Riviera-Live- Barcelona to Istanbul- July 2014

[Catherine721]

Thank you for posting all your beautiful pictures and sharing your voyage with all the CC members. Some of your ports I have been to and some I have not. But your photos make me want to revisit everything again and brings back many memories. Hope to see more posts.

 

Linda

[computerworks]

Thanks all.... sorry for falling behind. This bang-bang itinerary leaves very little down time. Early out-- late back--dinner--etc---plan for the next day.

 

I'll try and catch up on some of the ports tonite.

[yorkiemomjn]

Thanks all.... sorry for falling behind. This bang-bang itinerary leaves very little down time. Early out-- late back--dinner--etc---plan for the next day.

 

I'll try and catch up on some of the ports tonite.

 

I wanted to also express my appreciation for all these great posts and pictures! Love revisiting some of the ports and getting to see the ones we have yet to visit! :D

[computerworks]

Had a fun full day in Rome, despite the train strike. Made it back to the ship in time for a quick dinner, then the World Cup Final at night.

 

Apparently, the ship added extra buses for Rome excursions in light of the train strike.... we took the "on your own" route. We have been to Rome many times before; this time we just wanted to go back and see the obvious and famous sites.

 

We grabbed a HoHo bus, and took one full lap... noting which stops we wanted to get off at. Then, on the second lap, we did just that...

 

Piazza di Populi

 

 

Just a fun sign...

 

 

Piazza Venezia

 

 

 

 

Trevi Fountain...under reconstruction

 

[computerworks]

I am a sucker for the Circus Maximus... I could sit on the grass under a tree for hours and imagine the spectacle that took place here. A hundred thousand cheering spectators watching the competitions... fascinating.

 

 

 

...and of course, the Colosseum

 

 

[computerworks]

St. Peter's

 

 

Stopped for lunch....Some of the best pizza ever.

 

 

After a full day, it was back to the ship for a quick dinner at the Terrace Cafe... then, the World Cup Final, on the pool deck.

 

 

Tomorrow, Capri.

[computerworks]

Today, we anchored at Sorrento and tendered ashore. The plan was to spent the day in Capri. The ferry dock is right next to the tender dock...so transport was a breeze. Round trip tickets and a set time for our return.

 

Capri

 

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

We took the Funicular, from Port of Marina Grande, to the Piazzetta, for some shopping. From there we went to Anacapri to walk the old village area and have lunch. getting around Capri is a breeze; the buses are frequent, well-marked and very inexpensive.

 

 

Anacapri

 

 

 

Angela scored an epic fig in a small grocery store...it was sinfully sweet and soft.

 

[computerworks]

Back on the ferry and to the ship before the last tender.

 

Tonite, we dined in Polo... worth some food shots.

 

Appetizers of Shrimp and Lump Crabmeat

 

 

 

Kobe sliders

 

 

The "small" Porterhouse

 

[computerworks]

Worth mentioning that, after dining in all four specialties... Jacques came out number one for us. It had always been our least favorite...but this trip... they shined. Polo is a close second and never disappoints.

 

Red Ginger and Toscana were good... don't get me wrong... but I think the menus need a refresh.

[computerworks]

We anchored in Giardini Naxos, the port for Taormina, Sicily, which is about 5 miles north of there.

 

Our rental car was waiting and, after looking at the traffic and the hills involved...we modified our agenda to fit the time we had available.

 

The plan was to drive through Taormina and visit the Teatro Greco area.

 

This turned out to be the most challenging port to drive... the area is suitable for mountain goats, not cars.

Often, while driving thru a village, the roadway would neck down to merely a sidewalk, barely wide enough for one car.

 

I mustered up my best Italian when we were stopped by Polizia several times, "Hey!...dove pensi che stai andando?"

 

When we got to Teatro Greco...all was good except no place to stow the car. I gave a local a few Euros to use his driveway.

 

 

Riviera at anchor in Giardini Naxos

 

 

 

[computerworks]

Teatro Greco

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

So, we spot a local poster announcing a concert this weekend...Il Volo is performing in Taormina... in the open air Teatro Greco.... now, that will be amazing.

 

 

 

Since my wife is hard-core groupie of Il Volo... it will take a major effort to make sure she does not jump ship and stay in Taormina.

 

 

 

Either way, one of us or both of us...leaving Taormina and heading to Malta for tomorrow

Edited July 16, 2014 by computerworks

[computerworks]

[NickCarraway]

Stunning photos. Congratulations on the nerve to tackle the roads!

[CintiPam]

What a nice itinerary for your cruise.

 

Loving all your photos.

 

I love Malta; two one-day port visits simply have not been anywhere near enough. Last visit we went to the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta and had an incredible guided tour there.

[TERRIER1]

I am thoroughly enjoying your posts and pics. Keep it up and thank you.

Edited July 17, 2014 by TERRIER1

[computerworks]

I have another saga to share while we were in Sicily...but it will have to wait until we return.

 

That chapter in my book will be entitled: "That F'ing GPS almost killed us." :cool:

 

We did make it to the mountain village of Savoca, but not without incident. :p

[computerworks]

We docked in Valletta, Malta. We have been here before, so we slept in for some recharge time. We got off the ship around Noon and took a relaxing sightseeing bus around the North part of the island.

 

Valletta

 

 

 

 

 

[computerworks]

The Church in Mosta. Great story about how a German shell crashed thru the dome on a Sunday during a WWII bombing raid. The church was full...the shell landed on the center aisle...it was a dud... a miracle. They have the shell on display in the vestibule.

 

 

 

The vineyards

 

 

The Glass Factory

 

Edited July 17, 2014 by computerworks

[computerworks]

So... this is what it is like to stay on the ship when in port!

 

 

 

Tomorrow... our first Sea Day... just before our last port of call, in Lesvos.

[Paulchili]

Ron,

as always, I am enjoying your commentary and especially the pictures.

Thank you.

[TERRIER1]

I have another saga to share while we were in Sicily...but it will have to wait until we return.

 

That chapter in my book will be entitled: "That F'ing GPS almost killed us." :cool:

 

We did make it to the mountain village of Savoca, but not without incident. :p

 

I applaud you for driving in Italy. I know of many people who said the GPS was good for nothing in many Italian towns.

[computerworks]

A Sea Day... finally. That means sleeping in with a late breakfast.

 

Went to a Cooking Demo in the Lounge this a.m.

 

 

Lunch... then start doing some packing.

 

 

Weather has been superb throughout the cruise.

 

 

After Dinner, heading to the last production Show.

 

[computerworks]

Farewell Show

 

Dottie was a very good CD...omnipresent, but not overwhelming.

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow... Mitilini, Lesvos and another exploration day. Have to watch the clock since we sail at 4pm and are tendering.