We stayed in Venice before our trip for a few days in an area called Castello. Was brilliant very close to San Marco and the restaurants were better and of better value in that area.

Everywhere in Venice is walkable, peak seasons can be very busy but even in August if you take a back alley it's like you are the only ones in Venice. Transport is very easy to the cruise port we took a water taxi and then the people mover. There is also a baggage drop where the people mover is in Piazza Roma (5 euros a bag) for anyone wanting to explore the city before they go back to the airport. All the main transport runs from Piazza Roma to all the airports: buses, taxis, water taxis. It's basically the main transport hub of Venice. Once you get to Piazza Roma (3 mins on the people mover) you walk over the bridge and you are in Venice.

We spent one afternoon in Burano full of little colored houses (great for photos) and great fish restaurants. We did this as 7 cruise ships were in and wanted to take the kids out of the crowds for a while. There are sites that you can find how many cruise ships are in, peak season. It's worth looking at. Head down to San Marco when they start to leave around 6pm. You can watch them leave it's actually quite a site watching them parade through Venice.

Gondolas are set in price at 80 euros and 100 euros at night. They are run by the town hall so no worrying that you are going to be overcharged. This is for a 30 mins charge and even though expensive completely worth it. They an take up to 6 people so even worth sharing if you can.

We spent 2 days before our cruise and another full day afterwards. Completely worth it. A really unique and beautiful city with or without the crowds.

Kotor was by tender for us, but noticed that there was one ship docked. So if you are going low season you might be lucky to be that ship. A really beautiful sail in, surrounded by mountains. The old town is surrounded by a giant wall, walk through the arch and you are there. Full of quirky little shops and squares. It's a medieval city so very small and pretty. If you are feeling fit you can walk up to the fortress for some amazing views (about an hour of full climbing). We chose to rent an electric scooter and scoot the kids round the bay. There are plenty of boat trips on offer. If you have a lot of time you really don't have to book trips with the ship as there is so many available when you get there.

Corfu town is about a 20 mins walk from the port come off the ship and turn left and just keep walking. There are busses that you can jump on for about 1.70 euro each. We walked in and picked up the Harley Scooters and really had A brilliant whirl wind tour of the whole town, waters edge, the forts. We found all the areas where the Greeks swim, and the water is absolutely crystal. We could have definitely gone further north to all the beaches on the scooters as well as they give you a spare battery. We were traveling with a 7 and 9 year old on the back. We are from Spain and used to mopeds everywhere. So if you are doing this would maybe suggest having a go in your own country before you do Corfu, they ride around as they like: sometimes not reading the street signs, with or without helmets.

We had them for 3 hours for only 50 euros for two. We had an absolute blast taking in all the beautiful views, while everyone else trudged around the town in the heat. It's very hot there in August. So bring some water sprays and fans to keep yourself cool. The island is so green, a real surprise to us. Coming from Spain we were expecting it to be a lot more baron due to the heat. A great stop!

Loved Santorini, as we were the last cruise ship to dock we got off the boat and up the cable car in about 30 mins peak season. Jump off the tender and choose to walk the donkey steps (would not recommend peak season) join the line and pay for cable car tickets costing 18 euros for 2 adults and 2 children. On the cable car in just 3 mins you are in Fira with beautiful views of the coast and sea.

We rented a 4 seater buggy and headed for Oía, it was very busy but worth it. If you want to see all the blue domed houses and churches this is where it's at. It took us 30 mins on a very easy road. A bit curvy, but nothing that we aren't used to in Spain. It's the same route all the buses take, but so much more fun in a buggy! If you are renting any vehicle; quad, buggy, moped take photos of the whole vehicle and check the tires (we got a flatty half way round) and make sure you have a mobile phone that works on the island to get in touch with anyone. They quickly sorted our situation and we were on the road again.

We saw so much of the island like this. Then had a stroll round Fira and took some beautiful pictures of the ocean at about 9pm.

We took the donkey steps down, which I wouldn't recommend if you aren't very fit it's a lot of steps. It was fun for us, but a man slipped and really hurt his back. Dodging donkey poo in the dark can be very dangerous! If you are going to do this, make sure you are in trainers or some footwear with grip!

A beautiful island, the towns are lovely with stunning views.

Loved this place, we took the electric boats and spotted sea turtles with the kids in the Argostoli lagoon (about a 15/20 mins walk from the ship - just get off and turn left). Only 30 euros for 45 mins, the lagoon when we visited was like mirror. The kids drove the boat and we saw sea turtles. Highly recommend. We then wondered through the town and got back on the ship. A much needed break from our hectic port schedule. A lovely surprise as read lots of negatives about this place.

Jumped off the boat and into a taxi cost 14 euros to the old town. NCL offer a shuttle for double that price. Then walked the wall at 8am, definitely worth it as you see the whole city from the top. Wall is about 30 euros per adult, you can pay by card but not in euros. Watch out for taxi drivers telling you it takes over three hours to walk so you go on a tour with them. After walking the wall we wondered through the old town. If we had, had more time we would have gone kayaking as the water is stunning. Ice cream is probably the best we've ever had. Journey out of the port was beautiful on the ship. A very memorable place. Would love to come back to Croatia and just explore this incredible country.