Back to the Med Greece/Turkey in 2013! Complete!

[MinnieDiva]

Wish I could claim credit, but the family we're traveling with sent this to me last night!

Dear Traveler,

This Saturday, January 12th, we'll be hosting a live, all-day webcast — 8 “Test Drive a Tour Guide” presentations on Europe’s best destinations as they’re covered by the itineraries in my tour program.

No matter where you are, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Pacific Time, you can watch live from my website, Facebook page (click on the 'Live Festival' tab) or YouTube channel.

Here is Saturday’s schedule:
9 a.m. Italy
10:30 a.m. Eastern Europe
11:45 a.m. Spain
1 p.m. Germany-Austria-Switzerland
2:15 p.m. Turkey
3:30 p.m. France
5:30 p.m. Venice-Florence-Rome
7:30 p.m. Irreverent History of Europe Through the Back Door
What prompts all this travel talk? My annual tour guides summit, which has brought dozens of European travel experts into town. They’ll be helping me with these presentations, and rubbing elbows with hundreds of tour alums at our big Tour Member Reunion Party, taking place on the same day.

I hope you can join us!

Rick Steves

Did you watch? I was at a swim meet for the bulk to the day and couldn't.

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Did you watch? I was at a swim meet for the bulk to the day and couldn't.

Just finished reading through this thread and the cruise meet thread- thanks for the fabulous information! It's good to know there are other swim/Disney/planning Mom's out there! I also spent all weekend watching swimming. My daughter had a school meet and club practices and we watched my son's meet online which was streamed live all weekend. Swimming keeps a family busy! We have had this cruise reserved for a long time, but weren't sure we could definitely go until recently. So, now I can let myself start planning. Thanks for sharing all this great information. We have cruised with DCL, but this will be our first trip to the Mediterranean. Excited, but nervous...

 

[MinnieDiva]

Just finished reading through this thread and the cruise meet thread- thanks for the fabulous information! It's good to know there are other swim/Disney/planning Mom's out there! I also spent all weekend watching swimming. My daughter had a school meet and club practices and we watched my son's meet online which was streamed live all weekend. Swimming keeps a family busy! We have had this cruise reserved for a long time, but weren't sure we could definitely go until recently. So, now I can let myself start planning. Thanks for sharing all this great information. We have cruised with DCL, but this will be our first trip to the Mediterranean. Excited, but nervous...

Welcome! What sailing are you on? Have you gotten the air taken care of? Shocking how expensive that part is!
That's pretty neat that you can watch the meet online! I've never heard of that being done up here....

 

[lilpooh108]

Hi there,

Would you mind PM'ing me the quote you got from Rome in Limo? We're on the June 1 cruise and I've emailed a few companies for quotes for Rome. We have an odd group of 9, and so we need 2 vehicles. I'm trying to see if the prices I've gotten (there's a wide range) might be on par w/your group of 12 since I'm guessing you guys will need 2 cars too.

Thanks alot!

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Welcome! What sailing are you on? Have you gotten the air taken care of? Shocking how expensive that part is!
That's pretty neat that you can watch the meet online! I've never heard of that being done up here....

Hi! We're on the June 15th sailing. We just got the flights a couple days ago after much research and following fares, etc...for a while. Working on the travel insurance for those today. As for the meet, it was one of the bigger USA Swimming meets, which was why it was online. The usual local meets are not online. Really fun to see, though- commentators and everything! How old is/are your swimmer(s)? My kids are so excited about this trip, but I'm sure they have only a little idea of what's going into the planning!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Hi there,

Would you mind PM'ing me the quote you got from Rome in Limo? We're on the June 1 cruise and I've emailed a few companies for quotes for Rome. We have an odd group of 9, and so we need 2 vehicles. I'm trying to see if the prices I've gotten (there's a wide range) might be on par w/your group of 12 since I'm guessing you guys will need 2 cars too.

Thanks alot!

will do.

