Med ports with attractions within walking distance

Hi, I am sure someone has asked this before but I have not been successful in my searches for an answer to the following question - Do you know what ports in Italy, Spain and France have attractions, sights, shopping or anything to do within walking distance of the port. Interested in knowing what we can do without booking shore excursions in each port. We play to book some excursions but would also like to know options. Appreciate any advise anyone may have.

I'm also interested. Thanks for posting the question.

There are several books specific to Med cruises ... they provide info on excursions, activities and DIY options. In some locations, the sights aren't within walking distance but you can take a city bus or train and be there in 10 minutes.

I used Ann Viponds ' Med by cruiseship'. Rick Steves now has a cruise book which gets great reviews and I think Fodor has one also. Check your library.

It would be a lot easier if you listed your specific ports rather than making us guess.

Off the top of my head, you can walk right off the ship into Naples, or from the ship right to the boats to Capri; Genoa is another easy walk from the ship port as is Venice. The port in Bari is only a short walk from the old town, and the cruise port at Palermo is right downtown.

Interesting topic. But part of the answer really depends on the individual and how much walking they enjoy. For example, in the port of Malta, DW and I have no problem walking into town from the pier, but many cruisers insist on getting some kind of transportation up the hill. It is the same in Barcelona where I love the 25-30 min walk from the cruise pier to the base of the Ramblas....but many cruisers would prefer to pay $5-$7 and wait in a queue for 15 min in order to avoid the walk. So perhaps it makes more sense to list those places where you cannot walk. For example, you cannot walk from Livorno to Pisa or Florence.

As Cruisemom says, it would be helpful if you list the ports that are of interest and how many miles of walking you are willing to do in a port day.

Hank

It would be a lot easier if you listed your specific ports rather than making us guess.

Yes, sorry. I should have listed them. They are Barcelona, Naples, Monaco, Calvi, Tunis, Palermo, Marseille, Laverno. We are two couples and both husbands cannot walk long distances.

There are several books specific to Med cruises ... they provide info on excursions, activities and DIY options. In some locations, the sights aren't within walking distance but you can take a city bus or train and be there in 10 minutes.

 

I used Ann Viponds ' Med by cruiseship'. Rick Steves now has a cruise book which gets great reviews and I think Fodor has one also. Check your library.

Thanks for your suggestion. I just found the Rick Steves book and will download that.

It is always good to hear from fellow cruise critic members who have actually experienced the ports rather than a book. Two of our party cannot walk long distances and I should have added that to my original question.

Interesting topic. But part of the answer really depends on the individual and how much walking they enjoy. For example, in the port of Malta, DW and I have no problem walking into town from the pier, but many cruisers insist on getting some kind of transportation up the hill. It is the same in Barcelona where I love the 25-30 min walk from the cruise pier to the base of the Ramblas....but many cruisers would prefer to pay $5-$7 and wait in a queue for 15 min in order to avoid the walk. So perhaps it makes more sense to list those places where you cannot walk. For example, you cannot walk from Livorno to Pisa or Florence.

 

As Cruisemom says, it would be helpful if you list the ports that are of interest and how many miles of walking you are willing to do in a port day.

 

Hank

Thank you for your response. If it up to myself and my sister in law, we could walk miles. Unfortunately our two husbands cannot. I failed to mention that in my original post. We could leave them on the ship but I don't think that would go over very well!!

Off the top of my head, you can walk right off the ship into Naples, or from the ship right to the boats to Capri; Genoa is another easy walk from the ship port as is Venice. The port in Bari is only a short walk from the old town, and the cruise port at Palermo is right downtown.

Thanks very much. Nice to know that Palermo port is in the city.

One thing to consider is most of these ports have multiple attractions - so that's where the walking might be involved. For someone with limited mobility you might be best off looking for excursions on your roll call that target some sites you desire to see after reading a bit about the ports.

