This trip is affordable because it was offered at a low rate to enable the cruise line to fill empty cabins. Shore excursions represent a significant revenue stream from where they can make up for discounted cruise prices. So, offerings should be cautiously considered.

DYI

Onshore arrangements and do-it-yourself adventures may provide ways to make the most of our vacation, while still staying on budget.

Pros

First, port towns are typically filled with kiosks and personnel offering trips at a fraction of the price the cruise line is offering. Surely, we can find something that fits our cruise ship’s schedule, making certain there are no hidden fees before we book.

Moreover, there is little risk of us not arriving back at the boat before it leaves. Every tour vendor in a given port is keenly aware of ship arrival and departure schedules. Because their reputation and livelihood depend on getting passengers back on time, they are almost certain not to take risks.

Furthermore, we could book half-day excursions and leave ourselves plenty of time at the end for possible delays. Alternatively, we could schedule a trip that doesn’t venture far from port so we can catch a taxi back if a problem arises.

Besides, some of the attractions are conveniently situated close to cruise terminals. It is therefore possible to access them via a short walk, taxi ride or a hop-on hop-off bus.

Another option is to use online services that will allow us to make tour arrangements before we leave home. Before a decision is made, we can read the reviews on other trips booked through those websites. Some companies guarantee the rates on their tours, and offer 24-hour, 7-days-a-week global support. Because cancellations can be made up to one full day before the planned excursion, there is a certain amount of flexibility.

Cons

On the other hand, it is difficult to compare what we can book onshore or online with what the cruise line offers. They may have hidden perks, more comfortable vehicles, and may serve snacks and refreshments.

Moreover, if the trip requires ground transportation it is unlikely to be cost-effective to hire a taxi. Paris, Monaco, Florence, and Rome are many miles away from where the ship docks.

In addition, we will need to have lots of cash on hand, in local currency. In Europe that should not be difficult to secure, but it’s a consideration and could be problematic in Split.

Another consideration is our unfamiliarity with the port-of-call drill. It might be worth the extra money to book a few of the ship’s tours until we’ve figured it out.

Also, ports which are smaller or more remote might have limited tourism. If that is the case, booking cruise line shore excursions is likely to be our best option.

Or, maybe some of the places we will be seeing are particularly significant in an historic or cultural sense and it is likely that a private guide can enrich the experience.

So, we’ll need to look at our options and make the most cost-effective choices.

For now, we’ll stick with the attractions that are most commonly talked about. But every Tour Guide needs some unusual anecdotes in their repertoire. Select Contact Me from the website’s menu and request a copy of Lesser Known Facts about each of the major cities we’ll be visiting.

Cruise line onshore excursions

It was difficult and time-consuming to identify all the tour options for each port of call. The cruise line offers 100 shore excursions on this trip, and they do not list them by region. That is probably because so many of the offerings involve tours of the same attractions, packaged in a variety of ways. The highlights of each are listed below. Which option would you choose at each port?

Le Havre (Paris)

Option 1

Do a walking tour of Le Havre, an impressive 20th century urban center. This port town was designed by innovative architect Auguste Perret, a “poet in concrete.” (Do you suppose that apparent contradiction is terms is meant to pique our curiosity?)

Option 2

Visit Rouen, the capital of Higher Normandy. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake there in 1431. The Joan of Arc church was completed in 1979. Also discover the cathedral made famous by Claude Monet’s paintings on its facade.

Option 3

Head to the seaside resort of Arromanches. Allied forces landed on its beaches in 1944 on D-day. Next, drive to Colleville Saint Laurent and stop at the American Cemetery. See the more than 9,000 crosses which stand aligned in an impressive site overlooking Omaha Beach. (Did you know those crosses are made of marble?) Continue to Pointe du Hoc where American troops climbed the cliffs on rope ladders to defeat the Germans in their heavily fortified observation post.

Option 4

Cross the Normandy Bridge to the city of Honfleur, a colorful port on the Seine estuary. Honfleur has remained a major center for the arts for centuries, resulting in its history being sung by many poets and painted by famous artists.

