Thursday, March 28, 2013

Introduce yourself to everyone! Go to http://is.gd/crfellows, then find our sailing from the list and "post" away! 
I think this will be a fun way to start getting to know each other! 
(Please, please don't believe everything my husband says about me! I'm really 39 not 34.)

Barcelona

September 20th                        Barcelona 

This is the place to start planning your time in Barcelona! (thanks Ann!)
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/

Wonderful site for tours (not just Barcelona)
http://www.viator.com/Barcelona/d562-ttd

Cruise Terminal Map and Info (thanks Ann!)
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-cruise-port.html

#1   BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR/Huddleston tour
4 HOURS of the highlights of the city  59 EUROS EACH
Pick up at 8:30 at port
see the website for all the places we will see:

4-12 people in a group.  Will drop off at your hotel.  

Contactluvthebeach61@gmail.comfor more info

Marseilles


September 19th                        Marseilles  
          
No tours listed yet   

Florence, Livorno, Pisa


September 18th                        Livorno                
                                                   (Florence/Pisa)

#1 Full Day Private Chianti – Pisa Tour  w/ballerine22   This Tour is FULL.
 (duration 9 hours) price for 6 people is 500Euro total. The pickup will be at 8.00 a.m. right in  front of the CARNIVAL SUNSHINE.
 http://www.guidos-tours.it/chianti_wine_tours.html 
 With this tour you will have the possibility to sightsee trough the splendid Chianti countryside  dotted with beautiful vineyards and olive groves, quaint little, medieval villages and hamlets that  are preserving still intact all the charm and beauty of the bygone days. Of course we won't miss  the opportunity also to stop at a couple of my most preferred wineries for a private, guided visit  of their cellars and to taste their great olive oil and wines and certainly I will not neglect to  select a nice local “trattorie” where you will have the possibility to enjoy an authentic and  genuine Tuscan lunch ! With regard to the wineries and places to visit I wish to reassure you that  the places I normally visit are definitely off the beaten tracks of those horrible, big tour buses  that usually “vomit out” hundreds of people wherever they stop. Finally, I’d like to point out that  you will have my company for the whole day and I’ll do my very best to help you understand, and  to learn as much as possible about wine in general and more specifically about the great Tuscan  wines and the terrific extra virgin olive oil !
 On the way back to the port we will do a little detour in order to stop in Pisa (about 30 – 40  minutes), in order to admire the world-wide famous LEANING TOWER !
 The price for the tour includes: 1 luxury air conditioned van, English speaking driver / wine guide  - sommelier in training , V.A.T. and highway tolls.
 The price for the tour doesn't include: meals, gratuities and eventual tasting fees (usually 10 -  15 Euro per person, per winery).
 Every extra hour costs 50 Euro.
 The payment is intended CASH IN EURO, and can be made directly to me at the end of the tour.

 Already have myself and my husband confirmed with Jim and Buenta. We need two additional  people for a total of 6 

Please email ballerine22 at amberklispie@gmail.com for additional info on this tour.


#2  Tuscany Taste Tour with Mauricio   w/25years2gether 
This Tour is Full

The tour we have planned is with Tuscany Taste Tour by Mauricio Mancini.  Here is the link for the tour which includes stops in both San Gimignano and Volterra, plus wine tasting and light lunch.


The tour is 68 euros per person.

We are also going to Torciano Winery (owned by a life long friend of Mauricio's and who'm Mauricio describes as 'crazy like a horse') for a wine tasting and Tuscan light lunch (20 euros).  Here is this link to the Torciano Winery and a description of the light lunch.
  

Therefore, grand total for the tour/wine tasting/lunch is 88 euros per person (plus tip).  There will be a total of 8 on this tour.  I put a down payment on it, so you don't have to pay until the day of the tour.
Mauricio  Mancini will pick us up at 8 a.m. at the gates and will be holding a sign with my name in it (Diane Andrews)
Diane and Real
MaryJo and John
Marica and David
Barbie and Larry


#5 LIVORNO:  PISA/LUCCA  SEPTEMBER 18

This Tour is Full

You will be greeted at the Port of Livorno, and will make your way to the small city of Pisa.
Here you will spend a portion of your morning at the Leaning Tower and the main square. The cathedral and baptistery, the tower of Pisa, and the Campo Santo or cemetery, together form one of the most beautiful and famous building groups in the world. The Piazza dei Miracoli makes a perfect showplace for these exquisite examples of Romanesque architecture. Continuing on along the scenic route in the Tuscan countryside, before arriving to one of the most famous and glorious walled cities of Italy, Lucca. Here you will spend a portion of your afternoon sightseeing the town and Duomo di San Martino, walk around the city walls if you wish after which or visit a local winery, before you are returned to the Port of Livorno.
8 per group.  Still available:6     75 euros per person.  
Huddleston tour   8:00 am
email: luvthebeach61@gmail.com for more info.

