All my Crabs are Packed...I'm ready to go

It's hard to believe, but here we are. The eve before another big trip. I always get a little anxious the day before thinking about leaving the house and dealing with people. Ugh. But thankfully the always chipper Janet is with me and she keeps everyone talking. 

I just checked Janet and I in and am sending good vibes out to the universe that Air Canada does not live up to all the negative things I heard about them. It's going to be fine. 

The itinerary of our trip has been set for months, but for documenting purposes - and in case anyone reads this blog - here's what's happening. 

Barcelona

We're spending a day and a half in Barcelona. I love this city and I am so thrilled to be spending some more time there. We're going to visit Parque Guell since we missed it the last time. Then we're doing a tour of La Sagrada Familia. This church has been under development for over 100 years.

Our cruise starts on May 18th. We're on the Norwegian Pearl this trip. I thought I had been on the Pearl before but I can't seem to find any photos of us on the Pearl. Mom and Dad have been on the Pearl a couple of times. I love knowing that. It's like they will be traveling with us. 

May 19

Port: Marseille

Excursion: Marseille City Highlights & Avignon

I've been to Marseille once before in our 2014 cruise. The highlight of Marseill to me is the massive basilica on the hill. Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde. It's a beautiful basilica and I'm excited to see it again. 

After Marseille we head to Avignon. This will be a first time for me. In Avignon,  along the banks of the Rhone River, we'll see the famous Pont d’Avignon with only four of its arches remaining. "Avignon was a small but prosperous town when its destiny changed in the early 14th century with the exile of the Popes to France, leading to a century of brilliance. It is surrounded by ramparts and dominated by the Doms Rock which is crowned by the magnificent Cathedral and Palace of the Popes." We'll have some free time in Avignon for lunch and general wandering.  

May 20 

Port: Cannes 

Excursion: Highlights of Nice

Every time I see the word Nice I think of a t-shirt I got back in 1987 when I was there for Senior Skip Day. The t-shirt said "Nice is Nice". It's only funny if you realize the first "nice" is "neese" the city.

Anyhow, there wasn't anything intersting in Cannes to see, so we opted for the side excursion to Nice.  We'll drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a lovely palm lined boulevard stretching three miles along the Baie des Anges. We'll pass landmarks such as the legendary Negresco, an imposing hotel with a Rococo façade. 

Upon arrival in old Nice, enjoy your walk along Cours Saleya, an elegant promenade lined with shops, restaurants and home to the famous flower market that’s held here. Your drive continues passing the Regina Hotel to Cimiez Hill, an upscale area with many large villas. You’ll pass the Franciscan Monastery, gardens and Roman arenas, before joining the highway back to Cannes.

Nice is one of two short days for us. We're only out and about for 4.5 hours. It'll be nice to rest up that afternoon. 

May 21

Port: Livorno/Florence

Excursion: Florence & Pisa

This will be a fun stop for us. Janet's never been to Italy in general and her first steps into Italy will be Florence and the Leaning Tower. What a way to start your Italian adventure. 

In Florence we'll get a short tour of the city seeing places like the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria del Fiore, its elaborate Gothic façade is covered in a mix of pink and green marble, the statues in the Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio (the medieval stone bridge was the first bridge built across the River Arno, and has been well known for its goldsmiths and jewelers since the 16th century.)

Lunch is included and then we'll have some free time to explore. First on my list is to find a Wine Window. Wine windows Florence: https://www.theintrepidguide.com/wine-windows-in-florence/

Once we're done in Florence we head to Pisa to see the Leaning tower. This will be my third time seeing it and I'm sure I'll still stand there and marvel at it. 

May 22

Port: Rome

Excursion: Rome, Spanish Steps & St. Peter's Basilica

Rome is one of my favorite cities of all. It's big, bold, dirty and full of history. We'll do a bus tour of the city and at some point get off for a short walking tour. We'll see the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Stairs and a few other iconic locations. I'll be sure to toss another coin in the Trevi fountain so I can come back to Rome again.

The saddest part of this tour is we had originally had planned to go inside the Coleseum. Something happened and our tour got changed to not include going inside. Which is a BIG bummer because that is one of the most historical and amazing sights in Rome. They swapped that visit out with the Spanish Steps. Big whoop. The Spanish Steps is like swapping the prime rib your ordered for a burger. 

We'll end our tour at St. Peter's Basilica. Depending on timing we may or may not have time to go inside. We HAVE to go inside. La Pieta is in there and I gotta see that masterpiece again.

