getting around in Dubrovnik and Messina

[cruise4ever]

We will be in these ports in May..any suggestions on must see's and do's? are they doable on our own? what is Transportation like?

[Oggy Boy]

Dubrovnik is easily done on your own. The ship will provide transportation from the port to the walled section of Dubrovnik (unless you anchor in front of the city and tender into the old harbor) Once their you can explore on your own. Be sure to walk the walls that surround the city as the views are awesome.

Be sure to check out

http://www.europeportreviews.com/Dubrovnik.htm

for more information.

Tom

[denise parsons]

How about Messina...I am interested in that one also. Thanks Denise

[denise parsons]

Thanks Tom...have read all your wonderful reviews and unbelievable how helpful they have been. Thanks again

[luv2cworld2000]

One of the best excursions I ever had was when I took a taxi in Messina. We went to about 8 different places in Taormina and, claiming we were both locals, he got us into the Greek Theater ruins for free. He bought me a cup of cappuccino in Taormina. I had plenty of time to shop, at stores of my choice. He never recommended any shop to me just so he could share in a commission. After shopping we headed back for a tour of Messina where I was treated to my first cup of espresso. He knew where to pull over for all the scenic photo shots between Taormina and Messina. When I left the taxi, he gave me the music CD we were listening to on the trip. At dinner I sat with a group of 4 other people who took a taxi and also had a great experience.

[jantoby]

Had you pre-booked your taxi in Messina? If not, where did you find him? How much did the day cost? I'm cruising alone and don't want to be ripped off. Sounds like you got a really good driver. Thanks. Jan

[jantoby]

Originally posted by luv2cworld2000:
One of the best excursions I ever had was when I took a taxi in Messina. We went to about 8 different places in Taormina and, claiming we were both locals, he got us into the Greek Theater ruins for free. He bought me a cup of cappuccino in Taormina. I had plenty of time to shop, at stores of my choice. He never recommended any shop to me just so he could share in a commission. After shopping we headed back for a tour of Messina where I was treated to my first cup of espresso. He knew where to pull over for all the scenic photo shots between Taormina and Messina. When I left the taxi, he gave me the music CD we were listening to on the trip. At dinner I sat with a group of 4 other people who took a taxi and also had a great experience.

Hi, Had you pre-booked your taxi in Messina? If not, where did you find him? How much did the day cost? I'm cruising alone and don't want to be ripped off. Sounds like you got a really good driver. Thanks. Jan

[ChucksOK]

Originally posted by jantoby:
Hi, Had you pre-booked your taxi in Messina? If not, where did you find him? How much did the day cost? I'm cruising alone and don't want to be ripped off. Sounds like you got a really good driver. Thanks. Jan

Jan, my advice regarding "being ripped off by a driver" is to first decide how much you are willing to spend and then to see if you can find a driver that agrees on that price. That way, neither you nor the driver are "getting ripped off"!

I've been to Taormina three times now, have taken a bus up the hill once, shared a cab twice and the bottom line is when you get to the top of the hill, you get out of the vehicle and walk! The cabbie will either wait for you at the gate (if you and he agreed to that) or in my case, I just grabbed another cab to take me down the hill and back to the ship.

Regarding Dubrovnik, I agree with Tom, it's a walking thing. At the other end of the city (opposite the dock), past the town gate and on the other side of the bridge you can negotiate a cab to take you up and around the hill for a great, panoramic view of the harbor and the city.