Help with things to see/do on my trip to Rome and Mediterranean cruise
Apr 22nd, 2010, 06:47 PM
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Help with things to see/do on my trip to Rome and Mediterranean cruise
I will be flying to Rome in June with my 13 year old son. He has great interest in history and is very excited about this first trip to Europe for him. We will have 2 days/nights in Rome (Trastevere) followed by a 7 day cruise leaving out of Civitatecchia. Our stops are Genoa, Nice, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Sardinia. We have a final night in Rome before flying out.
I would appreciate any highlights/recommendations you have for sightseeing or lunch in any of these locations. So far for the cruise, I only have planned to spend a few hours exploring Genoa and also doing a trip to Camogli. We'll probably head right to Camogli in the morning from the ship, stay as long as we enjoy and return to Genoa, hopefully with a few hours left to explore the old part of the city. We have from 8 am to 5 pm each day on the cruise in general. Thanks.
I would appreciate any highlights/recommendations you have for sightseeing or lunch in any of these locations. So far for the cruise, I only have planned to spend a few hours exploring Genoa and also doing a trip to Camogli. We'll probably head right to Camogli in the morning from the ship, stay as long as we enjoy and return to Genoa, hopefully with a few hours left to explore the old part of the city. We have from 8 am to 5 pm each day on the cruise in general. Thanks.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 08:03 PM
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Showing off my OCTravelD. Don't laugh (or cringe) at my disease. Here are my notes for possibilities in Monaco this summer when "my" Med Cruise docks in Villefranche near Nice.
Ann Marie
Villefranche Port- Nice 3 miles, Monte Carlo 6 miles
From the tender pier in Villafranche walk down street (keep the water on your right) to steps (on your left) to the tiny train station above the beach (follow the crowd from ship). Take train towards Monte Carlo- to your right as you look inland from the water. (16 min train ride to Monaco) Another option is to take #1 bus to Monaco (approx 30 min).
-Great walk from the Cap d'Ail train station (a few minutes from Villefranche by train or car) along paths hugging the coast to Monaco- the well paved flat path goes thru an isolated stretch of coast that has largely vanished from the heavily developed Riviera area so you see the signature Cote d'Azur scenery. The walk is at most 2 miles, flat & easy to Monaco. From Cap d'Ail station head down to sea and turn left on the path. Only one way to go.
Monaco- The Grimaldi family, of Genoese descent, has ruled Monaco as an independent nation since 1297, with a few 19th-century interruptions. A tax haven, playground of the ultrarich and their yachts, jet-setting gamblers, and home of the Grand Prix Monaco.
-In Monte Carlo grab a taxi up to Monaco Ville (Old Town) the rocky promontory overlooking the 1 sq mi. principality where the Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral and most of the State buildings are located. Fantastic 360º views of Fontvieille, the Port, Monte Carlo and beyond.
-Cheaper than a taxi is to take the lift from the Port to the Oceanographic Museum. Walk to the end of the old port and around the Rock, by the sea, to the Quai des Pêcheurs car park. At the back of the car park is a lift to the top, and then an escalator which comes out right at the Oceanographic Museum.
Le Musée Océanographique- started in 1910 by Prince Albert the 1st but associated with Jacques Cousteau for 30+ yrs
9:30am- 7pm, April- Sept, and until 7.30pm July & Aug Closed day of the Grand Prix Adult €12.50 • Child or Student €6 • Child under 6 free
Tourist Train- Departure near Musee Oceanographique. Commentary in English, Italian, German & French. Passes Monaco Port, Monte Carlo and its Palaces, the Casino & gardens & returns to Old Town with its City Hall and Prince’s Palace. 30 min. duration. Runs daily in Summer: 10am-5pm 6€
St. Nicholas Cathedral- near Oceanographic Museum built in 1875 on the site of a medieval church. The Cathedral contains the tombs of the Monaco royal family, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Admission to the cathedral is normally free.
