Just returned -12nt med cruise-any questions??

[jlijny]

We just returned from a Celebrity 12nt Med Cruise. All the suggestions that cc members had, made our trip FABULOUS. Our stops included Barcelona, Villefrance, Florence, Rome, Naples, Santorini, Athens, Dubrovnik and Venice. We had 2 days post cruise in Barcelona and 2 days post cruise in Venice. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Hopefully, I will be able to help others, the way everyone helped me.

[cherylakers]

How did you get from cruise port to your hotel??? Where did you stay in Venice???

 

We are going next year and are staying between Rialto bridge and St. Mark's. There will be 8 of us, so not sure how we want to attempt to get to hotel.

 

Also, how was Santorini??? We would like to take bus to Oia, but not sure how crowded it would be.

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Cheryl

[deniuh]

Thanks for offering your services. Glad that you had a great trip. Who did you tour with in Athens? Is Athens doable on your own?

 

We will be in Venice on a Sunday and Monday, staying at Hotel Antiche Figure. Any recommendations for places to eat or must sees?

 

Thanks

[jlijny]

How did you get from cruise port to your hotel??? Where did you stay in Venice???

 

We are going next year and are staying between Rialto bridge and St. Mark's. There will be 8 of us, so not sure how we want to attempt to get to hotel.

 

Also, how was Santorini??? We would like to take bus to Oia, but not sure how crowded it would be.

 

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Cheryl

 

We stayed at the Londra Palace Hotel in Venice. Excellent hotel with great service and fabulous location.....on the Grand Canal, 4 blocks from St. Marks Square, and directly in front of a vaporetta stop. When we disembarked the Summit, the hotel had sent a private water taxi to pick us up. I had tried to book someone on-line, but they turned out to be nasty. They gave me a quote of 100euro, but as I was confirming the price, and giving them the details, they claimed that they made a mistake and it would be 180euro (note: they wanted to be paid in full up front). Needless to say, I never gave them my charge card. The hotel charged 200euro, which I wasn't thrilled with, but knew they would handle everything for us......and we had a ton of luggage. I am glad we did that, since 2 ships were disembarking at the same time, claiming baggage, etc....the area was a zoo. Hundreds of people on line waiting for a water taxi. We had someone with our name on a board, who escorted us to a water taxi that was waiting for us. As much as I really didn't want to spend 200euro, after seeing the chaos there, I was glad we did.

 

Santorini was fabulous. In fact, it was one of my son's favorite stops. There were a lot of ships that day, but we found it manageable. We hadn't booked a tour here, since it is very easy to do yourself. We took the cable car up and down. Since my son wanted to ride a donkey, we found someone in town that gave us a 10min donkey ride tour around Fira. That was enough for me, and I am glad we didn't take it up the 578 steps. We also didn't run off the ship early. We left at about 10:00, and only had a 5 min wait to get on the cable car. Coming down, the wait was about 40 minutes. I highly recommend you go to OIA. The town is beautiful. Picture post-card. Walk around, have a drink, and take in the scenery. You can take a bus, taxi, or we found a tour desk that took us on a 2hr tour for 12euro per person. Definitely well worth the 36euro that it cost the three of us. They drove us to Oia, waited for us, and then took us on a panoramic tour of the island before returning us to Fira.

 

Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.....I know we did!!!!!

[jlijny]

Thanks for offering your services. Glad that you had a great trip. Who did you tour with in Athens? Is Athens doable on your own?

 

We will be in Venice on a Sunday and Monday, staying at Hotel Antiche Figure. Any recommendations for places to eat or must sees?

 

Thanks

We used Paul's Taxi in Athens. His son, Jim, was our driver/guide and was fantastic. I highly recommend them. They are reliable, knowledgeable, friendly, and affordable. My husband, son, and I had a fabulous time. There was a city strike going on the day we were in Athens, but Jim knew all the back streets, and we didn't miss one thing that day. He took us for a 9hr tour, and we saw everything, and had a great lunch (his recommendation). Many people do Athens on their own, but I wouldn't recommend it. You definitely will not get to see everything if you go on your own. The total cost of the tour was 250euro (entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities were extra).

