lisaatric

We took the train from the port to St.Peters, wandered around there for a while and then walked to the Vatican. There was no way we were getting into the Basilica. The line was hours long. I had tried to get skip-the-line tickets prior, but none were available, even though I checked months before the trip. We had booked our Vatican tour through the official Vatican sight, again months before. It is clear on the website when the ticket blocks are released. It was a three-hour tour (I’m now humming the Gilligan’s Island theme song. Are you?), which ended in the Sistine Chapel. We then walked back to the train and were back on board the ship in plenty of time. The whole trip did take about 8 hours, but we did have coffee in the morning and a nice lunch. We were in port about 12 hours. However, 8 hours doesn’t leave any margin of error. I’d look for a shorter Vatican tour. Maybe there’s one that covers both in a shorter time period? The train was actually a very efficient mode of travel. Less than an hour each way. We just took regular commuter trains.

My husband and I booked a Vatican tour through the Vatican website. It went through all the grounds and the museum and ended in the Sistine Chapel. Maybe four hours? We took a shuttle bus to the train station from the port and took the train into the City. Easy walk from the train station in Rome to St. Peter’s and then to the Vatican (Maps app on phone-easy.). Then took the train back. The shuttle bus was mobbed so we walked back to the port. 20 minutes? Very inexpensive way to see the Vatican. The “official” tour was amazing. Someone else will have to chime in on how to work the Coliseum into the day. We had time for coffee and pastries in the morning as well as lunch. We had never been to Rome. In fact, this was my first time in Europe and it was simple to figure out. I may never take a bus tour again.

I see the author has made up his mind but wanted to add my 2 cents. We took a bike tour through the Calanques National Park which was the highlight of our cruise with no shortage of amazing sites. We Uber-ed to the starting point of the tour which took about a 1/2 hour from the port. I highly recommend this trip. Ours was through Viator but I'm sure there are others. Don't miss that park.

Another vote for Barcelona Day Tours. Great tour. We purchased the entry ticket to LSF, wandered around and then walked back to our hotel on Las Ramblas. Stopped for dinner along the way, then for desert. It was a beautiful evening. I do wish we had had the ticket to go to the top. I didn’t realize at the time it was separate.

Very simple to get a taxi. It’s about a 20 minute ride.

I could just wander in Barcelona for weeks. Go.

I’m thinking none of this has to be so complicated. One morning, we walked from the port to the train station (I think a shuttle brought us part of the way), got on the train, got off and walked to the Vatican, did our tour, walked back to the station, took the train back to the port, and walked back to the ship (no shuttle-it was crowded). No train tickets purchased in advance. Yes Vatican tour tickets purchased in advance. First time to Italy. The only research was to determine which train station was closest to the Vatican. Maps on our phones got us to where we needed to be.

We stayed there too and found it very convenient. The vaporetto practically drops you in the lobby and they will get you to the airport free of charge. It’s definitely very quiet in Murano at night. Not a ton of restaurant choices but we enjoyed the peace!

Just got one yesterday-exclusively for Ocean cruises.

We walked too. I think we asked at the station what ticket to buy. We were going to the Vatican.

My waterpik did not work either.

Love this! Thank you.

SO helpful! Thank you! We are cruising, so just a day stop. Not sure how long yet, but I can certainly make some tentative plans. Thank you again. Your time and knowledge is very much appreciated!

Has anyone visited Stonehenge from the Portsmouth port? There do not appear to be available tours via the usual independent companies. There is a train to Salisbury which isn’t a long ride so I will investigate that option further. Wondering how others have accomplished this.

I believe it was 9 am.