Rotterdam Spanning 3 Continents part 3

[newfarmers]

ports of call Venice to Lisbon

 

Dubrovnik

Our shorex here – sea kayaking – was cancelled due to lack of numbers. It was a bit cool and wet when we arrived so we weren’t too sad! We walked to the old town from the port. It was a really nice walk. Took us about an hour I think. The old town was amazing. Walked the whole way round the walls. Had a great lunch at a restaurant overlooking the fishing boats. Millenium was in town so the old town was fairly busy but it was a great day.

Malta

Ship docked right below the city. I had booked a private tour with Chris and Joan Sheridan of TouringMalta. We were accompanied by six fellow CruiseCritters on our trip. We had a great day circumnavigating the island. Was a full day starting in Mdina and finishing at Hypogeum and the Tarxian Temples. We were dropped off up in the town and wandered the streets before walking down to the ship.

Sicily

Docked in Messina, one block from the main street. Took HAL shorex to Taormina – Taormina and the Greco Roman Theatre. The weather didn’t co-operate so we didn’t have a chance to see Mount Etna in the distance, just the shroud of mist and rain that were hiding it. Taormina was quite beautiful. Our guide gave us lots of info on the way to and from Taormina and gave us an opportunity to leave the group once we were in the town. Bought a couple of bottles of wine to enjoy on board.

Civitivecchia

Lots of ships in port – a Seabourn, a Seadream Yacht Club, Seven Seas Mariner and Arcadia. We walked to the station, maybe 45 minutes although there was a shuttle to the entrance of the port area. Caught the 8.05 train in to Rome after buying two BIRG tickets for EUR9 each. Train took about an hour. Caught connecting train to Ostio Antica where we spent the morning. Train back in to Rome then Metro to Circus Maximus station. Saw Pantheon, Hadrian’s Tomb, St Peters Square and then train back to Civitavecchia. Bought more wine at station in Rome. Feet were aching so we were both glad to rest them on the train and then see shuttle to get back to ship. Only port we needed our passports but neither of us was asked for them at any stage.

Monte Carlo

Was awake for amazing experience of ship reversing in to the tiny harbour of Monte Carlo. The harbour is just spectacular. We intended to catch the bus to Eze for the morning and then look at the old town of Monte Carlo up around the castle in the afternoon. Waited at the bus stop above the Casino for a while with no sign of bus. Went down to the info centre and on the street below and were told that there are no buses to Eze on a Sunday. Al went back up to the stop and told the fellow Rotterdam passengers there was no point in waiting for the bus. We thoroughly enjoyed Monte Carlo. Walked up to the castle. Wandered around the old town. Back down to the port area. Had a really good lunch, wandered around the marina some more and headed back to the ship with plenty of time to spare.

Barcelona

Loved Barcelona. Caught shuttle to bottom of Las Ramblas. Not much open when we arrived. Caught Metro to station closest to Park Guell. Entered park from end away from monument park. Was amazing walking around a corner of the path and the monument park was below us. Loved the mosaics. Visited Gaudi’s house. Managed a picture of the famous Gaudi lizard surrounded by the crowds. Back down to the Metro and into the centre of town. Queue at La Pedrera VERY long so we head to la Sagrada Familia. Words cannot describe it. Fantastic!!! Was looking for a tapas bar to have lunch but somehow end up in an all you can eat restaurant that is full of locals. Great fun. Stumble across Casa Batllo. Was on our list nut not near the top. Glad we did. The brilliance of Gaudi is on full display here. Wander through the Barri Gotic and then across to the beach, past the marina and then back to the shuttle stop. Fabulous day.

Valencia

We spent the day with a friend of mine who had come down from Madrid. We walked (again) to Ciudad de Las Artes Y Las Ciencias. Visited the science museum and the Oceanarium. The most amazing place (architecturally) I have ever been. Another great day.

Lisbon

Shorex today provided by our travel agent. Although we didn’t see as much as we could have if we’d been on our own we still got a great taste of Lisbon. Started day with ride on Funicular and then visit to the Institute of Port. Walking tour through part of old town. Terrific lunch provided as part of shorex. Quick trip out to Belem but not enough time to stop at the tower. Loved the exterior tiling. We will be coming back here.

[DOC & BABE]

newfarmers,

 

thanks for taking the time to share your cruise, we will be on reverse april 04 rio to athens. glad to hear about the ship being good condition.