All in one place: Please Post info from your DCL Med excursions HERE

[jokicha]

• null
• null

Just wanted to thank you for telling me about faxing in my request to the vatican. I sent in my fax last week and received confirmation today for the 6/27 cruise. No lines!!!!

You are more than welcome and Congratulations! You can go in about 30 minutes early. It was great to get in with enough time to get the tickets and do a restroom break. The tour is about two hours and they didn't stop for restrooms. Also, after the tour and going through the sistine chapel, take the door at the right to exit instead of the left. It will take you to the front of the basilica and you can go in without any lines. The door says, audiotour only, just keep walking as if you own the place! Nobody asked, just keep going and go towards the right.

Make reservations to the colloseum, even if you don't think you'll go. Not charge if you don't go in.

 

[jokicha]

Thankyou for this info - we've just cancelled the panoramic bus excursion to di this instead and it will save us quite a bit

Great! I'm glad the info helped! Enjoy your trip...

 

[pinkpixey]

If anyone has done the ERICE AND SEGESTA (Palermo) or DAY AT SEA AT MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO (Olbia) I would love to know what you thought about these two. I'm considering changing either or both to something very low key, afraid of overdoing it for us all. Thanks

 

[figment52]

If anyone has done the ERICE AND SEGESTA (Palermo) or DAY AT SEA AT MADDALENA ARCHIPELAGO (Olbia) I would love to know what you thought about these two. I'm considering changing either or both to something very low key, afraid of overdoing it for us all. Thanks

The scenery at Maddalena was beautiful. I have never seen seas that color. About an hour in the bus each way and about 40 minutes on the ferry each way but next to the Amalfi Coast this is what I thought the Med should look like.

Some personal time but if you are a shopper it might not be enough time. We had a snack and a short walk around before time for the ferry again.

Very relaxing day but saw no kids on our bus.

 

[APinCA]

Villefranche:
we booked the Night time casino excursion and after finding out what we were missing on the ship and what the minimums were at the tables we really didn't want to pay the 99/person for the excursion.

Thank you for all of the information. What was scheduled for the ship that night and what were the minimums at the tables?
Thanks.

 

[sharolyn]

I would not do the disney excursion into Monte Carlo, you can take the train for about 4 euros and the taxi back is only 50 euros for the car. We had 4 of us, so the cost was very reasonable. The taxi ride home was worth the trip to monte carlo and one of the highlights of our cruise!!! For all 8 of us that went into the casino! The minimium was only $10 at the craps table, although we were hearing all kinds of numbers prior to going!! The slots, they had 5 cent slot machines as well. The odds are horrible, but the experience is worth what we paid to go in and then some. However, the $100 per person that Disney charged is not worth it!! They also have to go a different route than what we got to do because the buses could not go down the streets in Villefranche. They also got back to the boat after midnight...which is not big deal, the boat was not going to leave without them, but they were not expecting to be out so late. There was also fighting on the bus from what we were told with people cussing each other out. We were not on the bus so I do not have all the details, but we were glad to have been on the train and taking the taxi back. We took the taxi back because the train schedule did not work. So really we lucked out with this taxi deal, again, it was an amazing ride back to the port, absolutely beautiful. And for those who have not cruised yet, this ride home made all of us very sad that we had not just stayed in port and explored villefranche!! The streets are winding and just amazing!! Even if you do not go into the casino, which is beautiful, the taxi ride is something I would recomend to anyone!!!

 

[funnybunny921]

funnybunny921 - thank you for the great shore descriptions. Very good information.

We are hoping to do Villefranche on our own. We were going to take the train to Eze and then on to Monte Carlo/Monaco. Was there a stop for Eze? Is Nice worthwhile and in Nice, when you get off the train are you within walking distance to the Old area and the Promenade?

Thanks for the info?

There was a stop for Eze but from what i gathered you needed a bus from the train to really get into Eze.

Nice was very nice, I just wish we had had more time to go to a museum (there are som good ones there for art) or to sit and have lunch.