#6 LIVORNO   Room for 4 more

Tour lasts from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Highlights of Tour Include:
Visit to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower
Drive Through the Tuscan countryside on the way to Florence
In Florence:
Accademia – Michelangelo’s David
Santa Croce Church – Monument to Michelangelo
Piazza Santa Croce – flea market
Ponte Vecchio
Duomo Cathedral
Campanile Bell of Giotto
San Lorenzo Area
Piazza della Signoria
Palazzo Medici & Palazzo Pitti (from the outside)
Piazzale Michelangelo up the hill of Arcetri (breath taking view of Florence)
Cost:
With 6 people:  94 Euro per person
With 8 people:  72.50 Euro per person
+ Santa Croce Church Admission – 5 Euro per person
+ Academia Admission – 14 Euro per person
This price does not include lunch or tip.  Must be paid in cash day of tour.

Contact  Casie at utkayce@aol.com for more information.

Civatavecchia, Rome


September 17th                        Rome                    
                                                   (Civatavecchia)

#1 Best Limos in Rome w/ Steeno

#2 Joe Banana w/Islandqween Need 1
http://joebananalimos.net/best_of_rome_civitavecchia.html#.UVmmIPq9Kc0

#3 Rome in Limo w/ deladane  This Tour is Full

Rome in Limo- Rome Highlights Tour:  Cost = 75 Euros per person (plus 18.75 Euros per person for a private tour guide for the Vatican)  


This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy all the highlights of ROME in a day, and at relaxed pace. You will be greeted at the Port of Rome and will make your way to the very historical center of Rome and begin your tour at the National Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Venezia. You will then continue on to the splendors of Ancient Rome, which include the vicinity of the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Coliseum, the Capital and Palatine Hills, the Circus Maximus, and the glorious Pantheon. Moving on, you will walk through the famed Piazza Navona, see the glorious Pantheon, stopping at the Spanish Steps, before throwing your coins into the Trevi Fountain. After a stop for a traditional Italian lunch, you will head over to the Vatican City where you would spend the duration of your afternoon enthralled in the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter Basilica for couple of hours before making your way back to the port of Rome.
It is important to note that proper attire must be worn in the Vatican; shoulders and knees must be covered. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays with the exception of the last Sunday of every month (no worries- we'll be in Rome on a Tuesday!). All rates are quoted in the Euro and are only payable in the Euro currency, including Traveler’s Cheques, at the end of the services. Rates include the use of our luxury vehicles, English speaking driver, to and from the port. Lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the sites are not included. Entrance to the Catacombs € 8.00 pp.  
We highly recommend for you to pre-purchase your Vatican tickets online for 2 pm. We highly recommend for you to pre-purchase your Coliseum tickets online.  Important notice: From this year you can only pre- book your tickets to the Vatican to avoid the lines but cannot pre- purchase them by credit card. They require payment in Cash Euros only once you enter.

#4  Rome in Limo Tour w/hiplbl (deladane's Mom)  Need 1-3
We are coordinating a Rome tour for returnees to Rome. We have five and are looking for 1-3 more for a 6-8 person limo tour.
If you are  non-smoking, looking for more neighbohood exploration, Spanish Steps, Trevi, Pantheon, Trastavere, which is very cool, kind of bohemian area this might interest you.We also want to go to the Jewishghetto (see this article from NY times)  and Camp de Fiores. If we can fit in the catacombs that would be great.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/travel/echoes-from-the-roman-ghetto.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Please contact hiplbl at hiplbl at aol dot com.

The tour is from
 Romeinlimo.com and is called Rome as your taste under shore excursions.http://www.romeinlimo.com/rome-civitavecchia/rome-as-your-taste.htm
The costs will be between 75 and 100 Euros dependent on the mumber in the limo. We can plan our own itinerary with our driver on this tour.
Please let us know if you want to join us.
Please contact hiplbl via roll call for more information.

