May Med Magic - May 15 2010 - Meet thread

[Jeff Spencer]

Jeff - We changed our excursion in Tunisia to the 4x4 jeep adventure. Sorry for the extra work.

I like the idea of meeting up at the wine tastings - hope there are enough openings for all of us! I'm disappointed about not getting the Palo bunch but I'll really be bummed if we can't get into at least two of the tastings.

dawne577 - it is really very easy to change so no worries. On the wine tastings, I'd estimate there are around 30-40 slots for these so I don't think it'll be a problem as long as people book them on embarkation day. Even then, every tasting we've been to (about a half dozen between wine and tequila tastings) has had people not show up or cancel at the last minute so there's availability if you show up and wait a few minutes.

 

[sarahgirl]

Oh you inserted a map of the port in Barcelona!! Very nice!

 

[nanaguide]

Cruisers, I'm trying to get an excursion planned for our day in Villefranche.There were 3 guides recommended by cruisecritic and Jeff. Michel and Sylvie are booked but the third one is open. His name is Alain Dream Tours. It would be a full day tour. He would pick us up at the port. We would return in time for the special dinner that night - both seatings.

This is the information he sent me:
We work with comfortable mini vans Mercedes with air condition and 8 passenger seats. First stop on the way in Eze village to visit (if you wish) perfume factory to learn the secrets of making perfumes and cosmetics. After that direction to Monaco to visit everything. Walking in The Old town with the Prince Palace Square, the Cathedral. Walking in Monte-Carl and the famous Casino, the Golden Square, the very nice Hotel de Paris. Drived City tour, formule 1 race circuit, beach area. Back to Nice with Panorama, maybe if you wish the chocolate and jam factory, the Old town with the famous flower market, and maybe a free time there to have a lunch. Direction to St. Paul de Vence, walking in the medieval village well known for the presence of artists, painters, stars of show business, and actors. But if you wish, we can cancel St Paul de Vence to visit Cannes to see the Film festival Palace, the beaches and Hotel Palace. Back to the ship. I will help you to choose a restaurant for the "lunch free time", if you wish. If I get 4 more people it will be 75 Euros per person. He is open to changing the places we see if someone has something in particular they want to see.

Please PM me if you are interested in this excursion.

The 4 open seats for the Villefranche excursion have been taken. Thanks!

 

[trampslady]

It's feeling more real by the moment. I just booked our nonrefundable hotel nights, two before and two after, at Hotel Regina! Woo hoo! Now, I need to get travel insurance and start thinking of what to wear/pack.

We are doing the following:

Malta: private tour w/touringmalta
Tunisia: my one and only DCL tour, which includes all the historical sites
Naples: romeinlimo private tour to include Pompeii w/guide and Amalfi coast
Civitavecchia: romeinlimo private tour of all things Roman w/private guide at the Vatican
La Spezia: romeinlimo private tour to Florence and maybe a stop in Pisa (for the hubby who thinks he cannot survive a trip to Italy without that stupid photo!)
Corsica: hanging on our own here
Villefranche: doing this on our own as well with a trip to Eze and Monaco

I can't wait to make arrangements for spa treatments (once onboard when the daily specials start rolling!) and my home away from home, the Rainforest!

 

[jenandmartin]

We're only taking 2 DCL tours (unless the Blue Grotto one opens up making it 3):

Tunisia - Bardo Museum, Medina, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said
Corsica - Les Calanches

The rest of the ports we're either taking the train or HOHO bus.

 

[rashdecision]

I have looked so extensively into excursions at all the ports except corsica. I am curious if anyone has suggestions regarding the port and the "must things to do". I was tempted to just beach it on this day but from what I hear, its a beautiful island and touring would be cool. There is always the chance of diving but I wondered what people thought.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

I have looked so extensively into excursions at all the ports except corsica. I am curious if anyone has suggestions regarding the port and the "must things to do". I was tempted to just beach it on this day but from what I hear, its a beautiful island and touring would be cool. There is always the chance of diving but I wondered what people thought.

