Rome and Mediterrean Cruise April 2016

We had the MOST AMAZING vacation!! I had Rick's ROME guide, and purchased the kindle version of the Med cruise port guide the day before we left. It was so helpful, so do get it earlier. We spent 4 nights in Rome and stayed at the Hotel Bernini Bristol ( we booked thru delta vacations: airline tickets and hotel $2900) The hotel was amazing. The walls are upholstered and there are frescos on the walls by the breakfast area- overlooking Bernini's Triton fountain. WE saw everything we could fit in 3 full days of sight seeing. The tartufo at Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona is not to be missed! We used Rick's guided tour of colluseum. You can take back packs in the colluseum. Highly recommend purchasing tickets to Borghese Galleria ahead of time. It's well worth it. There are other exhibits on the property and it's a beautiful place to visit.
Apr 18: took a shared shuttle to the Port and boarded MS Oosterdam (Holland America). We booked a signature suite and were excited that during the ships dry dock, all suites had been upgraded. It was fabulous!!
Apr 19: Naples: Rick's description is kind of scary. We were late getting into port and the tour we booked thru viator didn't wait on us. I had to call company to get picked up so we could atleast go to Pompeii - which is worth seeing . Pizza was just OK.
Apr 21: Iraklion (Crete), Greece: We didn't book a tour here, we went into town and to the Heraklion museum. IT's now 10 euro to get in, (all of Greece's attraction prices are significantly higher and This is one area that Rick's guide and updates need to be updated). The museum is amazing. We ate lunch around the lion fountain, and it was just OK.
Apr 22: Santorini: On the way to the cable car entrance, there are 2 competing companies who will take you by boat to the port below Oia- drive you by bus up to Oia, and then bring you back to Thira by bus ( every hour until 2) for 15 euro!! This option is not mentioned in rick's book or updates, We walked, took pic, and then drank greek beer and Santorini wine while enjoying baklava at Zafora's restaurant overlooking the caldera in Thira!

Apr 23: Kasadasi, Turkey (Ephasus). Many cruise lines are skipping turkey all together after the bombing in Istanbul. We booked a private tour thru Viator for $50/ each (there were just 2 of us. Terrace houses and lunch w/alcohol were included- it was a no brainer). Since we don't think we will ever be in Turkey again, we decided to leave the boat. We always felt safe ( there are Turkish army personnel at all the tourist entrances) they really rely on tourism. We toured House of virgin mary, ancient ephasus, museum of ancient ephasus, temple of Artemis, and an ancient mosque. It was pretty amazing. I even bought a rug!!
Apr 24: Athens- booked Acropolis walking tour thru Viator: learned everything I ever wanted and then some about Greece and acropolis. Get some greek yogurt with walnuts and honey! see the changing of the guards at the tomb of unknown soldier. Apr 25: Olympia: we took rick's suggestion. paid 10 euro for transportation to/from Olympia. saw ruins and both museums. it was rushed but still got to see it all. Olympia has a garbage problem. it's not pretty.
Apr 26: Corfu: we basically walked around. it's a neat town. we shopped. Try the Kumquat brandy.

Apr 27: Dubrovnik. We did the city tour, the city walls walk. cable car was closed for wind. you can get your pic taken on a replica of the iron throne in the GOT fan shop. no need to take that tour. Our guide showed us film locations too.
Apr 28: Split: really neat palace turned city. Our walking tour did not include cellar tour, so we did that on our own. you have to get their currency. they don't take euros.
Apr 29: Venice: It's venice and it's amazing!! St Mark's square is beautiful. Doge's palace is a must see. We walked everywhere and just looked for signs to guide us. We loved it.