Eastern Mediterranean Celebrity Review - very VERY overdue

[cojuqui]

This restaurant is officially one of my favorite places on Earth. If I could lay here for a week, I'd be happy. Sadly we had to head back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before heading back to return the car, we visited the Little Venice area of Mykonos and the famous Windmills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Returning the jeep and getting back to the ship was no problem. What a perfect day. In all honestly when someone asks about one my “best days” this one makes the list.

 

 

 

With a large group, we were always meeting up with someone. Lots of places to hang out on board to meet up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a great dinner and then headed back to the club for more karaoke (and apparently more drinks). With a great group of friends to share the embarrassment, it’s okay though.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another end to a great day. Kusadasi Turkey tomorrow and another ship organized excursion.

 

 

 

 

Connie

 

PAST CRUISES:

 

Discovery Sun 2003 Freeport Bahamas Day Cruise

Celebrity Solstice 6/26/09 Eastern Mediterranean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2251655

Carnival Conquest 08/10/10 Eastern Caribbean

Carnival Victory 06/10/12 Southern Caribbean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1659913

Carnival Miracle 07/30/13 Alaska http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...8#post39476968

Diamond Princess 12/23/13 New Zealand/Australia http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2112413

Carnival Pride 11/23/14 Exotic Western Caribbean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2135404

[cojuqui]

We got up and had an early breakfast and headed out to meet our bus for the tour of Ephesus. It was neat because at Church we had been going over Ephesians and I was looking forward to walking the streets there.

 

 

The drive was only about ½ hour away. Now having travelled more, we probably would have done this on our own, but being still new to travelling we didn't want to take too many chances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julio decided to attend the theater.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This altar listed the names of past emperors. Very impressive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was amazing to walk along Curetes Street headed to the Celsus Library. Awe inspiring to know that we were walking on streets developed before Christ was born. The city of Ephesus was established in the year 10 BC. The Celsus Library was built in 117 AD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These look like ancient giant legos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connie

 

PAST CRUISES:

 

Discovery Sun 2003 Freeport Bahamas Day Cruise

Celebrity Solstice 6/26/09 Eastern Mediterranean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2251655

Carnival Conquest 08/10/10 Eastern Caribbean

Carnival Victory 06/10/12 Southern Caribbean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1659913

Carnival Miracle 07/30/13 Alaska http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showt...8#post39476968

Diamond Princess 12/23/13 New Zealand/Australia http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2112413

Carnival Pride 11/23/14 Exotic Western Caribbean http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2135404

[searoses]

So you could see little venice and the windmills from your jeep? I'm not a strong walker so anything I can see from a car is great and your beach and restaurant find is perfect....I can swim like a fish !....this will be my first and only trip to the capitals of Europe but mykonos is the one place I really need to go!...

[cojuqui]

So you could see little venice and the windmills from your jeep? I'm not a strong walker so anything I can see from a car is great and your beach and restaurant find is perfect....I can swim like a fish !....this will be my first and only trip to the capitals of Europe but mykonos is the one place I really need to go!...

 

Hi there, Yes, we could see the windmills from the road driving. I attached a close up of a map we had and as you can see, there is a parking lot right in front of the windmills "Kalo Myli". Also you can see the proximity of Little Venice. On the map, it's called "Alexfantra" You can see it from the parking lot as well.

 

At the restaurant in Ftelia, you can park right up next to the restaurant as well, but there are a set of stairs to go up. Once you're there though, you'll never want to leave, the large couches and hammock chairs made for a beautiful end of the day. Mykonos will not disappoint you.

 

 

 

Connie

[searoses]

Thank you so much!....we are adventurous driving on islands and plan to reserve a jeep....your information really helped....

[cojuqui]

Because of receding water, the site is about 8 km from the sea , where it used to be a seaport, There is a photo of the original marketplace at the harbor.

 

 

We also got to see a reenactment and the Odeon Theater

 

 

 

Too soon it was time to head back to Kusadasi. Along the way, we got to see our beautiful ship in the distance.

 

 

Once we got back into town, we headed for the Bazaar. We also checked out a rug making demonstration and tasted some Turkish beer.

 

 

[cojuqui]

While walking around we visited a mosque (yes, I brought a scarf to cover my head) and we walked over a bridge and checked out Pigeon Island.

 

 

There were some very nice views of Kusadasi from Pigeon Island.

 

 

The rest of the evening was spent at dinner with the group and re-telling of our day and purchases in the bazaar. Great desserts and fun people watching some more.

 

For our port stop in Rhodes, there wasn’t a whole lot of choice on what to do. Several of the people in our group booked an excursion to a nearby hotel for a beach day. We chose to plan our own day here.

