Excursion Recommendations for Eastern Med on Equinox?

BamaCruzer

New Member
My husband and I are taking a 10 day cruise from Rome to Greece and Turkey in June.......does anyone have any comments or feedback on excursions for that trip?
 

BruinSteve

Environmental Compliance Officer
There are two slightly different itineraries...and I don't know which one you've booked...So, here are some notes on all of the ports:

Rome: Try to fly in at least a couple of days early...so much to see here

Sicily (Messina): We took a shorex to Mt. Etna...not really all that exciting...probably should have visited Taormina

Athens (Piraeus): If it's your first visit, I'd recommend the Shorex that goes to the Acropolis and Cape Sounion...We did that on our second visit...Our third time, we hired a private guide for a tour of the Pelopenese (Mycenae, Epidaurus, etc.)--great archaeological stuff...but save that for a second trip.

Ephesus (Kusadasi): Skip the ship's excursions and contact a private guide...We've used Ekol Travel twice...lower priced than the shore excursions, even for two...and you'll see far more without the big bus tour...If you have a long day, they can do a tour to Miletus, Didyma and Ephesus...If the day isd shorter, just do Ephesus--and don't miss the Terrace Houses (not included on most big bus tours)..

Rhodes: We did a shorex to Lindos...would noty bother if we went again...Rhodes Town itself is more fascinating...Can be easily done on one's own if you want.

Santorini: We've done a Shorex to the winery, view point, etc. Half day tour is enough...maye the one to Oia--that's always popular...Next trip we rented a car and did Ancient Thira on our own...not an easy drive/hike...One good part abnout the shorexes is they take you up the mountain by bus and then give you a cable car ticket to go back to the tender pier on your own...

Mykonos: We just wandered the town on our own...a very laid back resort island...no tour really needed...

Naples: Do NOT miss Pompeii...One time we did the LONG Capri, Sorrento, Pompei shorex...VERY GOOD...We've also done the popular Amalfi Coast by private tour--nice, but it has its limits...and most private tours can not take you through Pompeii--requires a LICENSED guide...

Chania (Souda),Crete: We did a shorex to the Palace at Knossos--really the one thing to see on Crete...

Hope this helps...
Good luck...
 
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