Grand Mediterranean Family Cruise with Kids

[Jasminedog]

Mediterranean Vacation – July 2006

 

We spent 17 days on a pre-cruise 3 night visit to Rome, 12 night Mediterranean cruise on the Grand Princess, and a post-cruise 2 night visit to Venice. Thanks to a lot of input from the CC Boards we had an awesome experience for this first time visit to the Mediterranean. We were 3 families consisting of 6 adults plus 5 children (ages 9 through 15).

 

The focus of this review will primarily be on what we did in the various cities and ports we visited, especially with children in tow. A lot of what we did was on our own because we wanted to particularly experience the beaches of the Mediterranean and not focus solely on souvenir shopping or viewing of museums, churches and ruins. We tested out inexpensive public transportation, hired private guides and paid for ship shore excursions.

 

PRE-CRUISE – 3 DAYS IN ROME

 

Transport from Airport to Rome – We booked with airport connection and our driver graciously waited for us even though our flight was delayed by an hour. For 8 of us the cost was 75 Euro in a 16 passenger minibus. It was a great and comfortable way to start our vacation.

 

Hotel – We had a great 3 night stay at the Visconti Palace just off Piazza Cavour on the Vatican side of the Tiber River. The Visconti Palace is a modern hotel and was ideally situated such that the Spanish Steps were a 15-minute walk across the Tiber on the east and the Piazza Navona was a 15-minute walk across the Tiber on the south. The rooms were well kept, clean and came with an abundant breakfast buffet. The hotel public facilities were excellent and done up in a modernistic Italian design.

 

Roma Pass – An excellent deal for any short term visit to Rome. Cost 18 Euro and includes 2 admissions to participating museums and sites (including bypassing the infamous line at the Colosseum), plus public transport (bus and subway) good for 36 hours. Access to other participating museums and sites are then available at discounted prices. The 110 Open tour bus rate was also discounted for each Roma Passholder. We purchased ours at the Ara Pacis museum since it was close to the Visconti Palace.

 

Metropolitana subway – We used the subway to quickly get to the Colosseum, to Termini (to board the 110 Open double decker bus), and to get to the Via Veneto. Based on horror stories about pick pockets and thieves on the subway, we were reluctant initially to ride the subway. We exercised common sense and were alert to our surroundings (as we would be on subways in New York, London or Paris) and did perfectly fine. The 36 hour access using the Roma Pass was great.

 

Ancient Rome – Our first full day in Rome was to focus on ancient Rome. Huge lines to get through security at the Colosseum. Be aware that once past the security gate, the bypass line for Roma Passholders is on the far left hand lane (marked by a ceiling banner). Once we figured that out, it was an easy no-wait access into the Colosseum. The Forum is free and adjacent to the Colosseum. I loved it, but my kids were too hot and tired to fully appreciate the site.

 

110 Open Double Decker Bus - While being a nice way to get an overview of Rome as it meanders throughout the city, it is also extremely hot in summer (and no AC). Unlike London, the key points of interest are not always visible from the bus, requiring one to get off and on. For the money it cost all of us (11 Euro discounted using Roma Pass), we would probably not do it again. However, the 110 Open bus stop at Piazza Cavour made it convenient to get back to the Visconti Palace and the buses ran until 8:30 PM.

 

St. Peter’s Basilica – Our second full day in Rome was to focus on Christian Rome. We arrived to St. Peter’s with no line wait and were blown away by the actual church (that pictures cannot adequately capture). We were successful in getting 3 Scavi Tour tickets to visit the crypt of St. Peter at 10:30 AM (cost 10 Euro). The only way to get the Scavi Tour is by email in advance and a lot of luck. This is not the same tour as the Grotto visit that most people take. The Scavi Tour is not advertised and is limited to 12 persons per group. You are given a guided tour of the excavated Roman burial crypts deep under the dome, and eventually make your way to the excavated spot where St. Peter is presumably buried. It was one of the best tours we took in all Italy.

