Rome

We departed our wonderful cruise ship today after our 12 night cruise. I have to admit it was a good mixture of sightseeing, relaxing, calm waters, drinking, eating and making new friends. We were a bit sad to be leaving the ship. We had a transfer taxi waiting for us as soon as we left the ship and he bought us to the last couple of days of our trip in Rome.  A fantastic city to finish up our holiday.  We hit the pavement from dropping off our luggage to our hotel beside the Trevi Fountain and headed for the Spanish Steps.  Followed by a look at the Colosseum and back to check into our hotel.  Some had a rest while others kept exploring this wonderful city and saw the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

An Italian Birthday

Finally today, Jasmin can cross off her list of celebrating her Birthday in Italy. And Rome you couldn't get a better place. 

We all went seperate ways again until we arrived at our designated spot for pre dinner drinks.

Some toured around on the hop on hop off bus while others went to revisit their favourite places on foot.

We all agreed that we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Rome & will be back.

Jasmin had a great day & we all celebrated her birthday with drinks & great food at dinner.

Tomorrow we start our long trip back home.

Happy Birthday Jasmin xx

Farewell

It's our last day in Rome before flying to London to start our long trek home. But we couldn't leave without tossing coins in the Trevi Fountain. They say by doing this you will return to Rome. They must be right as we did come back.

The Trevi is under major repairs for the next 18 months. Unfortunately there isn't any water & there is scaffolding all around it.

It doesn't look as impressive as it really is. Never mind the coins went in.

We have all had a fantastic holiday, with great friends, food & drinks.

See you again Roma.

Caio

Cruising on our last day

Today we spent the day cruising, making our way back from Croatia to Civitavecchia.

We have all agreed this cruise has been fantastic & we wish we weren't getting off. 

We have had the most fantastic weather & the smoothest of rides. There has been no sea sickness which is always good. 

Everyone is packed & ready to disembark  after breakfast for Rome. 

This is our last dinner on board & our last chance to try the cocktail of the day & for some to win again at Bingo.

We also enjoyed watching the sun set into the ocean, something that we don't experience everyday normally.

Split & Dubrovnik

Unfortunately we didn't get to hop off the ship & do our tour of Split. The Captain made the hard decision not to let us off as the winds were way too strong & it was dangerous for us to tender in.

Instead we spent the day sailing & were then able to dock at Dubrovnik at 8pm that night.

We were up early & made our own way into The Old Town. Some walked the 1/2 hour trek while others shared cabs.

Once there we walked the walls surrounding the town. The views from up here were spectacular, both of the ocean & the town. There are cafés built into the side of the mountains hanging over the ocean.

This is truly a beautiful place to visit.

There was still some sets around the town from Game of Thrones filming, but none of the actors were there.

Some chose a scenic boat ride with a glass bottom to explore around the harbour. Others took the cable cart ride up to the hilltop viewing platform. And some enjoyed a beer after doing the wall.

After shopping & lots of exploring we all ventured back to the ship for food & drinks. 

Venice, Day Two

Our ship stayed overnight in Venice, so we have another day to shop & explore this beautiful floating city.

Murano glass & Burano lace is everywhere as well as Venitian pastries & gelati. 

Not all of us have chosen to hop off,

instead opting to relax on the ship.

We set sail tonight for Croatia.

Venice

Wow what an experience cruising into Venice.  We were very fortunate that our balconies were on the side facing St Marks square.  So we had drinks and a front row seat to a beautiful unique city.  Once docked we boarded our private water taxi where we cruised around the canals of Venice seeing the major attractions. We passed the hotel where George Clooney is getting married in one weeks time. Enjoyed a beverage (expensive but worth it) at one of the restaurants within Saint Marks square.  Then a bit more of a wander over the Rialto Bridge where we have located a restaurant that we found a review on in one of the Italia magazines.  You are in a quiet location, tourist free just off the Rialto Bridge but still sitting on the Grand Canal (Bancogiro).

Kotor

We have docked in Kotor, Montenegro for the day & will tender to the mainland. It is so windy that nobody could sit upstairs on the boat.

We were told Kotor is like stepping into a perfect postcard, & so far they are spot on. The water is so green & they have beautiful homes perched on the side of mountains.

We boarderd our coach and headed for the Budva seaside. Here was beautiful blue water & deck chairs set up everywhere along the shoreline. 

Below is a photo of Hotel Sveti Stefan, where Lady Di & Prince Charles honeymooned. The cheapest room per night is 1600 euro per couple, including breakfast.

We then went to Budva Old Town where we had free time to look around. Even found an English pub.

It was then onto Kotor Old Town to explore.

There is a hilltop fortress which stands guard over Kotor's medieval jewel of the Old Town. As well as elegant palazzos, lively cafés & shops everywhere.

As part of our tour we were to visit Kotor Cathedral but there was a fire last night which damaged it. 

Kotor is a must if you are ever near here.

Corfu, Greece

Today when we walked out on our balconies we were greeted with Corfu stretched out in front of us while watching tenders ferrying people to the island.  The waters have been so calm and clear and we've witnessed dolphins playing in the ships wake.  The views and crystal clear waters are so inviting that you just want to dive straight in.  We have joined a tour today and have been treated (if you can call it that) to a road trip to the top of the island aboard a large coach on extremely narrow roads.  One village we went through was only just accommodating the width of the bus.  The home owners have to look out a window before opening their front doors to see if any traffic is coming.  The whole island is full of olive trees.  A lot already have the nets underneath for when the olives start to fall from the trees. We hopped off the bus at various times throughout our tour to admire the views.  At the end of the tour you could opt to be left in the old town to do some shopping.  They had a lot of shops but also like markets up most streets. We then caught a shuttle bus back to the port terminal where we re boarded tenders to make our way back on board the cruise ship.