Option 5

Visit Giverny, a city on the right bank of the Seine. Giverny is known for its famous resident Claude Monet whose house and gardens have been turned into a museum.

Option 6

See all the symbols of Paris, including the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the cathedral of Notre Dame, and Place de l’Etoile. At the end of Champs Elysees Avenue behold the Place de la Concorde and its legendary obelisk. At the foot of the Eiffel Tower consider boarding a glass-covered sightseeing riverboat. A scenic cruise on the Seine River will allow us to gain a different perspective of this historic city. We will also discover districts where nobility and the Bourgeoisie live.

Option 7

Enjoy some time in the city near the Trocadero. This landmark is named after the only significant battle in the 1823 French invasion of Spain in support of King Ferdinand VII. His absolute rule was restored when French forces defeated the Spanish liberal forces.

Barcelona

Option 1

Stroll the attractive squares of the Gothic Quarter which display Barcelona’s diverse architectural heritage. The narrow streets are lined with medieval buildings and scattered remnants of walls and other constructions from an earlier Roman city. View the magnificent cathedral, richly decorated and adorned with gargoyles.

Get acquainted with Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona’s celebrity architect. His unmistakable style features organic shapes, twisted iron sculptures and colored tiles. First drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia with its wrought iron streetlamps and array of Modernist buildings. Then marvel at Gaudi’s Casa Batllo, which features a mosaic facade of rising and falling form. Visit Casa Mila, originally designed as an apartment building but now housing a cultural center. Note its arches, spiral chimneys and wavy facade of rough stone which cause it to be known locally as “the stone quarry.” Perhaps his most impressive work, is La Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) Church. This is Gaudi’s controversial and towering masterpiece, which remains unfinished despite construction getting underway in 1883.

Option 2

Shop along Catalunya square, from which both the Passeig de Gracia and the tree-lined pedestrian street La Rambla branch out in the heart of the City. Then head to the Spanish Village where you will find full-scale replicas of the most representative buildings and squares from all over Spain.

Option 3

Visit Camp Nou, Barcelona’s famous football stadium. Its current capacity is over 99,000 seats, rendering it the largest stadium in Spain. It is also the largest stadium in Europe, with a surface of 55,000 square meters (592,015 square feet). The stadium is considered the Mecca for football fans all over the world.

Option 4

Head to Montjuic hill for a panoramic view of Barcelona. Then drive on to Montserrat, and unusual multi-peak mountain topped by pinnacles that look like fingers reaching for the sky. According to legend villagers discovered a statue of the Madonna in a grotto there millennia ago. As a result, it became a pilgrimage site. Over the centuries the image, which now resides in a grand basilica, has darkened by the smoke of millions of candles. Consequently, she has come to be known as the Black Virgin. The Benedictine community, now numbering about 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, work, and welcoming pilgrims.

Option 5

A drive through the memorial Arch of Triumph and Ciutadella Park takes you to a monumental fountain designed by a student of Gaudi. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the Olympic Stadium from atop Montjuic.

Option 6

Tour the Simon Coll Chocolate factory. Enjoy a sampling during which you will discover how texture, creamy fillings and the percentage of coco affects the taste of the chocolate. Then visit Pages Entrena, a winery that has been making cava in a converted 18th-century paper mill since 1987. You will gain insight into how this sparkling wine is made from indigenous Spanish grapes. See how the grapes are harvested, the process of fermentation and why the wine bottles are periodically turned by hand during storage. Alternatively, you can visit Freixenet Cellars, Spain’s leading producers of cava. A guide will lead you through the oldest section of the cellars. Then you can hop on a train to view the latest enhancements, where tradition and state-of-the-art technology coexist harmoniously.

Cannes

Option 1

Drive the famed Golden Corniche and enjoy some time in charming Saint Raphael. You will admire stunning coastal views and one of the most beautiful areas of the French Riviera. Composed of fiery red volcanic rocks, the landscape forms a striking contrast to the deep blue of the sea.

Option 2

From Cannes you can drive to Monaco where escalators and elevators will carry you to the top of the rock. You can view the Prince’s palace, then head to Monte Carlo to enjoy the Place du Casino. Next, admire the Hotel de Paris, do a little window shopping, or even try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo or the Cafe de Paris Casino.

Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

Option 1

Drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside from the port of Livorno to the historic town of Pisa on the banks of the Arno River. Next to Miracle Square is the famous Leaning Tower. Built to display the wealth of Pisa, the bell tower began leaning during construction due to the foundation settling unevenly as builders reached the fourth story. They compensated for the angle, but the tower continued its tilt. Today the tower leans 14 degrees from perpendicular.

Option 2

About 20 km further on the road toward Florence is Lucca, in Italy’s Tuscany region. The city is almost perfectly preserved within high walls now topped with green parkland. The Gothic interior of the Duomo, Lucca’s Romanesque cathedral, includes an image of Christ on the cross. It was supposedly carved by Nicodemus, a purported witness to the crucifixion. The Duomo also boasts Tintoretto’s magnificent painting of the Last Supper.

Option 3

In Florence the highlights are centrally located. This makes it ideal for a walking tour. Piazza Michelangelo provides an overview of the city’s tiled roofs, steeples and domes. Visit the Accademia Gallery for an up-close introduction to Michelangelo’s famous David. The 17-foot-tall statue depicts not the king, but the young shepherd who killed Goliath.

Next, have a look at the exterior of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria del Fiore. Note its elaborate Gothic facade covered in a mix of pink and green marble. Construction of the Cathedral, designed by architect Arnolfo di Cambio who also designed Palazzo Vecchio and the Basilica di Santa Croce, began in 1296. All but the dome was complete 122 years later.

Arte della Lana, the wool guild of Florence, held a competition for the best architectural design for the dome. It was won by Philippo Brunelleschi.  Cosimo de’ Medici then commissioned construction of the dome, which started in 1420 and finished in 1436. The Duomo is featured in the excellent Italian-British television drama series set in 15th-century Florence, Medici: Masters of Florence.

View the statues in the Plazza della Signoria on your way to Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge built across the River Arno. Then visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Italy. It serves as the burial site for the city’s larger than life citizens, including Michelangelo, Rossini, Machiavelli and Galileo.

Finally, immerse yourself in one of the world’s great art collections at the Uffizi Gallery. The works on display are all considered true masterpieces. They were created by artists such as Michelangelo, Rafael, Rembrandt and Goya.

Option 4

Travel to Castello del Trebbio, built by the Pazzi family in 1184. In 1968 it was purchased and restored by the Baj Macario family who currently live and work in the castle. Its offerings include high quality products such as wine and extra virgin olive oil.

Option 5

Explore the medieval town of San Gimignano. Then visit nearby San Donato, a farm and winery characteristic of Tuscany. See how olive oil, saffron and four varieties of grapes are produced.

Option 6

Drive into the Apuan Alps to behold the quarries where Carrara marble has been excavated for centuries. Note that what appears from a distance to be snow is white marble and marble dust on the mountain’s bare quarried faces. Also synonymous with the area is Colonnata lard. This is a delicacy produced by cutting pork back fat into strips, adding proprietary seasonings, and then aging it in a marble container for at least six months. The resulting treat will melt in your mouth.

Option 7

Ride through the lush Tuscan countryside to one of the area’s renowned wine cellars. Then admire the estate’s vineyards, where the Sangiovese grapes are grown. These are the principal grapes used in the production of Chianti.

Alternatively, you may experience the joys of Andrea Bocelli’s world. Visit places the revered tenor and his family own in and around his hometown of Lajatico.

Option 8

Visit the Cinque Terre on the Italian Rivera. This region is characterized by small sandy beaches among the rocks, high cliffs, caves and tiny bays. The Five villages with their pastel houses stacked up the face of the cliff resemble an array of colorfully wrapped presents. The villages are connected to each other only by hiking trails, trains and an occasional boat.