Palais Princier (Monaco Palace) Daily 9:30AM-6:30 PM (last entry at 6PM) May-September
Official residence of Prince Albert II. Original fortress built in 1215 and added onto for centuries into one of the most luxurious residences in the world. http://www.palais.mc/monaco/x-net/in...ments.370.html
Monaco Yacht Harbor- home of conspicuous consumption and frequent home to many of the largest 100 yachts in the world.
Grand Casino- Monegasques aren't allowed to gamble in their own casinos & passports are checked to enforce this law. Dress codes in the Grand Casino. During the day dress code may be relaxed some.
Train back from Monaco to Villefrance.
Villefranche- delightful small town with lovely small beach. To reach historic district in Villefranche walk up stairs a few steps to the right when you have exited the tender wharf. Two hours to explore here is plenty.
From Villefranche you can walk to the Rothschild Mansion and gardens and hang out watching yachts at Cap Ferrat
Beaulieu-sur-Mer (the next train station to the south of Villefranche) is also a quaint village more sophisticated than Villefranche. Walk along the beach in Villefranche and follow the stairway across the isthmus to Beaulieu-Sur-Mar's village, parks and beaches.
Ann Marie
Villefranche Port- Nice 3 miles, Monte Carlo 6 miles
From the tender pier in Villafranche walk down street (keep the water on your right) to steps (on your left) to the tiny train station above the beach (follow the crowd from ship). Take train towards Monte Carlo- to your right as you look inland from the water. (16 min train ride to Monaco) Another option is to take #1 bus to Monaco (approx 30 min).
-Great walk from the Cap d'Ail train station (a few minutes from Villefranche by train or car) along paths hugging the coast to Monaco- the well paved flat path goes thru an isolated stretch of coast that has largely vanished from the heavily developed Riviera area so you see the signature Cote d'Azur scenery. The walk is at most 2 miles, flat & easy to Monaco. From Cap d'Ail station head down to sea and turn left on the path. Only one way to go.
Monaco- The Grimaldi family, of Genoese descent, has ruled Monaco as an independent nation since 1297, with a few 19th-century interruptions. A tax haven, playground of the ultrarich and their yachts, jet-setting gamblers, and home of the Grand Prix Monaco.
-In Monte Carlo grab a taxi up to Monaco Ville (Old Town) the rocky promontory overlooking the 1 sq mi. principality where the Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral and most of the State buildings are located. Fantastic 360º views of Fontvieille, the Port, Monte Carlo and beyond.
-Cheaper than a taxi is to take the lift from the Port to the Oceanographic Museum. Walk to the end of the old port and around the Rock, by the sea, to the Quai des Pêcheurs car park. At the back of the car park is a lift to the top, and then an escalator which comes out right at the Oceanographic Museum.
Le Musée Océanographique- started in 1910 by Prince Albert the 1st but associated with Jacques Cousteau for 30+ yrs
9:30am- 7pm, April- Sept, and until 7.30pm July & Aug Closed day of the Grand Prix Adult €12.50 • Child or Student €6 • Child under 6 free
Tourist Train- Departure near Musee Oceanographique. Commentary in English, Italian, German & French. Passes Monaco Port, Monte Carlo and its Palaces, the Casino & gardens & returns to Old Town with its City Hall and Prince’s Palace. 30 min. duration. Runs daily in Summer: 10am-5pm 6€
St. Nicholas Cathedral- near Oceanographic Museum built in 1875 on the site of a medieval church. The Cathedral contains the tombs of the Monaco royal family, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Admission to the cathedral is normally free.
Palais Princier (Monaco Palace) Daily 9:30AM-6:30 PM (last entry at 6PM) May-September
Official residence of Prince Albert II. Original fortress built in 1215 and added onto for centuries into one of the most luxurious residences in the world. http://www.palais.mc/monaco/x-net/in...ments.370.html
Monaco Yacht Harbor- home of conspicuous consumption and frequent home to many of the largest 100 yachts in the world.