We walked to the sea from the train, but it isn't a short walk..... granted we took our time but we are 2 25 yr olds with no kids and i would say it took us going straigh and not stopping 20 min or more. and you want to stop and you and to wander. that are some fun small street to the east of the main street that disney tries to steer you towards. wonderful little shops with spices (lots of salt) olive oil, chocolate, provence souvineers (soaps cloths little saints).

 

[2littlestitches]

So whats your bottom line thoughts on florence/pisa.

I have to say that originally on the 6-16 cruise I couldn't get florence/pisa and was very disappointed. I called DCL to whine and they said sorry, keep checking back etc. So I signed up for Pisa only. I accepted it and moved on but last week there were openings on florence/pisa so I changed the excursion. We really want to be able to go up in the tower over florence. My 9 year old is really looking forward to that, so what would you do? would you change back to pisa only or hope that disney corrects their errors? Any feedback would be appreciated. I would hate to think that I spent all that money to not do what we really wanted to do..something stated in the brochure...aarg...what to do????

We did the Florence and Pisa tour......

I agree that the lack of any free time in Florence was really disappointing!!!!!

But, I thought Florence was just beautiful and could totally see myself going back there someday. I wanted so badly to go in the shops, buy some food, but we had to keep moving with the tour and it was chaotic and hot.

The leaning tower of Pisa is just that....a tower that leans. We got some great pics in front of it. I personally would never have missed seeing it, since we had come that far. Now having said that, I'll probably never go to Pisa again. It's just the tower/pics in front of the tower and not much more charming things to see.

I guess what I'm saying is....seeing Pisa was important to me this time. But Florence was a much more beautiful city to see. I don't regret choosing to do both, but next time I'd just do Florence. If they find a way to give you some free time in Florence, this excursion would be greatly improved!!!!!

 

[mickeyfanmom]

Thanks SO much 2littlestiches.

MY DS11, REALLY wants to see the leaning tower. He doesn't care if he actually goes up in it, but he really wants to see it and get some pics.

Knowing that, do you think that we should still do the Florence/Pisa excursion? We may also go back to Florence someday, but I really don't want to miss seeing the tower.

What is your advice? Thanks!

 

[2littlestitches]

Thanks SO much 2littlestiches.

MY DS11, REALLY wants to see the leaning tower. He doesn't care if he actually goes up in it, but he really wants to see it and get some pics.

Knowing that, do you think that we should still do the Florence/Pisa excursion? We may also go back to Florence someday, but I really don't want to miss seeing the tower.

What is your advice? Thanks!

Well, I have 2 sons, ages 5 and 6, and seeing the leaning tower was definitely a highlight for them. It's just something iconic that we talked about before the trip, and they were pumped up about seeing it. I got the cutest pics in front of it. My advice would be to go see it, at least once. It's super touristy, with little knick-knack type gift shops everywhere. All you will really have time for is seeing the tower and taking a few pics. My boys got mini leaning towers that they enjoyed playing with the rest of the trip. LOL.

Originally, because the kids are so young, we booked the Pisa only tour. The rest of our group was doing Florence and Pisa. Once onboard I started having second thoughts, and realized I didn't want to miss Florence. So I was lucky that I was able to switch it to the Florence and Pisa tour. I'm so glad I got the chance to see Florence, because despite all the chaos and lack of free time, it was a charming city to visit. Now if I ever did this again, I'd do "Florence On Your Own" and spend time enjoying the food and shopping in the city. The lunch we had was just "okay" for us....I would have much preferred more free time and sampling some of the yummy pizzas I saw in the store windows.

My advice would be to go ahead with the Florence and Pisa tour, realizing that you're just scratching the surface of Florence, and just taking pics at Pisa. If you have that in mind, you'll be okay. And know its a very long day!

Hope this helps!!!!!!

I had nothing to go on when figuring out my excursions since I was on the second cruise and had little feedback. I'm hoping to post my excursion reviews to help others!!!!!

 

[panamaprincess]

Did you figure out how to fax them?? I received my confirmation today for my tour by faxing them directly. PM me if you still need help

Thanks all for your assistance and follow-up. I'll FAX today and keep you posted!!!

 

[jokicha]

I've been looking for the contact info that I had mentioned before on Antonio, our taxi driver in Naples. I guess I had put it in a "really safe" place that even I couldn't find it

Here it is...just as he wrote it for us.