 

Vatican Museum Tour – I had been unsuccessful after 3 fax attempts to get tickets for the Vatican’s museum tour. One week before we left, I tried again and struck gold with a reply granting us 11 tickets at 21,50 Euro each. This fourth fax attempt included the names of all 11 family members (which the previous 3 faxes failed to include) so perhaps that made the difference? The 2-hour tour consisted of about 25 persons, included head sets to hear our guide, provided an adequate overview of the museum’s key artifacts (including the Sistine Chapel), and best of all, bypassed the huge line. The place was indeed packed and hot and noisy, making for a less than memorable afternoon visit.

 

Transport from Rome to Civitavecchia – There was a taxi strike in Rome. Fortunately we booked a minibus to pick up the 11 of us from the Visconti Palace to the Grand Princess in Civitavecchia. We had excellent service from Fabio. Since the drive was much longer (90 min) the cost was 224 Euro for 11 persons for the 16-passenger minibus.

 

GRAND PRINCESS

 

First Impresions – Embarkation was done in a hot and stuffy tent set up on the docks. Fortunately we did not have to swelter too long and boarded the Grand Princess. We booked a minisuite on Emerald deck. Given the age of the ship the public areas still seemed in good shape. Our minisuite E718, however, was not as clean as we had hoped … filthy markings on our balcony floor mat; black mold around the grout of our shower soap dish, faucets and handlebar; broken and discolored floor tiling in the bathroom.

 

Our room steward Noel introduced himself saying this was his first day on board the Grand. He immediately set about to clean the bathroom grout (and did a commendable job which we tipped him for). Final comment: Minisuite E718 is far aft and therefore very noisy throughout the night (to about 11:30 PM) from music coming up from the Vista Lounge one deck below. Since we were late sleepers this was not as much of an issue for us.

 

Personal Choice Dining – Unlike other Princess ships we have recently sailed, the head waiters of the Grand Princess were not as helpful in securing a fixed table and time assignment for our group of 11 as we would have hoped for. (Some of our party were still waitlisted for the First Seating, and so we all decided to switch to Personal Choice dining so that we could be together).

 

On embarkation day I immediately went to the matre d’s desk to request a fixed table assignment for 11 persons at 6:30 PM in whatever Personal Choice dining room they could accommodate us to. After our embarkation dinner we were told we would have to reserve at table every night and could not reserve the same table, same waiter and same time ahead of time (this was not a problem for the staff on the Golden Princess or the Caribbean Princess, so we could not understand why we could not do this). I was told I had to seek out the matre d’ once again and request this. By the second night we were granted our wish, but not without a lot of extra leg work on my part. We had the same table, same server and same time every night of the cruise and thoroughly enjoyed every meal.

 

Ship Amenities – Much has already been written on the CC boards about the Grand. Overall I think the ship is still beautiful and in good shape since we sailed her in 2004. The outdoor pools were always packed during the day and a lot of lounge saving was going on. Since this cruise was very port intensive, none of our 5 children thought much about the kids’ clubs onboard. There were also fewer ship board activities during the day. The addition of the jumbotron for “movies under the stars” was a great idea.

 

Shore Excursions – Be aware that cancellations of any ship-sponsored shore excursions must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled date. The ship tour staff were not merciful in granting any exception to the rule. Many passengers who had previously booked a Florence shore excursion with the hope of viewing “David” were surprised to learn the museum would be closed on the day the Grand arrived in Livorno. But since the deadline was the evening of embarkation, many people who were either unaware of the immediate deadline or the museum closure, were stuck and could not cancel.

 

MONTE CARLO – Toured on our own by walking up to the Old Town hill (immediate left after exiting the port gates). Did the audio guide tour of the palace and visited the cathedral. Shopped and had lunch in the Old Town before returning to the ship. Awesome vistas from the top of the hill.

 

LIVORNO – Pre-reserved a Pisa tower climb for 1:40 PM thinking we would do Pisa on our own via bus and via train. But we forgot to cancel our Pisa shore excursion on the day of embarkation. So we decided to take the shore excursion to Pisa and inform the tour guide of our plan to not return on her bus, do our tower climb and return to Livorno on our own. The climb was unusual and fun, especially when it dawned on us that the likes of Galileo climbed these same steps to the top. Reserved tickets cost 17 Euro. Our return from Pisa to Livorno took 2 hours (waiting for Bus #4 near the Tower so as to get to the Pisa train station, then waiting for the train to Livorno, then a cab ride back to the Grand).

