You helped on our trip to Italy in 1999 and it was great. Next month (May 03) we are taking a cruise that will stop in Barcelona, Villefranche, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples,Santorini, Athens, Dubrovnik, and Venice. We would appreciate any ideas you have for exceptional restaurants at any of those stops. Email me at ssbnorman @yahoo.com. Thx, Larry and Julie England

Hi Larry and Julie<BR><BR>I tried to email you at home (via the cruise critic web site), but it came back undeliverable. <BR><BR>I posted on Cruise Critic stating we'll be on the same cruise. Jeff has booked an Amalfi coast tour and if we get 1 more couple, it will be 700 Euros for 8 people. Please let me know asap if interested so I can let Jeff know!<BR><BR>Bob has always been a great help here, so I'm going to &quot;listen in!&quot;<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Monica<BR>mpileggi @adelphia.net<BR><BR>PS: I'm going to email you this message - I hope it goes thru!

We have already committed to a tour from Naples but thx. I think it is going to be a great cruise (our first) and we'll be looking fwd to meeting you. I have bookmarked your website as it has some great info. I don't know why your email didn't work. Larry [email protected]

I'm sure we'll be able to find another couple for the Amalfi tour - that will cut down on the cost. Just emailed you directly.

tt

Well I'm not Bob, but if you don't mind I'll make a few suggestions for Villefranche &amp; Venice. For &quot;exceptional&quot; dining near Villefranche, Chateau de la Chevre D'Or in the town of Eze and La Colombe D'Or in St Paul de Vence. Both are located in hill top villages that are worth visitng in their own right. You will need a cab to get to both. Eze is a bit closer. St Paul de Vence is about 30-40 mins away by car but VERY worth the trip. Also make sure to see the Ephrussi Villa in Cap Ferrat (house &amp; amazing gardens)which is very near Villefranche.<BR><BR>In Venice, Osteria Da Fiore is reputed to be the best restaurant but some claim it's not worth the high price. La Caravella at the Saturnia Hotel and La Rivista at the Ca' Pisani Hotel also get good reviews.

Just a note..the cabs in Villefranche sur Mer are few and very expensive. There are frequent buses to Nice and esay travel on bus to St. paul de Vence and Eze. Do not mistake Eze and Eze sur Mer..you want the town high on the hill. Villefranche is nice in it's own right and a visit to the Ephrussi Villa is wonderful..Old Nice is always fun to wander. I have never been on a cruise, but they sound wonderful!! Have a great time!!

Did Bob the Navigator see this yet?

Bob must be gone on a trip. Haven't seen him post recently. Lucky him!

tt

Well, Am I being paged !<BR>Hola Julie &amp; Larry<BR><BR>Sorry, I have changed my name this week to Roberto the Traveler since I have been gone a week in centro Spain enjoying the Semana Santa processions in Segovia, Avila, and now Salamanca.<BR><BR>Honestly, there are many others better qualified to answer. No one has ever called me BOB THE GOURMET. However, let me dropa real gem I do know.<BR><BR>Bear in mind, the ship may not give you the time to seek out some locations, and I assume you have dinner on board.<BR><BR>On Santorini, taxi to the extreme north end of the island and tell the driver you want to eat at KATRINAS in the tiny fishing village of Ammoudi--on the water under Oia. He can drive very close. We walked down from our apt. right above--about 600 feet above.<BR>Are you ready for this--let me name drop. That day we shared the place with Barbra &amp; James--yes, that one. They had taken the launch in from Ralphs yacht.<BR>It was magical. Have fun--I will not be home until 29 April.

Roberto, Many thanks. We have already booked a shore excursion to OIA based on your &quot;magical Places&quot; post. What a great thread. Have a great trip and we will look forward to more of your great info when you return. Thx again, Larry

What does &quot; tt &quot; mean at the end of a post ?