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23 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

 What I meant was you seem to know what the costs shouldn't be...not sure how you know that. But report back on what you find out. Bear in mind, if you arrange a private driver, you are keeping that driver and car busy for the drive to, the entire time you are doing the tour, eating, etc. And then driving back. And Europe isn't cheap.

Really? A 45 minute ride to a place in any town in any country shouldn't be 200.00 each way. That's common sense and your rude in the way you put it. No need for further comment. 

23 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Why not just get a taxi?

 

And please tell us what the cost SHOULD be...

Not sure how to do that. Nor how to find the cost

Thanks that wasn't quite the information I was looking for

Am looking to be picked up at the port of Livorno to go on a truffle hunt.  Has anyone done this? Please give me any information you have.  I am having a hard time finding a tour at a reasonable price.  $1000.00 for 4 people is way to much.  The truffle hunting and lunch is about $400.00 to $600.00 but a 45 minute ride from port to San Miniato and back shouldn't be $400.00 for 4 people.

I was incorrectly informed that this was FCO advice re Turkish travel. Although I gather many companies like Regent, Oceania have pulled out of Turkey altogether, and tourism is under pressure. Shame, as Istanbul is a wonderful city and at the crossroads of so much history.

So are you saying there is no advisory not to travel in Turkey?

Just saw this on US Dept. of State FB Page:

 

March 29, 2016

 

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey. Effective March 29, 2016, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel posted to U.S. Consulate in Adana and family members of U.S. government civilians in Izmir and Mugla provinces, and restricted official travel to Turkey to “mission-critical” travel only. U.S. Consulate in Adana remains open and will provide all routine consular services. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated March 17, 2016.

 

Foreign and U.S. tourists have been explicitly targeted by international and indigenous terrorist organizations. U.S. citizens are reminded to review personal security plans and remain vigilant at all times. U.S. government personnel in Turkey remain subject to travel restrictions in southeastern provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig. U.S. citizens should avoid areas in close proximity to the Syrian border.

 

For your safety:

 

Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, particularly near the Syrian border.

Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.

Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

Monitor local media.

Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.

 

https://travel.state.gov/…/alert…/turkey-travel-warning.html

Well now this makes me very nervous going to Ephesus

Hi, since I posted about going to vineyards in Tuscany from Rome and was told it was to difficult to do in half a day can you please tell me from one foodie to another....What is the best food and wine experience you have had in Rome? Ideally I would now like to have an amazing experience learning about and how to taste wine from regions of Italy and pairing it with amazing foods from Italy IE meats, cheeses, pastas, desserts. Also looking for fantastic places to eat in Rome as we will be there for a few days. Do not need expensive and dressy just great typical Italian fare.

I think I will do a rome wine and food tasting instead. Thanks next time in Rome (or Florence)

We will be in Rome for 3 days and have a heavy first day of touring the major sites with a guide. On our trip to Europe I feel I am missing out by not going to a vineyard in Tuscany and having and amazing lunch while there. Is it possible to do this in a half a day from Rome? What would be the best way to accomplish it if it can be done?

I'm going through each port and deciding what's interesting. Then saving that specific info, and info I research, into a Google doc. I have a 2nd Google doc with maps and pictures. I'll print those off when I'm done, and staple them in port sections. Then I'll put all of those in a plastic protector.

I think that is going to be my best way also

As a fellow uber travel researcher I prefer the term " chaos prevention specialist"" -- sounds so much nicer than control freak.[emoji4][emoji568]

My family hasn't learned the diplomatic way to characterize me yet. Lol

My family always teases me about spending way more time planning than actually is spent on the trip. But, I am happy to say that because of all my planning, when one plan doesn't work out, I have a million other possibilities for backups. It's worked for me so far in over 30 countries - so I'm sticking with it!

I get that! My family calls me a control freak for somewhat the same reason....but no one else is doing any research soooooooo. I'm good to go with the flow as long as I know what the alternatives are or could have been.

We used Roberto with Taormina Taxi. He was awesome and four years later we are talking about our Godfather Tour. It was the highlight of our Mediterranean cruise.

Did you eat anywhere special on that tour?

Sounds great I will check it out

Yes everyone is taken there . I agree I think the tour companies get some kind of kickback. But thankfully these companies found this place ( la taggliano) cause it honestly has been up on the highlights!! Italytoursharing.com has taken me there 2 times and I would of never found it without them! I'm going to sorrento precruise in a month and trying to figure out how to get there on my own[emoji485][emoji485]

Sounds like a must do. . Thanks! !

Seems everyone goes there. ..either its amazing or all the drivers get a commission to recommend it to customers lol

Please I am looking for recommendations from people who have taken the Godfather Tour with Taormina. I woudl really like to use a tour group that people have had great experiences with. My husband is really the only one of the 4 of us who loves the godfather so this is for him. I would rather eat my way thru Sicily but am hoping to get a great tour for him with a trip to Taomina and some great food. Can't decide from the web sites who's tour would be best.