A shuttle or taxi to downtown Barcelona and then the HO HO bus might work. Valetta would be walkable for someone with some mobility problems - after taking transportation up the hill (sites are relatively compact). Tunis and Livorno - probably would be best to find an easy- go excursion on your roll call. Genoa - port is close to city - but things you might want to see would involve some walking (probably over 2 miles over the course of a port day). Marseille - a transportation-only excursion to something like Aix might fit the bill (city is more compact), or a taxi to downtown Marseille and then the tourist train to sites there. Monaco is also compact but hilly (once you get there) But, personally would rather go to Nice.

One thing to consider is most of these ports have multiple attractions - so that's where the walking might be involved. For someone with limited mobility you might be best off looking for excursions on your roll call that target some sites you desire to see after reading a bit about the ports.

 

A shuttle or taxi to downtown Barcelona and then the HO HO bus might work. Valetta would be walkable for someone with some mobility problems - after taking transportation up the hill (sites are relatively compact). Tunis and Livorno - probably would be best to find an easy- go excursion on your roll call. Genoa - port is close to city - but things you might want to see would involve some walking (probably over 2 miles over the course of a port day). Marseille - a transportation-only excursion to something like Aix might fit the bill (city is more compact), or a taxi to downtown Marseille and then the tourist train to sites there. Monaco is also compact but hilly (once you get there) But, personally would rather go to Nice.

Thanks very much for your suggestions. Lots to consider and plan for. We usually cruise the Caribbean which doesn't take much planning at all. To make the most of this trip I would like to have it well planned. I will look at the roll call and see if there are persons who have similar limitations for excursions.

Yes, sorry. I should have listed them. They are Barcelona, Naples, Monaco, Calvi, Tunis, Palermo, Marseille, Laverno. We are two couples and both husbands cannot walk long distances.

Well, in that case you might want to limit walking into town anywhere and save the walking for when you really need it :). In Barcelona you would want to use the shuttle bus, public port bus, or a taxi to get into the part of town you want to explore. As to Naples, it really depends on what you choose to do as there are many options (most of them outside of Naples). In Tunis, we suggest you either take a tour or hire a private taxi/guide since this city can be intimidating to those who have not done a lot of self-exploration in foreign places. Palermo is another place where you could walk from the port to the center of town (like Barcelona) but you would be better off using a taxi, shuttle bus, or tour to get to the part of town you want to visit. As to Marseille, we usually recommend that first-time visitors consider going outside Marseille to a place like Aix en Provence. And in Livorno you really cannot walk anywhere (they will not usually let you walk through the port).

Hank

Thanks very much for your suggestions. Lots to consider and plan for. We usually cruise the Caribbean which doesn't take much planning at all. To make the most of this trip I would like to have it well planned. I will look at the roll call and see if there are persons who have similar limitations for excursions.

I think you're getting the idea - a Med cruise is very different from Caribbean cruise. In the Med, sites are in pretty big cities. At best, it's just under a mile to get to see what you might want to see (Valletta and Genoa - never been to Palermo so don't know about that one) - but with Livorno - if you want to see Florence and Pisa - it's an hour by car or train. Then, when you get to what is called the port on your cruise itinerary you are generally dealing with a city that is 100X larger than most Caribbean cruise ports.

Hope that you will have some fun planning! We love the Med for cruising because the planning takes some time and "extends" the vacation because of it (if you love planning). The Rick Steve's Med port guide is a great way to start. He outlines the public transportation options and also lets you know when it's best to take a ship's "DIY transportation" options. Since you have 4 people, in some ports, taxis, rather than paid ship shuttles, are the most cost effective way to start your DIY touring if you decide to the ho-ho route.

I think you're getting the idea - a Med cruise is very different from Caribbean cruise. In the Med, sites are in pretty big cities. At best, it's just under a mile to get to see what you might want to see (Valletta and Genoa - never been to Palermo so don't know about that one) - but with Livorno - if you want to see Florence and Pisa - it's an hour by car or train. Then, when you get to what is called the port on your cruise itinerary you are generally dealing with a city that is 100X larger than most Caribbean cruise ports.

 

 

Hope that you will have some fun planning! We love the Med for cruising because the planning takes some time and "extends" the vacation because of it (if you love planning). The Rick Steve's Med port guide is a great way to start. He outlines the public transportation options and also lets you know when it's best to take a ship's "DIY transportation" options. Since you have 4 people, in some ports, taxis, rather than paid ship shuttles, are the most cost effective way to start your DIY touring if you decide to the ho-ho route.