 

We were in Venice Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We stayed at the Londra Palace Hotel, which was on the Grand Canal, about 4 blocks from St. Marks. We loved the hotel. Beware, some restaurants are closed Sunday night. We wanted to eat at DaIvo, but they were closed. Our hotel recommended Do Forni, which turned out to be good. If you go, do not go to Harry's Bar first. We did, and had 2 Bellinis there, only to arrive at the restaurant where they offered us complimentary Bellinis. I can't remember the name of the other restaurant, but I am sure that either my husband or son will since they loved it. When I get the name, I will post it. Things to see/do:

St. Marks Square: St. Marks Basilica (go on-line and get a confirmed reservation. There isn't a charge, and you get to skip the line.....which can be very long), Bell Tower (you can take the elevator up to get a fabulous view of Venice), Doge Palace (in addition to seeing the Doge Palace, I highly recommend you book the Secret Tour of the Doge Palace. You need to do this prior to arrival, since it books very quickly. There is a charge for the secret tour, but it includes the admission to the balance of the Palace.

Murano (great for glass blowing), Burano (great for lace), Harry's Bar (bellinis), gondola ride (don't spend more than 80euro), Rialto bridge area (good for walking around. In fact, we chose a Ghost Tour of the area. The tour wasn't what I expected, but it did turn out to be an enjoyable 1.5hr walking tour) The only museum we went to was the Accademia, which was fine. We had already been to great museums in Florence, Rome, and Athens.

 

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!!!!!

[cherylakers]

We stayed at the Londra Palace Hotel in Venice. Excellent hotel with great service and fabulous location.....on the Grand Canal, 4 blocks from St. Marks Square, and directly in front of a vaporetta stop. When we disembarked the Summit, the hotel had sent a private water taxi to pick us up. I had tried to book someone on-line, but they turned out to be nasty. They gave me a quote of 100euro, but as I was confirming the price, and giving them the details, they claimed that they made a mistake and it would be 180euro (note: they wanted to be paid in full up front). Needless to say, I never gave them my charge card. The hotel charged 200euro, which I wasn't thrilled with, but knew they would handle everything for us......and we had a ton of luggage. I am glad we did that, since 2 ships were disembarking at the same time, claiming baggage, etc....the area was a zoo. Hundreds of people on line waiting for a water taxi. We had someone with our name on a board, who escorted us to a water taxi that was waiting for us. As much as I really didn't want to spend 200euro, after seeing the chaos there, I was glad we did.

 

Santorini was fabulous. In fact, it was one of my son's favorite stops. There were a lot of ships that day, but we found it manageable. We hadn't booked a tour here, since it is very easy to do yourself. We took the cable car up and down. Since my son wanted to ride a donkey, we found someone in town that gave us a 10min donkey ride tour around Fira. That was enough for me, and I am glad we didn't take it up the 578 steps. We also didn't run off the ship early. We left at about 10:00, and only had a 5 min wait to get on the cable car. Coming down, the wait was about 40 minutes. I highly recommend you go to OIA. The town is beautiful. Picture post-card. Walk around, have a drink, and take in the scenery. You can take a bus, taxi, or we found a tour desk that took us on a 2hr tour for 12euro per person. Definitely well worth the 36euro that it cost the three of us. They drove us to Oia, waited for us, and then took us on a panoramic tour of the island before returning us to Fira.

 

Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.....I know we did!!!!!

 

Do you remember the name of the place you got your tour to Oia from??? Where are they located???

 

Thanks for all the information. Very helpful.

 

I am going to try and book Paul's taxi for Athens.

 

Cheryl

[jlijny]

Do you remember the name of the place you got your tour to Oia from??? Where are they located???

 

Thanks for all the information. Very helpful.

 

I am going to try and book Paul's taxi for Athens.