 

NAPLES – Our family of 11 splurged to book 2 minivans and 2 drivers (650 Euro) for a personal tour guide in Pompeii (100 Euro), drive along the Amalfi Coast, lunch in Sorrento and time spent to shop or visit the beach in Sorrento. The Amalfi Coast was beautiful (but held little interest for the children). Loved Pompeii and our personal guide, but the place was packed with tourists and very hot. We dined at Ristaurante Zio Sam in the hills overlooking Sorrento (great affordable lunch). We should have skipped Sorrento and their sorry excuse of a beach and should have headed over to Positano instead. But by the end of the afternoon our children were exhausted and we returned back to the Grand, sleeping most of the way and therefore missing all the coastal scenery on the return drive.

 

SANTORINI – Tendered ashore and paid to ride up to Fira Town. Decided to pay for a donkey transport up the hill and then the cable car back down in the afternoon (cost about 3,5 Euro for either). I think the ride up in the morning would be better than the ride down in the afternoon (perhaps hotter and smellier). Our goal was to take the public bus to Monolithos Beach on the east shore of the island and then return to Fira Town for shopping before tendering back to the Grand. Fira Town has very narrow streets crammed with shops. Getting to the public bus terminal was fairly easily by simply heading on any of these shopping lanes in a downhill direction. The public buses were comfortable, clearly marked, air-conditioned coach buses that cost less than 2 euro to ride to Monolithos Beach. The beach had pairs of loungers and umbrellas to rent (7 euro) and had the best waves for body surfing we experienced in all of Greece. Great sand, few people, good for families. It was a great and leisurely way for our teens and young ones to take a break from history and ruins and museums.

 

KUSADASI – Our only Turkey stop and a great surprise because it broke all of our stereotypes of what we thought Turkey was going to look like. Took the ship tour to Ephesus and well worth the visit, if for no other reason than to experience viewing the rest of the area. Very modern and developed tourist areas just north of Kusadasi with impressive and newer beachfront hotels, golf and even 2 very attractive water parks. What I did not like about the ship tour was the mandatory visit to the carpet factory upon our return to the town. Some sales pressures if we were even remotely complimentary of a particular carpet we saw. Got out ASAP. If you are looking for inexpensive gifts to buy, we thought Kusadasi was the place to do it. Yes, the sales culture was pushy. But if you could get past that, then great souvenir finds could be had here compared to the rest of the ports we visited. Some of our group had had enough shopping and opted to walk from the ship to the nearby beach along Ataturk Blvd (just walk 20 minutes north along the curve of the waterfront until you come to the beach umbrellas and loungers). Gentle waves, nice sand (not rocks) and a very pleasant way to spend a hot afternoon with kids.

 

MYKONOS – Had to pay 3 euro for a shuttle bus that took us from the Grand to the town. One could walk this route, but there are no sidewalks on the busy highway. At the drop off point of the town there was a small lane of shops that appeared to end and become residential. So we thought “is this it?” and were ready to go back to the ship. Fortunately we decided to continue meandering our way through the Old Town and eventually came to the Little Venice section to then find the windmills (immediately west of the town and a puzzle to initially find). Had the best inexpensive gyros at “Jimmy’s” in Little Venice. Some who were on the ship’s walking tours were doing the exact same thing we did, but paying a premium for the privilege of doing so.

 

ATHENS – Part of our group took the ship shore ex to Corinth (that apparently included an early AM visit to the Acropolis with hardly any crowd there). They liked the visit to Corinth because of its historical significance but concluded that the children would have been bored seeing more ruins. I, as the solo adult, decided to take 4 of the children and tackle Athens on our own. Taxis will take a carload to the Acropolis for only 15-20 Euro. We negotiated a taxi (5 euro) to take 5 of us to the Piraeus train station (otherwise it is a very long and hot walk for the kids) and then the modern and ultra clean public light rail (0,70 euro) directly to the Acropolis and Plaka shopping district.