May 23

Port: Naples

Excursion: Capri, Sorrento & Pompeii

THIS is the stop of all stops. Not only are we getting to see Pompeii - but we're stopping in Sorrento and Capri. Both of those spots were part of my In Program travel my senior year at TASIS. I'm so excited to see them again. 

We'll take a boat to Marina Grande in Capri, a port lined with colorful old fishermen’s houses. A funicular will take you up to a terrace with a marvelous scenic overlook of the small island, the coast and the sparkling sea. Walk to the piazzetta, the heart of Capri’s shopping and nightlife area. Explore the narrow streets, take in the magnificent views, or relax at an outdoor cafe. You’ll then continue to Sorrento by jet-foil where lunch awaits.

It sounds like we're only in Sorrento for lunch and very little free time. 

Then we head to Pompeii! I can't even ... Pompeii has fascinated me for years. I've been there twice before and I guarantee you this time will be just as exciting.

May 24

Port: Messina, Sicily

Excursion: Taormina and Castelmola 

We'll be exploring two medieval villages on craggy hills overlooking the sea, each setting with its own personality. This will be a first for me, so here's the description from the NCL website. 

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive south to Taormina, an ancient city that rises almost perpendicularly from the sea. It’s a beautiful setting with an alluring medieval character, as you will discover while strolling its narrow, cobblestone streets.

Among the highlights are the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja and the ruins of a 2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still perform there in the summer.

After visiting, you will enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the views from the fragrant public garden or shopping along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. The most popular merchandise includes designer fashions, jewelry and colorful ceramic pine cones, a Sicilian symbol of hospitality.

A bit farther inland and above Taormina, you will find the village of Castelmola, which arguably boasts even better views. Although first fortified in the 9th century, Castelmola was repeatedly attacked and the ruins of the castle that remain are from the 16th century.

Like Taormina, Castelmola is wonderfully atmospheric with cobblestone streets and lovely squares flanked by small shops. Still, it’s the breathtaking views that will linger long in your memory. Before returning to the pier, you will enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch and perhaps a glass of almond-flavored wine, the local specialty.

May 25 

Port: Corfu, Greece

Excursion: Ultimate Corfu

This will be a first for me, so here's the description from the NCL website. 

Experience Corfu’s most beautiful and renowned landmarks in a small group. You’ll drive in a minibus through the countryside dotted with lemon and olive trees, to reach at the most photographed spot of the Island and you will have a photo stop to capture the famous Mouse Island and the church of Vlaherena.

Legend of Mouse Island: https://greekreporter.com/2023/06/05/mouse-island-corfu-greece/

After, you will reach the top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area where Mon Repos Palace stands. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a charming palace with colonial architectural elements. You’ll stop at Paleokastritsa, not only one of the most beautiful spots on the island but also a vantage point for splendid views of the multiple bays. Legend says that Odysseus met Nausica after he washed ashore on one of these bays and enjoy some free time.

This will be followed by a typical lunch at a local restaurant in Paleokastritsa. Your tour continues to Esplanade, the main square of the town, for a walk through the picturesque streets of the Old Town to see some of the historical sites.

 

May 26

Port: Split, Croatia

Excursion: Split Old Town & Trogir Medieval City

This will be a first for me, so here's the description from the NCL website. 

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the same day. You'll discover the treasures of Trogir and see how the Romans influenced the old city of Split. The medieval city of Trogir boasts architectural treasures of beautiful stone houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls. The entire town is like an open-air museum, so just strolling through its narrow streets is an unforgettable experience.

You’ll visit the main attraction in Trogir, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence which is probably the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. The unusual construction with three naves and three apses dominates the entire town. The main portal carved by local artist, Radovan, in the 13th century is world famous. You’ll also see the Town Loggia, Town Hall, Cipiko Palace and have some free time to explore on your own.

The old town of Split is built on and around the massive palace built by Roman emperor Diocletian. It represents the most important example of Roman architecture on the Adriatic. Your walking tour starts in the cellars which are very well preserved. You’ll see the Cathedral of St. Duje, considered to be one the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world that still retains use of its original structure. You’ll also see the Golden Gate, the Silver Gate and the Peristyle Square from the outside.

May 27

Port: Venice

Finally we end this adventure in Venice. We're spending the day there doing a walking tour of Venice and then head home on the 28th. 

I'm exhausted just looking at this itinerary. Bon Voyage everyone!