 

[MinnieDiva]

Hi! We're on the June 15th sailing. We just got the flights a couple days ago after much research and following fares, etc...for a while. Working on the travel insurance for those today. As for the meet, it was one of the bigger USA Swimming meets, which was why it was online. The usual local meets are not online. Really fun to see, though- commentators and everything! How old is/are your swimmer(s)? My kids are so excited about this trip, but I'm sure they have only a little idea of what's going into the planning!

Oh, cool! We'll ge t to meet you!! I have yet to bite the bullet and purchase the insurance...that's next...

Ashleigh is 9. She's also USA swimming and recently qualified for Age group regionals, so we'll get to see a higher level of meet. We did go to one recently at the location where they had the London Olympic Diving Trials....very cool to see! She had a really good time, but only had 4 events over 3 days so it was a hurry up and wait sort of thing for us. Fun, though..

 

[mindelmouse]

Oh, cool! We'll ge t to meet you!! I have yet to bite the bullet and purchase the insurance...that's next...

Ashleigh is 9. She's also USA swimming and recently qualified for Age group regionals, so we'll get to see a higher level of meet. We did go to one recently at the location where they had the London Olympic Diving Trials....very cool to see! She had a really good time, but only had 4 events over 3 days so it was a hurry up and wait sort of thing for us. Fun, though..

We bought our insurance on Monday.

 

[CJCPixieDust]

Oh, cool! We'll ge t to meet you!! I have yet to bite the bullet and purchase the insurance...that's next...

Ashleigh is 9. She's also USA swimming and recently qualified for Age group regionals, so we'll get to see a higher level of meet. We did go to one recently at the location where they had the London Olympic Diving Trials....very cool to see! She had a really good time, but only had 4 events over 3 days so it was a hurry up and wait sort of thing for us. Fun, though..

Hi! It's always nice to find someone who understands the swim meet culture! Congrats to Ashleigh on Regionals. The higher level meets are fun, although a bit more stressful (for the parents, I think!). Yes, lots of hurry up and wait... My kids traveled to Nebraska in June to see the Olympic Trials with their team, which was amazing for them. They had teammates who were actually swimming in the Trials, which was so cool for them to see. Swimming was one of the reasons we debated about going on this trip, as it's a long time to miss practices during long course season. But, you're only young for a very short time and family time is so important! Finally feel like I'm getting into high planning gear, which feels really late to me. Always great information and ideas here. And now, some Rick Steves before I head back to the pool for pick-ups!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Guess what I got today???


Dining rotations! Nothing fancy...see below, they just rotate:

1. LAP
2. APL
3. PLA

And they confirmed that the 1st sea day (right after Rome) is Formal night, Pirate night is Mykonos, and Semi-formal is the night after pirate night.

I was also told...nothing official on when the stinking excursions would be posted, no idea on the cost of the photo CD, and there will be Tuxedos available to rent.

 

[MinnieDiva]

The outfit insanity has begun! I ended up shopping last weekend...you know how that goes....no intent to shop but stuff you like falls in your lap? So 2 shirts and capris later I realize that I need to go look for new sandals as the Tevas I relied on 3 years ago now hurt my feet. Found that out in DL last week. . Need to get a pair and try them out in WDW next month. That's the only time between now and June I can see me wearing anything other than closed toed shoes and heavy socks.

I have 3 embarkation shirts fully done. Sat down yesterday and did the 17 buttons and buttonholes I'd been putting off. And...Ashleigh and I shopped for and got fabric for her formal night dress. It's almost all cut out, too. This was after I scrapbooks all the stuff that has been sitting around since August....gotta make room for creativity! Can anyone tell I've had a stretch of days off from work? Don't go back until this weekend, so I see more projects for the rest of the week....

 

[mindelmouse]

The outfit insanity has begun! I ended up shopping last weekend...you know how that goes....no intent to shop but stuff you like falls in your lap? So 2 shirts and capris later I realize that I need to go look for new sandals as the Tevas I relied on 3 years ago now hurt my feet. Found that out in DL last week. . Need to get a pair and try them out in WDW next month. That's the only time between now and June I can see me wearing anything other than closed toed shoes and heavy socks.

