First cruise but very pleasantly surprised, fantastic ship - Eastern Mediterranean "Ports" Review by bandanna

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Home > Member Reviews > bandanna's Port Reviews of Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik

bandanna's Port Reviews of Bari, Katakolon, Izmir, Istanbul, Dubrovnik
Costa Favolosa cruise in May 2012

Member Name:	bandanna
Cruise Date:	May 2012
Embarkation:	Venice
Destination:	Eastern Mediterranean
Member Review:	bandanna's Costa Favolosa Review

	Bari Port Rating: Not Rated Unfortunately we experienced very, very heavy rain in Bari so we only stayed for about 10 minutes! You can walk to the centre from the ship which was handy, so we did despite the rain, however it was just too wet to spend any time there so we had to come straight back to the boat. It did seem like a very interesting and pretty town though and I'd love to go back in better weather.
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	Katakolon Port Rating: We decided to stay in Katakolon rather than take the trip to Olympia, and we were pleasantly surprised. The ship stopped right in the port, so you walked right off the boat and into the town. The town is only very small however it was bigger than I expected and has a lovely atmosphere. There is one main street full of shops, all bustling and lively. It has a nice feel to it. Then there is another strip behind the shops facing the sea, with a line of cafes all with seats right up to the water. We had a quick walk around and then sat outside a cafe and took advantage of the free wi-fi. This was a lovely friendly quick stop.
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	Izmir Archaeological site of Ephesus Rating: The actual timings etc all ran smoothly and the excursion was made very easy. The tour guide, Murat, was absolutely fantastic. He was Turkish but spoke fluent English, and he was very knowledgeable and funny which kept us interested. Ephesus itself was incredible. I did not think I would be that interested as it's not usually my sort of thing, but it was such a wonderful big site that you can't help but me amazed.
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	Istanbul Port Rating: Not Rated This was one of the best ports to arrive in, with a fantastic view from every side of the boat, i think that the best way to see the city was from the water. It was a bit confusing when we got off the boat as not much signs etc, but we just walked in the direction which seemed right (keep walking left as you come off the boat) and after about 5-10 minutes we found a tram stop. The tram was very easy, you bought a token at a a machine at the tram stop, all just one price for a single trip, and then we got off at Sultanahmet which was were the Blue Mosque is. We then were surprised to find the city quite easy to walk around. We walked from there to the Grand Bazaar, then the spice market, and then over the bridge towards the boat again. I definitely hope to go back to Istanbul.
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	Dubrovnik Port Rating: This port was the prettiest on our trip. Like Istanbul, this is another port which must be one of the top ports to arrive in, it looks fantastic and a perfect photo opportunity. We had to get a boat to shore, but this all happened very smoothly. As soon as we arrived we headed to the wall, you have to pay an entrance fee but it is definitely worth it, you walk around the wall and there are just endless photo opportunities, it is definitely the best way to see the place.
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