More Mediterranean plans and links

Finally getting around to finalizing some of our private tours in the Mediterranean. I've been in contact with another couple (Wade and Charlie) on the Cruise Critic Message Board Roll Call who will be joining us on all of our private tours. On previous cruises, we've always gone with the cruiseline's shore excursions so arranging these private tours has been an experience but I've learned a lot. I'm not so much interested in saving money as I am about having a flexible and personalized tour with a small group. We've been on plenty of other tours where we found ourselves waiting around for stragglers or people with no concept of time. I just hope these tour companies turn out to be great experiences.

Rome (22 AUG and 1 Sep): I've pretty much decided that we'll have to come back another time to properly tour Rome. Between concerns with jet lag when we arrive and being too "rushed" (not to mention the cost! 330-350 Euros for 4 hours not including guide services and admission fees), I've given up trying to do a quick tour of Rome this time around.

Sicily (23 Aug, 1200-1800): I did get back the quote from Cellar Tours for a half-day winery tour with private vehicle and guide: a whopping 500 Euros PER PERSON! Yowch! I re-read the Celebrity shore excursions for Sicily and am seriously considering booking the Messina wine tour through the ship for $94 USD per person. "Departing by coach, you will travel south along the highway en route to Mount Etna joining the scenic road which winds around the slopes of the mountain passing the town of Giarre and the village of Santa Venerina. Driving across Santa Venerina, you will see the damages from the earthquake, which hit the area in 2002. Reaching the estate of the Barons di Villagrande, the Baroness will guide you on a tour of the cellar and the winery. You will enjoy views over the fertile valley and fields covered with vines which produce the certified Etna wine, which is made special by the lava. Once the winery visit is completed, proceed to the old stable where you will enjoy a Sicilian brunch with local products and to taste the different qualities of wine produced on the estate. After lunch you can buy the wines at the winery shop before returning to the ship." We only have 6 hours in this port.

Athens/Piraeus (25 Aug, 0700-1900): We're already booked with Spiros Taxi Service for a full-day tour, 8 people, 450 Euros total ($86 USD pp)

Mykonos (26 Aug, 0700-1700): I've just started to scratch the surface of this port. The general recommendation is to tour the Greek islands on our own. On this island we might consider renting scooters, seeing the windmills, having an Uzo (drink), and trying to catch Petros the pelican.

Ephesus/Kusadasi (27 Aug, 0700-1900): I have a request in to book with ATB Holidays. I've asked them to include the Terrace Houses which will be an additional $10 USD per person. So far, we have 4 passengers at 80 Euros per person ($123 USD pp) If we add 2 more people, the price drops to 70 Euros pp ($107 USD pp). I had also contacted Levent Solmaz - another tour operator highly recommended on the Cruise Critic message boards and received a reply that he had already been booked by a group of 8 from the Brilliance of the Seas. He did offer to take us as he could take up to 12 people in his group. I thought that was maybe just a bit too crowded and kind of defeated the purpose of a private tour.

Rhodes (28 Aug, 0900-1800): still working on this port.

Santorini (29 Aug, 0700-1800): also still working on researching this port.

Naples/Capri (31 Aug, 0700-1800): I have a request in to book with Italy Limousine Luxury Car Service. I've asked Josephine to add on Pompeii and also requested lunch in Ravello or Positano rather than Sorrento. We're particularly interested in pasta, mozzarella, limoncello, olives, and wine. There are 4 of us booked for this UNIQUE tour so far at 380 Euros total ($147 USD pp). The tour can accomodate 2 more people to bring this tour down to about $98 USD pp.

Other links that I've been using:

Rick Steves' Italy Audio Tours

Credit/debit/ATM cards in Europe and exchange rate information

Mobal GSM World Phones

Cruise Critic Door Sign

Frommer's Intro to Santorini

Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas Roll Call

Seat Guru

Other useful pieces of information:

Capital One credit cards do not charge transaction fees and conversion fees
There are room service cards in the cabin's desk drawer
Gratuity is recommended to be: $11 per person/day
Tour gratuity is recommended to be: $3 pp for a half day tour, and $5 pp for a full day tour.