 

Cheryl

No, I don't remember the name, but you can't miss it. When you get off of the cable car, bear left. There will be an outdoor Greek restaurant on the corner......turn left, and the tour office is next to the restaurant on the left side. FYI...the restaurant wasn't bad, either. My son loved the chicken dish he ordered, and my husband and I had gyros.

[misspupule]

thanks for your info, especially santorini. will be doing 7 day greek isle cruise oct 2010 from venice. need to check for your tour office when we are there, sounds like something i want to do. how much was the cable car up and down? kinda disappointed but our ship is in port from 4pm to 11pm on a tuesday so i'm hoping that won't deter us from getting a tour before dark. maybe we can plan a tour at sunset to oia and possibly dinner then back to fira for some "window shopping" or a cocktail of ouzo of greek wine. how many people can fit in the car or if we get a group from the ship do they have like a van? thanks for all your help and answers. love this site and how all is so helpful to see you have a great time. was on it alot last year for my transatlantic from rome to florida and first time to europe.

[deniuh]

We used Paul's Taxi in Athens. His son, Jim, was our driver/guide and was fantastic. I highly recommend them. They are reliable, knowledgeable, friendly, and affordable. My husband, son, and I had a fabulous time. There was a city strike going on the day we were in Athens, but Jim knew all the back streets, and we didn't miss one thing that day. He took us for a 9hr tour, and we saw everything, and had a great lunch (his recommendation). Many people do Athens on their own, but I wouldn't recommend it. You definitely will not get to see everything if you go on your own. The total cost of the tour was 250euro (entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities were extra).

 

We were in Venice Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We stayed at the Londra Palace Hotel, which was on the Grand Canal, about 4 blocks from St. Marks. We loved the hotel. Beware, some restaurants are closed Sunday night. We wanted to eat at DaIvo, but they were closed. Our hotel recommended Do Forni, which turned out to be good. If you go, do not go to Harry's Bar first. We did, and had 2 Bellinis there, only to arrive at the restaurant where they offered us complimentary Bellinis. I can't remember the name of the other restaurant, but I am sure that either my husband or son will since they loved it. When I get the name, I will post it. Things to see/do:

St. Marks Square: St. Marks Basilica (go on-line and get a confirmed reservation. There isn't a charge, and you get to skip the line.....which can be very long), Bell Tower (you can take the elevator up to get a fabulous view of Venice), Doge Palace (in addition to seeing the Doge Palace, I highly recommend you book the Secret Tour of the Doge Palace. You need to do this prior to arrival, since it books very quickly. There is a charge for the secret tour, but it includes the admission to the balance of the Palace.

Murano (great for glass blowing), Burano (great for lace), Harry's Bar (bellinis), gondola ride (don't spend more than 80euro), Rialto bridge area (good for walking around. In fact, we chose a Ghost Tour of the area. The tour wasn't what I expected, but it did turn out to be an enjoyable 1.5hr walking tour) The only museum we went to was the Accademia, which was fine. We had already been to great museums in Florence, Rome, and Athens.

 

I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!!!!!

 

Thank you so much for the recommendation. We just booked Paul and he assured me either he or Jimmy would be our driver. I am really excited and feel at ease now. Thanks for the Venice tips. Definitely booking the Dodge Palace.

[Workin4cruzin]

We will be spending 3 days post cruise in Venice, and I'm uncertain what would be appropriate attire there. I imagine we'll be walking/wandering around during the daytime, and at night we'll go out to eat and find local 'watering holes' to hang out in.

 

What do most folks seem to be wearing at night? I want to be comfortable and not overdressed, or underdressed.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

[scottam]

Thank you so much for the recommendation. We just booked Paul and he assured me either he or Jimmy would be our driver. I am really excited and feel at ease now. Thanks for the Venice tips. Definitely booking the Dodge Palace.

 

Can you post the contact info or website for Paul? Thank you!

[sonogram]

We will be spending 3 days post cruise in Venice, and I'm uncertain what would be appropriate attire there. I imagine we'll be walking/wandering around during the daytime, and at night we'll go out to eat and find local 'watering holes' to hang out in.