Antonio - Taxi driver in Napoli (Naples)
+39 3385 643 176
+39 3201 472 507

email address is ADEBIASE05@yahoo.it

If I knew how to post pics, I would post one of him. Any suggestions?

Good luck and get ready for a fun ride, he is not only fun but will play italian music as well as some frank sinatra. His cab can only accommodate 7.

If you do book with him, please send me a PM so that I can give you info on us--to let him who sent you.

 

[booksw]

Horst is a big man..... maybe spelling his name wrong Horset...???



Both Jenn, & Winotracy. Made Some good purchases....

The 50 years old Balsmic is awesome...
so is the olive oil..

And the Liqueurs, they purchased are Great..
Jenn spent 70 Euro's & Winotracy a bit more... worth it...

Kinda one of the highlights of my trip....

Please allow time!!!!

for tasting, pouring and packing of your purchases, or you maybe late getting back to the Bus.....

Thanks! I told DH about it and he suggested I try to find them on the internet to see if we can order online. I found some discussion about the shop that is similar to what you are saying but nowhere to make online purchases. Now he feels better =) We are really looking forward to it! Thanks again, Sarah

 

[shortkathleen]

Has anyone done the catamarn explorer excursion in LaSpezia? If so, was it worth the price? Thanks for you help.

 

[sharolyn]

I agree with little stiches about florence, it is an amazing place to visit, even if it is chaotic and the time very limited. On Pisa, if you have kids old enough to climb, I would try and climb!! It is really something unique to do so, you can really feel the lean as you climb, and the view from the top is amazing. The two in one day is a lot. We did this with our own private tour, but we saw the disney folks there. I do not know if they would allow you to climb if you had your own tickets or not, but I would ask and see if it is possible, you will not be disappointed!! And your kids would love it!!

 

[panamaprincess]

You must have a ticket to climb the tower at Pisa. There are a limited number of people allowed in per hour. You can purchase tickets in advance on the web site below:

http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/first.jsp

The challenge with doing this on one of the pre-arranged tours is you won't be quite sure what time you'll arrive at that stop on your tour. So climbing is probably something you'll have to do on your own (or with the VIP tour, I think the climbing tickets are included).

 

[mickeyfanmom]

Thanks for all of the help!!!

 

[edith76]

We did the Florence and Pisa excursion on our 6/6 cruise and really enjoyed it. If Pisa and climbing the tower or shopping in Florence are important to you, this is not the right excursion choice. Also, probably a little long for children. And I'll admit, it was a bit painful to see all the lovely stores and not have time to shop - especially for someone who got a triple dose of that shopping gene. But, we had to make a choice and sightseeing won.

It was a long bus ride through some outstanding countryside - but still long. Once we arrived in Florence we were handed over to a city guide who was just great. She gave us a good feel for what we were seeing, explained well and was easy to understand. We got a nice overview of the highlights of the city. Our lunch was in a beautiful restaurant - La Loggia - way up on a hill overlooking Florence. The meal was definitely longer than what we are used to, but it was nice to eat lunch the way the Italians do while visiting their country. After lunch we boarded the bus for Pisa. It is a hike from the bus parking to where the tower is, then a short walk through shopping stalls before getting to the square. We had 30 min. to walk around tower,take pictures, etc. then another 10-15 min. in outside food/souv. stalls before going back to the bus. On the bus - water, wipes and crackers for all ... naps for some. The tour took 12 hours rather than the 10 - 10.5 listed but DH and I thought it was well worth it and enjoyed the experience.

 

[Kouris_Family]

ok I'll try to make this short as I'll be writing up my trip report and my blog has our experience as it happened:

Barcelona:

We did our own thing since we were there for a few days. One thing to know since the party is at night for leaving it isn't like how people described the send off on the normal cruises no ship horn no one waving, and if you have a late dinner chances are you'll miss the party.