Civitavecchia (Rome)

Option 1

Not far from the port of Civitavecchia lies Tarquinia. It was once one of the most powerful cities in the Etruscan civilization, the modern name given to an ancient Italian culture. Once known for its huge and efficient fleet, today Tarquinia is known for its quaint squares, lovely palaces and the Etruscan Necropolis, which is the only surviving evidence of Etruscan residential architecture. Tarquinia is also home to Palazzo Vitelleschi, a splendid 15th century Gothic-style castle.

Option 2

Follow the coast to Ostia, the commercial center and principal port for ancient Rome. Founded at the mouth of the Tiber River in the 7th century B.C. to extract salt from the nearby marshes, it was later fortified. Ostia thrived until the fall of Rome when the port was abandoned. Fortunately, river silt eventually covered the city, protecting it from both the elements and plunderers.

Meander through the excavated ruins, which offer a wonderful glimpse into early Roman life. Begin with a visit to the city’s iconic Colosseum, the largest and most important of all the amphitheaters the Romans built across their vast empire. It’s four levels of seats could hold 50,000 spectators for bloody gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights. At times the Colosseum was flooded, and simulated sea battles were fought.

Next, stop at Trevi Fountain, a massive Baroque extravaganza built in 1732. It features Neptune, god of the sea, surging forward in his shell-shaped chariot. Then walk to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved of all the ancient Roman structures. It features the largest brick dome in the history of architecture. Visit Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium. See Piazza Venezia, the central hub of Rome, in which several thoroughfares intersect. Then gaze at Trajan’s Column, commemorating Roman emperor Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars. Finally, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, which is the center most of the Seven Hills of Rome.

Option 3

In Vatican City admire the beauty of St. Peter’s Square. Then view some of the treasures of the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica. Begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was buried, such masters as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design throughout the following 200 years. Go on to admire Michelangelo’s most famous sculpture, the marble Pieta. Also view the marvelous bronze canopy over the high altar by Bernini. Everywhere you turn, the sights are amazing. Finally, wonder at the Sistine Chapel, topped by Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling.

Option 4

Choose to see Classical Rome by private rail car. See Colle Oppio, a hill overlooking the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Continue to The Church of St. Peter in Chains. Inside you can admire Michelangelo’s statue of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. Then walk through the Sacred Way, along which victorious generals marched in triumph to the Curia. Next see the altar where the body of Julius Caesar was cremated and from which Marc Anthony made his famous speech. Visit Navona Square which boasts three impressive fountains, including la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi with its large obelisk at the centre. Finally, see the baroque church of Sant’Agnese in Agone which provides an impressive backdrop.

Option 5

Venture off the beaten path and back in time to explore two unique villages in beautiful countryside settings. The first, Tuscania, has well-preserved medieval walls and two fascinating churches. The second, Civita di Bagnoregio, perches dramatically atop a steep hill. It was once two separate towns, but the saddle of land that connected Civa to Bagnoregi eroded away, cutting off Civita and making Bagnoregio its only lifeline to the outside world. Accessible only by a long footbridge, supplies are transported in by moped.

Option 6

Travel to the striking hilltop city of Orvieto, part of the Etruscan civilization. Perched on a plateau atop huge cliffs, this town is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. You might also choose to visit the Underground Passages and the Museum of Archaeology. St. Patrick’s well, an architectural marvel built in the early 16th century by Pope Clement VII is also an attraction.

Naples/Pompeii

Option 1

After departing from the pier, enjoy a drive along the Bay of Naples. Travel on to Sorrento, a city of charming pedestrian lanes and Renaissance palazzi. Note the architectural style of the 19th and 20th centuries embraced by wealthy families of the Italian Renaissance.  Then watch a demonstration of the art of intarsia, or wood inlay, which has long been associated with Sorrento. Move on to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii, a flourishing civilization before being buried for 1,700 years under 20 feet of ash and pumice. Originally a seaport, the eruption raised the land and left the ruined town far from the bay. Yet, it was so perfectly preserved that you can see how the 20,000 residents lived, worked and played. Finally, hike up to the volcano’s crater and see the rivers of lava where crevices still exude fumes and heat.

