Valletta
We hired a private guide who picked us up at the pier at 9 AM. We first went to Valletta for a quick city tour - Upper Barrakka Gardens - check , Grand Master's Palace and Armouries -check. Saw the marching band thoughout the city. Quickly hopped back into the cab so we could make our 11 AM timed app't to the Hypogeum. To ensure its conservation, the site's microclimate is strictly regulated. The site is open to a maximum of 80 visitors each day, with timed tickets hourly. I thought this location by far was the most unique attraction
on the island. None of the Disney tours would visit this site given how few people can visit/ hour. Our driver then took us to to Marsaxlokk - fishing village. We ate at Ron's - fresh fish. Lisa loved Emma's pasta as well.
We hired a private guide who picked us up at the pier at 9 AM. We first went to Valletta for a quick city tour - Upper Barrakka Gardens - check , Grand Master's Palace and Armouries -check. Saw the marching band thoughout the city. Quickly hopped back into the cab so we could make our 11 AM timed app't to the Hypogeum. To ensure its conservation, the site's microclimate is strictly regulated. The site is open to a maximum of 80 visitors each day, with timed tickets hourly. I thought this location by far was the most unique attraction
on the island. None of the Disney tours would visit this site given how few people can visit/ hour. Our driver then took us to to Marsaxlokk - fishing village. We ate at Ron's - fresh fish. Lisa loved Emma's pasta as well.
We then strolled along the water, while I tried the local beer - Cisk. We saddled back up and went to Mdina - the old capital of Malta, "the Silent City". Our cab driver dropped us off right outside the walled city gates. I preferred this area to Valletta. We enjoyed the chocolate cake as well from Fontanella. After returning to the Magic, we got Mia off the boat for a quick stroll and 1 more beer.
Palermo
We did the Disney tour Segesta and Erice without the kids. In 2007 we had strolled around the markets in the AM and did the 1/2 day tour of the city with the kids. This time we did another Disney excursion.
Boarded the bus for an hour + drive to Segesta. It was hot on our climb, but could have been a lot hotter. Our tour guide commandeered a bus for part of the trip - the German tourists waiting in front of us weren't to happy and boarded our filled bus. The 5th-century Temple perched high on a hilltop just outside the city. Although unfinished, the Temple's wonderfully preserved state makes it one of the most important Hellenic temples in the world. We explored the Theatre, which dominates the top of Monte Barbarò. Occupying a semi-circle area cut out of rock, this ancient stage offers spectaculars views as far as Monte Erice
We then got back on the coach bus after approximate 75-minute visit at Segesta, to
Trapani (approximately 45 minutes). Upon arrival, soar high in the sky aboard a cable-car (approximately 15 minutes). Interesting family we shared the car with. Uncle/Aunt and 3 kids - had fun riling up the boy.
Erice - legend has it, the son of Venus and Poseidon established the town and built a temple to honor his mother, the goddess of love, nearly 10 centuries ago. Surrounded by cyclopean walls and housing more than 60 churches, Erice brims with a wondrous atmosphere of an old medieval village. From its perch, Erice offers beautiful views of Trapani and the Aegadian Islands
We had a 75-minute walking tour throughout the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes of this medieval village. During your stroll, taste some marzipan fruit for which Erice is famous. Ate at an unbelivable bakery
Then had a traditional southern Italian lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the picturesque gulf
- had drinking contest with pitcher of wine
We did the Disney tour Segesta and Erice without the kids. In 2007 we had strolled around the markets in the AM and did the 1/2 day tour of the city with the kids. This time we did another Disney excursion.
Boarded the bus for an hour + drive to Segesta. It was hot on our climb, but could have been a lot hotter. Our tour guide commandeered a bus for part of the trip - the German tourists waiting in front of us weren't to happy and boarded our filled bus. The 5th-century Temple perched high on a hilltop just outside the city. Although unfinished, the Temple's wonderfully preserved state makes it one of the most important Hellenic temples in the world. We explored the Theatre, which dominates the top of Monte Barbarò. Occupying a semi-circle area cut out of rock, this ancient stage offers spectaculars views as far as Monte Erice
We then got back on the coach bus after approximate 75-minute visit at Segesta, to
Trapani (approximately 45 minutes). Upon arrival, soar high in the sky aboard a cable-car (approximately 15 minutes). Interesting family we shared the car with. Uncle/Aunt and 3 kids - had fun riling up the boy.
Erice - legend has it, the son of Venus and Poseidon established the town and built a temple to honor his mother, the goddess of love, nearly 10 centuries ago. Surrounded by cyclopean walls and housing more than 60 churches, Erice brims with a wondrous atmosphere of an old medieval village. From its perch, Erice offers beautiful views of Trapani and the Aegadian Islands
We had a 75-minute walking tour throughout the cobblestone streets and narrow lanes of this medieval village. During your stroll, taste some marzipan fruit for which Erice is famous. Ate at an unbelivable bakery
Then had a traditional southern Italian lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the picturesque gulf
- had drinking contest with pitcher of wine
Naples
We did the Disney excursion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast Drive. Kids made pizza with the youth guides while we tasted Limoncello. We then ate their creations. After lunch we took a long and winding drive down the Amalfi Coast
We did the Disney excursion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast Drive. Kids made pizza with the youth guides while we tasted Limoncello. We then ate their creations. After lunch we took a long and winding drive down the Amalfi Coast
Civitavecchia
ON OUR OWN
Off the boat, quickly jumped on the free shuttle that took us out of the port area and into town. Got the 8:41 train, arrived Roma S. Pietro at 9:24. Short walk to the square with out Vatican tkts preordered we walked to the front of the Vatican museums, quite a walk. Plowed through the art and made it to the Sistine Chapel. Quite challenging to view the paintings on the ceiling. Listened to Rick Steve's audioguide explaining the ceiling. Walked back to the square for some photos.