Palermo:

If you are considering the mysterious palermo one you might reconsider. We paid for the hop on/off bus which got us close to that church and then walked about 5-10 min to the church and paid 1.50E a person to see the crypts. and then we could take the bus around the rest of town which was nice. They sell the tickets for that bus at the port terminal. one of our table mate couples did the greek ruins and liked it but had a very disappointing guide. another table mate couple did the marrionette/ ceful or however you spell it they said it was just ok

Naples:

We hired a private guide to do the amalfi coast and pompeii. it was very worth it since were were able to share and cut costs. one of our table mate couples did the capri, pompeii, amalfi for families because it was "lower impact" and the wife had knee problems. there really didn't like that family tour... too many over tired crying kids, and it isn't "the same" as the non family one... which they were told it would be. Another couple at our table did the disney version of what we did (amalfi and pompeii) they seemed to like it though they weren't impressed by lunch.

Olbia:

We didn't plan anything and the town was DEAD when we got off the boat. Sunday is a hard day to visit anything. One of our table couples did the costa smerelda and they weren't very impressed, another couple did the La Cinta beach and they really enjoyed it. i think if you like going to the beach the disney beach excursion seem good but otherwise on the 10 day trip at least there isn't much to do in town.

Rome:

We were on one of 5 bus groups doing highlights of rome and the vatican. Two of the 3 couples at our table did this excursion too. one of the couples did the vip and they were dissappointed for the price they paid. I wasn't happy that we only got 40 min of free time instead of the advertised 2 hours but one of our table couples only got 20 mins which wasn't enought to do anything. Our bus guide was so-so but our vatican guide was great. You need more time to really see anythign indepth but i fealt like she gave us a good idea and feel for the vatican museum, chaple and basilica.

La Spezia:

We opted out of the florence tours and are happy we did. La Spezia is a beautiful town and well worht a bit of time if you aren't on a florence excursion. lots of shopping freindly people good food. We took the train north to Cinque Terre which was beautiful. I wish we had more time as we only got to see one of the 5 towns. One of our table couples had done Michelangelo and florence. they liked it but there was a strike and they got into the accidemia 2 hours late... almost not at all. other groups had problems in pisa. and a large group of diser almost missed the last tender.

Marseille:

We did the disney half day Aix en Provence. For the price i think it was a good tour. our guide gave us a decent tour (though our tablemates i think had the better guide on this one) and then about an hour and a half on our home. which was enough time for us to walk and see Cezanne's birth place and to walk around the markets and shops. As i said one of our table mates was on a different bus of the same tour and they really relaly enjoyed this one. Marseille it self... DON'T PAY FOR THE DISNEY LITTLE TRAIN TOUR. the little train is about 50 ft or less from where the shuttle drops you off at the old port and certainly doesn't cost what disney is charging.

Villefranche:

ok this is the one that we screwed up on. we booked the Night time casino excursion and after finding out what we were missing on the ship and what the minimums were at the tables we really didn't want to pay the 99/person for the excursion. we were able to change on the ship but the only thing that was left was the bus tour. they did credit us the 99 and then charge us the 49 for the bus tour but ours left at 815 and i woke up that morning not feeling well so we skipped it anyway.

The train to nice is pretty easy but don't trust the time tables disney gives you it was off about 5 min which made the difference of us missing our train. give yourself enough time that if you don't speak frech you can find out what platfor you are on. as it was we had bought tickets to monte carlo and to nice so we got to take a train that didn't stop at villefranche and we were only out 20 min instead of the 2 hours that we would have been had we had to go to villefranche. TWO things: IF YOU WANT TO GAMBLE OR SEE THE CASINO YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. Every one we talked to loved this area and every one was happy with what they did (on there own or with disney) had we had more time i think we would have wanted to get to Eze which many people really liked and the palace area of monaco. i think the general thing is just get off the boat and go some where at this stop you'll be happy you did no matter if it is on your own or with disney.

Hi,
Could you share who you used for your Amalfi Tour, we go on7-7-07 and want to do the same. Thanks Kay

 

[funnybunny921]

Hi,
Could you share who you used for your Amalfi Tour, we go on7-7-07 and want to do the same. Thanks Kay

ap tours. i didn't book it just joined folks looking to share for a better price. our driver was great. i think i have his email at home. otherwise you can probably google ap tours and naples and find them