If you had your druthters, which of these places would you rather do your precruise stay?

Rome
Monte Carlo
Venice
Barcelona

Deciding which place is best for a precruise stay will help me narrow down my list of sailings.
thanks!

My order of preference - but this is NOT easy.

Rome - definintely my number one. Incredible city, so much to see and do. I love Rome.

The rest is hard. They are all great.
Venice - so romantic and SO expensive
Barcelona - Gaudi architecture is fascinating
Monte Carlo - Ritzy and I love St.Paul/Vence

Well I just won an auction at Ebay for a dual voltage travel iron, so I am all ready to go :)


I was leaning towards Rome, the VOFers made it sound wonderful.

I've never been to any of these cities to date -- but I would love to spend time in Venice!

Masaki

Venice is easy to do pre-cruise. Doug and I adored it. Very romantic.

Barcelona is a small city, easily doable in a short period of time. The city doesn't wrap its arms around you, but the Gaudi architecture is worth the trip alone.

Rome is a must see. So much history. Then you could also do Pompeii or add on Tuscany.

Have not been to Monte Carlo.

If you love to travel and haven't been to any of these cities, you just cannot do wrong with any of these choices.

Just pick a spot and enjoy

Hi Karen! They are all worthwhile short visits. My preferences would be Rome and Venice as they are walkable, beautiful, romantic cities where it's easy to keep the cruising mode of life for a few days longer than on the ship. I've got to drive around more with Monte Carlo to get in the same mindframe so I'd put it one step back of Rome & Venice. Barcelona hasn't grabbed me the same way the other three have, so I'd put that one last. That said, the beach with the restaurants near the Ritz is a very pleasant way to spend a few days. Hope that helps (or does it muddy the water?). I know - do all of them (should the winning lottery ticket land at your house)! Cheers, Anne

Thanks guys, it appears Rome and Venice are the top two choices.

Anne, that huge Mega Millions lottery that was won last week still hasn't been claimed by anyone, maybe it's around here somewhere, perhaps stuffed in my junk drawer??

Karen:

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices! Now just start looking for that ticket.

Karen,

Not only are the hotels more reasonable, but the restaurants are more reasonable as well. Radisson often has an overnight in Venice on the itinerary, so it is feasable to add just one night in Venice and feel you've had a longer stay.
We stayed at a terrific hotel in Rome called the (pardon my spelling here) the Inghelterra. Much less than the hotels nearby and located about 2 blocks from the Spanish steps. I describe the location as next door to Valentino and across the street from Malo. We found a restaurant called Alla Rampa with 10 euro veal dishes. I remember I had Linguine alla Vongole, a veal dish and we shared a bottle of wine. Eric had a pasta dish, a fish course and we shared the wine. The total bill was 50 euros. This restaurant is also right near the Spanish Steps. To put this into perspective, a Bellini at Harry's Bar in Venice, which comes in a small orange juice sized glass, was 18 euros. At that time the dollar and Euro were even. Last I looked, a euro onkly bought 70 cents. OUCH!

Nancy

Nancy,
Is this the hotel you stayed at?

One other factor to consider is the time of year for your trip. Of all the cities you've mentioned, I'm afraid Rome (my favorite) is the hottest any given summer month. Also, keep in mind that the French totally desert the country in August.

That's it!! Karen you are too much.

Nancy

I vote for Rome. To me, it is the one city on the list where four days is not enough time. The others you can see via port visits. Rome, you actually have to stay there to see.

Marc is right...you can't do Rome in a weekend! But the timing is important too - so many things to think about, isn't it FUN! :)

I agree with the others about Rome and Venice if you have not ever been there. I have been to all on land trips except Barcelona, which brings raves from my friend who has cruised there often! The main, thing, where do your cruises take you afterwards!??! I have done these cities and had the time like a pre-cruise, but what would follow would be interesting to know cruises you are thinking about. Please tell!

Eventually you should see them all!! I am hard pressed to pick my favorite but I too would have to opt for Rome (best food there too!). Barcelona is also great, as is Venice and Monte Carlo. Like I said, it's tough and eventually you will want to see them all!! Also, while you're at it....you may want to fly on Air France connecting/allowing a stop over in Paris. That's another magnificent city!

Karen

My vote would be Rome or Venice - although never been to Venice & spent Rome in hotel room after eating BAD canteloupe on the plane.
A definite no would be Barcelona. I was so excited to see it after watching the 92 Olympics, but was very disappointed. The Gaudi architecture is amazing, but I thought it all got old after awhile & the Picasso Museum is great, but that was about it for me. But I was there on Nov 1st which is a holiday there, so maybe didn't get a real feel for the city.

Betty

been to rome and monte carlo - i would vote for venice - we are so anxious to visit - Joanna

Olivia,
Here are my choices for 2005

First choice: Voyager May 12th Rome to Barcelona

Second choice: Voyager Sept 20th Monte Carlo to Rome

Third choice: Diamond July 9th Rome to Monte Carlo

Fourth choice: Diamond Sept. 17th Monte Carlo to Rome

Karen

What happened to Venice???

Betty

I am thinking the reason I omitted Venice was because it was a mid summer he itinerary I liked and several people have said to try to avoid summertime.

I hope you don't let what I said about Barcelona discourage you from enjoying that city. I still think I would pick Rome over Barcelona for an extended pre or post stay. Since I was there in the fall the weather was not an issue.

I know Kimmi and Mr. Kimmi LOVED the Monte Carlo to Rome trip. I loved the Voyager and would opt for that one based on recommendations. Just my two cents, costs being equal.

Are the ports the same?

I vote for the beautiful city of Venice.
Gondolas and pasta!