I'm going through each port and deciding what's interesting. Then saving that specific info, and info I research, into a Google doc. I have a 2nd Google doc with maps and pictures. I'll print those off when I'm done, and staple them in port sections. Then I'll put all of those in a plastic protector.

Who ever thought a vacation would take soooooooo much work and effort. Lol enjoy

Can you please tell me how to get Tom's guide? Thanks

You can Google toms port guide and it will come up on the computer and you can download each port you need

I have a 12 compartment accordion file (and yes loaded with paper, it is heavy) but it works for me.

 

I don't usually print all of the information on Tom's Ports, only the things I know I'm interested in doing. I also sent to Visitor Bureau from the different ports websites requesting info (usually maps & brochures).

 

After visiting each port, I would throw the paper away, so the file was empty for the return home.

 

Then I have a smaller pleather wallet from HAL that holds tickets, money, passport, etc.

 

I don't have a cell phone or tablet to download anything (and wouldn't know how to use it or access it anyway).

 

Have a Plan "A" and a Plan "B" for when "A" falls apart, the be prepared to just go with the flow when both "A" and "B" fall apart. 18 months of planning mostly went right out the window when actually there. But it is still a very memorable and rewarding destination. Have a great cruise!

I kind of feel for me paper is easier then a tablet. I print it out and weed out the pages I won't use. I just don't want to have to lug all that paper throughout Europe. I love the part where once your there most of the planning goes out the window anyway. That's okay at least youve become informed and make the choices that best suit your needs while there.

I download the pdf(s) to my iPad and the night before visiting the port make a few short notes of bits of info that I might use.

Thats good information....I am not taking a tablet but my son is hopefully i can convince him to download all the ports.

Do you print out the whole port section and take that with you? We are going so many places it will be like carrying a novel with me. What is the best way you found to use it.

I like your enthusiasm, and the way you're looking forward trying everything. I am sure you will have a fabulous time, and I think your biggest challenge is going to be how to fit in six meals every day so that you can taste all the things! :D

Haha... I totally agree. I just can't wait I'm dieting now just so i can eat my way through Italy and Greece and Turkey 5 months from now.

When I've been in Venice, I've found that there are good restaurants, and affordable restaurants, but not much overlap between the two. Since I won't pay the eye-watering prices of the top restaurants, the food I've enjoyed the most is cicchetti, the Venetian equivalent of tapas offered with wine in many of the bars in the evenings. Especially anything involving salt cod. It may not sound that tempting, but the Venetians have a real way with it.

Love tapas style. . Would try salt cod. . I like to eat what best in the region

I agree completely. I have caught the Pisa train back from central Rome to Civi on several occasions. You have plenty of time to get to the ship after seeing the Tower in Pisa. If you got tickets ahead of time and are up at 9 am, I think you can actually go up. I think it depends on the location of your hotel in Pisa though.

 

I would be inclined to extend my stay in Florence, leaving the bags at the left luggage. You can wander around Florence and have a lovely time without going into any galleries at all (lets face it that is what many people including me have had to do whilst on a ship tour of Florence which allows about 4 hours to discover the city). You can have an early supper in Florence sitting outside in one of the nice squares and then set off to Pisa at about 8 pm. The hotel you chose looks nice but you will hardly be there. I would choose a hotel near to the station in Pisa, on the map I saw the NH Pisa - get that and you can save yourself the bother of taxis. You will be able to check in by about 10 pm and be in bed in time for an early start to see the tower in the morning. Settle with the hotel as soon as you get up in the morning. According to my map, from Pisa Centrale train station to the Tower it is a 23 minute walk or a 13 minute drive. Personally I would be walking out of the hotel at 8.00 am and walk to the Tower. Take photos while you wait for the tower to open.

 

If you decide to climb the tower you need to be quick up to the top. Jump in a taxi back to the hotel and grab your cases. You have to be back at Pisa Centrale on a train leaving at around 11 am. Make sure you have your train tickets booked already (too soon to do it now but it can be done on line).

 

You will still have to catch a taxi at Civitavecchia train station as it is a bit of a trek to the ship shuttle with cases.

 

Only you know your family and know if they are good time keepers. If you they are apt to take ten minutes extra here or there - then you really do not have time to go up the tower. I have suggested timings based on you having to be on board by 3 pm. If you have longer then you can take the later train and you certainly do have enough time to go up the Tower.

 

You don't have time if you don't book a hotel near to Pisa Centrale.

 

Your cruise is brilliant. I have longed to do that itinerary for ages - but hubby is against flying at the moment so my cruises have to be from Barcelona. Going in September is good too - you are going to be hot, but the temperatures are coming down.

This is the most helpful information I have received. Thank you so much for going in depth about timing and all. I am comfortable with spending a little extra money and having a cab or driver just pick us up very early 7am or so and just quickly drive to the tower wait let us snap a few pictures then drive to the train right from there. I will have already purchased my tickets for the train. I would think I'd I could catch a train that's about 9am I would be at the port by noon and either walk (5 blocks, is what I'm told) or grab another cab. My concern is how do I get a cab big enough for 4 of us and our luggage? I'm told cabs are small.