wordsmith1

We spend a day in Taormina, Sorrento and Capri, Amalfi, Positano and Sardinia. Any ideas for things to see in these places from those who've been, as well as good shopping areas?

kja

You mean other than the ideas you have already gotten?

thursdaysd

Suggest you acquire a guidebook to Mediterranean cruise ports. Do a search on amazon.

And/or visit cruisecritic.com

Sassafrass

Suggest you pose question in the cruise forum. Other people have good suggestions too, but people on the cruise forum do excursions from cruises all the time and have a good idea of the logistics involved.

Thursdaysd suggested cruisecritic.com. That is an excellent suggestion. Join the roll call for your ship and your specific cruise. You can meet up with others doing excursions and perhaps share transportation, etc. Some of those cruisers will also have done a ton of research or even been to those ports before, and are a wealth of information and advice.

Because I am somewhat familiar with Naples, and cheap, and like being on my own, I am more likely to take a train. It is easy and quick, but with a small group, a taxi might work as well. If I wanted to do that, I would try to book a driver ahead if the price was right.

If I had not been to Pompeii, that would probably be my first priority, or take the train to Sorrento and a ferry down the coast to at least Positano, but I would be sure of timing for that. Capri is just not one of my favorite places for a day trip. I also really like Herculaneum even more than Pompeii because what is there is more intact than Pompeii and very beautiful. It is really close to Naples, about half as far as Pompeii. Pompeii is more well known though, so you would probably prefer to see that.

wordsmith1

For some reason the cruise critic for this cruise is kind of lame---not much going on which surprises me. We do have a guide book of the ports but I enjoy the direct statements from others. Thanks for your help

Rubicund

Taormina: A small village that you can walk round in half an hour or so. The main attraction is the Roman amphitheatre at the top of the main street. Lots of nice little cafes and restaurants and shops.

Sorrento: Small town, very touristy and lots of restaurants, bars and shops.

Capri: Overpriced everything, not a fan.

Amalfi: Small village with cafes and small shops, walking not too bad and a relaxing place.

Positano: Possibly the most attractive (IMO) of the AC villages, full of hotels and cafes, restaurants and lots of good shopping.

Sardinia: A very large island, depends on where you dock.

wordsmith1

Rubicund---thanks! This is exactly what I wanted to know! Not booking any tours because we can do on our own!!!!