Spent 2 days in Rome. Hired Fabrizio from All Around Italy to show us the sites. He was fantastic and well priced. Stayed at the Westin Excelsior and got upgraded to a very large room which was more than enough for us and our 10 year old daughter. Good location as well. If we had done it again, I would have opted for an extra day in Rome so we could see the Vatican. 


Rome (Civitavecchia)

This was the only place where we took the ships tour. Smart move. We did the volcano hike and hot springs. It was awesome and not too too strenuous. Then we had time once completed to ride the donkeys up. Glad I had the experience and would still do it again instead of walking up. Would take the cable car if not too long a wait. Did not feel unsafe. We did not have enough time to make it to Oia, which was a disappointment, but we did find a most lovely restaurant with a killer view just in time for the sunset. The cable car back at around 8PM was not too crowded. Santorini was a highlight. 


Santorini

We had an extraordinary guide, Michael Sterianos - msterianos@yahoo.com. Greeted us on time at the port (we wanted an early start) and got us right to the Acropolis in time to beat the buses and crowds. He gave us such a great history lesson, that we felt it was not necessary to hire a private guide. We then went on to the Temple of Zeus. Do not miss this site - we were blown away. Had some wonderful lunch at a local spot and saw more sites and then did some shopping. 


Athens (Piraeus)

Hagia Sophia and blue mosque - wow! We had a private guide again with a few people from CC. Had a fun time, but everything is so crowded - not so much fun. The grand bazaar was fun, but I much prefer the Spice Market Shopping is better in Istanbul than in Kusadasi, IMO. We spent the next day just wandering around and that was a lot of fun. 


Istanbul

Ephesus was the most extraordinary site. We had the best tour guide who was also an archeologist who brought the whole experience to life. Have to track down his name, but he was fantastic. This is a place I could go back to explore as they have excavated only a small portion of the whole site. We went to the Virgin Mary's (supposed) house. What can I say, people are pigs - grabbing as much grapes (free) as they could, taking more than their fair share of candles to light and shoving their way into filling up big water bottles with "holy water" Simply Man at his worst. Shopping in Kusadasi afterwards was just OK, but we did find a wonderful shop by the port that had beautiful home goods at terrific prices and we went to town. 


Kusadasi

Spent the day at the St John resort - good move. For 30 Euro per person (kids free) they pick you up from the port and take you to this beautiful resort with a fantastic pool, beach below and stunning views. Food and drinks are pricey, but worth it to be away from the crowds and relaxing in comfort. Lunch was delicious (fresh fish, food for kids, etc...)Shopping in town was a lot of fun. It is beautiful and unique and Little Venice is wonderful too. 


Mykonos

Our stop was actually in Salerno. All Around Italy (Fabrizio) arranged this tour for us. Wonderful guide, Dommenico. He smartly directed us to hit Ravello, Amalfi Village and Positano first. It was beautiful, wonderful and we missed all the big crowds. Had a fantastic lunch on the hilltop - pizza, pasta, bruscetta, tomato, awesome cheese, outstanding view. Our last stop was Pompeii, where another private guide was arranged for us. Very knowledgeable and swiftly took us through the highlights - at that point, we were pressed for time.
Good shopping for trinkets in Amalfi Village and beautiful dresses and other items can be found in Positano.

Naples

Shopping in Kusadasi afterwards was just OK, but we did find a wonderful shop by the port that had beautiful home goods at terrific prices and we went to town.Greeted us on time at the port (we wanted an early start) and got us right to the Acropolis in time to beat the buses and crowds.

Celebrity Equinox Review

Wonderful Vacation

Rating by category

Additional details

Cabin Review

Family Ocean View

Find a Celebrity Equinox Cruise from $420