I have 3 embarkation shirts fully done. Sat down yesterday and did the 17 buttons and buttonholes I'd been putting off. And...Ashleigh and I shopped for and got fabric for her formal night dress. It's almost all cut out, too. This was after I scrapbooks all the stuff that has been sitting around since August....gotta make room for creativity! Can anyone tell I've had a stretch of days off from work? Don't go back until this weekend, so I see more projects for the rest of the week....

Sounds like you've been busy. I guess ours are on hold for now. If things are moving in right direction in two wks we'll be good. This is so stressful.

 

[debsters41]

The outfit insanity has begun! I ended up shopping last weekend...you know how that goes....no intent to shop but stuff you like falls in your lap? So 2 shirts and capris later I realize that I need to go look for new sandals as the Tevas I relied on 3 years ago now hurt my feet. Found that out in DL last week. . Need to get a pair and try them out in WDW next month. That's the only time between now and June I can see me wearing anything other than closed toed shoes and heavy socks.

I have 3 embarkation shirts fully done. Sat down yesterday and did the 17 buttons and buttonholes I'd been putting off. And...Ashleigh and I shopped for and got fabric for her formal night dress. It's almost all cut out, too. This was after I scrapbooks all the stuff that has been sitting around since August....gotta make room for creativity! Can anyone tell I've had a stretch of days off from work? Don't go back until this weekend, so I see more projects for the rest of the week....

 

[NanNan]

Well, now. Have not posted in a while but am happy to report that we have PIF, flights purchased for Calgary, London, Barcelona. And I cannot wait! Have a friend in Nottingham and plan a few days there then London for a couple. Will be in Barcelona 13th of June and now looking for accomodation. So excited!

 

[MinnieDiva]

I had to go and get tulle for the dress today. I made this same pattern for our Alaska cruise. It turned out great, but I remember now that I was frustrated with it...for more than one reason...

Well, now. Have not posted in a while but am happy to report that we have PIF, flights purchased for Calgary, London, Barcelona. And I cannot wait! Have a friend in Nottingham and plan a few days there then London for a couple. Will be in Barcelona 13th of June and now looking for accomodation. So excited!

YAY!!!!

I finally went and purchased insurance yesterday. Last big expense done for a while....you know, until that post-cruise credit card bill arrives.

So the 3 new port's excursions went up today. Now just need to figure out what to do. I actually sent a mission to my dad as he's done more reading on Kusadasi than I have....he gets to figure out a few options!! Mwahahahaha!!! No Venice or Dubrovnik excursions yet for those of you waiting for that set...

 

[MinnieDiva]

I found an interesting site on my Twitter feed (new to this and still figuring it out...@kimmiemouse):

http://www.culturaltravelguide.com/

She posted an article the other day that this October the Sistine Chapel ceiling turns 500! Happy birthday!

And....

Looks like we might have a premi"ear"! Monsters University starts June 21st! With 12 nights of entertainment to fill, I'd bet this will be one of those!

 

[MinnieDiva]

Imagine...walking into the Port of Barcelona....and seeing a flock of people wearing really cool matching shirts! Yeah, you know you look at them in envy. Mmmmhmmm.... But really...imagine 8 of us in these:

Not sure if that one is mine or Ashleigh's, but imagine worn as an open shirt with a black, red, or yellow tank/tee under it....very stylish and screams "someone has way too much time on her hands and far too many planning ideas!!!!!"!!

 

[mindelmouse]

Imagine...walking into the Port of Barcelona....and seeing a flock of people wearing really cool matching shirts! Yeah, you know you look at them in envy. Mmmmhmmm.... But really...imagine 8 of us in these:

Not sure if that one is mine or Ashleigh's, but imagine worn as an open shirt with a black, red, or yellow tank/tee under it....very stylish and screams "someone has way too much time on her hands and far too many planning ideas!!!!!"!!

LMAO...yea that could be scary to see oh wait...I won't have to look at it...I'll be part of the group

 

[Kirbo]

Imagine...walking into the Port of Barcelona....and seeing a flock of people wearing really cool matching shirts! Yeah, you know you look at them in envy. Mmmmhmmm.... But really...imagine 8 of us in these:

Not sure if that one is mine or Ashleigh's, but imagine worn as an open shirt with a black, red, or yellow tank/tee under it....very stylish and screams "someone has way too much time on her hands and far too many planning ideas!!!!!"!!

