It is easy to get into Rome on your own. Buy a 9 euro round ticket that entitles you to the metro as well. You can change from the Civitavecchia train onto the metro just by passing your ticket through the electronic turnstiles. Bring a map of the metro from home. Get off at the Colosseum station for direct access to the Colosseum. You can buy a combined ticket at the Colosseum for the Forum to save queuing twice. The guides touting outside will tell you there is no information inside but it's not true. Take a guidebook or notes and read the expansive information boards provided. 



Rome (Civitavecchia)

It's a long walk from the ship to the metro station and when it started to rain we jumped in a taxi - 20 euros to the Acropolis which was worth it. Then we took the metro back to the port but be aware that it's crowded and hot and one passenger had his wallet stolen from his back pocket. We walked back to the ship but should have taken the taxi again - it makes for a long day if you choose to walk to and from the metro.

Athens (Piraeus)

This was our favorite. We joined a tour organized by another passenger to Ephesus and loved it. We covered the same sights as the ship's excursions for a lesser rate. 



Izmir

Once again we joined a passenger initiated shore excursion for an overnight stay in Cairo and had a wonderful time. Some fellow American passengers were wary of the security situation in Egypt but our time there was without mishap. Our bus joined the police escorted entourage out of the port onto the highway. The hotel was of a high standard with security scanners and guards as had the museum. The pyramids were of course the highlight of the trip but the constant harrassment from trinket sellers was a little offputting. 



Alexandria

Unfortunately the weather was bad in Malta and we saw little of the place. We started out on the Hoho bus but after the first hour spent getting soaked in the rain we made a beeline for the nearest taxi and went straight back to the ship. Malta has a lot to offer and we would love to go back another time. The entry into the harbor is spectacular. 



Malta (Valletta)

Cabin on deck 9 port side aft which was perfect for access to the cafe and very quiet

Disembarkation was smooth but we would have liked a little more time on the ship as we had another night in Barcelona before flying out; 9.Overall we had a fantastic time and it's a great way to see 5 countries stress free.

Norwegian Jade Review

Didn't want to get off!

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Family Balcony

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