Port Rating:

Tendering was very smooth and we just walked up the hill to the top of the town to get the #100 bus. Unfortunately, all the buses were jam packed but after a 15 min wait we managed to get on the 2nd one that came. It was €1 single fare, so very cheap

In Monaco, we got off at the Palace stop, walked up the hill and just made it for the changing of the guard - not as good as Buckingham Palace but along the same lines. We walked the nearby streets, visited the Aquarium, The Cathedral, and other buildings before gently strolling down to the harbour to take pictures and visualise the F1 Grand Prix. Next we walked up the F1 hill to the Casino, had a wee nosey, before walking through the garden to the bus stop and back to Villefranche. Again the bus was very full but this time the conductor made sure were were packed in properly - we both got seats which was a blessing.

Back at Villefranche we strolled gently through the shops and stalls to the terminal where there was 20 mins of free wifi, and then back to the boat.

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We had been to Florence and Pisa in May so decided we would rest up for the big tour days ahead. However, we loved both Florence and Pisa last time round and did a Celebrity tour so that we could maximise our time in the places.

Port Rating:

This time we shared a tour created by Sue with 6 others, through Share a shore excursion in Italy. This was our first venture into a private tour via a Cruise Critic roll call and it was excellent. Our driver was very knowledgable and very entertaining. Getting into the Colosseum was a first for us and memorable. we also had a 2hr guide for the Vatican who took us through the Museum, Sistene Chapel and St Peter's.

It was a long day but well worth it and a value for money experience indeed

Port Rating:

Being in a small mini-bus meant we got to meet nice people for the first time and shared the experience together. Our guide also stopped at all the key places for photographs and told us all the history and backgrounds. I had considered hiring a car to do this tour but i wouldn't recommend it as in some towns there is just nowhere to park at all.

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It was windy during the sail in so there weren't many seeking to get the tender early. However, once the sun came up, the wind calmed down and it was a lovely day.

We walked the walls - cost €3 each - and there are 1355 steps apparantly, but it was worth it for the views and the exercise. Many from the ship did this, mostly at an easy pace, but its not for someone with bad kness or ankles. Coming down, a snake slithered out in front of me, it was about 2.5 feet long. It went down a few step before veering left and disappearing into the undergrowth - Andrea speeded up after that!!

when we got to the bottom, the town had filled up with people from the ship and was very busy. we browsed around for a bit before returning to the ship and some serious sun bathing.

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we also wandered about the streets and virtually got lost but just follow the crowds, they seem to know what they are doing.

we also loved the music on St Marks Square, so unusual to see this outside restaurants

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Port Rating:

we took the Celibrity tour to the cable car to save time. It was worth it, as we got some early morning spectacular views of the city. Andrea did the war museum but didn't have enough time to do it properly. Our guide then took us into the city and explained the recent and distant history - all very good.

we then walked the wall, taking our time and enjoying the experience - it was brilliant but again some of the steps were very steep so not for those with any walking difficulties.

its an easy city to walk about in, impossible to get lost in as its not that big really. After coffee, and shopping we got the shuttle bus back to the ship