Cabbed to the "Mouth of Truth". Took some photos and then walked to the Colosseum. At 1 PM we had a tour of the recently opened underground and 3rd levels. Fantastic! Then time to get lunch, 25 minute walk to Antico Forno Roscioli. After pizza, and sandwich we walked to the Pantheon. A gelato stop at Giolliti and then a walk to the Trevi Fountain. Tossed some coins and then 15 minute walk to the Train Station. Prebought tkts for th 6:07, back at Civitavecchia at 6:48. 5 minute walk to bus stop. Back on boat and then dinner. We ate at the late seating tonight.
La Spezia
ON OUR OWN
We took the tender to the port, met the hippie and his family and talked to them during our 15 minute walk to the station. Once there we purchased tkts. Took the train to Lucca, had to transfer at Viareggio. Walked around, kids went on a carousel. Shopped, Mia got a pizza Nomination Charm. Then went for lunch. Had great Cecina, chickpea crepe, at Pizzeria da Felice. Bought olive oil and a bottle of wine at Antica Bottega di Prospero.
We then trained to Pisa, 25 minutes. Walked around, took the classic photos of trying to hold up the tower.
At 3:20 we climbed the tower. Very narrow staircase as you get closer to the top. The top affords wonderful views, but it sure is on an angle.
Trained back to La Spezia, one small mishap - took the train going in the wrong direction. Went one stop backwards to the main station in Pisa. Reversed course and took it correctly. 4:40 -5:40. Waited for a while till our tender got filled up. Back on boat around 6:30. Then went for dinner.
ON OUR OWN
We took the tender to the port, met the hippie and his family and talked to them during our 15 minute walk to the station. Once there we purchased tkts. Took the train to Lucca, had to transfer at Viareggio. Walked around, kids went on a carousel. Shopped, Mia got a pizza Nomination Charm. Then went for lunch. Had great Cecina, chickpea crepe, at Pizzeria da Felice. Bought olive oil and a bottle of wine at Antica Bottega di Prospero.
We then trained to Pisa, 25 minutes. Walked around, took the classic photos of trying to hold up the tower.
At 3:20 we climbed the tower. Very narrow staircase as you get closer to the top. The top affords wonderful views, but it sure is on an angle.
Trained back to La Spezia, one small mishap - took the train going in the wrong direction. Went one stop backwards to the main station in Pisa. Reversed course and took it correctly. 4:40 -5:40. Waited for a while till our tender got filled up. Back on boat around 6:30. Then went for dinner.
Corsica - Ajaccio
Les Calanches tour with Disney
Les Calanches tour with Disney
Jan 16th. Villefranche
ON OUR OWN
Train to Eze-Sur-Mer, then bus to Eze village
Quick stop in Perfume (Fragonard) for the obligatory purchase
Strolled around village for an hour, after shoe purchase, a leisurely lunch with fish and wine.
Walked down the mountain -Nietzsche's walk (Walk to the Sea). Worked up quite a sweat on a nice day, can't imagine on a hot day.
Train back to villefranche
Took Emma off the boat
Had bread and pastry at same bakery from 2007
Jan 17th at Sea
Jan 18th. Barcelona
Las Ramblas
Grilled Octopus at the Market
Chocolate
Granja-Chocolataria
Churros and chocolate
Gelato- Amorino
Pool at Hotel
Dinner at Hotel
Jan 19th Barcelona
HOHO bus
casa Batllo - Gaudi house
Gaudi park
La Sagrada familia
Dinner - tapas - Cerveseria Catalana
Gelato - Amorino
Our favorite buddies on the boat
Matsumoto
Mischa
ON OUR OWN
Train to Eze-Sur-Mer, then bus to Eze village
Quick stop in Perfume (Fragonard) for the obligatory purchase
Strolled around village for an hour, after shoe purchase, a leisurely lunch with fish and wine.
Walked down the mountain -Nietzsche's walk (Walk to the Sea). Worked up quite a sweat on a nice day, can't imagine on a hot day.
Train back to villefranche
Took Emma off the boat
Had bread and pastry at same bakery from 2007
Jan 17th at Sea
Jan 18th. Barcelona
Las Ramblas
Grilled Octopus at the Market
Chocolate
Granja-Chocolataria
Churros and chocolate
Gelato- Amorino
Pool at Hotel
Dinner at Hotel
Jan 19th Barcelona
HOHO bus
casa Batllo - Gaudi house
Gaudi park
La Sagrada familia
Dinner - tapas - Cerveseria Catalana
Gelato - Amorino
Our favorite buddies on the boat
Matsumoto
Mischa
