Ports that are easy to navigate without a tour.

[vahey6266]

Hello!  We are heading to Rome next September for a cruise to Naples (Capri/Pompeii), Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Messina (Sicily), and Livorno (Florence/Pisa).  We were hoping we wouldn't have to take a tour at every port, but wondering if anyone has any insight on these ports.  Are any of these ports easier to just walk around and see some sights?  Thanks so very much with any information shared!! 

[euro cruiser]

Naples is very easy on your own, unless you want to include the Amalfi Coast.  The other "main" destinations are very easy to get to on your own, using your own two feet (the cruise port is right in the historic center of Naples), ferries, trains and/or buses.

 

Florence and Pisa can also be easily reached using the trains from Livorno.  It's not quite as simple as Naples since they are a distance inland, but lots of us do it DIY.

 

Likewise, Messina has good transport links.  If Taormina is your goal there are public buses or you can take the train and then a bus up the hill to the town.

[mapleleaves]

We prefer DIY, but it takes a little more effort and definitely more planning. And some sights/activities require admission booked in advance, ie Vatican tours, Colosseum tours, etc.   

I suggest you borrow some travel books from your library to help with planning. Rick Steves has a book specific to Med cruising which is a great resource;  info on history, sights & activities, DIY options, etc.

NAPLES ... our priority was the Amalfi Coast so we hired a car/driver for the day. 

LIVORNO ... a busy industrial port so you can't just walk to town.  The port provided a free shuttle to downtown Livorno.  But we were on NCL who offered a shuttle $25 directly to the train station, so we took the train to Pisa and Florence for a quick look around on our own.

DUBROVNIK ... the old walled portion of town was about a 15 minute ride from the pier. $15 RT shuttle. We paid 30e for access to the Walls, and spent 3 hrs walking it ( stunning!!!) then wandered around old town for another2 hrs.  

CORFU ....we were going to use the HOHO bus to see Vlacherna Monestary and Mouse Island but it was pouring down rain that morning. When it cleared a bit, we took a city bus from just outside the Port terminal (1.7e for a 10 minute ride into town. We walked to the Old Fort, the Liston promenade, and enjoyed wandering thru the town. 

KOTOR ...due to a storm we were unable to dock here. My plan had been to take a boat ride to The Lady of the Rock church with a stop in Perast. I think it was $20 for a 2hr trip.  Then just wander around town to enjoy the scenery for 2 hrs.

 

Since your cruise is later in the season, you can watch for trip reports on cruise critic to read what current passengers are doing and helpful hints they have found. Doesn't have to be your cruiseline; since most visit the same ports.  And look for video on youtube ... search on NCL EPIC, or Naples cruise port, and similar.   Find your ship on the big social network too. For my last cruise that was the best source of current information.  Have a great time !

 

 

[vahey6266]

Thanks so much for the info!  I just ordered Rick Steve's book!