 

What do most folks seem to be wearing at night? I want to be comfortable and not overdressed, or underdressed.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

 

I was there for a week a few years ago. You'll love it! My favorite place visited so far! The same attire you'd wear to the main dining room on the ship is appropriate. My Husband, Father and 2 adult sons never wore or needed jackets, BTW it was July. Enjoy!

[deniuh]

Can you post the contact info or website for Paul? Thank you!

 

 

scottam, here is the website for Paul: www.athensbytaxi.com

[jlijny]

thanks for your info, especially santorini. will be doing 7 day greek isle cruise oct 2010 from venice. need to check for your tour office when we are there, sounds like something i want to do. how much was the cable car up and down? kinda disappointed but our ship is in port from 4pm to 11pm on a tuesday so i'm hoping that won't deter us from getting a tour before dark. maybe we can plan a tour at sunset to oia and possibly dinner then back to fira for some "window shopping" or a cocktail of ouzo of greek wine. how many people can fit in the car or if we get a group from the ship do they have like a van? thanks for all your help and answers. love this site and how all is so helpful to see you have a great time. was on it alot last year for my transatlantic from rome to florida and first time to europe.

The cable car is 5 euro per person, each way. They do not sell round-trip tickets. Oia is beautiful anytime of the day. I would imagine it's fabulous at sunset. I believe 8 people fit in the van. This site is wonderful. I planned this trip as a surprise for my husband's birthday, and since I couldn't ask him questions.....I asked members of this board. Every bit of information I received was great.....the private tours especially. Since everyone made my trip great, I am hoping that I can "pay it forward", and help others. Needless to say, I will be using this site again. I want to plan a trip to Alaska, and need all the help I can get.

 

Have a great trip!

[jlijny]

Thank you so much for the recommendation. We just booked Paul and he assured me either he or Jimmy would be our driver. I am really excited and feel at ease now. Thanks for the Venice tips. Definitely booking the Dodge Palace.

You will love the tour in Athens. Jim was great, He got us to the Acropolis before the crowds. As we left, there was wall to wall people. There was a strike of some sort in the city, and Jim knew how to navigate his way around the traffic. It was a very enjoyable day, and he brought us to a great restaurant for lunch.

 

Re: the Secret Tour of Doge Palace.....you can book on-line (which I think that you must pre-pay). I called them directly to make a reservation. You don't pay until you arrive that morning. Call 011-39-041-52-09-070. The tour lasts approx. 1 hr, and the cost is 16euro per person. The fee also includes admission into the balance of the palace,

 

Have fun!!!!

[jlijny]

We will be spending 3 days post cruise in Venice, and I'm uncertain what would be appropriate attire there. I imagine we'll be walking/wandering around during the daytime, and at night we'll go out to eat and find local 'watering holes' to hang out in.

 

What do most folks seem to be wearing at night? I want to be comfortable and not overdressed, or underdressed.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

We were in Venice for three nights. My husband and son wore shorts and golf/polo shirts in the day, and khakis and shirts at night. None of the restaurants we went to required jackets. The pants with the zip off legs were great during the day for church visits. They are very strict about "no shorts" for church entries. Since it was extremely hot when we were there, they wore the pants to go into St. Marks Basilica, and then zipped off the legs for the balance of the day. When we went into another church, they put the legs back on. I wore capris and a top during the day, and ankle length pants and top at night. If you want to stop at Harry's Bar, everyone will need to wear long pants. They will not allow you in with shorts.

 

Hope this helps.

[jlijny]

Can you post the contact info or website for Paul? Thank you!

 

Paul and/or his son Jim, can be reached through the following:

athenstaxi@athenstaxi.org

 

If you dial from US:

Mobile phone: 01130-697-203-0853

 

Hope this helps.

[jms2362]

Paul and/or his son Jim, can be reached through the following:

athenstaxi@athenstaxi.org

 

If you dial from US:

Mobile phone: 01130-697-203-0853

 

Hope this helps.

