Its really hard to believe, but we are only ten days away from leaving for our trip! Tonight we finalized and purchased our shore excursions {unfortunately for nearly the same price as the cruise} but we want to live it up as this is likely a one-in-a-lifetime trip, and see everything that we can possibly see. It also provides the reassurance that our transportation is taken care of and that we will have English-speaking guides and not wandering around on our own too much. It is still so surreal that we will be there a week from Thursday!
Driving south, the next stop is the fabled town of Sorrento. Legend states it was the sirens of Sorrento who attempted to lure Ulysses onto the rocks. Lunch (with a flute of Italian champagne and house wine) will be served at a typical restaurant or hotel. After lunch, board your coach for the transfer to Pompeii. Located 12 miles from Naples is the Roman town of Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. This archaeological site is considered to be the world’s finest example of a Roman town and its way of life. In 79 AD, the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the town under 20 feet of ash and pumice stone, preserving the entire city. During the walking tour of the ruins, admire the mansions and art of wealthy patricians who moved to Pompeii to escape the turmoil of Rome; view countless paintings and inscriptions and the streets with raised pavements on either side. At intersections are stepping-stones that ensured pedestrians a safe crossing. This prosperous Roman City had an extensive forum, lavish baths, temples and villas richly decorated with frescoes. Excavations have revealed details of everyday life such as the wine jars still set in the counter of the wine shop. Time permitting; a stop will be made at a cameo factory, where you will learn about the delicate art of cameo carving and have an opportunity to purchase some of the handicrafts.
Civitavecchia {Rome, Italy}: Rome {our big splurge because the husband was very specific on the items we had to see – I pick the pretty things, he likes the historical things. The one missing visit is the Pantheon} – Begin with 90-min drive to Vatican City. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel. Leaving Vatican City, lunch served. After lunch, visit Trevi Fountain where time is allocated at leisure for photos. Rejoin coach for drive through Rome. Places of interest seen may include Borghese Park, Janiculum Hill, Castle Sant’Angelo & Circus Maximus. Pass monument to Victor Emmanuel, Capitol Hill & Roman Forum. View interior of Colosseum.
Livorno {Florence/Pisa}, Italy: Tuscany. I have heard the leaning tower of Pisa is in the middle of nowhere and rather boring once you take the typical photos. So, I REALLY wanted to visit the Tuscan Countryside {thanks to the movie Under the Tuscan Sun}: Take 2 hr drive to reach San Gimignano where you’ll have free time to explore or shop. For taste of Tuscany’s cuisine, local farmhouse serves lunch. Driving west, reach village of Volterra where sightseeing on foot includes Piazza dei Priori. Proceed to Piazza San Giovanni to admire Baptistery & Cathedral. See ruins of Roman Theatre. Visit alabaster workshop for short demonstration by artisan if time permits.
Villefranche {Nice, France}: We have opted to do this one on our own, as I have heard from several people I work with that it is easy to get around and everyone speaks English. We have definite plants to go to Monaco/Monte Carlo, Nice and Cannes as well as the mountain village of Eze. Just to soak in the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Provence {Toulon, France}: Headed to St. Tropez! Saint Tropez is undeniably one of the best known resorts of Europe, it still is today a crossroads where journalists and photographers, writers, artists and celebrities all meet in the high summer season. On the way back a short stop in the charming Port Grimaud, also known as the Little Venice of France .
The ship then returns to Barcelona for our return home. We are starting to get really excited. Only seven more days of work left! I promise upon our return, I will be boring you with the thousands of photos I take. I can hardly wait!
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