Shella73

Thanks for your advice,I booked the ship transfer to the beach.

Ok, I have read the thread and do not see this covered. We want to buy the Athens combo pass. We land on Aug 29th at 1200, we plan on some sightseeing that afternoon, we have a full day on the 30th and want to see the Acropolis that morning and do some leisurely sightseeing, and eating. On the 31 we have to be on a ship in Piraeus by 1400, so we would like to use that morning wisely. I am looking at buying the Athens combo ticket to start on the 29th, however, I do not want to go to the Acropolis until 0800 on the 30th, Is that possible?

Thank you, that is helpful

They don't specify which beach. So, I can't answer any of my questions. I I've asked the excursions desk and they won't specify either.

Hello, I will be porting on September 3rd, 2024, from 1330 to 2200 from the NCL Viva. The itinerary claims we are a dock and not a tender. My husband and I have decided all we want is a beach day. The questions are 1) What beach? We would like one with services like chairs, umbrellas, food ( at least snacks), etc... 2) If they have services do we have to reserve it now? 3) How do we get there? 4) About how much should we expect it to cost? 5) What do you think we need to know? Thanks for your help

Hi, I booked 4 excursions with Italy Tours.EU. There is a core group of 6 couples I know of going on many of these excursions and a group of 8 joining that group for at least one. As a group, we are wondering what might be some recommendations for lunch near each of our tour destinations. The tour company recommends you choose a non-sit-down (aka fast food, pizzeria type) lunch for excursions. We were wondering what you guys had found to be good. Thanks. 1) From the port of Messina: A trip up Mt. Etna, lunch will be in Taormina on the way down. 2) From Naples: To Pompeii, lunch in Sorrento 3)From Livorno: Pisa/Florence, Lunch in Florence 4) From Villefranche: Does not mention where the lunch stop is, I will ask in the correct port forum.

That's where I'm staying. The Hotel Hera, Too many good reviews on CC and FB and Rick Steves page to pass up

That sounds so sweet, we are doing it backward, starting in Athens and disembarking in Civitavecchia. That sounds like the vibe I am going for with a bit more sightseeing. Enough to say I saw Rome, but not so much I didn't EXPERIENCE it as well.

That was what I found myself doing, trying to cram everything in. I want to EXPERIENCE Rome, not jus "see it." Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone.

Thank you for the heads-up. You gave me some great starting points. I will order the guide right now.

Yes, I forgot to say we would like to see the Vatican, and Sistine Chapel. I understand you need to purchase timed tickets for this, but can only do so 30 days before?

Hello, I am looking for suggestions for a full but laid-back experience but laid-back in Rome for me and my husband, on September 10th a half day, and a full day on the 11th. We disembark in civitavecchia at 0800 . I am cross-eyed from trying to plan it on my own. we like food, history, and architecture. We want to see enough to hit the highlights, but we want to be able we saw the city together..not spend the day being so worried about running from place to place on a tight schedule. So, I guess I am looking for the "Quality over quantity" recommendations.I know everyone's opinion will differ, but it will give me a place to start. We know we would like to get into the Colosseum. We are staying at the Hotel Lancelot and have arranged our port to Rome from them. I looked into tour companies and suck, but would like to see if we can DIY to control costs.

Hello, looking for suggestions for a full, but laid-back day in Athens for me and my husband, on August 30th and a half day on the 31st. We have to be on a cruise ship in Piraeus by 2 pm on the 31st. I am cross-eyed from trying to plan it on my own. we like food, history, and architecture. We want to see enough to hit the highlights, but we want to be able we saw the city together..not spend the day being so worried about running from place to place on a tight schedule. SO, I guess I am looking for the "Quality over quantity" recommendations.I know everyone's opinion will differ, but it will give me a place to start. I have a room at Hotel Hera and have arranged my airport pickup and port transfer from them. Other than this I have zero plans, My husband really wants to go inside the Parthenon. Looking to control costs and do it on our own if possible. Thanks for your help.

I am using https://www.italytours.eu/ for Messina in August. The excursion is about 99 euro. I will be sharing it with others from my rollcall and other groups to get that cost.

I do not have a DIY option. I have done it in 2023 with the help of a travel agency, and believe i got the best prices and experiences because of their guides,and bulk buying power,and experience in doing it. Our cruise went from Chile to BA and we flew home from Rio. It was a fantastic experience I can't recommend enough you find out a way to do. The tour company was about $250 pp per day and included breakfast in most cases.