Epic Equinox - Eastern Mediterranean "Ports" Review by Artteacher

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Home > Member Reviews > Artteacher's Port Reviews of Santorini, Istanbul, Athens, Crete, Naples

Artteacher's Port Reviews of Santorini, Istanbul, Athens, Crete, Naples
Celebrity Equinox cruise in June 2012

Member Name:	Artteacher
Cruise Date:	June 2012
Embarkation:	other
Destination:	Eastern Mediterranean
Member Review:	Artteacher's Celebrity Equinox Review

	Santorini Port Rating: Lots of ships hit the port city, be ready to wait for the tram up the mountain. We stood for almost an hour in the hot sun to board the sketchy tram (they have notched out a cinder-block retaining wall to allow for sag in the cable of the tram cars will clear it). Once at the top there are crowded little streets not unlike villages in Mexico, and lots of kitch from China with the Greek flag on it. Museum visitors should note the relatively early closing times for the small boutique venues on the island, we were not able to reach the top of the mountain until nearly closing time. We thought after-the-fact that a short boat ride to the opposite side first might have been a better call. Jaw dropping views from the small eateries at the top looking back at the bay.
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	Istanbul Blue Mosque Rating: Very pretty, the tile work (of course) is the reason to explore this site. Interesting perspective on the conversion from Christianity to Islam. Bosphorus Cruise Rating: Something to do on the bucket list, it allows for a better look at big private residences that face the water. There was refreshment on the boat, and a hole in the floor of the "restroom" to use for a toilet. City Tour Rating: Not Rated By chance, or perhaps by design; we were paired with a superb guide for a two-day excursion. She had been a tour guide in Turkey for over twenty five years and spoke English with ease. She gave us a thumbnail of the tour agenda at the beginning of each day and remained with us throughout the times spent at each venue. All the locations typically attended by visitors were included on this tour for one price. Grand Bazaar Rating: Do not venture off the main thoroughfare unless you have GPS navigation - and remember, even if you say 'no' you are actually opening a negotiaion - just walk away, they totally expect it and it's not rude. Hagia Sofia Rating: Photo op. Interesting lighting inside, very typical of the historic Mosques in the area. Spice Market Rating: Saffron seems to be the big seller here, but there is also lots of other things to choose from. Try the apple tea. Hagia Sofia Rating: By chance, or perhaps by design; we were paired with a superb guide for a two-day excursion. She had been a tour guide in Turkey for over twenty five years and spoke English with ease. She gave us a thumbnail of the tour agenda at the beginning of each day and remained with us throughout the times spent at each venue. All the locations typically attended by visitors were included on this tour for one price. St. Sophia is a great example of Mosque architecture and Islamic culture - very photogenic. Topkapi Walking Tour Rating: A great look into the age of the Sultans. Check out the armory and the below-the-floor exhibit. Lots to see, get there early to avoid the crowds. Underground Cistern Rating: Take your camera, dark and wondrous with live fish swimming in the water!
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	Athens City Tour Rating: This tour was basically a bus ride in traffic through a densely urbanized sprawl. Occasionally we would pass a ruin (forget about getting a picture from the moving bus). We stopped at the base of the hill upon which the Acropolis was built - yes, you could see it - yes, you could get a photo - basically like trying to shoot the top floor of a thirty story building from the sidewalk. We stopped at the Archeological Museum and the "guide" took it upon himself to lead us by the nose around the place for about an hour before "letting" us have some free time. Unless you can't read or have never been to a museum before, this was kind of annoying. Probably will not take a tour of this type again.
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	Crete Port Rating: Beautiful port city, lots to see, do and eat. I will return.
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	Naples Herculaneum Rating: Not Rated We hired a car to take us to Pompeii and then to Herculaneum because we did not see a tour offered through the cruise that went to both places. It cost about $400 for the whole day - split four ways, so not too bad. The driver navigated traffic and was attentive to our questions. He did take us to a hugely expensive restaurant (at our request), and joined us for lunch with out an invitation. The bill for five of us was $300! We were never advised of the cost in advance, but assumed it would be somewhat less. In hindsight, I think we should have been more clear as to what we were willing to pay - however the view was spectacular and the restaurant was opened exclusively for us (something that we were unaware of until we arrived) and enjoyed wine and local fish. Be careful if money is an issue, try to get costs up front. Pompeii Walking Tour Rating: We hired a car to take us to Pompeii and then to Herculaneum because we did not see a tour offered through the cruise that went to both places. It cost about $400 for the whole day - split four ways, so not too bad. The driver navigated traffic and was attentive to our questions. He did take us to a hugely expensive restaurant (at our request), and joined us for lunch with out an invitation. The bill for five of us was $300! We were never advised of the cost in advance, but assumed it would be somewhat less. In hindsight, I think we should have been more clear as to what we were willing to pay - however the view was spectacular and the restaurant was opened exclusively for us (something that we were unaware of until we arrived) and enjoyed wine and local fish. Be careful if money is an issue, try to get costs up front.
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