money too. Some of us have visited multiple times and have a decent knowledge of the city and the environs.

I don't remember specific seating areas either, but we definitely rested somewhere within the site, maybe only perching on a step or a rock or something similar as mentioned above. Something the OP may not be aware of, (and maybe or maybe not mentioned in previous threads) is that back in the day (and unless any changes) you enter at one end of the site, proceed through it and exit at the opposite end. Our transport dropped us at the start/entrance and was waiting at the far end for us when we exited. OP in our experience a "Lunch break" does not usually add time to a tour, it usually only reduces the amount of time at the main sight.

we just plan to see the Cathedral and as much of the Old Town as possible. You may find post #2 on this previous thread helpful to read, but, I too would suggest you spend the day in Malaga instead, unless of course you have enjoyed previous visits to the city as there is a good deal to see and do there. And Malaga also has a cathedral and an Old Town to explore without losing so much time on the long drives to and from Granada. It is possible to visit inside Malaga Cathedral (for a fee) but you also need to check opening hours.Once you exit the port gates in Malaga, you are already in the city. And i may be wrong, but I don't remember the drives being especially scenic.. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2883529-granada/#comment-64027141 You could do as we often do and internet search something like "self guided walking tours of Old Town (or historic centre) Malaga." or join one of the organised walking tours instead.

am somewhat confused. You have a tour that starts at the upper cable car station? That does not make a lot of sense. (you) Meeting point is a little unusual I think. (me) SNAP Hank! We must have been posting at the same time.

Is the cable car walking distance from the port? Is it the upper or the lower cable car station? If the upper, It would be a long and hard uphill walk.If the lower, just very long. Or you could do the long walk into town and take the cable car from the lower station up to the upper station. Are you docking or tendering? If you are docking you will be at Gruz,If tendering you will tender into the Old Harbour and can easily walk to the lower cable car station. If at Gruz, best with a taxi from the port to the upper station or public bus route #8 goes from Gruz with a stop at the upper cable car station. Or take a ship shuttle, taxi or public bus from the port to Pile and reach the lower cable car station from there. Meeting point is a little unusual I think. Where are you heading from the roadway beside the upper cable car station? I ask as the taxis at Gruz offer fixed price tours from Gruz which also have a photo stop at the upper station and fixed price fares to and from Pile.

And importantly where and when for the return to ship. The Alhambra is usually better as a shorex or private tour as getting tickets could be tricky and they sell out early, pre-pandemic several months ahead but nowadays I do not know.. Only a certain number are sold for each day, and once there, timing is crucial as you mjust be at the different entrances within the complex at very specific times. There is not usually any opportunity to visit the Old Town as the coaches will transfer you to the Alhambra and drop you off. Pax are then put into smaller groups for the visit before reboarding the coaches forr the return to the ship. Suggest you read some of the very very many previous threads about Granada, and the Alhambra to help you decide. Enter either Granada or Alhambra into the SEARCH BOX under your user name and hit the little spy glass. All previous threads containing that word will appear readfy for you to read. It saves having to back page.

After the map, under daily "ports of call", it says "docked" or "tendered" Or it may show a little anchor symbol, which means tender. Without that, it usually indicates normal docking.

Any great must do excursions? Spoiled for choice as a great base for going in different directions with a big variation in what you will see or do along the way or when you arrive at your destination. Depends on your own interests. Check the shorex offered by your cruise line(no need to actually book one but you will get some ideas) to get an idea of what is possible. Also search online. And do SEARCH for previous threads about both to read what others asked and the suggestions they received. Use the SEARCH BOX under your user name, hit the little spy glass and read results. Enter names one at a time. And will you dock in TOULON or is it la SEYNE SUR MER as both are used and it could make a difference if you have a private tour arrangement as they need to know where to find you, also if you are planning to DIY something using trains or public buses.

Two other out of the city suggestions. The Palace of Versailles and Fontainebleau if there is time for both, if only time for one, Palais de Versailles.

GB access is very strictly controlled.