From what I can tell, there are no must things to do. If one has several days and is into hiking, rock climbing, etc. it looks like they have some great trips inland. I had thought about chartering a boat and sailing around the coast but when I saw the average temps (lows in the 50s, high in low 70s) I started to think maybe not. Right now, we're doing the 1.5 hour Petit Train and then we'll probably just walk around the town (much of which will be closed since it's a Sunday). By this time in the cruise, we'll be pretty beat and will need to recharge for the final big tour in Villefranche.

 

[nanaguide]

Cruisers - Jeff Spencer booked the tour below for the morning we're in Malta. I am booking the same tour for the afternoon. It will be a half hour shorter.

On the private tours, so far I've booked a tour in Malta with Duncan Zammit of UPhotoMalta. One of the primary sources I use when researching private tours is TripAdvisor.com. When I search TA for Malta and "Things to Do", Uphotomalta came up as the #1 item. Reading the reviews, I knew this was the type of tour that we would be interested in, i.e., not the typical tourist stops, done by a local that is passionate about his job.

This would be a 4 1/2 hour tour through the Malta countryside beginning at 1:30. The cost is 50 Euros per person. I have open seats for 2 people if there is anyone interested in joining us. Duncan suggested we spend the morning exploring the city on foot - then he would show us the "real" Malta in the afternoon. PM me if you are interested.

 

[Welsh Girl]

Just had a look now and it looks quite close so will go for it, i think!! On the trips you don't seem to have much time on the beach either...and i would like to spend the day there!

Did you check out the info that Jeff Spencer placed a link for back on page 51? I looked at it and we have decided that it is definitely an option to beach it on your own. It looks like with a little planning it will be fairly easy.

 

[rashdecision]

Just had a look now and it looks quite close so will go for it, i think!! On the trips you don't seem to have much time on the beach either...and i would like to spend the day there!

Still unsure of the weather in regards to beach trips. Of course, our friends on the other side of the pond are probably used to cooler weather but Im a pansy.
I leave in a few hours to head to a meeting but for all those looking for Corsica excursions, the Pruneli gorges and treats excursion was apparently cancelled due to the road being "taken out" by rain. This is from another poster on the general DIS cruise board but apparently the tour operator canceled it for May. Hope all is well for the boards and give me the update when I return on the 23

 

[MPS516]

Sharing a Private Tour

We have only 2 spots left on our Naples and 2 spots on our La Spezia tours:
Port of Naples
Pompeii, Sorrento and Positano
The ruins of Pompeii, the international town of Sorrento, drive the coastal road to its furthest point. Spectacular views of the entire bay of Naples and the Island of Capri, through Positano, Piazza dei Mulini, and the cathedral, shops. With 8 the cost is about 75 euro. Full detail can be seen at: http://www.benvenutolimos.com/se_detail.asp?ExcCode=NA4

Port of La Spezia
Florence and Pisa
Florence was originally founded by Julius Caesar, it is the capital city of the region of Tuscany and is indeed the most beautifully colorful, romantic and culturally attractive city renowned for its vast museums which contain some of Michelangelo’s most famous works, the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Accademia’s Gallery, the Baptistery, the Giotto Bell Tower, the Duomo which is one of the world’s largest Cathedrals, the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, The town of Pisa, the "Field of Miracles", the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, the “Campo Santo” cemetery, the Baptistery, and the cathedral museum. With 8 the cost is about 91 euro. Full detail seen at: http://www.benvenutolimos.com/se_detail.asp?ExcCode=LS2

These will be in 8 passenger vans (plus driver), with an english speaking driver.
http://www.benvenutolimos.com/fleet.asp

If interested either PM or e-mail me at mps516@gmail.com

 

[Welsh Girl]

After the weather we have had here for the last 2 years anything in the late teens, when it comes to temp will be bliss!! It rained for most of our summer last year so am praying for some nice weather in May