#5 Itinerary- Rome Highlights Tour plus private Tour guide for the Vatican This Tour is Full
This day excursion is designed for those who wish to enjoy all the highlights of ROME in a day, and at relaxed pace. You will be greeted at the Port of Rome and will make your way to the very historical center of Rome and begin your tour at the National Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Venezia. You will then continue on to the splendors of Ancient Rome, which include the vicinity of the Roman and Imperial Forums, the Coliseum, the Capital and Palatine Hills, the Circus Maximus, and the glorious Pantheon. Moving on, you will walk through the famed Piazza Navona, see the glorious Pantheon, stopping at the Spanish Steps, before throwing your coins into the Trevi Fountain. After a stop for a traditional Italian lunch, you will head over to the Vatican City where you would spend the duration of your afternoon enthralled in the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter Basilica for couple of hours before making your way back to the port of Rome.
It is important to note that proper attire must be worn in the Vatican; shoulders and knees must be covered. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Sundays with the exception of the last Sunday of every month (no worries- we'll be in Rome on a Tuesday!). All rates are quoted in the Euro and are only payable in the Euro currency, including Traveler’s Cheques, at the end of the services. Rates include the use of our luxury vehicles, English speaking driver, to and from the port. 
Lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the sites are not included. Entrance to the Catacombs € 8.00 pp. 
We highly recommend for you to pre-purchase your Vatican tickets online for 2 pm. We highly recommend for you to pre-purchase your Coliseum tickets online.  Important notice: From this year you can only pre- book your tickets to the Vatican to avoid the lines but cannot pre- purchase them by credit card. They require payment in Cash Euros only once you enter.
Contact   dbjore1@shaw.ca  for more information.

#6  ROME     Looking for 4 people
Tour lasts from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Highlights of Tour include:
The Vatican (Sistine Chapel) Includes private guide for Vatican
St. Peters Basilica
Coliseum
View of Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Pantheon
Circus Maximus
Piazza Venezia
Mussolini Balcony
St. Peters in Viniculus to see the Statue of Moses by Michelangelo
Tiberina Island on the Tiber River - Ancient Roman Bridges
Cost:
With 6 people:  114 Euro per person
With 8 people:  90 Euro per person
+ Vatican Admission – 20 Euro per person (16 Euro for the ticket + 4 Euro for the reservation)
+ Coliseum Admission – 13.50 Euro per person
This price does not include lunch or tip.  Must be paid in cash day of the tour.

Contact  Casie at utkayce@aol.com




Naples


September 16th                        Naples  

#1 Naples  w/ 25years2gether     This Tour is Full
(Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii with private guide and an Amazing Lunch)
The tour is with www.sorrentotopcar.com. I took this same tour 5 years ago and it was the hi-light of my cruise (especially the lunch). Your driver/guide/owner is Guiseppe del Torro (for those of you that watch Live with Kelly and Michael, he looks like Kelly Ripa's husband, Mark Consuelos). First he will pick you up at 8 a.m. in his new Mercedes van. Guiseppe will then drive you to Sorrento where you will have time to walk around the town. Next he will drive you along the Amalfi Coast to beautiful Positano. Along the way he will pull over to allow photo opportunities. After walking around Positano, he will take you for the most amazing lunch overlooking Positano at La Tagliata. Trip Advisor has it rated at #3 of 56 restaurants in Positano. There is no menu -- the courses are free-flowing, including wine and limoncelo. You will definitely not leave there hungry. After your wonderful lunch, you will go to Pompeii where a private guide is hired to walk you through the ruins (2 hour tour). Here is the price breakdown for this tour based on 8 people. 

9 hour tour - 60 euros
Entrance to Pompeii - 11 euros (currently)
Private guided tour for 8 - 12.50 euros
Lunch at La Tagliata - 25 - 30 euros (Guiseppe wasn't sure if the price had gone up this year)
Total - approx. 113 euros = 146 USD (plus tip)


Confirmed on Tour
Marica and David
Barbie and Larry
JoAnn and Gil
Tim and Anita
Contact diane_p_andrews@hotmail.com  

Tour operator for this tour has advised he does have another van/driver available if you'd be interested in this tour. 

#2  Best Limos in Rome w/steeno

#3 Joe Banana w/Islandqween Need 1
http://joebananalimos.net/pomp_sorrent_posit.html#.UVmlufq9Kc0

#4 NAPLES   Room for 4 more


Tour lasts from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tours includes:
Herculaneum Ruins with private guide
Scenic Drive Along Amalfi Coast – stopping whenever you want for pictures
Stops in towns of Sorrento and Positano
Cost:
With 6 people:  111 Euro per person
With 8 people:  87.50 Euro per person
This price does not include admission to Herculaneum (11 Euro), lunch, or tip.  Must be paid in cash day of tour.