Option 2

You will soon arrive in Naples, the third most-populated city in Italy. Proceed to Piazza del Plebiscito, which is flanked by impressive landmarks. The Royal Palace, for example, was one of four residences used by the Bourbon Kings who ruled in the 18th and 19th centuries.  The San Carlo Theater, an ornate world-class opera house, has become a revered symbol of Naples. The Church of St. Francis also borders the Piazza. Additionally, you may see the glorious Naples Cathedral and the National Archaeological Museum, which holds one of the world’s finest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities.

Maybe you will choose to pedal through Naples on a dedicated bike path. Stop at Borgo Marinari to see the famous Castle of the Egg with its spectacular waterfront views. Travel on to Piazza Municipio and see the Maschio Angioino, a gloomy medieval castle that was the residence of the kings of Anjou, Aragon, and the Spanish Viceroys. The castle also served as a fortress.

Maybe you will choose to walk through Naples and its Bourbon Tunnel. It was built by order of Ferdinand II of Bourbon some 150 years ago. Here in the underground discover the aqueduct of Carmignano, as well as a military path of the XIX century. The underground also contains bomb shelters used during the Second World War, as well as buried vintage cars and motorbikes.

No matter how you choose to explore Naples, take time to enjoy a slice of Pizza Margherita. This Neapolitan pizza was supposedly invented in Naples to honor the visiting Queen Margherita of Savoy.

Option 3

You might choose to view the Ruins of Herculaneum. This was a fishing village overlooking the Bay of Naples that was chosen as a summer resort by wealthy Romans. They built wonderful villas adorned with frescoes (mural painting executed upon freshly laid, or wet lime plaster), mosaics and great sculptures. The torrent of mud that flooded down from the volcano served for centuries as the best possible defense against atmospheric agents and illegal excavators.

Option 4

If you would like to explore the island of Capri on your own, a jetfoil transfer is ideal. Capri is an island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping. One of its best-known natural sites is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue, the result of sunlight passing through an underwater cave. In summer, Capri’s dramatic, cove-studded coastline draws many yachts.

Santorini Island

Option 1

After tendering to the port of Athinios drive to Pyrgos village. This is one of the oldest settlements and the highest village on the island. Admire the Venetian fortress crowned by several churches. Enjoy the majestic view out over the caldera, a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large, special form of volcanic crater. Then head to the picturesque village of Oia for more magnificent views of both the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Its cobblestone streets, Cycladic architecture, and beautiful old homes perched on the ridge of red rocks is a perfect complement to the natural beauty of the area. Moreover, it is the calmest place on the Island.

Option 2

Take a boat ride to an active volcano and hike its gravel terrain to the crater. Enjoy the view of Santorini and the amazing cliffs of the caldera. Then sail to the thermal springs of Palea Kameni, with its green sulfur warm waters and temperatures that reach 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit). At last, jump off the boat and swim to the springs, weather permitting.

Option 3

Explore the fascinating excavations of Akrotiri. This is the most important prehistoric settlement of the Aegean. Devastated by a catastrophic eruption, it was buried for over 3,000 years. At the time of the eruption Akrotiri had reached great development and prosperity. It featured an elaborate drainage system and sophisticated multi-storied buildings. After your tour delight in views of the caldera while tasting Santorini’s famous wines.

Option 4

Take a 4×4 island adventure beginning at Akrotiri on the southern end of the island. Begin by driving to Vihada beach, then jump into the cool waters of the Aegean Sea. Be enchanted by the natural beauty of this secluded beach, framed by pumice stone hills. Afterwards, visit the traditional village of Pyrgos. Enjoy the incredible panoramic view of Santorini form the mountain of Profitis Elias, the highest of the island (550 m; 1804 ft.). Then continue your off-road drive between Kamari and Monolithos before reaching Fira.

Option 5

Explore Fira, the cosmopolitan capital and one of the most famous and picturesque places in Greece. Admire the white houses built on the slopes of the crater. Explore the narrow paths. Then descend via cable car to the old port.