 

We arrived in Rhodes and marvelled at the beauty of this walled city.

 

 

Once we disembarked we walked along the waterfront thru the wall gate and then on to Rimini Square to catch the city bus to Lindos. The ticket was 4.50 euros each way. Lindos is about 35 miles from the port area , but with several stops, it took a little over an hour. We packed a snack lunch with us , along with our snorkels and masks as we knew there is a beautiful beach there.

 

Once we got to Lindos, we walked to the bottom of the hill and hired a donkey to ride up to the top of the Acropolis. It cost 6 euros for the one way ride. The view looking was so pretty and the path we rode along had so many pretty flowers.

 

 

 

[cojuqui]

The view down to the beach below was beautiful too. The water looked so inviting.

 

 

 

Julio’s donkey looked a little tired. The next one looks like he’s up on the rack getting his oil changed.

 

 

 

After checking out the Acropolis, we decided to walk the pathways back down toward the beach.

 

 

[cojuqui]

Swimming in this clear water was so refreshing. Life is good. We found a neat shell to bring home with us.

 

 

 

We took a break from swimming and actually sat up under the tree in the view behind me to have a picnic lunch. What a tranquil spot.

 

 

Another great lunch view and then back for another quick dip before taking the bus back to port.

 

 

 

We made it back on the bus just fine and took our time wandering around the city before getting back on the ship.

 

We got to see the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite which date back from 300 BC. And we enjoyed our views all the way back till we were back on board the Solstice.

 

[cojuqui]

The bride and groom arranged priority disembarkation for the tender at Santorini. We waited in the lobby area and took all kinds of Pre Wedding photos , we were excited about the day. We were on the first tender and on our way quickly. We spotted the cable car up the mountain and were eager to get on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got a beautiful bird's eye view of our ship.

 

[cojuqui]

We walked the cobblestone streets all carrying our dresses and tuxes and jewelry and shoes. We were quite the sight. Soon enough we boarded our van and were on our way to the Mystique Hotel.

 

 

Such breathtaking views at every turn of the maze that would take us to the area to get ready.

 

 

 

 

The site for the wedding was just as beautiful. We could have asked for more beautiful weather either.

 

 

 

 

The wedding itself and the reception after was what fairy tales are made of. We were truly honored to be a part of this day.

 

[cojuqui]

 

 

 

All too soon the day ended and we headed back on the bus to the cable car. I don't know WHAT Julio and I were thinking after a long day and LOTS of drinks, but we decided to walk down the path that the donkeys use instead of waiting in the long line for the cable cars. It wouldn’t have been so bad, but I was wearing sandals and they kept sliding off my feet on the walk down. I did a screenshot of Google maps just to show the wonderful path.

 

 

[cojuqui]

There was more yummy dinner followed by a delicious dessert in the dining room for us to try. We watched the Not So Newly Wed game and had lots of laughs. We’ve been married almost 12 years and not sure how well we would do.We called it an early night after not much sleep and a full day today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy 4th of July!!!! Today is our second sea day. We started the day very lazy. The mediterranean sun was hot and bright yesterday and I woke up with a nice sunburn. Time to use the aloe gel I brought along. I burn easily so I made sure I was equipped just in case.

We had a group breakfast and then headed out to look around the ship. What a beautiful ship the Solstice is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took in a cutthroat game of Ping Pong. Our friend Dwight played hard.

 

[cojuqui]

We followed up the Ping Pong with a little trivia and then just spent the rest of the day relaxing thinking about all of the 4th of July festivities going on back in the states.

 

Last formal night tonight and our group looked amazing!!!!!!

 

 

 

We tried escargot for the first time. Bucket list item. Not sure how I feel about them, but hey, at least we tried them. I think our faces say it all.

 

 

 

After dinner was the last Show of the trip and it was good. “Solstice: The Show”. Didn’t get any photos of it, but it’s always great to see all the effort that goes into these productions.

 

While others were out and about , we had some quiet time in the bride and groom’s hot tub. We didn't get fireworks by American standards, but the show we got was far more spectacular. As we cruised by Mt Etna, we saw the flank eruption.

 

 

Okay, so it’s not all SUPER impressive, but we were excited to see it.

 

[cojuqui]

TIme to get changed and hit up Club Quazar for the cruise’s final dance party.

 

 

 

 

 

Up early for our last port day. Naples. We have a full day planned ahead.

[cojuqui]

This was another Celebrity Cruise excursion. We chose to visit and hike Mt Vesuvius and then visit the historical city of Pompeii. The description of our tour indicated that we needed to be able to walk approximately 5.5 miles over a variety including rough terrain.

