RCL cruise in the Med - need info on land excursions

[jhinjhin]

We will be doing the Med cruise in August. Wanted opinions on doing the shore excursions or doing it on our own for this trip. We are three adults and two 11 year old girls. The places we are stopping are Athens, Ephesus Turkey, Heraklion Crete and Corfu Greece.

 

Have been to Athens and Corfu before and am well traveled so not afraid to venture out on our own.

 

Should we book cars (taxi's or rentals) in advance (and how) or are the shore excursions worth it.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[scott3566]

We just returned from Brilliance 12 day med cruise. We did a combination of private/ship/ and self directed tours. Barcelona, villefrance, mykonos, santorini all on our own. Florence, Rome, Turkey, and Naples private tours. Athens was the lone ship tour. Many people were confortable with the lollipop tours (the tour guide carries a sign that looks like a lollipop) that the ship offers. Personally, I would not do another one. Too many people herded like cattle following a tour sign. Private tours are much better because it is customized to your group. We never once had a problem with returning to the ship on time. If you are confortable with getting around on your own and know what you want to see, you can save alot of money. Hope you enjoy your cruise.

[davina44]

Hi,

 

of course shore excursion worth for Ephesus. Ephesus is a great historical site and the best way to visit Ephesus with a tour guide. I dont have any idea for Florence, Rome and Naples but for Ephesus I ma highly recommend to oragnise your private tour in advance.

 

Enjoy your sailing

[Travelalot2]

Scott 3566 - We are leaving next week for the same cruise. How was it? As far as tours go, would you do anything different? I noticed that you are doing Mykonos and Santorini on your own, which is what we have decided to do also but now I am wondering if we should book a 1/2 day tour in Santorini to grasp the history of the island. Thanks!