Piraeus (Athens)

Option 1

Piraeus is one of the most important and ancient ports in the Mediterranean. Nearby is a complimentary ‘Happy Train’ that travels around Piraeus city.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a wonderfully scenic drive on which you can view several private harbors. Before arriving in Athens you’ll see the Old Marble Olympic Stadium where in 1896 the first modern Olympics were held.  This white horseshoe-shaped stadium is the world’s only arena made entirely of marble.

Continuing into Athens you will see the statue of Lord Byron, Constitution Square, and Temple of Zeus. You may choose to tour these attractions on a bike. At the 19th-century Royal Palace you’ll get a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform as they stand over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Then stop at the New Acropolis Museum, which holds a collection of artifacts excavated from the slopes of the Acropolis and the surrounding foothills. The Acropolis, a natural fortress, is one of the most photographed and recognizable hills in the entire world. The perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to the upper city entrance through the Propylaea gateway.

Afterward you may choose to wander around the predominantly pedestrian streets of Plaka, the old preserved district of Athens. Hadrian’s Arch separates it from new sections of Athens. The striking ancient buildings evoke Greece’s most legendary names, such as Socrates, Pericles and Aristides. Proceed to the Monastiraki area, a flea market neighborhood and major tourist attraction for bargain shopping.

Option 2

Drive along the coastal road which affords splendid views of the Saronic Gulf. Arrive at Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon. It stands some 200 feet above the sea at the edge of a cliff. Alternatively, drive past Eleusis until you reach the ancient town of Corinth where Saint Paul lived and preached for two years. In ancient times, Corinth was among the richest cities. Its remains are still being excavated today. Next, travel on to the famous Corinth Canal, considered an engineering wonder. There, boarding a local boat from the village of Isthmia you’ll navigate the canal. Dramatically separating the Peloponnese from the rest of mainland Greece, a 76-foot-wide and 26-feet-deep canal has been carved from a massive rock. Finally, from the center of the bridge that spans its banks take advantage of a unique photo opportunity 200 feet above the water.

Split

Option 1

Leaving the pier, you’ll visit the ancient site of Salona. This is an area which prospered during the 3rd and 4th centuries. Then enjoy the scenic drive along the beautiful “Riviera of the Seven Castles.” Arrive at medieval Trogir which has retained its original layout from the Hellenistic period. It is a remarkable example of urban continuity. Trogir boasts architectural treasurers of beautiful stone houses, palaces, churches, monasteries, towers and walls along the winding stone streets. The main attraction, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, may be the finest example of Sacral architecture in Croatia. Continue to the typical Dalmatian village of Burni. Along the way, pass through interesting landscapes as rocky terrain transforms into an oasis of fertile land.

Back in Split, before exploring Old Town you will experience the Palace of Diocletian. Built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement, its gates are named for different metals such as gold and silver. You will also have opportunity to meander through the People’s Square, the Chapel of the Holy Arnir, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, whose bell tower has become a symbol of the city.

Option 2

After departing from the pier drive inland to Klis, an ancient village strategically located in a mountain pass. The village is dominated by a fortress that sits atop a jagged crag. There are views of the sea on one side and mountains on the other. This spectacular setting served as the location for the city of Meereen. Here, Daenerys Targaryen (the Mother of Dragors) freed the slaves in Season Four of the TV Series “Game of Thrones,” which is based on “A Song of Ice and Fire” fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin.

Then return to Split to visit its extraordinary Diocletian Palace. You will note that several more “Game of Thrones” scenes were shot in the sprawling complex of temples, cathedrals and residences facing the sea. Most notable are the ones where Daenerys’ dragons are chained in the dungeon.

Option 3

After departing from the pier, you will drive inland through the inspiring Croatian countryside to Sibenik, a fortified town founded in the 9th century. St. Jacob’s Cathedral is the highlight, built entirely of stone under the direction of three architects. Construction took more than 100 years, and the result is a magnificent blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Option 4

A scenic drive along the coast via a mountain road will bring you to the resort town of Omis. Situated at the mouth of the Cetine River, many of its medieval defenses are still visible on a hill above the town. Then board a river boat for a scenic cruise up the Cetine River to Radman Mills located at the heart of the canyon.