 

After 6 short stops, we exited at the Thissio stop and walked towards the Acropolis area (admission 12 euro and children are free). Again, the Acropolis area was crowded with tourists and we were fine visiting the sites on our own. We climbed atop Mars’ Hill (made famous by St. Paul) for great views of Athens, proceeded up to the Parthenon, and ended our visit with a walk through the crowded Plaka (lots of shops and an interesting flea market). We reversed our journey back to Piraeus and caught another cab (5 euro) outside the light rail station to talk us back to the Grand. I am glad I did it, would highly recommend seeing the Acropolis and Plaka on your own using public transportation, and would do it again with me and the 4 kids solo.

 

KATAKOLON – Tendered ashore to Katakolon Village which consisted of a single stretch of shops extending for about 7 blocks and a single stretch of bay front cafes. Limited and expensive selection, but a pretty and clean area. Next time we should take a ship’s tour or a taxi to Olympia (although we were told by family members who paid for the ship excursion that there was not much left to see, but they appreciated it’s historical significance and even jogged the Olympic track). Really … Olympia was the only reason to stop at Katakolon.

 

CORFU – This was going to be another Mediterranean “beach day” with the goal to take a public bus to Glyfada Beach on the eastern side of island. The hardest part was to find the central Green Bus Station once we left the ship dock (it is a 30 minute walk from the dock to Avramiou Street and the Green Bus square is situated near the harbor between the New Fortress hill on the north and the Lofos Avrami hill on the south.

 

No cabs were willing to drive us the few miles to the bus station and the cabs were outrageously expensive (40-50 euro per hour). Once we figured out which bus would take us to Glyfada Beach (there is only one bus) it was a great day … the best overall beach experience on the vacation. Sandy beach, beautiful cliffside setting, loungers and umbrellas for rent, beach boats and toys for rent. The bus ride took about 45 minutes and ran pretty reliably to schedule.

 

We took the 11 AM bus from the Green Bus Station and caught the 2:30 PM return bus from Glyfada so as to not miss the embarkation (any public bus later and you could miss the ship). The same bus passes by and has a stop at the large Acqualand water park. Better to simply go to Glyfada and rent a paddle boat with built in water slide (10 euro per hour) instead. Absolutely loved this place, and great for families and children of all ages. Great beach facilities with 2 large beach front hotels, no topless sunbathers, and beautiful warm water. Other passengers we saw at Glyfada hired a 4-passenger taxi for 100 euro for the day. We paid 1,70 euro (each way per person) for the public bus.

 

VENICE – Since Venice was to be our disembarkation point, the Grand arrived at 9:00 PM and sailed by Piazza San Marco and berthed at Marittima terminal. Venice at night literally glittered as our ship glided through the city. Once docked, Princess offered an optional water taxi service ($10) good only for the arrival night, but unfortunately not the next day at disembarkation. Since we were spending 2 nights post-cruise in Venice, we opted to stay on board for our final night and then disembarked the following morning.

 

PRINCESS DISEMBARKATION WATER TAXI - On disembarkation the next morning, Princess offered a water taxi for $31 pp to go from Marittima to the docks at Piazza San Marco for those staying at selected nearby hotels that were walking distance from that dock. This is an option cruisers should seriously consider since private water taxis are apparently not picking up passengers directly from Marittima (see next paragraph), but only if you travel lightly.

 

Once at the Venice drop off point, we saw only a few porters assisting hotel goers, but don’t expect many to be available if you arrive during the rush hour. Venice has many cobblestones and bridges to even the closest hotels to Piazza San Marco, so bringing lots of heavy luggage and trying this option may not be for everyone and the Princess ticket only takes you and your luggage to the Piazza. Getting to your hotels from that point is on your own.

 

Another option some people might consider is taking the public Vaporetto to Piazza San Marco. It would be cheaper but these looked VERY crowded and the hassle of bringing on lots of luggage may not be feasible for most.

