We explored Venice before and after our cruise. We stayed at ANTONY HOTEL in MESTRE. A shuttle picked us up at AIRPORT and if we wanted we could get shuttle to bring us to VENICE; 5 euros pp each way. We also for 9 euros were dropped at the Port of Venice. There was a number 5 public bus ( 1.5 Euros ) near the hotel that was very efficient and reliable to PLAZZA ROMA. The Hotel was great stay, we stayed at ANTONY PALACE last year but this one was closer to Venice and dropped us off at PORT.

We walked around Kotor, the ship is close to OLD TOWN. We wanted to Explore KOTOR by ourselves. I took the trail up the mountain for 3 EUROS. A great view but a very difficult walk up the mountain: rocky and steps are uneven. Was not a easy walk, it was very hot, need lots of water- there was a man with water for 1 euro. It takes a least 40 minutes one way. I arrived 35 minutes later at a little Church on the mountain. My wife was waiting at the bottom and decided it would take another 15-20 minutes to reach the tip and I descended down. The views of the Port were amazing, I could see our ship tendered in the port. There were a lot of shops and restaurants in the Old Town. Our stay is a couple of hours and We felt it was better to explore the city than take an expensive excursion; also the Gelato was great after a strenuous walk.

We took an excursion the last time we were here and decided to explore the city; which is close to the port. We also wanted to see the OLD FORTRESS in Corfu; the shuttle ( 1.7 euros ) dropped us off near the Old Fortress and OLD TOWN. There is no fee at OLD FORTRESS, it is something to see; we did not have time to see NEW FORTRESS. We wanted to see an OLD SYNAGOGUE in CORFU; opens at 11 am. We walked around and saw some Old Churches. Lots of stores. We had another GELATO in Corfu. Was worth exploring Corfu. We went back to drop off spot for bus, we did not have to wait long; the drive from Port to Corfu is quick; there is ONLY one stop and that is CORFU center.

Near this huge park are the places to eat, the waiters have to cross over from the restaurants and terasses. We really enjoyed walking around Corfu; none of the expensive excursions impressed us to select one.

We were here last year and choose an excursion. I wanted to explore Mykonos. We arrived early to explore. I realized afterwards that I should have taken a ferry to DELOS to explore; there was a 9 am and 10:30 am ferry. Plenty of time to explore and return on 3:30 pm ferry. The next time we will have to take an excursion with the ship; we arrive at a time that we can not take the ferry.

We enjoyed walking around, we tendered and we dropped off near the town near the port; docking we would have been farther and needed the ferry( 2 euros ); it is too far to walk.

We arrived early and the shops open after 9 am.

We took an excursion with Royal to a Village that is 90 minute drive. We drive along the coast. The view is stunning; only my wife is nervous we were were driving along the coast. We stopped at the village for OUZO and a light snack. We explore this little village for 40 minutes before returning. We made another stop below a Castle for photos and stop quickly for a view of the coast. It was a great excursion, a long drive with great views of the coast.