DonLou

... Someone could make a mint by taking pictures of all the ports and landmarks along with step by step directions of what to look for to find the bus and train stations...

The following link has this type of information for major ports. You might want to review it. It has a lot of good nitty gritty info.

http://www.europeportreviews.com/

That's a very interesting question, Irishjayne. Especially when you consider how much the ship has. I thought of a lot of foods I miss while onboard but the one thing that sticks out is, oddly enough, white rice. Some good, plain, home-cooked white rice. Go figure. The ship has rice but it's just not the same.

Definitely see Taormina. It is a wonderful little walking and shopping area. When you reach the Greek theatre, you can go to the top and get a great view of Mt. Etna in the distance.

Sadly, Hank, to cruise is to compromise. There is always that big hammer over your head that you have to be conscious of --- need to get back to the ship on time. This limits the options available.

As you stated, research is important. I remember the "old days" of research when a person had to visit the public library to use a three-year old out-of-date travel guide as a research tool. It's easier nowadays with the internet. Still, there's no guarantee that the research will match the reality. (Thank God).

The "real Europe" you speak of is not one that can be experienced off a cruise ship. It can only be done through an independent and land-based trek. But I definitely hear you. Europe is so much more than a major site within two hours traveling distance from port on a tour bus.:(

...Having a hard time finding this a desirable thing to do. It's not the "danger" that I'm questioning. Is the major point of the climb to view the vista?

Thanks! ;)

Good question, Karen. I've pondered that myself. I think the objective is like that of mountain climbing. It's to say you made it to the top after surmounting some obstacles and having fun along the way.

In actuality, you start out at the top of the falls and walk down the stairs to the beach. There really isn't a good view downwards because there are lots of trees and vegetation blocking any view to the sea. Once you are down on the beach, then you make your trek through the falls back to the top. At the top, you just stroll through the park back to the bus.