Cambria2

My family and I (6 of us) just returned from a Mediterranean cruise on Celebrity Edge. We used Italy Tours and I am so grateful to them for making our visits to Rome, Florence and Pisa memorable ones and truly headache free. On the morning of July 7 we landed in Rome and the driver was there waiting for us right at the exit door. He grabbed the women's luggage and took us to an air conditioned Mercedes Benz mini van and drove us to our hotel the Marriott Gran Flora. Great hotel with a beautiful rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. Our ship was departing the evening of July 8, so we had only two half days in Rome. So at 1:00 pm that afternoon Italy Tours picked us up at the hotel and took us to the Vatican where we met an expert guide (Paolo) who then took us through the Vatican Museum and through St. Peter's Basilica. The guide was very knowledgeable and very witty and kept the conversation entertaining throughout. The following morning we checked out of the hotel by 9:00 AM and our driver Salvatore was there to take all our luggage and us for a 4 hour tour of Rome and then one hour plus drive to Civitavecchia to meet the ship. That morning we reserved tickets to the Colosseum but before and after that we visited the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona, The monument to Victor Emmanuelle, The balcony where Mussolini gave his historic speeches, Napolean's Mother house, Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, and Via Condotti the street with all the designer shops. we covered all this and still made it to our ship by 3:00 PM. Salvatore was very informative, he stopped and spoke about each location. He gave us time to get out and take pictures at each location, and he was quite funny and kept the conversation going the entire time. Three days later we arrived in La Spezia and we had arranged for an all day tour of Florence and Pisa with Italy Tours. Again, our driver Francesca met us at the tender dock exit and took us on a full day trip to Florence (2 hour + drive each way) where she handed us off to an expert guide who walked us through the streets of Florence to see the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza della Signoria, the location of the film A Room with a View (1985) and more. Then a drive to Pisa to see the leaning tower and then back to the ship by 5:00 PM. Going to a strange country can be a little nerve racking not knowing what to suspect and if everything will go as planned. Italy Tours was just outstanding in every aspect. On time, professional and very caring about doing a good job for their guests.

Other than no shorts in MDR for dinner you will see a lot of business casual. Gone are the days of formals, suits & tuxedos but some choose that also. A nice blouse & slacks or polo & dress slacks for men is good.

We were on the Pride of America a few years ago. It does go to several islands but the ship was a huge disappointment. Food was just ok & service was lacking. We would get up & pour our own wine at dinner. Not the cleanest ship but it got us around the islands. No comparison to Celebrity but if you want to see a few islands in a week it serves the purpose.

Rome to Barcelona

Is it worth it to rent a cabana on the Edge? It will be for a sea day in July.

You might try Getyourguide.com. we were able to book a private tour for 6 people from port of Cannes. They will pick us up @ the port & we are able to choose where we want to go. I picked a 4 hour tour since our grandkids (14 & 16) would probably not want an 8 hour tour.

I would definitely look into a small group tour. Normandy should not be missed. We did a private tour for our group of 8 6 years ago and our guide was amazing. I wish I could remember the company but trip advisor might be a good resource.

We are using https://www.italytours.eu/ For both Rome & Florence. they have great reviews on cruise critic & trip advisor. they have been very easy to deal with & respond within 24 hours

Hotel Albergo Del Sonato https://www.albergodelsenato.it/ lovely hotel overlooking the Pantheon with a rooftop terrace. we were able to walk everywhere.

I would do Misty Fjords by seaplane but you need to use Island Wings. We took our children & grandkids last summer. Island Wings actually lands on a small island & lets you get out & walk around. It was amazing. Other float plane services ( which we have also previously done) only land & let you stand on the base. Not the same.

If you can book the zipline it shouldn’t be missed. We have done it twice. Last year with our grandkids. Nothing like flying down the mountain @ 60 mph😂😂

The Corner Hotel.

We stayed at The Corner Hotel when we were in Barcelona. Great location, very accommodating staff, modern hotel

We have been very happy with Barcelona Day Tours and have already booked them for our next trip in July

Has anyone done snorkeling in Ajaccio? Any recommendations?