One day stops.......HELP!
 

I have never been to Italy but am lucky enough to be going on a Meditteranean cruise next summer. (My parents are taking us for their 30th wedding anniversary). Three stops are in Italy......Venice, Florence/Pisa and Naples/Capri. Any advice on what to definitely not miss at any of those stops would be appreciated, as we have limited time at each place. I especially need help with the Naples stop. I would love to see Pompeii, Capri and especially places like Positano on the Amalfi coast. Not sure what to try and fit in! I think we arrive around 7am or so and depart around 8pm so any ideas what can be skipped and what should not be?? THANK YOU!!

Hi Michelle, ONE day, Phew. The best advice that I have it to get some travel books, find you which few things that you'd like to see and concentrate on those. You will simply not have time to see everything that those cities have to offer, but then one day is far better than no days. <BR>Have a great trip and please report on the cruise and other things when you return. I occasionaly take cruises but have never taken one in Europe. <BR>

My parents have taken cruises like that. On the most recent, I think they did a trip up the Amalfi Coast (the ride is an experience in itself) to Paestrum (sp?). My mother thought that was one of the very best cruise excursions they had ever taken. She enjoyed that more than Pompeii. Since you're only there for one day, I'd suggest only one or the other.

If you've elected Pompeii as a must, you may scratch Capri right away. You should be able to reach Pompeii at most 1 1/2 hours after you're ashore. A "normal" visit requires some 4 hours. In principle, therefore, you'd have still some time to spend in Sorrento and than train back to Naples and cruiser. Instead of Sorrento, you may wish to spend some time in Naples instead. If that's the case I would use the morning to that effect and then visit Pompeii in the afternoon. Of course, there may be a Pompeii/Capri organized tour being offered ... it's a rush and hardly worthwile. <BR> <BR>When you dock in Livorno (Leghorn), you'll have to opt either for Pisa (and eventually a relatively quick look at Lucca) or Florence. Ellecting Florence rules everything else out. <BR> <BR>The only mistake you can do in Venice is to spend most of your time in Piazza San Marco ... try to maximize your strolling time and just get lost off the San Marco - Rialto axis. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR>

Deciding what to do when you have one day in port is usually a tough call. For your stop in Livorno, my personal choice would be to go to Florence and have them rush you through the museums there. The rush may be annoying and disappointing but at least you get to see the great works of art. The hardest of all is the Naples question (and a common one on this board). I would first say that there is no better choice here as they are all great places to visit and enjoy. It all depends on what interests you the most. If you have an interest in history then Pompeii is the tour for you. If you want to enjoy natural beauty of the area then maybe Capri or an Amalfi Coast tour. Should there be a way to combine the excursions I would go for it even though it would be rushing it and not giving each place a respectable amount of time to be appreciated. Having already been to all these places I can sympathize with the tough decision you have to make but I am sure you will be pleased with wherever you decide to go.

Michelle, if you have not already done so you may want to post this question on the Cruise message board as well. There may be someone on that board who has done the same cruise you mention. If I had only one day in each place I would put compile a list of 1 think in each place that I simply HAD to do or see, go and do that thing, then spend the rest of the time wandering around the city getting ideas for next time. For the record, my picks would be: Venice Gondola Ride down the Grand Canal. Florence: The Duomo. Naples: Herculeam or Pompeii. Part of the charm in those cities you mentioned especially Venice is sitting and sipping drinks watching the crowds go by. Have a great time!

We have just returned from a trip to Rome and on to Naples and Sorrento. Paestum, Pompeii, Ravello, and the Amalfi Coast in general are all fabulous. Sorrento is touristy but also beautiful. We did a blitz trip of Pompeii, but I loved it. Herculaneum is also interesting, so if you can make connections there more easily, that would be another option. You will love whatever spots you choose.

Thank you all very much for your ideas and suggestions. I will have to do a little more research and, of course, discuss with the others in our group. Thanks again! (And I'll be sure to post a trip report when I get back!)