Grand Casino- Monegasques aren't allowed to gamble in their own casinos & passports are checked to enforce this law. Dress codes in the Grand Casino. During the day dress code may be relaxed some.
Train back from Monaco to Villefrance.
Villefranche- delightful small town with lovely small beach. To reach historic district in Villefranche walk up stairs a few steps to the right when you have exited the tender wharf. Two hours to explore here is plenty.
From Villefranche you can walk to the Rothschild Mansion and gardens and hang out watching yachts at Cap Ferrat
Beaulieu-sur-Mer (the next train station to the south of Villefranche) is also a quaint village more sophisticated than Villefranche. Walk along the beach in Villefranche and follow the stairway across the isthmus to Beaulieu-Sur-Mar's village, parks and beaches.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 09:53 PM
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So much to do in Rome. Research it but we loved the Bourgese museum (buy tickets and time to go ahead of time), the Capitoline museum and really loved getting tours with Context Rome. Sorry we went to a catacomb. Buses of people, you have to wait for an English-speaking tour, crowded tour with narrow walkways meant only the few in the front with the guide even heard what he said.
Barcelona is just fun to ride the hop on hop off bus and/or walk the Las Ramblas. We spent 3 or 4 days there so we did a Gaudy tour but the bus would be good. Eat tapas and drink Sangria as you walk the Ramblas. Watch for pickpockets but we loved it there.
Barcelona is just fun to ride the hop on hop off bus and/or walk the Las Ramblas. We spent 3 or 4 days there so we did a Gaudy tour but the bus would be good. Eat tapas and drink Sangria as you walk the Ramblas. Watch for pickpockets but we loved it there.
Apr 22nd, 2010, 09:55 PM
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Wow, amw.... that's a level of OCD and information gathering I aspire to! I am going all OCD myself on the hotel booking research in Rome. I've already switched hotels once and am still researching. How exciting you are doing a Med cruise this summer as well!
Apr 22nd, 2010, 10:41 PM
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thanks as well, wonderer. I have been to most of these places but it has been sooo many years ago, it is almost new to me. The only places I haven't been to are Sardinia and Mallorca.
My favorite memories of a day in Barcelona are wandering around seeing the Gaudi architecture, walking the Ramblas, exploring their market near the Ramblas, and discovering schwarma, a middle eastern pita pocket sandwich. The one in barcelona was my first and best ever.
Rome will be staggering! SO much to see and do. Definitely the Sistine chapel and St. Peter's basilica, as well as Piazza Navona, Campo di fiore, Pantheon and Trastavere, and the Colliseum (for him).
All I remember about Nice is having bouillabaisse with a garlic aioli.
My favorite memories of a day in Barcelona are wandering around seeing the Gaudi architecture, walking the Ramblas, exploring their market near the Ramblas, and discovering schwarma, a middle eastern pita pocket sandwich. The one in barcelona was my first and best ever.
Rome will be staggering! SO much to see and do. Definitely the Sistine chapel and St. Peter's basilica, as well as Piazza Navona, Campo di fiore, Pantheon and Trastavere, and the Colliseum (for him).
All I remember about Nice is having bouillabaisse with a garlic aioli.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 08:23 AM
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For a kid who loves history in Barcelona I recommend the Maritime Museum in the medieval shipyards. Also the Museum of the City of Barcelona, which gives access to the underground foundations of the Roman city with an excellent introductory film in English and a very informative audioguide.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 08:34 AM
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With only two days and your wish list and a kid who is interested in history, I would:
Day 1: Assuming you arrive early morning, start at the Pantheon, walk over to the Piazza Navona, then over to Campo de' Fiori, then over into Trastavere. This is also a good way to stay awake, walking around out in the fresh air. If you don't take a nap, you'll get on their time more quickly. In the afternoon, go to St. Peter's. With such a short stay and a kid that age, I would skip the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel simply because of the time involved (unless he's really interested in art).
