Shore excursion in N. Med. questions

[Fredr500]

Hi,

we are going on the Noordham TA crossing, leaving Saturday 4/15. Are there any "don't miss" shore excursions? Nothing is jumping out at us so it's time to ask the experts.

Stops at:
Bermuda
Horta (Azores)
Ponta Delgada (azores)
Cadiz
Valencia
Barcelona
Monte-Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome (no time here)

Thanks
Fred
(and if you are on the ship with us and haven't checked in on the roll call, please do and come to the CC party!)

[Druke I]

In Barcelona, there is the very unusual unfinished Cathedral, by Gaudi (SP), who well may have been mad - jury still out on that. Worth a look.

Florence/Pisa of course has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which some find interesting. Watch your pockets - pickpockets abound thereabouts.

Several interesting shore excursions in the Azores - up to glacial lakes - looks a lot like a minature Switzerland. You can also go to a pineapple plantation (shades of Hawaii).

[Scottish Cruiser]

Try and see the changing of the guard at 11:55 at the palace. Quite interesting and more accessable than London, though still crowded. Then walk through the old town. The Oceanic Museum is supposed to be very interesting and regret we did not go in. Stroll the harbour and admire the huge yachts!

[Copper10-8]

Hi,

we are going on the Noordham TA crossing, leaving Saturday 4/15. Are there any "don't miss" shore excursions? Nothing is jumping out at us so it's time to ask the experts.

Stops at:
Bermuda
Horta (Azores)
Ponta Delgada (azores)
Cadiz
Valencia
Barcelona
Monte-Carlo
Florence/Pisa
Rome (no time here)

Thanks
Fred
(and if you are on the ship with us and haven't checked in on the roll call, please do and come to the CC party!)

Fred;

Not sure if you're docking in Hamilton and/or King's Wharf in Bermuda but seeying both is a must. They usually have island excursions that will take you to Gibb's Hill and St. David's lighthouses. You can climb both for a great view. Walking around in downtown Hamilton is a good time also!

In Cadiz, you have a great opportunity to visit Sevilla and the Alcazar Palace, well worth it. Have only driven through Cadiz itself on the way to Sevilla, so don't know the port city.

Barcelona has the "hop on-hop off" double-decker buses that go by all the City's sights including the famous FC Barcelona soccer stadium, the zoo, Gaudi's cathedral that Druke mentioned, a cable car ride down the hill, etc etc. You buy a day pass and can get off and back on wherever and whenever you want. They will give you a head-set for an audio "play by play" of what you are seeing. Walk "Las Ramblas" blvd which goes right up to the ocean front. Lots to see and do there.

Monte Carlo has several excursions including going inside the casino (they will take your camera). You can also take an excursion to Nice, France and a little town high in the hills called "Eze" from where you'll have a great view of the kingdom. There are walking tours that go by the palace and through the small streets.

Florence; if you've never been there before, I'd go to Pisa to see the tower and adjoining cathedral, pretty unbelievable sight!

Great itinerary, have an awesome cruise!+:)

[trubey]

Hello Fred, have you checked the Europe boards? I did quite an extensive thread for Ponta Delgada (where I live). Here's a link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=122141

susana.

[Fredr500]

We leave Saturday morning, thanks for all the advice, it is copied to the PC and will be with me on the trip.

Fred