Did you go to Crete and Nafplion, Greece? Wanting info on those two places. Thanks, Mary

[jlijny]

Did you go to Crete and Nafplion, Greece? Wanting info on those two places. Thanks, Mary

Sorry, I can't help you. Our itinerary was Barcelona - Villefrance - Florence - Rome - Naples - Santorini - Athens - Dubrovnik - Venice.

[quanmama]

We will dock in Venice at 1pm and the ship leaves at 2pm the following day. Do you recommend visit St Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace that afternoon, or should we plan on going the first thing in the morning? Or should we split them on different days?

 

We will make the reservation to skip the line for St Mark's Basilica and will reserve the Doge palace's secret tour. Looks like St Mark's Basilica's earliest entrance time is 945am. How much time did you spend there? The secret tour in English will take place at 9:55am, 10:45am and 11:35am and it is 1 hour 15 minutes long.

 

Are they very close to each other?

 

Thanks!!

[jlijny]

We will dock in Venice at 1pm and the ship leaves at 2pm the following day. Do you recommend visit St Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace that afternoon, or should we plan on going the first thing in the morning? Or should we split them on different days?

 

We will make the reservation to skip the line for St Mark's Basilica and will reserve the Doge palace's secret tour. Looks like St Mark's Basilica's earliest entrance time is 945am. How much time did you spend there? The secret tour in English will take place at 9:55am, 10:45am and 11:35am and it is 1 hour 15 minutes long.

 

Are they very close to each other?

 

Thanks!!

 

Ideally, you would want to do these things on the same day....since they are very, very close to each other.....except that you are working within time frames. By the time you dock in Venice at 1:00pm, you miss all the Secret Doge tours. This is what happened to us, too. My suggestion is that you head to St. Marks Square, immediately after docking and see the Bell Tower (you ride the elevator to the top to see a panoramic view of the city), and make your reservation for the Basilica for around 3:00-3:30. This is what we did and it worked out well. After the Basilica, you will have plenty of time to continue sightseeing, go to Harry's Bar for a Bellini (which is only 2 -3 blocks away), hire a gondala for 40 minutes, go on a walking tour and have dinner. The next day, I would make a reservation for the Secret Tour at 9:55. The tour will be over at 11:10 and you can spend the next 45 minutes touring the balance of the Doge Palace, until it is time to head back to the ship.

 

Have fun!!!!!

[SD-Goose]

I"ve heard some people say they rented a car or motor scooters on Santorini. Do you know anyone who did that, and how it worked out?

 

Thanks!

 

We just returned from a Celebrity 12nt Med Cruise. All the suggestions that cc members had, made our trip FABULOUS. Our stops included Barcelona, Villefrance, Florence, Rome, Naples, Santorini, Athens, Dubrovnik and Venice. We had 2 days post cruise in Barcelona and 2 days post cruise in Venice. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Hopefully, I will be able to help others, the way everyone helped me.

[jocap]

I"ve heard some people say they rented a car or motor scooters on Santorini. Do you know anyone who did that, and how it worked out?

 

Thanks!

When we go to Santorini on holiday, our friends usually hire quad bikes, which seat 2. There are strict laws about wearing helmets, though you rarely see the locals doing this. The hire places seem to be all over, though we're normally on the wrong side of the island for you, but there should be hire places on the main road in Fira, parallel to the coast. The bus station is also just off this road, behind the cathedral. -jocap.

[cruisingforsix]

Hi, my husband and I are looking at a mediterranean cruise next year. The one we are looking at leaves out of Barcelona and ends in Venice. Is the airfare alot more expensive because of the different cities?

[CintiPam]

Hi, my husband and I are looking at a mediterranean cruise next year. The one we are looking at leaves out of Barcelona and ends in Venice. Is the airfare alot more expensive because of the different cities?

 

No. (BTW, we are cruising Venice to Barcelona at the end of April 2010.)