Day 2: Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Hill. I recommend taking a tour. Otherwise, you don't really know what you're looking at in the Forum and don't get all the history. Context Rome tours get lots of raves here. Icon Tours is another one. I took theirs and thought it was very good. It would be cheaper, but a larger size group.
Day 1: Assuming you arrive early morning, start at the Pantheon, walk over to the Piazza Navona, then over to Campo de' Fiori, then over into Trastavere. This is also a good way to stay awake, walking around out in the fresh air. If you don't take a nap, you'll get on their time more quickly. In the afternoon, go to St. Peter's. With such a short stay and a kid that age, I would skip the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel simply because of the time involved (unless he's really interested in art).
Day 2: Colosseum/Forum/Palatine Hill. I recommend taking a tour. Otherwise, you don't really know what you're looking at in the Forum and don't get all the history. Context Rome tours get lots of raves here. Icon Tours is another one. I took theirs and thought it was very good. It would be cheaper, but a larger size group.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 08:40 AM
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In Cagliari : visit the old town (bastione San Remi) and the excellent Archeological Museum
Take a bus to Poetto Beach a few miles from the city.
In Palma de Mallorca : the royal palace of La Almudaina.
Take a bus to Poetto Beach a few miles from the city.
In Palma de Mallorca : the royal palace of La Almudaina.
Jun 19th, 2010, 05:38 PM
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just a followup: I am finishing my two days in Rome and am leaving for the cruise in a few hours. My 13 yo son had a rough time acclimating to the time change and the long trip. We came from San Diego and with a 6:25 am departure, he got very little sleep the night before the trip so he was operating on almost two consecutive nights of little sleep. We arrived at our hotel at 10:30 am and was lucky to be able to get into a room and sleep. We slept all afternoon and that evening, explored Trastevere and had dinner there.
We walked around doing a night tour after dinner. We crossed the Ponte Sisto and saw the Forum and the Vittorio Emmanuelle monument (I think)..... it is the "wedding cake" building. It was spectacular at night with birds flying overhead.... reminded me of that song from Mary Poppins, Feed the birds.
The second day, we were still acclimating but made it to the Sistine chapel and St. Peter's for the afternoon. It was spectacular and he enjoyed it greatly. His favorite was the room with ancient maps. I don't think I've ever been there when there wasn't some big renovation going on.... this time, it looked like all the work had been done and the result was stunning.
We relaxed at our hotel in the afternoon then went out to dinner near the Trevi fountain. I think it was called Trattoria Sciarra. We are on an eating tour of spaghetti a la carbonara because he loves it and this version was wonderful. The bacon was crisp and exploded with flavor. It was lovely dining outside and felt like a quintessential Roman experience. My son said after the first course, "ah, this is sooo nice." Our meal came to 46 euros.
We saw the Trevi fountain on the way back and had hot roasted chestnuts. We will have one day upon the return from the cruise and we're planning to do the Colliseum/forum and see if we have time for any of the other suggestions here thereafter.
Thanks again.
We walked around doing a night tour after dinner. We crossed the Ponte Sisto and saw the Forum and the Vittorio Emmanuelle monument (I think)..... it is the "wedding cake" building. It was spectacular at night with birds flying overhead.... reminded me of that song from Mary Poppins, Feed the birds.
The second day, we were still acclimating but made it to the Sistine chapel and St. Peter's for the afternoon. It was spectacular and he enjoyed it greatly. His favorite was the room with ancient maps. I don't think I've ever been there when there wasn't some big renovation going on.... this time, it looked like all the work had been done and the result was stunning.
We relaxed at our hotel in the afternoon then went out to dinner near the Trevi fountain. I think it was called Trattoria Sciarra. We are on an eating tour of spaghetti a la carbonara because he loves it and this version was wonderful. The bacon was crisp and exploded with flavor. It was lovely dining outside and felt like a quintessential Roman experience. My son said after the first course, "ah, this is sooo nice." Our meal came to 46 euros.