Option 5

Depart the town of Split through the Karst Sibenik region to the famous Krka River waterfalls. Marvel at the 17 natural cascades. In the most attractive part of the park you will see the Skradinsky Buk waterfalls. The highest waterfall is also the highest gypsum barrier in Europe, approximately 46 m. (151 ft.). There, above the falls is a large plateau that offers spectacular views and a perfect photo opportunity.

Venice

We need not avail ourselves of the two tours and transfer to the airport offered by the cruise line. Rather, we will see what Venice has to offer in the days we will remain there before flying home.

It bears repeating that Venice is wildly expensive and crowded. So, it will be good to be there in the shoulder-season.  If desired, we can get around Venice on the cheap. That will entail staying in an Arbnb, enjoying free and inexpensive sights, eating small, simple meals and taking advantage of water buses and leisurely strolls.  All we need is a good map, or a willingness to get lost as we wander.  We might choose to take advantage of a walking tour if we want to see historic sites with the help of a guide.

Recommended Sees

1. St. Mark’s Square. Located on the Grand Canal, this square really is the perfect place to start your tour of Venice and tick off some of its most impressive sights.

2. Mark’s Basilica.  Located in the Piazza San Marco, this basilica is easily accessible from the grand canal. (No entrance fee)

3. Canale Grande.  This monumental canal is more like a river. It passes from one side of Venice to the other and snakes through the centre in a large S bend shape.

4. Ponte di Rialto.  As one of the bridges that spans the impressive Grand Canal, this is undoubtedly the most famous and iconic.

5. Doges Palace. Is in St. Mark’s Square but looks out onto the grand canal.  

Recommended Dos

1. Purchase a Venice museum pass. Currently, for 32.40 euros you can visit 11 museums, including the Doge’s Palace and the Glass Museum on the island of Murano.

2. Ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal.  The Vaporetto is the main form of transport in Venice.  Check the schedules and times, which are posted all over the city. Each ticket currently costs 7.5 euros and is good for 75 minutes in one direction. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get from one end of the Grand Canal (the train station) to the other end (San Marco). So, you can get on and off at different stops. You will see beautiful sights along the way, such as St. Mark’s basilica, Gothic palaces and restored Renaissance homes. If you want to travel by water frequently you may buy a Travel Card at the train station, or any ticketing kiosk where you buy a regular one-way Vaporetto ticket. The current cost of a Travel Card is between 20 euros for one day, and 60 euros for seven days.

3. Take the elevator up to the top of San Marco Campanile for possibly the best panoramic views of Venice.

4. Travel to San Giorgio Maggiore. This is one of the smaller separate islands that is not connected to the main canals of Venice.

5. Visit Murano, another of the islands within the Venice district. It is famous for its glass blowing.  Admission is included with the Venice museum pass.

Canterbury

Let’s not forget the first place we will tour in our travels.

Canterbury, a cathedral city in southeast England, was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval center with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses.

Canterbury Cathedral

Founded 597 A.D. Canterbury Cathedral is England’s principal Christian monument. It is also seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

In the Middle Ages Canterbury was Northern Europe’s most venerated pilgrimage site for the tomb of Thomas Becket. Becket was the Archbishop who was murdered by followers of King Henry II near a doorway to the cloister in 1170, as brilliantly depicted in Becket (1964) one of the most honored motion pictures in history. Peter O’Toole delivers an electrifying performance as the mischievous Henry II, who surprises England by naming his fellow rogue and trusted valet Thomas Becket (Richard Burton in a career defining role) as Chancellor. But when Henry next appoints him Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket shocks the world by openly defying the King with his newfound faith and compassion. Will a desperate ruler now destroy a beloved friend to save his splintering kingdom?

The cathedral was founded in 597 and then rebuilt in the 11th century. This Norman construction was badly damaged in a fire in 1174 and restored in various Gothic styles. Give yourself as much time as you can afford, to see the perpendicular-style nave, with marvelous fan vaulting at the crossing, the sublime 14th-century choir screen, the 14th and 15th-century cloisters, beautiful Romanesque side chapels and stained glass windows dating from the 12th century.