 

We met up with our group and headed for the bus. As we drove thru Naples it was crazy to see all the congestion. So many wires and cables connecting everywhere. After we cleared the city, it was amazing to see Mt. Vesuvius up in the distance. We got to hear history along the drive which was interesting.

 

 

Along the way we had a short visit to a cameo shop. The details that are carved into the cameos is so intricate.

 

 

We stopped in a gravel lot part way up the volcano and then prepared to climb the rest of the way up. Julio climbs a bit faster than I do so he waited for me a couple times.

 

 

The views along the hike were beautiful. The clouds seemed so low.

 

 

 

[cojuqui]

We had spectacular weather and it was amazing to look down into the crater of the volcano. We could even see spots of steam coming out in places.

 

 

 

 

Here are a couple google map images of the trail from the gravel lot up and then another of the path around the crater.

 

 

[cojuqui]

After hiking back down to the bus we headed to the ancient City of Pompeii which was buried in 13-20 feet of ash after an eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 a.d. It was rediscovered in 1599 and more proper excavations started in 1738.

 

Before we went inside the ancient city walls, it was only right we stopped in across the street for pizza since Naples is where it originated. What a tasty treat.

 

 

 

Time to check out some ruins. The smaller gate was for pedestrians and the larger gate was for animals to enter the walled city.

 

 

This was the ancient version of their scale. Goods would be measured in these bowls for pricing.

 

[cojuqui]

Plaster was poured into the empty cavities in 1863 to form casts left behind in the packed ash to form the outlines of what was once there. You can even see the details of the shirt sleeves. Lots of items have been reclaimed from the ash over the years Side note that got me thinking. They were making plaster casts of bodies over 1700 years old while the US was fighting a Civil War.

 

 

 

 

 

The art and frescoes here was beautiful. Due to the sexual nature of several frescoes though, paintings were removed and stored in a “secret room”.

 

 

 

For those wanting “nighttime entertainment” there were houses of ill repute in Pompeii. They were noted by a statue of a penis on the wall outside.

 

[cojuqui]

Sewage ran down the edges of the streets here so to make it cleaner to cross the street, “Cross walks” were built like stepping stones. People could walk across them, but carts and animals could still pass thru them. Wonder if this is where the idea for the white stripes on modern crosswalks came from.

 

 

Here are a few more photos around the site. So much history and beauty.

 

 

 

 

Time to head back on the ship for our last night on the Solstice.

 

[cojuqui]

I enjoyed a mini Chocolate Fondue Dessert. Then hanging out for the evening.

 

 

 

 

All too soon it was nice to scan our cards on last time to get off the ship. Time for a fun day in Rome.

 

[cojuqui]

We got off the ship and headed to our hotel for the night. Sadly there was a problem with our room and we had follow the hotel representative down the block and around the corner, WITH ALL OUR STUFF to another hotel that would accommodate us for the night.

 

We stayed at Hotel Marco Polo on Via Magenta. Our rate was $111 including taxes and it also included breakfast.

 

We started our day off with an open tour on a hop on/off bus of Rome. It was 19 euros each for 24 hours..

 

 

 

 

I had brought a printout of history and information about the Colosseum with us so we checked it out and had all the info we needed. What a fantastic structure to see in person.

 

 

 

[cojuqui]

We spent more of the day looking at other sights around Rome. The Constantine Arch, La Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth), Monument for Victor Emmanuel II

 

 

 

 

We were able to take an amazing journey thru The Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. I had to buy a scarf as you’re not supposed to go in with bare shoulders. Sadly several of my photos are blurry. Very disappointed, but I do have the clear memories.

 

 

[cojuqui]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back outside we took in the beauty of St. Peter’s Square

 

The egyptian obelisks were stunning. The carvings on them were so intricate. The Piazza del Popolo.

 

 

Throughout Rome there are over 2000 small fountains where you can actually drink the water. SO refreshing on hot summer days. Be care though if you see a sign that says “acqua non-potable” . Don't drink from those. We found this neat one near the Vatican.

 

[cojuqui]

No trip to Rome would be complete either without a visit to Trevi Fountain.

 

We finished the day with Gladiator school for Julio. We reserved a spot at Gruppo Storico Romano. We took a taxi to get there. It was awesome for Julio to learn different tactics using the same weapons as the gladiators did.

 

 

 

 

We headed back to our hotel and repacked our gear for the flight home the next day. We took the train from Rome to Fiumicino Airport. From there, we flew home through Chicago where we went through the customs process.

 

So many amazing memories with friends that will last a lifetime!!!!!