We arrived in Genoa for boarding the cruise on a train from Venice. (Tip: If arriving here by train for boarding a cruise, then get down at Genoa Piazza Principe station and NOT at the Genoa Brignole). The cruise terminal is a 7-8 minute walk from the station even with the luggage.

We intended to explore the city after disembarking from the cruise and before boarding the return flight back home the next day, but the weather was rough unfortunately. It was very cold, windy and it was raining. Even the tourist spots and city center were almost deserted. After a while even we returned to our hotel for the night.

One of the best places we saw. Again the port is at a walking distance from the city center, so it can be easily accessed on foot. But since the port area is at a lower level then the upper gardens and the city center next to it, one has to either take the elevator for 1 euro each or exercise via stairs. The best part was free wifi in the city center ;-). Needless to say, a lot of people spent time there because of it.

Decent place. The good part is the port is right next to the city center, so public transport is readily accessible. We headed to the beach but there wasn't much to see really. So we returned to the ship early which was a respite after a long day we had in Rome the day before.

Marseille was a true gem amongst all the places we visited. Considering it was our last port of call, we were obviously tired a bit but once we got to Notra Dame, the captivating city sights refreshed us completely. Again, we skipped the cruise shuttle and walked to for about 10 minutes to the free shuttle station, which took us to the port exit. The port is huge and even in the shuttle it took 15 minutes. Although there might be other transportation options available too, so one should check that out if you are not willing to wait for the free shuttle service at the designated stop. From theport exit, one can walk for about 15 minutes to get to the nearest bust stop from where you can take the bus No. 60 all the way to Notre Dame. It is at quite some height and the roads leading there are very steep, so would not suggest even an attempt at walking all the way. The only disappointment was the bus only offers a return fare with a condition to start your return journey in about an hour from the iconic structure. And you really cannot do justice to the monument in less than an hour. So, we had to but the tickets again on our way back, but it was worth every penny. In fact it was the only place in Marseille we explored other than taking a stroll along the old port.

The cruise had a shuttle from the port to Columbus Square for 8 euros for a return journey. However, there was a port authority shuttle for half the price departing right next to the cruise shuttle, so we took that. From Columbus Square, the metro station is about a 10 minute walk from where you can purchase a 10 trip ticket for about 9 or 10 euros. So if two people are travelling, it becomes 5 trips for each of them using the same ticket. It takes you to the Familia Basilicia, Las Ramblas and any other place you wish to visit. These places were pretty good. We went to the Basilicia first, explored a few places around it, then took the train to Las Ramblas and walked down that colourful stretch all the way to Columbus square for the return shuttle to the port.

The port is pretty far from the tourist hotspots, so firstly we took the free shuttle from the cruise to the port exit. From there, we took a bus which cost us 4 Euros for a return journey to the nearest railway station. From there we took an all day pass for 13 Euros each. The train ride from there to Rome Colosseum is about 45 minutes. After exploring the Colosseum and monuments around it, we headed to the Vatican. You can take a train from near the Colosseum itself for that. Even though the cruise has the longest stop over in Rome, almost 11 hours, you are better off at starting asap in the morning. A good day on the whole.