Thanks for your reply. I think I will look at some private taxi/limo tours as well as read Rick Steve's book for more suggestions. We are more interested in coastal villages, scenery, experiencing the foods of the areas, local arts, specialities etc. rather than the long tours to historical sites. I have travelled quite a bit myself for work in northern Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America but have never taken a Med cruise. In my work travels, I only had to look after my own interests. This time my travel companions are looking to me for the perfect vacation! ! I'm sure I will plan it well with the help of CC and further research.

Well, in that case you might want to limit walking into town anywhere and save the walking for when you really need it :). In Barcelona you would want to use the shuttle bus, public port bus, or a taxi to get into the part of town you want to explore. As to Naples, it really depends on what you choose to do as there are many options (most of them outside of Naples). In Tunis, we suggest you either take a tour or hire a private taxi/guide since this city can be intimidating to those who have not done a lot of self-exploration in foreign places. Palermo is another place where you could walk from the port to the center of town (like Barcelona) but you would be better off using a taxi, shuttle bus, or tour to get to the part of town you want to visit. As to Marseille, we usually recommend that first-time visitors consider going outside Marseille to a place like Aix en Provence. And in Livorno you really cannot walk anywhere (they will not usually let you walk through the port).

 

Hank

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate it.

Hi, I am sure someone has asked this before but I have not been successful in my searches for an answer to the following question - Do you know what ports in Italy, Spain and France have attractions, sights, shopping or anything to do within walking distance of the port. Interested in knowing what we can do without booking shore excursions in each port. We play to book some excursions but would also like to know options. Appreciate any advise anyone may have.

Hi all,please help me. I need to know the best and quickest way to get from Civitavecchia to Rome city for a tour at 9 30am.We arrive in port at 7am.Thanks Wendy

Hi all,please help me. I need to know the best and quickest way to get from Civitavecchia to Rome city for a tour at 9 30am.We arrive in port at 7am.Thanks Wendy

The first options is the train (not certain that once off the ship, shuttle bus to the port gate, walk to the train station, buy tickets and wait for the train) I am not certain that you will be assured of making a 9:30 appointment.

The other option is to hire a taxi.

Hi all,please help me. I need to know the best and quickest way to get from Civitavecchia to Rome city for a tour at 9 30am.We arrive in port at 7am.Thanks Wendy

Where in Rome does your tour start?

It may be possible to get there by train in time, but it will be tight.

The first step is getting off the ship, which may happen shortly after 7 AM or it may be a little later.

Next you need to take a shuttle bus from your ship to the port entrance. This service is provided free by the port authority and the buses go as soon as they fill up, but this will take a few minutes.

The train station in Civitavecchia is four-tenths of a mile from the place where the shuttle bus drops you off.

Therefore, in the very best of cases the earliest train you could possibly make is the 7:44, which gets to Rome between 8:24 - 8:48 (depending on which station in Rome is closest to your destination).

Add on the time to get from the train station to the place where your tour starts.

For almost any destination in Rome, this train will work for you. The next train, at 7:58 (arriving in Rome between 8:54 - 0:18) would probably also work.

If you miss both of these trains, however, you won't make it into Rome in time for a 9:30 start.

Monaco is walkable, but I wouldn't walk from the pier to the casino. Instead, take the boat bus from the pier (you'll have to look for the signs) to the other side of the harbor. Take the elvator up to the casino. It's much easier to walk down from the casino instead of walking uphill. Walking up to the palace could be a challenge but you can do it at your own pace.

Yes, sorry. I should have listed them. They are Barcelona, Naples, Monaco, Calvi, Tunis, Palermo, Marseille, Laverno. We are two couples and both husbands cannot walk long distances.

Barcelona -

The Barcelona Port Authority organizes a shuttle bus from the terminal at Moll Adossat to the Christopher Columbus Monument, south of the Ramblas. The buses run frequently and a ticket costs €2.5 per person (one way). There is a bus stop near the cruise terminals.