Contact Casie at utkayce@aol.com for more information.

#5 Tour to Sorrento Pompeii Positano  Room For 6 more


Price is $75 Euros for group of 8; $92 Euros for 6;
plus $11 Euros for Pomeii Entrance

We will have a minibus for 8 for a private guided tour. 

Any questions, please email me:

Screen name: Buttercup50 
Email: chall529@yahoo.com
Here is a link to sign up.

http://www.romeinlimotoursharing.com/gruppitour.php?a=2013&m=9&g=16&it=20&tname=Pompeii,%20Sorrento%20and%20Positano&pname=Port%20of%20Naples%20/%20Salerno&url=/naples/pompeii-sorrento-positano.htm
You will be greeted at the Port of Naples before making your way to the archeological site of Pompeii, the ancient city whose ruins were preserved by the volcanic eruption that devastated it in 79AD. Here you will spend the duration of the morning, before continuing on to the picturesque coastal village of Sorrento for some sightseeing and lunch. The tour continues along the coast of Amalfi to the winding, narrow streets and seaside cafes of Positano. The day will conclude here, after which you will be returned to the Port of Naples.This day excursion is designed for those wish to enjoy the highlights of SORRENTO, POSITANO, and the archaeological site of POMPEII*.
* We do highly recommend a private licensed guide for Pompeii.
** Pompeii is partly wheelchair accessible.
*** You can get the tickets to sites on the spot – Euro 11 per person for Pompeii.
Children and students up to age of 18 have a free entrance, an ID is necessary then.
All rates are quoted in the Euro and are only payable in the Euro currency, including Traveler's Cheques, at the end of the services.
Rates include the use of our luxury vehicles, English speaking driverto and from the port.Lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the sites are not included.




              

Messina (Sicily)


September 15th                        Messina(Sicily) 
                                                   
#1 Messina Tour with Sicily With Mario/25years2gether                                                            This Tour is full
Mario & Ignazio Astone
http://www.sicilywithmario.com/
email: info@sicilywithmario.com

Includes leisurely tour of Savoca, Castelmola and Taormina.  Lunch at Gallo Cedrone.  Payment in cash at end of tour (55 euros) plus cost of lunch.  Pick up at 8:15 drop off at least 1 hour before ship departure.  Tour is for 8 people.  Contact:  diane_p_andrews@hotmail.com

Those signed up for tour:
Diane and Real
Donna and Rob
Marica and David 
Barbie and Larry 

#2 THE UNKNOWN SICILIAN VILLAGES AROUND ETNA (wine tasting tour) - TAORMINA (short visit). This Tour is FULL

We will be picking you up from Messina port on September 15 at 8.00 a.m. 

The entire price of Euro 390,00 for the day includes: vehicle and an English speaking driver/guide (not per person/ 8 people).

Cancellation policy:
No deposit is requested and the card will be not charged at all - just in case you no show without a reason we charge 100% your card.
In case you cannot take the tour without your control, such as the ship cannot dock due of bad weather and so on... there is still no charge and we kindly ask you to inform us as soon as you get the news.
We never did a penalty charge by the way in our 10 years business.

Payment is requested please IN CASH.

Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information .

We are looking forward to  seeing you in person,

Sincerely yours,
Anna
Coop. Sicily Life
Via Salita Branco 1/8
98039 Taormina ME
mobile phone +39 3284137533
/ +39 3471293107
info@sicilylife.com
http://www.sicilylife.com/ 

Signed up:
Jimj55      - 2
Balerina22 -2
Deladane   -2
Urlana       -2

#3 Smart Cruise Tours w/Casey&Ryan This Tour is Full

Godfather Tour and Taormina - 410 euro for 7-8 people (Appr $68 US per person which is $2 less than the "Taormina on Our own Ship Tour"

   "Leaving the port we will reach the charming town of Savoca. Savoca is not a tourist town, it is a simple every day "local" town set on the hillside of the foothills of the S. Peloritiani. This is where Al Pacino and Cast shot the GodFather Film. Following their footsteps and visiting the places that were so often shown throughout the movie will bring back many memories. While in town "a must" is the stop for a Lemon Granita at the famous bar "VITELLI" on the corner of the town, one of Coppola's favorite spots, and seen many times throughout the film.
From Savoca we will visit Forza d'Agrò which is without a doubt one of the best examples of a typical village of the Province of Messina which still conserves its medieval street layout and on all sides of the town you have the most incredible views. Here we have tradition, culture, history, art all awaiting you.
We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina where you can have your own free time to explore the village, stroll the streets and narrow alleyways with picturesque corners and nice shops. We can suggest a good local place for something to eat. You will have the time to visit the Greek Theatre (€8 pp entrance tickets not included) and the most important highlights of Taormina."


