Windsurf 8/13-Shore tips?

[jbrains]

Getting very excited for 1st cruise (ever)--8/13 Barcelona-Rome Windsurf. Some of the shore excursions look good, but who knows? We want to make the most of our shore time, so we would be grateful for any tips about the excursions or alternate suggestions that you seasoned cruisers could offer. DH has never been to Europe and I haven't been in years. Our ports include Barcelona, Porte-Vendres, Marseilles (what's the best way to get to/from Aix?), Monaco, Porto Ferraio, Portofino and Rome. Thanks!!

[rogfam]

We are also on the same cruise and had corresponded on an earlier thread.

Have hired two separate guides for the ports of Marseille and Monaco for my family.

Looked into hiring a driver at the dock in Marseille for a visit to Aix, but really didn't appear to be worthwhile in cost. We have a full day guide who will take us to Aix, plus visit the seashore village of Cassis.

In Monaco, our guide will spend the day with us and visit the town of Eze and other parts of the French Riveria.

Been to Portofino before and it is beautiful, just walk around and have a drink and lunch.

Other ports really don't see too interesting to me, therefore, nothing planned at this point.

[jbrains]

Thanks for responding. I lived in Aix many years ago and can't wait to visit again. Both Aix and Cassis are beautiful and charming. Not sure if it was you who told me that our Marseille day is a bank holiday in France, so I'm not sure what stores and restaurants will be open. Regardless, I'm sure none of us will starve or be bored :). Hiring a guide in Monaco sounds like a great idea. Novice question...how do you go about doing that (there or in any port)? I'm not sure where to start. Any guidance you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks again for your detailed response. I look forward to cruising with you!

[kimrealestate]

We are veteran Windstar cruisers (5) and just got back from Barcelona to Lisbon on the Wind Surf. You have a great itinerary and the service on the ship is super - very warm and friendly. We have been pleased with all the shore excursions we have taken. You might save a few dollars by going on your own, but it is so much easier and I always feel that we see and learn more than we would on our own. I have regretted missing a tour but have never regretted going on one. They tend to be small groups and we have had good to fantastic guides. We did Portofino on our own - you may want to take a bus or a ferry to Santa Margharita after walking around Portofino, which takes minutes. One town/hill away, larger and very nice. You can get bus tickets from the newstand in Portofino. We took the bus over and the ferry back for two views. Both ports are Picture Postcards! We took a side trip to St. Paul Devance (sp?). This was out of Nice, I think. Much like Ez - hilltop old village. Liked it very much. We toured the palace in Monoco on our own. We got off the ship early and got the first English tour. Very nice and not crowded. It was very crowded when we were leaving, so go early. Guys will need a jacket for the Casino. We didn't like that much but the people and car watching outside is pretty fantastic. If Nice is not on the itinerary it is a great place to visit after the cruise if you have planned more time. Have a great time!

[rogfam]

I found my guides on the following boards:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19

 

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

 

Also google tourism or visitors bureau for the place you are interested in visiting.

 

You can always find someone at the port, however you really don't know their reputation. Any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!

 

Glenn

[jbrains]

Thanks for all of the info and good wishes! It's helpful.

[Lair Bear]

If Portofino is one of your ports of call, I would like to suggest that you see the village on your own and then go to St. Margherita which is a couple miles away. I took the local bus (easy, safe and fast) paid 1 euro and got off before reaching the down-town area.

If you do any shopping, the prices in St. Marg are much lower than in Fino. There are numerous nice restaurants and alley ways to explore and, if you like to walk, climb to the little church on top of the hill.

I walked back along the special pedestrian path along the shore, then crossed over to a special path that climbs up a bit, goes through a wooded section with nice views of the bay, and ends up in Portofino. This same path then also takes you to the castle overlooking the harbor. I was disappointed that there was an entrance fee for the latter. For pictures of all of this you might go to http://www.*****.com/Portofino.htm

[plannergal]

We covered virtually the same ports, and I agree with what has been said so far. We did similar things. With our family group of 9 we did an 8 hour private tour from Monte Carlo, covering Eze, St. Paul de Vence, Nice, Haut Cagnes, (where we had lunch away from the crowds everywhere else). We used a travel group called "travel with friends" which provides a driver guide with vehicle of whatever size you may need. You might check with them on their website. Just google Travel with Friends. You can do Marseilles using the tourist tram and cover important sights there. We hired a couple of taxis and went to Aix. Not the same place we spent much time in about 8 yrs ago. So crowded--just not the same. In St. Tropez, the rest of the family did the beach while my husband and I walked around. If you spend time in Barcelona, try the turistic bus. It goes everywhere important.

[openminded]

We are on the same cruise. If you receive and answer, could you please share with us? Thanks!

:)