We saw the Trevi fountain on the way back and had hot roasted chestnuts. We will have one day upon the return from the cruise and we're planning to do the Colliseum/forum and see if we have time for any of the other suggestions here thereafter.
Thanks again.
Jun 19th, 2010, 06:49 PM
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When you come back to Rome, buy your Coliseum/Forum tickets at The Forum - the queues aren't as long. Then when you get to the coliseum you can bypass the long, long ticket queues and go straight in. Just keep to the left of the long queue.
Jun 20th, 2010, 08:51 AM
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Hello, ncounty! I hadn't realized you had already left for your trip as I wanted to send you good wishes before your depature..so here it is..late but hopefully you will see it.
As usual your son's comment made me smile! Very precious.
And I wanted to mention since you will be right in the area when you return to Rome you two might enjoy seeing Michelangelo's very famous statue of Moses. Here is the website for your review.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/i...tro-in-vincoli
As usual your son's comment made me smile! Very precious.
And I wanted to mention since you will be right in the area when you return to Rome you two might enjoy seeing Michelangelo's very famous statue of Moses. Here is the website for your review.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/i...tro-in-vincoli
Jun 27th, 2010, 09:53 AM
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Thanks so much for the good wishes! It is my last night in Rome tonight and we have had a fantastic trip. I have had limited internet access during the cruise and haven't been able to post.
It was a very very warm day in Rome today, and sunny. We walked around quite a bit and saw the Colliseum. We debated about going inside and I was perfectly happy to but my son balked a bit at the price. It was $11 euros to go in but reportedly a bit of a line as cathies mentioned. A British young man offered us a tour in a group for 8 euros per person extra that would avoid the line. I think the heat and the additional cost deterred my son from proceeding. He said, "I'm fine with just seeing the outside as long as you bring me back in a few years and I'll do a proper tour then." I agreed, recognizing that he was fading in energy due to the sun and the heat. I chuckled to myself later thinking he saved me $38 today so I can spend $4000 again in a few years, lol.
here are some highlights from my trip:
the itinerary was fantastic.....we thoroughly enjoyed every port/stop.
In Genoa, he loved the aquarium. I saw Camogli but from a distance. I wish I had more time to go there and Portofino.
We were next in Villefranche sur mer which was so gorgeous. The setting was like a postcard. For others who do a cruise there, it is so easy to get around on your own and very inexpensive. I would not recommend doing the cruise excursions which are very pricey when this area is so easy. Nice was amazing. I had been there before but I guess I had not really been there. I saw so much more this time.... the Cours Saleya, Rue Massena. We even took a picture of a restaurant we hope to come back to because they had a fantastic looking salade nicoise, and fish soup, and his favorite dish spaghetti carbonara.
In Barcelona, we did do the Maritime museum which was unique and so lovely. The courtyard outside is such a serene space and they had free wifi to linger with for a few minutes and catch up on urgent emails. We then walked the ramblas and had lunch right across from the Boqueria. The walk through the market was so colorful.
We then walked through the Barri gothic to the cathedral which was magnificent and then I stopped for a sangria with a fantastic view of the cathedral. After that, we hopped on the metro and got off at La Sagrada Familia. It was a huge wow moment for him..... we emerged from the subway station and there it was, a fantastic visual assault and utterly riveting.
Our time was running out so we then got back on the metro and headed for Parc Guell. It was quite difficult to get there and I was wondering it if would be worth it. It is a very long walk after the metro and then a steep climb up a hill that is so steep it had about 4 series of outdoor escalators! From the top, you could see all of Barcelona though and it is magnificent. The structures there are just otherworldly; we loved it.