Maybe post on the FRED OLSEN FORUM for best responses. https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/forum/355-fred-olsen-cruise-line/ And if you list your ports of call that would be helpful as otherwise nobody reading your question knows which "Baltic Capitals" are on your itinerary. No worries, you will soon get the hang of posting for best results.😀

I don't think my children will find the art museum particularly interesting it wasn't suggested that your kids might enjoy the interior of the Guggenheim, only suggested that it sits on a riverside walk which is quite pleasant. The Guggenheim can be seen from the walkway and the kids might enjoy seeing this unique architectural wonder and the giant floral puppy. Its unusual structure is usually of interest to almost everrone, even should they not venture inside.. It is also fairly close to the funicular, maybe a 15 or 20 minute walk away. Would they enjoy a funicular ride? .and you said about San Sebastian. the beach looked amazing As I got the impression (rightly or wrongly) you were only focused on San Sebastion and nowhere else, I actually looked up Getxo online and discovered that it has the best beaches in the entire area, in fact several of them. Images, info about access and facilities, and reviews of them all can be found online should you care to look. If cruise ships are still docking at Getxo, and there are several beaches there, it stands to reason that they must be quite close or at least easily accessed. You could read about them online as it may save long journeys to and from San Sebastian for little or no benefit. You also said The row of tapas restaurants/wine bars is right up my alley, too...and the "food" is up my younger son's alley. He loves to eat. Should you care to look at local specialities, you should find statements like this one: Bilbao is known for great pintxos (small plates), traditional Basque cuisine, and excellent seafood including salted cod prepared with garlic and olive oil (bacalao pil pil). Bilbao is also known for some of the best restaurants in the world. And if you internet search "Balbao for kids" there are several suggestions in the results

What ports are best to have a scenic railroad excursion Skagway is the #1 port for a railroad journey. White Pass with or without the Yukon are almost always offered although some prefer a car rental and to drive instead.. Multiple previous threads about it, also much online info. Highly recommend.

as well as additional good information! Of which at least two of you will hopefully be adding more?

And do not miss the Roman terraced houses which are on site but at extra cost in addition to the general entrance fee.. We paid our tickets right at the entrance to the houses, and Turkish Lira ( cash only) had to be paid. Physical demands for visiting are described very well in post #6 above. We thought these were one of the best sites to visit within Ephesus. Excavations were ongoing but there was still plenty to see of these villas which had belonged to the wealthiest citizens. The wall decorations were surprisingly well preserved with patterns and colours clearly visible on several. There should be info and images online for either Roman villas or Terraced houses (Ephesus) to tempt you.

I liked the idea of the tapa restaurants The historic area is good for strolling and you also have the area around the Guggenheim as it sits alongside the river. And you also have plenty tapas and wine options.. You could internet search "Bilbao beaches" or "Beaches near Bilbao" and if there are local options it would mean you don't all need to trail to (and back from) San Sebastion, which as pointed out already, is some distance away. And also internet search "Bilbao for kids" as ideas on sites such asTripadvisor may be more suited to adults, but do look on there too. We actually docked outside Bilbao in an area called Getxo(SP?), which is a town in its own right and used the cruise line shuttle which dropped us next to Bilbao Old Town. It may be worth looking online at Getxo(sp?) tourist info as you may decide to stay there instead of venturing into Bilbao itself.

don't want to spend $100E for a taxi . NOMAD CARS run buses more frequently than some other companies and journey time is around 30 minutes. Be aware you would need to get to the bus station/gare routiere to board. Unsure why you have been quoted 100 euros for a taxi as travel time in a taxi should be a little under 30 minutes and 100 euros for that time period would be very high. Maybe get another couple of quotes? Our first visit we took the public bus each way, on our second we shared a taxi (and the cost) with fellow pax as others were also going to Honfleur and that was right at the dock. We took it only one way., only had to arrange a meeting time for all for the return to le Havre and picked up a taxi from Honfleur one way back to le Havre.

Sounds like a plan! We did actually find there were extra trains during Semana Santa in Malaga, but these were running later in the evening(and imaybe into the early hours too, cannot quite remember) after processions, presumably so that locals could get home.