Monte Carlo-we arrived late because of the delay in leaving Rome. We had a shore excursion to Eze and a perfumery in France. Because of the delayed arrival all of the shore excursions had to meet in the Princess Theater at the same time and it was overcrowded and hectic. We ended up waiting an hour and a half to get off the boat. The whole system was messed up because we arrived late; usually the different shore excursions meet in different areas of the ship at staggered times and it runs smoothly. This day was the exception to that. The tour was in a tour bus, up to the top of a hill with great views. We visited the perfume factory 1st, got a quick tour and then into the gift shop. Then we walked up through the medieval walled city of Eze to the gardens at the top of the city. Amazing views. Then we were on our own to eat lunch or shop for 2 hours. Back at the dock, I decided to go explore Monte Carlo while my friend took the kids back to the ship. Checked out the yachts and the Ferrari's etc. 


Monaco (Monte Carlo)

Naples-Private tour w/ Mariano of Pleasant Travel tour of the Amalfi Coast. We stopped at a cheese factory briefly and had a snack. Went up the winding roads to the Amalfi coast. Stopped at the Emerald Grotto-similar to the Blue Grotto but less well known. Then we went to Positano which is a beautiful town set in the hills next to the sea. We walked around Positano, Then for the highlight of the tour we went to Mariano's family farm near Sorrento to eat lunch. The food was amazing, home cooked Italian food and then their homemade Limoncello liqueur. It was great to see how his family lives and how everybody pitches in to keep the farm running. After lunch we stopped briefly in Sorrento and then back to Naples to see Herculaneum. Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and better preserved. We made it back to the boat, but there were about 20 people who got stuck in traffic and missed the boat that day. 


Naples

Santorini-we toured by ourselves. Took the cable car up to the top where the town is, and took a taxi to the beach. At the beach we swam and ate lunch at a little beacside family restaurant. Many of the beaches we went to in Greece charge you for a chair and umbrella but will put that money toward your bill if you eat at their restaurant. We did a little shopping on our way back to the boat. The town (Fira) is incredibly picturesque. Would have liked more time here. 


Santorini

Athens-Private tour w/ Petros of Spiros Tours. We arrived here the day after some intense rioting. It was very crowded because other cruise ships that diverted because of the riots were back in port, now that the riots were over. It was touch and go as to whether we would stop here at all. Petros made sure we only viewed sites which were safe from potential riots. There were hundreds of police by the side of the road, waiting to see if they would be called on to stop rioters. Most of the government buildings were closed off because of the riots. We went to the Acropolis which was packed with people and then the new archaeological museum which was an excellent museum. We went to the Temple of Zeus, Lycabettus Hill for a view of the whole city. Then we went to a local restaurant for lunch-no tourists there only locals. The other diners at the end of their lunch got up and spontaneously started dancing. They graciously invited us to join them which we did. It was one of those magical moments. I heard from someone who went on the Princess shore excursion that they went to the Plaka and got a snoot full of tear gas. We were very happy to have a private tour guide. 


Athens (Piraeus)

Corfu-shore excursion to the Dassia Resort on the beach. We spent another lazy day at the beach. The kids went up parasailing-all 3 at once. They loved that. My friend and the kids went back to the ship. I got a taxi and went to my favorite beach on Corfu-Paleokastritsa on the far side of the island. The beach here is a series of coves with pebble beaches and the most incredible blue, turquoise and aqua water. There is a monastery next to the coves. I have been to Corfu twice before and love this island. 


Corfu

Split, Croatia-we just toured around by ourselves. Walked on the promenade, went to the castle, found an outdoor market. Beautiful little town on the Adriatic. This was my son's favorite port. Split is not using the Euro, so you have to change money here or use a credit card for everything. Prices were cheap at the open air market. 


Split

Venice-shore excursion to Murano, church of San Giorgio and gondola ride. At Murano you go into 1 of the glass foundries and watch a glass-making demo. Then they take you up to the "gallery" which is where they sell the more expensive pieces of glass. There is also a showroom downstairs for the more affordable sales. The demo was great to watch and some of the glass in the gallery was truly amazing. Then we toured the Church of San Giorgio which is right across the grand canal from St. Mark's Square. The church was beautiful and it was a good tour. Then the gondola ride. We again by passed huge lines because we were on a tour. The gondola ride was fun and great to see Venice from the water. After the gondola we chose to stay in Venice and eat lunch. After lunch we went and bought masks for the kids and adults. The mask shop , Ca del Sol, was incredible with hundreds of masks on display on the walls. We went back to the boat, got kids settled in at the kids area and my friend and I went back out shopping. The next day our group didn't debark until 2 p.m., which gave us time to go back into Venice and explore some more. My daughter and I loved Venice, and enjoyed walking by the canals.

Venice

The mini-suite: We had a mini suite for myself and 2 kids. It was roomy with just enough separation between the sleeping area and the sitting area. My son had a pull down bunk above the sofa, my daughter stayed in the bed w/ me. Great deck outside with a table and 2 chairs. Bathroom had a bath and shower. There was a mini fridge, a desk area and closet space enough for my daughter and I. My son lived out of his suitcase. Our room steward was wonderful, Alberto from the Philippines. We were on Dolphin deck rm. 702.

Also wanted to note the private guided tours we loved so much: Unforgettable Tuscany for Florence/Pisa (info@unforgettabletuscany.The ship: The design of the ship is great, loved the atrium with all the shops and cafe around it.

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