Once again, I seek the wisdom of this great group of travellers.

Going to the Med in two weeks and I am wondering about how well we (my 18 yo niece and I) can experience a couple of ports without doing formal tour or shore excursion. She is not interested in8 or 10 hour long tours (me, either) so I'm trying to scope some things out in advance.

So, in Sorrento, Naxos and Santorini, can we just get to the center of things and wander to get a feeling for the place? Or do you recommend certain sites in those ports as 'not to be missed'? I've been to Sorrento before and done the boat to Positano, ride down the Amalfi Coast thing - very beautiful so we might do at least a part of that. We want to see what life is like on Santorini - we had originally planned to spend a week there and then changed our collective mind to take this cruise instead.

All opinions are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Colleen

Colleen - We enjoyed traveling up from Naxos to Taormina, which was easily explored on foot. Sometimes Regent runs a free shuttle bus from this port to Taormina. The waterfront at Naxos also had some restaurants where you could enjoy a drink and watch the world go by. The excursion there to consider (if available) is the tour of Mt. Etna. Mt. Etna was erupting when we visited, so the tour wasn't run. That may or may not interest an 18 year old and her aunt.

Hope that helps!

Cheers, Anne

Sorrento is a beautiful place to just wander around and shop, eat, sit and people watch. Of course you might want to consider the tour to Pompeii, its an amazing excavation - but it is hot and dry, so if you go take lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat. We did the ships excursion to Pompeii and then when we got back they dropped us at the Lucky Store where we bought some olive wood music boxes for the Granddaughters, then we just wandered around and found a little restaurant and had a light snack and beverage and I did a little poking around in some shops then we headed back to the tender dock and ship, we had two or three hours after our tour in Sorrento. The tender will drop you at the bottom of the hill, and you can walk up or take the shuttle bus - same going back.

In Sorrento -

We hired Gennaro from SorrentoLimo.com. He was fantastic. We did the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello) and a quick tour of Sorrento.

In Naxos - Definitely take the ship's shuttle or taxi (approx 20 Euros)to Taormina. It is a lovely town. I just spent a few days in Sicily at the end of May and went back there. Be sure to have granitas at BAM bar and explore the ruins and all the pottery shops on the street leading up to the ruins (Via Teatro Greco). I have bought things at Farano and other places on this street on my last two visits.

In Santorini - We took the funicular up to the town of Fira and then found the taxi station just off the main street. We hired a taxi to Oia (about 12-15 Euros) and then took the bus back. Very easy to do on your own.

I agree with TallShip. Gennaro was fantastic and the Amalfi Coast is beautfiul.

Oia is a must in Santorini. I believe there's a bus you can catch and then you can wander. We grabbed a cab. We also stopped along the way at the black sand beach. Really lovely.

Yes bus to Oia... a hoot.... full of locals we loved it - took it to and from for pennies, I mean euros

You guys are great! We leave on Friday and I am totally NOT ready. Way too much going on - I guess I need a vacation.

I love the tips about Santorini and Naxos. I've been to Sorrento before and can make my way around there but Gennaro might be a great option.

We originally had rented a house in Oia but our plans changed and sent us to the Navigator so we'll go up there for sure.

Thanks a ton!
Colleen