I am a new cruiser and in August we r taking a celebrity cruise to the western med starting at Barcelona and taking in Villefranche, Florence Rome, Dubrovnik, Venice,Split and Naples. I have booked the excursion for Venice as we really want to see that but wondered if we could do any of the other excursions under our on stream!
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Which excursion did you book in Venice? We took the Gondola ride/Murano Glass Factory and wasn't that impressed - it all depends on your "driver" of the gondola - some people loved it but it was VERY hot and sticky but we can at least say we did it. You will love this trip!!

Desi,

Florence and Rome are not near the port, and I would not recommend trying to do them independently. Dubrovnik & Split can be done easily. If you dock in the commercial area of Dubrovnik, there will be a coach, probably at extra cost, to take you to the old town. If you tender, you will be deposited right in the old town. Barcelona has a lot to see so you should probably opt for a city excursion, but it is nice just walking up la Rambla from the cruise terminal. First time there, I would take the tour. I don't like Naples myself, but that's just be me. I've walked around there but wouldn't recommend it. If you want to see it, take the tour.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Bill

Bill is not alone in his opinion of Naples. It should be looked upon as a jumping off point for much more interesting places such as Sorrento, Capri, the ruins at Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Dave's suggestion of Sorrento is a good one. We've stopped there several times on cruises and actually stayed there for a week some years ago. All the places along the Amalfi Coast are gorgeous.

Regards,

Bill