Still unsure of the weather in regards to beach trips. Of course, our friends on the other side of the pond are probably used to cooler weather but Im a pansy.
I leave in a few hours to head to a meeting but for all those looking for Corsica excursions, the Pruneli gorges and treats excursion was apparently cancelled due to the road being "taken out" by rain. This is from another poster on the general DIS cruise board but apparently the tour operator canceled it for May. Hope all is well for the boards and give me the update when I return on the 23

 

[jojo6617]

Hi has anyone ever done Popeye village or Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta on there own, if so how easy is it to get there? as they a fraction of the price compared DCL. thinking we may take the bus or train

 

[Picket Fence]

After reading Franks' post about the currency "issue" in Tunis; Jamie and I just booked the Sidi Bou Said and Carthage tour through DCL.

Question: Can anyone make a recomendation for a good hotel in Barcelona near public transit outlets. We tried the hotel that Jeff suggested but it is now sold out

Thanks!

Kevin and Jamie
Picket Fence

 

[Picket Fence]

NanaGuide - We still don't have enough posts for PM's.... Jamie and I are interested in your Malta Tour. Is the space still available? You are welcome to email me directly at Kevinpickett @ hotmail.com (no spaces, of course).

Thanks!

Kevin and Jamie

 

[nanaguide]

Cruisers - Jeff Spencer booked the tour below for the morning we're in Malta. I am booking the same tour for the afternoon. It will be a half hour shorter.

On the private tours, so far I've booked a tour in Malta with Duncan Zammit of UPhotoMalta. One of the primary sources I use when researching private tours is TripAdvisor.com. When I search TA for Malta and "Things to Do", Uphotomalta came up as the #1 item. Reading the reviews, I knew this was the type of tour that we would be interested in, i.e., not the typical tourist stops, done by a local that is passionate about his job.

This would be a 4 1/2 hour tour through the Malta countryside beginning at 1:30. The cost is 50 Euros per person. I have open seats for 2 people if there is anyone interested in joining us. Duncan suggested we spend the morning exploring the city on foot - then he would show us the "real" Malta in the afternoon. PM me if you are interested.

The 2 seats have been taken - Thanks!

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Hi has anyone ever done Popeye village or Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta on there own, if so how easy is it to get there? as they a fraction of the price compared DCL. thinking we may take the bus or train

We've never been to Malta but looking at the map on Google and the Popeye Village web site it looks like you can get there via bus. Looks like it's maybe 12-15 miles. Bus 44 or 45 from Valletta to Mellieha Bay and then bus 441 from Mellieha Bay to Popeye Village. Bus 441 runs every hour in the summer and every 2 hours in the winter. Interestingly, it makes no mention of Spring.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

After reading Franks' post about the currency "issue" in Tunis; Jamie and I just booked the Sidi Bou Said and Carthage tour through DCL.

Question: Can anyone make a recomendation for a good hotel in Barcelona near public transit outlets. We tried the hotel that Jeff suggested but it is now sold out

Kevin,

I used your new avatar pic for the roll call and added your DCL tour to the Excursions page. On the hotel for Barcelona, you might look at these and see if they fit what you're looking for. They are in the top 20 hotels in Barcelona as rated by TripAdvisor and seem reasonably priced (at least before the cruise - don't know what dates you're looking for):

Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya

Aparthotel Husa Acacia

 

[Travelbee]

After reading Franks' post about the currency "issue" in Tunis; Jamie and I just booked the Sidi Bou Said and Carthage tour through DCL.

Question: Can anyone make a recomendation for a good hotel in Barcelona near public transit outlets. We tried the hotel that Jeff suggested but it is now sold out

Thanks!

Kevin and Jamie
Picket Fence

We are doing the same tour through DCL in Tunis. I think I read on an earlier post that someone else is on this tour as well.

I just checked the Novotel Barcelona City where Jeff and a bunch of us are staying pre-cruise and there was still availability. The rate is pretty reasonable there too.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

We are doing the same tour through DCL in Tunis. I think I read on an earlier post that someone else is on this tour as well.

That would be familytravel. I've captured everyone's DCL tours that have posted, PM'd or emailed me on the Excursions tab, under the "DCL Excursions" button.