Naples-

From the cruise port it's very easy to walk to the historic center. When you leave the cruise terminal, cross the big parking lot and follow the sign for Piazza Municipo. This square is located at a few minutes walk from the pier and is located in the heart of the historic center and its highlights. From there it's easy to explore the rest on foot.

Monaco-

Whether you dock at the cruise port, or you come ashore by a tender boat, the starting point of the day is the cruise terminal building at Esplanade des Pêcheurs. From there it is easy walk to the center. In the cruise terminal building is an information desk of the Tourist Board.

When you leave the building cross the parking lot. There is also a small information desk. If you like to go the old city (Monaco Ville) to explore the cathedral and the palace, take the stairs on the left. It's a steep walk, but you'll be rewarded with some stunning views over the harbor and the Côte d'Azur.

TIP: You can also take the elevator starting from Parking des Pêcheurs to the Oceanographic Museum.

Other highlights such as the Casino, are located in the upper part on the other side of town. To go there first stay low close to the harbor. You will walk on a piece on the famous Formula I track. To go up you can use one of the many elevators in town.

Palermo-

Leave the port along the port gates opposite the "Stazione Marittima". From the Via Francesco Crispi you have easy access to the rest of the city. Just before the exit, there is also a Tourist Office information kiosk.

There is also a free shuttle bus provided by the Port Authority. Bus take you to Piazza Castelnuovo, a good starting point for further exploration of the city. The free shuttle bus departs at the exit of the port, opposite the docking area.

Marseille-

Large cruise ships dock at 8 to 10 km from the center of Marseille. Free shuttle bus between the Môle Léon Gourret and Joliette station, an interchange near the city centre with plenty of excellent onward tram, metro and bus connections. The bus runs every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you dock at La Joliette (only small ships) you find yourself within walking distance from the center

Livorno-

If you dock in the industrial area of the port (the case for most large cruise ships), it's not recommended to walk around in the harbor. It is too crowded and dangerous because of the many trucks, cranes, container trailers, etc. Moreover, you are 3-4 kilometers from the city center. You would lose too much valuable time.

If you dock close to the cruise terminal at Porto Mercantile, you can walk to the city center. From the pier, there are signs to the city and the nearest bus stop. Opposite the Fortezza Vecchia, one of the old forts, there is an exit gate of the port area. From there it is a 20 minute walk to the center.Most cruise lines provide a shuttle bus (whether or not complimentary . 5€) from your cruise ship to the center of Livorno. In the beginning, these buses run very frequent, but later in the day it can happen that you have to wait longer until the bus is full. The shuttle bus takes you in 15 minutes to the back of Piazza Grande, near the Tourist Office.

From Piazza Grande you can explore the rest of the city on foot or go by bus N° 1 to the train station for an excursion to Pisa, Florence or Lucca. Just behind the Cathedral you can also take bus N° 10 to Pisa.

Barcelona -

The Barcelona Port Authority organizes a shuttle bus from the terminal at Moll Adossat to the Christopher Columbus Monument, south of the Ramblas. The buses run frequently and a ticket costs €2.5 per person (one way). There is a bus stop near the cruise terminals.

 

Naples-

From the cruise port it's very easy to walk to the historic center. When you leave the cruise terminal, cross the big parking lot and follow the sign for Piazza Municipo. This square is located at a few minutes walk from the pier and is located in the heart of the historic center and its highlights. From there it's easy to explore the rest on foot.

 

Monaco-

Whether you dock at the cruise port, or you come ashore by a tender boat, the starting point of the day is the cruise terminal building at Esplanade des Pêcheurs. From there it is easy walk to the center. In the cruise terminal building is an information desk of the Tourist Board.

 

When you leave the building cross the parking lot. There is also a small information desk. If you like to go the old city (Monaco Ville) to explore the cathedral and the palace, take the stairs on the left. It's a steep walk, but you'll be rewarded with some stunning views over the harbor and the Côte d'Azur.

 

TIP: You can also take the elevator starting from Parking des Pêcheurs to the Oceanographic Museum.

 

Other highlights such as the Casino, are located in the upper part on the other side of town. To go there first stay low close to the harbor. You will walk on a piece on the famous Formula I track. To go up you can use one of the many elevators in town.