So much awesomeness!

 

[MinnieDiva]

So, I survived tulle h-e-double hockey sticks. Ashleigh's formal dress is well underway. Hope to work on it some tonight, but had some stuff to work on this morning first. The other thing I finally got around to doing last week was booking our Malta tour. I'd saved the email from touringmalta.com from last July and finally deposited that. The cost went up in the meantime by $40E to $445 E for 8 people and a guide. Not bad, IMHO. here was the details:


Full Day Private Tour with Licensed Tour Guide, for 8 passnegers, starting at 0830hrs/returnin at 1500hrs, on June 25th, 2013

Your itinerary includes the following:
Valletta (Barraka Gardens, Merchants/Republic Streets, St, John's CVo. Cathedral)
Blue Grotto
Hagar Qim Temples
Mdina Medieval City

Payment Details
Tour Amount EUR445.00
Deposit Paid EUR50.00 (plus 3% ccard/admin fee)
Balance Due EUR395.00
The balance is paid in Malta. You may prefer to pay in euro currency/cash to avoid the additional admin charges.

Entrance Fees
The above price does not include entrance fees into historical sites, temples sites, museums, optional boat trips and the cost of lunch.

Pick-Up Details/Meeting Point
The guide/driver will meet you as you disembark form the ship, kindly look out for your name on a hand held board. If you disembark earlier you must wait at the disembarkation point/next to the ship as it will be impossible to find you otherwise.


Important Notes Please Read
Our guide and transport are normally ready to greet you 10 minutes prior to the tour start time as specified above. However, if your ship arrives in port earlier, DO NOT assume that your tour will start earlier. The start time will remain the same unless you have contacted us in advance and we have agreed an earlier start time.

If your ship is delayed DO NOT assume that your tour will be cancelled. If you are aware that you will be delayed do try and advise us by email or phone. We are usually advised by the ships local agents that you may be delayed and whenever possible we will reschedule the tour to suit your arrival time. In this situation we will do our utmost to provide you with the full tour as booked.

We do not charge a per person rate, but charge a rate based on the size of transport and licensed tour guide (if included) required for your group. Therefore, if less people turn up for the tour, the amount due for the tour is the same because the same size transport will be used and the cost of the guide is the same.

Tipping/Gratuities
These are not included in the tour cost and if you would like to reward your driver and/or guide with a tip/gratuity this is at your discretion. There is no fixed amount, however as a guideline we normally recommend a minimum of 10% (of the tour amount) for a driver only tour or if your tour includes a driver and a licensed tour guide, 15% (of the tour amount) to be split 10% for the guide/5% for the driver.

Lunch/Snack Breaks
For tours that exceed 4 hour we normally recommend that a drink stop/break/lunch stop is included. By law and according to local regulation, drivers and licensed tour guides are entitled to the following:
At least a 30 minute break for tours of a 4 to 5 hour duration
At least a 45 minute break for tours of a 5 to 6 hour duration
A reasonable lunch break for tours of a 6 to 8 hour duration
If you do not want to stop for a break, your driver and/or guide can have their entitled break and you can enjoy some free time, whenever possible this will be at a historical site where you can continue with your exploring. Please note that drinks or food are not permitted in our transport.

Booking/Cancellation Policy (as it appears on the secure online booking form)
If you do not participate in, or make use of, the activity/s or service/s due to situations beyond your control (this can include cancellation of service by the operator, local operational reasons, cruise liners change itinerary, cruise ships do not enter port due to bad weather etc...) the balance due will not be charged and you will also receive any deposits that you have paid, excluding any special services that we may have already booked for you in advance, such as entrance tickets for special shows/tours/events which are not refundable from the provider.

If you decide not to participate or make use of the activity/s or service/s, for any reason at your own discretion, you will be charged the full amount as stated above.

If you have booked using your credit card, these details will be deleted from our records after we have received full payment.


Should you require any further information do not hesitate to contact us. We hope your visit to Malta is an enjoyable and memorable one.

Regards
Chris Sheridan