The next day we were in Mallorca and I splurged on a private 3.5 hour cab tour. He took us to Valledemossa (sp?) which is an amazing gorgeous village on the north side of the island near where Michael douglas lives. It was stunning. We then went to a seaside village called Sollar because I wanted to go kayaking. We rented a kayak for an hour and got to glide over clear emerald green water; it was truly fantastic. Mallorca was more beautiful than I had anticipated. I think if I had not gotten this private tour, I would never have seen that part of it. This was half the price of a comparable ship excursion.
Our last stop was Sardinia. we did go to Poetto beach. It was lovely but I think our experience in mallorca was even better. I think there are some other beaches in Sardinia that would be stunning but I didn't have time to get to them.
we are winding down in Rome and preparing to go out for the evening.... I think we'll try to do the Pantheon, Piazza Navona/Campo di fiore and maybe the Spanish steps if there is time and energy.
It was a very very warm day in Rome today, and sunny. We walked around quite a bit and saw the Colliseum. We debated about going inside and I was perfectly happy to but my son balked a bit at the price. It was $11 euros to go in but reportedly a bit of a line as cathies mentioned. A British young man offered us a tour in a group for 8 euros per person extra that would avoid the line. I think the heat and the additional cost deterred my son from proceeding. He said, "I'm fine with just seeing the outside as long as you bring me back in a few years and I'll do a proper tour then." I agreed, recognizing that he was fading in energy due to the sun and the heat. I chuckled to myself later thinking he saved me $38 today so I can spend $4000 again in a few years, lol.
here are some highlights from my trip:
the itinerary was fantastic.....we thoroughly enjoyed every port/stop.
In Genoa, he loved the aquarium. I saw Camogli but from a distance. I wish I had more time to go there and Portofino.
We were next in Villefranche sur mer which was so gorgeous. The setting was like a postcard. For others who do a cruise there, it is so easy to get around on your own and very inexpensive. I would not recommend doing the cruise excursions which are very pricey when this area is so easy. Nice was amazing. I had been there before but I guess I had not really been there. I saw so much more this time.... the Cours Saleya, Rue Massena. We even took a picture of a restaurant we hope to come back to because they had a fantastic looking salade nicoise, and fish soup, and his favorite dish spaghetti carbonara.
In Barcelona, we did do the Maritime museum which was unique and so lovely. The courtyard outside is such a serene space and they had free wifi to linger with for a few minutes and catch up on urgent emails. We then walked the ramblas and had lunch right across from the Boqueria. The walk through the market was so colorful.
We then walked through the Barri gothic to the cathedral which was magnificent and then I stopped for a sangria with a fantastic view of the cathedral. After that, we hopped on the metro and got off at La Sagrada Familia. It was a huge wow moment for him..... we emerged from the subway station and there it was, a fantastic visual assault and utterly riveting.
Our time was running out so we then got back on the metro and headed for Parc Guell. It was quite difficult to get there and I was wondering it if would be worth it. It is a very long walk after the metro and then a steep climb up a hill that is so steep it had about 4 series of outdoor escalators! From the top, you could see all of Barcelona though and it is magnificent. The structures there are just otherworldly; we loved it.
The next day we were in Mallorca and I splurged on a private 3.5 hour cab tour. He took us to Valledemossa (sp?) which is an amazing gorgeous village on the north side of the island near where Michael douglas lives. It was stunning. We then went to a seaside village called Sollar because I wanted to go kayaking. We rented a kayak for an hour and got to glide over clear emerald green water; it was truly fantastic. Mallorca was more beautiful than I had anticipated. I think if I had not gotten this private tour, I would never have seen that part of it. This was half the price of a comparable ship excursion.
Our last stop was Sardinia. we did go to Poetto beach. It was lovely but I think our experience in mallorca was even better. I think there are some other beaches in Sardinia that would be stunning but I didn't have time to get to them.
we are winding down in Rome and preparing to go out for the evening.... I think we'll try to do the Pantheon, Piazza Navona/Campo di fiore and maybe the Spanish steps if there is time and energy.
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Feb 26th, 2012 06:20 AM
