The highlight of our cruise was the excursion to Pisa and Tuscany. As far as Pisa is concerned, that was disappointing and a lot of walking. Tons of tourists and not much to see. However, the Tuscany part of the excursion was the very best. Imagine sitting out in the open in a vineyard at a long table with 20 or so strangers. Then imagine many bottles of white and red wines and some excellent food. Conversation picked up quickly and suddenly there were 20 friends enjoying the view. On the way back, our guide, Sara, had all of us slightly intoxicated cruisers singing Volare and pretending we were Dean Martin singing "...when a moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie.....". Well worth the money.

The bus tour of Lisbon was disappointing. Everything seemed to be closed.

You will either love or hate the early Vatican tour. You meet at 7:30 and stand outside for over an hour. You then fight the other 40,000 people (yes, that is how many people visit the Vatican every day and it seems like they are all inside with you at the same time). Tour guides are very good but it is a lot of walking and by the time you get to the Sistine Chapel you will be ready for a cold beer. Read more