St Augustine’s Abbey

A testament to the revival of Christianity in England, St Augustine’s Abbey was founded by St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, in 598. For centuries it was Kent’s only religious house of real significance. Its importance was recognized by invading Danes and the Normans, who constructed a Romanesque monastery to replace the old Saxon buildings. The abbey was abandoned in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, but a piece of Romanesque architecture can be found in a row of semi-circular arches. The abbey’s stunning 14th-century Gothic gatehouse, Fyndon’s Gate is intact. It has a chamber where Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria spent the night in 1625 after their marriage at the cathedral.

St Martin’s Church

St Martin’s Church is the oldest church in the English-speaking world. It dates from the end of the 6th century but includes even earlier Roman elements like a brick tomb. The church was established by the pagan King Æthelberht of Kent to allow his Christian wife, Bertha, a Frankish Princess, to practice her religion. This is depicted in The Last Kingdom (October 2015 to present), an excellent British historical fiction television series loosely based on Bernard Cornwell’s series of novels The Saxon Stories.

In the church’s stonework you can see hundreds of Roman bricks. It isn’t known if these are from a surviving Roman building or were reused in Anglo-Saxon times. The baptistery has an astonishing Norman tub font, fashioned from Caen stone and with carvings of arcades and interlocking circles.

Canterbury City Walls

These ancient walls were first built toward the end of the 3rd Century. Although the layout of the city streets changed through Anglo-Saxon and Norman times, the circuit of walls remained pretty much the same. These defenses were breached a few times, notably during a deadly Viking raid in 835 and an eleven-day siege by a Danish army in 1011. Yet more than half of the ring of walls survives. There are also 24 Medieval towers still standing.

Westgate

The last of seven Medieval city gates defending Canterbury, the 18-meter Westgate is a formidable 14th-century construction beside the River Stour. The gate is composed of Kentish rag-stone, a hard blue-grey limestone, and has a drawbridge, wooden doors, and is still marshaled by a portcullis (a grating of iron hung over the gateway and lowered between grooves to prevent passage). In the stonework of the two drum towers flanking the portal, you can make out some of the UK’s oldest gun loops, eighteen in total. Also, below the battlements joining the towers there are machicolations (floor openings through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers).

Christ Church Gate

The main gateway to the cathedral was raised in the first two decades of the 16th century. Atop this arch are the coats of arms of the Tudor dynasty. Included are those of Catherine of Aragon who married Henry VIII after her husband, his brother Arthur, passed away before he could ascend to the throne.

Westgate gardens

Situated on the banks of the Stour as it flows towards the Westgate, is one of the most serene spots in Canterbury. Westgate Gardens has been open since Medieval times. It is among England’s oldest gardens.

Canterbury Tales

The foremost English Medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer chose this city as the subject of his most famous work, the Canterbury Tales. It tells the story of a group of pilgrims travelling through Kent to the tomb of Thomas Becket. The Canterbury Tales attraction has a sequence of animatronic tableaux bringing the sights, sounds and smells of 14th-century Kent and Canterbury back to life. Complemented by an audio-guide, the scenes recount five of Chaucer’s tales, dealing with topics like love, courtship, intrigue, infidelity and death. They are all told with Chaucer’s fabled sense of mischief.

Marlowe Theatre

Named after the Elizabethan playwright, Christopher Marlowe who was born in Canterbury, the Marlowe Theatre is the city’s premier performing arts venue. Northern Ballet will be presenting Dracula when we’re in town!

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Up there with the UK’s most visited animal attractions, Howletts Animal Park is in 100 acres of historic parkland on a former manor less than 15 minutes from Canterbury. There are 44 species here, all afforded lots of room, in glass-fronted enclosures and enormous wooded paddocks. The park stands out for having the largest family of western lowland gorillas in the country, as well as the largest breeding herd of African elephants. These are joined by Northern Chinese leopards, lemurs, lions, wolves, black rhinos and dozens more. You can get some background on the species listening to keepers’ talks. There’s also a high ropes course and zip-lines for kids.

Possible Day Trips from Canterbury

Excursions to Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, Sandwich, Whitstable, or Folkestone are all possibilities.

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