I enjoy monitoring this board and reading everyone's advice. A few years ago I used to contribute lots of help here for those who wanted advice on how to do any of the European ports on their own (we have been to most of these places multiple times). I stopped most of my help because I got tired of being flamed by others who insisted that the only way to do anything is on an organized tour (this is true for some folks). However, given the very high price of tours (the low value dollar does not help) I am surprised to see almost everyone resigned to tours. Western Europe is pretty easy to navigate on your own although it helps to do some homework. The advantage of being on your own is you avoid the "cattle like" mentality of some tours, get to do what you want when you want with who you want, and usually you will save money. In fact, on a 12 day Med cruise you can easily save over $1000 (or more) by doing things independent of tours. The down side of independent travel is that you do need to do your pre-trip homework,, but to some of us that is part of the fun. My main problem with most tours is that they try to crowd too much "touring" into a short period of time without giving you a chance to see the real Europe. A lot of the joy of visiting some cities (Rome, Paris, etc) is spending time at an outdoor cafe enjoying local cuisine, wine and people watching (this is how many Europeans enjoy themselves). Personally, when in Rome I would quickly give-up seeing some site in order to have time for lunch or a snack at one of the cafes in the Piazza Navona. But, I guess this is where the "different strokes for different folks" saying reigns surpreme.
Hank
I totally agree with your post. It is great to explore Europe on your own without the cattle car mentality of organized cruise tours. Wondering around on your own is exciting you never know what you are going to find. I love doing the research to find out all the things I need to know about a port then being set free to explore.
When I spent a semester abroad traveling all through Europe and the Near East in college every time we got to a major city we had an organized treasure hunt for supplies that we needed. We were not allowed to use maps just given vague directions and store names that had the things we were supposed to get (toilet paper lunch goodies for 38 people, etc.) that was written in the language of the country we were visiting. Then we were set free to find our stuff and given a meeting spot 12 hours later. It was tons of fun and we learned so much about each city by exploring on our own. I'm going to attempt to do a little of that in our 2 days in Rome pre/post cruise with my boys.
This November we are going on the Galaxy 11 day to the Eastern Med and I'm traveling with cattle car people my husband and two boys (ages 12 & 8). It's just easier (not my preference at all) to book with the cruise company. It makes them happier to be with a big group and more comfortable so I'm outnumbered. We're doing our own thing in Rhodes and Santorini which I'm happy they are going along with and have lots of surprises for them.
Personally I love to explore and would encourage everyone who goes to Europe to do so. Sometimes you might just have to take the cruiseline's excursion when the city you want to visit is too far from port and you'll spent the entire time worrying about everything. Others love to take that risk. To each his own and that's what makes the world go around.
Don't be afraid to try things on your own!
in Other Mediterranean and Black Sea Ports
Posted
I totally agree with your post. It is great to explore Europe on your own without the cattle car mentality of organized cruise tours. Wondering around on your own is exciting you never know what you are going to find. I love doing the research to find out all the things I need to know about a port then being set free to explore.
When I spent a semester abroad traveling all through Europe and the Near East in college every time we got to a major city we had an organized treasure hunt for supplies that we needed. We were not allowed to use maps just given vague directions and store names that had the things we were supposed to get (toilet paper lunch goodies for 38 people, etc.) that was written in the language of the country we were visiting. Then we were set free to find our stuff and given a meeting spot 12 hours later. It was tons of fun and we learned so much about each city by exploring on our own. I'm going to attempt to do a little of that in our 2 days in Rome pre/post cruise with my boys.
This November we are going on the Galaxy 11 day to the Eastern Med and I'm traveling with cattle car people my husband and two boys (ages 12 & 8). It's just easier (not my preference at all) to book with the cruise company. It makes them happier to be with a big group and more comfortable so I'm outnumbered. We're doing our own thing in Rhodes and Santorini which I'm happy they are going along with and have lots of surprises for them.
Personally I love to explore and would encourage everyone who goes to Europe to do so. Sometimes you might just have to take the cruiseline's excursion when the city you want to visit is too far from port and you'll spent the entire time worrying about everything. Others love to take that risk. To each his own and that's what makes the world go around.
Eileen