Need help European Cruise -viking Ocean Cruise Barcelona to Rome
 

Hello Everyone

We are hoping to take a Viking OCEAN Cruise which stops in the following ports:
I need some help with the MUST SEEs in these locations as we only have 1 to 2 days at each port.
Also if you know of any MUST Try food or cultural item, I would appreciate the information.
We would be going in the winter (December).

Barcelona, Spain
Marseille, France
St. Tropez, France
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Livorno, Italy
Rome, Italy

I'm thinking of doing a post cruise 2 day stay in Rome, thus, would have more time to see Rome. The other option is to see Florence and Tuscany. Than fly back via Rome.

I have never been to any of these locations so any information would be very helpful. Thank you so much.

Suggest you buy a guidebook to cruise ports and pick what interests YOU.

Monte Carlo, go to Nice. Easy, cheap bus and train options available.
St. Tropez- stay there. Walk around the town. Lunch, etc.
Livorno- train to Florence.
Rome needs as much time as you can give it. Consider four extra nights at least.
Yes, you need buy a good guide book to Mediterranean ports.

There are scores of "must sees" in all those ports of call. Everyone's idea of what is best will be different. Google "Things to do NAME OF PORT" and you find lists of all the major points of interest in that location. Do some basic research by browsing the various links. You can then choose the ones that most interest YOU.

Join cruisecritic.com and go to the "board" called "roll call", find a link for your exact cruise and read what your fellow travelers are doing. I have learned lots, shared rides into towns, joined with others going on private tours by using this board/listserv.

Rick Steves has a guide book that covers these ports. Be prepared for some off weather at that time of year. Days will be short.

We enjoyed a boat trip of the Calanques near Marseille. We didn't leave from Marseille, but depending on when you are traveling, you might be able to if that interests you. I suggest you Google 'Marseille Calanques tours' and see if that is possible from there.

marseille-tourisme.com will help.

Barcelona: the Gaudi sites
Rome is a significant distance from the port.
I agree with the recommendation of reading guidebooks to compile your own list.

December is not the best time to see some of these ports, especially in the south of France. They are wonderful in the summer -- suggest you reconsider your timing.

Save this cruise for spring or fall.

My daughter is next to me now and is asking is Monte Carlo and Barcelona Spain good to see during Oct 2018? she wants to go with her man friend she has been dating for more than five years, he whispered to me just now that he may propose to her in Rome, but wanted to wait till she left him just now..

what is the best months for them to go on an ocean cruise if they go to Spain, Monte Carlo, and Rome?

thanks in advance mom.

moonlight skywriter--- how beautiful, I don't know the answer to your question, but when i get back i can let you know... ill be back 2nd week of jan.


to others that posted spring is best... I'm going with family that already had booked this and this was the only time they could go... winter !
I'm from Buffalo so i can manage the cold...LOL

i added 2 nights in Rome (feel guilty about staying longer without my son) , I bought the books and hoping to read on airplane.. Def do NOT have a minute to myself with my hectic schedule to read now...

Not sure where to get the hotel, i know i want to be close to sites... spanish steps, fountain, maybe sisteen chapel

I am the type that researches things a lot, but just don't have the time.

I only have 2 more days left to book excursions.

Was hoping for some help.... the cruise is called iconic western Mediterranean. and it has a link to shore excursions.

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I would like to see some authentic places and observe culture, food, entertainment history (no history museum) Love Renaissance Artists, not so much into architecture due to limited time, with the exception of Gaudi.

any suggestions would help.