Bit of a blog - Spirit of Adventure - Treasures of the Adriatic - Oct 2023

[Windsurfboy]

1 hour ago, Banjo an said:

This info is really helpful. Thank you. 

However, we have another opportunity as we call there next May on another cruise. We have our Caribbean cruise in three weeks to look forward to and as we are Saga virgins the info in your blog has really helped.

 

We just got the cable car up the rock, then walked to the look out ,then the caves which we're fantastic,  then across to the world war 2 tunnels,  and back down the 250 steps to the square for shuttle bus.  Back  in time for afternoon tea.  Need comfortable shoes.

 

Like you looking forward to Carribean in 3 weeks.

[NorbertsNiece]

Am up and out and about, well can't miss lunch! We ate outside on the veranda. Perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Watching World Cup rugby in the North Cape Bar 🏉

 

 

[JoJo1947]

On 10/9/2023 at 10:25 PM, NorbertsNiece said:

My day. My evening. Pimm's!! Dinner tonight. I get to choose my GF menu for tomorrow from the regular menu; I cannot describe my joy at having a pre-order dessert menu! I will work my way down that extensive list!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good I like that alcohol free wine

[NorbertsNiece]

Super afternoon with Supercraft Cruises making a leather decorated necklace. Then choir and stretch. My hip tolerated that mostly. Didn't go line dancing today.

 

There was a special Italian buffet in the Grill tonight. We went to Khukuri after the rugby. Lovely meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[JMMKUK]

The Italian buffet was great except there was thick batter on the prawns and calamari. 
Must have walked across you trying to find a seat for our pre dinner cocktails. 

[NorbertsNiece]

9 hours ago, JMMKUK said:

The Italian buffet was great except there was thick batter on the prawns and calamari. 
Must have walked across you trying to find a seat for our pre dinner cocktails. 

When we booked Khukuri my rugby fanatic friend had forgotten the matches planned for yesterday and we hadn't been aware at the time that there would be a special buffet! Khukuri was full! Really buzzing!!

Edited October 15, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 7 Sea day

 

Good morning and thanks for following. 

 

The stabilisers on this ship are exceptional. I seldom feel any motion at all! It's always a surprise when I'm focusing the camera out of the window that the 'ideal pic' point moves quite rapidly to the side!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 15, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

I've removed all the other vessels from the map. You can see that our route will take us between Malta and Sicily to Syracuse on the South East side of the island.

 

 

Edited October 15, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[Windsurfboy]

Are you going on a tour, if not Syracuse is an easy walk from the ship and plenty to see, enjoy.

[NorbertsNiece]

We passed the Galite Islands, Tunisia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Tomorrow we are in Syracuse (pronounced Syracusa), Sicily.

 

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

 

Originally a Greek colony, home to Archimedes, Syracuse is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek ruins. The archaeological site in the northwest of the town showcases a theatre built to seat 15000 spectators. The historic centre of Syracuse, known as Ortygia, is set on a small island surrounded by the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ortygia has an attractive piazza, Piazza Duomo, and the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a Doric structure dating from the 6th-century BC.

 

Geoff will be taking the included tour and I will be on a walking tour.

 

SYRACUSE PANORAMIC– INCLUDED TOUR 

 

Leave the pier by coach to begin your sightseeing drive through the lands of Syracuse. During the journey, you will pass by the Basilica of Our Lady of the Tears, also known as the “Madonnina delle Lacrime”. This Roman Catholic shrine church is located near the Neapolis Archaeological Area; from outside, you will be able to see the so-called Tomb of Archimedes (an artificial cave carved out of limestone). A photo stop will be then made at the Monument to the Fallen Italians in Africa, where you can find out about this tribute to the residents of Italy who lost their lives in the Ethiopian War. After admiring the surrounding ocean views and monument from a viewpoint perched near a cliff edge, continue to the Balza Akradina. As a historical cemetery from the Greek period, this is one of the most popular archaeological sites of Syracuse with sweeping greenery across the park, open sea views and rocky limestone walls. Proceeding towards the River Ciane, you will soon notice many luscious papyrus plants dotted throughout the area as you resume your drive back to the pier, passing in front of the English War Cemetery.Please note: This is a coach-based excursion with the majority of the sightseeing taking place from your vehicle. Any walking at any short photo stops will be at your discretion.

 

CATANIA CITY WALKING TOUR

 

Leave the pier by coach and start your excursion with a short sightseeing tour of Syracuse before proceeding to Catania. In ancient Catania, you will drive past several key sights, such as the Piazza Verga, Piazza Stesicoro, Villa Bellini, before taking a guided walking tour of the city centre. It begins in the Piazza del Duomo, Catania’s central square, renowned for its black lava Elephant Fountain. See numerous university buildings surrounding the square as well as the 18th-century Municipio. Catania was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and lava stone was used in many buildings by architect Giovanni Vaccarini. A short visit will be made at the local food market. After the visit you’ll enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing in Via Etnea.Please note: This tour is a combination of coach-based sightseeing and a guided walk of approximately three-quarters of a mile. Walking during free time is at your discretion.

[NorbertsNiece]

Area around the pool is packed. We had lunch on the Verandah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 15, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

A little stroll along a deck. Link here 

[NorbertsNiece]

In the Playhouse watching England v Fiji on the big screen. In German.

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

 

 

 

Edited October 15, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 8 Syracuse

 

Good morning and thanks for following. 

 

28⁰c forecast

 

We've both got tours that meet at 0915 so early breakfast it is!

 

While Geoff watched Rugby last night in the North Cape Bar I scrolled through the many films on TV and came across my all time favourite! Free drink from the bar if you can guess what it is!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Sailing in to Syracuse. The Church Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tears.

 

Orca are out on deck. One has captured an image of a tuna's head emerging from the water! Hope he posts it on line.

 

We are not the only cruise ship in town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 16, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[lincslady]

I see you have a Le Ponant ship in with you - very French, and I believe it helps on board if you speak the language fairly fluently, although they do run some cruises more dedicated to English speakers.

[NorbertsNiece]

5 minutes ago, lincslady said:

I see you have a Le Ponant ship in with you - very French, and I believe it helps on board if you speak the language fairly fluently, although they do run some cruises more dedicated to English speakers.

Yes, I have been recommended a Ponant experience however I doubt my bank account would tolerate it!

[NorbertsNiece]

Delayed going ashore. Port Authority clearance awaits.

[Radio]

On 10/14/2023 at 8:16 AM, NorbertsNiece said:

Am up and out and about, well can't miss lunch! We ate outside on the veranda. Perfect.

 

 

 

The Fish and Chips look great 🙂

 

Radio

 

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[JMMKUK]

3 hours ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Delayed going ashore. Port Authority clearance awaits.

Before we were cleared someone left the ship in a blue flashing ambulance. 

[JMMKUK]

4 hours ago, lincslady said:

I see you have a Le Ponant ship in with you - very French, and I believe it helps on board if you speak the language fairly fluently, although they do run some cruises more dedicated to English speakers.

Looking at her itinerary I think the cruises based on Darwin will be mainly English speaking. 

[NorbertsNiece]

5 hours ago, JMMKUK said:

Before we were cleared someone left the ship in a blue flashing ambulance. 

Oh no! I do hope the passenger is ok 😢