Confirmed so far:

Casey & Ryan
Diane Harter & Husband

We are confirmed and the deposit has been made.  The tour will leave from the ship at 8:30 AM.  The total per person is 51.25 Euro which I will collect on the cruise from each person.  Exact change would be excellent!!!!

#4 Joe Banana Tours from Messina (Sicily) to Mt. Etna and Taormina w/stlrboo  This Tour is FULL
Departing from the Carnival Sunshine at 830 AM and ending at approximately 330 PM.
We are in port from 8 to 5, so I have asked for the tour to be 7 hours, vs the normal nine (9).
Click on the link below to see what the tour consists of:
We have booked a vehicle for 8, and we are a 'group' of four, so we have 4 spaces available.
Total cost will be 62.5 Euros pp, if we have 8!  Lunch and tips not included... 
We have one (1) 'courteous' smoker in our group, just so there are no unknown issues..
Once we have eight (8) signed up, I would like those going to make up an envelope with the $$,
owed to the Driver at the end of the tour, so that your seats are guaranteed, and get them to me
at the Meet and Greet on April 9!  You can locate me easily..  I'll be the only adult wearing a Snoopy shirt!

#5 Messina Tour by Tommaso Panté w/Oylanz1
This tour has been cancelled.

#6 THE ETNA EXPERIENCE & TAORMINA: This Tour is Full
Mt Etna Volcano is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and the most active one in Europe. It has been erupting for several million years. We will be picking you up from the shore of your port and to mount Etna through several Sicilian towns, passing old lava flows. During the ascent different kinds of vegetation can be noted. We will reach 2.000 meters / 7.000 ft where we then take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri" craters (last century eruption) and the latest new lava flows and craters from 2001/2003 ­ On the way, we visit a local family farm where it is possible to taste local Etna wine, a selection of different types of honey (orange, lemon, eucalyptus, strawberry...), almond pastries, olives, extra virgin olive oil. Driving down from the mount through a wonderful pine tree forest, we get to the highlights of Taormina.

We will then take you to the historical centre of Taormina and under our tip, you will have your own free time to explore the village, stroll the mean streets and narrow ways with picturesque corners and nice shops. We can also suggest a good local place to let you have something to eat.

The driver will be waiting in Taormina and at your most convenient time, will drive you back to your ship.

Cost (depending on the number of people): 95-63 a person

Contact Chris: cwarren0316@gmail.com

#7 Mount Etna/Wine Tasting & God Father Tour by Sicily Tours (highly recommended on TripAdviser)      4 seats available
"We will be picking you up from the shore of your port and to mount Etna through several Sicilian towns, passing old lava flows. During the ascent different kinds of vegetation can be noted. We will reach 2.000 meters / 7.000 ft where we then take a walk together to visit the "Silvestri" craters (last century eruption) and the latest new lava flows and craters from 2001/2003.
Bring you to the well-known winery "Gambino" to tour the property and the wine cellar and of course have a taste of the unique Etna wine, accompanied by a selection of local Sicilian products (wine tasting only Euro 5,00 or wine tasting with light lunch Euro 15).
We will then take you to the medieval charming village of Savoca (Where many scenes from The Godfather were filmed)."
.
Price will be EURO 80pp with 6 people
Price will be EURO 71pp with 7 people
Price will be EURO 64pp with 8 people
Price above includes the light lunch option but excludes tip (for the driver, not for me).
.
Tour duration is the whole day. We start upon your arrival in the port and pick you up at the shore and finish at your convenient time so we are at your disposal for the whole day as much time as you have at your disposal.
We are quite flexible up to your needs and request. We can stop each place as long as you need to be enjoyed. We will be back in time to catch your ship at the port and be back by the way at your most convenient time. You find your personal driver at the shore, holding a board with your name.

Taken from the Sicily Tours email:-
Cancellation policy:
No deposit is requested and the card will be not charged at all - just in case you no show without a reason we charge 100% your card.
In case you cannot take the tour without your control, such as the ship cannot dock due of bad weather and so on... there is still no charge and we kindly ask you to inform us as soon as you get the news.
We never did a penalty charge by the way in our 10 years business.
Payment is requested please IN CASH.
.
I have confirmed the booking with my card and so do not need the balance until we board the Sunshine.
.
Please email me akerskevina@gmail.com
.