 

Palermo-

Leave the port along the port gates opposite the "Stazione Marittima". From the Via Francesco Crispi you have easy access to the rest of the city. Just before the exit, there is also a Tourist Office information kiosk.

There is also a free shuttle bus provided by the Port Authority. Bus take you to Piazza Castelnuovo, a good starting point for further exploration of the city. The free shuttle bus departs at the exit of the port, opposite the docking area.

 

Marseille-

Large cruise ships dock at 8 to 10 km from the center of Marseille. Free shuttle bus between the Môle Léon Gourret and Joliette station, an interchange near the city centre with plenty of excellent onward tram, metro and bus connections. The bus runs every 30 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you dock at La Joliette (only small ships) you find yourself within walking distance from the center

 

 

Livorno-

If you dock in the industrial area of the port (the case for most large cruise ships), it's not recommended to walk around in the harbor. It is too crowded and dangerous because of the many trucks, cranes, container trailers, etc. Moreover, you are 3-4 kilometers from the city center. You would lose too much valuable time.

 

If you dock close to the cruise terminal at Porto Mercantile, you can walk to the city center. From the pier, there are signs to the city and the nearest bus stop. Opposite the Fortezza Vecchia, one of the old forts, there is an exit gate of the port area. From there it is a 20 minute walk to the center.Most cruise lines provide a shuttle bus (whether or not complimentary . 5€) from your cruise ship to the center of Livorno. In the beginning, these buses run very frequent, but later in the day it can happen that you have to wait longer until the bus is full. The shuttle bus takes you in 15 minutes to the back of Piazza Grande, near the Tourist Office.

 

From Piazza Grande you can explore the rest of the city on foot or go by bus N° 1 to the train station for an excursion to Pisa, Florence or Lucca. Just behind the Cathedral you can also take bus N° 10 to Pisa.

Thank you so much! This is very detailed and helpful information that will greatly assist me in my planning. I am sailing Holland America so I will find out where they dock at each port.

Greatly appreciate your response.

Thank you mbeginner for that very helpful post. I have copied a link to this thread into my Roll Call thread!

Hi, I am sure someone has asked this before but I have not been successful in my searches for an answer to the following question - Do you know what ports in Italy, Spain and France have attractions, sights, shopping or anything to do within walking distance of the port. Interested in knowing what we can do without booking shore excursions in each port. We play to book some excursions but would also like to know options. Appreciate any advise anyone may have.

Here is a very useful site: www.whatsinport.com. Click the country, then the city. You can click on the 'video' or 'images',to get an idea where to go.

In every port there are hoho buses, that wait close to the ship [except in Barcelona: at the Columbus monument]. Normally I take the whole loop, get off at the port to have lunch, then continue to visit with that bus the interesting places. The ticket costs about 18-20E.

In some cities, like Monaco or Barcelona, there are daypasses available. It is cheaper than the hoho, but there's no explanation.

In Civitavecchia: when you get off from the shuttle bus, walk to the main road, go to the right, at the 1st shop you can buy a roundtrip trainticket to Rome for 12E, this includes the public transportation in Rome.

We cruise 3x/year in the Med. I hope this info can help you.

Beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere.

Enjoy your cruise.

Here is a very useful site: www.whatsinport.com. Click the country, then the city. You can click on the 'video' or 'images',to get an idea where to go.

 

In every port there are hoho buses, that wait close to the ship [except in Barcelona: at the Columbus monument]. Normally I take the whole loop, get off at the port to have lunch, then continue to visit with that bus the interesting places. The ticket costs about 18-20E.

 

In some cities, like Monaco or Barcelona, there are daypasses available. It is cheaper than the hoho, but there's no explanation.

 

In Civitavecchia: when you get off from the shuttle bus, walk to the main road, go to the right, at the 1st shop you can buy a roundtrip trainticket to Rome for 12E, this includes the public transportation in Rome.

 

We cruise 3x/year in the Med. I hope this info can help you.

 

Beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Great site! Thank you. Any special tips to avoid the pickpockets? Does this include purse snatchers as well?