 

VENICE WATER TAXI PROBLEM – We had a leisurely final breakfast and were off the ship by 9:00 AM. This is where the private water taxi debacle began. We originally booked two private water taxis online for 70 euro per taxi to pick the 11 of us up directly from the Marittima docks to take us directly to our respective hotels in Venice (Locanda Orseolo and Violino d’Oro) … no intermediate car, bus or boat transfers, just Point A to Point B so we thought. Email verifications were fine before our vacation and communication with the vendor was fine up until our actual arrival in Venice.

 

What the vendor failed to inform us about was that most private water taxis (licensed or not) were “boycotting” the Marittima port due to the port’s imposition of an additional higher taxes on them. This only affected Marittima. Therefore no water taxis were going to meet us even though our email confirmation indicated so.

 

After a series of frustrating phone calls on my part to try to find the representative who was supposed to meet us at Marittima terminal, we and another group of 22 family members (who had pre booked 3 taxis with the same expectation as we had) were asked to board a shuttle boat from Marittima. All 33 of us (and luggage) were then shuttled to a drop off point in Piazza Roma where the Veneziana Motoscafi taxi office was located and each group was then assigned to our respective water taxis for our hotel destinations. We eventually got to our hotels, but not in the convenient Point A to Point B manner we initially imagined (and paid a premium for).

 

Word to the wise: no matter what you are told or what you think, demand to know about the private water taxi surcharge and the willingness of the private water taxis to actually pick you up from the Marittima docks beforehand. If they do, then it is an extremely convenient way to get to your Venice hotel.

 

POST-CRUISE VENICE – 2 DAYS IN VENICE

 

Hotel – We were taken via private water taxi to the Locanda Orseolo. It was everything the online community has posted and boasted about this little Venetian B&B. We encountered a gondola traffic jam in the narrow canals fronting the canal side water entrance into the inn. Our lovely Quad room overlooked the canal and we were a few minutes walk from Piazza San Marco. Our only regret was that we did not book for a longer stay here.

 

Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour – Locanda Orseolo pre-booked the 11 tour tickets for us far in advance and we thought the tour was worth it (16 euro pp). The children were especially intrigued by our entering the former torture gallery hidden high under the rafters of the Doge’s Palace (which the general visitor would not be able to see). This “behind the scenes” tour also took us to the very top of the attic to view the manner in which the ornate ceilings of the public spaces were supported by the builders. Afterwards, we toured the rest of the public spaces on our own, crossing over the Bridge of Sighs to the prison and then the exit out.

 

St. Mark’s Basilica – We got in the long line and headed immediately to the museum gallery (stairway to the right before entering the actual basilica) to view the original bronze horses, to tour the fascinating series of galleries, to view the interior of the basilica from the second level and the exterior fronting the square. The gift shop had some unique and reasonably price souvenirs and Christmas ornaments that we did not find elsewhere.

 

My son did the obligatory feeding of pigeons in Piazza San Marco. We passed on the pricey gondola ride since we rode the canals on a water taxi anyway. We shopped the Rialto Bridge. And we realized there was a lot more we did not have time to do there. We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay in Venice and would want to return.

[Maryandi]

Thank you soo much for such a detailed review. Loved reading about the ports. We will be going to most of them and appreciate the info. MaryAnn

[Almagetty]

Thank you, thank you for your excellent review. We, too, will be visiting the Eastern Mediterranean next summer with a small band of teenagers.:eek: Your insights into travel with the junior set are appreciated!

[High C's]

Great review - thanks!

 

I'm interested in the tour you did in Kusadasi. We have the same tour booked in September. The "mandatory" carpet selling tour - is that at the Bazaar? If so, did you have to stay at the carpet store, or could you leave to browse other areas?

 

I understood the tour would end at the Bazaar after Ephesus, at which time I want time to shop. I realize time is tight because we leave Kusadasi at 1:00, so have to be back on board by 12:30. Is it possible to get back to the ship by walking?

[KathiB]

Loved reading your review. We sailed on the Brillnce of the Seas 12 day Med/Venice cruise in June. Just wanted to add something for readers who might be going to Corfu. We rented a car in advance through Budget for 59 euros for the whole day. We drove the 40 minutes to Glyfada Beach and also had a great beach day. The beach and water were wonderful. It was my two teenage daughter's favorite day of the cruise. By renting a car we were able to spend 6 hours at the beach! There were many car rental places there and taxis could take you and come back at a pre-determined time. That would make sense for a group of 4 or so. But renting the car worked out very well for us.

