any suggestions for Athens to Monte Carlo

While we have been to a few of the ports on this cruise itinerary, we are wondering how much you can really do on your own or hiring a taxi in some of the smaller ports. Are there normally taxis waiting at some of these smaller ports in Italy to take you on tours? Anyone interested in sharing a taxi from Monte Carol to Nice Airport (unless you have more luggage than can feasibly fit in the trunk, if shared with another couple?

Thanks,

Can you list the ports? That would give us a better idea of who to help? Also you may want to check the roll call board to see if there is one for your cruise.

Thanks for your reply. We have been to Santorini, Ephesus and Florence, as well as Monte Carolo but the places that will be new for us are; Syracuse, Lipari, Symi, Ponza and Portovenere. Not sure about this towns and what there is to do. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your reply. We have been to Santorini, Ephesus and Florence, as well as Monte Carolo but the places that will be new for us are; Syracuse, Lipari, Symi, Ponza and Portovenere. Not sure about this towns and what there is to do. Any suggestions?

Here is a review of a cruise we did which included Syracuse. The relevant bit is on page 5

In the picture where the ship docks, there is an avenue of trees and just behind these is the old town. Much of this port is within easy walking distance, but you may consider a local taxi / guide if you visit the ruins, which are about 2 miles from the port.

I strongly suggest you visit the Ports of Call section of CC and check out Italy. There will be lots of information on ports and if you do not find what you need just start a new post and ask.

Syracuse has a wonderful food market. And the cathedral on Ortigya cannot be missed - baroque on the outside, but actually a fully intact Greek temple on the inside, but with the walls filled in. However, the best bits in Syracuse are the Greek theatre and the quarries, which are some way out of town. You would need to take a taxi or join a ship's tour to get there.

Lipari is a town you can do on your own. You arrive in the heart of the town, and can then walk up to the cathedral/castle/museum. Although there was some positive feedback about the Pizza cooking class, I recall.

Ponza is a tiny island where the Roman well to do holiday. The little town is small but sweet. We really enjoyed the trip on a small fishing boat around the island - very beautiful rocks and scenery and including sailing into the Roman fish farms (reputedly owned by Pontius Pilate - or at lest his family), stopping off for a swim, and with plenty of soft drinks and beer. It was very low key but one of the best ship-organised tours I can recall.

Go to Cinqueterre when you're in Portovenere, either on your own or with the ship's excursion. It should not be missed!