We took a tour that went to the Acropolis and Corinth. While the Acropolis was really cool once we got to the top, it was crowded. There are 80 steps to the top. However, these are not 80 steep steps in a row. They were broken up so it really was not that hard to climb. 
Next, we stopped for a buffet lunch on the way to Corinth. The food was very good. 
At Corinth, we first went through a museum. Our guide explained most of the items in the museum. This was overkill for me. I did not care for this part of the tour. We then went out to see the ruins of Corinth. This was really cool to see and hear about. Our last stop was the Corinth canal. We actually drove by it and stopped at a store. It was cool to see. There was a yacht being pulled through as we crossed the bridge. 
The ride to and from Corinth was about 1 hour. Overall, we had a wonderful guide and saw some amazing sights. 


Athens (Piraeus)

Our tour here was to Mary's house, Ephesus, and St. John's church. The ride up the mountain to Mary's house was breathtaking. The area around Kusadasi really is beautiful. We were one of the first to the top; therefore, we did not have to wait to go through the shire to Mary. It was nice, but it isn't the actually house. 
Next, we headed to Ephesus. This was amazing. I can't say enough about the sights we saw there. While our guide was not a Christian, she did a good job explaining some of the Christian parts of our tour. We spent most of our time in Ephesus. 
Lastly, we stopped at the ruins of a church where the apostle John is buried. This restoration has not been as good here as she mentioned money had run out. It was still cool to see. 
Our time in Kusadasi was short as it was only a 1/2 day port. We did not have time to look around the actual town of Kusadasi. 


Kusadasi

Our tour included the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. The guide was very good. Hagia Sophia was amazing,and our guide pointed out the restoration of the Christian parts of the building. The Blue Mosque was very beautiful. You do have to take off your shoes to visit this site. Shoulders and knees also have to be covered. 
We were then taken to the Grand Bazaar. This included a carpet demonstration, but we skipped that. The Grand Bazaar was loud and filled with a lot of gold shops. We did not enjoy this and ended up taking a shuttle back to the ship. 
This was our least favorite port. I have no desire to go back to this city. However, I know others really enjoyed it so it is a matter of personal preference. 


Istanbul

This was a tender port. We decided not to take a tour. The town is very small and it's easy to walk around. It was beautiful. the streets are very narrow and confusing. It was fun to get lost and then find our way back. There were many small shops and restaurants on the island. All the buildings are painted white, but there are splashes of blue here and there. 
The island also has several beaches, but we did not go to any of them. I'd definitely come back to this island. 


Mykonos

The city of Naples was not great. It was dirty and pickpockets abound. We decided to take a tour of the Amalfi Coast. The first stop was Sorrento. A lovely little town with several shops. We had about and hour in this town. We then boarded the bus for the trap along the coast. I can't even come up with enough words to describe the scenery along the way. The road is narrow and windy so it would not be good for anyone that gets car sick. However, for anyone else, it is a must to see. Just simply AMAZING! We stopped for lunch at a restaurant along the way. The food was good, but the view was breathtaking. Our last stop was the town of Amalfi. We had about an hour here to shop and see the church. I didn't go in the church, but just the outside was amazing. We then headed back to the ship. This was one of the best days on the cruise. 


Naples

Our tour in Rome included The Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and The Colosseum. The day we were in this port was very warm and crowded. There were six big ships in the same day. Also, there was a strike in the morning at the Colosseum so all the tours went to the Vatican in the morning. This made it even more crowded. However, we had excellent tour guides. We saw the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. All wonderful to see. 
We next stopped at Trevi Fountain. It was so crowded that we did not get to throw our coins in. We only had 10 minutes here. It would have been nice to have more time here. 
We then walked to the restaurant for lunch. Again, it was a good lunch. 
Lastly, we stopped at the Colosseum. It was crowded as well outside, but inside wasn't too bad. 
Overall, another great port! 


Rome (Civitavecchia)

Our tour was Pisa and Florence on your own.  We first drove about 1/2 hour to Pisa.  Our tour guide walked way too fast for some on the tour.  She was by far my least favorite tour guide.  She also talked way too much on the bus.  At Pisa, we had about an hour to look around.  Not really much here, but there were a few nice shops.  

We then traveled about an hour to Florence.  In both towns, we had to walk quite a ways to get to the meeting place.  I would not recommend this tour for anyone that can't walk very well.

In Florence, we just went shopping.  Lots of leather and jewelry shops.  We also ate lunch at a pizzeria (on our own).  It was nice, but not my favorite city.  We did not go to see any of the sights, though.  It might have been more fun if we'd done that.  We had about 3 hours of free time.  

The trip back to the ship was about 1 1/2 hours.

Florence (Livorno)

This was another tender port.  We decided not to take a tour here.  We just wanted to shop. We were told there were shops near the port and that they opened at 9:00.  We found the shops, but there were not very many, and they did not open until 10:00.  Everything else to see was up steps or a large hills.  Since we opted not to take a tour, we ended up going back to the ship by 11:00.  The town was beautiful and nice to see.  If I went back, I'd do a tour or take the Hop-on, Hop-off bus.

Monaco (Monte Carlo)

The cabin was wonderful.  It had a large balcony.  Very clean.  The bathroom had two separate areas.  One with the jet tub and glass enclosed shower, and another with the toilet and sink.  

There was a sitting area with a bar sink and second TV.  The cabin was at the back of the ship.  I think there was some additional vibrations at times, but nothing that really bothered us.  It was very quiet.  I rarely even heard anyone out in the hallway.

Overall, a great cabin!

Overall, it was a great cruise.We did anytime dining, and with the exception of the last night, we had very good service.

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