 

We also enjoyed the Secret Itinerary Tour. Another highlight for the kids.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to post your review.

 

KathiB

[sumguy1]

Very good review. Thanks for sharing. Just curious, how was the tendering service to Santorini? Did Princess allow only those who are taking excursions to go first and then all others? How did they manage this I wonder?!

[Jasminedog]

Great review - thanks!

 

I'm interested in the tour you did in Kusadasi. We have the same tour booked in September. The "mandatory" carpet selling tour - is that at the Bazaar? If so' date=' did you have to stay at the carpet store, or could you leave to browse other areas?

 

I understood the tour would end at the Bazaar after Ephesus, at which time I want time to shop. I realize time is tight because we leave Kusadasi at 1:00, so have to be back on board by 12:30. Is it possible to get back to the ship by walking?[/quote']

 

Our Princess shore excursion to Ephesus was in the AM and we were dropped off at the faberge carpet showroom located in the heart of the Bazaar (it is huge and several shopping districts just blend into one another). Kusadasi was larger and more modern than we envisioned. The ship docks within a few minutes of the Bazaar area, so the return time should not be any problem for you. The faberge sales people were outside making sure everyone from our bus went inside (I was the last person, intentionally lingering outside while the rest of my family went up, and they asked me "wouldn't you like to come in?").

 

Once inside their upstairs showroom we were seated in a square showroom, given some apple tea and then they proceeded to open up carpet after carpet after carpet (at least 20). We were firm in our resolve to say "no thank you" about 5 or 6 times before we exited the building. It took about 30 minutes and the carpets were very expensive (and honestly very beautiful). If a person were in the market to buy, then I am sure this mandatory showroom visit would be worthwhile.

 

I would recommend you simply say "bye" as soon as you step off the bus and not go into the showroom so that you won't lose time to do the kind of shopping you want. It was by far the least expensive port to buy souvenirs and we regreted not taking advantage of that. Be aware that nearly every store front you walk by, some salesman will say something to the effect of "good morning my friend, can I interest you in ...".

 

As far as Corfu, I wish I looked into a car rental because the roads to Glyfada Beach were not crowded at all, and the vehicles travel on the same side of the road as in the U.S.A. There was little we were interested in seeing on this island, so going to Glyfada was definitely our overall favorite beach experience during the entire cruise.

 

As far as Santorini, Princess did not prevent anyone from taking an early tender as far as I could see. There were 2 tender stations operating at the same time. Those with shore ex tickets were directed to assemble in the Princess Theater and then escorted to a waiting boat, but frankly anyone could have merged into the line as people left the Theater and gone on the tenders with them. By the time we left (around 9 AM) there was no line or wait at all. This was a fun and unique island to see.

[PTC]

respective hotels in Venice (Locanda Orseolo and Violino d’Oro)

 

How was Violino d'Oro hotel? Read on tripadvisor that it can be very noisey at this hotel because of the gandola stand.

 

PTC

[High C's]

I would recommend you simply say "bye" as soon as you step off the bus and not go into the showroom so that you won't lose time to do the kind of shopping you want. It was by far the least expensive port to buy souvenirs and we regreted not taking advantage of that. Be aware that nearly every store front you walk by, some salesman will say something to the effect of "good morning my friend, can I interest you in ...". quote]

 

Thank you very much Jasminedog! I am so glad you included this comment in your review. We will now be prepared to step away the minute we get off the bus.

[corkpopr]

i have been a cruse rat since this forum was on aol travel only back in 1996. this is the best review i have ever read. had cabin next to yours last nov. crossing atlantic. our cabin was fine, we like emerald because the balcony is covered. you are brave taking all those kids with you. Thanks!

[Jasminedog]

Thanks for the gracious compliment.

 

This was one big benefit I neglected to mention about minisuites on the Emerald Deck ... the minisuite balconies are indeed covered by the deck above. The noise did not dampen our enjoyment of our vacation, it was just surprising the first night, but once we realized the music ended at 11:30 PM each night, we were OK.

[I&MsMom]

Thanks for such a great review. We'll be going to some of the same ports next spring.

 

I had a question about the Doge's Palace tour you took. I've been there many years ago, but did not take the secret itinerary tour. Do you feel it would be appropriate for an 4 and 8 year old (I'm not sure about the torture chamber in particular - is it truly frightening?) Thanks for your thoughts.

[interlinediva]

Thanks for a great review. How far in advance can you call ahead for the Doges Secret Itinerary Tour? I am going to be in Venice the end of October. I would like to call now but I didn't know if they make you call 30 days out.

Thanks

[Jasminedog]

PTC:

My cousin, her husband and their teen daughter had a triple at the Violino D'Oro and enjoyed their stay. Their room was quiet and they did not complain about any gondolier noises. There was more noise from morning delivery boats and drunk tourists if anything. They also thought their triple was large by Italian standards. The hotel is on one of the best tourist shopping streets in Venice and literally only a 2 minute walk to the portal of Piazza San Marco.

 

 

 

I&MsMom:

It really depends on your children and their maturity. In general, I think the tour might be too long for a 4 YO (and maybe the 8 YO also) because there is a lot of climbing of stairs to visit various chambers and rooms under the lead roof. There is no sitting and no wandering around on your own. The toughest part is that the children participating on the Secret Itineraries Tour would have to quietly listen to the guide give the commentary. Some children might find this too cumbersome ... our 9 YO did, but still did not complain. Bring bottled water with you.

 

Visiting the former torture chamber itself would not be a problem nor is it scary ... it is a small wood paneled room with a single rope hanging from the rafter (where they would tie the wrists of the one being interrogated). That is all. There are no chains, handcuffs, or any other medieval torture devices, just the single rope. There were jail cells, but they too were covered in wood. The tour included a visit through the rooftop armoury which might be of interest to your children also.

 

 

 

Interlinediva:

Our hotel manager at the Locanda Orseolo helped arrange for the Secret Itineraries tour tickets on June 14 for a July 28 tour for 11 of us. No problems. At the Doge's Palace ticket line, there is a separate line for prepaid ticket holders and a separate desk inside the ticket office where I had to present my credit card in order to get the tickets (they were pre-charged to my credit card). We then walked into the courtyard of the Palace and waited in one clearly marked corner to wait for our guide. She was pretty adament in making sure those who had tickets were on the right tour group for the right time, so as to ensure that the size of the group was kept small.

 

After the Secret Itineraries Tour, we were then free to walk the rest the Palace that the general public sees for as long as we wished.

[PTC]

PTC:

My cousin, her husband and their teen daughter had a triple at the Violino D'Oro and enjoyed their stay. Their room was quiet and they did not complain about any gondolier noises. There was more noise from morning delivery boats and drunk tourists if anything. They also thought their triple was large by Italian standards. The hotel is on one of the best tourist shopping streets in Venice and literally only a 2 minute walk to the portal of Piazza San Marco.

 

It looks like a terrific little hotel but was concerned by the reports on tripadvisor. Your comments will make us rethink where we stay this time around.

PTC

[DOTTYCAN]

Thanks so much Jasmine - we are planning a Med cruise next summer. What is the secret to getting the SCAVI tickets?

[Jasminedog]

There is no secret to getting Scavi Tix ... patience, prayer and luck. We emailed the Vatican twice and made sure the names were all listed in the request.

[eab]

This post is a little late, but I thought I'd address the Secret Itinerary Tour for children question. The other poster was correct about whether they could go up and down lots of steps without complaining. My children were fine at 10, 12 and 17, but there was a family with much younger children on our tour that the tour guide gave a hard time to. She thought they were too young and cautioned them not to go (not for being scary, but for being hot and difficult to climb). Those small children were perfect though. They marched up and down all the steps without ever saying a word. Probably better than lots of adults. I was very impressed with them and told the parents so afterward. So, it depends on the children and you know them best.